The Frame House is an approximately 6,200 square-foot, two-story residence extending over a downhill slope with large, vaulted interior spaces and cantilevered balconies on the exterior of the second Floor. Large glazing panels between concrete columns and beams allow the interiors to be bright, light-filled, and open to the expansive hilltop views.
The first floor is a combination of concrete slab on grade and elevated concrete slab to accommodate the varying grades of the site. The second floor is constructed using post-tensioned concrete deep beams which span between and extend over concrete columns along the interior perimeter to create the second-floor cantilever balconies on the longitudinal sides of the building. A thin post-tensioned concrete slab spans between the deep beams to create the second floor and cantilevered balconies. A two-story vaulted space was created at the center of the building through the second floor to separate the primary suite from the balance of bedrooms, and to provide natural light to the main living space below from large skylights in the roof. A steel bridge with concrete over metal deck floor flies over the open kitchen and dining area to provide access to the primary bedroom suite.
The roof framing generally consisted of typical manufactured lumber roof framing, with a band of concrete beams running along the perimeter to maintain the exterior concrete beam-column frame aesthetic. Concrete masonry shear walls on the first and second floor provide lateral support, with the first-floor walls bracing an open-front diaphragm facing the valley to allow for enhanced views of the exterior from the open living space.
Photo Credit: Photo©Bruce Damonte