We find a tree on a hillside. In the example in mind, it is broad and fairly tall. Its neighbor is tall and thin. The ground contour at their feet, however, is similar. Their roots on the lower side are partially exposed and in both cases these roots hold together a sort of terrace that is fairly level on top. Clearly the tree has adapted itself to the environment and judging by the appearance it would take much to move it. This should hold a suggestion to be considered in connection with other elements that present themselves in a hillside problem. Observation will present much information in regard to any plot encountered that will not only be interesting but very helpful.
Simple intelligence can and will solve the problems of site. But intelligence cannot operate without that which it operates on; namely, the numerous facts about any given problem.
The above does not mean that there is one and only one solution to any site problem. There are usually several, any of which, if properly worked out, may be excellent. The possibilities of variety in houses and in sites is unlimited and makes for a happy condition. It forces many of us to think, whether we will or no.
There is no known law by which one may solve all site problems. A site may belong to a type, but to say that a hillside house is thus and so is wholly impossible, because hills have a happy characteristic of varying in pitch; they may be wooded or bare, rough or smooth, with no two alike in every
respect. We may classify any plot to a general type and gain thereby, but after that we must look to these individualities and peculiarities for any special character that we may wish to give the house.
Probably the profile of a house for any given location is the most important single factor because, after careful study, it will be seen that the other elements, such as materials, fenestration and plan, may be changed to a marked degree and not materially derange the effect of a harmonious profile. To be sure, the proper and pleasing arrangement of materials, plan and fenestration add much to the house and cannot by any means be forgotten. Yet it is possible to have all these in a well-built house, and because the profile is wrong, the house will be a total misfit for a particular site.
As previously stated, it may be possible to reduce any plot of ground to the same general classification of many others, but each problem has, nevertheless, some peculiarity which, if recognized, will lift a design at once out of the ordinary. It is in this manner that careful observation contributes to the house by giving it and its site a feeling of unity and individuality.
It is well to remember, when trying to fit peculiar situations, that certain types of houses have already been developed to conform to the general characteristics of many different environments. There are types for the heavy foliage background with irregular outline and plan. There are prairie types with strong horizontal lines. There are hillside types
DESIGN OF A HOUSE ON A FLAT SITE — F. A. KENDALL AND D. H. SMITH, ARCHITECTS
THIS HOUSE HAS AN ORCHARD BACKGROUND. THE SLOPE, IF THERE IS ANY, IS GENTLE. THE TREES ARE NOT CLOSELY PLANTED. GRASS AND SHRUBS ARE PLENTIFUL. THE LINES OF THE ROOF SEEM TO PICK UP THE LINE OF THE
TERRACE TO FORM AN INTERESTING OUTLINE THAT GOES WELL WITH THE IRREGULAR SKYLINE
Simple intelligence can and will solve the problems of site. But intelligence cannot operate without that which it operates on; namely, the numerous facts about any given problem.
The above does not mean that there is one and only one solution to any site problem. There are usually several, any of which, if properly worked out, may be excellent. The possibilities of variety in houses and in sites is unlimited and makes for a happy condition. It forces many of us to think, whether we will or no.
There is no known law by which one may solve all site problems. A site may belong to a type, but to say that a hillside house is thus and so is wholly impossible, because hills have a happy characteristic of varying in pitch; they may be wooded or bare, rough or smooth, with no two alike in every
respect. We may classify any plot to a general type and gain thereby, but after that we must look to these individualities and peculiarities for any special character that we may wish to give the house.
Probably the profile of a house for any given location is the most important single factor because, after careful study, it will be seen that the other elements, such as materials, fenestration and plan, may be changed to a marked degree and not materially derange the effect of a harmonious profile. To be sure, the proper and pleasing arrangement of materials, plan and fenestration add much to the house and cannot by any means be forgotten. Yet it is possible to have all these in a well-built house, and because the profile is wrong, the house will be a total misfit for a particular site.
As previously stated, it may be possible to reduce any plot of ground to the same general classification of many others, but each problem has, nevertheless, some peculiarity which, if recognized, will lift a design at once out of the ordinary. It is in this manner that careful observation contributes to the house by giving it and its site a feeling of unity and individuality.
It is well to remember, when trying to fit peculiar situations, that certain types of houses have already been developed to conform to the general characteristics of many different environments. There are types for the heavy foliage background with irregular outline and plan. There are prairie types with strong horizontal lines. There are hillside types
DESIGN OF A HOUSE ON A FLAT SITE — F. A. KENDALL AND D. H. SMITH, ARCHITECTS
THIS HOUSE HAS AN ORCHARD BACKGROUND. THE SLOPE, IF THERE IS ANY, IS GENTLE. THE TREES ARE NOT CLOSELY PLANTED. GRASS AND SHRUBS ARE PLENTIFUL. THE LINES OF THE ROOF SEEM TO PICK UP THE LINE OF THE
TERRACE TO FORM AN INTERESTING OUTLINE THAT GOES WELL WITH THE IRREGULAR SKYLINE