Project: Outside-In House
Architects: ISA – Interface Studio Architects
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Year 2017
Photographer: Interface Studio Architects
Located in a developing edge neighborhood of Philadelphia, Outside-In House presents a modest facade to the street while concentrating value on the interior. A wood-clad core defines a unique identity and living experience, creating an open plan and spiraling circulation path that meets the needs and desires of contemporary urban dwellers.
“After 50 years of declining population, Philadelphia is experiencing a massive construction boom,” said Interface Studio Architects (ISA). “While long-standing neighbourhoods have incrementally densified, areas of North Philadelphia – once characterised by overwhelming levels of vacancy – are now on the frontline of a rapid housing expansion.”
Built between two other townhouses as part of a row, the townhouse’s white exterior makes it stand out from the older buildings in the area, which are covered in either vinyl siding or red brickwork. An inset deck on the top floor with a partially covered roof overlooks the street.
Inside, ISA designed a birch plywood centrepiece for the three-storey home. “Outside-In House inverts typical expectations, placing value back inside the rowhouse… [and] is organised around an interior core,” said the firm.
The layout is mirrored on each floor, with three central pods stacked on top of each other. While offering structural support, the pods also house washrooms, storage areas and the kitchen on the various levels, connected by staircases tucked behind the core.
Upon entering the home is a dining room and a kitchen with lacquered, white cabinets. Towards the back, a living room has access to an enclosed patio with black slate tiles and slatted wooden walls. On the second level is a flex-space with seating, and a bedroom overlooking the back garden.
The entire top floor accommodates a master suite with a private bathroom and a walk-in closet. The open-air space also has a study area and a private deck with a semi-covered roof overlooking the street. Whitewashed hickory floors line the house throughout.
