Engawa House

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Early design meetings revolved around the concept of an engwawa, inspired by the Japanese culture of our client. Engawa, a Japanese word, refers to a covered, often wooden, walkway or porch that runs along the outside perimeter of a building, typically connecting indoor spaces to the garden or yard. Engawa House is defined by its reconfigured orientation toward natural light and the landscape of the rear yard. Previously a dark, introverted house, it has become an open yet comfortable home, creating a spatial release and interconnected relationship between interior and exterior spaces.

Early design meetings revolved around the concept of an engwawa, inspired by the Japanese culture of our client. Read more

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Sustainability

Natural heating and cooling - The depth of the overhang at the deck was calibrated to shade the large living room windows during the hot summer months when the sun is high, and allows the sun to enter and heat the space during the colder winter months. The lower portion of the rear windows are operable, allowing cool fresh air to flow into the primary living spaces of the home during the warmer months

Compact and efficient addition - The property allowed for a much larger addition that is typical of the area. However, an efficient layout and meticulously detailed design allowed for a smaller footprint while meeting the client’s needs. The design solution maximizes the property’s porous landscape for water retention - crucial for an area that is prone to basement flooding.

Beautiful

Distinct Spaces - Inspired by our client's upbringing, Japanese elements such as layered spaces, natural light, garden views, and connectivity to the exterior reinforced the architectural design decisions.

Enduring

Details and Materiality - Solid, simple, natural materials such as white oak, stone, ceramics, and stainless steel are articulated through calibrated detailing and joinery.

Future Planning - The ceiling structure of the single-story addition was over-sized to allow for a future second-floor addition above.

A first-story full bathroom was added off a newly defined home office that can be converted into an in-law suite.

Project team

Nash Waters

Founding Partner, RA, AIA, NCARB

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Professional Reviews

1 / 3

“We had the pleasure of working with Nash on a substantial redesign of our older home. We had some unique ideas that we weren't sure were even possible, and Nash added his own ideas and expertise to create an amazing design for us. We spent over a year together throughout the design, build, and post-build support. We are not experienced in doing renovations, and his partnership and constant support helped us get through the entire process with our contractors. The designs that he rendered were brought to life, and we couldn't be more pleased with how the house turned out. His design concepts and attention to detail were skills he constantly showed us. But maybe more important for us was the genuine interest that we felt he had in ensuring we created a living space that we would love. We are thankful for the partnership and patience provided to us throughout the process and the willingness to always sit down with us to answer our questions and refine the designs as we proceeded through the process. For anyone looking for a partner to be with them throughout the process, we can't recommend Nash enough. We've created something together that we feel will last our lifetime.”

Kevin K., Westfield, NJ