Philly Wrap-Up 1: Split-Level House in the Street

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A modern building with curved gray brick and large glass windows sits at a street corner. It contrasts with a traditional brick townhouse next to it. A parked SUV, a bicycle, and street signs are visible in the foreground.

Fitting “contemporary” design into existing neighborhoods and development can be a tricky business, especially where the existing character is strongly defined and fairly uniform.  As new projects fill in holes in our more-developed areas of Montgomery County, designers will mount these challenges with greater and lesser success.

A good case study is the Split-Level House in Philadelphia.  Designed by local architect Qb, it has been featured in several design magazines and websites (including the fantastic archidose.org).  But seeing the buildings close-up and in context (which is often conspicuously absent in much architecture coverage) is the real test for how the design works.

A city street with parked cars on both sides, a moving bus in the center, and buildings lining the street. The sky is overcast, and a few pedestrians are walking along the sidewalk.

So here’s the shot down 4th Street.  The height is in the right place, but I think the excavated corner and the material change at the garage is visually disruptive.  Perhaps if that area at the entry could be used as a patio it might connect better to the street, but I seem to remember it being a (vacant) planting bed.  (More on the cupola down the street in a moment.)

A narrow urban street lined with brick row houses and a modern building with wood paneling. Cars are parked along both sides of the street, and leafless trees stand on the sidewalk under a cloudy sky.

Looking down Poplar, however, I think the house is more successful.  The height is good, the change in materials recalls the base-middle-top of the rowhouses, and the windows continue the established rhythm.  Much better.

You also don’t often get to see the back of the buildings very often either.  The patio will probably be a little enclosed, assuming a party wall neighbor, but for now it is quite airy.  Maybe when the neighbors put something up they will move the tables out front!

A modern, multi-story building with a mix of wood and dark brick facade on a city street. The building is adjacent to a fenced, overgrown lot. Several parked cars are visible nearby.

Also a bit of a detail of the corner, for your delectation.

A modern, multi-story building with dark brick and wooden paneling stands on a city street. Large windows feature prominently on the facade. A black car is parked in front, and a chain-link fence borders the property.

And finally, for contrast, a bit more of the neighborhood: most positively 4th Street.  Awesome.  Enjoy.

A tall, narrow brick house with a cone-shaped turret on the right. The facade features arched windows and intricate detailing. Two cars are parked in front, a red convertible and a silver car. Leafless trees are visible in the background. A brick building with two tall windows covered by sheer curtains and detailed stonework around the entrance. A small stoop leads to the wooden door, marked "915".

One Response to “Philly Wrap-Up 1: Split-Level House in the Street”

    Thayer-D

    Although it wouldn’t make my short list for favorite buildings, it looks quite striking. Here, I think context is key, in that it sets the building off. A street full of these abstract buildings might feel a bit alienating, but as a unique corner building, not bad.