The Man in the Glass House
Cribs
By Kate Liebers |
|
This is a house with oceanfront aspirations.
Cruising though the gently rolling Powell countryside, one wouldn't expect this ultra-contemporary house to be at the end of the driveway. But despite the industrial feel exuded by the white exterior and flat roof, entering this California-style abode is like taking a step into the forest.
The dining area
Photo: Chris Casella
The wall opposite the main entrance is made not of wood or drywall, but of glass from floor to ceiling. Natural light fills the main room; the snow-brushed woodland landscape trumps any wall hanging. While the house's exterior seems to sharply contrast with the property, the inside embraces the outdoors.
Owner and architect Mike Vasbinder built the house himself 14 years ago. His design was inspired by contemporary American architect Richard Meier who, as evidenced by Vasbinder's house, used linear elements to define space, celebrated natural light, and indulged in the non-color white.
"The idea was that white is just a palate and everything goes with it," said Vasbinder. "You don't take the color of the walls to influence anything, you let whatever art objects you may have or whatever's happening outside."
With wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows, whatever is happening outside certainly influences the interior.
Ironically, the windows are the only part of the house that is black. Vasbinder originally wanted the glass to be completely clear, but was persuaded to install tinted windows instead. The decision was based on temperature concerns, not privacy.
The beautiful bathroom
Photo: Chris Casella
"The only place there are any blinds in this house or other coverings are in the master bedroom, master closet, the laundry room, and three bedrooms upstairs. There are no window coverings anywhere else in the house," said Vasbinder. "We've never had the need for it."
Just as this private house sits on four acres of property, the private bedrooms evince peaceful solitude within an open space. Vasbinder described the house as cubes within a cube, and pointed out how few walls extend all the way to the ceiling, thus creating the impression of open space.
The commercial construction techniques also contribute to the geometric influences. Whereas most residential houses implement wood, Vasbinder's has metal studs to provide dimensional stability.
"I think the residential way of construction has more permanence to it," Vasbinder said. "You should never think that you're going to live anywhere forever."
As Vasbinder reflected on the current trend of houses becoming smaller with multi-purpose rooms, he says that he might design the house differently if doing it over again.
Or, he might just start a completely different project.
"I have a problem: I can't sit still with something," said Vasbinder, whose nearly 15 years in the residence is the longest he's lived in one place. "We've looked at some things downtown, but part of the dilemma is the outside space that we're accustomed to."
Plus, as he and his wife both mentioned, they would love to live on the beach.
Do you live in a stylish or distinctive crib? Send us a photo and brief description of your place to be featured in next month's Cribs... submit@614columbus.com
Originally Published: March 1, 2010
