Ann Arbor, MI (2022E)
Project Size: Roof Area - 745 Sq Ft; Fence Length- 194 Linear Ft
Pleated Porch is a semi-enclosed gathering and shelter space that overlooks a field of white clover. The project reorganizes spaces of circulation and spaces of repose to replace an existing garage, carport, deck, and driveway with a carport and three-season porch consolidated beneath a new undulating roof canopy.
As a space of human and vehicular circulation, Pleated Porch prioritizes a tight footprint, freeing up space for a generous backyard. The location of the carport equally serves the front and back house entrances, promoting guest use of the formal front entryway while maintaining daily use of the back entry to receive groceries, outdoor wear, etc. As a space of repose, the screened porch extends to the interior dining and kitchen areas, producing a connection to an outdoor grilling patio.
The new roof geometry aligns with existing roof slopes and tucks beneath existing upper level windows. Rain water is a featured element as the entire roof functions as a scupper to an egg rock bed below. A sloped roof eave with a generous overhang gives the roof a thin and streamlined appearance, while providing shaded southern exposure and protection from the rain and snow. The overall form of the intervention supports a fluid transition from the carport’s function-driven structure to the more elaborate porch space. The underside of the carport roof sheathing is smooth and painted white above exposed rafters to enhance the feeling of ascending volume. Linear light fixtures reinforce the proportion of the space below, aligning to the direction of circulation. The open framing of the carport contrasts with the warm wood finish of the screened porch ceiling, differentiating spaces of movement and rest.
The concept of the shadow-box fence is re-interpreted in a horizontal orientation, creating a quilt-like texture that wraps both fence and building facade. The pattern blends an overall feeling of opacity with oblique moments of discrete transparency, and is tall enough to provide privacy to those seated on the porch. Utilitarian low-budget, durable materials were selected for the fence, which are treated with a higher degree of protection and color once they transition to the screen porch cladding to compose with the existing house. A double gate connects the enclosed field to the driveway, and an existing door opens into the enclosed space for people and pet access.
The previous lack of existing permeable and vegetated surface was replaced by a field of white clover to attract seasonal pollinator insects and reduce reliance on carbon producing lawn equipment. Storm water is managed on site via a series of underground french drains extending into the vegetation, and a band of locally mined egg rock provides a hardscape buffer between the vegetation and the building.
This project was completed in collaboration with:
Kasey Vliet - Principal in Charge, Project Manager
Travis Williams - Design and Construction Management Support
Elpis Wong - Project Architect
Trevor Herman Hilker - Design and Construction Management Support
Structural Consultant - SDI Structures
Construction Team: In Parallel Architects + Builders (General Contractor), Van Ingen Construction (concrete foundations and flatwork), JF Binder Custom Framing (fence), Ambient Construction (rough framing support), Dan Del Zoppo Electric, Metal One Mechanical, Chelsea Plumbing, Chelsea Lumber (lumber vendor), Waynecraft (screen/glass enclosure), Neighborhood Roofing, Alloy Gutter, Arbor Valley Tree Service (tree removal)
Matteo Morrison Photography - Finished Photography
