Rust House

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Client: Onion Flats

Completion Date: 2017

Project Type: Single-Family

Photo Credit: Sam Oberter

Awards: 2021 AIA Pennsylvania Architectural Excellence Awards COTE Citation

Project Overview: Surrounded by a historically rich architectural landscape in Philadelphia’s Wissahickon Valley, Rust House is tucked away on a flag lot set back from tree-lined streets and traditional Wissahickon schist stone mansions. Simplicity of form and open plan living was the primary objective for this contemporary dwelling. The home’s modest scale utilizes a single loaded “bar” building plan with all rooms oriented to the park-like setting, and is inspired by the textures, patterns, materials and colors of its ever-changing environment. A vegetative roof manages the carport’s storm water, while all other water is recharged directly to the ground through french drains.