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James CutlerTheresa Morrow Reviewed by Lester Paul Korzilius |
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| James Cutler, based in the Pacific
Northwest, is most widely known as the architect (in joint venture with
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson) for the $50m home for Microsoft founder Bill Gates,
currently under construction. Mr. Cutler grew up in the East and studied
under Louis Kahn at the University of Pennsylvania. This influence manifests
itself in the simple plans and formal compositions of his houses. These
residences, mostly finished in wood inside and out, are in harmony with
their forested sites. This work does not rely on the manipulation of architectural
space, but rather uses the nature of materials to create a solid sense
of place in a natural setting. Sensitive to the individual, the detailing
derives from modernism. The best houses are those that combine wood with
significant stone or concrete elements.
The Wright guest house has an "L" shaped plan with the outside perimeter wall of board-formed exposed concrete. This wall, with a continuous skylight above, defines the internal circulation path of a beautifully detailed house constructed of fir and pine. The more difficult the site, the more interesting the result. The "Bridge House" spans 42’ across a small stream, giving the living areas excellent views on a constricted site. The Medina guest house, swimming pool, and garage complex are buried into a sloping waterfront site. Their earth-covered roofs make them almost imperceptible from high on the hill. The book contains excellent photographs, concise text, and sufficient drawings to aid in understanding these excellent buildings. |
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