Each of our homes has a unique response to its site and to the client we are designing for. We also take care to design special modern entryway sequences. Entries can be “WOW!” moments, or they can be meditative, calming moments before entering the primary part of a home. We’ve designed entries that are more of a procession towards the heart of the home, or entries that look straight out to a phenomenal view.
When designing entryways, we take into consideration our clients’ personalities and the story that their home is trying to tell. Entries are particularly fun spaces to design because they are one of the few spaces that have a reliable and consistent sequence of experiences. The approach: what you see while pulling up in a car, and what you see when you park and walk towards the front door. We might use a solid front door that conceals what lies beyond, or a glass door that creates an immediate moment of transparency. The experience of pushing a lever, pulling a handle, turning a knob and the first glimpse of what lies beyond. We consider where guests and homeowners might place shoes or a coat. In short, we consider how to take the primary focus of a home and translate it into a sequence and a space.
Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite entries, including a few that we’ve designed!
Studio MM Designed Entryways
We’d like to start by sharing some of our own designs to illustrate some of what we’re describing above.
Tranquil Abiding
The entry at tranquil abiding consists of a solid wood pivot door with a long tall handle. The door is located directly on axis with a prominent Buddhist painting, the meditation pavilion just beyond, and with the home’s neighboring temple.
Kaat Cliffs
The entry at Kaat Cliffs is grounded by a large stucco firewood storage volume. When you turn the corner, a concealed glass entryway looks out towards eastern views of the Hudson Valley.
South Mountain House
At South Mountain House, the solidity of the home’s entry façade is broken by an all glass entry. The entry is on axis with the central concrete connection point between the two volumes of the home, which step down the hillside. The second set of images shows the view looking back up towards the main entry.
Chalet Perche
Chalet Perche plays with a similar concept of solidity that is broken only by the glass entry. Located at the center of the home, the entry evokes a portal-like experience, while providing glimpses of the home’s backyard.
Tinkerbox
Of course, we can’t write a post about entryways without mentioning Tinkerbox. The extra-tall pivot entry door opens to the lower level of the home and to an impressive wood and steel floating stair.
Even More Entry Inspiration
We have other entries we love – the all glass entryways at Bully Hill House and Cat Hill, as well as the recessed wood entries at Lake Wylie House and Hyde Park House. We’re also in the midst of building a few spectacular entryways at SkyHaus, Fermata and IRIE House. Clearly, we love a good entryway design!
We are also often inspired by other architects, so in addition to our own projects we’re sharing a few images of our favorite modern entryway inspiration!
Whidbey Farm Retreat by mwworks
Photo by Kevin Scott
Pierson’s Way by Bates Masi Architects
Photo by Michael Moran
Woodway by mwworks
Photo by Ben Benschneider
Mill Valley Courtyard by Aidlin Darling Design
Photo by Matthew Millman
