The Heights is known for its Craftsman-style homes (of which we’ve done plenty), but these clients wanted to turn the typical forms into a more contemporary composition, free of some of the constricting rules of the bygone era. While typical homes in this neighborhood have prominent front porches, so much that there is a “porch lifestyle” where people are often seen hanging out on the front porch with the kids playing in the street. Balancing the clients’ desire for a front door that is approached from the corner of their lot with the need for a “front" porch, for this home we created a side-mounted porch that sits tucked between the garage and the main portion of the house. It, as well as the other porches, are characterized not by dominant columns as is usual, but by the absence of columns, many of the corners being cantilevered to reinforce the breaking down of classical norms. The lack of columns gives flight to the wide low-pitch first floor roof that acts like a huge hat, protecting all the outdoor spaces and large windows peering into the home. Throughout the spaces, views to the outdoors can be achieved from multiple angles. The sun dives deep into the home, giving it a truly connected feel to its urban lot. Being on the downstairs is almost like being in a pavilion during a rain storm, keeping you safe as the rain falls all around you.