Upside Down House
Designing this backland development presented a number of unique challenges, including extremely low roof heights and the need to incorporate a basement in a site constrained by protected tree root zones (TPO). The solution was to flip the conventional arrangement of a house, sinking it into the ground to take full advantage of the available space while respecting the surrounding natural environment.
Despite the constraints, the design was able to offer a truly dynamic spatial experience. Visitors would still enter the house at ground level, but instead of ascending to the main living areas, they would descend a couple of steps, creating an unexpected shift in perception. The family’s living spaces were lowered slightly to sit comfortably beneath the surrounding grade, establishing a unique relationship with the landscape.
Transitioning to the bedroom floor was equally unconventional—by descending rather than climbing, the spatial flow introduced a sense of intrigue and surprise. To maximize natural light and ventilation, we carefully designed light wells on two sides of the house. These light wells provided a southern exposure, drawing daylight deep into the core of the home on both levels.
While the project was ultimately not built due to the client’s decision not to proceed, the design concept remains a bold exploration of how to adapt to challenging site conditions while creating a home that is both functional and inspiring.





