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ABOVE, RIGHT & FACING PAGE: The local building code allowed for a house height of 32 feet if
it has a pitched roof, but only 25 feet for a flat roof, thereby favoring a more traditional style of
architecture. We bypassed the restriction by designing an inverted pyramid roof for the central
pavilion that follows the technical letter of the law and rises to a height of 32 feet above grade. The
"V" of the inverted roof draws the eye toward the center of the composition as it points downward
and inward like a directional marker, giving definition to the entire design. On the inside, the roof
becomes an upside-down teak pyramid hovering prominently in the center of the living room
while dropping down to within nine feet of the floor.
Photographs by Paul Domzal/Edgemedia
See more about Barnes Coy Architects on page 457
