Some further notes on Mothers House

Notes:

• The house is an amalgamation of contradictions - simple/chaotic, open/closed, large/small, distorted/regular.
• Evenly shaped, flat exterior walls suggest closure, but large openings suggest openness and light.
• Rigidity of interior contradicted by the fact some of the rooms are shaped according to their domestic purpose.
• House has awkward spaces and elements e.g. central stair that narrows, second storey stair that goes nowhere, and fireplace that is too large.

- Schwartz, Frederic ed. (1992), Mother’s House: The Evolution of Vanna Venturi’s House in

Chestnut Hill, New York: Rizzoli; p. 30 - 32

Progress photos:

Sean sacrifices his finger for the project: