IRIS

Residence for David & Amy Mendelblatt, M.D.
St. Petersburg, Florida

“Most modern cameras use a type of adjustable diaphragm known as an iris diaphragm, and often referred to simply as an iris.  In optics, a diaphragm is a thin opaque structure with an opening (aperture) at its centre. The role of the diaphragm is to stop the passage of light, except for the light passing through the aperture. Thus it is also called a stop (an aperture stop, if it limits the brightness of light reacting the focal plane, or a field stops or flare stop for other uses of diaphragms in lenses). The diaphragm is placed in the lightpath of a lens or objective, and the size of the aperture regulates the amount of light that passes through the lens. The centre of the diaphragm's aperture coincides with the optical axis of the lens system.”

Wikipedia.org

Being a light sleeper, Dr. Mendelblatt was concerned early in the design phase about light and noise penetrating the house from cars crossing the Overlook Basin Bridge at night. We began discussions on how the house could operate much like a camera. Therefore a design was proposed with a footprint shifting 10 degrees to frame the desirable view and filter out undesirable views, light, and noise. Additionally, the elevation facing Overlook Drive North would serve as a baffle to reduce the distracting automobile traffic.

The palette for this house will be Concrete Masonry, Scored Ground Face Masonry and Glass block to control light and sound.