This family home in Maryland by Office Mian Ye is sheathed in a wooden brise-soleil, enabling views of the landscape while also offering privacy (+ slideshow).

The 7,000-square-foot (650 square metre) Meadow House is located in Potomac, Maryland, in a suburban neighbourhood. The area is characterised by contemporary two- and three-storey mansions, many of which are larger than 10,000 square feet (930 square metres).

"The client was adamant about departing from what is typically built in the neighbourhood by constructing a smaller, single-storey home," said Office Mian Ye, the New York studio led by Mian Ye.

"By taking into consideration the site's solar exposure and context, the Meadow House reinterprets the traditional divide of American front and backyards to create living spaces that are deeply connected to natural light and the surrounding landscape."

The rectilinear dwelling is wrapped in a screen made of knotty cedar. The brise-soleil offers privacy while also providing views out and enabling diffused light to enter the home.

In time, flowering vines will wind their way up the wooden slats. "Various species of climbing vines planted along the perimeter will transform the skin of the house, as they bloom and change colours throughout the year," said the firm.

Inside, the open-plan house is composed of two main areas – one for entertainment and one for rest. A foyer leads to the living room where a large skylight illuminates a pebble-lined garden within the space.

An open servery bar acts as a partition between the living room and kitchen. Food is prepared and served at the bar during parties at the home.

Folding glass doors in the living room connect the space to a pool and an expansive wooden deck.

The bedrooms encircle a garden with Japanese-style landscaping. "This small outdoor space provides both an intimate gathering area for the family as well as a transitional space between inside and outside," said the designer.

A small room visible from the courtyard features the owner's art collection, serving as a small gallery.

Other examples of homes with wooden screens include the Lattice House in India by Sameep Padora & Associates and the Timber House in Germany by Kühnlein Architektur.

Photography is by Office Mian Ye, unless stated otherwise.

Project credits:

Landscape consultant: Gena Wirth
Lighting consultant: Megan Pfeffer
Contractor: Builtec