The 9° House combines the renovation of an existing, historically significant modern residence with a new 3,000 sf addition. Where the addition begins the base geometry of the house skews 9° to the west to fill the vacant southwest corner of the lot and expand the rear garden for outdoor activity. Every detail of the addition conforms to the 9° shift. The skew produces a profound optical illusion. After spending time in the addition the natural tendency for the eye is to compensate and correct the disorienting effects of the skew. Upon returning to the original wing of the house the visitor then perceives the original portion of the house to be skewed 9° in the opposite direction. Photos: Benjamin Hill Photography