House in Town

Designed for a coastal community, this house represents a new stage in the life of its owners.  In a village comprised of small lots with houses spaced tightly together, this site offered a unique opportunity.  It was deep, sloped and heavily wooded, with large trees that had been there for generations.  Working around the trees, the building was pushed back into the lot taking advantage of the terrain.  It was split into two components to preserve a large oak at the front of the property.  To take advantage of the verticality of the site and the potential for water views, the plan was inverted with living spaces on the second floor and sleeping and entry on the lower level.  A deck was cantilevered out over the garage capturing a view of the harbor.  The owners’ bedroom was placed on the upper level as well, also taking advantage of the scenery.  Local materials and building forms were referenced but adapted, so that the house feels of the neighborhood without imitating what is there.