Riverview

Riverview

project

The owners approached the architectural team with a simple request for a modest new home for their retirement years, with a low environmental impact. The site is located on the Piscataqua River in New Castle, New Hampshire at the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean. The home also resides in the New Castle Historical District, which has strict standards for preserving and enhancing the historic character of the surrounding area.

design

The architects worked within the vocabulary of a gabled cape style home to keep a modest structure as desired by the owners and meet the requirements of the historic district. The architects have long valued the design integrity of the Shakers and felt that this modesty suited these owners well. The Shaker restraint continues inside with a simple pallet of materials again reflecting the sensibilities of the owners. Wood floors, plaster walls and ceilings are complemented by wood interior cabinetry that presents a modern shaker influence. With the exception of the loft area as a bonus space, the home was designed to be fully accessible so as the owner’s age, they would be comfortable in the home.

On the exterior, new walkways and parking spaces use pervious paving and provided the accessibility required. Invasive plantings were replaced with native vegetative species and all established trees on the site remained.

sustainability

The project has achieved a Net-Zero energy use through the use of natural, sustainable materials/systems to achieve exceptional energy performance.   Envelope systems used provide a highly insulated “foam free” construction. Mineral wool board was used for all exterior continuous insulation on the roof and walls, including all below grade walls. Included on the insulated exterior wall cavity is a separate service cavity on the interior face isolating any utilities. Walls & roof/ceiling systems incorporate a vapor open approach with a continuously sealed interior air & smart vapor barrier. The high performing triple glazed European windows & doors selected help keep the home air tight, even when the predominant high winds blow up the river. Heat recovery ventilation is provided throughout. The addition of a 10.8 Kw PV array on the roof of the garage provides power just in excess of the owners needs, including powering an electric car over the first two years of use. Carefully located on the garage roof, the black on black PV panels were the first to be approved in the historic district.