House on a Ridge

The home was inspired by modern Nordic forms that appealed to our clients minimal aesthetic preferences.  It is comprised of three simple shifted gable structures that break up the building’s mass while responding to the site’s challenging topography.  The elemental gable forms are accentuated by simple window and door openings and minimal roof overhangs.

As the name suggests the house rests atop a ridge with steep slopes abutting both the north and south elevations.  The primary entrance via the garage is located below grade and surrounded by ledge.  Occupants ascend into the single floor living spaces that focus circulation east to west through the residence and along the ridge on which the home rests.  The circulation path is intended to take full advantage of the surrounding wooded landscape by providing multiple framed views out over the steep grade.  The views give occupants a sense of direct visual connection to the treetops beyond placing the changing seasons directly on display throughout the year from every room of the home.  Additionally, the siting of the building allows for optimized solar gain and the ability for our clients to easily incorporate a future solar array.

The exterior of the home is clad in Maine cedar and is intended to gradually blend and harmonize with the natural surroundings as it ages.  Likewise, the interior finishes are intended to wear in harmony with the family’s use through the coming years.  The walls and ceilings are clad in birch plywood with a hand rubbed oil finish while floors and countertops are made from regionally sourced soapstone and engineered birch with an oil finish.  Storage in most locations is hidden within the wall paneling to enhance the feel of the simple/minimal interiors and, whenever practical, hardware has been minimized and incorporated into the millwork.  Each of the children’s bedrooms takes full advantage of the vaulted ceilings by incorporating lofts that expand the living space for sleepovers and play.

Completed in the winter of 2018, the home has approximately 2800 square feet of living space.  At the request of the client the project budget has been withheld.