The Cove House is located on a sloping pine and scrub
oak covered site in coastal Massachusetts. Traditional New England forms and
materials were studied and reinterpreted to create a modern, comfortable and
contextually responsive home. The building is sited and the program arrayed to
take advantage of the layered bay and cove views to the south. Three masses are
organized along a glass circulation spine, simultaneously providing broad
borrowed views through the main floor of the house from the sheltered rear
courtyard to the water beyond.
Sustainable and healthy design elements were
fundamental to this project. Building orientation, sun shading, natural
ventilation, a white PVC roof and geothermal hydro-air conditioning produce
efficient and comfortable temperature control. Renewable, sustainably
harvested, local and low impact materials are used throughout. A wind turbine
and solar array will generate energy and a rainwater harvesting cistern will be
used to irrigate the site planted with native species.