This residence along the Rhode Island coast
is a blend of contemporary and traditional elements. The 5,500-square-foot
home’s ensemble is composed of connected gabled forms evocative of traditional
New England boatsheds. Wetland constraints limit the useable site area,
informing building location and orientation. The west elevation offers sweeping
views of the coastline, extending interior space to the continuous raised
deck—the principle outdoor living space. The spaces between the building forms provide
shelter from strong winds. The main entry features a 40-foot-long wood ramp that
recalls neighboring boat yards leads to a sheltered entrance between gabled
building forms. The kitchen terrace on the left of the entry captures morning
sunlight, while the lap pool on the right is located on the leeward side for
protection from onshore winds.
For sustainability: Motorized retractable
window shades, roof overhangs to the east and west, and aluminum louvers
provide sun control. The siding and decking is made of weathered Ipe, and the
roofing and chimneys are of zinc. The deep sides walls are super-insulated;
roof water runoff is captured in cisterns and reused; the crushed shell
driveway is permeable; and the landscape plantings are of native meadow
grasses.
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