Keep Exploring Architizer by Creating a Free Account or Logging in.

This feature is for industry professionals.  To unlock it, signup and then join or add your company. To unlock this feature,  signup and then submit your professional details.

Membership is Free.

LinkedIn Facebook Google
or
Already a Member? Sign in.
Add To Collection Add to Collection
Spence House  

Spence House

Cornwall, CT, United States

View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection

Other Projects by Metcalfe Architecture & Design

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens

Add To Collection Add to Collection

National Museum of Industrial History

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Eastern State Penitentiary: Prisons Today

Add To Collection Add to Collection

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Add To Collection Add to Collection

The Little Treehouse Play Cafe

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Morris Arboretum, Out on a Limb

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Klaw Renovation & Terrace

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Curran House

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Cohen House

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Martinez Addition

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Siena Addition

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Camp JRF Eco-Village

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Goat Hollow Restaurant

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Valley Green Bank

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Wissahickon Charter School

Add To Collection Add to Collection

PhillyCAM

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Seidenberg House

Spence House

Cornwall, CT, United States

STATUS
Built
YEAR
2009
Leaving Manhattan behind, homeowner Betty Spence decided to build her dream house on a rugged piece of land in the Housatonic River Valley, in the agricultural town of Cornwall, Connecticut—a Feng Shui-informed retreat utilizing natural materials in harmony with its surroundings; a composition of simple modern lines and bold colors. After a false start with an architect who turned out not to share her vision and part of the foundation already poured, the task was challenging.
Betty wanted a simple design with an efficient footprint for this house: the focus being a sequence of outdoor and indoor spaces moving through an intimate sunny kitchen garden and up a covered walkway, revealing layers of expansive views from the dramatic interior to the woods beyond.
We created views from the house to focus on the sloped site’s scattered stone outcroppings, towering trees, wetlands, and abundant wildlife. The house stylistically references local agricultural sheds, using red cedar for its exterior and roof decking, fir framing, and a red standing seam metal roof.  On its south side, rock outcrops shelter a sustainable garden of organic vegetables and flowers on raised beds. The wraparound deck of Ipe wood overlooks a stunning vista dotted with bird feeders and the occasional visiting bear.
Tucked into the hillside, the front entrance opens onto the second floor, with wide plank ash floors and expansive main living areas. A brightly colored kitchen lead to a wall of glass doors with a porch beyond, while the adjacent living room is intimate, with a wood fired stove and snug, enclosing walls with high windows. The high ceilings and windows of varying heights enliven the spaces with shadows, enriching the interior throughout the day and seasons. The natural wood finishes continue through the kitchen with brightly colored custom cabinets, crushed glass countertops, and radiant heated flooring—creating a sense of warmth and peace.
The private, intimate living quarters below were re-imagined as a modern, Scandinavian-style interior with simple lines, natural elements, and playful accents of bright color.

Product Spec Sheet

Were your products used?
Join as a manufacturer to add your products.

Collaborating Firms

Team