Perched atop a hill on four protected acres on Block Island, Swede Hill
House takes in grand panoramas of Long Island Sound and the Atlantic
Ocean. The 3,000-square foot home is among the first in Rhode Island to
register under the LEED for Homes program and is seeking Gold
certification from the United States Green Building Council.
Newport, Rhode Island based design+build firm Aquidneck Fine Properties and award-winning architects Estes/ Twombly
collaborated on the project that promises to stand as a shining example
of sophisticated coastal living. The low-profile four-bedroom home and
separate guest suite with rooftop solar panels boast elegant spaces
complemented by pristine natural surroundings. Clad in white cedar
shingles, indigenous stone and copper, Swede Hill House draws
inspiration from the traditional New England farmhouse vernacular and
features connected sheds and a barn wrapped around a courtyard. The
living room, dining room and gourmet kitchen invite casual living and
stylish entertaining.
Impressive "green" design elements include solar-heated swimming
pool, domestic hot water and some interior heat, heat recovery
ventilator, rain water cistern for irrigation, low flow toilets and
shower heads, efficient HVAC systems, compact fluorescent and LED
lighting and locally sourced stone and reclaimed wood.
Construction is slated to be completed by summer 2011.