INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING

The ultimate biophilic experience, along with using wood, is to maximize views to the outdoors. Open-concept plans combined with large-scale glazing are particularly effective at creating visual access to nature.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

The Monocular, Chester Basin, NS

This 2,750-sq.ft. home was designed with an open outdoor corridor that connects two structures – the main house and a guest bunkie with screened porch – to create a “monocular” through which water views are visible at the entry point. The exterior features bare cedar, which is commonly chosen for this climate because of its minimal upkeep and its tendency to do well with humidity and insects. Otherwise, the use of wood was very much an aesthetic choice, giving warmth and comfort to this seaside home. The lower level of the main house contains an open living/dining/kitchen area that flows onto the breezeway and out to the landscape beyond. The upstairs bedrooms were designed with soaring ceiling heights that follow the gable form, allowing for dramatic views. The plan allows the entire upper level to be opened up with pocket doors, creating an expanded master suite. When the guest bedrooms are in use, the doors allow for privacy. The material palette was carefully selected, using natural wood, light and bright colors, and tactile surfaces. Each building features a central hearth. The Monocular uses these playful, intentional design choices to enhance the spectacular natural views of the site.

ARCHITECT: RHAD Architects/Dartmouth, NS STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Andrea Doncaster Engineering/Dartmouth, NS GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Black Diamond Builders/Halifax, NS IMAGES: Julian Parkinson

AT ONE WITH NATURE

Riverbend, Jackson Hole, WY

This three-bedroom, 6250-sq.ft. residence, plus 1,000-sq.ft. guest house, is located opposite the Snake River and Grand Teton National Park. The river forms the north and west perimeter of the secluded 18-acre wooded site that features dramatic mountain views to the north. The house is centered on a double-height, open-plan living/dining/kitchen with fullheight windows facing north (to river views) and south. Steps from the kitchen is a generous outdoor space with a dining table, pizza oven/BBQ and a series of terraced platforms that lead to the river. To the south, an ipe deck ties the main house and guest house together while supporting outdoor seating that takes advantage of the southern exposure. Due to the Wyoming climate, which can range from summer highs in the 90s to winter lows in -40s, the house was super-insulated and outfitted with triple-pane glazing to maximize efficiency and minimize heat loss. Heating is provided via a ground source heat pump, and non-VOC and low-VOC finishes were used throughout the house. The site was minimally disturbed for the construction of the house, and the landscape was returned to its previous state upon completion. Western red cedar was used for the interior window cladding, ceilings and the majority of the exterior cladding, which features 10-ft.-deep soffits running the length of the building. Using CVG-grade cedar throughout provided a neutral wood texture with a fine finish. The west end of the master suite features a long cedar wall with shelves and cabinets that disappear into it. This was accomplished by sequencing the cedar boards of the wall and making veneers from the same boards to clad the cabinet doors. The continuous run of boards extends from the south deck, through the master suite and back out the west side of the north deck, covering a span of 52 ft. While concrete floors are located throughout the lower and main levels, the upper level is engineered beech, an economical and durable option that complements the cedar with its warmer tones. Statement decorative lighting pieces are placed throughout the house. The architects also worked with the clients to incorporate furnishings that create a comfortable, casual elegance. In the living room, architectural lighting channels were designed to avoid interfering with the beauty of the ceiling.

ARCHITECT: CLB Architects/Jackson, WY STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: KL&A, Inc./Golden, CO GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Peak Builders/Jackson, WY IMAGES: Matthew Millman, Tom Harris

THE GOOD LIFE

Connecticut Pool House, Washington, CT

A new pool house is the crown jewel of a scenic, 70-acre farm that serves as a weekend retreat for a Manhattan family with four children. The 1,000-sq.ft. pool building is on a hilltop with distant mountain views. The design takes its cues from historic barns on the property. The classic salt-box form is clad in salvaged, weathered pine siding and punctuated by crisp copper overhangs and lanterns. The building is designed to blur the line between interior and exterior, with fully retractable glass panels facing the pool. The bluestone paving of the pool terrace extends into the building, creating a porch-like interior. All interior walls and ceilings are clad in 10-in.-wide clear, whitewashed pine planks, set at the same height in each space. To provide perfectly aligned boards throughout, the woodworker carefully shimmed each wall to ensure a plumb surface. Electrical receptacles, light fixtures and mechanical devices are centered within boards, and the architects worked with the mechanical engineers to supply air through discrete slots in the wood, rather than through grilles. Flangeless, recessed light fixtures and speakers are trimmed in flush wood to minimize visual impact. A double-sided central fireplace warms both the lounge area and adjacent gym, extending the use of the building into cooler months. In the powder room, whitewashed pine cabinetry is complemented by a bluestone counter and bronze fittings.

ARCHITECT: Haver & Skolnick Architects/Roxbury, CT STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: DeStefano & Chamberlain/Fairfield, CT GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Churchill Building Co./Lakeville, CT IMAGES: Robert Benson

SUNSHINE & OCEAN BREEZES

Acton Cove, Annapolis, MD

An active family that loves boating found a small but spectacular lot on Chesapeake Bay. As the previous house was demolished, layer upon layer of old bulkheads and fill revealed how generations of previous owners expanded the site into the harbor and reinforced it from the elements. This process of layering inspired the solution to the design challenges, which included privacy issues due to nearby neighbors and active waterways. The new design provides privacy and weather protection, while encouraging connections to the outdoors. The outermost layer is the bulkhead itself, which supports a boardwalk of 2x8 ipe decking that connects several docks on the property. Deep overhangs protect the house and shade the decks. The second floor, also encircled by cantilevered decks and balconies, is wrapped in layers of fixed ipe screens and operable canvas drapes. Riding in a continuous track along the entire perimeter, the drapes can be configured to provide privacy at the master balcony, a wind block at the outdoor fireplace or shade for the outdoor dining area. The large expanses of glass also are operable, pocketing into the adjacent walls to merge the indoor and outdoor spaces completely, or providing the option of insect screens. Interior linen drapes and roll shades provide the last layer of operable screening. The multiple layers can be configured for a variety of activities requiring different levels of privacy, and for different weather conditions. Traditional materials such as reclaimed heart pine siding are layered with modern insulation and glazing to create a high-performance envelope, contributing to LEED Gold certification.

ARCHITECT: Bates Masi + Architects/East Hampton, NY STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: 1200 Architectural Engineers LLC/Alexandria, VA GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Pyramid Builders/Annapolis, MD IMAGES: Michael Moran