ARCHELLO YOUR CONNECTION WITH ARCHITECTURE

Leaving Manhattan behind, this homeowner wanted to build their dream house on a rugged piece of land in the agricultural town of Cornwall, Connecticut. A feng shui-informed retreat, this house is a composition of simple modern lines with bold colors and utilizes natural materials in harmony with its surroundings.

Our client wanted a house with a simple design and efficient footprint. The main focus of this house is the sequence of outdoor and indoor spaces, moving guests through an intimate sunny kitchen garden and up the covered walkway, revealing layers of expansive views from the dramatic interiors 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 with a red cedar 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 leads to a wall of glass doors with a porch beyond, while the adjacent living room is intimate, with a wood-fired stove. The high ceilings and windows of varying height enliven the spaces with shadow, enriching the interior throughout the day and seasons. The natural wood finishes continue through the kitchen with brightly colored custom cabinets, crushed glass counter-tops, 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, warm color.