Situated on a secluded, beautiful hilltop site, this vinyl cladded builder cape was in dire need of a make over. The design challenge involved transforming this builder special into an authentic country farmhouse, more in keeping with its landscape, and a strategic master plan for the locations of other new structures, to create a coherent compound.
In order to take complete advantage of the beautiful scenery, and maximize the view overlooking the existing pond, re-orientating the entry of the house was necessary. By reversing the main entry procession, and situated the door location at the same side of the driveway, and incorporating a new stone wall to redefine the front terrace, it allowed for the new living room to spill onto it as an extension of the exterior gathering space, captivating the magnificent view for full appreciation.
As it was the owner's wish to have an indoor lap pool built on the same site, a barn image structure was created to house the lap pool facility, and as an added image to strenghten the overall site composition. The barn interior was a double height volume. The combination of high ceiling, clerestory windows and a stretch of french doos hiding behind barn doors in disguise allowed dramatic light to filter through to achieve the much-desired airy feeling. The series of barn doors served the dual purposes of function and beauty, by providing security, and reduced heat loss while the pool house was not in-use during extended periods.
