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Project posted by Eduardo Alvarez

Sunset House, a New England Contemporary that is Grand Yet Minimalistic. By alphaecho studio

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Location
Lexington, Massachusetts
Year
2018
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Modern
Even though it is a generous house, it has a very efficient un-invasive footprint and stance, creating large spaces all around.
Even though it is a generous house, it has a very efficient un-invasive footprint and stance, creating large spaces all around.
Brown winding stone trails take you through the backyard, 6 hole putting green, decks, inground trampoline, zipline, and abutting conservation land.
Brown winding stone trails take you through the backyard, 6 hole putting green, decks, inground trampoline, zipline, and abutting conservation land.
Kitchen is generous yet not excessive with dimensions that respond to function, featuring separate food and cleaning supply pantries.
Kitchen is generous yet not excessive with dimensions that respond to function, featuring separate food and cleaning supply pantries.
Kitchen features no upper cabinets and only drawers for ease of access and open spacious feel.
Kitchen features no upper cabinets and only drawers for ease of access and open spacious feel.
Light from the top and bottom shines through holes on the stainless steel steps creating spectacular light dots.
Light from the top and bottom shines through holes on the stainless steel steps creating spectacular light dots.
Functional areas merge to maximize speciousness and light.
Functional areas merge to maximize speciousness and light.
Family room is multipurpose doubling as a guest bedroom with ensuite bath.
Family room is multipurpose doubling as a guest bedroom with ensuite bath.
The stair tower windows show spectacular views of the landscape.
The stair tower windows show spectacular views of the landscape.
The stair tower is a sculptural element of the house but is designed based on function.
The stair tower is a sculptural element of the house but is designed based on function.
The art gallery doubles as a mud room with seemingly infinite storage closets.
The art gallery doubles as a mud room with seemingly infinite storage closets.
The street facing entrance welcomes guests through a spacious art gallery.
The street facing entrance welcomes guests through a spacious art gallery.
Garage doubles as a multi use room with transparent insulated glass doors.
Garage doubles as a multi use room with transparent insulated glass doors.
Livingroom views to the raised 360 degree infinity edge pool reflecting the sky and the vast yard and woods behind.
Livingroom views to the raised 360 degree infinity edge pool reflecting the sky and the vast yard and woods behind.
The dining and living space merge with symmetric 180 degree floor-to-ceiling views of nature and sunsets and stunning sovereign stone fireplace as center piece.
The dining and living space merge with symmetric 180 degree floor-to-ceiling views of nature and sunsets and stunning sovereign stone fireplace as center piece.
The main entrance of the sunset house features an airy plaza providing vast space to make its unequivocal architectural statement.
The main entrance of the sunset house features an airy plaza providing vast space to make its unequivocal architectural statement.
Dining and living areas expand to a wrapping deck with no visual obstructions to the views.
Dining and living areas expand to a wrapping deck with no visual obstructions to the views.
Located 20 minutes from downtown Boston at the highest point of historic Lexington, the Sunset House is a New England contemporary that is simple, efficient, and features geometric clarity, and maintenance free materials.
Located 20 minutes from downtown Boston at the highest point of historic Lexington, the Sunset House is a New England contemporary that is simple, efficient, and features geometric clarity, and maintenance free materials.

Details

Square Feet
6427
Lot Size
0.7 Acre
Bedrooms
5
Full Baths
6
Smart Home Tech
Google Home

Credits

Posted by
Architect
Eduardo Alvarez @ alphaecho design studio
Interior Design
Landscape Design
Builder
Photographer
Mike D'Amore
Eduardo Alvarez

From Eduardo Alvarez

I believe that when you have a deliberate balance of function, efficiency, and geometric clarity, beauty becomes universal. Thoughtfully selected systems and materials not designed to impress, but to make you happy. It is minimalistic and grand in the same domain.

Efficiency starts with space, quality over quantity. Every inch of the sunset house was built with a fulltime purpose, simplicity, and geometric clarity. It’s minimal and grand at the same time, spaces are integrated, large and open, full of light with consistent oversized doors and windows, generous ceiling heights in all levels and minimal use of aisles.

When architectural shapes derive from efficient function, they adopt a beauty that requires no ornamentation. For example the standing seem powder coated aluminum roof is designed to be maintenance free. All vents go up to the central ventilation cupula creating a clean roof with minimal penetrations and vulnerabilities.

Window frames are concealed to the exterior so that the geometry of the windows is clear and simple. Shutters cover the operable part of the window to continue the clean geometric simplicity and adding a touch of warmth.

The stair tower is a sculptural element of the house and it’s designed based on function. The stairs are strategically placed on the side of the house to allow the merge of spaces in the main level, creating a feeling of amplitude transparency and light. The stairs are generous, fluid, and consistent in all 4 levels. The structure is light and simple, steps are cantilevered from the walls and don’t require columns in the center. Going up and down the stairs is an exhilarating experience with views to the landscape and rays of lights coming through small holes.

Efficiency continues with technology, systems, and materials that are energy friendly, have transcendental quality, and are low maintenance.

Designed and Developed by Eduardo Alvarez @ alphaecho design studio ealvarez@alum.mit.edu