This Striking Net-Zero Home Wraps Around a Serene Pond
Rooted in sustainable design, the Connecticut House radiates an undeniable Zen-like vibe.
When a family of environmentalists tapped Cutler Anderson Architects to create a low-maintenance home that offsets its energy use with renewable resources, the firm designed a modern residence that did not disappoint.
Located on a quiet 4.3-acre wooded landscape, the Connecticut House borders a tranquil 750-acre nature preserve.
David Sundberg / ESTO
As a result of the clients' wishes, the architects not only built a modern, net-energy residence, they also crafted a design that offers a seamless connection to the outdoors. By building the property around a large pond, the eco-friendly volume appears to float effortlessly above the calm water.
The entry foyer—perched on the pond’s west bank—opens to a long, glazed walkway, which is elevated above the water and leads to the main living spaces and bedrooms beyond.
David Sundberg / ESTO
"Our aim is to always reveal the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us," explains Cutler Anderson Architects. "The design attempts to make the pond and home a single entity."
Unfinished cypress siding was chosen for its natural resiliency and durability
David Sundberg / ESTO
The architects have mitigated the sloped terrain by elevating parts of the single-story residence on rectangular pillars.
David Sundberg / ESTO
The house comprises three structures strategically located to dam a waterway into a man-made pond, which nurtures a thriving ecosystem that includes birds, fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects.
The cross-axis bridge is faced with full-height glazing to overlook views of the pond.
David Sundberg / ESTO
Amy Aidinis Hirsh smartly dressed the contemporary interiors with furnishings of varying shades of gray to balance the warm timber hues.
David Sundberg / ESTO
Spread out across a single level, the main living spaces are linked via fully glazed bridges. Floor-to-ceiling glazing, coupled with a rich timber palette, has been installed throughout the home to embrace indoor-outdoor living.
Three en-suite bedrooms are located in the volume on the east side of the property, while the remaining two en-suite bedrooms and garage are housed in the northernmost volume.
David Sundberg / ESTO
The indoor-outdoor connection can also be enjoyed in the bedrooms.
David Sundberg / ESTO
The net-zero house offsets its energy use with a 2,800-square-foot photovoltaic rooftop array, in addition to a six-panel radiant solar array. The home is also equipped with a geothermal heating system, comprising of 14 wells and a six-panel solar water heater.
A 2,800-square-foot rooftop solar array covers all of the home's electricity needs.
David Sundberg / ESTO
"The ultimate goal was a net-zero home that would achieve a daily connection to the natural world, and also foster existing wildlife while encouraging new habitats," continue the architects.
The back of the cross-axis bridge is mostly opaque.
David Sundberg / ESTO
A large skylight lets ample light into the bathroom.
David Sundberg / ESTO
The predominately timber palette carries over into the Quantum custom-made, triple-glazed windows, which have been framed with unfinished, reclaimed Redwood on the exterior and Douglas Fir, finished in clear lacquer, on the interior.
David Sundberg / ESTO
The cabinetry hardware was designed by Cutler Anderson Architects and can be found through Reveal Designs / Sun Valley Bronze.
David Sundberg / ESTO
The view from the kitchen to the garage.
David Sundberg / ESTO
The interior is primarily finished in clear Douglas Fir to help add warmth/vibrancy to the home.
David Sundberg / ESTO
To minimize energy loss, the architects have wrapped the house with highly efficient spray-in polyurethane foam insulation, made with recycled plastic bottles by Lapolla.
David Sundberg / ESTO
Here is a look at the floor plan.
Cutler Anderson Architects
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: Cutler Anderson Architects
Builder / General Contractor: A.Pappajohn Company
Structural Engineer: Madden Baughman Engineering, Inc.
Environmental Engineering: Tucker Associates
Landscape Design: Anthony Archer Willis and DeVore Associates and Owner
Interior Design: Amy Hirsch Interiors
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