A Connecticut Condo That Hugs the Patchogue River Asks $575K

Part of a duplex, the contemporary-style unit boasts a birch-paneled interior and a hemlock, polycarbonate, and corrugated steel facade.

Text by

Kathryn M.

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In a forest near Westbrook, Connecticut, is where you'll find Riverbend, a recently completed project overlooking the Patchogue River. Designed and built by local architect Bob Furno, the wood-and-steel structure offers two separate units—Alpha and Beta—the first of which is currently for sale.

This recently completed duplex near Westbrook, Connecticut, was designed and built by Bob Furno of the local firm Furno Architects. The unit currently up for sale—unit A or Alpha—extends out over a bed of rocks overlooking the river. Unit B stretches along the back of the structure.

"The design concept of the property came from the quest to ensure that each unit in a two-family home has its own distinct identity," says Furno. "Corrugated galvanized steel and triple-wall, clear polycarbonate was used to clad Alpha. For Beta, we used more traditional wood siding sourced from a local sawmill."

The exterior facade of both units is clad in rough-sawn Hemlock, with exposures of corrugated steel. Unit A features more extensive use of steel around a portion of the lower facade.

Measuring 1,750 square feet, Alpha features two bedrooms, two full baths, and an open, loft-style living area. The sheets of translucent polycarbonite filter ample natural light into the sleek, minimalist interior. Birch panels are reminiscent of Bauhaus design, while floor-to-ceiling windows overlook a picturesque landscape.

A look inside unit A reveals a double-height interior clad in birch panels. Light pours into the expansive great room from sheets of polycarbonite along the upper half of one wall.

Outside, a large deck offers picturesque views of a tidal river and undisturbed salt meadow, creating an idyllic retreat. "The site is steeply sloped, heavily wooded, with huge rock outcroppings," explains Furno. "There is abundant shoreline wildlife, too: Osprey, foxes, egrets, ducks, geese, and shore birds."

Another band of polycarbonite panels also line the upper portion of the opposite wall. Dark hardwood floors contrast with the lighter wood paneling.

"When we began excavating the site, we uncovered tons of rocks, many of which were massive boulders. To get the full walk-out basement that had been originally planned would have required blasting. Instead, we decided to use the boulders to form a platform, and then floated the living block for Alpha over it to construct the basement under the bedroom block," continues Furno. "Working closely with an expert machine operator, we were able to move four-to-six ton stones to create the pad and freeform retaining wall terraces that transition from gravel to grass, back to gravel, alternating the material from elevation 30-feet above sea level down to eight feet. The uniquely shaped boulders were used as features in the terraces."

In one corner of the living area, the kitchen features custom cabinetry and a row of windows above the sink. Industrial-style fixtures and stainless steel appliances round out the space.

Intersecting and overlapping forms create a hallway that leads to the bedrooms and an office.

"The walls are insulated in a manner similar to that of an attic where ventilation is required to prevent moisture accumulation—a wall construction method developed in Northern Europe," adds Furno. "Outside, the studs and insulation are covered with a breathable house wrap. The final exterior finish is fastened with furring strips nailed to the studs, a method we refer to as a 'rain screen.'"

Keep scrolling to see more of the home, currently listed for $575,000.