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Project posted by Andrew Franz Architect PLLC
Editor’s Pick

Meadow Beach House

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Location
Massachusetts
Year
2016
Structure
House (Single Residence)
The house is oriented on the site to harness the near constant southwestern winds, with the two main volumes forming a breezeway that guides airflow into the structure.
The house is oriented on the site to harness the near constant southwestern winds, with the two main volumes forming a breezeway that guides airflow into the structure.
In response to the site’s coastal environment, exterior materials are untreated, allowing them to patina over time.
In response to the site’s coastal environment, exterior materials are untreated, allowing them to patina over time.
The house is elevated to provide extra protection from future sea levels while gaining greater access to the breezes.
The house is elevated to provide extra protection from future sea levels while gaining greater access to the breezes.
The entry and eastern rooms hover above a sunken living space, allowing them to capture the stunning western views.
The entry and eastern rooms hover above a sunken living space, allowing them to capture the stunning western views.
A semi-inverted plan takes advantage of the westen views and places the kitchen and dining room on the ground floor while the living room and main outdoor deck are on the second.
A semi-inverted plan takes advantage of the westen views and places the kitchen and dining room on the ground floor while the living room and main outdoor deck are on the second.
Five porches, covered and open, and an irregular floor plan with plenty of nooks and alcoves allow summer inhabitants to find their sun or shade at any time of day.
Five porches, covered and open, and an irregular floor plan with plenty of nooks and alcoves allow summer inhabitants to find their sun or shade at any time of day.
The home plays on woods in neutral tones, soft greys, and pale whites to respond to the ever-changing Vineyard light.
The home plays on woods in neutral tones, soft greys, and pale whites to respond to the ever-changing Vineyard light.
Wrap around corner windows enhance ventilation and connections to the landscape.
Wrap around corner windows enhance ventilation and connections to the landscape.
The living room is upstairs with an outdoor deck, to capture views.
The living room is upstairs with an outdoor deck, to capture views.
Plenty of nooks and alcoves provide intimate spaces within a relatively large house.
Plenty of nooks and alcoves provide intimate spaces within a relatively large house.
The second floor deck is surrounded by the adjacent meadows, with views and sounds of the nearby ocean.
The second floor deck is surrounded by the adjacent meadows, with views and sounds of the nearby ocean.
Bolder finishes on the main floor give way to receding hues and fabrics upstairs, connecting to the meadow beyond.
Bolder finishes on the main floor give way to receding hues and fabrics upstairs, connecting to the meadow beyond.
A Crow’s Nest on a third level provides 360 degree views.
A Crow’s Nest on a third level provides 360 degree views.
Two decks are accessed through the Crow’s Nest, providing serene private spaces from which to experience the landscape.
Two decks are accessed through the Crow’s Nest, providing serene private spaces from which to experience the landscape.

From Andrew Franz Architect PLLC

Responding to its beachside meadow setting, a family retreat is crafted with lasting materials and designed to capture and celebrate the ever-changing views, light, and breezes.

At home with its surroundings, the house’s multiple smaller volumes settle into the landscape, clad in the region’s typical cedar shingles. Generous apertures and a breezeway formed by the two main volumes harness the nearly constant south western breezes allowing the family to enjoy the house without the need for air conditioning.

Natural materials that perform well in the coastal environment are used throughout, including reclaimed heavy timber framing, copper roofing, and untreated exterior materials that will patina over time. Inside, the play on woods in neutral tones, soft greys, and pale whites respond to the Vineyard light.

The house is elevated 3 feet above grade, to protect from future sea level rise while taking advantage of the views. The semi-inverted plan along with a split level ground floor enable inhabitants to enjoy the stunning western views from almost anywhere in the house.

Five porches, covered and open, and an irregular floor plan with plenty of nooks and alcoves to nestle into allow the family and their guests to find a relaxing spot in the sun or shade at any time of day.