Yellow Birches

Accessibility, budget, and illuminated with light were the main considerations Milford Cushman, Founder and President of the architectural design firm Cushman Design Group, and Terri Gregory, Interior Design Specialist at Cushman Design Group, held close to their hearts when designing their new home named Yellow Birches. Milford and Terri had considered their previous home, Contemporary Camp in the Woods, the place they would age in place. With time, they realized that their beloved sprawling gardens and multiple buildings might be too much for them to manage, desiring a simplified sanctuary.

“The entire main level is designed without steps,” Milford explained, “that was key to the fundamental design.” Milford planned other accessible features such as a curbless shower and pocket doors between most rooms to allow for extra space if assistive devices were to be required in the future.

Budget was a critical driver in many design and material decisions. As a direct result, the vertical construction cost per square foot was low when compared to other new homes in the area and less than half the cost of what it would take to build their previous home in today’s market.

They positioned the home facing south on the gently sloping site to bring daylight deep into the 16-foot-wide living space. “Mental wellness is something I have hesitated to talk about in regards to architectural design considerations, however, it is something that is important for us and our home and I have learned it is important for many of my clients. Daylight has many positive benefits that contribute to wellness.”

Only 2.5 acres of the 17.5 acre lot were developed to minimize disturbance and to protect predominant natural wetlands and stream outflow. The home was designed to bring in the elements of nature to every living space, specifically the preservation of long-lived mixed hardwood and softwood trees, including their favorite, the yellow birch (Betula Alleghaniensis) with golden curly bark.
The main level consists of the living room, dining room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and screened porch which are connected to the three-bay garage, a small studio and a workshop. The lower level features a wide stairway to plan for a future accessible chair lift, a family room, two comfortable bedrooms, a full bath, laundry, and mechanical space. The home prioritizes intuitive, organic and incredibly functional spaces combined with simple stylistic elements with hints of a mid-century modern American home.

Architectural Design: Cushman Design Group - www.cushmandesign.com
General Contractor: Gregory Construction, Tell Gregory