Resting along the shoulder of a rocky, gently sloping hill with expansive views of both the Atlantic and a nearby fresh-water pond, the Ocean Meadow House is a reflection of the “eco-tone” that it inhabits. It is situated between many realities of its site – vast ocean expanse to the south, neighbors directly east and west, and mature, old growth woods to the north – and its organization is both informed and enhanced by these features.

Upon approach from the public road to the south, the home is hidden by a weeping beech tree. The volume of the house grows in proportion and direction with the hill as it moves away from the tree, emphasizing the view and creating privacy. Cascading, linear roofs cover these volumes, projecting to the south and east. These roofs simultaneously protect from the harsh summer sun, capture the warmth of the winter sun, frame the ever-changing ocean views, and create a series of covered outdoor spaces. Meandering loggias split the mass of the volumes, creating outdoors spaces that connect the interior to the landscape. Granite pathways and white oak ceilings further emphasize this connection, continuing seamlessly from interior to exterior.

The materiality of the house is reflective of its site. A mix of stone cladding undulates through the house, mirroring the varied condition of the hill. The burnt wood siding dances lyrically over its stone foundation, frequently changing orientation as it navigates around generous glass openings. On the interior, white oak floors and plaster walls reflect and extend daylight’s reach, contrasting with the darker fireplaces, casework, and window trim that bring warmth and depth to the interior space.

Additionally, the historic stone guest house, originally a sheep barn, was renovated to complement the design of the new house without sacrificing any of its historic charm or integrity. The old stone and windows were refurbished, and the roof was lifted to create a layer of clerestory windows to allow more daylight into the interior. The new house was carefully sited to align with the historic stone structure, incorporating the existing building into a greater landscape of courtyards and gardens.

‍