CHESHIRE

As many architects like to say, good design is born out of constraints.This project presented a series of constraints: a narrow location on which the project had to be sited, strict requirements from the neighborhood Homeowners’ Association, along with all the typical requisites of a building project, like client requests, budget and construction realities, etc. The resulting project is therefore one that is deeply responsive to site and surroundings, tailored to the needs and wants of the client and their family, and a beautiful example of what can be achieved when we are pushed to think outside our box.

The house is three bedroom, three and a half bath, with a full basement, covered front porch and landscaped back patio. Inspired by the Cheshire neighborhood, Craftsman bungalows, and Arts and Crafts aesthetics, the natural wood, board-and-batten exterior and timber-framed front porch feel welcoming and familiar. Upon entering the house, a private den and open living room flank the foyer. The living room, dining room and kitchen progress enfilade to the back of the house, where a small mudroom connects the kitchen to the private, primary suite. Upstairs, two bedrooms and two bathrooms are for the clients’ growing children. The basement was intentionally left open to allow for all the future activities of the family.