Guilford, CT

Our clients came to us inspired by the California vineyards of Howard Backen. They shared a vision for rebuilding their home in the style of a modern barn with simple, clean volumes, large window openings to take in the harbor views, a pallet of natural materials to add warmth & texture, and strategic lighting to add drama to the home.

Madison, CT

This magnificent coastal home is both a full-time residence and family retreat that welcomes with light and views to awake and restore residents and guests. The entrance drive gently sweeps toward the stately front entry porch and twin gables, while hinting at the expansive views to Long Island Sound that will be revealed inside. The house sits slightly elevated, affording protection from future storms. The front twin gable is reflected on the water side with a gracious porch and stair that transitions gracefully down to the beach and rocky shoreline.

Madison, CT

With its close proximity to Long Island Sound, the design goal for the Woodlawn home was to bring a modern and updated feel without isolating it amongst its neighbors in the rather traditional shoreline community. The exterior volumes of the house are in scale with the adjacent properties, with traditional rooflines of gables and shed dormers on the second floor. Modernity was brought to the exterior with the metal roofing, gapped siding and black windows.

The interior palette of the home utilized classic shoreline materials - light wood, stone and marble - but applied them in unique and updated ways. The interior millwork and cabinetry boast crisp, clean lines - and modern light fixtures, plumbing, and furniture balance the spaces nicely.

Entertaining and utilizing the outdoor spaces was a major priority. The main living spaces open onto the deck through large glass doors and pass-through windows in the kitchen to the outdoor bar and grill area. The basement is a golfer's retreat with a golf simulation screen, bar and wine cellar.

Photos by Rise Visual Media

Westbrook, CT

This recently completed residential project on Long Island Sound is a stunning beachfront property, artfully navigating tight lot constraints and zoning restrictions. The design features a main house, pool, and a pool house, complemented by an in-law apartment situated above the garage with direct access to the main residence. The first floor boasts a large entertaining porch that maximizes water views and seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living spaces. On the second floor, two balconies offer additional scenic vistas. The exterior showcases a classic coastal style with shingle siding, numerous windows, and varied rooflines that enhance both views and interior space. Inside, the home is bright and clean, featuring white cabinetry, chrome accents, light wood finishes, and architectural elements like beams and paneled ceilings.

Photos by Rise Visual Media

Guilford, CT

While renting across the street, the owners fell in love with this lot which sits high above the Long Island Sound and decided to make it their permanent home.  They came to us with a vision of natural materials, open concept living, large windows, ample outdoor living space, multiple opportunities to maximize views, and an ability to age-in-place.

We designed a home with different volumes nestled into the site, a front façade that offers glimpses of the expansive sights, and a rear façade that opens with sweeping views of the Bay and Sound beyond.  The dramatic great room opens to the dining room and kitchen perfectly for the owners who love to entertain.  The covered dining porch, patios, balconies and pool area provide additional opportunities to socialize and take in the view.

Photos by Rise Visual Media

Guilford, CT

Madison, CT

At the heart of a cherished neighborhood, our clients entrusted us with the transformation of their summer cottage into a year-round home. The exterior remains inspired by traditional shoreline architecture with cedar shake siding and crisp white trim, while the interior is more playful with bright colors and unique tile accents. With a focus on craftsmanship, energy efficiency, and low maintenance detailing, this cheery home is the ideal retirement retreat.

Branford, CT

On a tight lot with zoning and coastal restrictions, the Shoreline House is bright and full of light, capturing views of Long Island Sound from every space. Multiple bunk rooms and an open concept floor plan for the kitchen, living and dining allow for large family gatherings, especially during the summer months to take advantage of the spectacular waterfront location.

Madison, CT

A 4500 sf year round home in a prestigious and charming shoreline neighborhood of Madison, Connecticut. The design presents the graceful lines, materials and details of a classic 1900’s shoreline retreat, while inside waits a near zero energy home that employs revolutionary conservation techniques and systems. When building science and shoreline aesthetic are gracefully married into this home, the result is an authentic coastal homestead that will be enjoyed for generations.

Madison, CT

A charming seaside cottage with all the amenities for easy living including many nooks, benches and porches for taking in the view, a book or family time.  We designed this home around our client’s needs, but it is easy to see how family, friends and neighbors will feel right at home.

Branford, CT

Sited beside a meandering tidal river, this home reclines gracefully along the hillside tucked amongst the tree line with views out toward the river and salt marsh.  The overall tone is one of understated elegance, nothing is overdone yet there are many thoughtful details that complement the daily routines of the family.

Guilford, CT

The pastoral beauty of the site and views to Faulkner’s Island suggested the home present itself modestly in scale from the streetscape. We conceived the new 3500 square foot residence as a cottage whose modest entry belied the expansive views and light filled interior.

Guilford, CT

Our clients had been steeped in rich architectural diversity in their lives and determined their style to be a distilled functionality with elements of Craftsman, mid-century California, and New England design. They were both energized by the light and views and wanted to incorporate them into their main living spaces and home offices. Being both artistic and practical they wanted to create something beautiful and respectful of the environment. 

Photos by Olson Photographic

Guilford, CT

Reconstructing this charming seaside cottage for an avid sailor had us incorporating the efficiency of modern solar and geothermal systems, flexibility of floor plans, expansiveness of shoreline views and joy of shoreline living.

Guilford, CT

Nestled at the end of quiet road along the shoreline, this FEMA complaint house is bright, light and beachy. A 3-season sunroom, large porch and ground level patios allow for outdoor entertaining, while balconies of the bedroom spaces offer a private oasis. The main living spaces are situated on the waterside of the house and large openings capture the wonderful views.

Branford, CT

This rocky coastline opens to the beauty and forces of Long Island Sound in CT, which drew in our clients.  Hurricane Irene flooded the existing cottage and their thoughts of renovating it.  After some consideration of options they decided that they would build new.  It was very challenging to site the house and guest house, with many zoning and FEMA constraints, but in doing so we looked to optimize the orientations for views.  

Madison, CT

With respect to the traditional, cottage style homes in the surrounding shoreline neighborhood, this more transitional residence with modern elements fully leverages the wonderful views of Long Island Sound. The open, causal floor plan of the main living spaces encourages casual entertaining, utilized primarily during the summer months but also as a shoreline retreat during the winter breaks and holidays.

Photos by Richard Alan Photography

Bantam, CT

Built for a client with an interest in farming, this new house and barn buildings in Bantam, CT combine energy efficiency with a clean and simple design.  The location of the main spaces within the house capture the hillside views and connect directly to the exterior living spaces. 

Mansfield, CT

Designed as a second home for a family living in California, it was important for the home to capture the beauty of the surrounding woods of the site.  The integration of outdoor and indoor living spaces was a crucial element to the project.  The home consists of two main volumes that are splayed away from one another and connected by the main living space.  The singular pitch of the roofs are tallest at the ends to capture the views, bring in light and connect to the decks overlooking the woods.  The more private spaces are tucked into the lower end of the volumes.  Doug fir ceilings that run through to the exterior, emphasis the elegant roof shape and provide warmth to the home.  The home is cherished by the family who look forward to enjoying its connection with the surrounding woods for many years to come.    

New Marlborough, MA

This family home is sited along a New England lake on a steeply sloping wooded site.  The living spaces are highly influenced by local lakeside cabins and whimsical tree houses.  The home is settled into the ridge leaving walk out conditions on most sides and oriented to catch the views and light.

Photos by Olson Photographic

Guilford, CT

Our clients were asking for a home in which to retire and encourage artistic pursuits in stone sculpting and woodworking.   They were looking for clean contemporary lines, with a warm natural feel.  They had found a site which was a two acre parcel in a subdivision bordering a large preserve.  The wooded landscape with mature trees and low bands of mountain laurel heavily influenced the exterior appearance of a mountain home with timber and stone accents. 

Photos by Olson Photographic