Situated in a meadow surrounded by mature second-growth woodland, the Field and Forest residence rests on a gentle west-facing slope at the edge of the trees.
Conceived as an escape from urban living, the house was designed with deep attunement to the changing rhythms of nature throughout the year. On hot summer days, the nearness of the treeline, covered porches, and deep roof overhangs keep the house and its occupants in refreshing shade. In the winter, welcome sunlight streams through south-facing clerestory windows. And in the changing colors of spring and fall, framed views of near and far sustain an ongoing dialogue between the interior and the pastoral landscape outside.
The home’s relatively compact layout is zoned to take advantage of the site’s benefits. A sequence of welcoming social spaces is arrayed along an axis that aligns with a view down the hill and through a gap in the trees. A more private wing containing the primary suite is arranged perpendicular to the first axis and extends closest to the treeline, giving those rooms a more sheltered and cozy feeling. By nestling the house into the hillside, the lower level is also able to take advantage of the views down the slope and to the west. Guest rooms that double as office spaces, a more casual living area, and an exterior terrace lend an informal and grounded feeling to the lower level.
Durability and longevity were key goals of the homeowners, and manifest in many ways throughout the design of the house. A photovoltaic array and a ground source heat pump system contribute to the long-term sustainability of the house from an energy standpoint, while cementitious siding, fiberglass windows, and metal roofing comprise an elegantly simple and low-maintenance building envelope. Inside, a restrained palette of natural materials imbues each space with a refined, timeless quality and lets the views to the exterior take center stage.
