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River House
The property is in a private setting along a flowing brook and is a short walk to nearby downtown and train station. The existing home was a dilapidated one bedroom ranch structure that had seen better days. The view and sounds of the brook immediately draw your attention and make the site feel more like a suburban retreat.
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The challenge was to build a home that would take advantage of the beautiful setting and bring out the views and sounds of the brook through the changing seasons.
Building adjacent a flowing brook is a daunting task due to numerous DEP and local
code restrictions. The home had to be adequately comfortable for a modern family and highlight it’s unique setting.
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1. Establish a visual and audible connection between the house and brook.
2. Create a safe and resilient structure that met the stringent flood code.
3. Utilize the available attic spaces as rec space in leu of a basement.
4. Prioritize an outdoor-indoor connection to the living and primary bedroom.
5. Provide a recessed balcony off the primary bedroom.
6. Design for 4 bedroom house with a laundry located on the second level.
The existing foundation was rebuilt, reinforced, and elevated to allow future floodwater to safely pass below the house. A grid of steel girders and beams were then installed over the foundation and cantilevered to extend the floor plate. The first floor was safely located above the base flood elevation. The public functions of the house (entry, living, dining, kitchen and powder room) were located on the first level while the living room featured 11 foot ceilings, large windows, and French doors that opened up the view of the brook.
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Moving upstairs, the second level features 4 bedrooms, a large shared bath, a dedicated laundry room and a primary suite with a covered balcony with glass railings overlooking the brook. The result was a beautiful resilient home that responds and highlights its natural setting.
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