Located on the west bank of the Providence River overlooking Marsh Island, the existing ranch’s eastern view immediately served as a driver for the project. The house is a mediating presence between our clients and the environment, a frame for the world beyond its extents. The long, low aspect of the carport from the street holds the horizon. To enter the house one moves along its long edge before turning to face the water directly. From the entry there is a tripartite view of the world: sky through the high second floor window, horizon and jetty through the main floor glazing, and ground through the lower level sliding glass door.
This project strikes a balance between spatial efficiency and affect. The only square footage we added was an artist's studio on the second floor, yet generous glazing and an open central stair provide a sense of expansiveness throughout the house. A vaulted ceiling and skylight above exposed original collar ties creates space connecting the experiences of cooking, dining, and creating.

The project served as a test of our ability to juggle spatial efficiency and affect. The only square footage we added was an artist's studio on the second floor, yet by using generous glazing and an open central stair we provided a sense of expansiveness throughout the house. Material and structural decisions like reclaiming lumber and retaining existing members also led us to expose collar ties beneath a vaulted ceiling in the kitchen, permitting a feeling of spaciousness throughout.