This larger home, constructed on Martha’s Vineyard, is a collection of informal, dormered gable components and grounding one-story, shed-roof elements that reduce its overall scale. Designed to take advantage of a gently sloping up-Island property, this 5500 sq. ft. (not including finished basement) six-bedroom home includes staggered floor levels that climb from the front of the site to the rear. Generous, open living space on the entry level -- anchored on the west end by a fireplace and on the east end by the kitchen -- borders a dining area that’s nestled under a roof which also shelters the adjacent wrap-around porch. A deck off the rear of the dining space extends around the kitchen and is easily accessible from the nearby family room, too. Bedrooms occupy the other above-grade levels, including, at the upper-most level, the master suite comprised of a study, roof deck, master bath, walk-in closets and the master bedroom. A clean-lined interior of warm neutrals sets a soothing tone in which the Island landscape is welcomed through expansive windows, porches and decks. Clad in white cedar shingles with a red cedar roof, the West Tisbury House will softly weather in-tune with its meadow site. Katie Hutchison Studio collaborated with Geoffrey Koper Architect of Yarmouth Port, Mass. on the West Tisbury House. Kitchen fit-out and interior finishes, fixtures, and furnishings by others. photo by Katie Hutchison

Devereux Beach House Our client presented Flavin Architects with a unique challenge. On a site that previously hosted two houses, our client asked us to design a modestly sized house and separate art studio. Both structures reduce the height and bulk of the original buildings. The modern concrete house we designed is situated on the brow of a steep cliff overlooking Marblehead harbor. The concrete visually anchors the house to stone outcroppings on the property, and the low profile ensures the structure doesn’t conflict with the surround of traditional, gabled homes. Three primary concrete walls run north to south in parallel, forming the structural walls of the home. The entry sequence is carefully considered. The front door is hidden from view from the street. An entry path leads to an intimate courtyard, from which the front door is first visible. Upon entering, the visitor gets the first glimpse of the sea, framed by a portal of cast-in-place concrete. The kitchen, living, and dining space have a soaring 10-foot ceiling creating an especially spacious sense of interiority. A cantilevered deck runs the length of the living room, with a solid railing providing privacy from beach below. Where the house grows from a single to a two-story structure, the concrete walls rise magisterially to the full height of the building. The exterior concrete walls are accented with zinc gutters and downspouts, and wooden Ipe slats which softly filter light through the windows.

A Family Retreat in Rural Ontario The clients for this project live abroad, and sought a Canadian homestead — an anchor — for their large, young family. During summer and winter holidays, the parents wanted their children immersed in an Ontario landscape like the one in which they were raised. To this end, they requested a “rustic, modern retreat” for their 100-acre property of forest, wetland, and meadows. The family sought a generous home to allow young teenagers and extended family to be comfortable in a remote area for long stays. They sought a casual, comfortable space for the family and their dogs that would encourage activities like hiking and snowshoeing — no fancy entertaining. Under One Roof The most powerful aspect of the design is the long, tent-like roof, which follows the site’s topography. The roof and its ridge beam became the design’s primary focus, shaping the circulation path through the home’s interior, ultimately extending a view toward the forest. A primary technical challenge was the roof’s structure, which despite its 60-metre length needed to seem light. The folds and angles of the steel roof are supported by the meandering ridge-beam. The roof cantilevers and tapers at all edges. At the entry side of the house, the roof lifts like a bird’s wing off the garage volume beneath, sheltering an outdoor terrace. Playing with Heavy and Light Monolithic slate-clad volumes anchor the home and define the space between the curtains of glass. These opaque volumes echo the property’s rock outcrops. The garage, bathrooms, stairs, and pantry are grouped inside, and appear to hold up the dynamic roof. Steel construction was chosen to avoid using the expected material of heavy timber for this forest getaway. Being cognizant of the clients’ desire for a warm interior, it was also important to avoid modernist tendencies for box-like forms. Because the main floor is lifted above the ground and the topography falls away, the main floor is in the treetops while simultaneously filling the lower recreation area with light. A Contemporary Approach to Warmth and Closeness The continuous space of the home, with only bedrooms and bathrooms closed off, is a layout that underscores closeness. The family areas and parents’ area are on the main level. The kids’ bedrooms are bundled into a single slate-clad volume, suspended like a cocoon above the main floor from a 40’ steel beam and accessed by a catwalk. Sustainability To avoid cutting trees, the home was placed on an existing cleared ridge overlooking a wildflower meadow. The home is heated and cooled via a geothermal unit with summer solar gain reduced by significant roof overhangs. The glass walls are triple-pane, and high-efficiency fixtures and equipment for the well and septic system help reduce the home’s environmental impact. Historically, the Canadian identity has been defined by our relationship to the land. Fulfilling the client’s mandate, the home honours that emotional connection through visual and material harmonization with its surroundings.

This larger home, constructed on Martha’s Vineyard, is a collection of informal, dormered gable components and grounding one-story, shed-roof elements that reduce its overall scale. Designed to take advantage of a gently sloping up-Island property, this 5500 sq. ft. (not including finished basement) six-bedroom home includes staggered floor levels that climb from the front of the site to the rear. Generous, open living space on the entry level -- anchored on the west end by a fireplace and on the east end by the kitchen -- borders a dining area that’s nestled under a roof which also shelters the adjacent wrap-around porch. A deck off the rear of the dining space extends around the kitchen and is easily accessible from the nearby family room, too. Bedrooms occupy the other above-grade levels, including, at the upper-most level, the master suite comprised of a study, roof deck, master bath, walk-in closets and the master bedroom. A clean-lined interior of warm neutrals sets a soothing tone in which the Island landscape is welcomed through expansive windows, porches and decks. Clad in white cedar shingles with a red cedar roof, the West Tisbury House will softly weather in-tune with its meadow site. Katie Hutchison Studio collaborated with Geoffrey Koper Architect of Yarmouth Port, Mass. on the West Tisbury House. Kitchen fit-out and interior finishes, fixtures, and furnishings by others. photo by Katie Hutchison

This project's goal was to creatively design for family lounging, urban gardening, and managing vehicular movement using architectural cues, wood and stone detailing to develop a seamless, unique layout with limited barriers. Taking advantage of mature vegetation, shade and view into the rear yard beyond the oversized sliding glass doors, we wanted to achieve a yard with limited barriers, soft edges, long vistas and a gentle transition between elevations. Stacking the two air conditioners and integrating elongated raised planters between deck landings with variegated semi-shade grasses anchored in the corner by a Japanese Maple allowed for an open view of the yard. The frosted glass panels increased the amount of light needed while providing the desired privacy for private entertaining and dining. We installed lightweight concrete patio slabs with long gaps to allow water to pass through, reducing pooling water and improving water flow to the large shade tree the client wished to retain. As shade gardens provide challenges, we could capitalize on the morning sun for a vegetable garden. The garden was also a transition corridor to access the custom play feature, lawn and zip-line behind the existing garage. The addition of a custom BBQ and charcoal grill embedded into the counter against the east side property limits stepped with the deck includes storage and additional seating. Finished with stone veneer, wood slats, and multi-sized pebbles retained by a gabion basket was a great contrast of natural finishes seamlessly blended together. Bon Appetit!

This project's goal was to creatively design for family lounging, urban gardening, and managing vehicular movement using architectural cues, wood and stone detailing to develop a seamless, unique layout with limited barriers. Taking advantage of mature vegetation, shade and view into the rear yard beyond the oversized sliding glass doors, we wanted to achieve a yard with limited barriers, soft edges, long vistas and a gentle transition between elevations. Stacking the two air conditioners and integrating elongated raised planters between deck landings with variegated semi-shade grasses anchored in the corner by a Japanese Maple allowed for an open view of the yard. The frosted glass panels increased the amount of light needed while providing the desired privacy for private entertaining and dining. We installed lightweight concrete patio slabs with long gaps to allow water to pass through, reducing pooling water and improving water flow to the large shade tree the client wished to retain. As shade gardens provide challenges, we could capitalize on the morning sun for a vegetable garden. The garden was also a transition corridor to access the custom play feature, lawn and zip-line behind the existing garage. The addition of a custom BBQ and charcoal grill embedded into the counter against the east side property limits stepped with the deck includes storage and additional seating. Finished with stone veneer, wood slats, and multi-sized pebbles retained by a gabion basket was a great contrast of natural finishes seamlessly blended together. Bon Appetit!

This larger home, constructed on Martha’s Vineyard, is a collection of informal, dormered gable components and grounding one-story, shed-roof elements that reduce its overall scale. Designed to take advantage of a gently sloping up-Island property, this 5500 sq. ft. (not including finished basement) six-bedroom home includes staggered floor levels that climb from the front of the site to the rear. Generous, open living space on the entry level -- anchored on the west end by a fireplace and on the east end by the kitchen -- borders a dining area that’s nestled under a roof which also shelters the adjacent wrap-around porch. A deck off the rear of the dining space extends around the kitchen and is easily accessible from the nearby family room, too. Bedrooms occupy the other above-grade levels, including, at the upper-most level, the master suite comprised of a study, roof deck, master bath, walk-in closets and the master bedroom. A clean-lined interior of warm neutrals sets a soothing tone in which the Island landscape is welcomed through expansive windows, porches and decks. Clad in white cedar shingles with a red cedar roof, the West Tisbury House will softly weather in-tune with its meadow site. Katie Hutchison Studio collaborated with Geoffrey Koper Architect of Yarmouth Port, Mass. on the West Tisbury House. Kitchen fit-out and interior finishes, fixtures, and furnishings by others. photo by Katie Hutchison

Anchored by the homeowner’s 42-foot-long painting, the interiors of this Palm Springs residence were designed to showcase the owner’s art collection, and create functional spaces for daily living that can be easily adapted for large social gatherings. Referencing the environment and architecture in both form and material, the finishes and custom furnishings bring the interior to life. Alluding to the roofs that suspend over the building, the sofas seem to hover above the carpets while the knife-edge table top appears to float above a metal base. Bleached and cerused wood mimic the “desert effect” that would naturally occur in this environment, while the textiles on the sofa are the same shade as the rocks of the landscape. Monolithic concrete floors connect all of the spaces while concealing mechanical systems, and stone thresholds signal vertical level changes and exterior transitions. Large wall masses provide the optimal backdrop for the homeowner’s oversized art. The wall structures ground the interior, while the opposing expanses of glass frame the desert views. The location and use of operable doors and windows allows the house to naturally ventilate, reducing cooling loads. The furnishings create spaces in an architectural fashion. Designed and fabricated for flexibility, the pieces easily accommodate the owners’ large social gatherings. The dining table can be split into two and the sofas can be pushed out along the walls, opening the center of the space to entertain. The design of the interior spaces and furnishings seamlessly integrates the setting, architecture, artwork and spaces into a cohesive whole.

Devereux Beach House Our client presented Flavin Architects with a unique challenge. On a site that previously hosted two houses, our client asked us to design a modestly sized house and separate art studio. Both structures reduce the height and bulk of the original buildings. The modern concrete house we designed is situated on the brow of a steep cliff overlooking Marblehead harbor. The concrete visually anchors the house to stone outcroppings on the property, and the low profile ensures the structure doesn’t conflict with the surround of traditional, gabled homes. Three primary concrete walls run north to south in parallel, forming the structural walls of the home. The entry sequence is carefully considered. The front door is hidden from view from the street. An entry path leads to an intimate courtyard, from which the front door is first visible. Upon entering, the visitor gets the first glimpse of the sea, framed by a portal of cast-in-place concrete. The kitchen, living, and dining space have a soaring 10-foot ceiling creating an especially spacious sense of interiority. A cantilevered deck runs the length of the living room, with a solid railing providing privacy from beach below. Where the house grows from a single to a two-story structure, the concrete walls rise magisterially to the full height of the building. The exterior concrete walls are accented with zinc gutters and downspouts, and wooden Ipe slats which softly filter light through the windows.

This project's goal was to creatively design for family lounging, urban gardening, and managing vehicular movement using architectural cues, wood and stone detailing to develop a seamless, unique layout with limited barriers. Taking advantage of mature vegetation, shade and view into the rear yard beyond the oversized sliding glass doors, we wanted to achieve a yard with limited barriers, soft edges, long vistas and a gentle transition between elevations. Stacking the two air conditioners and integrating elongated raised planters between deck landings with variegated semi-shade grasses anchored in the corner by a Japanese Maple allowed for an open view of the yard. The frosted glass panels increased the amount of light needed while providing the desired privacy for private entertaining and dining. We installed lightweight concrete patio slabs with long gaps to allow water to pass through, reducing pooling water and improving water flow to the large shade tree the client wished to retain. As shade gardens provide challenges, we could capitalize on the morning sun for a vegetable garden. The garden was also a transition corridor to access the custom play feature, lawn and zip-line behind the existing garage. The addition of a custom BBQ and charcoal grill embedded into the counter against the east side property limits stepped with the deck includes storage and additional seating. Finished with stone veneer, wood slats, and multi-sized pebbles retained by a gabion basket was a great contrast of natural finishes seamlessly blended together. Bon Appetit!

This project's goal was to creatively design for family lounging, urban gardening, and managing vehicular movement using architectural cues, wood and stone detailing to develop a seamless, unique layout with limited barriers. Taking advantage of mature vegetation, shade and view into the rear yard beyond the oversized sliding glass doors, we wanted to achieve a yard with limited barriers, soft edges, long vistas and a gentle transition between elevations. Stacking the two air conditioners and integrating elongated raised planters between deck landings with variegated semi-shade grasses anchored in the corner by a Japanese Maple allowed for an open view of the yard. The frosted glass panels increased the amount of light needed while providing the desired privacy for private entertaining and dining. We installed lightweight concrete patio slabs with long gaps to allow water to pass through, reducing pooling water and improving water flow to the large shade tree the client wished to retain. As shade gardens provide challenges, we could capitalize on the morning sun for a vegetable garden. The garden was also a transition corridor to access the custom play feature, lawn and zip-line behind the existing garage. The addition of a custom BBQ and charcoal grill embedded into the counter against the east side property limits stepped with the deck includes storage and additional seating. Finished with stone veneer, wood slats, and multi-sized pebbles retained by a gabion basket was a great contrast of natural finishes seamlessly blended together. Bon Appetit!

This project's goal was to creatively design for family lounging, urban gardening, and managing vehicular movement using architectural cues, wood and stone detailing to develop a seamless, unique layout with limited barriers. Taking advantage of mature vegetation, shade and view into the rear yard beyond the oversized sliding glass doors, we wanted to achieve a yard with limited barriers, soft edges, long vistas and a gentle transition between elevations. Stacking the two air conditioners and integrating elongated raised planters between deck landings with variegated semi-shade grasses anchored in the corner by a Japanese Maple allowed for an open view of the yard. The frosted glass panels increased the amount of light needed while providing the desired privacy for private entertaining and dining. We installed lightweight concrete patio slabs with long gaps to allow water to pass through, reducing pooling water and improving water flow to the large shade tree the client wished to retain. As shade gardens provide challenges, we could capitalize on the morning sun for a vegetable garden. The garden was also a transition corridor to access the custom play feature, lawn and zip-line behind the existing garage. The addition of a custom BBQ and charcoal grill embedded into the counter against the east side property limits stepped with the deck includes storage and additional seating. Finished with stone veneer, wood slats, and multi-sized pebbles retained by a gabion basket was a great contrast of natural finishes seamlessly blended together. Bon Appetit!

This project's goal was to creatively design for family lounging, urban gardening, and managing vehicular movement using architectural cues, wood and stone detailing to develop a seamless, unique layout with limited barriers. Taking advantage of mature vegetation, shade and view into the rear yard beyond the oversized sliding glass doors, we wanted to achieve a yard with limited barriers, soft edges, long vistas and a gentle transition between elevations. Stacking the two air conditioners and integrating elongated raised planters between deck landings with variegated semi-shade grasses anchored in the corner by a Japanese Maple allowed for an open view of the yard. The frosted glass panels increased the amount of light needed while providing the desired privacy for private entertaining and dining. We installed lightweight concrete patio slabs with long gaps to allow water to pass through, reducing pooling water and improving water flow to the large shade tree the client wished to retain. As shade gardens provide challenges, we could capitalize on the morning sun for a vegetable garden. The garden was also a transition corridor to access the custom play feature, lawn and zip-line behind the existing garage. The addition of a custom BBQ and charcoal grill embedded into the counter against the east side property limits stepped with the deck includes storage and additional seating. Finished with stone veneer, wood slats, and multi-sized pebbles retained by a gabion basket was a great contrast of natural finishes seamlessly blended together. Bon Appetit!

Designed to feel relaxed, welcoming, and deeply connected to the surrounding living spaces, this dining area bridges the kitchen, reading nook, and main living room to support easy gathering and everyday coastal living. A Jaipur Living indoor/outdoor rug anchors the space with layered color and durability an intentional choice for a home that continues to function as a vacation rental while evolving toward more full-time living for the homeowners. Above, a sculptural beaded fixture from Hudson Valley Lighting introduces softness and texture against the home’s soaring architecture. In keeping with the spirit of thoughtful renovation, the original dining table was retained and layered into the updated design, while the kitchen appliances were repurposed from the previous kitchen renovation to reduce unnecessary waste and maximize the project budget. The result feels collected rather than overly new balancing functionality, sustainability, and a relaxed coastal warmth.

The Watermill House is a beautiful example of a classic Hamptons wood shingle style home. The design and renovation would maintain the character of the exterior while transforming the interiors to create an open and airy getaway for a busy and active family. The house comfortably sits within its one acre lot surrounded by tall hedges, old growth trees, and beautiful hydrangeas. The landscape influenced the design approach of the main floor interiors. Walls were removed and the kitchen was relocated to the front of the house to create an open plan for better flow and views to both the front and rear yards. The kitchen was designed to be both practical and beautiful. The u-shape design features modern appliances, white cabinetry and Corian countertops, and is anchored by a beautiful island with a knife-edge marble countertop. The island and the dining room table create a strong axis to the living room at the rear of the house. To further strengthen the connection to the outdoor decks and pool area of the rear yard, a full height sliding glass window system was installed. The clean lines and modern profiles of the window frames create unobstructed views and virtually remove the barrier between the interior and exterior spaces. The open plan allowed a new sitting area to be created between the dining room and stair. A screen, comprised of vertical fins, allows for a degree of openness, while creating enough separation to make the sitting area feel comfortable and nestled in its own area. The stair at the entry of the house was redesigned to match the new elegant and sophisticated spaces connected to it. New treads were installed to articulate and contrast the soft palette of finishes of the floors, walls, and ceilings. The new metal and glass handrail was intended to reduce visual noise and create subtle reflections of light. Photo by Guillaume Gaudet

The Watermill House is a beautiful example of a classic Hamptons wood shingle style home. The design and renovation would maintain the character of the exterior while transforming the interiors to create an open and airy getaway for a busy and active family. The house comfortably sits within its one acre lot surrounded by tall hedges, old growth trees, and beautiful hydrangeas. The landscape influenced the design approach of the main floor interiors. Walls were removed and the kitchen was relocated to the front of the house to create an open plan for better flow and views to both the front and rear yards. The kitchen was designed to be both practical and beautiful. The u-shape design features modern appliances, white cabinetry and Corian countertops, and is anchored by a beautiful island with a knife-edge marble countertop. The island and the dining room table create a strong axis to the living room at the rear of the house. To further strengthen the connection to the outdoor decks and pool area of the rear yard, a full height sliding glass window system was installed. The clean lines and modern profiles of the window frames create unobstructed views and virtually remove the barrier between the interior and exterior spaces. The open plan allowed a new sitting area to be created between the dining room and stair. A screen, comprised of vertical fins, allows for a degree of openness, while creating enough separation to make the sitting area feel comfortable and nestled in its own area. The stair at the entry of the house was redesigned to match the new elegant and sophisticated spaces connected to it. New treads were installed to articulate and contrast the soft palette of finishes of the floors, walls, and ceilings. The new metal and glass handrail was intended to reduce visual noise and create subtle reflections of light. Photo by Guillaume Gaudet

The Watermill House is a beautiful example of a classic Hamptons wood shingle style home. The design and renovation would maintain the character of the exterior while transforming the interiors to create an open and airy getaway for a busy and active family. The house comfortably sits within its one acre lot surrounded by tall hedges, old growth trees, and beautiful hydrangeas. The landscape influenced the design approach of the main floor interiors. Walls were removed and the kitchen was relocated to the front of the house to create an open plan for better flow and views to both the front and rear yards. The kitchen was designed to be both practical and beautiful. The u-shape design features modern appliances, white cabinetry and Corian countertops, and is anchored by a beautiful island with a knife-edge marble countertop. The island and the dining room table create a strong axis to the living room at the rear of the house. To further strengthen the connection to the outdoor decks and pool area of the rear yard, a full height sliding glass window system was installed. The clean lines and modern profiles of the window frames create unobstructed views and virtually remove the barrier between the interior and exterior spaces. The open plan allowed a new sitting area to be created between the dining room and stair. A screen, comprised of vertical fins, allows for a degree of openness, while creating enough separation to make the sitting area feel comfortable and nestled in its own area. The stair at the entry of the house was redesigned to match the new elegant and sophisticated spaces connected to it. New treads were installed to articulate and contrast the soft palette of finishes of the floors, walls, and ceilings. The new metal and glass handrail was intended to reduce visual noise and create subtle reflections of light. Photo by Guillaume Gaudet

Devereux Beach House Our client presented Flavin Architects with a unique challenge. On a site that previously hosted two houses, our client asked us to design a modestly sized house and separate art studio. Both structures reduce the height and bulk of the original buildings. The modern concrete house we designed is situated on the brow of a steep cliff overlooking Marblehead harbor. The concrete visually anchors the house to stone outcroppings on the property, and the low profile ensures the structure doesn’t conflict with the surround of traditional, gabled homes. Three primary concrete walls run north to south in parallel, forming the structural walls of the home. The entry sequence is carefully considered. The front door is hidden from view from the street. An entry path leads to an intimate courtyard, from which the front door is first visible. Upon entering, the visitor gets the first glimpse of the sea, framed by a portal of cast-in-place concrete. The kitchen, living, and dining space have a soaring 10-foot ceiling creating an especially spacious sense of interiority. A cantilevered deck runs the length of the living room, with a solid railing providing privacy from beach below. Where the house grows from a single to a two-story structure, the concrete walls rise magisterially to the full height of the building. The exterior concrete walls are accented with zinc gutters and downspouts, and wooden Ipe slats which softly filter light through the windows.

Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace