PROJECT NAME: The Mystic River Residence

PROJECT TYPE: Single Family Detached

PROJECT CONTEXT:  The project is located on the Mystic River in a small fishing village, the childhood home of one of the clients.  The neighborhood holds a variety of homes and small shoreline oriented commercial buildings, representing every period of New England architecture.  The Village is proud of its historic and diverse community and has successfully slowed change through careful zoning and EPA enforcement.  Because the site straddles a “V” and an “A” FEMA zone, special planning was required to resist damage from potential high wind and flooding. 

PROJECT LOCATION:  Noank, CT.

PROJECT COMPLETION:  Fall 2004

PROJECT PROGRAM:   A shoreline homestead at which to gather with family and appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

CLIENT:  A “salt of the earth” couple who were drawn to the views and beauty of a family owned property on the Mystic River.  He came to us with images of classic shoreline fortitude and she brought a Swedish heritage, an interest in gardening and landscaping, and visions of grandchildren playing on the beach.

DESIGN SOLUTION:  The joy of a custom home is the particulars that are created around our clients desires.  This house is designed to include a Swedish style tile stove called a kakelugn.  This is a very efficient type of wood stove which weaves heated air through multiple channels in the masonry mass which then radiates the heat to the home.  Another special feature is a cathedral space on the second floor that is used as a weaving room.  Because of the clients’ desire to be connected to the history of this family place, the main bedroom has its own private deck with views to the river.  The deck railing is substantial and is oriented to maximize view and provide some protection from the breeze off the water.  Given its location on the river, we had to meet the FEMA flood guidelines, requiring that the main living floor be 6’-0” above finished grade to protect the building in the event of a 100 year storm. Having the house be constructed to accommodate a couple moving comfortably into their golden years, accessibility was important. We included stacked closets to allow for the installation of an elevator if necessary in the future.

MATERIALS:  It was important to the clients that the new home nestle into the surrounding fishing village.  We used traditional shoreline detailing and materials well tested in the harsh environment, and allowed the salt air to add the patina so characteristic of the shoreline.  White cedar shingles with a bleaching oil become the field with shingle flairs and overhangs to protect the painted accent trim.  The decking and rails are farmed ipe, a South American hardwood, which will weather to silver gray and stay smooth under grandchildren’s feet.   Inside we turned to Scandinavian details and materials with wide oiled Siberian Larch floors, stone tiles, painted wainscot, and crisp white trim lines.  The main bath is wrapped in mosaic tile and warmed by ipe accents in the vanity, benches and floor mats.

PROJECT COST:  The project cost was approximately $235 per square foot for main living spaces and $110 for secondary spaces.