Situated on a sloping property in a third-row location, this new residence boasts sweeping, panoramic ocean views over the surrounding treetops. The project was referred to GFA by a contractor colleague who recognized the client’s need for an architect to address complex design challenges. Drawing on GFA’s expertise in coastal architecture, the team is designing a home that harmonizes with the natural contours of the site.
The client’s primary goal is to develop a distinctive residence featuring a unique widow’s walk that fully capitalizes on the breathtaking, panoramic views of Buzzards Bay from the rooftop. By integrating this iconic architectural element, the design will provide an unforgettable vantage point for experiencing the natural beauty of the surrounding seascape.
The client purchased a plan house from the internet; however, like most generic house plans, it was designed for a flat site. For a third-row property situated close to the ocean but without a direct view, a widow’s walk offered the perfect solution to capture the surrounding vistas. Wetlands at the bottom of the slope severely limited the buildable area and restricted the potential for lower-level views. Additionally, driveway access presented another significant design challenge.
Locating the house and addressing the vertical circulation issues inherited from the original plan were critical first steps. Additionally, the widow’s walk railing had to comply with local zoning height restrictions, which required adjustments to the design’s overall proportions. The redesign also involved carefully integrating the widow’s walk with the interior stair, exterior stair, and rooftop access door to maximize enjoyment of the space. Finally, provisions were made for a future elevator serving all floors, including the basement.
The clients were open to the modifications needed to transform the original generic design into something truly distinctive. By incorporating an age-old New England widow’s walk, they found the perfect solution to complement the property’s character. A site not typically considered prime for traditional approaches was reimagined, resulting in an exceptional outcome.
GF Architecture offers complete architectural design services. Our scope of services is refined to the requirements of each project. In addition to architectural services, we also provide site analysis and property planning consulting.
GF Architecture offers full-service custom residential and light commercial architectural design for clients throughout eastern Massachusetts –including Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket –and Rhode Island.
