BDW Discreetly Green:
Net-Zero Design With Beauty in Mind

Farm Villa combines imagery of the New England farmhouse with that of the Neoclassical European villa. Columns vary according to a hierarchy of formality: plain square white columns for the entry porch, monumental paneled columns for the view-facing porch, and locally-milled timbers with metal connections for the outbuildings.

Anchored to the land on a craggy stone foundation, Rocksyde sits perpendicular to the seacoast, addressing the waves below like a ship’s prow. A black and white floating staircase inside is inspired by the horizontal stripes seen in the layers of rock found in a canyon. Southern sunlight filters through the stairway to all three levels of the house.

This house draws on many sources, from the American Shingle Style to Japanese pavilions, to Frank Lloyd Wright, and unites them into something new. A Gothic entry arcade extends forty feet out from the house in a welcoming ceremonial gesture for the modest vacation house.

The plan is largely one room deep to encourage cross ventilation and to take advantage of water views to the north, while admitting sunlight from the south. The flavor is influenced by an informal rustic camp next door.