laurel ridge residence

PROJECT
A modern interpretation of Chinese courtyard housing, Marmol Radziner is designing the architecture and landscape for this multi-generational home.

SITE
On a wooded slope in rural Connecticut, the new home is built upon the footprint of an existing residence. Located a mile away from the ocean, the site is adjacent to a sensitive wetland area.

DESIGN
Per the requirements of traditional Chinese courtyard housing, the new residence is oriented along the north/south axis. Rooms cluster around two exterior courtyards, one public and one private. At the north entrance, a metal screen provides a veiled glimpse of the first courtyard. From the entrance, visitors walk around the courtyard to the public living room and dining room. These two spaces merge into a great room with a fireplace for warmth and sliding glass doors that usher the landscape into the space. To the east is a balcony overlooking the sloping woodland and to the west is a view of the public courtyard, pool and spa.

Beyond the first courtyard are the private spaces of the home. Like the public rooms, the family kitchen, living room and dining room also open up to the east and west. Surrounding the private courtyard are the master suite, children’s rooms and the grandparents’ suite. A wide hallway around the courtyard allows for informal furnishings and small gatherings in the circulation space. Gaps in the massing between the bedrooms allow light to penetrate the courtyard laterally while clerestory windows allow for vertical penetration of light. On the basement level, the office, gym, and children’s playroom all have views of the garden and sloping forest beyond. A wide exterior staircase serves the dual function of informal gathering space and stairs leading from the first floor family room to a grassy recreation space, fire pit, barbecue and tennis court.

Chosen for their capacity to age well, exterior materials include local stone and zinc metal siding. Each first floor bedroom will overlook a section of green roof. A geothermal system is under consideration for the domestic hot water, pool system and heating and cooling of the home.