FALLEN LEAVES RESIDENCE

Aquinnah, Martha’s Vineyard, MA

The entry view of the house shows a series of floating horizontal roof layers that seem to move with the wind

The house is conceived as a series of horizontal planes inspired by the layering of fallen leaves found on the site’s ground plane. These layers play gently against each other, emitting cracks and fissures of south-facing light and unfolding to open the house to its view and sweeping landscape to the north.

The flow of interior to exterior spaces is made fluid by the protruding open beam roof overhang and the large window wall
Wood clad outdoor showers on beautifully angled walls
 
The residence opens up in the back with full height window walls and an angled screen porch

Sited at the edge of a steep incline, the spaces wrap the stair and chimney core as a series of split levels oriented to distant views.

Significant planning and governmental reviews were required on this project.

The airy modern bathroom is clad in a light beige stone and has a large grey soapstone sink sitting on floating wood cabinets
The white concrete fireplace acts as the pivot of the house and also the big structural support for the rotating, floating roofs

Type: Residential – New Construction
Size: ±2,600 sf
Location: Aquinnah, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Status: Completed 2003
Credits: Architect: William Pevear at Maryann Thompson Architects. Structural engineer: Siegel Associates, Inc. Photography: Chuck Choi.

 
The entry stairs grow organically as do the series of floating horizontal roofs

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