This new construction home is named “The Glass House” because of all the strategically placed windows and doors that allow light to flow freely throughout the home. Located in Newmarket, NH and surrounded by over 100 acres of conservation land, this home is 1,800 sf conditioned living square feet with another 1,800 sf unfinished sub-grade that daylights out with a 16’ glass slider. It was strategically located on the lot to take advantage of views and light throughout the entire year. Inspired by Japanese and modern architecture with a focus on bringing the nature and light into the home.
We located the house on the lot a few feet away from the conservation land and had to work very closely with the conservation commission to make sure that our building technique was to their standards. We wanted the house to be lower than the current street level to provide privacy, this has also created a water flow issue that we are still mitigating. The landscape plan is key to controlling the access to the house and water flow. A bridge walkway, gardens and ponds will be added in order to direct water to areas that are desired and serve a purpose.
The black exterior / white interior windows play with positives and negative shapes as they move around the home. The hip roof with gable ends provide a space for small windows to light the ceiling line of the home. While the combination of windows and doors create light, traffic and air flow.
Since my client has Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the cold in New England is long, it was our goal to bring as much light into the space as possible. Having tracked the light movement from November to February during the framing process, we located skylights and clerestory windows specifically so that every room in the house would always have natural daylight.
The roof with copper flashing and flack trim also creates a four-foot mahogany walkway around the entire home as inspired by Japanese architecture. With Cedar posts, this roofline allows for white cedar siding to remain clear from the weather. A base of cement board with a 10” water table topped with copper flashing work to mimic the color of the natural rocks and bark surrounding the home. The roof is interrupted by the cement chimney for the clean, modern wood-burning fireplace.
Most striking in the open space is the island. Built from a slab of Claro Walnut originally from the west coast and purchased in the Berkshires, this awesome live-edge wood is married to clear and dark soapstone. Along with the interest and beauty, this island also boasts the function of a sink, dishwasher, trash, cooktop and storage along with seating for six.
The cabinetry is all custom, concealing the function and flow of a classic kitchen to create modern clean lines. Behind the doors are walnut shelves and soapstone countertop with small appliances, a pantry, refrigerator and plenty of storage.
The walls are painted Benjamin Moore, Simply White and directly reflect the outside colors on the walls – sometimes looking grey / brown and sometimes green. And the flooring is quarter-sawn white oak select 5” wide with a Rubio-monocoat of “pure” added to it for a natural, soft finish.
The simple lines are intended to calm the eye and allow for one to appreciate the geometric shapes juxtaposed with nature. The home is to be a haven for clean, simple living. Stay tuned to this project as we add furnishings and artwork and continue to provide a space that is inspiring and relaxing.