This is a wholly original, one-of-a-kind house, designed and built by a graduate of the Yale School of Architecture, inspired by ancient monasteries and cathedrals. Connection to nature is a key theme. Interior rooms wrap around an exterior courtyard with a covered porch on all four sides, with brick columns, and open towards the street. Most existing trees on the fully wooded lot were preserved around the home and even inside the courtyard. Only natural materials were used for construction and finishes, for highest indoor air quality. No sheet rock, paint, stain or carpeting was used. Interior materials are tongue-and-groove pine for floors and walls, Italian travertine stone tile for bathroom and kitchen floors, Pennsylvania bluestone and brick for the Great Room floor. Kitchen cabinets are walnut, countertops are stainless steel, sink is enameled cast iron, and includes an under-sink reverse-osmosis water filter. Exterior materials are granite, brick, galvanized steel, and cypress for siding and porch roof structure. Each of the three bedrooms has a skylight, so the stars are visible from bed at night. The Great Room has a group of nine skylights at the center of its high-volume space, and includes a bioethanol fireplace. The entire roof is occupiable as a deck, protected on all sides by three-foot parapet walls. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls surround the courtyard, providing expansive views and lots of natural light. All windows are commercial-grade aluminum frame with double-pane insulated glass. In-swing casement windows with screens allow cross-ventilation in every room. Structurally the house is atypical as well, and far stronger than most houses. Steel columns bolted to 4x12 pine beams support the roof joists, and all are exposed on the interior. Reinforced solid brick and stone load-bearing walls are the primary structure for the Great Room. A local structural engineer specified all member sizes and connections. Because of the quality of materials and construction, the square-foot cost is higher than average. The house has been kept in great condition. The roofing was entirely replaced in 2020 with upgraded design and materials, including additional layers of rigid insulation. The house is located in a suburban neighborhood, but because of the preserved trees, feels like being in a forest. This is a rare house for a rare buyer. The photos and description here are meant to be just a preview; it's best to see the place in person to fully understand and appreciate it. So if you are interested, call or text the number here for more information or to schedule a visit. All the original drawings are available too so any dimensions needed can be provided on request.
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