Proiect: East Coast Compound
Architecture: Olson Kundig Architects
Interior design: Sherry Williamson Design
Landscape: Michael Boucher Landscape Architect
General contractor: Woodmeister Master Builders
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Photo Credits: David Wakely Photography
East Coast Compound is a four-building lakefront retreat created through a collaboration between Olson Kundig Architects, Sherry Williamson Design, Michael Boucher Landscape Architect, and Woodmeister Master Builders. Set on 30 acres of shoreline, the compound meets the rigorous LEED Platinum standard while combining craftsmanship, comfort, and sustainability. Each building contributes to a cohesive vision of modern living that respects the environment and celebrates timeless design.
Four Buildings, One Cohesive Vision
Although the property is large, it feels intimate and connected because every structure serves a distinct purpose. Together, they form a balanced composition between nature, architecture, and daily life.
The main house anchors the ensemble with broad roof overhangs, pivoting glass walls, and reclaimed timber beams that frame sweeping views of the lake. Inside, Sherry Williamson’s interiors mix soft textiles, sculptural lighting, and natural textures to create a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Nearby, the bunk house is designed for play and togetherness, featuring built-in bunks, a lofted game area, and durable finishes for year-round use. The guest house, perched slightly above the main residence, offers privacy and comfort with its wrap-around porch and wood-burning hearth. Finally, the boat house—restored instead of replaced—honors its history with a recycled-wood dock and new solar panels, blending heritage with innovation.
Sustainability at the Core
From its conception, East Coast Compound was designed as a model of environmental responsibility. Geothermal wells quietly supply heating and cooling, while triple-pane windows, high-performance insulation, and airtight construction maintain comfort throughout the seasons. Rooftop photovoltaic arrays feed battery storage systems, allowing the property to operate entirely on renewable electricity.
Water management and habitat restoration are also key components. Rainwater is collected for landscape irrigation, and native plantings along the shoreline reintroduce habitat for pollinators and birds. Every detail reflects a commitment to sustainability that goes beyond aesthetics, turning the compound into a living example of ecological harmony.
Craftsmanship that Endures
Sustainability at East Coast Compound is inseparable from craftsmanship. Woodmeister Master Builders used locally sourced stone and reclaimed hardwoods, celebrating the tactile beauty of natural materials. Olson Kundig’s signature steel mechanisms open entire walls of glass with ease, merging interior comfort with the surrounding air and light.
Inside, Sherry Williamson’s design layers organic textures and subtle color contrasts, creating spaces that feel both elegant and grounded. Throughout the compound, artistry and technology coexist, proving that luxury and environmental responsibility can thrive together.
A Modern Lakeside Legacy
East Coast Compound stands as a testament to what thoughtful collaboration can achieve. Each building expresses its own identity while contributing to a unified, sustainable vision. Through handcrafted detail, renewable energy, and architectural ingenuity, the project transforms its natural setting into a refuge of enduring beauty and balance—one designed to age gracefully alongside the lake it calls home.
