Project: Island Residence
Architect: Peter Rose + Partners
Landscape Architect: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates
Structural Engineer: RSE Associates
MEP Engineer: ICOR Associates
Contractor: Rosbeck Builders Corp.
Photography: Matthew Snyder
The Island Residence is located on the island of Chappaquiddick, near Edgartown, Massachusetts. It is formed of four buildings: a 6,300 SF main residence, a 630 SF garage, storage shed SF 270, SF 130 and the boat house. Designed by Peter Rose and Partners, the house is located on a narrow strip of land and it has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean beach.
The main body of the building and of the landing pier are strategically positioned in order to optimize the experience provided by the environment and to reduce impact over it. The landing pier was intermingled among the pine forest without harming the trees. The house has remarkable views with openings towards east to enjoy sunrise and also to the west where the sunset over the ocean can be admired.
The locust trees from the west side of the house provide camouflage and protection from the afternoon sun. The architects’ intention was that the Island Residence to be as close as possible to the environment, to blend with it. In order to minimize the impact over the environment, the project has involved a series of sustainability strategies, that were aimed towards the conservation of the energy, waste reduction and also costs reduction of the construction and maintenance. The facade of the house is cladded in cedar and a large surface of it is formed of large sliding windows, that once opened provide natural ventilation, and allow the sea breeze to get inside. While the house has radiant heating through the stone floor, the southern view of the mansion allows natural light to flood the interior, maximizing the solar heat gain and reducing power consumption.
The green roofs, on which natural seaweed grows, provides isolation with a greater thermal performance and allows the rainwater management. A large collector, located on the roof, collects rainwater and an irrigation system harness it. Peter Rose and Partners has designed the Island Residence for an active and sophisticated young family, the project is intended to become a holiday home for those that while protecting the environment, will be able to fully benefit from the beauty and moments of peace and relaxation offered by this.
