Connecticut’s unique landscape has become a magnet for those who want to create stunning buildings that truly interact with their environment. The Shore House is located at one of the rare places in the world where the forest and the sea are almost joined, combining the unique privacy of the woods with the dramatic openness and space of the expansive open water.
The building was designed by Leroy Street Studio, and was intended for large events and as a private, secluded retreat for smaller groups. From the moment you step into the sunken stairway which leads to the building’s entrance, you get a feeling of privacy and intimacy that many of the nearby properties cannot match.
Inside, the space is very much open plan, with little to distract the eyes from taking in the views of the water just beyond. The glazed ground level features enormous glass panels which help bring plenty of natural light into the space, while also providing those incredible views out over the bay. A covered outdoor courtyard facing the water offers a fantastic entertaining space, with a dramatic concrete hearth providing the support for the ‘floating’ bedrooms above.
The monumental size of this building, combined with the huge amounts of glazing, could create a clinical and distant atmosphere – but by not only completing the building but also turning their hand to the design of the interior, the architects have created a space with texture, intimacy and warmth. The use of materials like charred cedar, brushed oak and hand-glazed tiles prevents the space from becoming a cold, expansive shell.
