Gordon Berman Net Zero
Location
Niantic, CT
Size
4,464 sqft
Status
Complete
Years
2022
Bedrooms
3
Baths
4
STORY
DESCRIPTION
The Niantic Net Zero House is a single-family home neat the sailing mecca of Block Island Sound. Passive House design strategies create an exceptional living environment for this home embraced in granite cliffs with breathtaking views of the Niantic Sound. For a Philadelphia-based couple, finding a location for their second home and choosing an architect to fulfill their vision, was a years-long journey. The husband, a renowned designer and builder of luxury catamarans, and wife, a prominent communications executive, thoroughly investigated communities, natural environments, and properties that would enable the indoor/outdoor lifestyle they desired. This included convenient access to their own catamaran and a robust sailing community they would enjoy into retirement.DESIGN
This project is intended to serve as a second home for the owners of a luxury catamaran design/build firm. They searched for years to find a seaside site that could support their vision of a modern home and was one with its natural environment while enjoying access to and expansive views of the water. Discerning of design details and materials selection, these considerations were paramount – as was the goal of sustainability. The clients expect to employ leading-edge building design and construction strategies to minimize the environmental impact of their new home. Aesthetically, the client envisioned the design would integrate “two barn shapes.” Given the long search to find the perfect property, the client challenged the team to complete the project in 18 months. Program requirements- Maximize the impact of the views of Niantic Sound from indoor and outdoor areas.
- Create a separate living space for visits from the adult son of the owners.
- Mitigate design and construction challenges created by the site’s granite cliffside.
- Engineer to meet stringent approvals of the area, particularly for stormwater management.
- Work through the New England winter to meet occupancy deadline.
- Leverage modern building strategies for a maximally sustainable home.
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