Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor

Nestled within a lush valley adjacent to Connecticut’s Saugatuck River, the Weston Residence encompasses 2400 square feet of space. It harmoniously integrates with its picturesque surroundings, intentionally blurring the boundaries between the constructed and natural world.

Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor

Designed by Specht Architects, the residence showcases a remarkable ecological design with its numerous green roofs that incorporate an eco-friendly roof system. These green roofs offer substantial sustainability benefits by effectively insulating the interior, ensuring comfortable temperatures, and eliminating the need for traditional HVAC systems. These lush roofs features region-specific succulents that thrive year-round.

Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor

Sitting on 3.5 acres of land, the house is approached from a road that begins high on a cliff, making the rooftop, often referred to as the fifth facade, a pivotal design element. Bedrooms extend out into these rooftop gardens, providing an immersive experience in the landscape. The planted roofs significantly contribute to the home’s high-performance building envelope. The interior and exterior spaces seamlessly connect through thoughtful views, doorways, and consistent materials. The open interior features interconnected spaces with concealed doors for privacy when needed. On the riverside of the residence, extensive glass walls bring the outdoors inside, while clerestory windows encircle the interior, allowing the roof to seemingly float above the living spaces.

Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor

The kitchen serves as a central island within the main living and dining area, with built-in cabinetry and appliances along the perimeter walls, creating a serene space fully intertwined with the landscape. Like a classic glass house, the landscape itself becomes the design focal point for each room, offering transparency during the day and reflective allure at night.

Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor
Weston Residence - Specht Novak | Image © Jasper Lazor

The primary construction materials include cast-in-place concrete and selected cement-board panels. The house is encased by large aluminum and steel window units that connect it to the exterior. Bamboo plywood panels adorn the interior walls, while the floor features polished concrete. All blinds, diffusers, and other devices are cleverly concealed within an integrated track encircling the house, ensuring unobstructed views of the natural surroundings.

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Project Details

Project team:

Architect: Specht Architects with architect Louise Harpman

Contractor: Michael Greenberg & Associates

Landscape Architect: Heather Morgan, Liveroof Green Roof Systems

 
 

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