This modern mountainside home was designed by Mathison | Mathison Architects, located high above the Housatonic River in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Nestled high in the mountains amongst rocky outcroppings and mature oak trees, this dwelling offers sweeping views of the valley and ridge beyond. Also featured on this property is a small cabin that was constructed several years prior. Spread out over two levels, the home consists of 5,600 square feet of living space.
The exterior facade features black stained cedar siding, mahogany windows and a metal roof in a natural zinc hue. “Strong horizontal roof forms mimic the slopes of the surrounding topography and act as a layered filter for late-day western light while capturing dramatic eastern views through a ribbon of full height doors and windows,” explains the architects. The roof forms also helps to unify the living spaces, while framing magnificent views and a series of outdoor living areas—which includes a fire pit area and a swimming pool.
On the interior, you will find a soothing earth-toned color scheme which helps to not detract from the views. On the main level, an open plan living and dining area is centered around a floor-to-ceiling stacked stone fireplace. A 40-foot retractable glass door system helps to create an indoor-outdoor connection, which includes overhead screens that extends down from the exterior soffit. Most of the walls are clad with Western red cedar, while floors feature walnut and natural stone flooring throughout.
This main volume opens out to a spacious screened-in porch to the north, while an intimate family room with a cantilevered window bench is on the southern section of the home. Continuing this direction are the private zones of the home, with views overlooking the swimming pool below. A lower level encompasses a spacious private living area featuring expansive windows framing relaxing views.
A bunk room plays host to overnight guests, while the lower level offers a modest office, wine room, exercise room and cedar-clad bathroom. A specially designed sauna features glass panels highlighting continuous views of the Berkshire Mountain landscape.
You will find sustainable features throughout the home, which includes: sophisticated geothermal heating and cooling, a building envelope to eliminate thermal bridging, triple-pane windows and doors, use of natural materials and finishes, renewable surface materials, and use of native ecologies in the landscape.
What We Love: This mountainside home showcases warm and cozy living spaces thanks to the use of heavy wood and an earthy color palette. Voluminous living spaces, expansive sliding glass doors and clerestory windows helps to keep the interiors feeling light and airy. The ultimate feature of this home is the stellar views of the Berkshire Mountain range… simply breathtaking!
Readers, please share with us what you think of this modern family residence, is there anything you would have done differently in the design?
A series of board-formed concrete retaining walls and planted slopes defines the outdoor spaces, which are overlaid with paths and seating areas using reclaimed granite curbs from Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Photos: Chuck Choi
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