This luminous New England style home was designed by LDa Architecture & Interiors, located near the Blue Hills Reservation, in Milton, Massachusetts. The homeowner’s requested that the project team create a home for them based on the principles and geometry of Vastu Shastra, which is a traditional Hindu system of architecture. They also wished to integrate elements of traditional New England architecture and modern design.
According to the architects, “Vastu Shastra is centuries old and complex in its interpretations and implementations, but the basic themes are core elements of central space, peripheral zones, direction with respect to sunlight, and relative functions of the spaces.” This is typically represented around divided grids, with designated areas for household uses.
Project Team: Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors | Interior Design: LDa Architecture & Interiors | Builder: Denali Construction | Landscape Architect: Crowley Cottrell
This 5,375-square-foot home was constructed for a family of three, and based on a nine-square grid. In warmer climates, the center “square” would be an open courtyard but was reinterpreted here to be a living room with a large central skylight system to invite the outdoors inside. Encircling the central living space are the kitchen, entry, temple, stair, guest bedroom, dining room, playroom, and family room.
Upstairs, the bedrooms are divided over two areas – occupying three “squares” on opposite sides of the home. This arrangement is represented on the exterior of the house in the two-second story gable-roofed volumes. The exterior of the home is clad in a mix of wood clapboard and wood board and battens and has the unusual landscape features of a front-yard pool, sculpted grass mounds and an expansive serene yard with play area.
On the interior, the finishes and furniture are an inviting mix of simple neutrals, touches of bright color, and a sense of playfulness. Spaces are divided by integrated shelving, wood screens, a glass stair, and a central fireplace – which create an open, easy flow throughout the home.
What We Love: This New England style home features open and airy living spaces that blur the lines between indoors and out. We are loving the design and style of the Vastu Shastra principles applied to this home, providing a feeling of relaxation and tranquility. Overall the project team did a beautiful job of creating a family home that is conducive to their lifestyle needs.
Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the unique design of this home? Would you consider applying the principles of Vastu Shastra into your home? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments below!
Note: Have a look at a couple of our most popular home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this project, LDa Architecture: Luminous update to Massachusetts home encourages family intimacy and Classic New England shingle-style home boasts a striking transformation.
Above: Throughout the interiors are white oak flooring. The sofa is from Ligne Roset, while the ottomans are from Lekker Home.
Above: In the family room, the console table is from Asplund, while the colorful butterfly artwork above is by David Kracov, called “My Heart is All A Flutter”.
Above: Bertoia stools line the walnut kitchen peninsula
Above: According to Vastu Shastra principles, the center of the home should be a courtyard. However, since New England experiences cold winters, the architects opted for an expansive living area with soaring ceilings and a large skylight. A key aspect of Vastu Shastra is its connection with nature. The integration of the skylight helps to enhance this indoor-outdoor connection. A focal point to this living room, the modern fireplace is from Town & Country, while the circle light and coffee table were sourced from DDCNYC.
Above: The dandelion wall decal is from Wall&decò.
Photos: Greg Premru Photography
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