Olson Kundig Architects have designed this spectacular summer retreat for a couple of empty nesters, located on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. This dwelling offers a comfortable living space for two with plenty of space to host extended family and friends. The house is nestled into a gently sloping hillside to create privacy from neighbors while framing vistas towards Squibnocket Pond, the sand dunes, and beyond towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Imagined as three glass pavilions in the landscape, the home spans a main bedroom suite, central common area, and guest wing. A long circulation spine connects each volume, punctuated by large skylights and clerestory windows to wash the interior with daylight.
At the southern edge, the owner’s suite includes a bedroom, bathroom, integrated dressing room, small sitting room, and shaded patio.
The central, common gathering space includes an open kitchen, dining, and living room, as well as a dramatic bowsprit deck that cantilevers into the landscape.
Capping the home’s north end, the guest wing includes a bedroom and open studio space. This studio can be converted into two additional guest rooms through a moveable bookshelf with an integrated Murphy bed. The guest wing and central area frame a large covered patio, allowing the activity of the home to flow between indoor and outdoor zones.
The strong horizontal line of the home’s cantilevered roof structure follows the contours of the landscape and further protects this large gathering space from the summer heat and ocean winds.
Set into the hillside below the main house, a detached cottage provides additional space for guests while preserving views across the landscape.
To further integrate the built environment with the topography of the site and maximize outdoor living opportunities, the guest cottage’s roof also functions as a deck and gathering space for the family.
This house was designed to foster widespread connections to the landscape while acknowledging that the environment can be harsh. Operable windows throughout the volumes function as “portholes” to support passive ventilation.
Three external showers allow for easy transition between indoor and outdoor activities. In deference to strong coastal storms, the home also features a sliding shutter system of vertical wood slats that safeguard the expansive glazing.
The shutters’ vertical lines contrast with the home’s horizontal cedar siding to communicate architectural proportions even when fully enclosed.
What We Love: This summer retreat on Martha’s Vineyard provides plenty of space for just two and expands to accommodate overnight guests. Nestled into the hillside, this dwelling was sited on the property to maximize views of the Atlantic Ocean. Integrated skylights and expansive walls of glass help to bring natural light into the home. We are especially loving the viewing deck, the ultimate spot to watch sunsets over the water.
Tell Us: What elements in the design of this getaway home do you find most intriguing? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Take a look at a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Massachusetts: Tour this idyllic Nantucket beach house with an inviting vibe and Shingle style beach house offers serene seaside escape in Rhode Island.
PHOTOGRAPHER Aaron Leitz
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