cape cod house
Originally a Cape Cod Methodist Meeting House that was moved piece by piece from a nearby hilltop, and rebuilt as a painter’s studio and gallery on a perch overlooking the tidal Pamet River, this unusual adaptive reuse to a family home began with an intensive analysis of the site and building.
Views of the river and sun orientation were the primary factors guiding the decisions of how to respectfully and incrementally alter the exterior and interior order by introducing new windows and openings. A portion of the existing dividing wall between the large living/dining room and the new eat-in kitchen was carefully removed, providing transparency and connection through the house to the afternoon light and sunset.
The existing enclosed stairs to the second floor were removed and reconfigured to create an open vertical communication between levels, bringing daylight from the upper windows down to the first floor, transforming the quality of space with changing light throughout the day. Existing wood trim, cladding and millwork was salvaged and reused throughout – including the existing stair treads and risers with their beautiful patina of age and wear.