Specht Novak Architects

New Canaan Residence

New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella

NEW CANAAN RESIDENCE

Specht Harpman

ARCHITECTS
Specht Harpman

AREA
6000 m²

YEAR
2011

LOCATION
New Canaan, United States

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

The New Canaan Residence is nestled into a lush hilltop site in this forested part of Connecticut. The house was designed to engage the landscape and immerse the occupants in the full range of environments that the site offers.

New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella
New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella

What the completed house doesn't show is its modest beginnings: this is a renovation of a 1950's house which had a series of unsympathetic additions from the 60's and 70's, and whose owners originally wanted only a kitchen upgrade.

The New Canaan Residence welcomes its owners and their visitors into what feels like a floating pavilion in the tree canopy.

New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella
New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella

A winding drive brings visitors through the forest to arrive at a low and gracious landscaped court that frames the glass entry pavilion.

From this court, the transparency of the house is evident: floor-to-ceiling glass allows views through the house, incorporating the landscape into the body of the house.

New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella
New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella

The tree canopy becomes a part of the architecture and creates a visual perimeter that changes with the seasons.

The upper level features the home's primary gathering spaces, as well as bedrooms and a gymnasium. A staircase tucked behind the free-standing fireplace opens on to the lower level of the house, which is carved into the earth and gives views directly onto the forest floor.

New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella
New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella

The lower level provides additional social spaces and features a media room, library, and two home offices.

The lower level spaces link to a series of “outdoor rooms” that feature a fireplace and distinct seating areas. The grounded, cozy nature of the lower level provides an experiential contrast to the expansive and light-filled level above.

New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella
New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella

The swimming pool and separate pool house emphasize the project’s strong lines and classically modern roots.

New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella
New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella


New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella
New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella
New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella
New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella


New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella© Elizabeth Felicella
New Canaan Residence
New Canaan Residence
© Elizabeth Felicella


New Canaan Residence
Site Plan
New Canaan Residence
Section


New Canaan Residence
Lower Plan
New Canaan Residence
Upper Plan

Specht Novak Architects
T +1 512 3827938
Specht Novak Architects
5306 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78751, United States