Woodland Retreat Weston, MA
Woodland Retreat A Natural Sanctuary

A Natural Sanctuary

This new house is carefully designed to respect its sensitive siting along a wetland marsh. An existing house that encroached on the wetland was removed and the new house was sited away from the delicate habitat. The disturbed wetland was restored with native plantings and rainwater runoff from the home’s impervious surfaces is stored in subsurface cisterns to recharge the groundwater of the wetland environment.

A bright orange front door opens to a glass-enclosed foyer with views of the wetland. The glass foyer links the two sides of the home. To the east, the daily living spaces are distinct yet contiguous, linked in a large space with a dramatic, sloping ceiling line. The sleeping and quiet spaces of the house are located to the west of the foyer. At the back of the foyer, we incorporated our signature modern screen porch, which has been a boon for socially distanced entertaining. Exchangeable screens and heat lamps make the porch comfortable even during the colder seasons.

The building floor plan undulates along its south side to maximize views of a woodland garden of native sweet ferns, viburnum, and serviceberry. The roofline slopes up over a wall of glass, allowing maximum passive solar gain in the winter months. Along with the home’s generous roof overhangs, a stand of deciduous trees helps to provide summer shade. Dark wood flooring helps absorb light and minimize glare. The exterior of the house showcases our modern aesthetic. Vertical cedar accents complement the warm grey metal siding.

exterior of home with vertical cedar accents and warm grey metal siding
exterior or home patio with extended roof overhangs
exterior home front entry with grey metal siding
exterior of home with vertical cedar accents and warm grey metal siding and large stone chimney
From our first meeting, we knew that Flavin was a superior architectural firm and the best architectural firm for us. They were attentive to our vision, asked on-point questions, and were good listeners.

Flavin brings vision and an aesthetic that we love. At the same time, Flavin is collaborative, understanding our taste and needs. They provide impressive design and practical skills, and are completely responsive to our ideas. They don’t scrimp on time, offering alternatives even after an option has been approved. Flavin’s services are robust as well, a full scope of services that integrate all aesthetic and functional elements.

The design process has proceeded flawlessly and expeditiously, and we will be breaking ground on our home this summer as planned thanks to Flavin’s vision, focus, effectiveness, and expertise. It is a pleasure to work with Flavin.
Homeowner
exterior of home with vertical cedar accents and warm grey metal siding and large stone chimney
orange front door covered entryway
eat-in kitchen detail with exposed steel beam and sliding wall
exterior terrace with extended roof overhangs
kitchen island and eat-in kitchen with exposed steel beam and sliding wall divider
cad drawing floor plan

Credits

General Contractor

Merz Construction

Landscape Architect

Elizabeth Hanna Morss Landscape Architects

Interior Designer

Shelley Reed Design

Structural Engineer

Siegel Associates

Mechanical Engineer

Sun Engineering

Millwork

Herrick & White Architectural Woodworkers

Photographer

Nat Rea Photography

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