The site, located in the city of Marblehead, Massachusetts is 20 miles North of Boston along the Southern coastline of Salem Sound facing the Atlantic Ocean. Located on a dramatic, 1.4-acre parcel, the house is situated within a grass lawn atop a rock ledge that overlooks the ocean and has 180 degree views.

Spatial Concept: Open & Flexible

Spaces are arranged within a L-shaped plan which bracket two outdoor courtyards. The entire lower level is depressed into the earth to reduce the overall scale of the building and to shelter the house and the main outdoor courtyard from the cold winter winds. The main approach is from uphill from the house and visitors arrive on the second level where the majority of the public spaces are located.

Building Concept: Dynamic & Sustainable

The architecture is designed to be an open-ended, dynamic structure, constantly changing and adapting to its surroundings from day to day and season to season. The main feature of this house, however, is its “deciduous skin.” Large, operable and insulated screens can be opened and closed to any desired range of opacity. Much like the leaves of a tree, these screens serve hybrid functions that can change the character of the house depending on external conditions.