PeterForbesFAIA
HOUSE IN ORCUTT HARbor
Massachussets, USA
1993
Located between an historical village and untouched landscape this house bridges those physical and regulatory conditions. Anchored in the village with its strict architectural codes the house progresses toward the untouched land and the seashore. As the building “accelerates” it sheds the required historicism of the town finally dissolving into open structure and glass. The owner is an avid amateur radio enthusiast and along its path the house encounters his radio transmission mast, a tall pylon emitting circular radio waves. Symbolically these radio waves impact the linear form of the house, deform it, slowing its rush to the sea, welcoming entrance to the house. Within the house the structure of exposed wood rafters ripples from the effect of the deformation enriching the architecture and reflecting the owners’ passion for boats, sailing and the sea. Initially concerned about his imposition of the radio mast the owner concluded, “You took a lemon and made lemonade!”.
American Institute of Architects/ New England Honor Award
Boston Society of Architects Honor Award
American Wood Council National Honor Award
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