A flat-roof house has become an American family's new retreat. The idyllic location in the middle of nature inspired the “Bates Masi” architects to create their design. The completed modern building fascinates with an open living concept where the boundary between inside and outside merges. Large sliding glass doors seamlessly connect the living area with the terrace and balcony. In this way, the living space is extended into the garden and the family can enjoy a place protected from wind, rain and sun.
Sliding glass doors as an important architectural element
The holiday home is located in Annapolis, USA. The builders, a young oneFamily with children, wanted to build a summer house on the banks of a river. They envisioned a functional building where rustic country house aesthetics meet minimalist modernity. The architects designed a contemporary flat-roof house that attracts attention with its purist architectural language and wooden facade. Constructed as an environmentally friendly climate-friendly wooden house with cross-laminated timber elements, the wooden shell of the “Cove” house enables complete facade insulation. This can be used to avoid mold damage caused by condensed water.
While the wooden facade protects the holiday home from the weather on three sides, the house opens to the river through large sliding glass doors. The sliding door system allows for a seamless transition between inside and outside and maximizes the available living space by extending the living area outside in summer. On the first floor, the sliding doors allow ample sunlight to enter the living room and create a connection between it and the terrace. On the second floor, the spacious living area with kitchen and adjacent dining area merges into a balcony. This means the family can sit comfortably indoors when the weather is bad and end the evening on the balcony when the weather is good.
Allow plenty of sunlight into the rooms
The first floor houses the four bedrooms. They are protected from prying eyes by solid wooden walls. On the first floor there is an informal living room where the family can relax after a long day outdoors. The center of communication in the house is undoubtedly the living area on the second floor. There is a spacious kitchen, a dining area and a comfortable reading corner. Another dining table for eight people and numerous lounge beds invite you to linger on the balcony.
The furnishings are deliberately simple and kept to the minimum. Numerous built-in cupboards offer sufficient storage space in the kitchen. The high gloss of the upper cabinets reflects the sunlight and makes the room appear brighter. The base cabinets are made of solid wood. The attractive wood grain automatically attracts attention. Several wall shelves offer storage space for dishes and shelves for vases, amphoras and other home accessories.
Right next to the kitchen area, a wide corner sofa invites you to relax in front of the fireplace. The living area offers seating for 10 guests. So nothing stands in the way of cozy cooking evenings with family and friends.
A designer armchair with a metal frame and leather seat right next to the corner sofa offers the opportunity to relax with a book and a glass of wine and watch the boats on the river.
A comfortable dining area completes the living area. The spacious living area has three glazed sides. The sliding doors can be opened and closed electrically and in this way can expand the living space outside. Perfect for an outdoor summer party.
A project byBates Masi Architects
