2014 Annual Architects Issue

A small compact lot, in an otherwise large over

scaled 1980’s neighborhood, is the setting for

this site at the end of dead end street that over-

looks an overgrown abandoned railway track

The existing 400 square foot stone structure is the last

remaining cabin built as a retreat for the employees of Gen-

eral Electric in the1930’s.

The program was an acknowledgment of simplicity, low site

impact and a “green” focus.

The existing lot was not large enough for a septic design for

a 3-bedroom house. There was a sliver of land, 500 square

feet, which was donated to the Archdiocese of Bridgeport.

The Archdiocese was approached and they agreed to sell the

500 square feet. There is also a “paper” road along that

continues from the street owned by the Town. It became a

permanent 35″ vegetation screen along that side of the site.

Given the non-conforming site, after the setbacks were

placed there was an area of 25′ that could be built on (see

existing site plan). The site had a large area that was ledge.

The parti was to create an inner court yard, shielded from

the neighboring structure. The site is a rolling terrain of

rock outcroppings. The new structure with the existing

created a”U”shape space that was focused towards the cliff

over the former railway.

The center structure was lifted up off the ledge out crop-

ping to avoid blasting and therefore creating a”bridge”

from the existing structure to the sleeping quarters. This

also created the “wall” separating the pedestrians from the
automobiles.

The interior has a scored concrete floor with radiant heat-

ing. The floor also provides a thermal mass for collecting

the sunlight heat. Bio-based plywood was specified for the

walls and ceilings.

An important goal was to minmize any impact on the site

and use products that were local. The horizontal siding

is milled from salvaged beams. The slats provide the rain

screen for the structure as well as shielding in front of some

windows for privacy from the neighbors but allowed natural

light through.

There are retractable doors on the first floor to allow the

outdoor “rooms”to be combined with the interior rooms.

The live roof will be partially watered using the grey water

from the residence