Harbor Shingle Style

Harbor Shingle Style

This Haven on the Sound was envisioned for a public-facing couple seeking respite from a demanding lifestyle and a deeper connection to the quiet rhythm of coastal living. A contemporary nod to Shingle Style architecture, the main residence and its ancillary structures are defined by graceful proportions, restrained detailing, and consistent materials of cedar shingles and fieldstone.

A simple, well-resolved floor plan ensures that most rooms capture commanding views of a picturesque Connecticut harbor. Orientation played a central role in the design, with the home carefully positioned to embrace the soft morning light from its eastern exposure while also framing expansive sunset views through generous spans of glass.

The site’s pronounced cross slope, descending from the rear of the property toward the waterline, required sensitive grading and thoughtful integration into the landscape. This careful manipulation of terrain allows the residence to sit comfortably within its setting, giving it a grounded, established presence rather than a sense of imposition.

White cedar shakes clad both façade and roof, creating a cohesive, tonal exterior expression that reinforces the home’s simplicity and connection to coastal tradition. Attention to material craft continues in the extensive use of dry-stacked stonework throughout the site, executed with particular care to ensure a sense of permanence and tactile richness within the landscape.

Photography: Adam Kane-Macchia
Interiors: Mark Finlay Interiors