Suburban Farmhouse

Using common, humble materials, asphalt shingles and vinyl siding, it manages, with the help of ornamental swags and fluted square columns, to evoke a degree of elegance.

The family camp consists of three buildings: The main cabin contains the living spaces; the second is the sleeping cabin; and smallest of the trio is for guests. The angular geometry of the roofs and placement of the buildings creates a dynamic ensemble.

A tower serves as the entrance and links the main wing of the house to the guest quarters. The entry under the tower is like a breezeway with barn doors on each side and dark interior finishes of a tack room. The new house and barn face a courtyard incorporating the remains of old farm buildings.

The first floor functions as a living room in the summer with French doors that open to the view. At the end of the season, the furniture is moved aside to make room for the pick-up truck. Lanterns suspended from the points of the roof are standard mooring balls fitted with light bulbs inside.