House on the Pond is a project designed by River Architects. The clients needed to modify an existing log cabin in a wetlands buffer zone to accommodate a larger entry vestibule, new kitchen, primary suite, and a finished basement. In response to the clients’ desire for a deep energy-retrofit, River Architects designed the new wing to meet Passive House standards. Photography by Brad Dickson.

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In response to the clients? program, the existing 1-story southern wing was removed and replaced with a 2-story addition. To visually articulate the addition, we created a rectangular box with an angled roof that orients the view toward the property’s pond. The 2nd-floor addition is expressed as if a light box were inserted in a dark box, amplifying natural light. We provided an ample room at the entry vestibule where the family can unload outdoor gear and hide it away it in a large, walk-in-closet that is immediately next to the vestibule. The existing kitchen was replaced with a new, enlarged kitchen in the same location, but with a new orientation toward the living room and the back patio, where barbeques and open-air gatherings would take place. The pantry and the laundry room, with a discreet door to the bathroom, were located immediately west of the kitchen. A home-office is above the vestibule.
We arranged the 2nd-floor addition to include an outdoor deck, accessed from the primary suite and the home office. This became the perfect plac...