This project in Falmouth, Massachusetts, was originally conceived as a vacation getaway near the beach. During the design phase, however, the owner decided to create a “home away from home” with all the amenities of a year-round residence. On the main level, MSH designed a spacious kitchen and open dining room and living room. The open space interlocks both horizontally and vertically with a two-story foyer along the west side. The dining room and living room both open up to a curved patio that suggests a nautical “prow” for the house. The patio, shaded by the open slatted deck above, affords relief from the sun. .

On the second level, you can travel the length of an open balcony, looking down to below, as well as through a two-story window wall, allowing panoramic views of the ocean. From the second floor balcony, a bridge connects to a smaller balcony overlooking the principal entry, another nautical allusion.

The second level features a master bedroom suite and two children’s rooms, as well as a comfortable common bathroom and laundry room. The master bedroom suite includes a master bath equipped with an oversized shower and antique sinks. The master bedroom has a gable end cathedral ceiling that soars up to the roof ridge. Skylights and a ceiling fan balance light and ventilation for comfort in warm weather.

The uppermost attic level is finished with sloped ceilings and dormers, providing spacious bunking quarters to accommodate additional visitors. The lowest level is also finished to provide a play space for children.