June 13, 2022 | Admin
In the historic district of a quaint village on Cape Cod, is an unmissable shingled cape on a corner lot. This timeless architectural gem was the result of collaboration between the homeowners, designers and the building teams. Together with the owners, LDa Architecture and Interiors and ARCHWRIGHT Fine Home Builders reimagined a tired cape as an expansive, sun-drenched stunner, which now serves as a gathering place for a large family during the warmer months. It’s the epitome of inviting, laid-back elegance.
"This home was designed to withstand family parties, sandy feet and furry four-legged friends,
without sacrificing beauty."
-Cara Meneses, co-founder of ARCHWRIGHT
“The client had an exceptional eye for design,” remarks John Day, Principal at LDa Architecture and Interiors. “We really enjoyed the process of collaboration with them on such a beautiful retreat.” He notes that the owners embraced the historic guidelines, instead of seeing them as limitations. The cape was updated using traditional materials and details and is in perfect keeping with the historic nature of the neighborhood. The front of the original house was preserved and artwork that had once been painted on the mantle was salvaged and hung.
Cara Meneses, co-founder of ARCHWRIGHT, also mentions the natural synergy of the teams and with the client, and echoes John Day’s appreciation for the homeowners’ sophisticated taste. “This home was designed to withstand family parties, sandy feet and furry four-legged friends,” she says, “without sacrificing beauty.”
The renovations were substantial. The original home, which lacked insulation and a foundation, was lifted and repositioned to accommodate the new large addition on the steeply graded backyard. Project Manager Mike Bard was crucial to LDa’s success on the project, for which they were honored with the Silver Award for Excellence in Remodeling at the 2021 BRICC Awards.
All of the teams recalibrated to keep the project running smoothly during the height of the pandemic. Meneses says that ARCHWRIGHT made many adjustments for efficiency during that time. For instance, all walls were prefabricated off site and arrived on a truck for framing. Project Manager Mike Mailloux was a pivotal part of on-site management. Meneses stresses that Mailloux’s skill and efficiency were critical.
Inside the house, Cynthia Hayes, of Cynthia Hayes Interior Design, worked her minimalist magic, creating a comfortable and uncluttered space. Streamlined functionality and breezy simplicity are her trademarks. Sticking with a neutral palette (apart from a mallard-green office tucked away upstairs), Hayes incorporated natural beachy fibers like linen and sisal.
In the crisp white kitchen, there isn’t a pattern in sight; the cabinets, glossy countertops and tile backsplash are solid white. Custom upper cabinets extend up to the ceiling, creating extra storage and visually giving even more height to the room. Like the rest of the house, the kitchen feels open and airy, with a triple window above the sink and outstanding millwork throughout. Each room is a work of art in itself. Soaring vaulted ceilings are the focal point of the master bedroom and the décor is kept soft and light. The breathtaking living room opens through triple french doors to a patio and views of the Cape Cod Sound.
Award-winning Landscape Architect Patricia Van Buskirk, of Patricia Van Buskirk Landscape Architecture, added Fieldstone stone walls capped with Bluestone into the land’s natural gradation, creating a much more functional tiered yard below the patio. The kitchen and screened porch both open to the patio area, creating a natural flow between indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. From the curved gravel driveway, you are greeted by hydrangeas and Summersweet, and rustic steps lead you to a circular shade garden.
Architecture: LDa Architects & Interiors
Construction: Archwright Builders
Interior Design: Cynthia Hayes Interior Design
Landscape Design: Patricia Van Buskirk Landscape Architecture
Garage Doors: Designer Garage Door
Writer: Kate Ellis
Photography: Greg Premru
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