William M. Mack, Architect / Branford, CT

his new home is being built into the side of a highly elevated site in a neighborhood of contemporary homes. The pre-existing home on this site could not be utilized effectively, because the main floor elevation was too low to fully take advantage of spectacular water views in two directions, the lower level of the existing residence was cold, dark and damp, and there was no room on the site for cars. The architect's solution was to build a three-car garage in the lower level of the new structure, and to elevate the entire upper floor so as to fully take advantage of the water views to the south and the west. The right side of the lower level is elevated from the garage level to provide dry, warm finished space on the lower level, which results in a change in levels on the main floor upstairs also.

The plan is divided between living space on the west side and bedrooms on the east side, connected by a bridge that spans across the central vertical circulation spine, lighted by a barrel-vault skylight. The living space is comprised of one great room with open kitchen off the north side, framed with two very large laminated beams framing the central fireplace and the two walls of glass, one on each side, that open to the two water views. The fireplace is positioned deliberately to block the view of a close neighboring house which is located between the two water views. The two walls of glass in the great room, and the south wall of the master bedroom, are all protected by 4 ft. roof overhangs. A large screened porch on the northwest corner of the home does not block any of the views, but itself enjoys both water views. This home is still under construction.

382 Old Whitfield Street • Guilford, CT 06437 • 203-453-8374 • Fax 203-453-1426 • william.mack@snet.net

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