Joeb Moore + Partners Architects designed a house in Kent, Connecticut that spans across the landscape. The Bridge House sits along a 300 feet ridge that parallels the Housatonic River and Kent Falls State Park.
Image Courtesy of Joeb Moore + Partners Architects, LLC.
Our impression of the falls and the more recent “historic covered-wood bridges” of the area inspired the conceptual design of the Bridge House.
Image Courtesy of Joeb Moore + Partners Architects, LLC.
The design of the residence embraces the landscape in a unique way. Translating and mirroring the slow geological flow of bedrock and the most active flows and streams of water above, the architects came up with a strategy where the building becomes a bridge, springing out of the sloping topography. This strategy makes the house appear as if it turns and spans across the landscape.
Image Courtesy of Joeb Moore + Partners Architects, LLC.
The connecting ‘bridge’ that houses the living and dining areas, is anchored into the hillside by two concrete foundation/buttress/chimney structures with dual hearths.
Image Courtesy of Joeb Moore + Partners Architects, LLC.
The house form and its key interlocking space, the dual living/dining area, are open on both sides, offering stunning views of the Housatonic River below, and the valley floor.
Image Courtesy of Joeb Moore + Partners Architects, LLC.
The living/dining area and the vertical stair-light wells are a wonderful example of a “camera lucida” or viewing chamber, projecting external conditions (site views, changing weather, light, and air) on internal relations (activities, rituals) and vice versa.
Image Courtesy of Joeb Moore + Partners Architects, LLC.
The interior spaces create a feeling of suspension, and strong relation to the outdoors. The house oscillates between a tree house, a campground, and a cave all in one, providing a perfect vacation retreat.
Image Courtesy of Joeb Moore + Partners Architects, LLC.
Image Courtesy of Joeb Moore + Partners Architects, LLC.
Image Courtesy of Joeb Moore + Partners Architects, LLC.
Image Courtesy of Joeb Moore + Partners Architects, LLC.
Facts:
Architects: Joeb Moore + Partners Architects, LLC
Location: Kent, Connecticut, USA
Structural Engineer: Ed Stanley and Associates
Mechanical Engineer: ENCON Inc.
General Contractor: Corporate Construction, Inc.
Landscape Architect: Donald Walsh
Project Area: 5,000 sqf
Project Year: 2010
Photographs: Frank Oudeman, Michael Biondo, David Sundberg/Esto
*All images and information courtesy of Joeb Moore + Partners Architects, LLC.
