A Net-Zero House in Connecticut

A cutout in the main living room wall exposes the black balustrade and oak railing of the staircase, which reads as modern art. The doorway to the right leads to the shared entry hall, which connects with the parents’ unit next door.

The living room’s fireplace mantel is made of Utah river stone; Sean Platt Plaster created the surround above it.

Platt also imagined the gold-flecked dark blue venetian plaster ceiling—designed to mimic the night sky—in the family room.

Among the contributions by local artisans is the dining table crafted by Ian Ingersoll using a walnut slab procured at Berkshire Products in Sheffield, Massachusetts.

Kitchen countertops are Danby marble quarried in Vermont. Not wanting too much stainless steel in the room, the owners housed the exhaust hood in plaster for a warmer, less-industrial look. The door to the right leads to the home office.

Deep blue cabinets in the adjacent pantry add a happy pop of bold color to the scheme.

In a guest room, a four-poster bed balances modern and traditional sensibilities, a theme found throughout the house.

The basketweave marble tile inset in the primary bath flooring complements both the double vanity and the tub.

The soaking tub is “positioned for the best views of the property,” says the husband.

To add a playful touch to the laundry room, the owners selected wallpaper in a motif that reminded them of pussy willow branches.

A custom partners desk made by Litchfield Hills Kitchen & Bath sits by a window in the home office.

The ample outdoor dining table beneath the covered section of the rear terrace is a favorite spot for the family to gather.

Landscape architect Abigail Adams used giant boulders uncovered during the excavation of the foundation to form a defining wall framing stone steps leading to the rear of the house. Meeting the low-maintenance mandate, architect Julia Metcalf used Hardie Plank Lap Siding, a cement product, for exterior cladding.

The clients wanted a new house that was low-maintenance, built to net-zero energy standards, and designed to accommodate two generations who could each live both separately and together. It was a tall order, but the owners got exactly what they wanted by working with a team of collaborative professionals and local craftsmen and vendors. Nestled in the hills of bucolic Litchfield County, the handsome house is proof positive that in the right hands, green technology and beautiful, personal design can make happy symbiotic companions.

The younger of the generations, a married couple who had been living in Manhattan and weekending on Long Island, were ready for a change. The wife had grown up in this picturesque corner of rural Connecticut and liked the low-key atmosphere, natural beauty, and outdoor opportunities. Meanwhile, her empty-nest parents were looking to transition to the next stage of their lives. Together, they purchased ten acres of woodland and hatched a plan to build a primary residence for both their futures.

Architect Julia Metcalf designed a 6,500-square-foot structure as two separate residences connected by a central high-ceilinged corridor that runs from the front door to the rear terrace. To the right is the one-story “in-law” unit, to the left is the larger two-story space occupied by the younger couple. Straight ahead is the view to the rolling hills.

To meet net-zero status, the project was designed to use energy at levels equal to or less than the amount of renewable energy created on-site. “As an architect, it is my duty to help the environment,” says Metcalf, who opted for a geothermal heating and cooling system, which eliminates the need for fossil fuels save for a back-up generator. Solar panels on the southeast-facing roof provide electricity. The house also has an envelope that exceeds building code requirements by 25 percent and low-emissivity triple-pane Marvin windows.

Sensitivity to the environment was also important in the interior design of the house. “We used eco-friendly and sustainable materials,” says designer Kathryn Hunt. The younger couple wanted space and amenities that would facilitate entertaining and overnight guests. “I’m from a large family,” says the husband, “so I wanted an open floor plan for the kitchen and dining area.” The adjacent family room has double pocket doors that, when open, connect the two spaces. Upstairs, well-appointed bedrooms and baths await visitors.

“We wanted a modern farmhouse feel,” says the wife, which they achieved with a muted palette and natural materials such as the white-oak floors, Vermont Danby marble countertops, and the custom walnut dining table.

Landscape architect Abigail Adams of A2 Land Consulting was brought on early in the process and worked with the team to create lawn and meadow and thoughtfully placed plantings to enhance the property from every angle. A favorite spot for both couples is the rear terrace, which is directly accessible from each of their units and where they often meet at the end of the day to enjoy the view and the quiet.

Both indoors and out, every aspect of the home meets the needs of two generations thanks to the stellar designers. “The design team was willing to take feedback and be collaborative,” says the husband of the younger couple. The result is two sets of satisfied homeowners.

Project Team
Architecture: Julia Metcalf Architecture & Interior Design
Interior design: Kathryn Hunt Studio
Builder: SCW Custom Builders
Landscape design: A2 Land Consulting