Ryan Gamma

Main stairwell at Weston Modern project. Architect: Stern McCafferty.

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Pat Sudmeier

Combining beautiful elements such as Victorian Ash treads with a glass balustrade and contemporary black steel handrail, Jasper Road is both an elegant exponent of craft as well as a bold feature.

New Oak and White closed string staircase. The first section has white closed risers with tread lighting to create that floating effect but enabling our client to have storage behind it. The top section is open riser with glass sub-risers to allow the natural light to flood through to the hall way from the large window on the half landing.

Floating staircase with steel mono-stringer and white oak treads as seen from below. The wood top rail seamlessly flows up the multi level staircase. Stairs and railings by Keuka Studios Photography by Dave Noonan

Taylor Residence by in situ studio Photo © Keith Isaacs

The open riser steel and wood custom stair is just off the entry.

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