thE LITTLE HOUSE

little compton, ri

This client was downsizing from a much larger family home and wanted something small & cozy to maintain in retirement.  The home still needed to provide guest quarters upstairs for the occasional visiting adult children.  The goal was to create compact, cozy living spaces that wouldn’t overwhelm a single dweller, but that could provide enough space to host a handful of people on special occasions.  This is achieved by combining the Living & Dining into one Great Room that feels spacious, and nestling the Kitchen to one side of this, allowing it to be open but using a contrasting color island to create a visual separation.  Soapstone countertops and wood stove niche bring a traditional warmth to the space, and a copper backsplash complements the deep navy hue of the island.  Character Oak flooring and wood accents provide a lasting durability and cabin-esque tone.

The compact primary suite on first floor allows for seamless daily living and aging in place.  Living spaces are located along the South side of the home to take advantage of sunlight.  The Great Room faces due Southwest to collect the heat from the setting sun, both to warm the interiors and power the solar panels on the roof.  An efficient Kitchen is located in a bump out off the great room and allows for a more open plan living while a smaller den/tv room is located in a separate room that can be closed down for a cozier feel.

The client wanted an all-electric house with minimal energy needs.  The house ended up producing all the energy needed via a solar array that is located on the main house as well as the detached garage outbuilding.  A central hall bisects the open plan gable volume from the more private two-story wing of the house.  Program housed in the two-story volume is Primary suite, Powder room, and Den downstairs with guest bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs.

General Contractor: Jacob Talbot Fine Homebuilders

Structural Engineer: Webb Structural Services

Landscape Architect: Martha Moore

Stonemason: Kevin Baker

Solar Panels: Isaksen Solar

Photography: Liz Daly