The design emphasizes a strong connection to the surrounding landscape, featuring a setting that includes a pond and a forest. It serves as a community space, fostering social interaction while prioritizing inclusivity and sustainable practices. The overall concept revolves around blending indoor and outdoor areas, creating a harmonious relationship with nature.

Great Room and Its Functionality

The great room serves as the heart of the space, defined by its double-height ceiling and large windows that provide views of the natural surroundings. This room transitions into the north porch through sliding double doors, encouraging movement between inside and outside. Natural light floods the space due to the strategically positioned windows that start at floor level and the inclusion of skylights, creating an inviting atmosphere for occupants.

Versatility of Transition Spaces

Adjacent to the great room, the north porch and stone patio are designed for flexibility, accommodating activities like yoga and tea-making workshops. These spaces can host both small gatherings and larger community events, offering people various options for interaction. The fire pit, made from reclaimed stone sourced from a nearby barn, serves as a cozy outdoor gathering spot, complementing the great room's indoor fireplace.

Incorporating Inclusivity and Accessibility

A key focus of the design is inclusivity. The layout features a ramp to ensure that everyone can access the spaces easily. The first floor includes guest accommodations and a washroom designed with accessibility in mind, catering to users of all abilities. The arrangement of the great room, north porch, and stone patio allows for adaptability, ensuring that diverse needs are met within the community.

Sustainability Strategies

Sustainability plays a significant role in the design. The guesthouse footprint is limited to the existing foundation, which minimizes environmental impact. Elevated finished floors allow for radiant heating and cooling systems powered by ground source heat pumps. The exterior walls are made from 3-D printed clay, designed with cavity fill insulation for improved energy efficiency. Solar panel roof shingles over the west porch further enhance the building's sustainability, while energy-efficient windows with bird deterrent coatings contribute to ecological responsibility.

The project features a covered west porch that invites outdoor use throughout the year. This area complements the overall design, fostering a connection between the built environment and nature through thoughtful planning and user-centered design.