Project Description
2005 CHDA
Custom Home Less Than 3,000 Square Feet / Merit Award
Subtle allusions to the sea permeate this Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., guest house. Inspired by the home’s island location and drawing on his boat-building background, architect Keith Moskow designed a “gem of a maritime reference,” according to the jury.
“I know how curvilinear things go together,” explains Moskow, referring to the bedroom ceiling that swoops over the space like an inverted hull of a boat. Topside, the roof extends into gently curved overhangs that work with the home’s passive solar orientation. Lead-coated copper fish-scale roof shingles playfully allude to the home’s maritime theme.
Moskow’s years as a boat builder also served well for fitting a full contingent of amenities into the 800-square-foot plan. A small full bath is tucked into a “knuckle” between bedroom and gathering room. The tiny but functional kitchen occupies the prow of the multipurpose gathering room, and it is detailed for galley-like efficiency. For example, the discreet dish-drying rack (concealed behind an ordinary cabinet door) is placed to drain onto stainless counters that slope toward the sink. Moskow stowed a laundry room and pantry in closets flanking either side of the kitchen counter.