Mt Washington, Massachusetts

Mountain Retreat

Set within the Berkshire Mountains, this remarkable property encompasses open meadows, established woodland and a natural stream, with sweeping views towards Mount Everett, the highest peak in the Southern Taconic Mountains. The landscape’s distinctive topography and natural character provided the starting point for a masterplan exploring the careful integration of two new residences within their surroundings.

DEA was commissioned to establish the siting of a new main residence and guest house, taking a leading role in the earliest stages of the design process, before an architect had been appointed. Working from the clients’ spatial requirements, we developed preliminary floor plans and three-dimensional architectural models, allowing us to investigate alternative building locations, orientations and finished floor elevations.

Through a series of site studies and architectural visualisations, we explored how each residence could be positioned within the existing terrain, balancing long-distance mountain views with solar orientation, privacy and the relationship between the buildings and surrounding landscape. Particular consideration was given to the natural changes in elevation and the experience of the architecture within its woodland and meadow setting.

The resulting masterplan establishes a considered framework for the property’s future development, positioning the proposed residences to take advantage of the site’s remarkable views while preserving the natural qualities that make the landscape so distinctive.