Located in the foothills of the Berkshires, Mount Mauwee House is set deep within the woods atop one of Connecticut’s highest peaks. With a minimal footprint, the design preserves the natural landscape, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Its deceptively simple form uses prefabricated trusses and traditional building methods to create intriguing spaces with efficiency, while its material palette imbues it with warmth and texture.

The exterior appearance is that of a single-story home, yet upon entering the interior opens up to a series of light-filled lofted spaces over three stories. The uppermost floor, contained within an asymmetric hip roof, extends beyond the lower levels, creating an exterior room with framed views of the Catskill Mountains. To minimize cost and to expedite the construction schedule, the structure is made of 63 unique prefabricated roof trusses supported by standard framing resulting in evocative spaces and openings on the upper floor.

The orientation of the house and overhangs allow direct light in the winter and provide solar protection in the summer. By tucking the second level inside the roof, the building’s envelope remains compact, enhancing its overall energy efficiency.

The Mount Mauwee House is a precedent for how to build a small house at a high quality within a tight budget. The cost savings and economy of means allowed for a more robust investment in custom detailing and materials. By elevating standard residential construction techniques, the house creates spaces that are both dignified and joyful, seamlessly connecting the interior with the surrounding landscape.

Featured In:
The New York Times

Awards:
2022 AIACT Design Award
2020 BSA Design Award
2020 AIANY Residential Design Award

Lectures:
2020 “ResArch Now” Lecture

“This home is elegant in form and smart in program. It does a lot with a little: masterfully framing views, successfully connecting interior spaces to the outdoors, tucking bedrooms into its roof spaces. The central skylight moment is striking. Mount Mauwee House challenges us to think small.”
- BSA Jury Comment (2020).

“Small, appropriately scaled and compelling house, interesting section, and thoughtful approach to site. The design shows restraint and focuses attention on the spectacular views”.
- AIA CT Jury Comment (2022).