Modern Farmhouse

Text by Edward Keegan

This 3,800-square-foot home, designed by Boston-based Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects, is a contemporary take on the traditional Connecticut farmhouse. Set on over 100 acres, the cross-shaped plan places rooms along an east-west axis with the main living spaces facing south to maximize passive solar performance: Eaves and trellises shade against the summer sun while letting the winter sun reach the interior.

The exterior's crisp detailing of traditional gabled forms carries through to the carefully crafted interior, which features natural tones and textures. Oak flooring throughout is a notable historic touch, in look and in actual age—the wood was reclaimed from old structures like those that provided the home’s design inspiration.

The architects worked with Huntington Homes in East Montpelier, Vt., to build the modular assembly, reducing the overall construction timeline; the pieces were assembled on site by H+Y Construction. The home's high-performance envelope, including insulation, triple-pane windows, heat recovery ventilation, and a high-efficiency HVAC system, minimizes energy consumption and reduces costs.

“It's surprising that this is a modular project, and that they could achieve this minimal farmhouse look. It seems very creative.”
— Juror Janet Bloomberg

Architect: Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects Builder: H+Y Construction
Size: 3,800 square feet
Cost: $375 per square foot