The home’s architecture was inspired by the summer cottages on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, but the Beechwood With Tower summerhouse cottage at The Pinehills master-planned community in Plymouth, Mass., is a year-round residence that has achieved the Gold level of the National Green Building Standard.
Combining old world charm and craftsmanship with state-of-the-art amenities and energy efficiency, perhaps the home’s greatest accomplishment is in how it combines new and old ideas — from solar panels and the latest appliances to wrap-around porches and rain barrels — to create a smarter and more sustainable living environment.
A Sustainable Living Environment
Winner of two 2010 Best in American Living Award (BALA) Gold awards — in the categories of green building and single-family detached home of 2,001-3,000 square feet — the home, while thoroughly modern and up-to-date, feels as though it has been added onto over time, much like upgrades to older seaside cottages on Cape Cod.
Pulled Together by Wood Floors
The first floor's 27-foot by 27-foot open living space unifies a kitchen, dining and living area with wood floors, a native fieldstone fireplace and beadboard ceilings.
Second Floor With Space to Work
The second floor's open office/loft area leads to a guest bedroom and an owner's suite with a cathedral ceiling.
The vintage cottage feeling is continued in the master bath "addition," where the roof shingles of the "old" house can be seen. For privacy and natural light, a band of high glass surrounds a custom shower and soaking tub.
A Tower for Getting Away
The tower or third floor loft is a private getaway for reading, enjoying a hobby or daydreaming. The tower provides views overlooking The Pinehills' Village Green.
Nestled in a neighborhood of 32 homes, the Beechwood With Tower has a wraparound porch that extends to a patio featuring a custom grilling area with sliding barn doors that open to a summer kitchen for entertaining.
The landscaping incorporates native plantings, transplanted trees, pervious pavers and a rain barrel that collects roof runoff to reduce irrigation and maintenance.
The home’s high-efficiency furnace, small array of solar panels on the tower and superior insulation and windows helped earn a National Green Building Standard Gold certification and a HERS rating of 59 — 41% more efficient than a standard home of its size.
Walking paths connect the neighborhood with the Village Green retail and commercial area.
