They fascinate us, but when it comes to practicality and comfort, many glasshouses fall short. Casa Annunziata is different. The home features a stylish modernist design that offers many of the benefits of glass, such as superior light and views, while addressing potential drawbacks such as increased solar heat.
The Casa Annunziata project was born when the owners of an 18th-century mansion decided to downsize and modernize and hired Specht Architects to design something suitable for themselves and their vast art collection. They sold their previous residence and most of its extensive land, but kept his 9.75-acre (3.94 ha) parcel of Mansfield, Massachusetts to themselves.
Reminiscent of modernist touchstones such as Philip Johnson’s Glass House, the house is simply arranged on one floor and covered with expansive glass walls.
“The house itself is extremely remote from the owner’s previous residence,” explained Specht Architects. “It’s 2,000 square feet [185-sq-m] It is a mostly glass one-story pavilion with a 15-foot cantilevered sheer floating roof. [4.5 m] from the surrounding walls. This provides protection from the sun and wind and limits your AC and heating needs. The wraparound porch reflects the roof and ‘floats’ above the landscape. ”
Dror Baldinger
Due to its rural location, the owners don’t have to worry about being stared at by passers-by, so almost the entire house is on display, including the bedroom and bathroom areas, so people inside the house are always The interior layout is very simple and open, with the living room, dining room and kitchen in the middle, with bedrooms and bathrooms on either side of the house. The finishes are luxurious and high end, with seamless porcelain wall and floor surfaces, European oak cabinetry and quartz in the kitchen.
However, this minimalism is in contrast to the abundance of art and decorations scattered throughout the home. To make it all fit, Specht Architects installed built-in storage and hallway closet space, displaying everything with glass shelving and LED lighting.
Dror Baldinger
“[Specht Architects founder] Scott provided us with suggestions and tools on how to make the most of the homeowner’s antiques. For example, 16th and his 17th century forged fireside/kitchen tools hang on the walls of the master bathroom, and 17th, 18th and 19th century ‘pantry gallery walls’. Adds his co-owner Patrick Annunziata. all for fun. Our minimalist modern glass house feels spiritual rather than minimalistic. The life experience is enriching and constantly changing with the seasons, weather and daily animal activity. ”
Source: Specht Architects
