This landscape is a comprehensive renewal of a two-acre parcel in Oyster Harbors overlooking West Bay in Osterville, Massachusetts. The new main residence, garage, and guest house were all sited beyond the coastal bank setback, unlike the existing building and terrace that were located on top of the coastal bank. A drive and arrival court, swimming pool and spa, terraced lawn, and an extensive path system were integrated. The design strategy partitioned the site into smaller volumes to prolong the experiential sequence and to expand the impression of open area. Inspired by Cape Cod’s vernacular of clipped hedges and enclosed gardens the site design responded to the buildings’ symmetry in the composition of interconnected and overlapping landscape volumes. Impervious surfaces within the coastal bank setback were eliminated, increasing the coastal bank’s stability and wildlife habitat. Soil sensors tied to the irrigation system to prevent unnecessary water usage, and native drought tolerant species were specified with an organic maintenance program.

Collaborators
Catalano Architects Inc.

Photography
Charles Mayer