Calm Connection – Sheffield Residence by Of Possible

Sheffield Residence is the awakening of a deep connection to place through a contemporary reiteration of a contextually responsive architectural approach. Of Possible draws from the embedded historical links to the site and the surrounds, and through a contemporary lens, crafts a home that both respects the past and celebrates the future.

Located within its namesake within Massachusetts, the site was familiar and well-known to the owners as they grew up in the area. Although an existing two-level home stood on the grounds, the extent of the work needed stemmed from the unsuitable nature of the structure. In preparing for the coming years and integrating an ease of movement across thresholds both within the home and between the built and natural elements on site, the new form needed to sit snugly on the terrain and almost dissolve the traditional bounding edges. Across the generous and expansive property, Of Possible ensures a series of framed views from within act to remind the owners of their surrounds, eliciting memories from their youth.

As a nod to the existing New England vernacular, the proposal combined a similar sensibility of silhouette and roof pitch to the more traditional styles, whilst also folding in connections to the barn-style forms dotted across the landscape.

As a nod to the existing New England vernacular, the proposal combined a similar sensibility of silhouette and roof pitch to the more traditional styles, whilst also folding in connections to the barn-style forms dotted across the landscape. There is a classical rhythm created across the façade, with a balance of open and closed elements connecting inside and out. The home provides a first-row seat to the inevitably changing landscape throughout the year – allowing for places of contemplation and calm were a priority.

Throughout the residence, a considered effort has been made to tone down and create moments of pause. Encased in such lush and developed landscape, the home embraces both privacy and meditation. Floating almost above the landscape and vast grassed areas, an expressed junction between the outer terraces that surround the house emphasises the subtleties that exist between the natural and built elements. The restrictive palette and integration of muted timber throughout ensures the landscape remains the focus, with the architecture and the interior design acting as a complement to the experience of place.

Encased in such lush and developed landscape, the home embraces both privacy and meditation.

There is a consciousness to the way in which Sheffield Residence interacts with its site. Through a refined and elevated approach, Of Possible ensures an immersion within the landscape and facilitates the connection between the clients’ past and present.