Kent House
With framed views, generous glazing and multiple openings, Kent House embraces the natural landscape. Designed by Brent Buck Architects, the family home balances privacy and connection while maintaining a sense of place.
Set beyond a rocky brook and surrounded by trees, Kent House nestles into the countryside. Past the neighbouring hills lie further views of natural Connecticut, including its protected wetland and mountain ranges. “The brief was to create a multi-generational home that engages with the land in a simple, organic way,” says Brent Buck, founder of Brent Buck Architects. “We wanted the design to feel both warm and of its place, providing areas for gathering and hospitality as well as private retreat when needed.” As the site had already been occupied by a smaller dwelling, construction was not new to the area. Nonetheless, the project was planned to minimise its impact on the landscape and honour its character.
Inspired by the tranquil setting, the entry sequence is unhurried. A discreet garage on the lower level enables an unobstructed view across the driveway to the low-lying home. The exterior showcases dark, cedar-clad walls that support pitched metal roofs – featuring clean lines and simple geometries, the structure remains legible amid the surrounding foliage. Inside, a low-ceilinged entryway looks out to the nearby brook. “The long landscape view is hidden until you step further inside,” says Buck. “Then the architecture opens dramatically to the outdoors. That moment of revelation defines the residential experience.” The living areas unfold within an expansive volume tailored to entertaining, while the private wing, located opposite, shelters the bedrooms. A covered walkway forms the transitional space between the main home and the guesthouse.
Within the social areas, the primary gathering point consists of a large dining table paired with understated pendant lights. To draw family life outward, a four-season porch is extended towards the pool and garden, just as the outdoors is invited in through floor-to-ceiling windows and strategically placed skylights that increase natural light. “We used oak for the flooring and cabinetry to lend a tactile quality to the interiors that feels authentic to the region,” says Buck. “Locally-sourced white marble provides a refined contrast, grounding the durable palette in its location.” The roof structure is made from Douglas fir – chosen for its strength and visual warmth – while the furniture echoes the pared-back architecture.
An inviting country home, Kent House offers a thoughtful balance of shared and private spaces. Crafting an effortless relationship between home and landscape, Brent Buck Architects delivers a timeless residence that will serve generations to come.
Architecture and interior design by Brent Buck Architects. Build by H&Y Construction.
