Located on the sloping banks of the Five Mile River in Norwalk, Connecticut, this structure was conceived as a multi-generational dwelling: an independent residence for the aging parents of two young professionals. Our architectural response is rooted in restraint, guided by the site’s ecological constraints and the clients’ desire for this structure to “appear small”.
Bounded by a street-side ridge and a wetland-lined riverbank, the site offered both a challenge and an opportunity. A steep grade descends from the road to the water’s edge, where seasonal flooding and sensitive riparian zones mandated a careful footprint. We responded with an elevated, wedge-shaped volume, lifting living spaces above flood risk and pulling back from the wetlands to preserve the river’s natural ecology.
The building’s massing is calibrated to minimize its presence from the street. From that vantage point, it appears as a low-slung form, tucked into the slope and partially obscured by existing trees, which were preserved in accordance with the clients’ wishes.
As the structure progresses downhill, its form extends toward the river. Ceilings rise, walls open, and the interior expands to embrace the view. This shifting sectional experience mirrors the spatial layout within. Closer to the street, the architecture contains intimate, private spaces including a bedroom, study, and bath beneath a low roofline. Moving toward the river, the house opens to a light-filled living area with an open kitchen and uninterrupted views of the water.