COVE ROAD RESIDENCE

Location: Stratford, PE
Function: Residential, Single Family
Building Size: 2,150 SF
Status: Completed 2019

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Cove Road Residence perches on a steep lot overlooking Bellevue Cove in Stratford, PEI.  The concept for this three-storey home plus roof deck is a response to the owners’ desire for a view of the cove over the treetops and existing homes to the south. The modern form and cantilevers are complemented by use of traditional materials.

 

A defining characteristic of the Cove Road residence is the stair tower that connects three levels of living space with primary entry and powder room at the two intermediary landing levels. The ground floor with a secondary entry, single-car garage and a home gym is on axis with Keppoch Road and Cove Road, while the upper two floors of living space are rotated, cantilevering towards the primary view of Bellevue Cove.

 

Spatially, the organization of the Cove Road residence is an inversion of a traditional home. The first intermediary landing between the ground floor and second floor is the primary entry, at the elevation of Keppoch Road. Continuing up the stairs to the second floor is where the primary and secondary bedrooms and bathroom are located, with access to a roof deck over the garage. The kitchen, dining room, and living room are located on the third floor at the highest interior elevation to take advantage of the views towards the water.

 

At the third level stair landing, an exterior door provides access to a BBQ deck and the stairs con­tinue up along the exterior of the house, leading to a roof deck with unobstructed views across the water.

 

One of the regulatory challenges with the Cove Road residence is its verticality as it was crucial to maximize the allowable building height to provide views. Careful consideration was given to the stair tower and access to the roof deck so as not to exceed the maximum building height and main­tain the monolithic form and material expression. The typical ship-lapped siding transitions to a horizontal slatted railing at the location where the stair transitions from interior to exterior.