Northern Outlook

On a clear day, the sweeping north-facing views stretch all the way to Provincetown from this year-round Cape Cod residence that reinterprets the traditional gambrel design through a contemporary lens. DNA designed this home to balance classic coastal vernacular with refined geometry and a deep connection to light and landscape.

The client’s vision was clear: a gambrel silhouette that felt timeless, yet tailored to modern living. DNA leveraged the rooflines to sculpt interior volumes, using symmetry and angles to define the space in a way that is both disciplined and dynamic. Because the view is north-facing, DNA responded with a design that captures sunlight from every possible vantage point and invites daylight deep into the home through a dramatic clerestory. Serving as the architectural heart of the plan, the clerestory unites the home’s primary spaces.

The residence unfolds around a series of courtyards, creating a strong indoor-outdoor connection. Two wings embrace a circular drive and form a sheltered outdoor environment protected from the northern winds. Dormers that define the first- and second-floor hallways help shape the courtyard experience. A separate cabana, connected visually and spatially by a pergola, completes the ensemble and echoes the home’s rhythm of connection and openness.

Inside, the main floor is designed for relaxed living and entertaining. The kitchen and adjoining butler’s pantry serve as a hub for gathering, opening to a dining area positioned directly beneath the clerestory’s wash of natural light. Beyond, the living room projects outward and is surrounded by expansive windows on all sides, while a two-sided fireplace warms both interior gatherings and the adjoining terrace. A complementary family room provides generous seating and completes the entry axis with panoramic views.

The first floor also includes the primary bedroom, a private office, and an outdoor shower, all with expansive views and direct access to the heated pool and terrace. The primary bathroom is conceived as a serene retreat, with distinct areas tailored to each spouse. A floating ceiling above the soaking tub and carefully integrated indirect lighting create moments of calm, while radiant heated floors enhance comfort. The husband’s preference for outdoor showering further reinforces the home’s coastal indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Materially and spatially, every detail works in service of natural light. From the indirect illumination in the kitchen and baths to the shifting shadows cast by the skylight throughout the day, the home unfolds as a modern interpretation of coastal tradition. The attached three-car garage includes an upper-level, two-bedroom guest suite complete with its own kitchen, dining area, full bathroom, and children’s playroom, providing a comfortable retreat for extended family stays.

Project team:

Builder: Rogers & Marney
Landscape Architect: Sudbury Design Group
Interior Design: Jessica Vaule
Photographer: Nat Rea