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Baldwin Hill House: A Sustainable Retreat in the Berkshires
Egremont, MA – In a stunning transformation of the Berkshires, a couple, newly empty nesters, has turned to Barlis Wedlick Architects to create their dream home on a picturesque 25-acre property. Located at the top of a hill, the Baldwin Hill House is designed not only to serve as a family gathering space but also to embrace the beauty of its rural surroundings.
The couple’s journey began as they sought a fresh start after their children left for college. With a focus on Western Massachusetts, they found the Berkshires, a region known for its mix of beautiful landscapes and vibrant cultural activities, to be the ideal location for their new home. Alan Barlis, principal architect at Barlis Wedlick, explains that the design criteria included catering to a large family with diverse interests and ample space for outdoor activities and their love for dogs.
Understanding the importance of blending the new structure with the local environment, Barlis drew inspiration from traditional agricultural buildings in the area. He aimed to create a design that was modern yet harmonized with the existing rural vernacular. The result is a striking home characterized by steep gabled roofs and dark stained cedar siding that allows the natural landscape to remain the focal point.
As visitors approach the Baldwin Hill House, they catch glimpses of both the architecture and the breathtaking views of the Berkshires. The design cleverly plays with perception; the house may appear small from the outside, but the interior presents spacious volumes that create a feeling of openness and comfort.
The home boasts a variety of outdoor living spaces, including a wrap-around deck, a spa, and a fire pit, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding woods and meadows. Barlis collaborated with landscape architects from Wagner Hodgson to ensure a smooth transition from the home to the natural landscape, utilizing stepped terraces that enhance accessibility to the outdoors. A distinctive three-sided screen porch serves as a bridge between indoor and outdoor areas, linking the kitchen to stunning outdoor settings.
Inside, the Baldwin Hill House is designed to balance communal gathering spaces with cozy nooks for personal reflection. Large areas allow the family to come together, while intimate spots provide privacy for individual activities. The use of natural materials, including wood, stone, and metal throughout the interior helps the home feel cohesive with its rural context. Rustic wooden columns frame the kitchen, and a striking double-height fireplace made of natural stone and architectural plaster visually defines different zones in the open living space.
Significantly, the home incorporates high-performance building systems to ensure sustainability. Barlis Wedlick Architects have long been pioneers in Passive House design, and Baldwin Hill House adheres to these principles. With carefully engineered thermal barriers, triple-pane UPVC windows, and a meticulously designed building envelope, the home achieves near net-zero energy performance. To further enhance its sustainability, the house is equipped with a solar array and electric heat pumps which ensure efficient heating and cooling.
Alan Barlis sums up the essence of the design, stating, “The home is humble but grand at the same time.” The Baldwin Hill House exemplifies the harmonious blend of aesthetic beauty and sustainable living, reflecting the philosophy of integrating high-quality design with high-performance standards, making it a remarkable addition to the Berkshire landscape.
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