Architect: Studio Bartolotta LLC

Interior Designer: Terri Ricci Interiors

Photography: Joshua McHugh

Studio Bartolotta LLC approaches this coastal residence in Darien, Connecticut, as a careful rethinking of the traditional shoreline home, guided by craftsmanship, proportion and the considered use of light. What began as a renovation evolved into a complete reimagining, allowing the studio to establish a cohesive relationship between architecture, landscape and the harbour setting.

The design is oriented toward the water, where deep verandas and terraces extend the living spaces outward. These layered thresholds moderate the coastal climate while framing views that shift with tide and season. The result is an architecture that feels both protective and open, precisely attuned to its environment.

Internally, Studio Bartolotta LLC employs a restrained material palette to create continuity and warmth. Wide plank white oak flooring, softly pigmented plaster walls and finely crafted millwork provide texture and depth, allowing natural light to define the spatial experience. Openings articulated in natural oak and steel framed glazing reinforce a calm and deliberate rhythm.

A defining intervention is the Douglas fir panelled foyer wall, where faceted geometry introduces depth, shadow and a strong sense of arrival. Extending into the ceiling, it anchors circulation and draws movement through the home.

The practice ensures the house supports contemporary living, balancing openness with defined spaces suited to both daily routines and large gatherings. Through precise detailing and collaboration with skilled artisans, Studio Bartolotta LLC delivers a home that feels both relaxed and rigorously composed, rooted in its setting and shaped by enduring material quality.