Northern Outlook
by Doreve Nicholaeff Architecture

Doreve Nicholaeff Architecture created this primary bathroom as a light filled retreat within a contemporary Cape Cod residence overlooking Cape Cod Bay. Conceived as part of a broader architectural vision that reinterprets the traditional gambrel form through a contemporary lens, the space balances timeless elegance with everyday functionality while strengthening the home’s connection to light, landscape and coastal living.

A key challenge was the property’s north facing orientation. Although the site enjoys exceptional views towards Provincetown, capturing sufficient natural light required careful planning. Doreve Nicholaeff Architecture responded by positioning the bathroom to maximise daylight while framing expansive views across the bay. Large windows fill the room with natural light and maintain a constant visual connection to the surrounding landscape, creating a calm and restorative atmosphere.

The interior is centred around a sculptural freestanding soaking tub positioned beneath the expansive glazing, allowing the views to become an integral part of the experience. Clean architectural lines, soft neutral finishes and reflective stone surfaces enhance the feeling of openness, while a recessed niche behind the bath introduces texture and depth. Integrated lighting creates a warm ambience throughout the day and into the evening.

The bathroom was carefully tailored to the homeowners’ lifestyle through separate vanity areas, generous storage and radiant heated floors that provide year round comfort. Direct access to the outdoor living spaces reinforces the home’s seamless relationship between indoors and outdoors, while the husband’s preference for outdoor showering further informed the suite’s connection to the coastal setting. Through thoughtful spatial planning, refined materials and uninterrupted views, Doreve Nicholaeff Architecture created a bathroom that is both highly practical and a tranquil sanctuary, embodying the home’s vision of modern coastal living.