Contrary Cottage

Contrary Cottage, Newton, MA

Contemporary house set into a hillside

The project’s name, Contrary Cottage, arises from the fact that the house is set into a hill and as such responds to two very different, or contrary, conditions. On the private uphill side, the house is more diminutive in scale and relates to human daily activity at the pool, entertaining or relaxing. On the opposite side of the house, the public street, the house expresses a typical two-story proportion.  Either way, the house becomes animated and develops its interest from its relationship to the hillside.