You may not believe this, but there used to be a time before smart phones, texting, ghosting, and clicking on a digital thumb. There was a time when a connection with design, environment, relationships, and nature were just as important has over-hydrating is to millennials today. During the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s and beyond Massachusetts’ Cape Cod region experienced something special. Specifically, the town of Wellfleet began to be called home to many diverse creators, thinkers, architects and painters of the time. Many were European transplants, some were self-taught, but all had a passion for creating.
Lechay Studio by Hayden Walling with photo by Raimund Koch
This period on the Cape has stamped Wellfleet as a mecca for modern design and is still growing today. Back then it was the clash of brahmin meets bohemian, architect meets painter, and American meets European. This was a time when land was sold on the cheap and designing and building your own home was a right of passage among your artisan peers.
Many might think of a certain shape, look, or style when they think about Cape Cod architecture. However, traditional architecture on the Cape shares similarities with the Cape Cod Modern movement. Natural humble materials, small scale, and a connection to nature are just a few examples. Many of these homes were designed as seasonal properties, so permanence was not always a requirement or even a thought in the design. The homes touch down on the land in as few places as possible, often introducing large cantilevers which put you hovering above the forest floor with the rest of nature’s creatures. These homes have so many stories within their walls and we found it only necessary to share about this amazing place.
CAPE COD MODERN
For more information about Cape Cod Modern houses, how the homes were built, and more rich stories about the architects, designers and painters who threw themselves at the challenge of what makes a home, take a look a CAPE COD MODERN by Peter McMahon and Christine Cipriani.
Studio Field Trip: Cape Cod Modern House Trust
A few years back, we had the pleasure of meeting Peter for our own private tour of the Kugel/Gips House, Hatch House, Chermayeff Studio as well as some other properties. Peter is truly a dedicated steward, architect and we would even say historian in his own right. He has become the expert on mid-century design on the outer Cape. Peter spent all day with us on a hot 80-degree Summer day retelling the stories from this rich historical past. If you are interested in setting up your own tour with the folks at CCMHT head over to their site to find out MORE. Did we mention you can rent some of the restored properties?! And if you are an artist you can apply to stay onsite as part of their dedication to promoting artist craft.
Ask an Architect: How early should I get an Architect involved in my project?
We hear this question a lot and the best answer we could give would be: as early as you [the client] want, need, wish or think. For us Architects, the early the better and here’s why. Getting an Architect involved early can assist in one of the most important parts to any project, assembling the DESIGN team. An Architect can help put together a group of professionals needed for your project. Remember, these professionals are not waiting around for your call, so planning and scheduling is important. In the beginning you can think of your Architect as a thought organizer or even a coach. An Architect can bring their years of experience to each project and believe me, this can be invaluable at times. Things like how the current labor force is in and around your area. How current or past projects are tracking with completion times and costs. What engineer might be right for your specialized structural work or ultra-high efficient HVAC systems. So the best answer we can give is, get an Architect involved EARLY if not FIRST. So many times we see a client connecting with a Contractor first and we are fortunate enough to have our Builder network value our services and recommend us to their clients. Even if you are not convinced that doing your project is the right move, an Architect can help with early stages of feasibility, programming, even construction budget assistance.
On this Day…
…Richard Neutra would be 127 years old. If you haven’t already learned, we at BOTTEGA+ are big fans of Neutra, if you have not already gotten that. His work was instrumental to the modernist movement in the United States. If you love modernism as much as we do, head over to our JANUARY ‘19 BLOG to learn more about visiting the VDL house.
With Hugs and Kisses,
