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.

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.

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.

On this Day…

With Hugs and Kisses,

Matthew Varley, Architect, NCARB

ARCHITECT / FOUNDER @ BOTTEGAMISC