This unbuilt design for a vacation compound in The Berkshire Hills accommodates eight families. To foster interconnection of indoor and outdoor space across the site, we began by terracing the sloping lot, laying parallel stone retaining walls to establish a rhythm. The campus-like organization around a central common is inspired by the architecture of Shaker communities. Multiple circulation routes allow variety of movement. We reinterpreted Shaker architectural details in a scheme which feels formally balanced and refined. Distribution of the architectural program across different structures allows for phased development as time and funds permit.
In 1978, at 13, Michael Mullin drafted construction details for the restoration of the Hancock Shaker Village, under the direction of Terry Hallock Architect. Shaker values of usefullness and clarity continue to inspire our work.