This highly customized “Live-Play” building was thoughtfully sited and designed as an extension of the surrounding landscape, supporting therapeutic and leisurely recreation alongside day-to-day living. Its timeless, understated architecture by Kuhn Riddle Architects draws from traditional New England forms and materials, allowing the structure to blend seamlessly with the existing residence and wooded setting. During design, the building was affectionately referred to as “the barn,” a reflection of its cupolas, V-groove vertical siding, and agrarian character.

Landscape views and connections were central to the design. The natatorium, featuring a 15′ × 30′ pool, was conceived as a calm, restorative environment where full-height windows frame seasonal views and invite daylight deep into the space, reinforcing a strong connection to nature. In contrast, the indoor multi-purpose court was designed for high-energy activity, with durable finishes and custom protective window screens that preserve outward views while supporting active use.

Sustainable strategies reinforce the project’s environmental stewardship of the site and include a super-insulated building envelope, triple-pane windows, a ground-source heat pump system, and an on-site photovoltaic array—minimizing energy demand while allowing the landscape to remain the dominant presence.