Coskren Residence

Alton Bay, New Hampshire

Overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake, I knew a simple wall of windows along the lakeside wouldn't do justice to this majestic landscape. The lake is so large and grand, stretching 180° along the front as far as you can see in both directions, that I decided to facet the window walls, creating views that change and reveal the lake's unique character from multiple directions. From the living room, it feels like the lake wraps around you, not just a flat view ahead. I offset the fireplace from the main axis to complement this faceted design, which allowed me to introduce high clerestory windows looking up the mountainside behind the house. This creates a beautiful balance of light, with ceiling planes reflecting different shades like the facets on a diamond.