56 DIGS.NET
| 2.24.23
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P R O F I L E | A R C H I T E C T S W O R R E L L Y E U N G
one that considers the residential land-
scape, as well. The local vernacular—
modest cottage-scale homes—meant
that minimizing the house's presence,
as seen from the street, was a priority for
the client and architects alike. "Being at
the highest point of the island ridge, the
clients were very sensitive about building
a large modern house at the top of a prom-
inent hill," Yeung says of the decision to
downplay the house's volume.
This meticulous edifice does not, however,
escape notice. Then again, it couldn't.
It is handsomely linear with a strong
geometric profile and a neatly manicured
yard accented by a vibrant blue door.
Combined with its wooded, tree-laden
environ and the property is particularly
picturesque, forming a subtle, beautifully
synthesized whole.
The interior of the house responds in kind
with neutral tones and natural materials.
Oak flooring, walnut cabinets and quartz-
ite countertops reference the rocky shore;
wooded knolls and deep gray and blue
tones reflect the water. Elaborately open,
with enormous glass walls and serene
lighting a sublime Japanese maple tree.
Central to the floor plan, separating and
organizing the layout both horizontally and
vertically, it also "provides dynamic fram-
ing of rooms and views looking externally
from the interiors, and also internally from
the exterior spaces," Yeung explains.
Sited to protect the root zone of a glorious
old oak tree that is adjacent to the house
(and even leaving an existing retaining
wall buried in place to minimize distur-
bance, as well), the 4,900-square-foot
family retreat is, more broadly, a response,
and in some ways a return, to nature, but
