Copperdrifts Residence | Provincetown, Massachusetts | 2023

Architects: Charles Rose Architects, Inc.
Lead Architect: Charles Rose
General Contractor: Bannon Custom Builders
Civil Engineer: Coastal Engineering
Structural Engineer: RSE Associates
Landscaping: Ethan Poulin Landscaping
Client: Ned Munroe
Photographers: Chuck Choi Chuck Choi Architectural Photography

Copperdrifts, occupying a small hill on the Cape Cod National Seashore, is a series of four connected, intimate volumes situated east to west across the sloping site. The two main volumes shift past each other and are linked by a central stair core where multiple indoor and outdoor levels coalesce.

From certain angles, Copperdrifts gives the impression of several distinct buildings, each commanding expansive views of the Atlantic. It hugs the hill created by dunes and takes advantage of the unique topography with elevated living areas and roof decks. The way the house is sited along the ridge of the dune not only presents opportunities for the best views, but also preserves the Outer Cape's unique geology.

Designed for an artist and a personal trainer, the property includes a light-filled studio, gym, and office. The south-facing bedrooms, living spaces, and pool terrace bask in the New England sun. Outdoor spaces designed for entertaining include a poolside kitchen, secluded fire pit, screened porch, and a roof deck. The structures, clad in copper, cedar, and concrete, weather into rich textures blending with the natural surrounding brush.

The materials chosen for the project were not only selected for their raw textures and beauty, but also for their sustainability and longevity. The salty winds on the Cape, which are harsh and corrode most materials, help strengthen the flat-lock copper panels and the cedar siding that clad the buildings.