SYNTHESIS
In the Northeast, we do not
need to reproduce the saltbox
houses found on Cape Cod or
the barns of the Genesee
Valley to create successful
designs. But we can learn
from these earlier models
of design and construction.
For example, the saltbox
house employed forms and
materials that proved durable
and comfortable in New Englands
coastal climate.
The climate, harsh at times,
presents challenges for building,
maintenance, and sustainability.
For example, cloudy winters offer
low potential for implementing
active or passive solar heat.
Yet the Northeast Province can be a
forgiving place in which to build. The dense
forest and lush vegetation can screen many
structures so they seem to disappear into the
landscape. The preponderance of native trees
and rocks provides ready-made building materials
or at least matches for suitable materials.
Figure of a clustered compound on a slope with the following characteristics:
Simple forms, added to each other
Buildings step down grades
Multiple double-hung windows
Clapboard siding
Simple roof with gable dormers
Shed porch
Large gable ends
Figure of an administration/maintenance compound with the following characteristics:
Simple forms repeated
Clustering of smaller masses
Figure of a visitor facility with the following characteristics:
Saltbox form
Simple forms repeated
Single, punched windows with divided lights
NORTHEAST
Figure of an overlook with the following characteristics:
Simple forms
Minimal base
Figure of a restroom with the following characteristics:
Steep roof with
minimal overhangs
Simple gable end
Entry porch
Small window
with divided lites
Light structure
Minimal base
Figure of a maintenance shop with the following characteristics:
Gable roofs with attached shed forms
Clustering of forms
Mass broken down