PLATINUM | Pocket Neighborhood: Castle Street Cottages on Rope Walk Hill
East Greenwich, R.I.
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Photography by Matt St. Ours Photography
Architect/Designer | Union Studio Architecture & Community Design
Builder | East Greenwich Cove Builders LLC
Developer | East Greenwich Cove Builders LLC
Interior Merchandiser | Premier Home Staging
Land Planner | Horsley Witten Group
Landscape Architect/Designer | Wilfrid L. Gates, Jr., ASLA
Interior Designer | Zarrella Development Corp.
Design Statement | Situated on a hill looking out to the harbor and up to the main street to the west, the cottages draw their inspiration from both the workers’ cottages and the grander homes of the district. They represent an appropriate, but extremely creative solution to the challenge of situating a multi-unit project in an historic neighborhood of single-family cottages.
Added to the intrinsic efficiency of compact units, and a relatively high density, the inclusion of two units deed-restricted to people with low and moderate incomes ensures this is affordable to many. The most prominent theme of the site design are the grand steps that lead up to the shared courtyard. These steps solve the grade issue while providing a fitting and impressive address on Castle Street for this pocket neighborhood.
Contrasted with the monumental scale of the steps is the intimate scale of the cottages and the courtyard they share. The outdoor kitchen, gathering spaces, and front porches of the highly efficient homes make a place where neighborliness is not taken for granted.
Judges’ Comments | This community is ‘super cute!’ Judges praised the site design that gives all home owners a view of the water. Detailing is precise, and special touches like on-trend storage options, the pathway compass, and thoughtful tucked-in parking all contribute to this project’s success.
