Discretion seems the favored modus operandi for those seeking to build among the rolling hills of Connecticut. Forget the razzmatazz of arresting architectural forms; as shown by the quietly restrained house Joeb Moore & Partners designed in Litchfield County, the sensitive solution is one that fits organically into the bucolic site. The architectural office, founded by Moore in 1993 and based in Greenwich, Connecticut, is renowned for embracing the regional vernacular of the New England cottage, but executing it with a modern minimalist savoir faire. In this particular case, the 5,800-square-foot weekend home for a couple from New York was to be located on 32 acres, where a portion of the land is protected by an open-space covenant.

Stone spheres by artist Alicja Kwade herald the approach (1). The main entrance is nestled into a glacial ledge (2). Photos © David Sundberg