When designing waterfront homes, the interplay between architecture and nature becomes a canvas for innovation. Views of serene rivers, crashing waves, and expansive horizons are so much more than the scenery surrounding a beautiful home—they're living, breathing components of the home. In our architectural approach, we strive to maximize the beauty of these vistas, crafting homes that harmonize with their environment and add a little extra to the experience of living by the water.
Below, we showcase three projects where thoughtful design enhanced panoramic views.
Designing for the View: A Balancing Act
The magic of waterfront design begins with a careful study of the site. We evaluate angles, natural light, and vantage points and use these considerations to form every architectural decision, from window placement to the orientation of living spaces.
In each project, our goal is to celebrate the surrounding landscape. Whether it’s framing the Long Island Sound or creating a cozy sanctuary amidst New England charm, we design homes that dissolve the boundary between the indoors and out.
Five Mile River: A New Perspective on Riverfront Living
At Five Mile River, the challenge was as unique as the property itself. Positioned on the non-water side of the street with a classic New England home sitting directly across, the design demanded ingenuity to bring the beauty of the river to the forefront.
Our solution? A contorted, angular floor plan that elongates views down the river toward Long Island Sound. The entryway was gracefully shifted to the side, ensuring that the home’s formal spaces could face the water without compromise. Living areas are designed one room deep, offering unobstructed views in the front while reserving the rear for private outdoor living.
Simple gabled forms paired with strategically placed color accents, ground the home’s modern aesthetic. Inside, the interiors—masterfully curated by Lauren Vallario Designs—celebrate a warm blend of Parisian elegance and global treasures collected by the owners. Soft plaster walls and bold-yet-subtle art create a tactile, inviting atmosphere that mirrors the tranquility of the river.
Norwalk Riverfront: Simplicity Meets Grandeur
Sometimes, simplicity is the most powerful tool in maximizing waterfront views. Tasked with creating a budget-conscious home for empty-nest clients, we embraced a minimalist footprint that lets the river speak for itself.
Norwalk Riverfront orients all living spaces along the west-facing water views, lofted above the floodplain for safety. Exterior balconies extend beyond the facade, offering shade from the intense afternoon sun while creating seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.
This deliberate simplicity garnered the project a 2021 HOBI Award for Best Custom Home Under 3,000 square feet. It’s a reminder that luxury doesn’t require excess—it’s about how a space makes you feel.
House on Point: A Peninsula Sanctuary
On a quarter-acre peninsula in Connecticut, House on Point is all about the power of views. Surrounded by Long Island Sound on three sides, the property offers breathtaking vistas of a classic cove, complete with beach and anchorage.
We leaned into the home’s New England roots with a quintessential shingle-style design, punctuated by circular turrets. These architectural elements evoke a sense of tradition while floor-to-ceiling windows expand the space by bringing the outside in.
The home’s unique shape mirrors the contours of the rocky peninsula, while thoughtful landscaping—including a lush green lawn and a custom pool—create a harmonious connection between architecture and nature. A private dock extends into the Sound, further enhancing the home’s relationship with the water.
Inside, every detail reflects the waterfront living. Cozy, well-appointed interiors create a space that feels simultaneously open and intimate—a private retreat that embraces its surroundings.
At Christopher Pagliaro Architects, we believe that waterfront living is about more than just stunning views. Blending luxury and nature in perfect harmony should be the ultimate goal. At every turn, our designs reflect a respect for the land and water, crafting spaces that honor their surroundings.
When the light dances on the water, and the breeze carries the scent of the sea into your home, it becomes clear: the true luxury of coastal living lies in the experience. And that’s a view worth designing for.
Interested in getting started on your next renovation project? Take a look at some of our previous custom home creations here.
Want to Learn More About Waterfront Architecture?
Hallmark of a Christopher Pagliaro Architects project is the marriage of the structure and site to create a sense of place. To get started on your waterfront home project, get in touch with our team today.
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