The Canaan Residence located in Connecticut, USA, was completed by Specht Harpman in 2011. It’s a 6,000 sqm property nestled into a beautiful hilltop site, protected by the forest.
This project is actually a renovation of a 1950’s house that was supposed to be only a kitchen upgrade.
The access to the house is made by a winding drive through a forest that is connected to the glass entry pavilion through the landscaped court.
The landscape is incorporated into the construction due to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The upper level includes the living spaces, the bedrooms and the gymnasium, while the lower level features the social spaces such as the media room, the library and two home offices.
By appending a swimming pool, the property has been added value and elegance.
Photos by Elizabeth Felicella
I’m curious—how did the designers balance preserving the original 1950s character with such a modern renovation? And what challenges did the forest setting present during construction? The integration with nature here is truly inspiring.
Thank you! The designers preserved key 1950s elements while introducing clean, modern lines to enhance functionality. Working within the forest required careful site planning to minimize impact, using natural materials and large windows to seamlessly connect indoor spaces with the surrounding landscape.