A summer retreat on Nantucket, designed by Workshop/APD, masterfully blends contemporary aesthetics with the island’s stringent historical preservation guidelines. The firm, with a significant presence on Nantucket for over two decades, has crafted a home that, at first glance, adheres to traditional New England coastal architecture. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals a series of subtle yet progressive design choices that challenge the conventional without disrupting the island’s cherished visual harmony. This residence showcases an innovative approach to materials and spatial organization, creating a living experience that is both deeply rooted in its locale and forward-looking in its design philosophy.

The interior spaces are characterized by an ethereal palette of whites, pale woods, and glass, offering expansive views of the Atlantic. This intentional simplicity allows the natural surroundings to become an integral part of the home’s ambiance. Beyond the visible, the property harbors a theatrical underground wellness complex, complete with a sauna, steam room, and hot tub, all accessible via a striking spiral staircase. This hidden sanctuary, inspired by a hammam, provides a luxurious and holistic retreat that contrasts with Nantucket’s historical saltbox traditions, yet still resonates with the island’s elemental allure of heat, water, and relaxation.

Integrating Contemporary Style into Historic Nantucket

The design of this Nantucket home by Workshop/APD showcases a thoughtful integration of modern architectural concepts within the island’s strictly preserved historical context. The exterior, clad in the ubiquitous cedar, maintains the traditional pitched roofs and dormers, appearing outwardly conventional. However, the true innovation lies in the details, such as windows devoid of conventional trim, where cedar shingles are ingeniously folded to create a seamless, integrated look. This approach allows the residence to honor Nantucket's architectural legacy while introducing a refined, contemporary edge that speaks to a subtle rebellion against the purely traditional.

Andrew Kline, a principal at Workshop/APD, emphasizes the firm’s commitment to deriving inspiration from Nantucket’s rich history while crafting designs that are distinctly modern. This philosophy is evident in elements like the cedar-slatted passage pavilion, described as an “architectural folly” that is both linear and contemporary, serving as a welcoming gateway to the property. The home's understated presence from the outside belies the expansive, airy interiors, which are filled with natural light and feature strategically placed glass. This duality—traditional exterior and modern interior—creates a dynamic interplay that respects the island’s heritage while pushing the boundaries of coastal New England design.

Interior Elegance and a Hidden Wellness Sanctuary

The interior design of the Nantucket residence reflects a sophisticated balance of spaciousness, warmth, and an unbroken connection to the surrounding landscape. Nicole Ficano, principal of interior design, highlights the large, airy spaces enhanced by extensive glass, which frames panoramic Atlantic views and blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. To prevent these vast spaces from feeling sterile, the designers incorporated warm materials like light oak and subtly textured limestone. A unique visual language is created through angled wall panels, designed to capture light in intriguing ways, a signature touch that distinguishes each Workshop/APD project.

The kitchen, a focal point of the home, exemplifies this geometric approach with its diagonal lines and an impressive marble island featuring a faceted cutaway, making it both a sculptural centerpiece and a functional element. The intentional use of a soft greenish-turquoise as the sole recurring accent color provides a refreshing deviation from traditional coastal blues and greens, maintaining an ethereal palette of whites, pale woods, and glassy surfaces that mirrors the serene horizon. Beneath this thoughtfully designed home lies its most unexpected feature: an underground wellness complex. Accessed by a dramatic spiral staircase leading to a path of stepping stones over water, this luxurious space includes a sauna, steam room, and hot tub, creating a holistic spa experience. This subterranean retreat, along with a hidden cold plunge, offers a contemporary ritual of well-being that, despite its modern luxury, harmonizes with the elemental pleasures of Nantucket.