The former Cape Cod home of acclaimed architect Malcolm Wells has hit the market — and it’s a rare one.
The “earth-sheltered” home, built by Wells in 1979, is nestled right in the surrounding terrain. Rolling hills and moss-covered earth reach right up to the roof, which at one point was underground as well.
The 2,900-square-foot home presents the perfect picture of Wells’ career — which, according to his 2009 obituary in The New York Times, saw him advocate tirelessly for “environmentally responsible design.”
Dubbed the “father of modern earth-sheltered architecture,” Wells wrote dozens of books on both building earth-sheltered properties and the practice behind them. He also taught environmental design at Harvard University.
According to Wells himself, earth-sheltering reduces natural land destruction and offers a more energy-efficient way of living.
In 2002,” he wrote: “Is underground architecture the only way to build without destroying the land? Of course not. It’s simply one of the most promising (and overlooked) of ways. Sunny, dry and pleasant, it offers huge fuel savings and a silent, green alternative to the asphalt society.”
Wells’ earth-sheltering methods are on display in the recently listed Cape Cod home — which features a private dock, cathedral beams and serene waterfront views.
Priced at a cool $1.9 million, the property was home to Wells and his family for a short time just after it was built.
The home was bought by a local developer in the 1980s, who renovated the property and removed some of Wells’ original earth-sheltered features — including much of the property’s moss and the wildflower-covered rooftop. Still, current owners’ Vibeke and Peter Lou say Wells’ nature-forward concept remains apparent on the property.
“The moment you enter the front door and see Upper Mill Pond, the trees and sloping hill, you feel the presence of nature,” Vibeke said. “The house is open and long with a view of two ponds in every room. ”
Vibeke even recalls seeing a swan glide across her view one morning.
“Nature is literally at your door, birds, animals, turtles and larger animals right outside the window,” she said. “I remember once wanting to have a screened-in porch, and my daughter, Kristina, saying ‘But mom, the whole house is a giant porch.’”
But her best memories of the home? Those are of her children. She recalls little ones climbing the wood beam rafters and playing hide and seek on the sod-covered roof.
“My children are grown,” Vibeke said. “I have enjoyed my sanctuary and now it is time for a new family to explore the peace and tranquility that Malcolm Wells created — a man ahead of his time.”
Stacey Ricci of Kinlin Grover Real Estate has the listing. Ricci will host an open house at the property, located at 145 Wintergreen in Brewster, Massachusetts, on Jan. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m.
