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Buckminster Fuller-Inspired Geodesic Dome Shows Its Bright Side
A designer and a builder in Massachusetts remodel spaces and add white paint to highlight the triangular shapes
Although geodesic domes might conjure up images of macrame, shag carpeting and eight-track tapes, a Boston couple saw potential, not vintage kitsch, when they purchased a three-level lakeside dome home as a vacation retreat in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. They hired interior designer Jess Cooney and builder Evan Hardcastle to brighten and modernize the dark, dated interior.
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Though the renovation was limited to the interior, an exterior view of the home shows the geodesic dome’s signature hemispherical shape, made up of a series of triangles.
The kit home, built in 1985, was likely inspired by the geodesic structures espoused by the late architect, inventor and futurist Buckminster Fuller, a Massachusetts native who touted the strength, stability, ease of construction and affordability of geodesic domes.
The lakeside home on a sloping lot has its entry, kitchen, dining and living rooms on the middle level. A master suite occupies a loft, and guest quarters take up the bottom level.
The kit home, built in 1985, was likely inspired by the geodesic structures espoused by the late architect, inventor and futurist Buckminster Fuller, a Massachusetts native who touted the strength, stability, ease of construction and affordability of geodesic domes.
The lakeside home on a sloping lot has its entry, kitchen, dining and living rooms on the middle level. A master suite occupies a loft, and guest quarters take up the bottom level.
Before: The living room’s large geometric windows and views of the surrounding woods and lake were what the new owners loved about the house. The interior? Not so much.
“The interior had floor-to-ceiling wood paneling and old carpeting, which made everything dark,” Hardcastle says. “It definitely needed some TLC.”
The original lighting was also “a hot mess,” Cooney says. “There were pendants hanging down all over the place in an attempt to get lights to the right spots.”
“The interior had floor-to-ceiling wood paneling and old carpeting, which made everything dark,” Hardcastle says. “It definitely needed some TLC.”
The original lighting was also “a hot mess,” Cooney says. “There were pendants hanging down all over the place in an attempt to get lights to the right spots.”
After: New white walls and warm oak flooring were the keys to transforming the interior.
Hardcastle consulted with a geodesic dome specialist to make sure the redo of the walls was done correctly. “We thought about painting or pickling the wood walls,” he says, “but in the end we went with drywall to bounce more light into the interior. We wound up using more fasteners and adhesives here than in standard drywall installation so the pieces wouldn’t crack.”
In the living room, as in the rest of the house, Cooney stuck to a simple palette of pale gray, blue and rust, the latter as an homage to the Berkshires’ famous fall colors. A reclaimed-wood coffee table and a vintage-style sofa anchor the space.
Hardcastle consulted with a geodesic dome specialist to make sure the redo of the walls was done correctly. “We thought about painting or pickling the wood walls,” he says, “but in the end we went with drywall to bounce more light into the interior. We wound up using more fasteners and adhesives here than in standard drywall installation so the pieces wouldn’t crack.”
In the living room, as in the rest of the house, Cooney stuck to a simple palette of pale gray, blue and rust, the latter as an homage to the Berkshires’ famous fall colors. A reclaimed-wood coffee table and a vintage-style sofa anchor the space.
The living room’s new limestone fireplace with oak mantel replaced an old-fashioned wood-burning stove. New radiant-floor heating also helps keep things cozy and efficient during the cooler months.
The dining room is tucked under the master suite loft, and its flat ceiling afforded a spot to install a contemporary chandelier. The custom walnut dining table is surrounded by vintage leather chairs and an upholstered bench. “You can squeeze a lot of people on a bench,” Cooney says, “and it has that casual, summer-cottage look.”
New drywall in the triangular window surrounds helps reflect light into the rooms.
New drywall in the triangular window surrounds helps reflect light into the rooms.
After: Moving the loft’s support post (and replacing it with a slim steel column) allowed Cooney and Hardcastle to extend the kitchen’s peninsula, adding more counter space, storage and seating. Custom cabinetry in gray-washed bamboo and pale blue adds a modern, light touch. In lieu of hardware, Cooney designed cutouts for the cabinets. “Nothing dates an interior faster than cabinetry hardware,” she says. “We liked the idea of square cutouts for a clean, midcentury look.”
Quartz countertops and handblown glass pendant lights add subtle sparkle to the kitchen. The pocket door at the back of the space leads to a new pantry, where the refrigerator and microwave are located.
Quartz countertops and handblown glass pendant lights add subtle sparkle to the kitchen. The pocket door at the back of the space leads to a new pantry, where the refrigerator and microwave are located.
A new range and, on the left, steam oven help set the stage for some serious cooking. The dishwasher, to the right of the sink, blends in thanks to a cabinetry panel.
Across from the kitchen, a custom walnut table and vintage chairs create a sunny spot for morning coffee.
The original spiral staircase, refitted with new oak treads, leads up to the master suite loft and down to the walk-out lower level, which includes guest bedrooms and a den.
At the main-level entry, a new mudroom was carved out of a reconfigured bathroom. Custom bamboo cabinetry, a bench and hooks create a comfortable space to put on shoes and store outdoor gear.
After: A view from the loft reveals the polygonal shape of the ceiling. New niches at the top of the stairs provide room for books and collectibles.
With the whirlpool banished, the master bedroom became a serene, uncluttered space. A low platform bed allows views through the new glass inserts in the railing, which add to the sense of spaciousness. The operable skylight lets in fresh air and breezes.
By removing the whirlpool, the builder and interior designer were able to expand the master bathroom and walk-in closet, which doubles as a dressing room for privacy.
A custom teak vanity with cutout handles and a floating shelf are sleek touches, while brass fixtures add mellow warmth.
A custom teak vanity with cutout handles and a floating shelf are sleek touches, while brass fixtures add mellow warmth.
Deep green glass tile in the shower serves as a counterpoint to the master bathroom’s pale hues. A built-in niche keeps personal items within easy reach.
The den in the lower level is an inviting gathering spot for guests thanks to a TV, kitchenette and lounge-worthy sectional.
During the renovation, an extra window was installed at the far end of the room, adding more light and lake views.
Instead of using the oak flooring installed on the main and loft levels, the designer specified wood-plank tile for the lower level, which has direct access to the lake. “Everyone comes in off the lake with wet feet,” Cooney says. “Tile is just more durable in this setting.”
During the renovation, an extra window was installed at the far end of the room, adding more light and lake views.
Instead of using the oak flooring installed on the main and loft levels, the designer specified wood-plank tile for the lower level, which has direct access to the lake. “Everyone comes in off the lake with wet feet,” Cooney says. “Tile is just more durable in this setting.”
A woven rope chair adds a natural touch to one of the lower-level guest bedrooms.
Swiss-cross-patterned tile in deep teal surrounds a soaking tub in the guest bathroom. A towel rack and niche are handy touches.
After: The main floor was reconfigured to create a more user-friendly kitchen with a pantry, as well as a functional mudroom at the entry.
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House at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with adult children and grandchildren
Location: Becket, Massachusetts
Size: 2,567 square feet (238 square meters); four bedrooms, three bathrooms
Interior designer: Jess Cooney
Builder: Evan Hardcastle of 377 Builders
The goal of the home’s interior renovation was to create a modern, airy and bright setting. “We wanted to keep the emphasis on the lake views,” Cooney says, “so we stuck to white walls and pale colors in the furnishings and accessories.”
In the remodeled second-floor living room, a pair of armchairs with midcentury lines basks in natural light afforded by the home’s many triangle-shaped windows.
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