Mark Lawton Architecture

Featured in DWELL+ : The 10 Most Inspiring Stories of 2021 here>>

Nestled into a private cove on the Westport river, this residence is a celebration of simplicity and next generation technology. The homeowners, one British and the other Scandinavian, requested a warm minimalist design integrating the latest technology- while layering in working from home, ample outdoor space, eco friendly materials, and energy independence from the grid. Amplifying this challenging brief were the existing conditions: small existing footprint which could not be modified, high impact flood zone requiring break away walls, and privacy from the neighbor’s house facing their front door.

The completed home lives large, embracing the site with oversized patio doors and decks facing the water. The main floor blends the kitchen, dining and living room into one flowing space, complimented by voice activated lighting and electronics. Flexible rooms for guests, home office, and recreation occupy the upper floor with a private veranda. Solar panels atop the low slung roof power the fully electric home with car charging station, and the slatted wood façade discretely provides privacy in front of the windows and entry door. In the end, this process demonstrated that when challenges are embraced they push creativity to a higher level.

Conceived as an inspirational atmosphere to promote restoration and wellness, the BioMed Center New England integrates the principles of biophilia— humankind’s innate biological connection with nature— to realize this vision. Biophilic design is known to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, foster creativity, and expedite healing.

As the first medical and dental Bioregulatory Healthcare clinic in North America, it combines holistic medical care with cutting edge technology in Providence, RI. The design intent was to create an environment different from the typical health care experience. Organized around a circular path reminiscent of raked sand, the BioMed rooms are encountered as follies along a journey. Introspective treatment rooms occupy the center of the clinic, while group therapy and dental rooms border outside walls to capture daylight from oversized windows.

Featured biophilic principles:

Visual & material connection with nature, biomorphic forms & patterns, dynamic & diffuse light, complexity & order, air quality, color, refuge & nourishment, mystery

In collaboration with DBVW Architects. Photo credit Heidi Gumula - DBVW

Uniquely sited at the tip of a peninsula, this home acts as a view camera to the ocean on one side and a yachting channel on the opposing side. Large windows and doors gather generous day light and extend livable space out to three outdoor decks. Strategic window placement promotes cross ventilation in warmer months, and a central stair atrium creates a thermal chimney to draw warm air out of the house. The main floor blends the kitchen, dining and living room into one flowing space that encourages family time and entertaining. Noted features include: maintenance free kitchen/bath finishes, energy star appliances, LED lighting, cement board siding and sustainable red cedar siding, no VOC paint, radiant heating, and an elevator to ensure proper access as the homeowners grow older.

Located on the fringes of a forested nature preserve in Newton, MA, this home was remodeled to maximize the presence of nature. Highlights include: more connection to nature achieved by opening walls and maximizing windows, new family gathering space created with built-in fireplace outdoor living area, sense of warmth improved with sustainable mahogany woodwork and recycled fabric upholstery. Lighting and furniture promote socialization and relaxation. Heated floors and LED lights add to energy efficiency and smart storage keeps clutter hidden.

Conceived as a multi-room sanctuary, each space in this master suite evokes serenity with a minimalist palette of warm custom walnut millwork and clean lines. Timeless Carrera marble wall tile, imported Indian shower tile, and non slip porcelain floor tile complete a timeless sensory experience in the bathroom. Generous windows extend the view into the forested nature preserve while radiant heat warms your feet on chilly mornings. The flush shower allows for effortless passage and a future set for aging in place. The bedroom offers a warm tactile resting place with a Tibetan wool rug, upholstered headboard and wall, and a custom walnut bed. LED lights in the toe kicks suspend the heavy walnut volumes below as well as the alcove ceiling above. The office space occupies a private corner with a freestanding storage wall doubling as display for memorable photos.

Commanding a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, this Scandinavian-surf-style getaway is designed to maximize serenity and indoor/outdoor living. The multi-generational layout allows for flexible living arrangements as a family evolves over time by allowing the kids' rooms to be closed off when not in use. The hub of the house (kitchen, dining, and family room) stretches along a 40' wall of glass sliders, flowing out to an over-sized stone patio overlooking the beach. The clean airy material palette and clutter free interior promote wellness and reduce stress. Other features include: LED lighting, low maintenance finishes, Nest thermostat, water based wood finishes, and a high efficiency HVAC system.

Set within the coastal village of South Dartmouth, MA this house remodel creates a serene environment for a busy family of four. The first floor layout was reconfigured to create a focus on the kitchen, eating area, and family room. A dining banquette and kitchen island all encourage family gatherings. These spaces all flow together with generous views to the backyard. The ample natural light reduces the demand for lighting and allows for cross ventilation in warmer months. A well placed mudroom, laundry room, and storage reduce clutter to create a clean living space. Noted features include: maintenance free kitchen finishes, energy star appliances, LED lighting, recycled carpet squares, no VOC paint, and Nest thermostat monitoring.

Set within the coastal village of South Dartmouth, this West Coast style backyard retreat includes a custom gunite pool surrounded by a terraced bluestone patio. Oriented due West, the abundant afternoon sun can be enjoyed in the many seating areas and custom stone sitting walls. Guests can recharge in the pool house anchoring the far end of the pool, outfitted with a full bath, heat/AC, and kitchenette. Landscape features include local sea grass, lavender, and a bronze aviary sculpture.

South Dartmouth, MA

A child's mind is a blank canvas. The thoughtful interplay of colors, shapes,  and light can easily invoke wonder and creativity- and in many subconscious ways create a lasting positive impression into adulthood. This pediatric waiting room expands upon an abstract underwater theme to create a sensory playground for young patients. A coral reading cave is the primary focus of entertainment rather than TVs and digital toys. A variety of playful sitting areas fosters socializing and interacting with the custom coral furniture.

New Bedford, MA, once known as the whaling capital of the world, has an impressive collection of derilect buildings. In need of a larger building, a local church sought to enliven the downtown area with a newly renovated home for their congregation. Conceived as a resurrected ships hull, the new design offers a new life to the former TV station headquarters. Details include salvaged wood from local docks, nautical construction techniques, and acoustical baffles modeled after a whale's baleen

Nestled within a seaside grove of historic oak trees, this house affords 360 degree views of the Atlantic ocean atop the third floor Sky Tower. As a well traveled couple, these residents dreamed of an inspirational space to accommodate visiting family while evoking a timeless vernacular of the neighboring farming villages. The new three story addition recalls a lighthouse, a welcoming vertical element paired with the existingiconic gable barn. Notable details include a wet bar and cantilevered viewing deck on the third floor, an integrated entertainment wall on the second floor, and a spacious custom master suite on the ground level.

Designed for a pilot TV show on the DIY Network, this three story outdoor tower reflects a hybrid modern style combining beach and agricultural vernacular influences. Top floor affords expansive views of farm land and ocean, second floor provides private outdoor dining, and ground floor creates perfect meditation area with a suspended sofa platform

Located in one of the five Blue Zones in a world renowned surfing community, this house exemplifies the essence of Ikaria Living. Lush oxygen rich rainforest rejuvenates the body, and local food and outdoor activities promote a low stress lifestyle. The core structure, precision lightweight steel, will be prefabricated offsite and assembled onsite with only a hand drill. Local sustainably harvested wood will be applied by local craftsmen. Renewable energy and water recycling techniques will be employed to create an off the grid retreat.

Gently perched on a rolling hill near the Adirondacks, this project embodies holistic living. Envisioned as a visiting retreat for health-conscious guests, the surrounding organic farms, fresh air, and serene landscape recharge the mind, body and spirit. Flexible rooms can accommodate 12 guests and an elevated outdoor yoga deck affords unforgettable views of nature. All exterior and interior wood siding is sourced from local craftsman and is installed the same way it has been for generations in that community. Rusting corrugated steel, as seen dotting the local agricultural landscape, wraps the roof and sides with a warm patina that blends with the natural aging of the site.

Tucked away in an unassuming grove of trees, this retirement getaway embraces an active lifestyle by the beach. The design integrates expansive roofs and decks to promote outdoor living and entertaining. An open floor plan and large windows reduce dependence on artificial light. A walk-out ground level creates flexibility for multi-generational living and AIrBnB rentals.