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An Architectural Marvel on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

A large shingle-style coastal home with traditional New England architectural elements features symmetrical gabled roofs, double-hung black-framed windows, and a prominent central chimney, flanked by a detached guest house on the left, both structures clad in weathered gray cedar shingles, surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens with native shrubs, ornamental grasses, and lavender, while a narrow wooden boardwalk leads through the lush greenery to the front porch, set against a calm sunset sky that bathes the entire scene in a warm, golden light, and an American flag waves in the background near the water's edge.

We are proud to share one of our most remarkable projects — a high-end private residence on the exclusive island of Nantucket, Massachusetts — recently featured in Architectural Digest. We’re grateful to see our project on such a respected platform.

Nantucket is renowned for its strict architectural guidelines aimed at preserving the island’s historic aesthetic. Homeowners must retain the traditional facade and exterior character of their properties, leaving little room for visible innovation. However, it’s beneath the surface where this project truly comes to life. Working closely with the client and design team, Open AWD helped bring to reality a hidden, state-of-the-art underground space — redefining the boundaries of luxury living. Meticulously engineered and executed, this discreet addition harmoniously coexists with the island’s heritage, while offering all the sophistication of contemporary design.

This project stands as a powerful example of how thoughtful design can both honor tradition and embrace innovation.

A narrow, modern courtyard framed by textured gray stone walls and large black-framed windows features minimalist outdoor furniture including pale taupe sofas and small cylindrical side tables placed on a wooden deck walkway flanked by patches of ornamental grass, while tall manicured hedges line the tops of the surrounding walls creating a lush green contrast against the structured architecture, and a whimsical sculptural sheep figure stands at the far end near a set of double glass doors, all beneath a soft blue sky with scattered clouds and framed by distant trees visible above the courtyard walls.
A charming two-story guest house with weathered cedar shingles, a pitched roof, and large black-framed windows sits amid lush manicured landscaping, featuring an upper-level balcony with a light-colored wooden railing, a covered ground-floor patio area supported by square columns, neatly trimmed hedges surrounding the structure, a wooden gate integrated into the greenery, and a stone walkway leading through a vibrant lawn bordered by flowering plants under a bright blue sky.

Overcoming Logistical Challenges

Accessible only by ferry Nantucket presents unique logistical challenges. All components and materials had to be meticulously planned and transported via a complex supply chain. The journey involved shipping materials first from Europe to New York, then transporting them via truck  to Cape Cod, before finally ferrying them from Hyannis Port to Nantucket. Our expertise in handling such intricate logistics played a crucial role in the successful execution of this project. 

A serene coastal residence features a narrow rectangular infinity pool bordered by a wooden deck walkway and a row of plush white cushioned lounge chairs shaded by large white umbrellas, with a tall American flag fluttering in the breeze against a clear blue sky and the tranquil ocean visible in the background, while the main house clad in weathered cedar shingles includes a modern glass-walled sunroom with natural wood framing that opens onto the pool area via a small stairway with glass railings, surrounded by manicured greenery and coastal landscape elements.

Underground Luxury: Hidden Spaces Below the Surface

This property consists of two cottages that blend seamlessly with Nantucket’s historic charm. However, beneath these seemingly traditional structures lies an extensive underground construction featuring: 

  • A luxury car garage 
  • A tennis court 
  • A yoga room 
  • A massage room 
  • A spacious central living area 
  • Underground tunnels connecting both cottages
Stunning darage Iooks like a luxury showroom than a traditional garage—perfectly lit with soft, recessed lighting and a coffered wood ceiling that adds elegance, the space features two vintage SUVs, a classic green Ford Bronco and a dark Jeep Wagoneer, both in pristine condition.
A serene and stylish interior recreational room featuring a natural wood pool table with a navy blue felt top, billiard balls arranged in a triangle and cue sticks placed diagonally across the surface, set atop a subtly striped carpet, flanked by uniquely sculptural wooden stools, all framed by a staircase with integrated wooden cabinetry underneath and a minimalist glass railing, with a soft neutral-toned plaster wall finish, a square window providing a glimpse of green foliage outside, a framed artwork on the wall, and an arrangement of woven basket-style light fixtures dramatically adorning the ceiling.
This indoor court is next-level impressive—a sleek, multi-purpose sports space with a polished wood floor featuring court markings for basketball and pickleball, it’s equipped with a basketball hoop, a net set up across the center, and even a rock climbing wall with an auto-belay system on the side while the ceiling’s wood paneling and exposed beams add a warm, upscale touch, while built-in lighting keeps it bright and functional.

Custom Steel and Glass Solutions 

Our team at Open AWD took on the challenge of designing and installing custom, ultra-slim steel profiles to match the high-end aesthetic of the project. Key features include: 

  • Bespoke muntins (grilles) developed specifically for this project. 
  • Custom-designed lock blocks for seamless integration. 
  • Soft-closing sliding door systems in different configurations: single, pocket, and fixed units. 
  • Oversized glass units (2120mm x 6860mm) stacked to create full-height panels extending along a staircase. 
Glass Wall Drawings
A serene spa-like room with a recessed plunge pool framed in soft-toned marble and brushed metal railings, surrounded by textured vertical stone walls and a geometric patterned feature wall at the far end, accessed through partially opened frosted glass sliding doors with sleek handles, all set beneath a clean white ceiling dotted with recessed lights that enhance the tranquil and minimalistic ambiance of the space.
A luxurious walk-in shower enclosed by seamless glass panels with sleek brass hardware, featuring dual wall-mounted showerheads and a central rain shower above, all set against vertically textured stone walls and light-toned tiled flooring, with a minimalist towel bar holding a white towel on the door, built-in shelving for toiletries on the right wall, and soft diffused light filtering through a translucent glass-paneled window wall that adds privacy while maintaining a bright and airy atmosphere.
A bright, contemporary bathroom featuring a large soaking tub with polished chrome fixtures beside a walk-in shower enclosed in a grid-framed glass partition, dual vanity areas with minimalist white sinks and light wood cabinetry below, round mirrors set against vertical rectangular windows that frame lush green foliage outside, and a sleek mirrored wall reflecting the clean lines and calming palette of the space.

A Stunning Blend of Glass Types

To enhance the architectural appeal, we utilized a combination of three types of glass:

  • Clear glass for unobstructed views. 
  • Ribbed glass for texture and privacy. 
  • Mirrored glass to create a sense of depth and reflection. 
Clear Glass Texture
Clear Glass
Mat Glass Texture
Mat Glass
Ribbed Glass Texture
Ribbed Glass
Mirrored Glass Texture
Mirrored Glass

Triangular Transoms and Sliding Door Integration

One of the project’s standout features is the seamless integration of two sliding door systems connected by a triangular transom (as seen in the attached image). This element required precise engineering and customization to ensure flawless alignment and smooth operation.

A sophisticated and serene loft-style reading and sitting area bathed in natural light, enclosed by a minimalist grid-framed glass partition, featuring a high vaulted ceiling with clean white walls and a sleek black linear pendant light, a cozy white sectional sofa adorned with plush cushions positioned beneath a pair of windows and surrounded by framed abstract face line-drawings, a round marble table with light wood legs and matching upholstered chairs resting on a soft patterned rug, and a built-in bookcase filled with a vibrant array of hardcover books to the right, all contributing to an atmosphere of intellectual tranquility and modern elegance.
Sliding Door with Triangular Transoms drawings

Being part of such a groundbreaking and ambitious project was an incredible experience for our team at Open AWD. The meticulous planning, precision engineering, and seamless integration of steel and glass elements has resulted in a truly unique underground oasis that maintains Nantucket’s distinct style while offering unparalleled luxury. 
For more details about our custom steel and glass solutions, visit Open AWD.


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