Contemporary Polynesian Pool House on the Charles

A young couple with children asked Charles Rose Architects to design a contemporary Polynesian hut for their property southwest of Boston. The design called for indoor and outdoor sitting and dining areas; kitchenette; stainless steel outdoor shower; bath/changing area; 1,500 SF deck with in-ground hot tub; and a fire pit with built-in seating. The architect carved out one corner, creating a covered, but open and airy, outdoor lounging area.

Everyone agreed that the new pool house should be wood construction. The goal was to match an earlier project’s look and feel, the architects designed for the clients, a wood-clad play barn with two large rooms, divided by an outdoor space framing views of an adjacent pond. That’s where Bensonwood came in.

Our timbered Douglas fir frame supports an asymmetric hip roof whose peak is pulled off-center so that the pool house subtly connects with the geometry of the existing play barn. Our timber framer C.J. Brehio was the job captain and did a masterful job executing complex compound joinery. Custom concealed steel connections were also used throughout the building. Western red cedar lends rich, warm hues from exposed beams, custom doors, and custom millwork.

The stainless steel shower structure was built by Alstead, NH welder, and metal sculptor Bob Taylor and had a unique sandblasted finish and unique hardware such as flush-mounted tapered screws and a big piano hinge for the door.

Other wood used includes mahogany for the windows; ipe (pronounced “ee-pay,” aka Brazilian walnut); and bamboo. See more photos on our Houzz page here.​