Principled in the classical tradition, the Boston architecture studio is recognized by The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art for its design of a new residential retreat in South Dartmouth, MA.

BOSTON, MA –  Catalano Architects is among a distinguished group of firms to receive a prestigious annual Bulfinch Award. Hosted by The New England Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, the awards recognize excellence in 14 categories including but not limited to: residential, commercial, institutional, and ecclesiastic design. The Chapter invited entries from firms from around the country for their work in the New England region. Over 70 entries were submitted. The jury, consisting of Janice Parker, James Strickland, and Duncan Stroik, selected one winner per category. Catalano Architects is honored to receive the award for Residential (New Construction) over 5,000 square feet.

“It is extremely rewarding to see Nonquitt recognized for its embodiment of New England classicism. The intent was to create a home that looked as though it had been sited along the Massachusetts coastline for the last century. We saw this as a design opportunity to promote both stylistic and structural longevity; interweaving innovative and resilient building techniques with a timeless visual aesthetic,” said Thomas Catalano, AIA, principal and founder of Catalano Architects. 

The Bulfinch Awards recognize practitioners from across the nation who are committed to promoting excellence in the classical tradition and allied arts within New England, and who build upon the legacy of Boston's early Federal architect, Charles Bulfinch. Bulfinch is widely regarded to be the first native-born American to work in the field professionally.

Nonquitt is located in the coastal community of South Dartmouth, Massachusetts. This shingle style, resilient, energy-efficient home combines Colonial Revival architectural elements with New England classicism. The classically proportioned, welcoming façade embodies naturally weathering red cedar shingles accented by white trim and blue shutters which are a hallmark of the area. A gambrel roofline creates a human scale, bringing the eave lines down to the first level, visually reducing the volume of the spacious home. Tuscan columns and entablatures and central tripartite windows crowned by ornamental fans are framed by elliptical windows. On the guest house, a cupola acts as an ornamental scale element. Upon entry, guests are greeted by an understated foyer leading to a formal dining room with 10’ ceilings and internal transoms allowing natural light to permeate the interior. A symmetrically organized kitchen is anchored by a rounded arch at one end and a range with a sculptural hood on the other. A voluminous, east-facing study with nearly double-height ceilings are expressive of the Gambrel roof form allowing for uninterrupted eastern facing vistas of Buzzard’s Bay. Three terraces function as extended outdoor rooms, embracing the landscape with Cape Neddick cut stone which gradually gives way to locally sourced split stone evocative of the setting, transitioning from a well-manicured lawn to the rocky shoreline. Sited on the edge of the property, a quaint 500 square foot cottage finished with reclaimed wood and floor to ceiling bifold doors provide an intimate experience of the ocean’s edge.

Founded in 1987, Catalano Architects is a boutique residential architecture firm located in Boston, MA that believes architecture has the ability and responsibility to enliven the collective experience and bring joy to everyday life.  A historic understanding of architecture fuels and informs the firm’s exceptionally high standards—allowing the team to discover and define the details that lead to timeless, remarkable design. 

For interviews and images please contact Erika Walburg, 617. 982. 7462.