Mark Lawton Architecture

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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.

Nestled within a private orchard in rural Westport, MA, this home was reimagined as a sanctuary for contemporary living — one that quietly supports longevity, restoration, and human gathering. Warm natural materials, low-toxicity construction, circadian rhythm lighting, thermal wellness spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor living work together to create a calmer, healthier way of inhabiting space.

Influenced by Japanese and Scandinavian design, hidden storage and restrained detailing allow light, nature, and human presence to become the focus. Hearths anchor gathering spaces, while gardens, green roofs, and carefully framed views reconnect daily life to the rhythms of the natural world.

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

Rockin Barn is a reimagining of an existing home set beside an organic farm in rural Massachusetts.

Designed for a retired client seeking to simplify life after recovering from cancer, the home was carefully expanded and reshaped, drawing inspiration from the quiet utility and warmth of nearby barns.

Natural wood, stone, and low-toxicity materials were integrated throughout to create a restorative living environment grounded in nature. Spaces were designed to simplify daily rituals and encourage a seamless relationship between indoors and outdoors, with framed views opening toward the adjacent farmland and changing seasons.

Reclaimed barn wood clads the exterior, allowing the home to feel deeply rooted in its setting while reducing material waste. Above the garage, a dedicated music studio overlooks the fields through a large glass opening — creating a contemplative space for creativity. An outdoor shower, sauna, and plunge pond support longevity therapies.

Lume House is a prototype for a new way of living- a sanctuary for connection, contrast, and cultivation. Inspired by the third space sauna concept, it integrates thermal contrast therapy, biophilic design, and intentional gathering spaces to elevate daily rituals and deepen well-being.

coming soon

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.

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.

coming soon

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.

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.