This contextual addition transformed a modest Cape Cod home into a spacious year-round retreat while preserving its understated coastal character. A new vaulted great room, expanded kitchen, integrated mudroom, loft, and carefully detailed exterior addition create generous gathering spaces that feel both timeless and authentic to Cape Cod architecture. Natural materials, exposed timber framing, and durable finishes reinforce the home’s relaxed coastal aesthetic while supporting modern family living.

Originally, this Orleans home consisted of a traditional Cape with a series of low, disconnected additions that no longer supported the homeowners’ lifestyle. The kitchen was undersized, gathering space was limited, and the existing additions lacked architectural cohesion.

Keri Murray Architecture reimagined the home with a thoughtfully designed contextual addition that seamlessly connects to the original Cape while respecting its modest scale and simple forms. The new addition introduces a dramatic vaulted great room anchored by exposed timber framing, creating an open kitchen, dining, and living space filled with natural light.

At the heart of the renovation is a custom kitchen featuring painted inset cabinetry, an oversized reclaimed wood island, farmhouse sink, open shelving, and wide-plank flooring. Structural timber beams add warmth and rhythm throughout the vaulted ceiling, while expansive windows strengthen the connection to the surrounding landscape.

Above, a loft provides flexible overflow space accessed by a custom library ladder, adding functionality without increasing the home’s visual scale. A thoughtfully designed mudroom, custom built-ins, and a whimsical powder room with a vintage utility sink reflect the homeowners’ relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The result is a home that feels as though it evolved naturally over generations—a timeless Cape Cod residence designed for entertaining, family gatherings, and everyday life on the Massachusetts coast.