US studio Cutler Anderson Architects has wrapped this house in Connecticut around a large pond so its residents can watch birds, fish and insects at play.

The firm designed Connecticut Residence for a family of five with the aim of causing "minimal disturbance" to its rural setting among 4.3 acres (1.74 hectares) of woodland.
Among the main challenges was to accommodate a large pond. Cutler Anderson Architects responded by separating the house into three volumes, which are arranged around the water feature.

Horizontal cypress boards clad the exterior, left unfinished to weather over time and blend in with the natural setting. Large amounts of glazing are placed along the inner walls facing the water.

"The design attempts to make the pond and home a single entity," said the the studio in a statement. "The large pond acts as a focal point for the homeowners and now brings birds, fish, amphibians and aquatic insects to their daily experience."

As the site is sloped, parts of the three volumes are raised above the ground to keep all of the accommodation on one level. Narrow, raised walkways reminiscent of the bridge that provides access to a residence that the studio built atop a pool in Oregon provide a connection between each.
The longest walkway bridging the pond has three sets of glass doors that open onto the water's surface.

Each of the volumes contains a different function of the family house.

The entrance to the residence leads into t...