![A modern single-storey home with a thin floating roof that cantilevers 15 feet.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/modern-house-design-architecture-230323-757-01.jpg)
Specht Architects has designed a new home in Mansfield, Massachusetts, for a retired couple that wanted to simplify and downsize their lives.
The new house embraces a minimalist, modern, aesthetic, and at the same time displays the priceless art, antiques, and found objects the homeowners collected over the course of their lives.
The property site was a huge open field serving as a blank canvas for the single-storey home that’s surrounded by glass, with a thin floating roof that cantilevers 15’ from the perimeter walls.
![A modern single-storey home with a thin floating roof that cantilevers 15 feet.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/02-Hero-Dusk-2.jpg)
A wraparound porch mirrors the roof and also “floats” above the landscape, while the interior is very open and spacious.
![A modern home with floor-to-ceiling windows and a open floor plan.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/modern-open-living-room-230323-803-01.jpg)
The living, dining, and kitchen space form the center of the house with a bedroom suite on each end. The finishes include huge, seamless porcelain wall and floor surfaces, European oak cabinetry throughout, and quartz in the kitchen.
![A modern kitchen with black quartz countertops.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/modern-kitchen-230323-803-01.jpg)
The floor-to-ceiling windows, like in the guest room, perfectly frame the picturesque tree views.
![Floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly frame the tree views.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/modern-guest-room-floor-to-ceiling-windows-230323-802-01.jpg)
In the primary bedroom, the floating bed and bedside tables are subtle, while the artwork from the owner’s collection draws attention.
![In this primary bedroom, the floating bed and bedside tables are subtle, while the artwork from the owner's collection draws attention.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/contemporary-bedroom-230323-312-01.jpg)
The primary bathroom has a floating double vanity, while a vertical window adds natural light.
![This modern primary bathroom has a floating double vanity, while a vertical window adds natural light.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/contemporary-bathroom-230323-312-01.jpg)
![A primary bathroom becomes the backdrop for the homeowners collection of art and furniture.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/contemporary-bathroom-230323-312-02.jpg)
There’s also a walk-in closet with shelves that include under-mount lighting in addition to the chandelier.
![A walk-in closet with shelves that include under-mount lighting in addition to the chandelier.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/walk-in-closet-230323-313-01.jpg)
In the laundry room, there’s an entire wall filled with artwork.
![In the laundry room, there's an entire wall filled with artwork.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/laundry-room-design-230323-313-01.jpg)
Here’s the floor plan that shows how the bedrooms are located on either end of the home.
![The floor plan of a modern single-storey home.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/modern-house-floor-plan-230323-308-01.jpg)
Here’s a look at the site plan that shows the location of the home in the landscape.
![The site plan of a modern single-storey home.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/modern-house-site-plan-230323-308-01.jpg)