House to Silo Tunnel Connection, Ipswich, MA

Project Description

A signature element of the net zero home in Ipswich, Massachusetts is the tunnel that connects the main residence to the soon-to-be renovated silo. Originally envisioned as a home office, the silo has now been reimagined into a flexible living space with multiple functions. Upon entering the silo, you will step into a room that can serve as a dining area or bedroom. Moving deeper inside, a kitchenette will provide convenience, while a stairwell will lead to an additional floor above.

The tunnel itself extends from the silo toward the main house, offering more than just circulation space. It will include a bathroom and unfinished storage areas, making the passageway both practical and adaptable. After ascending about ten stairs through the tunnel, you will arrive at the basement of the main residence. A garage is also attached to the silo, seamlessly integrated into the hillside to take advantage of the property’s natural elevation.

Challenges

Designing and constructing the tunnel presented unique challenges due to the steep hill at the front of the property. Excavating the slope required precision to ensure stability while creating enough space for the tunnel, bathroom, and garage. An excavation team was hired to carefully dig into the hill, after which the foundation was poured and the framing completed. The project has now moved into the waterproofing phase on the tunnel roof to ensure long term durability.

Balancing the silo’s transformation into a multi room living space with the tunnel’s added functions demanded careful planning. The limited buildable area, constrained by wetlands at the rear and the silo at the front, required the team to maximize every square foot. By embedding the tunnel into the hillside, the design not only overcame topographical obstacles but also created a distinctive architectural feature that ties the silo and house together in a seamless, functional way.