RECENT PROJECTS

Almy Residence
Little Compton, RI
Design and reconstruction of historic 18th century home

Barrett Residence
Little Compton, RI
Design and new construction

Dawson Residence
Little Compton, RI
Design and construction of addition to a summer home

Hargrove Residence
Little Compton, RI
Design and renovation of a vacation home

Ledbetter Residence
Westport, MA
Addition to a vacation home

Pritchard-Bell Residence
Little Compton, RI
Addition to a vacation home

Watterson Residence
Westport, MA
Design and renovation of 18th century farmhouse

Woodhouse Residence
Little Compton, RI
Addition to a historic home
Previous Projects

Allen Residence
Little Compton, RI
Design and renovation of cottage into half Colonial with addition

Blithewold Arboretum
Bristol, RI
Design and construction of post and beam playhouses for annual fundraisers

Crandall House
Dismantled historic building

Dawson Residence
Westport, MA
Renovation of 17th century post and beam inn

Faran Residence
Little Compton, RI
Design and renovation

Harrington Law Office
Adamsville, RI
Design and renovation of barns into offices

Ladd Residence
Little Compton, RI
Construction of new home that won award for Residential New Construction and was featured in Rhode Island Monthly magazine

Livingston-Wilson Residence
Little Compton, RI
Design of addition

Richmond Residence
Little Compton, RI
Renovation

Scott Residence
Little Compton, RI
Design and construction of art studio

Sheedy Residence
Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Ireland
Design input and new construction

Smith Residence
Westport, MA
Renovation of home that won award for Residential Renovation and was featured in Rhode Island Monthly magazine

Treaty Rock Farm
Little Compton, RI
Design and renovation of silo with new post and beam construction

Treaty Rock Farm
Little Compton, RI
Design and construction of new camp house

Truslow Residence
Little Compton, RI
Construction of sunroom/lap pool addition

Featured Projects

Arkins Construction located in Little Compton Rhode Island

"Indian Hill Road House"
Sited along the Western coast of Little Compton, this is a new 2,000 square foot residence built upon an existing raised foundation. Arkins Construction worked closely with the home-owner to create a traditional façade on the street side which gives way to contemporary, glass-filled walls framing dramatic river views to the West.

All interior spaces are trimmed with natural fir and a large Pennsylvania Stone fireplace warms the double-height Great Room framed overhead by exposed fir trusses. The relatively small footprint prompted efficient and thoughtful space planning which includes an office, small personal library, and several custom built-ins.

"Beach Drive House"
Situated on the South East Little Compton waterfront, this 4,000 square foot residence is flooded with sunlight and offers innumerable ocean views.

The artfully-crafted central fireplace is composed of local beach stones and is a focal point which defines spaces and imparts a unique charm on the interior. A courtyard accented with a lively variety of plantings links the home with a handsome carriage house, and an ample Southern deck welcomes the transition from interior to exterior.

An Award-winning Home in a Spectacular Setting
The need to work around many stone outcroppings - combined with a plan that included an ample cellar - created challenges in terms of siting the house. The chosen site provides maximum privacy and water views on three sides, while accommodating those needs.

The concrete and bluestone living room fireplace complements recycled fir beams and heart pine boards in the cathedral ceiling.Antique heart pine stair treads are combined with a railing of painted steel, also used for columns elsewhere in the house.

Project Highlights:

Built a new house that capitalizes on marsh and ocean views while fitting perfectly into the landscape

Constructed a modern space that incorporates antique elements such as recycled wood flooring, stair treads, and ceilings, and offers a lovely setting for family heirloom furniture

Worked as a team - architect, builder, and homeowner - to create a handsome, practical, and cost-effective home

Rhode Island Monthly Magazine Residential Design award winner

A Thoroughly Modern Antique
The new wings to the left and right of the central original house provide the space needed by a growing family while preserving the antique character of the property.

Antique heart pine is a versatile material. Perfection quarter sawn pieces were used for the stair treads and the floor, where wood frames bluestone in a basket-weave pattern. Reclaimed pine beams create a rustic look for the ceiling. Using reclaimed stones, the mason rebuilt the steps and foundation shown here, creating something that looks as if it has been in
place for many years.

Facing west to meadows and river, the large new windows in the dining room bring the entire landscape indoors .New custom windows in the kitchen complement modern stainless steel appliances, granite sink and countertops, and custom cabinetry.

Project Highlights:

Renovated the central colonial house to retain its antique character and keep it intact while reflecting the owners' artistic tastes

Constructed second floor master bedroom/bathroom suite over screened porch to highlight views of meadows and river

Replaced original windows with large custom double-hung windows that capitalize on the home's spectacular western vista

Re-created a kitchen, loft, and office that complement the more traditional central section of the building

Rhode Island Monthly Magazine Residential Design award winner

A Beautiful Antique Restoration.
Arkins Construction added features such as bull's-eye side lights and an antique-style front door frame to restore and enhance the original character of this eighteenth-century home.

A triple skylight floods the kitchen with light even on rainy days. Soapstone sinks and countertops retain the farmhouse feeling.The new stairs to the second floor optimize the use of space in the corner of the living room. The fireplace mantel and bluestone surround were designed and built by the Arkins crew.

Project Highlights:

Designed and built an elegant new master suite: bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in closet

Installed a wall of windows and bookcases to create a bright and spacious living room

Repositioned and rebuilt a stairway to conserve valuable space

Created a large eat-in kitchen/sitting room by combining several smaller rooms

<top of page>

Arkins Construction

A Law Office in a Restored Barn
Located in the center of the picturesque village of Adamsville, Rhode Island, the Harrington Law Office has become a local landmark. Its red "barn doors" suggest its former life.

The Arkins team used antique heart pine in the ceiling and floor and created built-in casework throughout. French doors and double transoms provide excellent light. Arkins Construction designed the built-in desk.

A Graceful Combination of Old and New
The new addition constitutes the left side of the building, but the integration of new and old is so effective and subtle that the entire house looks as if it was built this way.

The new foyer floor complements the refinished antique floor - which now contains some antique heart pine from Arkins Millwork - in the living/dining room. This is one of many beautiful ceiling angles in the second floor addition.

Project Highlights:

Built an addition housing a modern kitchen/family room downstairs and a master bedroom suite, laundry, and office above

Salvaged and refinished the old living/dining room floor, thereby retaining much of the antique house's charm

Added picture windows to provide continuity between the old and new sections and to capitalize on a glorious view