Primrose Community

Barrington, RI

Primrose Community introduces clustered low-rise, high-density, multi-generational living to the site of the historic Belton Court.

Size: 33 acres, 300 units
Client: Private
Scope: Planning, Architectural Design
Team: Lindsey Wikstrom, Jean Suh

Each half-moon multi-family building is paired with its own island of parking and encircles a shared outdoor space for gathering, play, and everyday interaction. The architectural rhythm of these clusters establishes a walkable neighborhood that feels both intimate and open.

Each half-moon multi-family building is paired with its own island of parking and encircles a shared outdoor space for gathering, play, and everyday interaction. The architectural rhythm of these clusters establishes a walkable neighborhood that feels both intimate and open.

Unlike conventional single-family suburbs that tend to separate age groups and isolate residents, this community brings generations together to encourage social connection, mutual care, and shared stewardship of the land. Children, parents, and elders coexist within walking distance, creating a resilient social fabric that grows stronger through proximity and shared space.

Unlike conventional single-family suburbs that tend to separate age groups and isolate residents, this community brings generations together to encourage social connection, mutual care, and shared stewardship of the land. Children, parents, and elders coexist within walking distance, creating a resilient social fabric that grows stronger through proximity and shared space.

At the heart of the site, Belton Court is repurposed into a place of hospitality that welcomes both residents and visitors. It houses a farm-to-table restaurant, guest rooms, light commercial spaces, and a ceramic studio. From here, walking and biking trails extend outward, passing vegetable gardens, greenhouses, and wetlands, while a simple loop road minimizes intersections to create safety, slowness, and a deeper connection to nature.

At the heart of the site, Belton Court is repurposed into a place of hospitality that welcomes both residents and visitors. It houses a farm-to-table restaurant, guest rooms, light commercial spaces, and a ceramic studio. From here, walking and biking trails extend outward, passing vegetable gardens, greenhouses, and wetlands, while a simple loop road minimizes intersections to create safety, slowness, and a deeper connection to nature.

Reach out to start a conversation about your project and how we can bring it to life with thoughtful, sustainable design hello@mattaforma.com

Reach out to start a conversation about your project and how we can bring it to life with thoughtful, sustainable design hello@mattaforma.com