SHINGLE STYLE MASTER RENOVATION BY OLIVER COPE ARCHITECT & MAYFAIR CONSTRUCTION

This addition / renovation by Oliver Cope Architect and Mayfair Construction is truly exceptional.  The architect and builder transformed the house from a generic, though lovely, colonial into this exceptional shingle-style home.


Check out a photo of the house in its original state.  While it was a lovely white colonial, it was a bit bland.

But after Oliver Cope and Mayfair Construction completed the project, the architecture is exceptional.

The "new" home feels like it's been there forever; it seems like it has a history, as if it existed on that site for perhaps a hundred years in its current state.

The different shapes and rooflines add interest to the home.  The design also make the structure feel more intimate, which is not easy to accomplish with a house this size.

The rear exterior: The covered porches face the water.  The back of the home is just as beautiful and interesting as the facade.

A gorgeous kitchen, with painted white cabinetry, marble countertops and wide-plank hardwood floors.  Notice the curve of the woodwork on the island, the shape sort of mimics the arches.  And that sweet dog looks awfully happy in this gorgeous house!

I like this a lot -- it's a breakfast / keeping room, overlooking the water.  Again, we see the arches repeated, this time in the built-in cabinetry that surrounds the fireplace.

And here we have two photos of the library.  Of course the woodwork is fabulous, but my favorite aspect is the shape of the room and the ceiling, which adds a sense of drama.  The architect or architectural team responsible for the project created an elegant home with a sense of history, and the talented craftsmen at Mayfair Construction, who carried out Oliver Cope's vision, certainly deserve kudos, as well.

For more information, please visit:

• Oliver Cope Architect 
• Mayfair Construction

New Classics by Sandy Spring Builders, Pt. 2

Exterior of the Bradley Green Home in Bethesda, MD

The other day, we wrote about New Classics by award-winning Sandy Spring Builders, based in Bethesda, MD.  They've entered into a partnership with Haven Custom Homes, a modular home manufacturer, to create a line of high-quality modular homes, that are rich in architectural detail.

Click here to see how the process works: You can select your model, floorplan and even customize the exterior of your New Classics home.

Today, we'll go into green features of a New Classics home.  As per the New Classics' website, the "systems-built construction has a smaller impact on the environment than traditional building methods..."

Less construction waste is created, because materials are carefully planned and utilized. 

A large portion of the framing process happens inside a climate-controlled factory, so there are far fewer trips to the construction site.

The paints...are all low VOC.

There is significantly less noise pollution in the neighborhood.

(They) recycle...construction waste whenever possible.

(Their) 30-year warranted Tuff-n-Dri foundation waterproofing membrane provides an unsurpassed barrier against water infiltration.

New Classics homes "require less energy to operate," which is a feature most people will love during freezing winters and scorching summers when utility bills tend to skyrocket.

(New Classics') insulation values are up to 50 percent higher than standard homes because (they) use 2x6 lumber on exterior walls.

The home has a tighter building envelope because all penetrations on exterior walls are sealed; so less energy is required for heating and cooling.

(They) use water-saving Kohler fixtures.

(They) use ENERGY STAR-rated appliances throughout the home.

(Their) Low E windows and insulated exterior doors receive among the highest efficiency ratings on the market.

(They) use local products and local craftsmen whenever possible.

Hot water pipes are insulated to retain the temperature.

They've also "joined forces with a number of...trade partners to incorporate further energy management and practical green technology into the Bradley Green Home," which you can visit to get a first-hand look at their finished product.  For example:

A smart meter-based energy management system reports and reacts to electricity consumption parameters designated by the homeowner. Bethesda Systems, Inc. is (their) trade partner on this component.

A geothermal heating and cooling system will control the air temperature in the home. Geothermal systems emit no greenhouse gases and reduce operating costs by up to 70 percent. William H. Metcalf & Sons, Inc. is installing the geothermal system; Easterday Well and Pump drilled and laid the earth loops.

(They have) installed a solar hot water system that transmits rooftop heat to the tank that holds hot water for use throughout the home. This system lowers the energy requirements of the home. Solar Energy Services, Inc. is (their) trade partner on this feature.

The first living retaining walls in the Washington, D.C., area have been installed in the backyard to control erosion. These green walls enhance the aesthetic beauty and help cycle carbon dioxide and oxygen. Fine Earth Landscaping is responsible for the living retaining wall construction.

A rainwater collection system has been installed by Clearwater Landscape. Rainwater will be captured from downspouts; shuttled to a 3,000-gallon underground storage tank; and filtered and pumped back out for irrigation purposes, washing cars, and hosing off decks. This reduces demand on municipal water systems, reduces the need for fertilizer use, and keeps water runoff from the property out of the storm sewers. 

All exterior landscaping features drought-tolerant turf and native plants. These help reduce water demand and maintenance, while preserving indigenous species.  

We've also posted a video below, which shows the Bradley Green Home "from set to completion."  It's absolutely amazing.



To learn more about New Classics by Sandy Spring Builders, visit their website or, if you're in the Washington, DC Metro Area, visit the Bradley Green Home at 5312 Bradley Boulevard, Bethesda MD 20814. 

NEW CLASSICS BY SANDY SPRING BUILDERS - MODULAR GOES LUXURY!

The notion of a modular home typically calls to mind the image of a cheap house that lacks any hint of architectural detail, but Sandy Spring Builders, LLC and Haven Custom Homes are about to reinvent the concept. These companies have come together to create New Classics, an exciting line of high-end modular homes.

Photo from the Bethesda Patch (click here to read article).

"Timeless detailed architecture and unsurpassed craftsmanship are hallmarks of a Sandy Spring Builders' home. New Classics by Sandy Spring Builders embraces these hallmarks and marries them with today's state-of-the-art sustainable construction methods to produce new homes that stand the test of time." -- New Classics by Sandy Spring Builders, LLC

Over the next few days, we plan on highlighting different aspects of New Classics and the high-end modular home building process, but right now, we'll start with the basics.  

Potential home buyers can browse the New Classics Library of Plans, which features designs by two award-winning firms, GTM Architects, Inc. and Studio Z Design Concepts LLC.

Right now, buyers have a choice of eight different models: The Adams, Bradley, Burning Tree, Denton, Jefferson, Madison, Nantucket and Roosevelt.

Floor plans are customizable to a certain extent, so you would review your options and choose the layout that best suits your needs.  In the screenshot below, you can see that there are four different floor plans associated with the Jefferson design.

You can click on each floor plan to review the details.

Buyers can also customize the exterior of their home.  Again, choices are somewhat limited, but they work well in the scheme of the design.  Several options are available for roofing, siding and shingles, trim, shutters, door, brick and windows.  Once you choose the option, the image is immediately updated on your monitor.  That certainly takes the guesswork out of the design process!

Tomorrow, we'll explore more facets of the process and the benefits of modular construction.  But for now, be sure to visit the New Classics website to learn more.  


You can also visit the New Classics Bradley Green Show Home at 5312 Bradley Boulevard, Bethesda MD.  If you don't live in the Washington DC Metro Area, a virtual tour is available online.

Art Home Deco Design

home deco

Strong, sharp angles were often added to the layout of the room to emphasize the art deco interior design. In addition, art deco designers liked to emphasize clean lines and geometric shapes. This is why the process of Lacquering (or giving the furniture a glossy finish) was created. Sometimes, art deco designers would alter the furniture they had to give it more of a look that fit the art deco interior design.

The use of harder, metallic materials to construct the furniture used in art deco design were to reflect the celebration of the machine age. Art deco designers would often reject the traditional ideas and materials of decoration and interior design, instead opting to use more unusual materials such as ebony, marble, stainless steel, lacquer, aluminum, inlaid wood, sharkskin, and zebra skin. In that time period, art deco was considered to be functional, elegant, and ultra modern. Back in the 1920s to 1930s, art deco design was very popular. This includes one style from the 20th century that seems to be regaining some popularity recently, and that style is art deco.

home deco

There are many style options you can choose from to decorate your home in today's day and age, even options that one would never have considered back in the 20th century or even in the past few decades.

That is why this type of interior design was very popular back during the days of the Great Depression, as people tried to display their financial strength and stability in that dark economic period. Giving your room a gradual lessening of form can present a perception of strength and endurance to those who experience your room. Realize that there is often a pyramidal effect on the rooms that use the art deco design, thanks to the Aztec and Egyptian elements that influence art deco. If you are considering turning your living room or bedroom into a room that accentuates the art deco design, here are some ideas and tips to consider.

home deco

Art deco design continues to make a comeback after being very popular in the 1920s and 1930s; if you want an ultra modern, Art deco also emphasizes clean lines and geometric shapes, especially strong, sharp angles. Lacquering is also a key component in art deco design. Decorating your home with art deco design involves using materials that are different from traditional materials, such as ebony, marble, stainless steel, sharkskin, and zebra skin. With art deco design, going with ordinary-looking drapes may be your best option, though if you want to have people focus on your window style, you could consider using vintage drapes instead.

home deco

In addition to artificial lighting, you should also consider the natural lighting from your windows and the window treatments. Lamps with geometric glass shades often work best with art deco interior design. You should also pay attention to the lighting in your room, as it should match up well with art deco decorating. This would include having neutral color carpet to help soften up the intensity of the art deco interior design.

Another way is to have wall-to-wall carpet that coordinates well with the art deco design of your room. Adding intriguing and unusual accessories, such as distinctive artwork, is another way to add to the art deco flavor of your room. One way is to add more furniture pieces and accessories that have black and green tones to your room, as black and green are primary colors in art deco design. There are other ways to emphasize the art deco interior design in your room.

MARESCA AND ASSOCIATES, ARCHITECTS, INC.

Today, we've decided to showcase the South Carolina firm of Maresca and Associates, Architects Inc.  They came to our attention when we learned they designed the guest cottages for the Kiawah Island Club at Cassique.  We've posted a few photos below; however, you really should visit their website at www.markmaresca.com to view their impressive portfolio.

 

    

PURSLEY ARCHITECTURE: Classic, Inspired Architecture

Many thanks to LimestoneandBoxwoods.com for introducing us to the classic, yet fresh and inventive design of Pursley Architecture of Charlotte, North Carolina.  We've posted photos of one of their projects below; however, one should view their entire portfolio to really get an idea of their work.

Fabulous Lake Michigan Waterfront Home by Robert A. M. Stern Architects and Victoria Hagan Interior Design

Architectural Digest Magazine featured this Lake Michigan residence by Robert A. M. Stern Architects in their October 2009 issue; Interior Designer Victoria Hagan designed the home's decor.  "The (homeowner) had envisioned a house with a strong New England character. This prompted the architects to look not only at the historically eclectic 1920s and ’30s suburban Chicago estate houses of David Adler and Howard Van Doren Shaw but at their sources of inspiration in colonial and Georgian architecture. Stern and (his partner, Randy Correll) then reinterpreted the paradigm, infusing it with individuality and unreserved freshness" (Architectural Digest, October 2009).

ROBERT A. M. STERN: Shingle-Style House at Blue Water Hill (Westport, Connecticut)

This shingle-style home is absolutely beautiful.  Of course, we would expect no less since it was designed by none other than the venerable Robert A. M. Stern.

"This Shingle-style house perched on an extraordinary site 300 feet above Compo Beach orients principal rooms and porches to views of Long Island Sound and Sherwood Island. The site had been occupied by a small and undistinguished 1960s house and is encumbered by zoning rules including strict height limitations, which we accommodated with a gambrel roof and picturesque gables and dormers. The L-shaped house embraces an existing swimming pool; a gently sloping family lawn and garden were created to the south. Large windows and doors bring the views inside, and fireplaces anchor the living room, dining room, and family room, which are organized around a large central stair hall." -- Robert A. M. Stern Architects

"Sky-blue stained shingles, leaded hand-blown glass, and white-painted shutters and window boxes at the double-hung windows give the house a casual feel reminiscent of early twentieth-century beach houses in Maine or Nantucket. Picturesque gables and dormers at the gambrel roof reduce the apparent height of the house. Classical detailing, hand-scraped oak floors, beadboard paneling, and cork ceilings bring the simple charm indoors."  -- Robert A. M. Stern Architects

For more information, please visit:

Robert A.M. Stern Architects LLP 

460 West 34th Street 

New York, NY 10001  

Tel: 212 967 5100  

Fax: 212 967 5588 

Email: info@ramsa.com

COUNTRY CLUB HOMES, INC.: 2009 HOBI Award Winner

Country Club Homes of Wilton, Connecticut appeared on our radar in September 2009, when East Coast Home and Design Magazine featured one of their recent projects, a magnificent Shingle Style home.  A few photos from their website are posted below.  For more information, visit their website at www.countryclubhomesinc.com or flip through the September 2009 digital issue of East Coast Home and Design Magazine (see the article entitled, "Family Style" on pages 64 through 75).

Lovely Colonial Home by Country Club Homes, Inc. of Wilton, Connecticut -- 2009 HOBI Award-Winning Builder

Exquisitely detailed banquette area in kitchen...

Inviting porch by Country Club Homes -- beautiful outdoor living area, hanging lanterns, stone floor

For more information, please contact:

Country Club Homes, Inc.

462 Danbury Road

Wilton, CT 06897

Tel.  203.762.0550

Fax  203.762.7933

info@countryclubhomesinc.com