Luxury Home Quarterly: Issue 6 by Molly Soat

LUXURY HOME quarterly

jan/feb 2011

timeless designs... for kids selling toronto Canada’s booming condo market

A peek inside Rachel Ashwell’s +‘Shabby Chic’ master bedroom jan / feb 2011

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contents FEATURES

Southern Comfort Ken Tate Architect focuses on the old-world foundation of traditional design with plantation-style homes in the heart of the South.

page 92

Harmony & Form HF:Architecture strikes the perfect balance of function and aesthetics in two Michigan homes for one active family.

page 98

Energy-Infused Elegance From furniture to finishes, Amy Lau Design provides a curatorial eye and an artistic approach to each and every project.

p 130 Cool kids Designers Bob and Cortney Novogratz take us into their home in Family Style. Their two older boys, Wolfie and Breaker, share this room in the family’s Manhattan home. With this bold blue chair designed by Marc Newson (marc-newson.com) and vintage lights from a French flea market, this space redefines children’s luxury.

page 103

American Roots, Global Wings XTEN Architecture blends classic American design aesthetics with an increasingly international sensibility.

page 112

Family Style Design experts share current philosophies and popular trends on creating stylish and functional spaces for children.

page 122

Staged to Sell: Toronto Designers create model units with distinctly couture style to attract Canada’s up-and-coming condo buyers.

page 138

Photo: matthew williams; cover photo: Matthew Hranek

ON THE COVER Styled by Rebecca Omweg, this nursery (which appears in Susanna Salk’s Room for Children) is a timeless, sophisticated space for any young child. The room will transition seamlessly from newborns to adolescence, and fits into any home’s design aesthetic. page 122

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contents

p 103 BUILDERS Construction firms specializing in peerless residences 36 40 42 44 46 48

DiSavlo Contracting Co. Inc. L. Cramer Designers + Builders

AMY LAU This West Chelsea living room designed by Amy Lau features a custom walnut fireplace by Taylor Hayes of BDDW (bddw.com), and a custom-made traditional scholar’s table made in China out of Huanghuali, a prized rosewood.

O’Connor Custom Builders, LLC JB Architecture Group, Inc. Scott Simpson Builders, Inc. Luis Bosch Luxury Homes

kitchens & Baths Enhancing the most-used rooms in a home 50 54

tonychi and associates The Cushman Design Group, Inc.

DESIGNERS

the plans

Creative minds in interiors, landscapes, and furnishings 57 60

Timothy Macdonald Inc. Kenne Shepherd Interior Design & Architecture PLLC

62 63 65 68 70 72

Rachel Reider Interiors Natalie Norcross and Associates

162 169 177 183

A. W. Stavish Designs Puschendorf Interiors, Inc. Deb Reinhart Interior Design Group Inc.

An in-depth look at some of the industry’s most unique designers 74 Eve Robinson Associates Inc. 80 Reddymade Design, LLC 86 FINNE Architects

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alterstudio architects, LLP belzberg architects EHRLICH Architects Stelle Architects

architects

Jessica Margot Design, Inc.

Designer Showcase

A showcase of sleek, modern architecture— and the blueprints that started it all

Providing concepts and programs for deluxe homes 187

Gleysteen Design Llc

192

Dorosinski, Campbell Design Associates, Inc.

194

Elizabeth Herrmann architecture + design

196

George Clemens Architecture

197

Johnson & Associates, Architects, Inc.

200

Helman Sechrist Architecture

202

Rehkamp Larson Architects Inc.

204

Rozewski & Co. Designers, LLC

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contents

PLUS

Editor’s Note

page 10

What’s New Industry news, awards, and product innovations page 16

Calendar Trade shows and special events in the coming months page 20

On the Rise Spotlighting designs for the young and young at heart page 22

Behind the Lines featuring ubabub and Pacquita Maher page 28

Acclaim Custom-home projects of note page 31

Directory

page 252

Products+Services Spotlight page 256 At Home With Rachel Ashwell

p 25

the teams Partnerships and collaborations between architecture pros 206 210 212 213 215

PUNTASPILLONE maxi pouffe Designed by MissoniHome Studio missonihome.com

Bercy Chen Studio LP Franck & Lohsen Architects TEA2 Architects Hefferlin + Kronenberg Architects PLLC Mattingly Thaler Architecture

DISTINCTION

Vacation Homes Second homes and getaways across the globe 218 220 222 225 228 230 232

page 258

Turks and Caicos Islands Big Sky Mountain Retreats Fire Island, New York Kismet A’La Mer The Burlingham Residence Georgica #1

Serving a unique niche in the custom-home industry 234 237 238 241 242 245 247 250

Bercovitz Design, Inc. Ferrante Tile Ecocentrix Landscape Architecture Griffin & Wilson Stucco, Inc. Drakeley Swimming Pool Company LLC Long & Associates Architects and Interiors Studio H:T B3 Architects

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VALUE QUALITY SERVICE STUCCO EFIS MOLDINGS ARCHITECTURAL STONE VENEER SYSTEMS Florida East Coast (561) 689-9433 Florida West Coast (239) 226-9433 Email your plans to: jwilson@griffinstucco.com CGCA04421

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editor’s note

SELLING TORONTO The sales center at Charlie, the Cecconi Simone-designed luxury condo tower, gives potential buyers a taste of a new, hip Toronto lifestyle.

am excited to present to you, dear readers, this issue of LHQ, filled with whimsical and colorful designs for the young and the young at heart. From one-of-a-kind art pieces to funky, functional elements, the designs that appear in these pages are sure to make anyone’s imagination soar.

A growing niche that professional designers and architects are embracing is designing spaces for kids. As many young professionals settle down, they need to make room for their growing families in their posh residences. In our feature article Family Style (p. 122), we explore how to create a space for kids that is functional and fun, yet still fits in with a mature, refined home aesthetic. Susanne Fougerousse, president of Rosenberry Rooms, specializes in helping adults build the perfect atmosphere for their child without skimping on style. “Every child deserves to have a special place to call their own.” Designing for children is one of two very unique design niches we explore in this issue. The second is an up-and-coming design market—staging luxury condos for hip buyers in ever-expanding cities across the globe. Here, we explore three design firms that have embraced this new staging niche and have found success selling luxury lifestyles to the Toronto condo-buying market (p. 138). One firm, Cecconi Simone, has successfully captured that enviable design aesthetic in its staged Toronto condo units. “It’s not just real estate; it’s creating a unique design specific to each condo owner,” says Anna Simone, cofounder and principal of the firm.

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Eclectic designers and out-of-the-box spaces abound in this issue. We take a look at Amy Lau’s bloody design for the Showtime Showcase Home (p. 110), inspired by the fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan. “As a forensic scientist who specializes in blood spatters, Dexter Morgan is all about connecting the dots. The aesthetic of my dining room is one of meticulously organized chaos.” Lau goes on to discuss her design aesthetic in general, emphasizing the importance of each project having a unique voice. “I try to find what each client loves, then design something specifically for them and have it handcrafted by artisans, which makes each project more personal and special.” Yet another multi-faceted designer is Nils Finne of FINNE Architects (p. 86). His furniture designs add a unique custom quality to his homes. To date, Finne has produced more than 80 pieces of custom fabrications, which he also sells as stand-alone items. “We really enjoy designing those [custom furniture] items, and building on certain ideas and changing and adapting them to particular projects. It’s a distinguishing characteristic we possess that people seem to like.” I hope you are motivated to embrace color and whimsy by this kid-friendly issue of LHQ, and I hope that our coverage of the newest trends and design philosophies will motivate, inform, and inspire your work. Enjoy.

Molly Soat, features editor

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HEDGECOCK ELECTRIC

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LHQ JULY / AU GUSt 20 10

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editorial researchers Holly Begle Ashley Brown Laura Heidenreich Will Megson Bronwyn Milliken Hayley O’Hara Molly Potnick Joe Tomasello Erin Windle

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NEWS FLASH Industry, a new lighting and fixture collection by British design company Tom Dixon, gets its inspiration from industrial processes. Products include: Void, a unique lighting fixture; Peg, a stackable café chair; Offcut Bench, which is made from wood waste; and Jack, a “sitting, stacking, lighting thing.”

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NOV//feb jan DEC 2011 2010

production 53 W Jackson Blvd., Suite 315, Chicago, IL 60604 sales & research 28 E Jackson Blvd., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60604

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Man evolves, so do tiles .... Come and feel the texture ... Now featuring an exotic collection of fine Italian leather tiles.

At Beyond Surfaces we believe that design is about innovation. It is in our search for the latest trends in the flooring industry that we set the importance of variation and high quality among our tiles, stones, and intricate mosaics. 1783 NW 79 Ave, Doral, Fl 33126, Tel. 305-593-1895, Fax. 305-593-5055 e-mail: info@beyondsurfaces.com, website: www.beyondsurfaces.com jan / feb 2011

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what’s new

Industry news, awards, and product innovations

KITCHEN DESIGN

Stripes Camira fuses delicate pinstripes with broader, chunky stripes in eclectic color collections.

SieMatic 6006 – what’s old is new SieMatic, a high-end kitchen-cabinetry and accessories manufacturer, gives a glimpse into the past with the new, retro-inspired SieMatic 6006 kitchen. Part of the Pure Design Collection, the SieMatic 6006 kitchen was enthusiastically received in April 2010 when it was introduced at Eurocucina in Milan, Italy. The design’s streamlined, contemporary styling is based on the blueprint of the original 6006, the world’s first handle-free kitchen, produced by SieMatic in 1960. When the SieMatic 6006 series made its debut in 1960, it was an immediate sensation, becoming one of the most popular kitchen designs of its time. Today, 50 years later and a decade after its relaunch, the enduring style of the 6006 remains a favorite among those with an appetite for timeless design. Another recognizable design element that gives the SieMatic 6006 its retro flair is its unique, curved counter and tall cabinet base, which now includes an optional stainless-steel toe-kick grill with black grating for an ultra-contemporary look. Source: DUEHR & ASSOCIATES, LLC

NOW NEW TEXTILES

Camira textiles reach North American interiors marketplace United Kingdom-based Camira is set to become a fresh, new resource in distinctive, innovative, environmentally sensitive upholstery fabrics for the North American interiors sector. The company manufactures and markets its own range of pure-wool upholstery textiles featuring unique European styling and quintessential British tailored design. Camira is set to introduce its unique brand to the North American interiors marketplace through local inventory and a cutyardage service out of Indianapolis, Indiana. Located in Huddersfield, England, in the country’s woolen-textile heartland, the Camira mill provides unparalleled competence in the design and manufacture of dyed natural-wool fabrics.

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The company uses its trademarked Second Nature label to signal the enduring environmental appeal of its fabrics in terms of raw material choice, product stewardship, and sustainable manufacturing.

THEN

Director of sales Simon Whittaker, a Brit who is relocating to Indianapolis, is establishing the US division of Camira. Simon commented, “We’re creating a new dynamic in the interior-fabric marketplace by giving customers a new value proposition based on our proven European business model. As a textile manufacturer going direct to market, we control not just quality and service but also guarantee proper environmental stewardship.” Source: Camira Fabrics

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what’s new REALTOR-ASSOCIATION MERGER

New association becomes largest realtor group in the US The Realtor Association of Greater Miami and the Beaches (RAMB) and the Realtor Association of Miami-Dade County (RAMDC) have announced their merger into one association. The formation of the new organization, named the MIAMI Association of Realtors (MIAMI), is the largest merger in the history of the National Association of Realtors, bringing together 23,000 realtors throughout southern Florida and forming the largest realtor association in the nation. Jack H. Levine, president of Levine Realty, Inc., will serve as the first chairman of the board of the new MIAMI Association. “Together, we are uniquely positioned to provide south Florida realtors with the most comprehensive and leading-edge real-estate marketing tools and services available that will enhance how MIAMI members serve their clients,” he says.

PROPERTY ACQUISITION

Behringer Harvard acquires sustainable Portland community Behringer Harvard announced its acquisition of Tupelo Alley, an urban infill, mixed-use community providing 188 apartment homes and approximately 10,000 square feet of retail space. Located in the trendy Mississippi Avenue District on the east side of Portland, Oregon, Tupelo Alley consists of three controlled-access residential buildings, one mid-rise, and two three-story buildings. “With its transit-oriented, centralized location and its commitment to sustainability, Tupelo Alley is a

popular choice for young professionals,” said Mr. Mark T. Alfieri, chief operating officer of Behringer Harvard Multifamily REIT I, Inc. “We believe it offers attractive upside potential.” The LEED-seeking Tupelo Alley community was made possible through a joint venture between Behringer Harvard Multifamily REIT I, Inc. and PGGM Private Real Estate Fund.

Current RAMB CEO Teresa King Kinney will serve as the CEO of the merged association. “It is a great honor to help lead this new merged association, which combines the rich histories, large memberships, and powerful programs of two very successful organizations, providing unlimited new opportunities for the future,” Kinney says.

Source: Behringer Harvard Multifamily REIT I, Inc.

Source: MIAMI Realtors

NEW PRODUCT FOR CHILDREN

Munchkin, Inc. unveils line of high-end safety gates Munchkin, Inc., leading designer and manufacturer of infant and toddler products, has announced the release of Munchkin Safety Gates, a complete line of high-quality, stylish gates that meet the needs of today’s modern parents. Through the acquisition of Lindam, the United Kingdom’s number-one baby-safety brand, Munchkin will bring the line of top-selling safety gates to the US market. The gates boast innovative features such as double- and triple-locking mechanisms, U-shaped steel “powerframes,” and spring hinges to reduce impact on household walls. Thoughtful design allows for ease of use, with extra-wide walk-through doorways and convenient self-closing or push-to-shut gates. Incorporating attractive aesthetics without compromising safety, the gates are available in a range of materials and finishes, to meet a variety of parents’ and designers’ preferences. “The Munchkin Safety Gate line allows modern moms to combine incomparable safety and peace-of-mind with unprecedented style,” said Steven Dunn, chairman and CEO of Munchkin. Source: Munchkin, Inc.

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what’s new

LEVOS BLANCO’s STEELART artisans offer their latest innovation: an entirely unique and iconic faucet design.

NEW Handcrafted faucet

BLANCO’s STEELART designers release new faucet design BLANCO, a German innovator of finely crafted sinks and faucets, introduces the stunning LEVOS pullout faucet. LEVOS is an iconic contemporary faucet that is a functional work of art. Utterly unique, it offers zero-radius edges alongside arching curves. The juxtaposition of hard and soft edges not only makes a bold design statement, but also harmonizes with both modern and transitional elements. “One part award-winning design. One part handcrafted precision. That’s the BLANCO LEVOS Pullout Faucet from STEELART,” says Tim Maicher, director of marketing for BLANCO. “It’s a true work of art, right in the heart of your home.”

NEW PRODUCT for children

Skyline Design releases interactive drawing wall for kids Kids Glass, released by Skyline Design, addresses the need for positive and educational activities in children’s spaces with eleven engaging patterns that encourage interactivity and creative play. Kids can complete a maze, connect the dots, or draw a picture with markers on the front side of Skyline’s opaque Vitracolor glass wall cladding. The product provides an artistic display that doubles as an activity surface. It is easy to use and maintain—ideal for children’s environments. The illustrations in the Kids Glass series were designed by Brian Edlefson and Mark Cook of Thesis; Noël Ashby; and Skyline’s creative director Deborah Newmark, who were all inspired by their work with children. Design applications of the product are limitless, and include feature walls, signage, furniture, and wall partitions, as well as magnetic and marker boards.

LEVOS is made from the highest-quality materials available, offered in polished chrome or stainless steel. Matching soap and lotion dispensers are also available.

Skyline Design is the number-one supplier of decorative glass in North America. Founded in 1982, Skyline has a reputation for innovative design collaboration with leading talent, offering the architecture and design community a comprehensive portfolio of glass products. In line with an ethos of sustainable stewardship, Skyline paints and coatings are all low-VOC, and Skyline glass is 100-percent recyclable.

Source: BLANCO America

Source: Skyline Design

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calendar

Trade shows and special events in the coming months

Cincinnati Log Home Show

Roanoke Civic Center, Roanoke, VA

Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Covington, KY

Showcasing the unique, natural beauty of timber-framed log homes, the Roanoke Log Home Show will bring together manufacturers and builders from all over North America. Taking place over three days, the show will display various log and timber-frame homes, recreational properties in log-home communities, various floor-plan options, and one-of-a-kind, handcrafted wood furniture, art, antiques, and accessories. The event will also present of a number of educational seminars in log-home building, energy alternatives, and landscaping, as well as various ideas for decorating and remodeling the homes. theloghomeshows.com/roanoke_va_log_

As one of four exhibitions featured throughout the year, the Cincinnati Log Home Show allows attendees to experience the uniqueness of timber-frame and log homes. Spanning three days, the exhibition will feature manufacturers and builders from all over the continent. Included are displays of various homes, as well as unique, handcrafted log furniture, artwork, antiques, and accessories. Industry experts will also weigh in on decorating and remodeling ideas, and a number of educational seminars will focus on log-home construction, restoration, energy alternatives, and more. theloghomeshows.com/

home_show.html

cincinnatti_oh_log_home_show.html

Feb. 11–13

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March 18–20

Intirio 2011 Flanders Expo, Gent, Belgium

A trade show with a truly comprehensive range of interior-design products from the European and international markets, Intirio is the international not-to-be missed event for every interior-design professional. Offering a specialized and trend-setting assortment of fabrics, curtain systems, upholstery, floor and wall coverings, interior paints, interior accessories, high-end furniture items, and bed, bath, and table linens, Intirio will provide visitors and exhibitors alike with a positive frame of mind and a rejuvenated view of the industry. www.intirio.be

Jan. 20 –Feb. 2

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Photo: roger wade

Roanoke Log Home Show

LOG HOME SHOWS This home by Specialty Built Construction (specialtybuiltconstruction.com) is a stunning example of the work that will be featured at the North American Log Home shows.

ProGreen Expo 2011

HPBExpo 2011

Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo (HPBExpo 2011) serves as North America’s largest indoor-outdoor living showcase. With more than 350 leading manufacturers and suppliers in attendance annually, the trade show exhibits the latest home-heating solutions, grills and grilling accessories, outdoor kitchens, casual patio furniture, water and landscape features, allweather entertainment products, and much more. This unique showcase brings together more than 5,000 specialty and mass-market retailers, installing distributors, builders, remodelers, HVAC service contractors, and other professionals interested in getting a first look at the indooroutdoor living innovations. hpbexpo.com

Featuring a number of landscape architects, designers, and irrigation specialists, among others, ProGreen Expo 2011 serves as an industry hub for landscape construction and maintenance. The event, comprised of both tradeshow and seminar activities, will span four days, offering extensive industry prowess and expert know-how. It will also feature special events such as an awards ceremony and will feature more than 700 booths, 6,500 buyers, and 123 seminars. progreenexpo.com

Feb. 8–11

BUILDEX Vancouver Vancouver Convention Centre West, Vancouver, BC

Known as one of Canada’s largest trade expositions, BUILDEX Vancouver annually welcomes more than 12,000 architecture, interiordesign, construction, and real-estate professionals. With more than 600 exhibits on display, and more than 50 educational seminars available to attendees, BUILDEX Vancouver serves as a prime opportunity for industry professionals based in the Pacific Northwest to discover new and emerging trends. The trade show also features product launches, problem-solving tactics for the featured industries, various educational tools, and countless networking opportunities. buildexvancouver.com

Feb. 23–24

CHBA National Conference

Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT

Feb. 25–27

your-chba/national-conference.aspx

IDS CHAIR AFFAIR Brothers Dressler (brothersdressler.com) created these chairs by mixing traditional seating elements with innovative materials.

March 3–5

BUILDEX Edmonton Edmonton Expo Centre, Edmonton, AB

As another staple of the BUILDEX name, BUILDEX Edmonton is the city’s largest annual tradeshow and conference for professionals in architecture, construction, property management, and real estate, among others. This year’s show expects to host more than 2,000 visitors and more than 150 exhibits, which will showcase the newest industry products and trends, as well as a number of educational sessions to better inform industry professionals on recent issues and solutions. The exhibition will also feature a number of new green products, trends, and technologies, as well as opportunities for networking with likeminded professionals. buildexedmonton.com

March 22–23

Interior Design Show (IDS 11) Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON

CONEXPO-CON/AGG

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, AB

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s (CHBA) 68th annual conference looks to serve as a premiere occasion for members to meet and indulge in new construction trends and techniques. The CHBA, which represents more than 8,000 member firms across Canada, offers services to numerous housing-industry professionals, including builders, renovators, land developers, trade contractors, product and material manufacturers, and many others. The two-day conference will also feature activities such as business sessions, social events, an awards ceremony, and an economic seminar. chba.ca/members-area/

calendar

Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

CONEXPO-CON/AGG will be the international gathering place in 2011 for the construction industries. Held every three years, the exposition showcases the latest equipment, products, services, and technologies across the building and design industries. The event will feature more than 2,000 exhibitors spanning all niches of the construction industry. The expo will feature a comprehensive education program with sessions emphasizing industry issues and trends, management, and applied technology. Additionally, visitors will be able to easily locate specific products and services. conexpoconagg.com

March 22-26

Serving as Canada’s largest contemporary-design event, the Interior Design Show (IDS 11) has attracted more than 500,000 design professionals, consumers, and members of the media since the show’s inception in 1998. IDS 11 will feature the latest, most innovative design products presented by 300 exhibitors, including both emerging and established designers who will showcase international interior-design, architecture, and industrial-design trends. In addition, a number of influential designers and architects will serve as keynote speakers, sharing their various industry philosophies and experiences. In exhibiting multiple trends and designers, IDS 11 showcases a plethora of new and never-before-seen feature exhibits every year, much to the benefit of attending industry professionals. interiordesignshow.com

Jan. 27–30

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on the rise

Popular trends and rising stars in the luxury-home market

for the young Comforting basics and engaging elements make for a functional, livable, and enjoyable space for kids. Plush details, vibrant colors, and out-of-the-box opulence define the newest wave of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designs that will indulge pint-sized clients and intrigue designers.

bold & fresh altamoda girl Italian furnishings company AltaModa has released a collection of furniture and accessories for a charming girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedroom. This collection combines modern fashion trends with bright materials, creating a fairytale ambience any young girl will love. The pops of bright color work with the white design base to draw the eye around the room to each unique accessory. The tufted white bed and bright-pink canopy make an amazing centerpiece of the design, perfectly harmonizing with the refined dressing table. altamodaitalia.it

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on the rise

cozy & cool NEST bassinet The Nest Bassinet by Offi was born from the desire to have a stylish bedside sleeping option for newborns. This room-sharing solution brings peace of mind to parents, so they can rest soundly knowing their baby is safe and comfortable next to them. Worried about versatility? Offiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nest Play Table was designed to sustain the life of the Nest Bassinet while meeting the needs of a growing family. With a few accessories and adjustments, the iconic Nest Bassinet will convert to a play table and toy bin to be used for years to come. offi.com

warm & bright oliver yaphe Oliver Yaphe is a new line of contemporary area rugs that perfectly complement any modern nursery. All of the rugs in the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection are handmade in India, tufted in 100-percent New Zealand-blend wool, and have a cotton back. The company offers a series of designer hand-knotted rugs as well, working directly with designers who demand the highest level of quality for their clients. oliveryaphe.com

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on the rise

for the young at heart Kids shouldn’t have all the fun! These funky pieces will add whimsy to any space. From stylish seating, to functional task lighting, to one-of-a-kind stunners, these luxurious designs will make any grown-up feel like a kid again.

opulent amber chair Drawing inspiration from ancient amber, Jaeuk Jung has created a stunning chair that marries history and luxury. Michael Thonet’s design classic Chair No. 14 is forever sealed into an amber-like chamber of polymer. Amber Chair captures the present and future, creating a new life cycle for a classic object. It presents an element of the past through itself, and thus makes a new present without removing the past completely. Thonet’s famous coffee-house chair is an icon, considered the most successful mass-produced design product in the world to date. It initiated the history of modern furniture. Chair No.14, today known as 214, is still produced by Thonet. jaeukjung.com

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on the rise

funky BangBoom! Zettel’z

Photo of BangBoom! Zettel’z: Tom Vack, Munich. Copyrights by Ingo Maurer

The latest lighting installation from German designer Ingo Maurer is the BangBoom! Zettel’z, a playful chandelier inspired by the work of Roy Lichtenstein. The experimental design incorporates 80 printed sheets of Japanese paper illustrated by Thilo Rothacker. The sheets are suspended from a mesh of stainless-steel wires, and the fixture is lit by halogen bulbs to create a dazzling dreamlike effect. ingo-maurer.com

functional PUNTASPILLONE maxi pouffe Designed by MissoniHome Studio, this striking jewel-toned pouffe is shaped in the form of a tailor’s pin cushion. The iconic shape has been scaled up to create flexible and comfortable seating with countless arrangement options. missonihome.com

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on the rise

touch Cipria Designed by brothers Fernando and Humberto Campana for the Italian company Edra, Cipria is a deliberately iconic piece. The settee has nine cushions fixed to an invisible metal-tube frame. The fur covering comes in different hair lengths and color schemes to produce variations on the original design. edra.com

look BINIC Binic is a charming little lamp with a big character. Designed by Ionna Vautrin, a young French designer, for Foscarini, the piece employs an original color palette that includes rich, dense tones of white, green, amaranth, orange, petrol, and gray. Its namesake—a little lighthouse on the coast of Brittany—is also its point of inspiration, recalling the “wind socks” that are used as ventilation systems on sailing ships. Because of its small size and fun shape, Binic appeals to the child in all of us. foscarini.com

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on the rise

for pets These unique homes for pets ensure no family member is left without a fabulous living space. From puppies to guppies, man’s best friend can have a stylish pad.

fin AQUARIUS Art and nature come together in this cool aquarium collection designed by glass artist Vanessa Mitrani. These unusual fish tanks are inspired by skyscraper architecture, featuring an ultra-modern vessel with a grid of “windows” running from top to bottom. The glass bubbles put a natural spin on this contemporary piece.

vanessamitrani.com

fur BEST FRIEND’S HOME Germany-based Best Friend’s HOME designs doghouses with a style all their own. Ranging from a Bauhaus-style cube to an idyllic Swedish cottage, Best Friend’s HOME offers a fabulous alternative that will keep designers out of the doghouse with finicky clients. bestfriendshome.com

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luxury home quarterly

behind the lines

Popular trends and rising stars in the luxury-home market

ubabub The ubabub concept began more than three years ago, when owners and parents-to-be Natasha and Daniel Dumais became disheartened by the lack of nursery furniture available that reflected their modern sense of style. The initial idea has now developed into the ubabub brand, which launched into the design marketplace in June 2010.

The Pod One of the most unique and innovative cots and junior beds on the market, the cocoon-like Pod is defined by its use of clear acrylic panels and recyclable materials. Its star-shaped cutouts provide extra airflow while offering parents total visibility and a bar-free view of their little ones.

The inspiration for the Dumaises’ line was the opportunity to invent more unique nursery furniture than what is currently available on the market. The couple worked closely with industrial designers to bring their creations to life, and although design was a key factor, the most important requirement was a product that provided optimum safety and practicality. The couple’s experience with parenthood has strongly influenced the design of the line as they have come to know what parents expect and desire from nursery furniture. For example, their daughter, Bianca, was very active in the crib and would often wake up with her limbs caught in the bars. The issue encouraged the Dumaises to develop a crib that offered an appealing, simple solution to prevent entrapment of little limbs while providing parents greater visibility and security. A soft aesthetic was paramount in the design of the ubabub line, with safety remaining a key priority. These contributing factors led to the use of clear acrylic on the sides of the cribs, as well as the use of softer shapes and eco-friendly materials. The end result is an ultra chic and revolutionary look that allows the line to integrate seamlessly into modern homes. –julie edwards

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The Nifty Clear Inspired by mid-century design, the Nifty Clear crib takes the period’s signature clean, modern lines and enhances them by adding ubabub’s revolutionary clear sides. As an alternative, the Nifty model is also available with traditional timber sides.

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CALL FOR ENTRIES Registration Deadline: January 24, 2011

APPLY TODAY: ELigibiLiTY: The ABQ Building Excellence Awards recognize achieve1) Projects must have been completed between ments in architecture, design, and community planning. Win- December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2010. ning projects will receive featured coverage in the Novem2) Entries are limited to construction firms headquartered in ber/December 2011 issue of American Builders Quarterly速, the United States; however, projects constructed abroad will in addition to prize packages available exclusively to Building be considered. Excellence Award winners. CATEgOriEs: One residential and one commercial project will be designatFor more information, a complete list of categories, ed as the Project of the Year, and awards and honorable menand downloadable entry forms, visit: tions will be given in over 15 categories across all residential americanbuildersquarterly.com/awards and commercial building sectors.

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luxury home quarterly

behind the lines

Pink! Red! Flowers! This vibrant room belongs to an equally vibrant three-year-old, Audrey, whose direction to Maher was “Pink! Red! Flowers!” Maher more than met her client’s demands, bringing in the outdoors—which Audrey loves—with the willowy tree and expressing her colorful personality with the vibrant flower wall.

Pacquita Maher

Located in Melbourne, Australia, Maher’s firm, Pacquita Maher Design, currently offers a wide range of services, including color consultation, customized works on canvas, and specialist decoration such as custom murals, faux finishes, decorative plaster detailing, and stenciling. A published author of a children’s book, Maher says her love of illustration led to her passion for and interest in children’s room design.

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Maher’s admiration of classical mural work continues to motivate her vibrant, inspired murals, which reflect her clients’ personalities. Her work combines traditional techniques with a contemporary feel. Though she has a passionate love of color, Maher describes her work as “pared back and low key.” In even her most expressive murals, she blends bold hues with more subtle shades.

Photos: Mary Grekos and Marcin Haber

With a background in design and illustration, Pacquita Maher trained in the United Kingdom as a specialist decorator, developing inspired colorways for wall treatments and creating murals and feature walls for the hospitality industry. By 2006, however, she had found a new niche: designing murals for children’s rooms.

Currently, Maher is designing an exterior wall mural for an inner-city school and has a commission for a Victorian home that she plans to “modernize” through color while retaining a traditional design. Maher hopes to continue to produce children-focused art such as prints on canvas, and her myriad of artistic strengths is sure to make any future move a success. –julie edwards

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accl aim

custom-home projects of note

Pretty in Pink Located in Houston, Texas, Design House Inc. is known for smart installations of superior quality and style. In 2009, the company’s Hunting Ranch project—a pink and cowgirl-themed girls’ bed and bath—won an ASID award in the children’s spaces category. The team at Design House started the project with three objectives in mind: sustainability, color, and comfort. The room was designed to accommodate two young girls with a unique style. Wooden walls were coated with milk paint and striping, while custom (and matching) bedding continues the linear theme with striking emphasis. Overhead hangs a large light fixture fabricated from a wagon wheel. The wheel motif is repeated under the bathroom vanity, which uses buckets for sinks. Repurposed pieces, like old picture frames and custom twig art, complement the room in a sustainable way.

Credits Designers: Connie LeFevre, RID, ASID, Jennifer Renner, RID, and Jin Lee Bang, all through Design House Inc., Houston, TX. Photographer: Don Hoffman, Houston, TX.

–zach baliva

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accl aim

Compact Style In July of 2010, the American Institute of Architects named 10 recipients of the group’s sixth annual Small Project Awards. The award highlights excellence in small-project design to raise public awareness of the value architects bring to projects of all sizes and budgets. One project recognized by the jury was Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture’s (JPDA) East Village Studio in New York City. The Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary practice worked with a $100,000 budget to build a unique living/work space of less than 500 square feet. The client, who formerly occupied the space without ever feeling “at home,”

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needed a more comfortable dwelling. JPDA merged the existing kitchen, bath, and sleeping loft with a new walk-in closet through an unusual wood-panel system. The surrounding main space is finished in high-gloss white and remains highly flexible while the central core condenses essentials into one solid network. The studio is filled with ingenious space-saving details, including steps that double as dresser drawers leading up to the lofted bed platform. The modern studio solves many problems—the client is now able to enjoy Manhattan in an efficient, compact studio built to reflect his true personality. –zach baliva

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acclaim

Credits Design Team: Darrick Borowski & Danny Orenstein, both of Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture, Brooklyn, NY General Contracting: Supreme General Contracting Millwork: New York Construction, New York, NY Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures: AF New York, New York, NY Appliances: Gringer and Sons, New York, NY Audio/Visual: Cole Audio & Video, New York, NY Wood-clad service volume in context

Stone and Tile: Stone Source, New York, NY

Storage diagram

Lighting: Specialty Lighting Photography: Frank Oudeman, New York, NY; Sean Karns, Brooklyn, NY

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accl aim

Credits Cribs: Rob Taboada Furniture, Mill Valley, CA Wallpaper Hanger: Norman Meunier Fine Interior Finishes, San Francisco, CA Light Fixtures: Designed by Marsh & Clark, custom made by Dogfork Lamp Arts, San Francisco, CA Credenza: Custom designed by Chiya Ewald of Marsh & Clark Design Rocking Chair: Stingray by Thomas Pedersen Interior Designer: Stephanie Marsh Fillbrandt of Marsh & Clark Design, San Francisco, CA Photographer: Elisabeth Fall

Three’s a crowd For more than three decades, those interested in discovering the Bay Area’s hottest interior designers have made an annual trip to the San Francisco Decorator Showcase. In 2010, the event helped introduce the design world to Marsh & Clark Design (MCD), a firm launched in 2004. MCD’s entry for the showcase, a dazzling nursery for triplets, combines unique design elements and sustainable materials that produce an amazingly modern space. The converted attic is the perfect space in which a growing family can spend quality time together. “A baby’s room ought to be the happiest place in the house,” says MCD’s Chiya Ewald. “We wanted to create a beautiful and innovative room that appeals to modern parents’ aesthetics and sensibilities.” Three handmade cribs were designed with nontoxic materials and hewn with FSC-certified

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woods. Chandeliers that double as mobiles float above each crib to bathe the powder-blue room in a cozy hue. Beaded-glass walls and lighted dormer-window seats (that are also storage units) grab light from each fixture and playfully reflect it across the elegant space.

The sophisticated room, done in clean and crisp whites, was MCD’s second entry to the annual showcase—its 2009 powder room won two awards including a Best of 2009 K+BB Design Merit Award. –zach baliva

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builders

Construction firms specializing in peerless residences

Crafting exquisite renovations of high-end Manhattan residences for more than three generations by Julie Edwards With an unparalleled reputation for exquisite renovations of high-end Manhattan residences, DiSalvo Contracting remains committed to maintaining the quality and reputation on which the business has been built. “Simply put, we always focus first on doing what’s best for the client and the project,” says Joseph DiSalvo, one of the firm’s principals. “For us, every project is the beginning of a new relationship, and our goal is to earn that relationship, as well as client loyalty, through our work.” The firm was founded in 1977 by Vincent DiSalvo II, an ornamental plasterer and sculptor trained in

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his native Sicily. In 1983, brothers Vincent III and Joseph took over as the firm’s principals. Joseph credits the family-owned firm’s longevity with its belief that everyone from employees to subcontractors to clients should be treated like family. “Many of our employees and trade partners have been with us for decades, and we’ve been retained for numerous projects by extended family members of clients,” he says. Vincent agrees. “Through building relationships, we’ve built our business slowly and steadily,” he adds. “In fact, approximately 75 percent of our

work comes from these relationships, including referrals from both clients and professional project partners.” For example, the firm recently completed a renovation of a Park Avenue home, a traditionally designed apartment which was totally gutted and rebuilt. “The success we enjoyed in building this apartment provided us with the opportunity to partner with the same architect on two additional projects,” Vincent says.

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Photos: SGM PHOTOGRAPHY

DiSalvo Contracting Co. Inc.

SOPHISTICATED SURROUNDINGS This fully renovated Upper East Side home in Manhattan showcases wengewood flooring that joins the clean lines of the ceiling and walls, while carefully spaced ceiling lights and antique chandelier-like wall sconces guide the way. Design by DeWitt Tishman Architects (dewitttishman.com).

Builders LAVISH LUXURY The renovation of the dining room shows quality millwork in the coffered ceiling, wainscoting, door and window casings, and in elaborate custom-plaster crown mouldings. The new oak flooring is classically set in a rich herringbone pattern with a patterned inlaid border. The striated paint finish on the walls, as well as the mirrored wall sconces complementing the central chandelier, help bring a timeless elegance to the room.

Park Avenue Apartment This full-floor, prewar Park Avenue apartment in Manhattan was completely gutted, wall to wall, and totally rebuilt to a traditional design, including new windows. An elegant space with clean lines and contemporary touches, the apartment presented several construction challenges. An earlier remodel of the apartment created unanticipated structural problems that required extensive work to repair and reinforce the structural integrity of the space before the interior work could begin. Unique highlights of the finished apartment include a custom-designed and -fabricated mosaic stone floor in the foyer and opaque-white Italian glass kitchen countertops featuring intricately crafted edging profiles created through an innovative technique by one of DiSalvo’s trade partners. Design by DeWitt Tishman Architects (dewitttishman.com). Interior design by Arden Stephenson (ardenstephenson.com).

Specializing in repair and restoration of high-end Manhattan apartments, DiSalvo Contracting expanded into all aspects of high-end construction in 1986, and today it serves as a full-service general contractor for mid- to large-size renovations, as well as new construction of townhouses and estate homes. The firm maintains an enviable roster of the finest trade partners and has completed projects in most of Manhattan’s finest residential addresses, and on Long Island’s North Shore, where the company has a second office in Oyster Bay. “We often have clients for whom we’ve completed an apartment or townhouse project in the city who will ask us to renovate or build their country home,” Vincent says. “While our main focus

remains in Manhattan, we also needed to be able to service our clients’ needs on Long Island and beyond.” The firm’s long experience in Manhattan enables its staff to address and overcome the myriad of challenges faced in renovating pre- and post-war city apartments. “A number of highend buildings impose summer work schedules requiring the contractor to commence and complete projects between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when, typically, owners are at their summer houses,” Vincent notes. “With careful, early planning, and strict adherence to construction timelines, we can complete what would normally be a six-month project in 14 weeks, on time and on

REJUVENATED AMENITIES The working fireplace in the living room of the Park Avenue apartment was totally recreated using honey onyx on the hearth and a firebox surround. The mantel is a fine example of striated millwork, with column bases complementing the baseboards at the wall. The onyx hearth is framed by the fine oak-floor inlay.

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luxury home quarterly

Builders

Joseph DiSalvo, Principal

budget, while maintaining the highest level of quality and workmanship.” And that repute has paid off for DiSalvo Contracting. “Because of our history and reputation, our firm has the great advantage of being well known by the boards in many high-end buildings,” Vincent says. “Our reputation for conducting our projects in a timely, professional manner has earned us not only respect but direct referrals, so we are often working on multiple projects within one building.” A recent project on the Upper East Side presents a perfect example of the firm’s ability to conquer unexpected hurdles. A 7,000-square-foot apartment required a total gut before the renovation could begin. Given the size and scope of the project, and

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the “summer hours” requirement of the building, the project was completed over two summers; one unforeseen challenge involved the air-conditioning condenser—too large to fit into the freight elevator, it had to be dismantled then moved to the apartment, where it was rebuilt in place. “Other challenges we regularly face are post-warconstructed buildings with lower ceilings,” Vincent says. “To maximize actual and perceived ceiling height, we often have to combine creative approaches in the design such as enlarging window openings and utilizing creative lighting strategies.” Although the company is known for its elegant, traditional renovation work, Vincent notes that more and more clients are requesting modern

design elements. “This subtle shift is generationally driven by a younger clientele,” he adds. “To achieve these requests, we often incorporate contemporary finishes, mixing existing, traditional design elements with contemporary accents such as glass-inset cabinetry, sleek countertops, and modern-flooring options.” As a trusted renovation expert, DiSalvo Contracting often is asked by its clients for assistance in identifying architects and interior designers to work on a project. “Typically, clients see an architect first; however, many of our clients come to us first,” Vincent says. “We then refer them to architects and designers we’ve worked with on an ongoing basis and who, like us, have the client’s best interests at heart.”

luxuryhomequarterly.com

Photos: SGM PHOTOGRAPHY

“For us, every project is the beginning of a new relationship, and our goal is to earn that relationship, as well as client loyalty, through our work.”

MODISH MANHATTAN The living room of this beautifully renovated full-floor Park Avenue apartment in New York City features a muted, striated paint finish on the walls and softly patterned drapes that bring counterpoint to the finely crafted millwork door and window casings, as well as the fine customplaster crown mouldings. The furniture placements complete a balanced scale of design in the room and contribute to a sense of repose. The dining room is visible through the pocket door casing.

Renovations & Restorations of Fine Luxury Residences Since 1977 DiSalvo Contracting is a family-owned, family-run company offering comprehensive services in all aspects of construction. We specialize in mid to large scale complete renovations, as well as new home construction.

For more information, please visit our website at

A C T I N G

HEADQUARTERS 4214 Third Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 | Tel: 718.832.9400 NEW YORK 236 West 26th Street, New York, 10001 | Tel: 718.832.9400 OYSTER BAY 226 Townsend Square, Oyster Bay, NY 11711 | Tel: 516.832.9400

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luxury home quarterly

Builders

Five Building Trends 1. P hantom Screens People desire a stronger connection between the inside and outside of their home, so screens that lift and disappear are becoming more popular. phantomscreens.com 2. Outdoor kitchens As Phantom Screens allow patios and porches to become true extensions of the home, outdoor kitchens further this expansion and create more usable outdoor gathering spaces. 3. Espresso-stained wood floors These dark, stained floors are striking and create a strong visual backdrop to today’s interior designs.

L. Cramer Designers + Builders Father and Daughter Team Up to Create Beautiful Homes in the Twin Cities by Tricia Despres As a child, Jennifer Cramer-Miller would sit across from her father at the family kitchen table, discussing anything from friends to grades to family values. Although building and design probably was not brought up as often during those early conversations, those kitchen-table lessons now comprise the core of the L. Cramer Designers + Builders’ overall philosophy. “It was at that kitchen table that I learned about the importance of being honest and fair and treating everyone kindly,” says Jennifer, who serves as vice

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president of sales and marketing at L. Cramer Designers + Builders. “Our clients appreciate this sort of approach. They know we operate with integrity and fairness.” Founded by Jennifer’s father, Larry Cramer, in 1978, L. Cramer Designers + Builders remodels and builds luxury custom homes in a number of affluent neighborhoods that make up the Twin Cities area. Based in Edina, Minnesota, the firm works with several local architects and interior decorators on anywhere from five to seven homes

5. Reclaimed woods Many custom homes today are incorporating reclaimed and distressed woods to impart character and a rustic texture that adds a welcoming and informal flavor.

per year, at a cost ranging anywhere from $1 million to more than $4 million. “One of our clients said she received so much personal attention that she could not believe we had other clients,” laughs Jennifer, who has worked with her father for over 20 years. “It is our goal to make each client feel this way.” Another critical person in the company, alongside Larry and Jennifer, is Bruce Carnahan, who oversees and manages all the bidding, subcontractor relationships, quality control, and construction practices. “Bruce has meticulous attention to detail and quality, and is a key factor in the exceptional quality of our homes,” Jennifer explains. “Larry feels very lucky to have Bruce because he is completely devoted to the quality standards that Larry set in place all those years ago.” The firm recently put the finishing touches on an 11,000-square-foot home in Edina. Situated on a vast lake lot, this particular customer was a repeat

luxuryhomequarterly.com

Photos: Susan Gilmore

WINNING WOODWORK Rich colors complement an intricate ceiling design in this master bedroom suite.

4. White carerra marble The classic, milky white natural stone with light gray striations has recently seen a resurgence in current custom homes.

C US T o m H o m E B Ui lDin G + m aJor rE m oDE lin G

Iwhatmagine we could

do for you . . .

client who hoped to incorporate both elegant and comfortable spaces within the visually rich home. “This home features spectacular details in every direction,” Jennifer says. “Each material and selection seems to tell a story. Antique columns, hand-painted mosaics on the ceilings, reclaimed brick pavers, diagonal walnut and oak flooring designs—these are just a few examples.” Another L .Cramer home, located in Medina, Minnesota, and measuring in at 13,000 square feet, houses a family of two parents and six children who were looking for a classic home with a more understated look. “The concept was inspired by the little black dress,” Jennifer remarks. “Our client was looking for a style reminiscent of Coco Chanel, a home that was

METICULOUS DETAILS Upon entering this custom home, visitors are greeted with exquisite details at every turn. The gorgeous walnut and white-oak wood flooring is expertly laid in a diagonal pattern. The ceiling is a masterpiece, completed by a commissioned artist whose multi-layered mosaic design was applied meticulously with Q-tips.

timeless and understated with a very clean and sophisticated expression. All in all, there is nothing like the feeling of seeing the process through from early notes and sketches to eventually becoming someone’s home. Our clients’ homes affect every aspect of their day. Knowing that the result of our work is the space where people live their lives is extremely gratifying.”

C a l l JE nn i fE r Cram E r- millE r:

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luxury home quarterly

OCEAN VIEWS The Sconset vacation property, which is located on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is comprised of a 7,200-square-foot main house and a 2,200-squarefoot guest house.

O’Connor Custom Builders, LLC Building the ideal “home away from home” by Anita R. Paul

SSGPOOLS.COM SERVICES Swimming pool design Swimming pool construction Fountain construction Spa construction Swimming pool patios Backyard design

At the helm of the O’Connor team is Scott O’Connor, founder and principal of the 11-yearold company that specializes in building second and vacation homes, primarily on the island of Nantucket. Mesmerizingly beautiful, Nantucket is a tourist destination with an uncompromising commitment to preserving the historic integrity of the architecture found throughout the island. That is why so many choose “The Gray Lady”—as it is known because of its regular gloomy days—as their vacation escape. From renovations to elabo-

SPECIALTIES High quality gunite swimming pools and spas

rate new construction, O’Connor Custom Builders has built a variety of homes to meet the needs of families. No longer are vacation homes viewed as the tiny cabin in the woods or the cramped beach house. Today, people want the comforts of home, which could include custom woodwork, spacious kitchens and bedrooms, a great room and built-in wiring for security systems, and media and wireless connectivity. The Dionis project is a perfect example. A sprawling family compound, the original owner from Florida initially wanted a single-family home constructed on the land. Over time, and as new owners took over, that expanded into seven buildings, now complete with equestrian facilities and a fitness building. “The psyche of the home is ‘vacation,’ but many are built similar to a primary home,” O’Connor says. In the Sconset Residence, O’Connor Cus-

SOUTH SHORE GUNITE POOLS & SPAS, INC.

800-649-8080

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LHQ Jan/Feb 2011 O'Connor Custom Builders - South Shore Gunite Pools 8/1/101/3.indd 9:29 PM1

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Photos: Terry Pommett

37 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Getting away from it all on a family vacation conjures up visions of lazy days at the beach or cozy nights snuggled before a fire. Having both the comforts of home and the feel of new surroundings often converge in a vacation home. O’Connor Custom Builders considers the experience people want to have while on vacation when building the perfect second home for those who call Nantucket, Massachusetts, their “home away from home.”

tom Builders modernized the 1800s home after moving it about 200 feet onto a new foundation. Several updated features were added to give the charming ocean-view estate a more contemporary feel that the family could enjoy. The key to creating a pleasant experience is understanding what people are looking for in a builder and in the final product. O’Connor has learned that it is simple. “People want a builder that pays attention to their needs, their budget, and their schedule, and produces a quality home,” he says. “They want to know they can trust you.” This is particularly important, as most clients are remote throughout the building process. Therefore, integrity is of great value, and O’Connor relies on his entire team to bring it all together. “We have a good infrastructure of people in the right positions, all with different strengths so that everyone knows what’s going on and there’s always backup,” he says. While vacationing in Nantucket has its benefits, building on the island definitely has its challenges. With the conservation, historic, and building councils to appease, O’Connor Custom Builders must adhere to a multitude of regulations and specifications. Although the rules can often seem restrictive, O’Connor admits, it is part of what preserves the charm of Nantucket. “It’s more of a positive than a negative,” he says. In addition, the damp winters and regular fog that blankets the island, along with the complications of transporting materials, add to the challenges of building on an island. But for the firm, it is all in a day’s work. “We try to do whatever it takes,” O’Connor says.

Introducing The All-New

luxuryhomequarterly.com • View the latest issue of Luxury Home Quarterly in a full-size, readable format • Get inspired by featured projects, builders, architects, and designers • Discover what’s in store for upcoming issues and how your company can get involved • Find out what events the Luxury Home Quarterly staff will be attending and more!

As the economy rebounds and people begin to build and renovate more, O’Connor will also consider doing more small commercial work, personally becoming more hands-on in the building process. “I want to keep a good, honest company and make it better than it is,” he says.

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luxury home quarterly

Photo: tom arban

When the families have packed up their belongings and headed back home, their vacation homes sit empty, void of activity and in need of constant care throughout the off season. O’Connor remains a part of the family, so to speak, by providing caretaking services. The harsh winds and ocean waters that blow across the New England landscape can cause severe damage to a building’s exterior and can affect its operating systems. So, the O’Connor team ensures that all systems operate properly during the off-season—heating and air, plumbing and electrical. The builder also performs maintenance on windows, siding, paint, and other aspects of the home where needed. It is an added-value service offered only for homes O’Connor builds.

SUSTAINABLE REVIVAL One of JB Architecture’s specialties is in green luxury renovation, as seen here in this Illinois home.

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When it comes to home design in the Chicago area, JB Architecture Group is known for developing a wide range of diverse, environmentally friendly plans. “We do all sizes of projects,” says Craig Schneider, LEED AP, associate AIA member, and head of the company’s sustainability division. “We approach each client individually and find the best solution for that particular project.” Owner Jonathan A. Bieritz, AIA, formed JB Architecture Group in 1993, to provide residential architectural services to many clients in the area. About three years ago, he expanded the services to include construction and consulting due to the growing demand for sustainable expertise in the residential field. “We can be strictly the architects on a project, or, once we start to approach the construction phase, we may extend an offer to see if the clients would like to use our constructionmanagement side as well,” Schneider says. While many of the construction projects are still referred to a core group of builders that JB Architecture remains close with, currently the company takes on about 10–12 construction projects a year,

and about 200–250 architectural projects. Around 90 percent of its business is in custom residential projects, with the other 10 percent focused on light commercial work. JB Architecture’s five full-time employees have diverse backgrounds, each bringing a unique style to the table. Bieritz, a licensed architect, has been a project architect his entire career, and he and the company’s construction manager, Ron Fessler, each bring more than 20 years of experience to the table. Schneider has worked in architecture since the late ’90s, but found his area of expertise to be more along the lines of details and decision-making rather than design. “I like to focus on the sustainable decisions in a project that really affect the architecture and the end result,” he says. The three of them—along with Tim Weissenborn, who handles the conceptual design, graphics, and marketing needs of the company, and Dave Altosino, who handles design, IT, and structural needs—all bring different backgrounds and specialties to the company. “When we work together, we have it all,” Schneider says. “We’ve definitely tried to diversify. We

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Photo: Tim Benson

• Eliminates the need for housewrap and felt • No rework from torn or blown-off housewrap and felt

“What gets me excited is bringing in sustainability where people don’t expect it and are surprised by it.” Craig Schneider, LEED AP

wouldn’t gain anything by having 10 architects who all designed in the same way.” This diversity in staff has created a reputation for JB Architecture as a unique company, willing to work in every style, from contemporary to Italian Renaissance to Craftsman. “We’re always trying to establish what ‘JB style’ is,” Schneider says. “We’re constantly evolving while trying to give each client just what they’re looking for.” This means a wide variety of projects. Currently, the company is working on a $200,000 first-floor remodel, and recently it finished another first-floor remodel of roughly the same size for one-quarter of that budget. “We just achieved things in a different way with different products, focusing on each client’s wants and needs,” Schneider says. One thing that both projects have in common is the “green” factor. As head of the sustainability division, Schneider ensures that every project is as eco-friendly and efficient as possible, no matter the budget or design. “We concentrate very highly on energy efficiency and sustainability, even if the client doesn’t specifically ask for it,” he says. “We can accomplish this without raising the cost; and even if it isn’t always the easy decision, we know it’s the smart one.” Currently, the company is bidding on several LEED projects. The firm is very proud of its efforts in sustainability, as well as in the community. Recently, it donated services to design the new addition for Hesed House in Aurora, Illinois, a center providing ministries and assistance to the poor and homeless. “We try to do the right thing in our area and are passionate about helping out where we live,” Schneider says. JB Architecture Group brings in most of its residential clients through word-of-mouth referrals and home-show appearances, and occasionally

clients return for additional projects. “We may design a first home, a second home, and a vacation home for a client,” Schneider says, adding that the company stays close with both current and past clients. “We always keep in contact. We try to be proactive. A five-minute phone call to see how things are going can go a long way.”

a message from Huber Building Supply ZIP System roof sheathing and wall sheathing offer structural panels with built-in protective overlays that eliminate the need for housewrap or felt forever. Simply install the panels, tape the seams with the specially designed ZIP System tape, and you’re done. ZIP System roof and wall sheathing are backed by a best-in-class warranty so that you and your homeowners can rest assured that Huber Engineered Woods stands behind the ZIP System products used in your homes.

a message from Dow Building Solutions Nothing contributes more to a home’s overall performance than the right building team. Contractors, architects, and energy auditors are teaming up with DOW Product Specialists all over the country to do just that. With a vast product portfolio, Dow Building Solutions helps sustainably minded building professionals achieve their goal of incorporating affordable energy-efficient features into a healthier and sustainable living environment. In Chicago, JB Architecture and DOW Building Solutions have partnered to deliver these highperformance solutions to their customers. To learn more, please contact your local representative or visit us at: dowbuildingsolutions.com and jbarchitecture.com.

The Hardest Working Team in the Building Industry Nothing sells a home faster than adding cost-effective, energy-efficient insulation and weatherization products. That’s what you get when you add Dow Building Solutions to your team. Our broad portfolio of energy-efficient sheathing, housewraps, foam sealants & adhesives and accessories is backed by 65+ years of building science experience and industry knowledge. It’s building performance you can measure – in lower utility bills for homeowners, fewer call backs and increased referrals. Find out how Dow Building Solutions can help you reach your goal for long-lasting energy efficiency at www.insulateyourhome.com or call 1-866-583-BLUE (2583).

www.insulateyourhome.com www.dowsis.com

™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow

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Building high performance, comfortable, low maintenance homes is not about purchasing expensive products; it’s about the process. Our services cover each step ensuring that all the critical components are reviewed and inspected for quality. From the plans to the delivery of the ﬁnal product, every step is equally important. Services: • 2009 IECC Performance Compliance • Energy Star Certiﬁcation • Energy Modeling • Manual J Calculations • Heat Guarantees • Blower Door, Duct Tightness and Infrared Camera Inspections • Cellulose and Foam Insulation Services

SUSTAINABLE SERVICES SSB built this LEED-certified new home in historic east Wilmette, IL. The home’s features include a standing seam roof, geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels, a green roof, and low-VOC and recycled finish materials throughout.

Scott Simpson Builders, Inc. combining experience and know-how to build sustainable homes around Chicago’s North Shore by Zach Baliva 1387 Wind Energy Pass Batavia, IL 60510 www.IESgreen.com E-mail: info@IESgreen.com

Phone: 1-866-496-1730 Fax: 630-389-1023 46

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Hands-on experience is of course crucial for every home builder, but each person also brings his background and personality to the job site. Scott Simpson and Thomas “T.K.” Kenny, partners at Scott Simpson Builders (SSB), have unique qualifications: Simpson earned a psychology degree at Chicago’s Loyola University, while Kenny studied English and theology at Marquette University in

Milwaukee. Both are carpenters by trade, but they have discovered that a liberal-arts background helps them create top-notch homes. SSB was formed 17 years ago, when Simpson was laid off by another contractor in Evanston, Illinois. The company started by building decks, renovating kitchens, and completing additions. Now, it works

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Builders

wishes we build

INTO HOMES

“We build homes that will last longer than our competition’s because we’re always learning. We learn from our old projects, our constant research, architects, and even our competition. We’re more than carpenters and builders.” Scott Simpson, Owner

on projects of up to 14,000 square feet and on historical renovations in the Greater Chicago region.

garden walls. Other special features include a wine cellar and a basement home-theater system.

Simpson and Kenny focus specifically on sustainable building methods. Their passion for learning, discovered at the university level, helps them analyze and master ever-changing technologies to create efficient structures. “A liberal-arts education teaches you how to learn,” Simpson says. “We build homes that will last longer than our competition’s because we’re always learning. We learn from our old projects, our constant research, architects, and even our competition. We’re more than carpenters and builders.” Kenny agrees. His vast experience of crafting homes as a carpenter is supplemented by a profound collegiate experience. “We are connoisseurs of good architecture and the craft of building homes, as well as consumers of cutting-edge building techniques,” he says.

The company also has won seven historic-preservation awards over the last five years for projects throughout Illinois. Each project showcases SSB’s ability to renovate and add to old homes while maintaining the original look and introducing current technologies. A Tudor mansion in Winnetka built 100 years ago, for example, presented a typical challenge: Simpson and Kenny were tasked with matching exiting trim, windows, stucco, and a slate roof. “Our goal is to build seamless additions that flow with the rest of the house,” Kenny says. High-performance insulation, a modern kitchen, and a low-voltage smart-house system complement numerous other upgrades.

Whether completing a historical renovation, a basic addition, or a custom home, Simpson and Kenny always incorporate the latest building technologies. SSB’s current foci are geothermal heating, stormwater management and reclamation, solar energy, and high-performance insulation. “The new trend is to pack as many innovations into a house as possible while getting amazing architecture and details but keeping size in check,” Kenny says, adding that owners are increasingly attracted to houses of 2,000–3,000 square feet. Homes of those sizes can still be lavish dwellings filled with fine details and flawless finishes. Sustainability on larger estate homes often proves more difficult. SSB is currently building a 30-ton geothermal heating-and-cooling system for a 14,000-squarefoot residence in Glencoe, Illinois. The lakeside property includes a basement lap pool with a custom glass conservatory roof imported from England. SSB added equipment and changing rooms, which overlook a new terrace enclosed by new brick

Also, on Chestnut Street in Wilmette, SSB renovated one of two famous houses built on the same property for twin sisters. Simpson, Kenny, and their colleagues removed a dilapidated front portico and worked from archival photographs to build an accurate limestone and brick exterior. They removed concrete slabs from the basement to make way for terrazzo floors and fabricated matching light fixtures. The company also extended an existing cherry bar and converted a large organ into an automatic player. An old chapel became a bedroom for the house built in 1923. Simpson and Kenny have made the transition to managerial roles at the firm, and while they no longer swing hammers, both are interested in hands-on leadership. “We are committed to fine craftsmanship and to making sure we have the best talent on every job site,” Simpson says. The company will consider jobs of every type, from a deck to an estate. The only requirement, Kenny says, is for each client to share Scott Simpson Builders’ appreciation of great architecture and respect for fine craftsmanship.

ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS HISTORIC PRESERVATION NEW CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING

The kind of builder everyone wishes for

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Builders SLEEK & MODERN The entrance to this San Marino, FL, home is an eight-car garage with lifts cladded in LPE screwless planks. The collection of exotic cars, slightly visible through the black-glass garage doors, are accentuated by under-car lighting.

Luis Bosch Luxury Homes Building for a selective clientele who expects only the best by Megy Karydes Unlike most business owners, Louis Bosch usually doesn’t make it into the office until late in the evening. As president of Miami-based Luis Bosch Luxury Homes—a luxury-home builder and remodeling firm specializing in the southern Florida market—Bosch is hands-on and visits his job sites every day to ensure his projects are going according to plan. Bosch founded Luis Bosch Luxury Homes 10 years ago and has grown it from a small designbuild firm to a well-respected company known for its keen attention to detail and exquisite estates. His firm takes on just one project at a time as the starting price for its homes is three million dollars. Built purely by word of mouth, Bosch focuses on offering his discriminating clients a truly custom experience. “Many of my competitors are very present until the day after they sign the contracts with their clients,” Bosch says. “After that, it’s project managers and superintendents unless there are major problems or delays. My approach is different. I am at the job site every day, and that has proven to be a more efficient and cost-effective way to manage my projects.”

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Bosch’s client roster reads like a “who’s who” list of celebrities, having worked on homes for wellknown athletes and influential movers and shakers in the southern Florida region, such as former Formula One driver Eddie Irvine; Lumber Liquidators founder and CEO Thomas Sullivan; Sunglass Hut founder, art collector, and philanthropist Sanford Ziff; former Hillary Clinton advisor Mark Penn; and celebrity DJ and party-mogul Erick Morillo. One of the company’s recently completed project is located at 16 Palm Avenue on Palm Island in Miami Beach—one of only three exclusive islands off the McArthur Causeway, the main entrance to South Beach. The original structure, built in 1936, was 4,500 square feet; Luis Bosch Luxury Homes added 5,000 square feet of interior space, bringing the total to just shy of 10,000 square feet. Now, the entire property sits on 35,500 square feet and boasts 220 feet of waterfront. “The architecture of the house is Spanish Colonial; however, the interior is a reflection of the owner’s eccentric and eclectic taste in art, furniture, and design,” Bosch says. “The house was designed by the owner, and my job was to try and tone down his eccentric

16 Palm Avenue Located on Florida’s Palm Island, this historic home’s original structure—4,500 square feet— was increased by the company to total 9,500 square feet. Its Spanish Colonial design and eclectic interior showcase the owner’s taste in art, furniture, and aesthetics.

ideas to more-traditional and Colonial decisions that would better reflect the original ambience of the home.” Another recently completed home, the Moraes Residence, located at 35 East San Marino, included an eight-car-garage addition to the complete gut-andrehab project criteria. “The garage has four openings with two doors per opening—an architectural tinted-glass and aluminum door, and a hurricanerated metal door,” Bosch says. “The silhouette of the

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owner’s exotic car collection can be seen from the outside as they are back and under lit.” Bosch is willing to cater to an assortment of requests from his clients. One overriding request is home automation. According to Bosch, automation is a “must have” for high-end homes and is constantly evolving and improving. In addition, since southern Floridians can enjoy their outdoors yearround, it is no surprise that Bosch also gets requests for exterior living features and landscaping, and Bosch notes that landscaping and landscape lighting are among the most commonly overlooked features that he offers, as he believes they are among the best investments for homes. “Another important feature is a very well-designed pool and pool area for exterior living, dining, and cooking spaces,” Bosch notes. “Most of the pools I design feature benches, tables, beach entries, swimagainst jets, and spas that don’t look like spas.” Although all of his projects include high-end features, Bosch chooses not to source directly overseas, where he may jeopardize a project’s completion date with lengthy shipping delays or quality-control issues. “We’re fortunate to be in a market where there is an abundance of the latest materials available locally and that have already been imported from all over the world [from which to choose],” he adds. While some of his clients are very hands-on, choosing to work with him directly on designs and choosing products and materials, in other instances he’s left to work with designers. “To me, it doesn’t make a difference whether I’m working with a designer or the owner-designer,” Bosch says. He sees the upside to both scenarios. He can learn new things from a designer that he can then apply to another project; but when a designer isn’t part of the equation, Bosch is more involved in making the design decisions with the owner—which he also enjoys. It all depends on what the client wants and prefers, which is an overarching theme with Luis Bosch Luxury Homes—to ensure the client is happy with both the experience and the result. “One of the most self-rewarding things I experience with what I do,” Bosch concludes, “is the fact that I have become good friends with the majority of my clients.”

a message from Decorator’s Plumbing Family-owned Decorator’s Plumbing serves the Miami area well by virtue of its 20 years experience in the plumbing-supply industry. Located in the heart of Miami’s Design District, Decorator’s Plumbing is a company dedicated to providing products of exemplary design, quality, and function while utilizing the highest standards of service to its customers. It proudly offers Duravit, Dornbracht, Valli & Valli, Hansgrohe, Sonia, and other fine products. While wholesale to the building industry, the showroom is also open to general public.

ECORATOR’S ECORATOR’S

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T: 305.576.0022 F: 305.576.0069 T: 305.576.0022 F: 305.576.0069 WWW.DECORATORSPLUMBING.COM WWW.DECORATORSPLUMBING.COM 109 NE 39 STREET MIAMI FL 33137 109 NE 39 STREET FL 33137 MIAMI DESIGN MIAMI DISTRICT MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT jan / feb 2011

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kitchens & baths

Enhancing the most-used rooms in a home

Luxurious Spa Retreat Lighting It was necessary for the lighting to be completely integrated into the architecture so the light gave subtle definition to the form. tonychi avoided using large decorative elements in order to create a seamless effect. Design by David Singer for tonychi and associates, custom lighting fabricated by Neidhardt (neidhardtinc.com). Countertops Navona travertine tile by Stefano and Fabio Volpe of the Concetti Group (concettigroup.it/en) was used throughout the bathroom to give the space a sense of movement. To keep the color palette of the bathroom seamless, the same stone used for the walls was also used for the countertops. As the vanities were essentially a part of the overall architecture, shagreen cabinets were procured to slide into the neatly assembled stone niche to fit with the continuing pattern.

ROOM TO INDULGE This stone passage, which separates the custom hardware designed by BeSpoke Leatherworks, features shagreen and silver nickel vanities, framed by customized glass panels (bespokelw.com).

Sophisticated spa retreat reflects design firm’s tailored style by Daniel Casciato With more than 25 years in the interior-design business, Tony Chi is an acclaimed international designer who has always followed the mantra of “the art of making less, more than enough.” Chi, founder of

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tonychi and associates, explains that his holistic philosophy of design can be described as “invisible design,” meaning “what touches you rather than what you see.” In other words, invisible design is truly

designed for the people whom the firm is designing for, because the designer essentially disappears. “The way that we consider design is looking at something that reaches all of the senses,” says William Paley, a senior associate at the New York City-based firm, which provides clients with interior, architectural, and landscaping design, as well as urban planning. “It’s not just visual, and it’s not something that you necessarily touch. It’s everything that is all around: what you’re hearing, smelling, seeing, and feeling. It’s intangible.You’re not really sure what it is you’re responding to, but you’re responding well to it.”

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Photos: Jim Tetro Photography

tonychi and associates

Flooring Travertine flooring with white marble accents makes for a distinct sparkling entrance into the bathroom. The white arabescato marble mosaic with a greenonyx custom pattern inlay was done by Stefano and Fabio Volpe of the Concetti Group.

kitchens & baths

DISTINCT PIECES This Navona travertine-tile tub, which was procured from Mexico, complements a custom sculpture by Jerome Abel Seguin (jeromeabelseguin.com).

tonychi’s holistic design philosophy can be described as “invisible design,” meaning “what touches you rather than what you see.” Much of this design philosophy Paley refers to has to do with good space planning and designing that is in balance with the architecture, interior, materials, and the furnishings within a project. “It’s this balance that we strive for,” he says. “We try not to go for big, in-your-face type of elements; rather, we put ourselves in the background—becoming invisible. This is something very important to us. We also design for longevity. We don’t build to be a flash in the pan. Everything is about designing and building things to last. That’s how we think about each project.” Consider a recent bathroom the firm recently completed for a high-end client located in McLean, Virginia. This particular project for Chi and his team was very small, and the timeline was tight. Comprised of about 699 square feet, the project had to be completed in less than nine months.

“Being aware of this very limited scope, we decided to make this an incredible experience and talk to the client about his needs and the types of design elements that he responds well to,” Paley says. “He was pretty good in showing us the design element that he had seen and was very particular with the kinds of material he liked. So we took this and ran with it.” Paley and the rest of the designers were not limited by any parameters other than the size of the current space. “We felt quite at ease to interpret what it was that the client responded well to, and then broke down the bathroom accordingly,” he says. “The way we approached it was no different than how we approach any project.” After gutting the entire bathroom, the designers reorganized it to what they thought would be ap-

propriate to the client’s taste. According to Paley, the selection of the materials, from the tile to the drapery, was very exotic, rich, and beautiful, but—at the same time—it was very calming and done in a tasteful way. “It wasn’t ostentatious, but it was very rich, luxurious, and elegant,” he says. “We set up a strong architectural space—somewhat angular—and we tried to offset it with the materials we chose. The furniture was eclectic, which was done intentionally. With the tile, you get the beautiful bloom in the surface of the stone but a very soft hue. You also have the pristine of the glass and the sparkle of the polished metals throughout.” No matter how simple or grand the project is, the firm always works with an intimate understanding of its clients and their needs. The process begins with the designers listening to the client. This al-

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luxury home quarterly

kitchens & baths ELEGANT ACCENTS The bathroom features a verre églomisé panel gilded with platinum Arabic leaf characters.

“The way that we consider design is looking at something that reaches all of the senses. It’s not just visual, and it’s not something that you necessarily touch. It’s everything that is all around: what you’re hearing, smelling, seeing, and feeling.”

lows the firm to design interiors that better reflect the style and character of its clients. “With the McLean project, the input from the client was important, and our response was well received from the onset—which gave us a great deal of focus from which to work,” Paley says. “But that did not end the dialogue. Once we began to do the detail work and look at the materials, we met with the client on a regular basis. He was quite involved in the direction of the design and selection of materials and the furniture.” While this kind of close relationship is not uncommon when dealing with residential work, Paley

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Refined Furniture The McLean project’s furniture had to be used in areas where water and moisture were present while retaining the elegance of simplicity. tonychi used Coté France (cotefrance.com) and Philippe Hurel furniture (philippe-hurel.com) for the clean and almost effortless design, in addition to the furniture’s durability in areas exposed to moisture. The steam room (above) features a custom bench fabricated from reclaimed timber by Jerome Abel Seguin, who was selected for his renowned work involving reclaimed rainforest wood (jeromeabelseguin.com).

says that—in this case—it was quite remarkable. “This allowed us to do a great job on the project,” he says. “It also had to do with the relationship we developed with the builder and the architect of record. Almost daily, we had an exchange of calls and drawings for the duration of the project. It was a very collaborative effort. Projects often have their hiccups, but this was a very genuine and very well executed for all parties involved.”

Looking ahead, Paley expects the firm to continue to work collaboratively with architects and designers from around the world. “We’re quite open to new possibilities,” he says. “One thing for sure is that we’ll probably remain a small firm. We’re comfortable with our size—we have 43 people who work here, and as a result it makes it very easy to keep a small list of clientele whom we continuously work with.”

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Photos: Jim Tetro Photography

William Paley, Senior Associate

kitchens & baths

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luxury home quarterly

Professional Innovative Structural Engineering Consultants

The cornerstone of Artisan Engineering’s success is our unique willingness to depart from the norm and develop creative, innovative solutions to meet special challenges posed by each project. Our personal approach develops lasting relationships with owners, architects, designers, engineers, and builders across Vermont and New England.

The Cushman Design Group, Inc. found objects and recycled treasures create memorable kitchens and baths by Tricia Despres

We provide responsive, cost-

engineering issues.

We are conveniently located between Burlington and Middlebury, Vermont. 10 Robin Lane, Charlotte, VT 05445 Phone: 802.425.4350 | Fax: 802.318.4465 For more information please visit us online at:

Milford Cushman wasn’t like the other kids in his high-school drafting class. Sure, they all liked to draw—they worked alongside one another designing sets for the school musicals—but Cushman was one of those kids who stood out, one who you knew would find a way to make his dreams come true. “I remember how I would fill three-ring binders with the NewYork Times Sunday sections, where

they would profile one house every week,” Cushman says. “What I wouldn’t do to look through those binders today. My work genuinely shows all of my years of influence and inspiration.” After eight years as a design consultant for Silver Ridge Design in Hyde Park, Milford Cushman established his own firm in 1988, in Stowe, Vermont. Employing a staff of six and with the capability to work on just over 30 projects per

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Photos: Susan Teare

effective resolutions to structural

kitchens & baths

“No matter what project we work on, we are successful because of the passion and commitment to high quality that each person brings to the table.” Milford Cushman, Principal & Owner

Goose Farm Kitchen Five key design elements: 1. The bright, sunlight-filled space features Loewen triple-glazed casements in Douglas fir. loewen.com

year, The Cushman Design Group today offers personalized architectural and interior-design services. In addition, Cushman says he always works with a keen attention to natural materials, green building practices, and environmental consciousness. “I encourage our clients to live with less space,” Cushman says. “We want our clients to consider less square footage and instead enjoy homes that are richer in detail. I also find it imperative to work with local craftsman, in order to make sure the money stays as local as it can.” Cushman also stays green by recycling as many found objects as possible. In the firm’s recent Grandview home project, Cushman and project architect Andrew Volansky reused found farm implements from the site’s history as a dairy farm, including gear and hay-rake tines on the walls of the powder room. While the firm’s work is done primarily in Vermont, Cushman has travelled everywhere—from the Bahamas to Maine to Alaska—to work with a variety of clients and craftsman. Beginning in 1981, Cushman learned extensively about the construction of furniture and cabinetry

2. The kitchen’s natural-wood cabinetry finishes were constructed by local cabinetmaker Whitaker Hartt Cabinetry, which utilized heart pine with aniline dye and a water-based topcoat. 3. The design includes a unique steel-barrel hood with blackened and oiled finish by John Bornemann of LWI Metalworks. lwiweld.com 4. The firm utilized a fabulous Kodiak brown granite with a “brushed” surface finish for this counter from North Country Tile. northcountrytile.net 5. Clean, simple lighting was used throughout, with copper lighting by Baselite (baselite.com); the light over the dining room table is designed by Hubbardton Forge (hubbardtonforge.com); and low-voltage art lights were designed by Tech Lighting (techlighting.com).

GOOSE FARM BATHROOM The firm used a creative, fun, refreshing Caribbean theme for the shower wall and floor tile, by North Country Tile (northcountrytile.net), and a Caribbean pine floor with Sutherland Welles finishes (sutherlandwelles.com). A barn theme was created by a wall-mounted sliding door into the bathroom, made by Stanley Hardware (stanleyhardware.com).

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luxury home quarterly

Grandview Powder Room’s Unique Style

interior, landscape and master planning design services for those who value elegant design, natural materials, and environmental consciousness in their home or business. To see more images of our diverse portfolio, please visit our website.

Stowe, Vermont | 802-253-2169 F u l l S e r v i c e A rc h i t e c t u r a l D e s i g n

by producing shop drawings for a local Vermont cabinetry artisan. The intricate design of kitchens and baths soon followed and, coupled with Cushman’s lifelong interest in cooking, gave the firm a strong foundation for the personal and artistic details of kitchens and baths. “I find it fascinating to meet with everyone from clients to contractors to engineers to painters to cabinetmakers,” Cushman says. “There isn’t one person who isn’t part of the fabric that makes up our design work. No matter what project we work on, we are successful because of the passion and commitment to high quality that each person brings to the table. I often compare it to playing in a jazz band. I might be a good soloist, but there is absolutely nothing like jamming with a group. It’s what makes my heart sing.”

• The “barn” theme of the home continues into this space with Patterson & Smith’s antique barn board with redwash patina. pattersonandsmith.com •F ound farm implements reflect the site’s history as a dairy farm, including hay-rack tines and farm machinery with a blackened and oiled finish. • The use of “industrial materials” continues with Custom Metal Fabricators’ diamond-plate steel. The design also includes a vanity countertop, backsplash, and mirror-frame hay-rack tines. cmfinc.com • Unique light fixtures were made by Vermont-based Hubbardton Forge. hubbardtonforge.com

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Photo: Carolyn Bates

We offer personalized residential,

designers

Creative minds in interiors, landscapes, and furnishings

Timothy Macdonald Inc. New York-based firm caters to high-net-worth clients seeking custom service and style by David Hudnall In January 2010, Architectural Digest published an authoritative list of “The World’s 20 Greatest Designers of All Time.” In his early years as a designer, Timothy Macdonald had the pleasure of working for not one but two of those designers: Val Arnold and Angelo Donghia. “I started out in California in the early 1970s working for Val Arnold, and later worked for Angelo in New York,” Macdonald says. “Angelo was a trailblazer in branding, and I learned a lot from him. I ended up in charge of residential decorating for his firm, with clients like Donald

Trump and Ralph Lauren. Then when he died, I started my own firm in Manhattan.” Macdonald thus established his namesake firm, Timothy Macdonald Inc., in 1985, and the interiordesign firm continues to serve high-net-worth individuals who expect outstanding, exceedingly attentive service. A small studio, the firm restricts itself to two or three large projects a year: substantial homes with substantial budgets. “We typically partner with architects to coordinate and deliver the

Tribeca Loft Located in New York City, this 3,500-squarefoot space was originally part of a commercial building that housed a printing press. It was purchased by the client in “fairly raw condition,” says Greg Knudsen, the designer who led the project. “[The client] liked the modern, urban quality it possessed, and wanted to respect a machine-age aesthetic. Any ideas we had that could underscore the factory sense appealed to them.” As such, the kitchen island was designed to look as though it was made of steel I-beams, and the lights above the pool table have a factory feel. Timothy Macdonald Inc. was able to strike an effective balance of space. “It works as a place for having eight people over for an intimate dinner, or as a place for 200 people to have cocktails,” Knudsen says.

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luxury home quarterly

designers

INDUSTRIAL CHIC The Tribeca loft’s kitchen island evokes the feel of an industrial work table.

“It’s not uncommon to meet people who are living in a home that doesn’t reflect who they are at all. We try to avoid that by getting a feel for the clients’ aspirations and dreams and desires.” Timothy Macdonald, Designer & Owner look the clients seek, and often those architects will refer us to their clients, and vice versa,” Macdonald says. “And if we have a couple of large projects going, we probably also have a few smaller projects going simultaneously, because by this point we’ll have developed a built-in client base—people who always have something going on who come to us because we’ve done good work for them in the past.” Macdonald confesses that he is a modernist at heart, but his firm maintains a neutral point of

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view stylistically, and is comfortable with more traditional interiors like 18th-century antiques and paintings. “We truly enjoy doing it all,” he says. “We’re most concerned that what we’re doing be appropriate to the particular client and project.” Clients often come to Macdonald with ideas, or a file of photos pulled from a magazine, and he sees it as his mission to distill those ideas and find the best possible combination for the space. “It’s not uncommon to meet people who are living in a home that doesn’t reflect who they

are at all,” he says. “We try to avoid that by getting a feel for the clients’ aspirations and dreams and desires.” That process becomes more comfortable, and more rewarding when working with repeat clients, as the firm most recently did on a Tribeca loft—the ninth project for which this particular client has retained the firm. (Other jobs include a vacation home in the Hamptons, a ski lodge in Aspen, and a variety of apartments in New York City.) For the Tribeca apartment, the objective was to create an open, modern environment for entertaining guests and showcasing a growing modern-art collection. “There’s a very industrial sense of space, but it is broken into zones by concrete spandrels,” Macdonald says. Suspended, museum-quality lighting was employed for the art collection, supplemented by am-

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Henry B. Urban Inc.

Fine Custom Furniture, Draperies, Bed Treatments & Wall Covers to the trade

Window Treatments from Simple to Elegant

SCULPTURAL SUPPLEMENTS The dining area is dominated by both dramatic views to the south and the sculpture by Bryan Hunt (bryanhunt.com). The entrance area reflects a collector’s aesthetic with a sculptural console table created by Wendell Castle (wendellcastlecollection. com) and a light installation by Leo Villareal (villareal.net).

Hand-crafted Custom Furniture

PICTURESQUE CITYSCAPE The sunset views to the south and west of Manhattan create a dramatic backdrop for the billiard area.

bient lighting throughout. In the master bedroom, a floating ceiling provides a sense of enclosure, adding a serenity and warmth; draperies also serve to soften the room. For the main area, the billiard area, and the dining area, the firm utilized motorized shades for lighting control. “There’s a lot of natural light coming through, and that’s important to monitor and control,” Macdonald says.

The firm has also started work on a residence at 15 Central Park West, which is the first new luxury apartment building built in New York in years. But its projects aren’t confined to New York; it’s currently at work on a home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on top of a butte surrounded by 35 acres of wilderness. “It will be absolutely beautiful,” Macdonald says.

Family owned since 1966 Visit our showroom by appointment only

619 West 54th Street New York, NY 10019 jan / feb 2011

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designers

For more than 17 years, this firm has infused its projects with a timeless yet modern style by Julie Edwards Elegance. Sophistication. Style. When speaking with Kenne Shepherd, owner and principal architect for Kenne Shepherd Interior Design & Architecture, these qualities are embodied in her words as readily as they are in her work. “We embrace our clients’ vision of how they would like to live and embody that in an environment that is distinct in its character and of the highest quality.” Shepherd says. “With every project, we immerse ourselves in all aspects of the

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design—from architecture and interiors to furnishings and accessories—to create an integrated system of form and expression.” Shepherd founded her firm in 1993, in New York City. Originally, the firm focused on high-end luxury retail projects such as Calvin Klein’s Madison Avenue store in New York City and Salvatore Ferragamo’s national retail expansion; however, Shepherd soon diversified, adding residential work to the firm’s portfolio. Comprised of a small but

NYC Fine Living This New York residence masterfully blends new finishes and furnishings with the existing architectural elements. Furniture pieces, like the sofa by George Smith (georgesmith.com), which is upholstered in an embossed rose-colored fabric from Pierre Frey (pierrefrey.com), were added to complement the client’s existing heirloom furniture such as these guest chairs, which were reupholstered in a gold-, beige-, rose-, and green-striped damask fabric from the Lelievre and Old World Weavers collections by Stark (old-world-weavers.com). The table lamp is a unique electrified “Kashmiri Urn” from Vaughan Lighting (vaughandesigns.com). The custom area rug (tufenkian.com) was handmade in Tibet, with the colors carefully chosen to unite the overall color scheme of the living room.

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Photo: Paul Johnson

Kenne Shepherd Interior Design & Architecture PLLC

More More projects projects by by Kenne Kenne Shepherd Shepherd

“With every project, we immerse ourselves in all aspects of the design—from architecture and interiors to furnishings and accessories—to create an integrated system of form and expression.”

Calvin Klein Madison Avenue Store, New York, NY Calvin Klein Madison Avenue Store, New York, NY

Kenne Shepherd, Owner & Principal

A refined composition of soaring columns defines the main floor’s A refined composition of soaring columns defines the main floor’s double-height environment and sets the tone for all three retail double-height environment and sets the tone for all three retail floors. Strong horizontal forms draw customers through the space floors. Strong horizontal forms draw customers through the space and create a human scale for the display of its collections. and create a human scale for the display of its collections.

select group of architects and designers, the firm currently provides a full range of commercial and residential architectural and interior-design services, from initial concept to project completion.

to highlight the traditional furnishings and artwork the clients had gathered during their years of travel.” She also designed custom, handmade wool rugs and carpets to unify and anchor each space.

“Luxury architecture and interior design are very similar—whether retail or residential—because you are creating an image of a lifestyle while dealing with a high level of design and fine materials,” Shepherd says. “The difference is that with residential, you have more freedom in color choice, material choice, and construction techniques.”

The transformation of the kitchen and bathrooms required more extensive remodeling. In the master bath, Shepherd used Jerusalem Gold stone to create a very modern look, while new granite countertops, marble mosaic-tile backsplashes, and stainless-steel appliances changed the kitchen into a much warmer, inviting space. “The result, while a departure from the firm’s usual design style, was very successful,” Shepherd says. “Our influence is still easily seen in the clean lines and sophisticated color palette.”

As the firm’s services have expanded, so has its design style. Shepherd says initial projects were very minimal with tone-on-tone finishes, but today the firm’s style is “richer,” with more use of texture, color, and lighting to create a modern yet classic ambiance. “Interior design obviously is a great complement to architecture,” she says. “Our clients can choose either interior-design or architectural services; however, when we are able to provide both for a project, the end result is a more comprehensive and unified vision.” Distinguished by Display & Design Ideas as one of today’s top 100 design firms, Kenne Shepherd Interior Design & Architecture has received extensive coverage in design publications. One of the firm’s recent projects of note is a three-bedroom residence in a prime location of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. “The project required judicious renovation that refined the architecture and masterfully blended new finishes and furnishings with the existing [elements],” Shepherd says. “The residence is owned by an attorney and his wife, who are empty-nesters relocating from Boston to New York City. They were downsizing [and], at the same time, had many family heirlooms and artwork they wished to keep.” Using a more traditional approach to mirror the clients’ style, Shepherd says she used “bold infusions of dramatic color balanced by soft, traditionally inspired materials to create an inviting atmosphere

Manhattan Pied a Terre, New York, NY Manhattan Pied a Terre, New York, NY To create this serene urban refuge, Kenne Shepherd used refined To create this serene urban refuge, Kenne Shepherd used refined materials such as off-white Thai silk to wrap the living area’s walls. materials such as off-white Thai silk to wrap the living area’s walls. A custom-designed, hand-woven white wool carpet covers the floor. A custom-designed, hand-woven white wool carpet covers the floor. Framing the panoramic mid-town views are lacquer convector Framing the panoramic mid-town views are lacquer convector covers and matching valances. covers and matching valances.

A lifelong arts enthusiast, Shepherd began her artistic journey in college when a mentor encouraged her to change her major to architecture from political science. “It was love at first sight,” she says. “Everything just flowed from that moment forward.” During Shepherd’s early years, she worked as an architect for general contractors on large-scale commercial projects in North Carolina and Alaska, and later assisted in developing a land-use plan for the city of Seattle. “My planning and construction background has been an invaluable part of my work experience, because it allows me to understand the unique challenges of contractors,” Shepherd notes. “I believe my respect for the contractor’s craftsmen and their work is one of the things that sets me apart in my field.” For the future, Shepherd, who is a LEED-accredited professional, looks to become more involved in sustainable design. “Sustainable design encompasses both areas of our firm—from the architectural components such as the use of natural light and energy-efficient fixtures, to the design-materials aspect,” she notes. “It’s exciting to see a growing range of good quality textiles in the market, which makes it even easier to include sustainable materials throughout a project.”

Manhattan Pied a Terre, New York, NY Manhattan Pied a Terre, New York, NY The galley-style kitchen, open to the rest of the apartment, features The galley-style kitchen, open to the rest of the apartment, features custom-designed lacquered cabinets that match the color of the custom-designed lacquered cabinets that match the color of the silk-covered walls. Cool grey granite countertops and top-of-thesilk-covered walls. Cool grey granite countertops and top-of-theline stainless steel appliances provide subtle accents. line stainless steel appliances provide subtle accents.

54 West 21st Street, New York, NY 10010 54 West 21st Street, New York, NY 10010 tel. 212.206.6336 fax 212.206.7337 www.kenneshepherd.com tel. 212.206.6336 fax 212.206.7337 www.kenneshepherd.com

LHQ J/F-1/3 p.-Kenne Shepherd Interior Design and Architecture.indd 7/28/10 1 12:13 AM LHQ J/F-1/3jan p.-Kenne Shepherd Interiorhome Design and Architecture.indd 1 12:13 AM / feb 2011 luxury quarterly 617/28/10

designers Touchable Victorian For this living room in Brookline, MA, designer Rachel Reider relied heavily on texture rather than color to make a statement. The walls are covered in a darkbrown grass cloth that brings great depth to the space and reflects the sunlight. Materials such as wood, metal, leather, mohair, and linen are used to create a textural juxtaposition.

Rachel Reider Interiors a passion for comfort, beauty, and timeless style

Rachel Reider knows that a harmonious, engaging interior can make all the difference in a home. “Design is very personal, and it’s important for me to form relationships with each of my clients so I can create something that they’re going to love living with,” Reider says. With more than 10 years of experience in the interior-design industry, Reider knows how to work with clients to create beautiful living spaces. Reider graduated from the New England School of Art and Design, and worked as a practicing interior designer before founding her own business, Rachel Reider Interiors, more than four years ago. The business is based in Boston, and while most of Reider’s projects are in New England, she has done work all over the country.

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Photos: (interior) Nat Rea, (headshot) Connie Reider

by Laura Judy Reider works with a core group of vendors on a variety of projects, including both high-end residences and commercial work, which consists mostly of boutique inns and bed and breakfasts. “I’ve done a little bit of everything, from a beach house in Maryland to a ranch in Montana,” says Reider, who has developed her own unique style over the years. “I tend to describe my style as ‘soft modern.’ I like the design to be comfortable, with clean lines and a timeless feel. It’s modern without being cold.” The soft-modern style varies from project to project, depending on the customer’s needs. And Reider works on 8–10 projects each year, several of which are large undertakings. “I like a mix of large and small projects,” she says.

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designers

“I tend to describe my style as ‘soft modern.’ I like the design to be comfortable, with clean lines and a timeless feel. It’s modern without being cold.” Rachel Reider, Owner

Her recent projects include a suburban Victorian residence and the Veranda House, a boutique hotel in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Reider was able to put her passion for interior design to work with this complete renovation of the suburban Victorian residence. “It started as an older Victorian home with nine bedrooms,” Reider says. “We combined many of the rooms [to] make them larger and more usable spaces.” The wall between the kitchen and the dining room was removed to create a large great room that is open to the kitchen. “Most families spend the majority of their time in these areas, so opening them up really allows the family to be closer,” Reider adds. The project was made fun and challenging by the fact that the homeowners had very strong differences in their design preferences. “She wanted neutrals, and he loved strong colors,” Reider says. “It was a struggle to combine the two.” In the end, they went with neutral shades for the major pieces, adding pops of color with pillows, art and other accessories. The end result was exactly what the clients were looking for. They were able to retain many of the main architectural details of the home while bringing in elements of Reider’s softmodern style. It’s important to Reider to maintain the close relationships she forms with her projects and clients. “We’ve grown a lot over the past four years, but it’s important to me to stay involved in each and every project and to stay in contact with all my clients,” Reider says. “I always want to keep designing—it’s my passion.”

Natalie Norcross and Associates

Timeless Colors Bold, fearless hues combine and interact with softer, more sophisticated colors for an eclectic design style that is both distinctive and timeless.

sophisticated designs interact with nature to create luxurious escapes by Kaleena Thompson Malibu’s beaches marry luxury with natural, organic beauty, and recognized designer Natalie Norcross says this has influenced her design aesthetic. “I am inspired by nature and the beauty that exists in our lives, from the quality of texture or the colors in nature,” she says.

The California native started Natalie Norcross and Associates in 2000, after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Her firm transitioned from solely model homes and custom residences to luxury hotel projects, which cemented its image as a luxury sophisticate. The

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designers

Natalie Norcross

their new 5,000-square-foot home. Natalie Norcross and Associates brought a more transitional aesthetic––a blend of contemporary and traditional styles––to the interiors. “We used a lot of earth tones and warm layers,” Norcross states. “We used hand-painted linens and wonderful textures and light forms to create a sense of fantasy with a timeless design.”

Artsy Touches Artisan pieces and one-ofkind decor are becoming the more preferred fanfare for interior decorating over mass-produced objects.

firm also began designing various products, from sustainable furniture to organic textiles, creating interiors with clean lines, warm layers, and timeless designs. Based in High Point, North Carolina, the company boasts such projects as Loftique Hotels in Europe; various resorts, villas, and high-end residences in Asia and Russia; and the Esquire House in the Hollywood Hills. “With each client, our primary goal is to create a luxury lifestyle—a well-designed and integrated package of fantasy, drama, and comfort––delivered on time and within budget,” Norcross says. “To that end, our design team remains keenly attuned to the pulse of changing industry trends governed by today’s more sophisticated world traveler. My firm designs and manufactures most of the products we put in our projects, custom-designing for each space.” The team––architects, designers, project managers, and assistants––collaborate with clients on the

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look, feel, and flow of their home’s interior. “We have a very close and personal relationship with our clients, which allows us to get to know who they really are and what they really enjoy the most,” Norcross says. With an assortment of projects like custom residential homes, luxury hotels, and product designs, the award-winning firm certainly stays busy. However, Norcross ensures that the team maintains a thorough hands-on approach, from project inception to completion. “We approach each project with a conceptual focus,” she says. “We create the overarching concept and vision of the entire space and design with the end in mind. We then get into the fine details of scale with a singular goal of absolute client delight.” For example, a young retired couple, Joseph and Heather Brandon, relocated from northern California to Summerfield, North Carolina, and wanted California remnants woven throughout

Fabrics throughout the home include an abundance of texture and pattern, such as Belgian linen. Artwork and photos are festooned in simple frames over pristine hardwood floors and sisal rugs. “When we completed the installation in their home, we opened a bottle of wine and invited them to come to their new home,” Norcross recalls. “They had wonderful tears of joy as we unveiled their new house to them.” The design maven blends a happy marriage between sophistication and affordability––apropos for the current economic trend. In 2010, she launched Eco Couture, an affordable online store specializing in organic bedding and furnishings. For a thrifty do-it-yourself renovation, the online store is a showroom for any design facelift. Norcross suggests to custom-frame your old antique art with beautiful large double mats. “Splurge on ceiling light fixtures and soft sconces,” she says. “Exchange your old drab Chenille sofa for a relaxed Belgian linen sofa. Use a large low-pile sisal rug under a smaller silk area rug.” These soft yet dramatic design furnishings can transform drab spaces into timeless abodes—one that Natalie Norcross and Associates prides itself on. However, if consumers want to leave the makeovers to the design aficionados, Norcross promises, “We’ll push the aesthetic envelope, giving our clients inspired identities and rewriting the language of luxury design.”

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designers

VINTAGE DESIGN The Cary Residence’s living room features a custom chair and stool from Verde Design Studio that were inspired by 1940s style (verdedesignstudio. net). The drapery fabric is from Clarence House (clarencehouse. com) and the vintage wall lanterns are from Daniels Antiques (danielsantiques.net).

“I like to bring fresh eyes to the project, and help my clients see things in a different way.”

Photo: Dave Bork of Hedrich Blessing Photographers

Anthony Stavish, Owner & Designer

A. W. Stavish Designs updating outmoded furniture and reorganizing Living spaces for fresh, stylish designs by Frederick Jerant It’s common for a talented designer to “labor in the vineyards” for years before going solo. Not so for Anthony Stavish, owner and designer of A. W. Stavish Designs, based in Chicago. “After graduating from college, I worked as a design assistant on one job, and then decided I’d

rather be in business for myself,” Stavish says. “All it took was one good client with a big house.” In less than 20 years on his own, Stavish has made a big splash in the design arena. House Beautiful magazine named him as a Rising Star of Interior Design, and featured three of his rooms in its 2004

Showhouse special issue. His work has landed on the covers of several magazines, and his own home was spotlighted in HGTV’s Small Spaces, Big Style program. While the firm’s niche is residential work in Chicago’s North Shore and surrounding suburbs, it has also completed projects in California, New York, and South Carolina. Despite the firm’s numerous impressive projects, it is comprised of just two other employees in the firm—a design assistant and a draftsman. “I like to run a tight ship,” Stavish says, “and never want to be in a position of having too many employees. We have many talented people in the wings. I’ve worked with the same contractors, painters, and other tradespeople for about 15 years. We share a

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luxury home quarterly

Cary Residence The design of this Colonial home’s living room incorporates an abstract painting by Chicago artist Wesley Kimler, available through the Maison Rouge Galerie (maisonrouge.net) in Chicago.

Stavish strives to capture the spirit of a client and the essence of the space he’s working in. “If I can read who the client is, I can find the living environment they are looking for,” he says. “Spaces can often give clues to what’s appropriate, to what you can accomplish.” Stavish speaks from experience; his own home is filled with bold design statements, yet it occupies more than 500 square feet. He also enjoys the challenge of working with existing elements, in order to make diverse designs come together. That’s exactly what he faced with the Cary Residence, a five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath stylized Colonial home of 1930s vintage, located in Highland Park, Illinois. He was brought into the project simply as a paint consultant but was struck by the potential he saw in the home. “I started making suggestions to the owner about rearranging some of the pieces she owned, and adding some other subtle changes,” he says. “She liked the results and decided to move forward with a major revamping.” For example, his client had put in an expensive new kitchen about eight years ago. “It was awkwardly planned and really didn’t function well,” Stavish says, adding that the kitchen was essentially

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split into two adjoining rooms. By removing the dividing structures, Stavish was able to put in more expansive windows, and set up a good cooking area. “It’s brighter, fresher, and a wonderful spot for entertaining guests,” he says. Furthermore, instead of traditional overhead cabinets, Stavish chose open shelves to display the owner’s collection of antique mixing bowls. “They have a lot of history,” he says. “Some came from her grandmother, and one might have been used by the famous Smucker family.” A Greek key is a recurring motif in the home. One appears above a wall-mounted map in the library (which was uncovered after stripping away layers of paint from the pine paneling). Stavish translated that concept into custom-made iron drapery rods for the room. “It’s another subtle way to make the house look cohesive,” he observes. The dining room’s old, pink paint and pink, plaid draperies were discarded in favor of more-muted tones. Stavish added contemporary lighting and artwork, new upholstery and other touches to update the décor. Whenever possible, Stavish prefers using the materials at hand. “People live with things for such a long time—they don’t ‘see’ them anymore,” he remarks. “I like to bring fresh eyes to the project and help my clients see things in a different way.”

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Photo: Dave Bork of Hedrich Blessing Photographers

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designers

LAKEVIEW LUXURY The living room of this Chicago residence is very open, ideal for entertaining. The bar is centered between the living and kitchen areas. The stunning custom-designed staircase bounces natural light throughout the space.

Jessica Margot Design, Inc. a host of multicultural influences inform designs for Chicago clients by Ruth E. Dávila Interior design isn’t an acquired taste, according to Jessica Margot Federighi. It’s an instinct. “You can go to design school, and they can teach you the tools,” Federighi says, “but a true designer— you’re born with it or you’re not. To be able to visualize the space before it’s done is a challenging thing to do.”

and related services. The company is located in Chicago’s chic River North design district.

Federighi, president of Jessica Margot Design (JMD), based in Chicago, is clearly of the born variety. In college, she floated from one design discipline to another: graphic design at the University of Illinois at Chicago, architecture in Milan, and finally a BFA in interior design from Harrington College of Design.

For a consummate example of JMD’s work, Federighi references a two-floor penthouse that she redesigned for a physician bachelor in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. She recast the entire apartment, combining two bedrooms into a mega master suite, resurfacing the kitchen with new countertops and a backsplash, connecting everything with elements of blue (the client’s favorite color). Several custom pieces were designed, from a custom metal-and-glass railing on the staircase to a tailored wood bar in the living room—all designed by JMD and built by RJM.

Following posts with a few different interior design firms, she launched her eponymous business in 2004, focusing on high-end residential projects. JMD boasts an architectural slant, engaging in full-scale remodeling, custom furniture design,

The showstopper was the master bath with a walkin shower, custom cabinetry, and a vanity that functions as a large desk complete with a computer. The client wanted a spa with a “very Zen mood,” Federighi says. “When he comes home, he

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MODERN & MASCULINE JMD used Poliform’s Zoe bed for a sleek, masculine look (poliformusa.com), and an Artemis ceiling fan from Lightology (lightology.com).

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designers wants to feel relaxed. Walking into the bathroom, you can decompress with the calming colors. And not only does the shower sound like a waterfall, it looks like one with the gradient of the tiles.” Federighi’s cultural experiences—studying abroad, and being raised by European-born parents—inform her design sensibility. “My education in Italy helped to influence JMD as far as implementing old with new,” she says. She calls her style “classic, timeless, tailored, clean, and elegant.”And although she is known for relaxed and long-lasting client relationships, there are certain design rules she lives by. For instance, ready-made rooms lack personality, she says. “I don’t like when things look like you just walked into a showroom and bought everything from that place.You need to mix it up a bit with eclectic pieces and interesting materials.” Federighi wagers that every one of her projects contains a custom piece, whether a coffee table, dining-room chair, or built-in entertainment unit. “There’s always that special piece that you can’t really find and you know you want it,” she says. “Sometimes it’s better to simply create your own. It’s a way of getting exactly what you want and fulfilling your vision.” She also shies away from fluorescent lighting, which can be harsh, she says. “To me it’s critical that you have warm lighting. I feel every switch should be on a dimmer to create a different ambiance during the day versus night. This alone allows the client to set up a different environment based on their needs.” Another of her design tactics involves livening up a space with plant life. “Bring in organics—trees, plants, bamboo, wooden sticks in a vase—something to put in a corner to soften and make it feel lived-in and cozy,” she says, adding that the plants should be placed strategically, in order to avoid clutter.

Photos: Nicholas Provost

Other design techniques include accessorizing boldly and maximizing space. In fact, small urban spaces are one of Federighi’s fortes, and she uses built-ins for extra storage, since they double as displays, and incorporates mirrors to reflect city views and bring in natural light. “Put the ottoman on casters—then it can roll around the room for multifunction,” she says. “I try to keep my clients open to throwing in something that is very unexpected—a textured wall covering, a special fabric, an animal throw, accessories, artwork, interesting colors that lead you through the space.” Her caveat: keep the backdrop timeless, for resale appeal and also so that the client does not tire of their environment. Along Federighi’s design instinct, her marketing savvy has fostered JMD’s success. But her humble work ethic encourages her to keep growing. “I always tell myself, ‘You’re only as good as your last job,’” she says.

Custom Tile Designs Stone fabricators from Materials Marketing assisted JMD in designing a custom tile layout for the client’s master bathroom (above). “We created a custom look with these tiles,” Federighi says. “We wanted you to walk into the master bathroom having your eyes lead you from the floor to the wall in the walk-in shower. It looks like a waterfall.” Additionally, the kitchen’s custom-tile backsplash (right) goes along with the serene blue theme around the house. “Our client saw this design featured in one of the model homes JMD designed and loved it.” Federighi adds. “The colors also went well with the theme of the house.” mstoneandtile.com

“You can go to design school, and they can teach you the tools, but a true designer— you’re born with it or you’re not.” Jessica Margot Federighi, President

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designers

MODERN ELEMENTS This Boca Raton home features a pair of minimalist stainless-steel sconces by Boyd (boydlighting.com)— represented by Jerry Pair (jerrypair.com)—that flank a commissioned painting called “Swimmer,” by Jeannie Maddox (jeanniemaddox.com).

One keynote of Puschendorf’s style is the use of disparate textures on furniture, floors, walls, and other surfaces. “I like to have a focal wall in the rooms I design,” he says. “Depending on the room’s dimensions, its uses, and the tastes of my clients, I might cover a wall in leather, eco-friendly wood or grass fibers, or paper that has bits of metal embedded in it. If a room’s walls are all one color, the focal wall might be finished with glass tile. I like to go for a ‘wow’ factor in my work.” But Puschendorf’s use of unusual materials isn’t done simply for the sake of splashy effects. Rather, his choices are guided by his desire to enhance each room’s architectural elements and to reflect the client’s unique outlook. “My clients’ personalities strongly influence my designs,” he says. “Instead of pushing my own tastes onto them, I want to draw out their likes and dislikes. In that way, they’ll come to identify with the house and be comfortable in it. I don’t want them to feel like strangers in their own home.”

Puschendorf Interiors, Inc. taking inspiration from a passion for fashion, designer uses varying textures and materials to complement and contrast by Frederick Jerant Aldo Puschendorf’s path to owning one of southern Florida’s top interior-design firms wasn’t exactly typical. His educational background includes the study of interior-design technology at Miami-Dade College, architecture at Tulane University, and fashion design at the American Intercontinental University in Miami. And his earlier professional experience includes a stint as visual merchandising manager for Macy’s, as well as positions at a number of interior-design firms.

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His exposure to those varied disciplines coalesced in 2003, when he struck out on his own. Since then, Puschendorf Interiors, based in Miami, has become a key player in the region, with particularly notable projects throughout Florida, including Fisher Island, Williams Island, and Boca Raton. And even though the firm’s primary market is in south Florida, it has also designed homes in countries as far away as Argentina, France, Panama, and Mexico.

To get the best outcome for each client, Puschendorf interviews them extensively, learning about their lifestyle: Do they entertain much? Are there children in the family? What are the functions of the rooms? Puschendorf also encourages his clients to bring him appealing pictures from magazines—“and not just photos of homes or rooms,” he says. “It might be a picture of artwork they like, or even clothing. I find that many fashion designers today also create furniture lines. If a client likes the clothing, they’ll probably like the furniture, too.” Puschendorf’s approach to his work is exemplified in a 7,000-square-foot, two-floor private home in Boca Raton that he designed with noted architect Thomas Benedict of the Benedict Group, in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Perhaps its most distinctive feature is the near-total lack of curves in the structure and furnishings—done at the client’s insistence. “I’m not sure why she disdains curves,” he says, “but it was an interesting challenge. Even the mouldings on storage spaces had to form 90-degree angles.” The spare, angular home is softened by Puschendorf’s trademark use of textures. The powder room, for example, sports a woven-wood main

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SLEEK & SUSTAINABLE The living area’s architectural chairs, designed by Artefacto, are made of recycled wood and are dressed in ostrich-skin leather (artefacto.com). The cocktail table is made of wood and recycled metal, and the sectional couch by Sklar is also made of leather, making the space cohesive (sklarfurnishings.com).

“Ultimately, I love to take my clients’ preferences and develop designs that are completely unexpected.” Aldo Puschendorf, Owner wall, evoking an almost Zen-like sense of serenity. There are, however, plenty of straight lines and sharp angles in the living room, but they are offset by the soft mohair on seats and pillows, and the warmth of dark woods. And in the dining room, 16-inch square tables contrast with the supple lines of a stainless-steel bench that is partially supported by a large resin ball finished in bright red lacquer. Other varied textures and materials are found throughout the home—crocodile skin in the breakfast area, recycled-wood chair frames in the den, and the extensive use of sisal and other grasses for rugs. This project succeeds in displaying Puschendorf Interiors’ unique knack for design. “Ultimately,” Puschendorf says, “I love to take my clients’ preferences and develop designs that are completely unexpected—and complete to their tastes.”

DESIGN IN HARMONY This “Zen” powder room features a woven-wood wall covering by Maya Romanoff (mayaromanoff.com), and a fossilized-wood countertop, with the vanity and mirror designed by Puschendorf Interiors. ARTISTIC INTERIORS Abstract Italian mirrors, imported by Interni (interni.co.uk), and a custommade walnut console reflect the owners’ preference for clean, simple design. It also features a bronze sculpture from the Domus Gallery in Vancouver, BC.

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designers

Deb Reinhart Interior Design Group Inc. transforming clients’ homes into spaces that reflect their everyday lives

Lake Shore Drive Condo This Chicago residence’s master bedroom reflects the owners’ love of color, with a rust Edelman Leather headboard accenting the blue faux-finish wall (edelmanleather.com). Additionally, a period chair contrasts with the Chinoiserie writing desk, and a crystal lamp provides stylish task lighting.

by Julie Edwards With a tagline of “Designed Around You,” it’s easy to discern the client-centered philosophy that has been at the heart of Deb Reinhart Interior Design Group since the firm’s inception. “My philosophy when approaching a project is to base solutions on the client personality and lifestyle—I take the client’s personal preferences and transform the space into something that they love,” says Deb Reinhart, the firm’s principal.

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“The architecture, of course, leads the way, but the foundation for a space is truly who is using the environment and how they want to live in the space. We believe in leading, not dictating, because if the environment is congruent with the people it serves, then it will enhance and improve their quality of life.” Having lived in both the Far East and Europe, Reinhart has been influenced by those experiences.

“I enjoy taking the inspiration from these great designs and crafting solutions to fit the client and project, whether contemporary or timeless,” she says. “Taste can be timeless.” In 1994, Reinhart decided to form her own firm—Design Odyssey—which she rebranded in 2009 as Deb Reinhart Interior Design Group Inc., a full-service interior-design firm located in the northern suburbs of Chicago that provides

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Robert Miles “I believe when you step into a well-designed space, you should instantly feel that it is special, even if you don’t know why.”

is an innovative company leading the way in executing smart home design concept and installation.

Deb Reinhart, Principal

design work for residential and commercial clients. Much of the firm’s business is from repeat clients or referrals, which underscores the quality of the work. “I had a Chicago-based client who asked me to design their area townhome,” Reinhart says. “We then assisted in the design-build of their home in Las Vegas and, later, in a design-build of two homes for a family retreat in Austin, Texas.” The firm has received awards for many of its projects, including recognition for its work on a condominium on Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive. “The challenge for the [Lake Shore Drive] project was to create an urban home on an upper floor of a highrise that would not only serve a family with teenage children but also provide upscale spaces to entertain friends and business clients,” Reinhart says. To achieve this objective, Reinhart focused on warm, welcoming colors and transitional design with multicultural antiques that would be pleasing to both the family and their international guests. She also chose hard-wearing luxury fabrics for durability, incorporated efficient space planning, and added built-in millwork to utilize the entire floor plan while maximizing the spectacular views of the 27th floor locale. Reinhart also chose Lutron’s Whole Home Lighting Control, an intelligent and sophisticated high-end lighting system which includes centralized dimming panels. Another challenge for Reinhart was sunlight. “When you are designing for high-rises, light has a huge impact and influence on what you are able to achieve,” she says. “From upholstery fabrics to window treatments, the intensity and control of sunlight definitely defines the direction of the design.” However, Reinhart notes, her most unusual—and uniquely challenging project—was a condominium on Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood.

The client—an absentee owner living abroad—requested a complete build-out of a 3,600-squarefoot condo starting with bare walls and floors. “I initially was contacted by the owner three years before I started the project, and all of our communication was via phone or e-mail throughout the entire project,” Reinhart says. From the custom millwork to the European-influenced gourmet kitchen, the space is disciplined and contemporary but, in keeping with Reinhart’s love of the unique, features an unexpected touch in the foyer—a two-inch-thick wood slab of African bubinga crafted as a light fixture and positioned in a soffit. “It’s clean and modern, yet softens the contemporary feel of the space,” she notes. Looking ahead, Reinhart sees her firm continuing to diversify. Following the rebranding in 2009, the firm implemented a new website in Spring 2010. Reinhart also is looking into launching an e-commerce site and is expanding her commercial projects, including numerous bids on offices and lobbies. “I love the idea of public spaces, which are a completely different design challenge,” she says. “Public spaces are driven more by the locale and the architecture of the building, but they still have to be appealing and welcoming. In offices, productivity is improved if the environment is well planned. A dynamic lobby, for example, can reflect and enhance property value and also show how the occupants maintain the building.”

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Intellis

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Reinhart’s ultimate aim is to provide clients with complete customization. “My goal when creating any space is to create a space that is absolutely unique and has one-of-a-kind solutions,” she continues. “I believe when you step into a welldesigned space, you should instantly feel that it is special, even if you don’t know why.”

Fax: 312-243-8995 Web: www.intellis.us Email: robmiles3060@yahoo.com jan / feb 2011

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designer showcase

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jan / feb 2011

PERFECT ROOM ACCESSORY Made of bronze and lacquer, this Antony Todd Pebble coffee table “looks like a piece of jewelry,” Robinson says. “It is a beautiful art form.” antonytodd.com

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Eve Robinson Associates Inc. Talk to interior designer Eve Robinson about her company, Eve Robinson Associates Inc., and you’ll get a glimpse of the woman behind the high-end design company: a professional in overdrive, involved in every decision made at her firm; a trend-averse designer who opts for interesting styles that stand strong in any modern era; and a savvy businesswoman who has made quite a name in the tristate area, participating in numerous show houses since she opened shop in New York City in 1990. by Ruth E. Dávila

Kips Bay Show House Started in 1972, the Kips Bay Show House gives designers the annual opportunity to create rooms for design lovers to admire, critique, and appreciate. Each year the show house is held in a different townhouse on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. “For the 2007 Show House (my fifth time participating), I was given the living room to design,” Robinson says. “I wanted to create a space that was fresh, confident, and comfortable.” A rare diamond-patterned, parchment-fronted French 1940s cabinet strikes an artful balance with designer Paul Laszlo’s sculptural armchair and a contemporary coffee table made of bronze and lacquer.

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“It was important for us to keep the wonderful old character and charm of the house, but at the same time update it and make it feel more modern.” eve robinson, president

orget what has been said about declines in the interiors industry; Robinson’s customer list continues to grow. In large part, her company’s success is due to meticulous execution. “I try to get as much information as I can about how people live,” says Robinson, who serves as president of her company. “Do they allow food outside of the kitchen? Do they take off their shoes when they walk in? If so, I need to make sure the fabrics and materials are really durable to withstand this type of use.”

More than standard decorating, Robinson’s services have an architectural slant. In addition to sourcing fabrics, furniture, home accessories, lighting, and rugs, her team often designs cabinetry, new bathrooms, and kitchens. To get a feel for her style, nothing speaks louder than a glimpse into Robinson’s own home—or homes, rather. Her family’s apartment in Manhattan’s Upper West Side embodies her work/life balance: it’s sophisticated (complete with a formal dining room) and clean-lined, as expected. But Robinson’s Southampton weekend retreat, brightly accented with beachy décor, takes visitors on a creative journey. Both of Robinson’s abodes are featured in Designers Here and There: Inside the City and Country Homes of America’s Top Decorators, by Michele Keith (Random House 2010).

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House in Watermill, NY In Robinson’s vacation home, the designer wanted to create a cheerful, whimsical space to entertain family and friends. The home features a pink and red palette, shown here in the master bedroom, where the colors are used graphically in the window treatments and the Casa del Bianco bed linens. casadelbianco.com

Her vacation house in Watermill, New York—which she describes as “cheerful, whimsical, and fun”—was her most personal project to date. “My husband and I went looking for a house with our children on one cold winter’s day in 2004,” Robinson recalls. When they reached the eighth property, something eerie happened. “My kids ran into the house, ran upstairs, ran downstairs, and then ran out screaming, ‘This house is really scary!’” she says. “But my husband and I looked around and said, ‘You know, this has a lot of potential.’” It’s no shock that Robinson and her husband, Joshua Wiener, would gravitate toward a work-in-progress in their house hunt. Robinson has a proclivity for making spaces beautiful, and Wiener is a general contractor and owner of his own firm, Silver Lining Interiors. Robinson and Wiener fully renovated the main house, which was built in the 1940s.

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BRIGHTENING UPDATES Adding windows and increasing the size of the openings made the connection between inside and outside more tangible. The kitchen has cerused-oak cabinetry and multiple seeded glass pendants illuminate the space. The family room’s rough-hewn beams show their natural color and contrast with the white painted paneled walls. Stone was added to the façade of the brick fireplace to give it texture and depth.

“It was important for us to keep the wonderful old character and charm of the house, but at the same time update it and make it feel more modern,” Robinson says. First on the agenda was to lighten things up. “The house was very dark and depressing when we purchased it,” she recalls. “By painting the original cedar walls white, we brightened up the space.” To that end, they enlarged existing windows and added new ones to gain a sense of the outdoors. Bringing the colors and textures of nature inside, she created a colorful balance. In the living area, Robinson incorporated “pinks and reds of summer flowers” for a splash of wildlife. She filled the home with bursts of blue to embody “the idea of the sky coming inside,” she says. The Watermill kitchen can be considered a signature Eve Robinson design— harmonious and simple with a dash of wit. She removed the wall between the original kitchen and dining room for added depth. In the center of the kitchen, an old farmhouse table is surrounded by 1950s schoolhouse chairs. Above the table, Robinson hung a bleached coconut light fixture, “reminiscent of a hula skirt.”

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NEWDAYWOODWORK

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East 58th Street Apartment This 3,000-square-foot apartment on the 44th floor of Cesar Pelli + Associates’ Bloomberg Tower has spectacular views of New York City. “Our clean-lined design was intended to complement the sublime view,” Robinson says. “We transformed the windowless gallery into a jewelbox. The client was desperate to create a light-filled space. We covered the walls in white, back-painted glass and used bronze for the mullions. The result is pure luxury and luminosity.” The gallery also features a BDDW Captain’s Mirror (bddw.com) and a credenza from Therien & Co. (therien.com).

a Message from Silver Lining Interiors It has been an absolute pleasure working with Eve Robinson over the last 18 years. From the initial steps of a project to the final product, Robinson makes sure that the clients and collaborators are as informed as possible by providing them with excellent drawings and thorough schedules. Her decisive nature speeds up what can be a long process.

On the ceiling, rough-hewn beams infuse the room with a rustic mood, contrasting with the white-paneled walls and white, modern bucket-seat barstools. And kitchen cabinetry is made of cerused oak—sand-colored to remind the family of the nearby beach. Old and vintage furnishings are used throughout the Watermill home, for sustainability as much as aesthetics. Outdoors, she installed solar panels on the roof to make the house more eco-friendly. Overall, the laid-back design and energy-efficient elements combine to create a weekend home that conserves energy—mentally and otherwise. “It’s a place for us to escape the busyness and craziness of the city and relax and entertain,” she says.

I have always admired her ability to seamlessly fuse both contemporary and traditional elements in the same project. She has created strong connections with vendors so her clients can be sure to receive high-quality products at the best value. She is not simply a designer but is invested in meeting the practical needs of her clients; she has been known to measure books on shelves and plates in the closet of clients existing homes to ensure everything fits seamlessly after the renovation. She makes sure to attune herself with her clients’ lifestyles, and that care, when combined with her attention to detail, makes her one of the best designers to work with.

At work, Robinson puts as much heart into her designs for customers—from Park Avenue to Connecticut—as she does into her own home. But an important distinction is that she doesn’t bow to the latest craze. “You want things to be fresh and current, but don’t want them to be so trendy that they’ll go out of style, because furnishing a home is expensive; it’s an investment,” she says. It’s precisely this philosophy of timelessness that has kept Eve Robinson Associates going strong, making the firm as enduring as its designs.

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general contracting construction & cabinetry painting & wallpapering decorative painting & murals leafing & staining tinted plaster & stucco veneziano

S ILVER LINING I n t e r i o r s

2091 Broadway New York, New York 10023 212.496.7800 212.496.1012 FAX SILVERLININGINTERIORS.COM

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WARMTH & TEXTURE This custom silk rug contrasts the deep brown sofa in the library of the Flaum residence.

Reddymade Design, LLC Last year, Suchi Reddy, principal and founder of Reddymade Design, was hard at work designing a luxury mixed-use project in India. “India is a hugely emerging luxury market,” Reddy says. “It helps that I come from this culture and can parse the important differences between what clients seek here and what they seek in the US. You have to consider things like housing the staff, who tend to live under the same roof here. The climate, too—the materials that weather and last here are different than what you could use in, say, New York.” text by David Hudnall photos by fabian birgfeld

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“India is a hugely emerging luxury market. It helps that I come from this culture and can parse the important differences between what clients seek here and what they seek in the US.” suchi reddy, principal & founder

ADAPTABLE SPACE A series of covered folding panels allow the guest bedroom and library to be either part of the living space or separate in several combinations to make the apartment as functional as possible.

uchi Reddy’s firm, founded in 2002, is hoping to establish a strong footing in India, one that highlights the style elements Reddy values while embracing the country’s cultural preferences. “The other major difference about India is that almost anything here can be custom made,” she says. “There’s a lot of interest in ornamentation, and Indian homes can be hugely customized.” But working in new, exotic locales is nothing new for Reddymade, which has worked for high-end clients in places as varied as Paris, the Bahamas, Wisconsin, and its home base of New York City. In fact, Reddy says her firm specializes in this kind of diversity, seeking out a wide variety of work so as to avoid being pigeonholed. And though it has done a variety of high-end retail projects, including a store design for Jimmy Choo, residential work comprises the biggest chunk of its portfolio, especially lofts and apartments in New York City. The firm has gained a reputation of being gifted at developing designs to suit specific client needs. It helps that Reddymade—which now employs eight full-time staffers—can provide one-stop design services, from architecture to interiors to furnishings.

Flaum Residence A 1,400-square-foot apartment, the Flaum Residence was a collaboration between Reddymade and Iwona Herdzik of Beton Builders (betonbuilders.com), one of New York’s few high-end female contractors. The result was a customized, modern space where every window in the apartment frames a different view of Central Park. A custom screen wall, made of Japanese rice paper, glass, and fabric separates the living room from the master bedroom, and the lighting system allows for a wide variety of colors that can change the mood of the space completely. “It can be geared toward whatever lifestyle [the client] desires,” Reddy says.

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ROOM WITH A VIEW The cozy study is designed around a stunning view of the reservoir in Central Park. REFLECTIVE SURFACES Every surface in the austerely beautiful kitchen is covered in white, acid-etched, back-painted glass, a luxurious finish that catches and refracts light streaming over Central Park and the roof of the Guggenheim below. The walls of the guest bath are also covered in acid-etched mirror that reflects light and creates soft reflections within. The floors are white Greek coral marble.

“We want to do interesting projects for interesting people,” Reddy says. “You’ll see common threads in our style and aesthetic, but what directs our design is the client. The design is always a dialogue with the client and the space, tailored to those specific needs.” Take, for instance, the gut renovation of the Flaum Residence, off of Madison Avenue in New York, with views of the Guggenheim Museum and the Central Park reservoir. “It was a project designed for a woman who was restarting her life in the city—an empty-nest type of home, but with character,” Reddy says. Essentially, Flaum’s challenge to Reddymade was: “Figure me out and come up with a design that reflects my personality.” The firm set to work, opening spaces up and designing a “serene, restful space—all whites and textures that made it very warm and cozy,” Reddy says. “Ms. Flaum is, in some ways, a technophobe, but we installed automated lights and a control system for her, and were able to keep it very simple. It was a very fulfilling project, and I think it turned out beautifully.”

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“We tend to approach things with a point of view of having eclectic interiors and minimal architecture. We’re about warm, livable, well-designed spaces— the kind where the client will have a party and won’t be able to get the guests to leave.” suchi reddy, principal & founder

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luxury home quarterly

Design doesn't end

at the ba throom door!

Kuritzky Glass has been family owned and operated since Fred and Frances Kuritzky opened its doors in 1955. David Kuritzky, their son, has grown the company since he became an active manager of the business over 20 years ago. Kuritzky Glass has developed a stellar reputation for its craft, specializing in most any type of mirror or glass construction for both residential and commercial sites. We are more than able to assist you in your design efforts. Kuritzky Glass is an active member of the Mt. Kisco Chamber of Commerce, The National Glass Association of America and other allied organizations. For additional information, CONTACT: David Kuritzky 914-666-8929 or david@kuritzkyglass.com

Prince Street Residence A 2,400-square-foot loft in a prime location in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, the Prince Street residence offers amazing views of the surrounding area. The kitchen also showcases a round, stand-alone German sink with a rotating faucet that draws much attention. In the dining room, Reddymade created a series of floating candles that descend from the ceiling and function as lighting in lieu of a more traditional chandelier. The expansive living room is designed for comfort and relaxation, with a custom, raw-silk light fixture as the centerpiece.

Another Reddymade project in New York, a SoHo loft on Prince Street, featured a design based around preserving and highlighting existing cast irons. (The loft is located in, and includes gorgeous views of, the Cast-Iron Historic District.) As such, the bedrooms were designed as screens that were set off from the original columns. Reddymade incorporated antique wood from old barns to cover the ductwork, and industrial nozzles for air outlets, to give the loft a more spacious, raw feel. “People want modern designs, but they also want them to be warm and comfortable,” Reddy says. “We tend to approach things with a point of view of having eclectic interiors and minimal architecture. We’re about warm, livable, well-designed spaces—the kind where the client will have a party and won’t be able to get the guests to leave.”

487 Lexington Ave Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 84

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Interiors2Art Christopher Wall Artisan Plaster Finishes

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Park Avenue Duplex This unique-looking foyer creates entrances to the kitchen, office, living room, and staircase to the duplex’s lower level. Diane Burgio Design did the architecture/design and worked with Pol Theis, of P&T Interiors, on the decoration (pandtinteriors.com).

LAKE FOREST PARK Located on a secluded 3.5-acre wooded site about 25 miles north of Seattle, this 1950s Pacific Northwest contemporary house has been completely renovated while retaining its original spirit. With extensive new windows and glazed roof monitors, the house now appears to be a glass pavilion in the forest.

FINNE Architects Nils Finne, founder of Seattle’s FINNE Architects, isn’t fond of the word “style”—at least in terms of describing his firm’s aesthetic. “When you talk about having a specific style, I feel like it limits you, pigeonholes you,” he says. “If the architecture is really good, you can’t really understand it via a buzzword like ‘traditional’ or ‘postmodern.’ I think most people would consider my work modern. There’s a high level of craft, with warm textures and natural materials. I use lots of wood, custom cabinets, custom light fixtures, custom steel work. So it’s not the sterile aesthetic typical of a lot of modern design.” text by David Hudnall photos by Benjamin Benschneider

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CUSTOM CREATIONS Burgio designed this living room to incorporate a built-in motorized projection screen, custom built-in storage along the window wall, and Paola Lenti sectional furniture throughout (paolalenti.com). SPACIOUS & ILLUMINATED The main living and dining spaces have been slightly enlarged, and high windows have been added to bring soft natural light to the entire space. The entry door is a custom piece made of Douglas fir and etched glass, and the room features Hans Wegner wing chairs.

“By working on old homes you learn lessons you can apply to new homes. You learn about the vulnerability of construction, and that informs our designs of new structures.” nils finne, founder

inne, who was raised in Norway, established FINNE Architects in Santa Monica, in 1991. Previously, he had served as a senior associate at Richard Meier and Partners, where he worked on the Getty Center in Los Angeles, a $1 billion project. He steadily gained business in Los Angeles and the Pacific Northwest, and in 1995 he moved the firm up to Seattle in order to focus on high-end custom residential new homes and renovations. Today, he says the firm has held steady at 50-percent new construction and 50-percent renovations. “It’s a very good mix, because by working on old homes you learn lessons you can apply to new homes,” he says. “You learn about the vulnerability of construction. And that informs our designs of new structures.”

This connection between old and new is a concept Finne explores in much of his design work. “People love older homes, and one of the reasons for that is the touch of the human hand—the sense that craft and love were put into the home years ago,” he says. “People can sense that—they sense the value that’s been carried over fifty, sixty, one hundred years. What we try to communicate through our work is that new homes can be modern and still have a high level of craft, and a sense of detail and passion and caring. And you can also create interesting dialogues across time between new and old worlds.” FINNE’s Lake Forest Park project—a residential renovation in a secluded area just north of Seattle that the firm completed in 2009—illustrates those

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AU NATUREL The homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s floor plan has been reorganized to create a spacious, light-filled master bedroom and luxurious master bath. Each space is surrounded by glass, revealing views of the lush Pacific Northwest forest.

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ideas. “It was a contemporary 1950s house that we more or less gutted from top to bottom—to the extent that it essentially became a new house,” Finne says. The floor plan was reconfigured, resulting in an enlarged kitchen tied together by a “long, undulating, forty-foot wall made of weathered steel panels that created a dramatic accent and a unifying element,” he says. New windows and interior and exterior walls were installed, featuring all-new finishes. Cherry cabinets and panels made from a custom textural design were prototyped for the house, as well. “The panels have the look and feel of a woven texture,” he adds. “I call it ‘woven wood’ because there are these alternating scoops carved out of the wood.”

CRAFTED MODERNISM In keeping with other FINNE projects, this renovation has pursued the idea of “crafted modernism,” the enrichment of a modernist aesthetic with highly personal, crafted materials and objects. Custom fabrications by FINNE include the cast-glass kitchen counter, steel wall panels, suspended steel mirror frames, laser-cut steel shade valences, custom steel lighting bars, hand-blown-glass light fixtures (called TROMS pendants), and a number of custom furniture pieces.

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designer showcase

Otta Table

Ling Table

FINNE Custom Furniture

Lofat Table

Many clients of FINNE Architects have been pleased to discover that the firm not only designs exciting custom homes but also custom furniture: dining tables, coffee tables, end tables, beds, rugs, desks, chairs, lighting—even custom toilet-paper holders. To date, Finne has produced more than 80 pieces of custom fabrications for clients, which he also sells as stand-alone items. “We don’t make them by hand ourselves; we have very good fabricators here in Seattle that we work with for steel, glass, etc.,” he says. “But we really enjoy designing those items, and building on certain ideas and changing and adapting them to particular projects. It’s a distinguishing characteristic we possess that people seem to like.”

Hattan Table

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Skli Pendant

Foss Pendant

“You can’t expect a client to foot the bill for the from-scratch items that I’m drawn to. I’m just passionate about them, and I spend a lot of time developing those items, because that’s what excites me.” nils finne, founder Finne also took pains to blend the outdoors with the indoors throughout the home. Large glass walls line the tub in the master bath, from floor to ceiling, and mirrors are suspended from the ceiling behind the vanity. “When you’re at the vanity and the tub, you feel like you’re outside—you almost feel like you’re bathing in the great outdoors,” he says. “It’s an amazing experience.” Increasingly, the firm is working beyond its Pacific Northwest roots, with recent projects in California, Chicago, Boston, northern Michigan, and Asheville, North Carolina. “The Internet has really changed things for us,” Finne says. “People all across the country can easily see our work online. We’ve been getting more and more inquiries from all over.” Most are no doubt drawn to Finne’s elegant yet understated attention to detail. “I understood many years ago that I couldn’t possibly expect a full payment for all the time I put in to these projects,” he says. “You can’t expect a client to foot the bill for the from-scratch items that I’m drawn to. I’m just passionate about them, and I spend a lot of time developing those items, because that’s what excites me.”

a message from Landbridge Lighting Landbridge Lighting has worked with FINNE Architects to produce furniture, hardware, and lighting for several projects. As designers ourselves, we appreciate the aesthetic of their work. As fabricators we respect the dedication that goes into each piece and respect the firm’s ability to work through challenges quickly and efficiently. Landbridge Lighting wishes FINNE Architects many years of continued creativity and success.

Kralle by

Landbridge Lighting steel, bronze, ostrich egg _______

Design • Fabrication • Restoration Seattle, Washington www.landbridgelighting.com jan / feb 2011

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Southern comfort

Ken Tate Architect focuses on the old-world foundation of timeless and traditional design text by Christopher Cussat

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PHOTOS by timothy dunford

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the smith residence Located just outside Houston, TX, this 12,000-square-foot courtyard house incorporates many design elements from the rich architectural heritage of New Orleans’ French Quarter. The house has eight distinct architectural forms, including the French Colonial pigeonaire, the central main house and study buildings, a Spanish Colonial two-story bedroom wing, and a

French West Indies two-story kitchen wing. There is also a 1920s-style pool house and a 1930s-style, two-story children’s playhouse disguised as a miniature pigeonaire. The house is constructed of materials such as antique Vermont slate roofing, old handmade brick, natural color-integrated stucco, hand-built brick columns in the “Tuscan Order” finished in natural stucco, copper

gutters and downspouts, custom wood exterior doors and windows with handblown glass, stone paving, and more. The house also has two large courtyards—the front has four planted parterres around a large, tiered cast-iron fountain reminiscent of New Orleans’ early courtyards, while the rear courtyard is up-to-date and incorporates a large pool.

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SMITH RESIDENCE The home’s pool house is a stuccoover-brick, wood-roof pavilion that houses a 16-foot-tall central loggia equipped with two fireplaces, one of which contains an outdoor grill and hidden vent hood. This authenticstyle pigeonaire (right)—a Louisiana dovecote—was built using antique, handmade brick and wood shingles. The tall interior space makes a wonderful cigar-smoking room for the owner and his guests.

“The pluralist aspect of our present-day society demands that all legitimate voices be heard and that no one voice dominates.” Ken Tate, Founder

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en Tate has never been one to just go with the flow. Even during his formal architectural schooling, Tate rejected the 1970s pressure and the narrow aesthetic fad of postmodernist design, and instead embraced more-classical design styles. Just like traditional architecture itself, Tate has withstood the test of time, which has helped to establish him as one of the most prolific and renowned classical architects of our modern generation.

Born in 1950, in Columbus, Mississippi, Tate received his formal schooling at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the Atlanta School of Art, and Auburn University—graduating in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. It was at Auburn that Tate began his development as a traditionalist, presenting his thesis: “Architecture in Search of a Soul,” a manifesto against academia’s privileging of modernism to the exclusion of all else.

After years of working for several well-known firms, he established Ken Tate Architect (KTA) in 1984. Knowing that there were aspects of classical design that remained virtually untouched (since traditional architecture at that time was still a taboo subject for most contemporary architects), Tate began to illustrate, through his large body of residential work, that classical architecture can not only have a voice in today’s landscape but that it can have one with beauty and purpose. “The pluralist aspect of our present-day society demands that all legitimate voices be heard and that no one voice dominates,” he says. Because of this inclusive philosophy, Tate has been able to move freely among all styles, including modern, in order to create beautiful architecture. In addition to Tate’s pluralism being a competitive advantage in and of itself, he adds that attention to customer needs also sets his firm apart. “I listen incredibly well to clients’ needs and wishes and, along with my gifted staff, I am able to intuitively interpret those desires into beautiful houses,” he says. Tate is also extremely attuned to detailing both from an aesthetic and a quality point of view. “But mostly I make every attempt to remove my ego from the process so that my clients get the house they want and not the one I want for them,” he continues. “Ideally, when you see one of my houses, you won’t know that I did it—that’s my goal, anyway.”

Just like traditional architecture itself, Tate has withstood the test of time, which has helped to establish him as one of the most prolific and renowned classical architects of our modern generation. KTA’s work can be seen across the United States—from Denver, to the mountains of North Carolina, to the Deep South—and includes such diverse projects as a Palladian Villa; several French Colonial compounds, from Houston to New Orleans; a French West Indies seaside retreat; numerous Georgian and Federal Houses in Nashville; a 2,000-acre French Normandy estate; a Spanish Colonial Estancia; and various other styles. The Smith Residence and the Randolph Residence are two recent examples of Tate’s fabulous work. Talent, intuition, integrity, hard work, and perseverance have helped to establish Tate as the extremely well-regarded architect he has become. In fact, KTA has rapidly grown to become an important and highly successful practice, winning numerous awards such as the 2008 Shutze Award given by the Southeast Chapter of the Institute for Classical Architecture. And in 2010, Tate was named on Architectural Digest’s AD 100 list.

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EXTERIOR & INTERIOR The large, plaster crown mouldings in the living room were completely made by hand according to the architect’s full-scale drawings. All interior furnishings were selected and provided by Jimmy Graham Interior Design in Memphis, TN, and were carefully mixed with the client’s family heirlooms.

the randolph residence This home is designed in the typical Greek Revival style of historic Mississippi. KTA relied on the 19thcentury Greek Revival pattern book by Minard Lafever for most of the interior and exterior mouldings. The main house has wood siding with a handmade-brick foundation and chimneys, and the two dependencies on the property are built of the same brick by the Old Carolina Brick Co.

(handmadebrick.com). Typical of older Mississippi houses, this house also has large wooden porches on the front and back— with the back porch facing a courtyard with a swimming pool and the two dependencies on either side. One dependency houses the guest quarters, while the other contains a large exercise room and spa facilities.

In addition, Tate is also an author, and his fourth and latest book, A Classical Journey:The Houses of Ken Tate, is a definitive monograph of his practice to date, and is much more introspective than previous works about him. “It includes interviews on and about each house depicted, so I’m also telling, in depth, the reasons I did some of the things I did,” he says. “So it’s a bit more personal than my other books.” As for the work, KTA’s full architectural services include interior architectural design and drawings (mouldings, paneling, etc.) as well as all related engineering services (civil, structural, etc.). “We also select door/window hardware and exterior lanterns, as well as design all of the interior lighting,” Tate adds. These comprehensive services result in designing very photogenic houses that are constantly shown in magazines like Architectural Digest, The Classicist, Southern Accents, Traditional Home, The New Old House, Luxe/Colorado Edition, Russian House and Garden, The Robb Report, and Veranda has helped to establish such a stellar reputation as well. “This is something I’m quite aware of when I’m designing them, and it’s one factor that assures we’re always being shown in shelter magazines,” he notes. “And, as I always say, good publicity can make and sustain a design career.” A MESSAGE FROM PEACOCK PAVERS Peacock’s handcrafted, architectural-grade concrete pavers are an affordable, eco-friendly way to add the look of Old World stone to floors, patios, pools, fireplace facings and more. Install them indoors and out, in new construction, remodeling, landscaping and driveways. Request our printed brochure or e-brochure. Sample kit $25 (Please specify paver thickness: ½” remodeling, 1” new construction or 3” driveway.) Call 800.264.2072. Or visit us at PeacockPavers.com or facebook.

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Harmony & Form ITALIAN LIGHTING The suspension light over the dining table was designed and handmade in Italy by Catellani & Smith for its Fil de Fer collection. The unique light has an extravagant radiation because many small halogen bulbs shine from inside the aluminum-wire ball. catellanismith.com

HF:Architecture strikes the perfect balance of function and aesthetics in one familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two Michigan homes text by Julie Edwards 98

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harmony & form

Carlson Residence The floor-to-ceiling glass panels allow for a panoramic view of the Huron River below, and the awning windows provide natural cross ventilation to keep the home cool in the summer months. All windows are by Lincoln Windows (lincolnwindows.com). The cantilevered wood deck becomes an extension of the interior space, while the exposed post-and-beam structure spanning the entire width of the house allows the interior space be free of walls.

o understand the philosophy behind HF:Architecture, it is important to know what the initials in the firm’s name represent: harmony and form. “My approach to projects is to bring a balance of function, structure, and beauty, whether it’s a garage or a million-dollar home,” says Brian Howard, the firm’s founder and design principal.

With more than 15 years experience creating award-winning architecture, Howard launched the Royal Oak, Michigan-based firm in 2001 after working for various firms in Chicago, Southern California, and Michigan. He remains HF:Architecture’s sole practitioner, and recalls his desire from a young age to pursue his dream of design.

“When I was five years old, I was drawing floor plans and dreaming of the day I would be an architect,” Howard says. “It was never an issue of what I wanted to do, but how far I could take it, and owning my own firm has allowed me to experiment in ways I could not working for someone else.” The firm’s portfolio includes historic restorations, custom renovations, and residential- and commercial-building projects located throughout Michigan and the Eastern Seaboard, including numerous notable and award-winning projects. Most recently, HF:Architecture was awarded first place in the Detroit Home Design Awards for the historic residential renovation of

the Dow-McNally Residence in Birmingham, Michigan. The scope of the project included a complete exterior stucco restoration and the addition of entertaining space. The firm also was awarded the prestigious Governor’s Award for the Michigan Historic Preservation for a restoration project in Royal Oak. Although his renovation and restoration projects have brought him awards, Howard also is known for the green focus of his work. “While I don’t seek green projects, I do believe that good, solid design should incorporate green building practices such as the utilization of natural light and the choice of materials,” he says. Howard says his business comes solely from word-of-mouth and repeat clients. Typically, HF:Architecture has five to six projects under construction at any given time, and seven to eight projects in the planning stages, with the firm’s projects averaging approximately 70 percent residential and 30 percent commercial. And a few of his more notable projects include the Carlson Cabana and Residence, and a private residence on East Wickford in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Located in Elk Rapids, Michigan, the Carlson Cabana is a seasonal cottage, built nearly 30 years ago on 200 feet of shoreline on the east end of Grand Traverse Bay. Howard kept the cottage’s walls and roof, but gutted the interior

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“My approach to projects is to bring a balance of function, structure, and beauty, whether it’s a garage or a million-dollar home.” Brian Howard, Founder & Design Principal

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“SUPER” DESIGN The countertops and backsplash are “super white” granite with dark Merillat cabinets (merillat.com). The “super white” was used to complement the luxuryhomequarterly.com polished concrete floors.

Carlson Cabana The renovated cottage is perched on a ridge surrounded by dunes, dense forest, and a serene walk to the shoreline. The design concept was simple: to become a beacon of serenity for the Carlson clan using the historic lighthouses that dot Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoreline as inspiration. The new glass-box addition with a wraparound deck provides 180-degree views of Grand Traverse Bay (below left). The glass wall and floating vanity in the master bath (below right) allow for dramatic views of the wildlife preserve beyond.

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Barnett Building LLC

Brian Howard, Founder & Design Principal

and added a new wing, creating a new master bedroom with wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows looking out toward the bay. Ipe hardwood is used for all interior flooring and trim, while dark, stained, laminated beams and stainless-steel columns support the open floor plan on the main floor. Following the remodel of the cottage, the Carlson family returned to HF:Architecture to renovate their home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which is situated on the bluff overlooking the Huron River. Ordinances did not allow the house to be placed in a different location and retain the views, so Howard proposed a major addition, doubling the size of the existing home. Half of the original house was demolished, replaced by a post-and-beam grid with floor-toceiling windows and sliding doors to maximize the views and natural ventilation. The entire main floor also features refurbished concrete floors with enhanced radiant in-floor heating, while the exterior is painted James Hardie cementfiberboard ‘artisan’ siding, which creates a strikingly textural shadow line. “While there is some interweaving of philosophy from project to project, each project is unique because of the client, the context, and the site,” he continues. “In addition to discussing the client’s needs with them, early in the process I also try to personally visit each project site—often I can capture something when walking the property that aids in the design process.” “From start to finish, I can spend more than two years working with a client on a project, so I come to know them well,” Howard says. “Ultimately, my goal is to give clients a unique space that still allows them to live their lives, and when I receive the call saying how much they love their home, it’s very rewarding.”

a message from Barnett Building LLC With 25 years of experience, Barnett Building LLC prides themselves on having a stellar reputation for their customer service, project management, and attention to detail. They specialize in high-end residential/commercial building and remodeling. Barnett Building LLC has been providing residential and commercial clients with outstanding workmanship that is tailored to each of their needs.

zackbarnett@att.net Office 248.584.3711 fax 248.584.3722 Cell 248.219.8917

These individuals are dedicated to providing continuous guidance and service throughout a project to ensure that everything from the beginning of the project to the end is handled professionally and efficiently. Let them take the worry out of your next project.

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VIBRANT DESIGN Amy Lau incorporated this chandelier with tiers of mouth-blown glass medallions in the foyer by Italian designer Vistosi into a luxury Central Park condo. vistosi.it

energy-infused Elegance From furniture to finishes, Amy Lau Design provides a curatorial eye and an artistic approach to each project by Julie Edwards

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“I approach each project like a connoisseur, intent on finding the perfect pieces, even if I have to create them.”

VINTAGE STYLE Lau outfitted this condo with unique touches, like this cabinet by Phillip Lloyd Powell that features hand-carved doors; vintage barware on a Kimcherova Italian walnut-wood cart (kimcherova.com); a rare “Lady” armchair by designer Marco Zanuso for Arflex (arflex.it); and sconces by Gio Ponti circa the1960s.

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AMY LAU ON THE CENTRAL PARK WEST LUXURY CONDO:

“In the dining room I deconstructed a glass curtain, and created a custom unexpected art installation. Details like these added to the overall ambiance and drama of the space.”

INTERNATIONAL INTERIORS The dining room features five Jacques Guillon cord chairs from Avenue Road (avenue-road.com) and a custom Italian chandelier. Lau’s wall installation was created from 196 interlacing Italian glass tiles in a range of natural sea hues.

t only takes a few minutes of conversing with Amy Lau, owner and principal of Amy Lau Design, to be impressed with her endless energy and palatable passion for design. In viewing her work, it’s even easier to be impressed by her wide-ranging talent—her projects are varied in look yet all express her attention to detail and eye for the unique.

“My personal design philosophy is centered on curating rather than designing,” Lau says. “I evaluate each object on its merit and how it contributes to the design, from its scale and proportion to its texture and color. There is a purpose for everything in each space I design so that the finished product is always original and personalized.” Lau says her passion for art and design was fueled during weekend visits with her grandmother, an artist and naturalist. “Her home was like a design lab filled with drawing books, paintings and elements collected from the landscape,” she notes. Lau’s curatorial eye and artistic focus was further honed via frequent trips to galleries and museums with her father, a dedicated collector of material culture, and her training at the esteemed Sotheby’s graduate program in New York.

Central Park West Luxury Condo Designed for an entrepreneur, this 3,000-square-foot, threebedroom apartment overlooking Central Park challenged Lau with its timeline—the owner requested it be completed in three months. Lau rose to the challenge, creating a warm, open environment conducive to entertaining while maximizing the views of the city. The finished space mixes vintage, couture, and contemporary pieces with rich color and texture. Lau’s design features numerous standout pieces, including a chandelier with tiers of mouth-blown glass medallions in the foyer by Italian designer Vistosi (vistosi.it); a beautiful vintage Vladmir Kagan sofa (vladimirkagan.com); and a Phillip Lloyd Powell coffee table in the living area. The end result so impressed the client that he has, since its completion, commissioned Lau for three additional design projects.

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TIMELESS LIVING SPACE This Lau-designed home features a Finn Juhl “45” lounge chair circa 1945, and a Triennale standing lamp by Arredoluce circa 1952.

Kent Lake House Constructed on a dramatically sloped wooded lot overlooking Sagamore Lake in Kent, New York, this 2,400-square-foot home provides a weekend escape for its Manhattan-based owners. Lau’s finished design melds beautifully with the contemporary yet classic architectural design by Resolution 4 Architecture (re4a.com). Her inspiration came from the home’s setting and is reflected in her use of warm, earthy colors and natural finishes that mirror the surrounding landscape, including hardwood floors throughout the home. However, Lau’s custom touch was “a handcrafted twig fire screen composed of hand-bent rods, exemplifying the organic lines of trees,” she says.

An Arizona native, Lau founded her Manhattan-based firm in 2001, in the West Chelsea arts district. Since its inception, the firm has attracted prestigious residential and commercial clients while Lau has been lauded as “a young designer to watch” in numerous trade periodicals and featured in multiple design and decor magazines, including LUXE, Metropolitan Home, Elle Decor, NewYork Spaces, Gotham, Interior Design, and House & Garden.

FASHIONABLE KITCHEN Lau incorporated bar stools by designer Erik Buck into the lake house.

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As far as her design style, Lau says it continuously changes. “I have a design lab in my head—I am constantly pulling references from things I have seen or experienced in history and in nature,” she says. “I feed my mental design file by attending as many art shows as I can find, both locally and around the world.” Of course, Lau’s work is driven by the interests of her clients, and her work’s signature is creating a special “heirloom piece”

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IN HER ELEMENT Amy Lau stands in the Kent Lake House, with upholstered ottomans by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (collectdunbar.com).

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BEDROOM EYES The bedroom features a 1950s Planner Group chest of drawers and a headboard by Paul McCobb.

AMY LAU ON THE KENT HOUSE:

“On a walk around the property is where I found my inspiration for this space. The natural surroundings and the colors of fall are seen throughout this living room.”

UNIQUE PIECES The home also features walnut Wishbone chairs by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son (carlhansen.com) and a 1950s Danish dining table.

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“I never follow trends, because I want each space to be timeless and unique. I believe this approach is the one thing that sets my work apart.” amy lau, owner & principal

for each project. “My goal in each project is to create at least one piece that is completely custom-made and uniquely that client’s own—be it a textile, finish, or piece of furniture,” she says. “I try to find what each client loves, then design something specifically for them and have it handcrafted by artisans, which makes each project more personal and special,” she continues. For example, Lau recently worked with a client who was an artist, so she used two of the client’s paintings and had them made into rugs. “I approach each project like a connoisseur, intent on finding the perfect pieces, even if I have to create them,” she says. “I never follow trends, because I want each space to be timeless and unique. I believe this approach is the one thing that sets my work apart.” Lau’s creative approach earned her the distinction of being one of the designers who participated in Metropolitan Home’s 2008 Showtime Show House, a transformation of a $20 million, 19thcentury Gramercy Park townhouse inspired by various Showtime series. Lau worked on the dining room, which was inspired by Dexter, a show centering on a forensic scientist who also is a serial killer. “As a forensic scientist who specializes in blood spatters, Dexter Morgan is all about connecting the dots, so the aesthetic of my dining room was one of meticulously organized chaos,” Lau says. The stark white room served as a blank canvas for Lau’s design, and every single object in the room—from the Thomas Fuchs wine goblets to the sconces created by Lighting artist Marcus Tremonto of Treluce—was custom-made specifically for the

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ASIAN INFLUENCE This master bedroom gets its distinctive voice from a pair of vintage 19th-century Chinese lacquer cabinets.

West Chelsea Loft Approached by an intellectual client with a minimalist sensibility, Lau crafted this 4,000-square-foot former art gallery into “a modernist interior inspired by the client’s interests in Eastern ideologies, aesthetics, and design,” she says. The design balances the old and the new, melding objects such as sixth-century pre-Columbian textiles from Peru with modernist elements like the live-edge mantle on the Nakashima-inspired fireplace. Lau says the client’s request for artistry and uniqueness in every aspect of the project resulted in many of the non-antique furnishings being handcrafted by master artisans such as Tyler Hayes of BDDW (bddw.com), Miya Shoji (miyashoji.com), and light artist John Wigmore (johnwigmore.com). The final design allows for both “private contemplation and social interaction,” Lau says. “It’s an urban refuge that places organic materials and fine craftsmanship front and center.”

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CUSTOMIZED FURNISHINGS Handcrafted details in the West Chelsea living room include: •A custom walnut fireplace by Taylor Hayes of BDDW, with a 5-foot, wood natural-edge-style mantel (bddw.com); •A custom metal fireplace screen that emulates an assortment of branches; •A custom-made traditional scholar’s table made in China out of Huanghuali, a prized rosewood; •R are Japanese textiles used to create custom pillows; •A custom silk/hemp rug spun to look like raw silk; •H and-treated cement and plaster floors designed to look like suede; •P aper-crocheted curtains.

EASTERN ELEMENTS The loft’s tea room features a custom Parsons table and stools in walnut, an 18th-century Chinese cedar polychrome Buddha, and abstract paper lanterns by artist Ingo Maurer (ingo-maurer.com).

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Metropolitan Home Showtime House: “Dexter” In the TV series Dexter, the main character Dexter Morgan, a closeted serial killer working as a blood-spatter expert, is chillingly thorough to the point of compulsion. “I really love the way the show uses set decoration and lighting to craft murder scenes that are so thoroughly symbolic,” Lau says. “Watching the series is like decoding symbolism in a Caravaggio painting.” She has taken a similar approach to assembling an emotionally charged dining room littered with allusions to Dexter’s psyche. This dining room’s ceiling, by Amy Lau Design, consists of stretched gloss vinyl by French Ceiling (frenchceiling.com). The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Aura, a new paint not yet available to the public (benjaminmoore.com). The pervasive white background of the design reflects Dexter’s obsession with purity, but also serves as a blank canvas in the room. Artist Susan Weinthaler’s installations of stretched red yarn around the space simulate Dexter’s forensic technique for analyzing blood spatters (weinthaler.com). Artist K.B. Jones cre-

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AMY LAU ON THE METROPOLITAN HOME SHOWTIME HOUSE:

“As a forensic scientist who specializes in blood spatters, Dexter Morgan is all about connecting the dots. The aesthetic of my dining room is one of meticulously organized chaos.”

ated blood-red splatters on the walls reminiscent of Jackson Pollock (kcarroll-art.com). To hang on the wall above the hearth, North Carolina-based needleworker Nava Lubelski (navalubelski.com), an artist Amy Lau first encountered at the Art and Design museum in New York, created an abstract hand-embroidered silk tapestry to recall the needle pricks Dexter leaves in his victims.

Because the room will be used for dining, its centerpiece is a table set for twelve. The layer of plastic sheeting recalls the protective plastic Dexter uses obsessively to protect against blood spatters when performing his meticulous murders. Every object on the table, from the Thomas Fuchs wine goblets etched with fingerprints (thomasfuchs.com), to the KleinReid commemorative plates (kleinreid.com), has been designed with a chilling nod to Dexter Morgan.

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Bloody Comfortable The Dexter dining chairs, designed by Amy Lau Design, feature upholstery in white Ultraleather that Leah Picker embroidered with “drips” of red silk. The chairs, crafted by Martin Albert Interiors (martinalbert.com), available at spring3d.net.

space. “The most fun part of designing the room was creating a limited-edition line of Amy Lau Studio dining chairs manufactured in collaboration with Martin Albert Interiors,” Lau says. “Their upholstery is white synthetic Ultraleather that Leah Picker embroidered with ‘bloody drips’ of red silk.”

228 E 45th Street New York, NY 10017 (212) 681-0200 www.highlandassociates.com

Lau’s latest passion includes developing her own signature lines of furnishings, fabrics, rugs, tile, and lighting through her Amy Lau Studio brand. Currently, her designs can be seen in a 40th anniversary collection for Maya Romanoff, a rug design for Doris Leslie Blau, and a collection of contemporary curtains and upholstery textiles for St. Harris, to name a few. She is designing several lines for other firms as well, including a bathroom line featuring tile murals; a bedroom line featuring Desiron furnishings and BeSpoke linens; and a furniture line for a Paris-based company.

228 E 45th Street New York, NY 10017 (212) 681-0200 www.highlandassociates.com

Always thinking ahead to her next creative venture, Lau’s plans for the coming year include her first book, a “how to” look at design that will launch in spring 2011, and participating in a documentary on women in design for HGTV. And though her work in Manhattan is mostly residential, Lau says in the future she would love to work on boutique hotels. “[Boutique hotels] seem to be a natural fit and course for my work,” she notes. “To be able to completely design a hotel from start to finish would be a welcome challenge.”

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Sapphire Residential Gallery As a private art-gallery extension to a single-family residence in Los Angeles, the Sapphire Gallery is a residential addition designed to display a private collection of contemporary art while also providing for a home office with views to the surrounding hills. The new structure is grafted onto the circulation spine of the existing house and lifted off the ground to provide a minimal footprint. Freeing the ground plane creates a new multifunctional area that can be used asquarterly a carport, a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s luxury home jan / feb 2011play area, or for entertaining.

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XTEN Architecture blends classic American design aesthetics with an increasingly international sensibility TEXT by David Hudnall Photos by art gray photography jan / feb 2011

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SOPHISTICATED DESIGN The firm developed a structural system of lightweight braced frames that were factory built and assembled by crane in one day. These trusses rest upon frames that span the open-ground plane in a perpendicular direction, and the floor and roof diaphragms are infilled with wood framing.

rchitects Austin Kelly and Monika Häfelfinger met through mutual friends years ago in Southern California. Häfelfinger had been raised in Switzerland, Kelly in Connecticut, and both had attended prestigious architecture schools (she at Columbia, he at Yale). They soon discovered they had similar ideas about design, and, like many architects, aspirations to open shops of their own. Those aspirations turned to reality when the two got married, had children, and established XTEN Architecture in 2000. After starting out designing artists’ homes, studios, and galleries, XTEN quickly moved up the luxury-home ladder in Los Angeles. It now receives commissions for high-end projects in the prestigious neighborhoods of Bel Air, Palm Springs, and the Hollywood Hills. But XTEN’s point of view is increasingly global, and, aided by a second office in Sissach, Switzerland, the firm is beginning to take on work in places like Abu Dhabi, Holland, and Oman. “It just seems like more and more of what we are interested in is happening overseas lately,” Kelly says. “So we go back and forth, doing international design here in LA, with the construction and technical components being done in Switzerland, where we have a staff of about eight.” Some of that international work has influenced the way XTEN operates its LA projects, most notably in terms of energy codes. “Switzerland, for instance, has incredibly demanding energy codes, probably the most prescriptive code of its kind in the entire world,” Kelly says. “What we’ve done is taken some of those strategies and implemented them in our buildings over here.” All Swiss projects require radiant floor heating; all windows must be triple-glazed; and

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ENERGIZED & EFFICIENT The remaining details of dark-quartz pebble flooring, white-steel stairs with perforated-steel railings, full-height pivot doors, and walls of UV-treated glass are designed as a quiet backdrop to the home’s artwork and natural surroundings. An array of photovoltaic cells on the south-facing sloped roof produces an average of 15 kWh per day—enough to supply all the energy for the new building with a surplus directed toward the main house.

Sapphire Gallery “This was an attempt to create a space that was a hybrid of an art gallery—which would tend to be all walls—and a glass building, which would let a lot of light in,” Kelly says. A 2,500-square-foot residential addition to an existing 8,000-square-foot home in Encino, CA, the Sapphire Gallery is located just behind the famed Getty Museum. It was designed to display a private collection of contemporary art, but the owners also desired a home office, with views to the surrounding hills. XTEN built the project around specific art pieces, knowing which art would go with which walls. But the firm and the owners were careful not to end up with too much of an art-gallery feel. “Every room in the house has great, beautiful art, and they wanted the addition to feel like it was very much a part of the existing house,” Kelly says. To strike the right balance, a number of glass walls were incorporated, several of which have art hung on them, but which open up to the surrounding landscape. The Sapphire also features a variety of green elements. Rainwater is collected from a roof-runoff system and recycled as graywater for the irrigation system. Heating and cooling are supplied via a radiant floor system embedded into concrete decks. A monocrystalline solar array produces 15 kWh a day—enough to satisfy energy requirements in the gallery, plus a surplus that can be directed back to the main house.

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Photovoltaic array Ceramic glass frit Braced frame Electric meter to municipal electric grid E Permeable paving

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Diamondhouse

SMART SOLUTIONS Direct sunlight reaches the site for only a few hours a day. The geotechnical condition is challenging, requiring 30-foot caissons to underpin new walls and foundations.

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An 800-square-foot extension of a single-family home located deep in a canyon in Santa Monica, CA, the Diamondhouse was conceived when the owners decided they wanted a studio on the ground floor and a bedroom extension on the upper floor of their existing “abstract, 1930s” home. XTEN modified the landscape using a number of retaining walls and steppe terraces, and wrapped the building in a façade pattern that “contrasted with the existing house,” Kelly says. “We looked at many patterns for inspiration and ended up developing a pattern out of cement from Switzerland—a prefabricated board called Swiss Pro—which we laser-cut the pattern into. The laser-cut aluminum panels are porous and reflect daylight throughout. The result is that the home, which elsewhere feels like a very solid masonry building, is lightened a little bit in these areas.” At night, recessed lighting placed behind the panels allows the building to glow from within like a lantern, and up on the roof, a concrete deck is finished with the same diamond pattern.

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UNIQUE ADDITIONS A complex web of regulations governed the height, width, depth, and specific relationship to the retaining walls needed to build the project. Given these constraints, a multifaceted architectural strategy was developed for the small building. First, a base-building geometry was developed to conform to the hillside and required codes while maximizing the interior spaces by extending them into adjacent sideyards. Like a rock placed in a small pond, the addition is carefully placed between the existing structure and an imposing hillside to inflect the landscape and create exterior programmatic spaces around it where none could exist before.

A Metal panels attached to 2x2 tube steel frame/guardrail B Deck with embossed concrete tiles C Fiber Cement Panels D Aluminum window E Wall assembly (waterproof membrane, building paper and composite sheathing panels)

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HILLSIDE HOME The Openhouse is embedded into a narrow and sharply sloping property in the Hollywood Hills, a challenging site that led to the creation of a house that is both integrated into the landscape and open to the city below. Retaining walls are configured to extend the first-floor living level into the hillside and to create a garden terrace for the second level.

“ There’s such an incredible tradition of modern architecture here in California, and we want to bring that to all our projects—here and wherever else in the world we’re designing projects.” Austin Kelly, Partner

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Openhouse Located on a sloping property above Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles’ illustrious Hollywood Hills neighborhood, this 7,500-squarefoot estate was designed for esteemed fashion designer Randolph Duke. Duke sought a living environment that could also function as a venue for entertaining: for parties, for photo shoots, even for his own fashion shows—one wing of the house was designed to function as a runway.

HIGH-END FURNISHINGS The fireplace is made of dry-stacked granite, which continues as a vertical structural element from the living-room floor through the second story.

“We wanted to create a building where you could feel connected to the hillside, to the views, to the entire landscape—a place where when you’re inside you can feel like you’re outdoors,” Kelly says. As such, glass is the primary wall-enclosure material. Throughout, there are a total of 44 sliding glass panels, 7 feet wide by 10 feet high, controllable via switches, all configured to disappear into hidden pockets and allow for uninterrupted views and access to terraces and gardens, which are found on two levels of the home. “We were able to follow through on the concept of minimal vertical elements,” Kelly adds. “There are very few solid walls and columns, and lots of horizontal openings enclosed with those sliding glass doors.” The glass walls are visually counterweighted by sculptural, solid elements in the house rendered in stone, dark-stained oak, tinted concrete, and plaster. The use of cut-pebble flooring throughout the house, decks, and terraces continues the indoor-outdoor materiality, which is amplified when the glass walls slide away. The building finishes are few in number but applied in a multiplicity of ways throughout the project, furthering the experience of continuous open spaces from interior to exterior.

exterior motorized shades are commonly used to warm and cool the homes. “Over there, there’s two switches in each room—one for the lights, and one for the shades,” Kelly says. “Typically, during the day, the house closes up, the shades come down over the windows automatically, and it saves a tremendous amount of energy because you’re not having so much solar transmitted into the home.” In the Middle East, a Dubai tower designed in 2009—the Dubai Za’abeel Park Observation (ZPO) Tower—further highlights the comprehensive global scope of XTEN’s work. The firm organized the site plan according to a traditional Islamic geometric pattern found in the region’s decorative arts. At the

scale of the plaza, the pattern takes the form of the granite paving, lines of grass, flowers and trees, and a ribbon of water that meanders around the base of the tower, giving the structure a cohesive feel. Kelly—who had just returned from a furniture fair in Milan when he spoke with LHQ—notes, too, the abundance of luxury items being produced in Europe. “So much of these finished products come from Italy,” he says. “Furniture, lighting, window systems, stone, kitchen features—so many elements come from overseas. The fact that we have a European presence and connections there is very helpful, and much of the time a nice energy develops between American and international sensibilities on our projects.”

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The progressive nature of XTEN’s designs has not escaped the attention of experts and leaders in the design field. In 2004, the firm was recognized as 1 of 12 Emerging Architects to watch nationally in Architectural Record magazine; in 2006, it was featured in the grand reopening exhibition at the Architecture + Design Museum in Los Angeles. In addition, in 2006 and 2007, XTEN was presented awards in Architectural Design from the American Institute of Architects. And at the IV Bienal Miami + Beach, it was awarded the bronze medal in Architectural Design in the international competition. Looking ahead, XTEN has aspirations to become more involved with museums and other cultural facilities, as well as to expand its high-end customhome clientele. “There’s such an incredible tradition of modern architecture here in California, and we want to bring that to all of our projects—here and wherever else in the world we’re designing projects,” Kelly says.

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SPECIALIZED SPACES The minimalist logic of the architecture is transformed by direct and indirect connections to the buildings’ immediate environment. The perimeter landscaping is either indigenous or a drought-resistant xeriscape, and an outdoor dining area implements artificial turf composed partly of recycled rubber.

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6 A NATURAL COOLING SYSTEM Deep overhangs serve as solar protection for the double-pane glazing and become progressively larger as the main elevation of the building follows the hillside contours from eastern to southwestern exposure. This creates a microclimate which surrounds the building, creating inhabitable outdoor spaces while reducing cooling loads within. Every elevation of the house opens to capture the prevailing breezes to passively ventilate and cool the house. A vestibule at the lowest point of the house can be opened in conjunction with glass panels on the second floor to create a thermal chimney, distributing cool air throughout while extracting hot air.

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family style Whimsical and timeless designs for kids

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Lavish and chic homes often come loaded with plenty of grown up toys—million-dollar screening rooms, saunas, tennis courts, wine lockers, and many more. Oftentimes, though, kids’ spaces are still an afterthought. As more young professionals settle down to start families, designing the perfect kids’ room is finally en vogue.

Photo: costas picadas

by Zach Baliva

Children grow up quickly and need a room that adapts to changing needs. This nursery by Sixx Design features a bold red lamp as the focal point, along with a daring rug from Brazil. These unique pieces create a stunning room that any child can grow into. jan / feb 2011

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“The best rooms are about imagination—it’s sophistication without taking itself too seriously.” Susanna Salk

here are some things we remember forever—first cars, first dates, first jobs. Adolescence often brings fond memories of days spent running through the sprinkler or building a treehouse in the woods. When those mental snapshots resurface, it usually doesn’t take long to recall a first house, a first bedroom, a first playroom. As children, the home holds our treasures and secrets. Adults, therefore, can feel a sense of pressure when it comes to outfitting a room for their children. But fantastic rooms for little people are now hotter than ever before. We’ve collected valuable input to guide your every move when creating such a space, including tips from a top TV family (the Novogratzes), hints from a design superstar (Susanna Salk), advice from an innovative architect (Alla Kazovsky), and guidance from an Internet retailer (Susanne Fougerousse).

This loft space is instantly transformed into a stylish nursery, thanks to a partition that acts as a gallery of framed photographs, an elegant chandelier, and two cheerful antique chairs.

In her new book, Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play (Rizzoli, April 2010), design guru Susanna Salk laments shopping for her first son’s room more than ten years ago. “My choices for boys’ décor were Babar, soldiers, teddy bears, and trains,” she says. “Internet shopping hadn’t quite taken hold yet.” Thankfully, those days are long gone, and today wonderful kids’ rooms are a booming trend. Salk has an impressive résumé. She helped launch Elle Décor magazine, is a regular contributor for The Today Show, and serves as a contributing editor at 1stdibs.com and ivillage.com. Her most important job, though, is being a mother to her two sons. A kid’s room, Salk writes, is “not just where your child lays his head to sleep at night, or does his homework during the day. It’s not just a place to play Legos or Green Day, or sip pretend tea, or take time-outs. It’s his private kingdom…the space your children will remember for the rest of their lives as first defining them.” The concept for Room for Children, a tome celebrating and exploring kids’ spaces, came after Salk realized there were no other such compilations. “I wanted to gather all the great rooms I had seen over the years in one place, from nursery to teen,” she says. The book is meant to both chronicle and inspire. Salk hopes many people—from first-time parents who need ideas, to tweens who long for something new, to decorators searching for inspira-

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Silver bunk beds that match the wall trim give this bedroom instant grown-up glamour. The black-and-white portrait of the sisters adds a warm, personal touch to the cool metal accents.

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photos: (loft) Pieter Estersohn, (bunk bed) Melanie Acevedo

Susanna Salk, interior designer and author.

playful tip:

Have fun with patterns Eye-catching wall treatments and eclectic details are a great way to â&#x20AC;&#x153;infuse a juvenile spirit to a space while keeping things stylish,â&#x20AC;? according to Salk.

photo: Max Kim-Bee

A white shag rug softens this bold pink carpet. The patterned chair adds sophistication and functionality, and this high-end bookshelf will stand the test of time.

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playful tip:

Choose bold, daring colors

Room for Children showcases the best in design for children’s rooms and draws upon the work of both parents and professionals. Readers can peruse the eclectic work of contributors Kelly Wearstler, Alessandra Branca, Amanda Nisbet, Charlotte Moss, Jenna Lyons, and Bob and Cortney Novogratz, among others. The book features hundreds of pictures taken in the best kids’ rooms around, and Salk saw a bit of everything during her research. Among the variety stand some common threads. “The best rooms are about imagination—about catering to the child and not the parents’ whims,” she says. “It’s sophistication without taking itself too seriously.” While there were once rules and guidelines to outfitting a child’s space, Salk believes adults are plowing straight through those barriers. “Who says you have to put Babar prints on the walls and Disney themes on the sheets? Why not art?” she asks. Modern parents are shopping for their kids in the “grownup” section to find patterns and colors, which they often mix in varying styles. Salk’s preferred approach is also a better investment because the designs last through many stages of a child’s life. There are many items no child’s space should be without—a fabulous and chic rug, fun and functional lighting, and personalized accessories are musthaves. Salk also suggests building a cozy nook for little ones to sleep and work in style. Room for Children showcases a whimsical alcove layered with tones and fabric in front of a bamboo trellis. Regardless of the approach, designers, architects, and parents will find most success when they involve children at all levels of the design process to get a feel for their personalities. Salk says factors such as kids’ hobbies, schedules, and energy levels must be carefully

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Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play By Susanna Salk, Foreword by Kelly Wearstler Rizzoli New York Hardcover / 240 pages PRICE: $45.00 US PUBLICATION DATE: April 2010 rizzoliusa.com From the Publisher: Room for Children is one of the first books to exclusively feature high-end design for children’s rooms. These unique spaces created by well-known designers, parents, and often even the kids themselves, prove that good design is not just for the rest of the house and that children’s rooms are just as worthy of serious design attention. The rooms featured in Room for Children—whether for a newborn, toddler, or teenager—enrich the childhood experience and, much like a child’s imagination, offer endless possibilities.

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Photos: Melanie Acevedo; book cover: courtesy rizzoli new york

tion—will benefit from her work. Ideas within its pages include great wall treatments, unusual bunk-bed formations, and other ways to “infuse a juvenile spirit to a space while keeping things stylish,” Salk says.

These purple-black walls and bureau add drama and dimension to the room while keeping it soothing enough for a young child. The lemon-yellow stripes on the ceiling, and a splash of the same color inside the white crib, add to the mellow but cheerful mood of the space. Whimsical, multicolored accents take a grown-up fireplace from functional to fun.

family style

Photos: (bottom) Roger Davies, (top right) William Abranowicz

playful tip:

Break the rules  Kids’ walls should feature not only their own artwork but that of adult artists as well. If the budget allows, treat children to art they can appreciate. This funky painting combines adult sophistication with a childlike feel, and will serve as a timeless accent piece.  This coral-pink chandelier adds just the right amount of sophistication to a girl’s sitting area. The vintage watercolors are casually framed and hung at a child’s eye level, giving the scale of the bedroom a playful feel.  The green border of this nursery’s curtain is reflected in the crib bed, which makes for a mature, coherent color palette. The graphic daybed beneath the framed collection of artwork draws the eye around the room, giving it a sophisticated feel that parents will enjoy.

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A child’s room, Salk writes, is “not just where your child lays his head to sleep at night or does his homework during the day. It’s his private kingdom… the space your children will remember for the rest of their lives as first defining them.”

Photo: tory williams

The classic Greek key motif is the clear focal point in this teenager’s room. The navyblue trim on the bed skirt grounds the lavender, keeping it from becoming too precious, while the blue patent leather on the chair is a dynamic and teen-proof material option.

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playful tip

Personalize accessories Oversized polka dots give this soft room instant depth and mod panache. The colorful posters on the wall add to the funky theme, and the vivid window shade, bed pillows, and toy collection tie it all together.

playful tip

Kids need a nook

Photos: (top left) Peter Throsby, (top right) The Rug Company, (bottom right) John Gruen

This sleeping area is both eye-catching and cozy thanks to the combination of industrial gray and cherry red. The elegance of the striped fabric on the custom bed (which spans the entire room) accentuates the bold lines of the Eames chair and the modern art.

considered. Rooms that reflect a child’s personality and that include his or her original ideas will be most well received. When outfitting a room, Salk urges adults to remember that each room will grow along with the child. “I tell people not to invest in pieces like rocking chairs and changing tables that have an expiration date,” she says. Well-selected major pieces like rugs and bureaus can stay from beginning to end while beds, desks, lighting, sheets, toy chests, and other accessories can be swapped from time to time. Siblings who share a room present an interesting design challenge: both kids should be able to express themselves without creating a mishmash of competing styles. “Kids need to feel like their distinct personalities and needs are being attended to, but a shared room still needs visual unity,” Salk says. She favors matching key components while providing personalization through the room’s accessories. Bookshelves might match, for example, but each child can pick their own bins to display unique toys and treasures. Salk knows from personal experience that the ideas reflected in her book create excellent rooms, because she has put them into practice in her own home. “I tried to let my sons’ rooms reflect their personalities without feeling like I compromised my own style,” she says. The idea isn’t that unusual—Salk teaches parents to approach their kids’ room like they would approach any other room in the house. Good designs should not be reserved only for “adult” rooms. A bedroom is where a child lives, plays, and comes of age. It should be lovingly crafted to provide a safe and fun atmosphere for growing up.

playful tip

Share the space This bedroom solves the problem of siblings with dueling tastes. The matching sheet sets give the room symmetrical cohesion, while personal treasures keep each child’s identity distinct.

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The Novogratzes’ two older boys, Wolfie and Breaker, share this room in the family’s 400 West Street home. Decorated with a blue chair by Marc Newsom (marc-newson.com) and vintage lights from a French flea market, the room gives each child his own workspace and display area for personal things.

Susanne Fougerousse, president of Rosenberry Rooms, specializes in helping adults build the perfect atmosphere for their child without skimping on quality or durability. “Every child deserves to have a special place to call their own,” she says, adding that there are few limitations when designing such a space. Parents should relish the opportunity to break the rules followed in the rest of the house and seize the temptation to ignore “adult” conventions. Bob and Cortney Novogratz have had plenty of experience bending the rules. The husband-and-wife team is the dynamic duo behind Sixx Design and, together with their seven (yes, SEVEN) kids, star in Bravo’s hit docu-series 9 by Design. The reality show follows the Novogratzes as they design their way through Manhattan’s most unique properties, including a 24-room hotel and a 10,000-square-foot glass house. The hipster house flippers have moved more than 15 times throughout New York City, and have therefore decorated plenty of rooms for their young clan (and for clients, as well). “Kids keep your viewpoint fresh and young,” Cortney says. “They gravitate to bright, whimsical colors.” Parents need to embrace the process and realize that their son’s or daughter’s room can enhance the rest of the house. Amie Weitzman, of Amie Weitzman Interior Design, is known for serene, stylish, and comfortable projects—and those ideas can translate successfully into kids’ rooms. Weitzman, a Parsons graduate, served as design director for Joseph Abboud and was a designer for the Ralph Lauren Home Collection. Kids’ spaces, she says, must be tasteful

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Keep it simple Avoid forced theme-oriented rooms to preserve the overall aesthetic of a home so everything flows together. Bold colors and classic patterns are an updated take on overdone character themes.

and not overdone. “A successful room for a child is a clean, simple, and happy place,” Weitzman explains. The Novogratzes agree—leading a large family has taught the duo to efficiently design open, spacious, well-organized rooms devoid of clutter. As a starting point, Fougerousse suggests selecting safe, versatile, and functional furniture. Great storage options are essential for kids who will want to stow and show their favorite dolls and toys. “A window seat with built-in drawers is one of my favorite options,” she says. And area rugs can accent focal points like cribs or beds.

to Theme or not to theme: The very idea of a cartoonish themed room makes some parents’ skin crawl, and remains a heated area of debate with design professionals. Fougerousse believes improved products and materials make refined themes possible. “There are so many tasteful accents today, you can now make princess, sports, and dinosaur themes look fantastic,” she remarks, pointing out a rise in Asian- and travel-themed rooms as proof that it can be done.

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Photo: costas picadas

LEARN FROM THE PROS

playful tip:

family style

designers to watch:

Bob & Cortney Novogratz

Photos: (headshot) tim Geaney, (girls room) costas picadas, (yard) costas picadas, (basketball court) matthew williams

This dynamic duo, together with their seven children, star in Bravo’s hit 9 By Design. The couple designs and sells high-end Manhattan properties.

“Kids keep your viewpoint fresh and young.”

Space to play remains a defining factor in every Novogratz design. This in-ground trampoline (above) was sunk into the ground so it would be less conspicuous in the landscaping. The basketball court (below) on the ground floor converts to a media room with a descending screen where the whole family is able to spend time together. An antique canopy bed (left) allows the girls to travel to exotic places from the comfort of home.

Cortney Novogratz, Sixx Design

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playful tip

Schemes, not themes  

Mediterranean blue is the perfect backdrop for this Michael Jordan portrait, which was painted in Africa on salvaged wood. The black chair was bought at a tag sale and complements Jordan’s dramatic stare.



Tomato red and Kurt Cobain’s smile make for an unexpected yet altogether cheerful choice for this boy’s room. The painting above evokes youth’s sunny pleasures. White sheets allow the colors to shine.  The Novogratz’s daughters share this fresh pink room, which celebrates the power of flowers with an installation of plastic blooms captured under Plexiglas. The canopy bed is from Bali, and Bob says “it takes our daughters to faraway places.”

“We like to mix kids stuff with adult stuff for interesting and distinctive results.”

Alla Kazovsky, who established Kids Studio (a division of Alla Kazovsky Architects) in 1993, urges parents who opt for theme rooms to use caution. “If there is a theme, it should be inspired by what the child is interested in,” she says. “I don’t think it should be randomly determined based on what’s popular. Something decorated is meant to last for a long time.” Kazovsky’s theory seems to bridge the gap between supporters and opponents of themed children’s spaces. Fougerousse suggests those concerned that a child’s interests may quickly change can pull off a themed look with carefully chosen touches while keeping primary elements like bedding and furniture more mainstream.

Live and learn: However, those on the other end of the spectrum, including Weitzman, suggest alternative tactics like wallpapering behind the bed while keeping other walls solid and using patterned accents to keep a room fresh. “Theme rooms are over,” Weitzman says. “Kids’ rooms have become more sophisticated.” At Sixx Design, the Novogratzes relish doing the unexpected. “We like to mix kids stuff with adult stuff for interesting and distinctive results,” Cortney remarks. Bob and Cortney avoid theme-oriented rooms to preserve the overall aesthetic of the whole house so everything flows together in harmony.

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The experts’ own families have served as design guinea pigs over the years, perhaps none more than the seven Novogratz kids, who range in age from infant to 12 years. “Since we have so many kids and they share rooms, we have to make sure that each child has his or her own space within the room—a workspace for homework, a bookcase for their things, and a special corner where they can hang their artwork and special stuff,” Cortney says. For her, the most important aspect is including each child’s interest in the décor. Kazovsky’s Kids Studio was started after the birth of her own child, seventeen years ago. By concentrating on bold shapes and muted colors instead of fairytale imagery, she has embraced the kids’ room revolution. “I wanted to dif-

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Photos: (top left and right) costas picadas, (bottom left) Joshua McHugh

Cortney Novogratz, Sixx Design

Children’s rooms can mix fantasy and humor on a grand scale. Here, a tropical beach appears to be outside the circular “windows”—just the right trick for rooms without a view. A vintage daybed with formal lines centers the space, while gnome end tables are a reminder to keep it playful.

Photos: (top) Costa Picadas, (bottom left) Pieter Estersohn, (bottom right) Pieter Estersohn

Trend watch:

Trekker Cool

Have a child grasp the world’s scale from the get-go by using an oversized map as wall decor. It beats wallpaper any day. Add wall-to-wall plush carpeting and a tricycle, and your little one is ready to seize the day.

Start a child’s adventures early on with eclectic touches from around the world. Wall treatments marry with authentic accessories to create a cool global feel.

Photographer Pieter Estersohn created custom digital canvas walls for his son’s room from an original photo of his own bedroom when he lived at the Maharani of Deogarh’s palace in India. “I wanted an image that had some depth, as the room was small,” he says.

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playful tip

Make learning fun

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Always get the kid involved. Find out their hobbies, favorite colors, homework habits, etc. Kids are fun clients, and they have great ideas.â&#x20AC;? Amie Weitzman

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Photos courtesy amie weitzman

This Weitzman-designed playroom organizes tools for growth and study. The hedgehog floor cushion from Gressco (gresscoltd.com), as well as the Easy Bean bean-bag chairs (eazybean.com), provide funky seating options. A bright-red rug from Tai Ping (taipingcarpets.com) makes for plenty of play space, and the table set from The Conran Shop (conranusa.com) is perfect for hands-on projects.

family style

“Since we have so many kids and they share rooms, we have to make sure that each child has his or her own space within the room—a workspace for homework, a bookcase for their things, and a special corner where they can hang their artwork and special stuff.” Cortney Novogratz, Sixx Design

playful tip

Make room for everyone

Photos: costas picadas

 Four boys share this one large space; the youngest two sleep in facing cribs, with the bigger boys’ beds nearby. The large room has its specific sleep, play, and study areas. As they do for the rest of the house, the parents let contemporary art be the focal point here.  By mixing unique vintage pieces like the scorecard clock with the bold colors and graphics of the desk and curtains, this area becomes a timeless space where work and play cohabitate. The focal point of this room is the vintage foosball table, beloved by children and parents alike.

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“The children’s spaces celebrated in these pages are as creative as they are functional and as inspirational as they are aspirational. They reflect not only the child’s personality, but the spirit and love of their family.”

Photo: Miki Duisterhof

Susanna Salk, Room for Children

Bold shapes and muted colors replace over-done fairytale imagery.

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family style

ferentiate instead of talking down to the inherent intelligence of children,” she says, adding that a rewarding part of developing her philosophy on children’s spaces was following the process closely with her own two daughters. Though she designs for others, Weitzman’s own children have bedrooms that served as drawing boards for her thoughts. “I get to try out all my ideas on my own kids,” she says. “Whatever works goes into my clients’ kids’ spaces.” When asked for advice, she tells other parents to design with older children in mind to limit remodeling. Rooms made for younger occupants, she has found, should include durable fabrics and materials. Weitzman’s kids’ rooms are a perfect mix of adult sophistication and childlike impulse, which she says comes from her ability to address children’s needs in a timeless way.

Photos: (left) Matthew Hranek, (right) Justin Bernhaut

little kids, big ideas: While mom and dad, with the help of professional designers, do most of the physical work of designing children’s rooms, they should remember to include the kids in imagining and planning the space. Fougerousse reminds her clients that the process can even help parents and children bond while they complete parts of the task together. Bob and Cortney Novogratz agree—and not just because they need the help flipping properties. “Involve your kids in the decoration of their rooms as well,” Cortney says. “Let them feel like they got to be part of the process. We encourage our kids to help design their own rooms every place we live.” For Weitzman, working with kids is one of the best parts of the job. “Always get the kid involved,” she says. “Find out their hobbies, favorite colors, homework, habits, etc. If you strike up a good relationship with them and get them involved, you will have a more positive outcome. Kids are fun clients, and they have great ideas.” An effective room for a child, according to Kazovsky, starts with the right attitude. “Tools for growth, as much as room for growth, must be made available,” she says. “It has to do with an attitude of utmost respect with the goal

playful tip

Keep it simple  This nursery has a pared-down feeling that is serene and soothing. The clean Scandinavian lines of the wood furniture leave visual room for bolder touches like the green pear artwork and orange bookcase.  Juicy colors and fun jungle graphics that seem to grow out of the wall mirror a child’s busy imagination. The bold color choices allow the nursery to remain uncluttered while still feeling full of life.

to guide and nurture, not control.” This is accomplished when parents and designers provide a space that a child can make his or her own. Kids, after all, spend much more time in their rooms than do adults. Getting input from each child can be instrumental and should not be ignored. “I have invited children to draw their ideal rooms,” Kazovsky continues. “Sometimes they’re underwater or up in the clouds, but designers can accomplish what the child wants through creative bedding, artwork, and easily changeable pieces.” Over the past few years, kids’ rooms have gone from forgotten alcoves to featured spaces. Whether traditional or contemporary, families can now give all rooms in the house—including kids’ rooms—fun, updated, and elegant designs.

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STAGED TO SELL: TORONTO Designers use couture style to attract Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up-and-coming condo buyers

A record 20,000 new condo units are predicted to hit the Toronto real-estate market in 2010, as evidenced by construction cranes dotting the cityscape as far as the eye can see. Low interest rates and eager buyers, ranging from baby boomers to young singles, are keeping the market viable and prices under control. Increased cultural and nightlife attractions are also making the Toronto market attractive, as the downtown area sprouts new retail and entertainment venues, according to research and media reports.

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sultants Ltd., told CBC News that 2010 could be a record year for Toronto condo building. Unit sales of housing, including condos, townhouses, and stand-alone homes, grew 64 percent in 2009 (according to the latest data available), a 20 percent increase from the prior year, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. The trend toward increased condo development in Toronto is creating an increased demand for residential designers, as well. Here, three design firms discuss their most recent projects in downtown Toronto. They explore why the area is so attractive to homebuyers, and how they are enticing potential buyers with out-ofthe-box model designs. luxuryhomequarterly.com

South Beach Marketing Centre

Photo: David whittaker

This unique presentation and sales center brilliantly conveys the development’s interpretation of the South Beach style, which includes glamour and functionality, novelty and tradition, humor and precision. The center’s grand scale and dramatic styling elegantly reflect the hip lifestyle that Toronto’s potential condo buyers are looking for.

p138 II by IV Design Associates p144 Munge Leung p152 Cecconi Simone

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A MODEL HOME South Beach suites come in a variety of styles, such as the Biltmore Model Suite (this page) and the Hollywood-glamour-styled Collins suite (opposite page, top left).

II BY IV Design Associates

The partnership formed in 1990, and has since won more than 200 international awards for innovative restaurants, hotels, retail spaces, nightclubs, offices, developments, and residences. II BY IV’s status as one of Canada’s leading design firms recently drew the attention of Amexon Development Corporation. The commercial company purchased land at 88 Park Lawn Road in Toronto and approached II BY IV’s team with a unique vision. “Amexon wanted to create something totally unlike other Toronto developments,” Menchions says. “We were hired to create a themed resort property and offer the best amenities available.” The project, known as South Beach Condos + Lofts, represents Amexon’s first foray into residential development and was a perfect fit for Menchions and Rushbrook. “Design diversity is an asset for us because our clients benefit from our wide range of projects,” Menchions explains. “We create individual spaces that are never the same.” Both principals have deep roots in the hospitality sector and drew on that experience to provide varied residential and common spaces.

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South Beach’s uniqueness starts with Amexon’s site selection. The development sits just ten minutes from downtown Toronto and provides breathtaking views of the urban skyline, the serene Lake Ontario, and an adjacent conservation area. The preserved woodlands prevent encroachment from future developments. The developers quickly identified the vibrant SoBe Miami (short for South Beach) scene as the project’s muse and tasked II BY IV’s design team with recreating the area’s attractive aura. Menchions and crew packed their bags for a quick research tour and came home to Toronto armed with inspiration. “We experienced the hotels, the lifestyle, and the nightlife of South Beach, and were able to bring that attitude to the development,” he explains. II BY IV designed two towers with 750 residential units, common spaces, outdoor spaces, amenity spaces, retailers, restaurants, and a marketing center— and every area was influenced by that trip to Miami. An Art Deco-style retail space anchors the property beside flowing public areas draped in tropical hues and flanked by opulent, oversized, and often illuminated furnishings. Miami’s South Beach is known for its enticing recreational offerings, and Toronto’s new South Beach was designed to lure homeowners from typical downtown high-rises with unprecedented amenity space. While space in

luxuryhomequarterly.com

Photo: joy von tiedemann

Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook are reaching unprecedented heights as principal partners at II BY IV Design Associates. The duo, thrice named Designers of the Year by the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario, have found success by combining business acumen and creative flair.

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South Beach The development was inspired by the Ocean Drive lifestyle known for fine dining, fine shopping, and fine livingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and carefully selected items help South Beach Condos + Lofts live up to its posh namesake. Those features include a glass-and-steel faĂ§ade, 24-hour concierge service, designer elevators, and multilevel underground parking. Features of the units themselves include nine-foot ceilings, glass and aluminum terraces, Energy Star appliances, and custom vanities designed by II BY IV that give the residential units a little extra pizzazz. In 2009, the Ontario Homebuilders Association named South Beach the Most Outstanding High-Rise Building of the Year.

Photos: David whittaker

Rising high above a vast forecourt and totaling nearly 13,000 square feet, the sheer scale of the presentation center, which was constructed in a former food-packing facility on the building site, makes a powerful statement. Playing with scale was one of II BY IVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tactics for creating continuous visual interest and excitement throughout the new sales center. That excitement begins as potential buyers approach the building, with an expansive reflecting pool on the front deck (below right) featuring large-scale illuminated flower pots on floating concrete pads. Potential buyers then move to the sales office, where scale is again challenged with oversized light fixtures suspended from the industrial lofted ceiling (above right). A peek at a chic staged model condo rounds out the tour (below left).

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standard downtown buildings is limited, South Beach Condos boasts 40,000 square feet of amenity space, from lap pools, to spas, to doggie daycare, to wine lockers. “We can offer what someone would pay three times as much for just ten minutes away from the city center,” Menchions says. The cabana deck is just one of many inviting amenities. The outdoor zone surrounds a narrow lap pool extending from a shallow whirlpool lounge. Landlubbers can relax on wide canopied beds with attached food trays to enjoy stellar city views or opt for comfortable chaises with jumbo pillows to catch a nap in the sun. Acrylic pods and large flower pots pepper the deck, which sits on the building’s southwest side. The design team believes the building will be successful because it offers lifestyle living and a sense of community isolated from the world around it. “It really is a boutique resort with unmatched quality,” Menchions remarks. The property almost sells itself—prospective owners first see a vast reflecting pool with enormous lighted flower pots floating above the surface next to the

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Dan Menchions & Keith Rushbrook

“Design diversity is an asset for us because our clients benefit from our wide range of projects. We create individual spaces that are never the same.” Dan Menchions, Principal

neon glow of decorative glass panes. South Beach will open in late summer 2011, but it is already almost fully sold. Moreover, South Beach Condos + Lofts was the only development in Toronto to have a successful sales record during the recession. “We are not working on a typical building,” Menchions says. “Other condos don’t offer what we do, and we can offer the same prices as downtown—only with much more value included.” Now that Canada is in a period of economic recovery, their peers are discovering that II BY IV and Amexon have set a precedent as other developers rush to create similar lifestyle communities with elaborate amenity spaces. The interest is driven in part by the economy. Eighteen months ago, mid-level spaces went for $450 per square foot; today, developers are asking more than $600. While competitors play catch-up, II BY IV is enjoying success, which Menchions attributes in part to his company’s unique residential designs. “Taking

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Photos: joy von tiedemann

SLEEK & STYLISH The living room and bedrooms of the Delano suite are furnished with smart white pieces reminiscent of classic South Beach style.

DELANO SUITE Near the entry of the 1,100-square-foot Delano suite, the small yet functional den demonstrates the balance of sleek and sumptuous elements that characterize the South Beach style. The space is perfect for young and hip professionals with an oversized lampshade over a glass-topped desk; the whiteleather and carved-wood chair with nailhead detailing reflects the concept of old style meeting modern functionality.

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Amenity Spaces at south beach Large amenity spaces—or amenity spaces of any kind—are unusual in the dense Toronto condo market. Amexon and II BY IV have bucked both expectations and trends with their 40,000 square feet of amenities that make residents feel like they’re living in a five-star resort. These amenities include:

SKY-HIGH CONDOS South Beach Condos + Lofts soar distinctively from the ground, awash in the shimmering pastels that define the South Beach style. The exterior design was created in an Art Deco style with strong vertical lines from top to bottom. The project borrows elements of cubism, utilizes floor-to-ceiling glass, and features colored solar panels atop each of the two 28-story towers.

• 16,000 square feet of cafés • 2 fully managed restaurants • Full-service SoBe Spa • Steam room and sauna • Lap pool, swimming pool, kids pool • Billiards room • Massage studio • Hollywood screening room • Cabana deck • Pet daycare •C onference and private dining space • Library and internet café • Wine-tasting and juice bars • Squash courts • Weight training, cardio, boxing, martial arts, yoga, and Pilates facilities

cues from Miami, we provide classic detailing in a very contemporary way,” he explains. No cost was spared in the luxury condos, which all have top-notch kitchens, appliances, bathrooms, fixtures, and floors, along with unlimited upgrade options. Corner units are filled with four suite plans, including the 1,100-square-foot Delano (named after the 1940s-era Miami hotel). Its wraparound terrace is six feet deep and big enough to accommodate tables and lounge furniture while providing fantastic lake and city views. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom space is split by a large living/dining room and den, to provide privacy in an open concept. White-washed oak flooring is matched by white furnishings and accessories throughout, interrupted only by hints of lavender. One of South Beach’s most striking areas is the 12,000-square-foot presentation gallery, which showcases available units and Amexon’s other properties complete with three full model suites. Menchions describes the center as a “Chanel boutique.” The space is a fanciful yet sophisticated blend, complete with enormous hanging lampshades, 24-foot-tall drapes, faux hedges, orange chandeliers, sleek desks, and elaborate video displays. The open floor plan allows for numerous closing spaces where sales agents can complete their transactions. But those rooms might not be totally necessary—once you’ve entered the presentation gallery, it’s almost impossible to ignore the attitude, ambiance, and attraction that is South Beach Condos + Lofts. —Zach Baliva

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MUNGE LEUNG

RENOWNED & RELAXED View of the dining room the from Ritz-Carlton sales center rotunda.

When Alessandro Munge and Sai Leung created Munge Leung thirteen years ago, they hoped to build a vibrant boutique design studio. Work at premiere sites like MGM’s CityCenter in Las Vegas, Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver, and The Foshay Tower—a 1920’s Art Deco office tower that was turned into the hip W Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota—has helped Munge Leung take its place as one of Canada’s top design firms. The company’s varied portfolio includes luxury hotel properties, chic restaurants, and trendy nightclubs, all of which have informed current residential projects. Diversity permeates the core of Munge Leung, starting with its founding principals. Munge, an Italian, was born in Germany and raised in Canada. Leung traveled to Canada from Hong Kong. “Our cultures influence the designs we put forth, but we always cater the solution to the problem at hand instead of relying on one fixed style,” Munge says, describing the company as meticulous, pure, and passionate. The partners push their staff of 30 to focus on interior architectural details, material selection, and lighting design. Munge Leung’s employees relish the opportunity to work alongside condo developers, creating unique sales offices, model suites, and interior packages. The firm’s experience in the hospitality market supplements its graceful designs and mastery of materials. “We can really help communicate the vision for a property,” Munge says. “We understand the condo market, and we know how to approach the aesthetics to help launch something successfully.” That knowledge was the driving force behind a recently completed project. Munge Leung was asked to design a presentation center for Ritz-Carlton’s 53-story, glass-and-limestone structure, The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. “Our approach was to make the units spectacular and really fit the exquisite Ritz-Carlton brand,” Munge says. “The condos are adjacent to the hotel, and we designed residential elements in terms of architecture and interior design so there is cohesion between the two.” Guests who walk in, he says, should feel like they are immersed in a brand known for refined elegance. The Ritz-Carlton logo communicates luxury and history, so Munge and his associates were careful not to disappoint potential buyers. “Everything had to be done to the highest standards in terms of quality of materials, and beauty, and furnishings,” he says. Suites range in size from 1,400 to 6,000 square feet. Munge Leung designed a two-bedroom model suite using standard Ritz-Carlton finishes augmented by three upgrade packages. “We decided on a transitional design theme and created a palette with textures and finishes ensuring a timeless quality throughout the living spaces,” Munge remarks.

Alessandro Munge & Sai Leung

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“We can really help communicate the vision for a property. We understand the condo market, and we know how to approach the aesthetics to help launch something successfully.” Alessandro Munge, Partner luxuryhomequarterly.com

SOPHISTICATED SPACES The Ritz-Carlton model suites feature custom-designed millwork and furniture pieces by Munge Leung. These elements add value and personalize the spaces, suiting the proportions of the rooms as well as the lifestyle and tastes of the homeowners. jan / feb 2011

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UNIQUE & MODERN One of the model’s most striking features is the two-sided fireplace between the living room and den.

HIGH-END AESTHETICS The rotunda walls in the sales center feature a macassar ebony wood veneer, The entry is flanked with fabric panels in a chocolatebrown velvet.

THE Ritz-Carlton Top design elements: pecialty paint finishes by Applied Art Studios S ‘Wall art’ beautifies walls and interior architectural features. appliedartstudios.com ersonal photo collection from owners P Memorable, personal photos and drawings (pictured lower left) give personality and bring life into each living space. Art collection procured by PI Fine Arts While the interiors speak of a sophisticated international design aesthetic, the art collection that appears in each model suite (pictured upper left) pays homage to local Canadian artists. pifineart.com

satin-nickel hardware. Some units boast his-and-her built-in closet systems and private elevator entrances. Munge says he wanted to show clients limitless upgrade options. Walls are custom-lined with wenge-stained oak, and the den’s television is surrounded with stitched leather panels. “We know that each unit will be custom designed by its owner, so we wanted to show them what level of beauty is possible,” Munge explains. The suites needed to feel grand, upscale, and residential, so the firm used woods like macassar ebony to enhance personality and character. Marble, limestone, and granite create patterns in the floor to convey sophistication. Hardwood floors of increased width make custom furniture pieces appear to float on the perfect tableau. Rooms also feature coffered, 10-foot ceilings and brushed-

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If The Residences’ development proves successful, it will be thanks to Munge Leung’s ability to entice buyers by communicating Ritz-Carlton’s brand message. “People want to attach themselves to a great story, a great developer, and a great building,” Munge says. “It’s our job as interior designers to deliver on that mandate.”

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Specializing in five diamond properties, Credible Upholstery has the diversity to fully furnish the largest of resorts and restaurants as well as custom tailoring a showpiece. We pride ourselves in combining modern design elements with old world methods and using the finest of materials to meet the highest manufacturing standards. Our strength is taking a concept sketch and bringing it to life, making the design process virtually effortless. We give special thanks to the design community for honoring Credible Upholstery by specifying us as a preferred vendor to some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most renowned establishments and projects.

380 Millway Avenue Concord ON Canada L4K 3V8 T: 905.760.0273 F: 905.760.0275 www.credibleupholstery.com

ARTISTIC & FUNCTIONAL he sculptural chrome feature in the sales T office, designed by Munge Leung and crafted by R&R Woodwork, functions as a wall that provides separation between the closing offices. The sculptural form reflects the artistic theme that is an important aspect of the project. rrwoodwork.com

Pears on the Avenue Top design elements: Original fine-art collection Custom-selected pieces in each space symbolize creativity and intellect, which are all part of the lifestyle idealized at Pears on the Avenue. Three-story lobby with tone-on-tone limestone walls The selected stone materials reflect the stone used for the exterior. These walls make a strong visual statement upon entrance into the building and provide a graceful backdrop for original art. Metal-clad spiral staircase The shape of the stairs as well as the materials used unite elements of classic and contemporary design, and soften the visual geometry of the three-story stone-clad lobby area.

A centralized location with spectacular water views should also help lure clients. Munge and Leung worked carefully to size their product for the market. “It doesn’t make sense to provide condos and finishes for someone with half your budget,” Munge says. “We listen to the market and cater our interiors accordingly. That’s why we have successful projects.” Building amenities include a 24-hour concierge, spa services, a pool, a fitness center, a private residential lobby, a screening room, and à la carte housekeeping services.

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market watch: toronto condos OPEN-CONCEPT KITCHENS Munge Leungâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designs play an integral role in the aesthetics of the interiors and feature custom-designed cabinetry and islands, as well as a luxurious appliance package by Miele. miele.com

FRAMES Pears on the Avenueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prominent exterior features will be white-metal steel frames on the north, south, and east sides of the building. Among the amenities at Pears is a landscaped courtyard terrace (below right) and a spa-inspired indoor pool (middle right).

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Baker Real Estate Incorporated is proud of their long standing relationship with

Munge Leung Design Associates. We wish you continued success.

www.baker-re.com

Baker Real Estate Incorporated Condominium Marketing and Sales 175 Bloor Street East North Tower, Suite 300 Toronto, Ontario M4W 3R8 T: 416-923-4621 F: 416-924-5321

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market watch: toronto condos MODEL DINING Pears on the Avenue’s model suite features a chic dining space, perfect for entertaining.

“People want to attach themselves to a great story, a great developer, and a great building. It’s our job as interior designers to deliver on that mandate.” Alessandro Munge, Partner Another Munge Leung project lies just four kilometers away from the RitzCarlton, and although the two sites are similar in geography, they are very diverse in execution. Pears on the Avenue is a Menkes development whose steel-and-glass façade rises 20 stories above Avenue Road and Pears Avenue. The site in Midtown is close to Yorkville and was designed to fit the bustling neighborhood’s modern aura. The building, Munge says, called for a timeless interior featuring luxury materials. “We wanted a contemporary project without being trendy,” he says. “White-on-white interiors are the hottest trend, but the appeal will only last a few years. This project is about textures and shapes rather than stark spaces with no personality.” Featured artwork, a nod to the neighborhood’s eclectic community, transforms expansive and neutral interior spaces to serve as a custom gallery. Like the building’s common spaces, the model suite is very modern and layered with great art. And like any good art gallery, the rooms hold eclectic yet cohesive collections—Munge says his team might visit 30 stores when completing an art-installation design. “People rarely buy a whole room and move it into their house; they collect things,” he remarks. Pears’ condos include furniture from Canada, the United States, and Europe. Pears on the Avenue impresses upon first glance. A three-story lobby with limestone walls and a double-helix staircase greets visitors. The tour continues into an upstairs party room filled with upholstered panels, Italian furniture, a contemporary fireplace, an oak wet bar, amazing art, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking an outdoor terrace. The opulent and serene pool area

feels more like a Turkish bath with its limestone walls, cabana seating areas, and a backlit onyx waterfall that drapes into a whirlpool. The project also took advantage of an old Audi dealership on-site. Munge and his colleagues transformed the area into a fish-tank-like structure so passersby can look in around the clock and get excited about what is happening on the inside of Pears. Munge and Leung might not work in a glass bowl, but all eyes are on the talented design team. The company has won awards from the International Interior Design Association, the Ontario Home Builders Association, the National Sales & Marketing Council, the Building Industry and Land Development Association, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, and many other organizations. And if The Residences and Pears on the Avenue are any indication of the firm’s future, that list is sure to grow. —Zach Baliva

A MESSAGE FROM R&R Woodwork For more than 26 years, R&R Woodwork has been pushing the boundaries of millwork. The top choice of leading design and architecture firms that demand the highest precision and quality, R&R Woodwork delivers its experience and creative thinking to every job it does. Advanced technology like SolidWorks 3-D CAD software has allowed R&R Woodwork to constantly expand its client base. A frequent collaborator with one of Canada’s leading design firms, Munge Leung, R&R Woodwork has brought Munge Leung’s sophisticated designs to life. R&R Woodwork’s innovative spirit, values, and practices in creating custom architectural millwork allow it to surpass both conventional millwork thinking and its clients’ expectations.

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Lippincott Living Each bright, open-concept unit features plenty of living space that can be adjusted to its residents’ specific needs, including integrated storage units, accessible service areas, and a stylish union of internal and external environments.

cecconi Simone Elaine Cecconi and Anna Simone describe themselves as opposites in personality—Cecconi the shy one, Simone the outspoken one—but that hasn’t stopped the two design experts from running a profitable, award-winning, globally heralded interior-design consulting firm.

heralded eye for fashion and design, and business smarts gained from 28 years of experience from China to Dubai to Europe and North America. The firm’s team includes architects, administrators, interior designers, industrial designers, and architectural technologists.

The women’s partnership seems serendipitous: Simone recalls an “odd feeling” she experienced when she first saw the newly hired Cecconi at their former employer’s office, a feeling that prompted Simone to turn to a colleague and pronounce that she and Cecconi would end up as business partners.

Cecconi Simone’s principals don’t believe in resting on their laurels. “We are always reinventing and reanalyzing our direction,” Simone says. “We are not believers of trends. A good designer looks at the client’s needs and assesses the process with the understanding of those needs.”

Their company, Cecconi Simone, based in Toronto, has risen to the top of the chic-urban-condo market by leveraging a multidisciplinary staff of 40–50, a

Indeed, the firm, which started in retail design, shifted in the late 1980s to corporate design, ultimately fashioning millions in square feet in banking,

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Elaine Cecconi & Anna Simone

“It’s not just real estate; it’s creating a unique design specific to each condo owner.” Anna Simone, Cofounder & Principal

legal offices, accounting firms, and communications companies. Through that experience, Cecconi Simone realized that personal and private environments were failing to keep up with the technological changes occurring in the corporate world. The technological updates coincided with the development of urban condo living in downtown Toronto, starting in the mid-1980s. Initially, condo living was considered a rental, transitional lifestyle, Simone points out. “After 5 p.m. on a weekday, you could shoot a cannon down Toronto’s downtown core,” she recalls. Yet with the more sophisticated and technologically updated condo, new developments in the Toronto condo market became real, viable options for long-term homes. In order to best serve its clients with multifaceted design concepts that incorporated updated technology and automation, Cecconi Simone established a

go-to integrated design team. The firm partnered with Toronto architect Brad Netkin to create their own development firm, Blurredge Group, focused on developing low-rise townhouses with the kinds of stylish design, environmental sensibilities, and indoor/outdoor flow of the best high-rise condos. The development firm is now able to hand-pick its entire project team from inception to completion. The integrated design team ensures that technology is used in subtle and practical ways that create high-end living, Simone says. “When you are working in small spaces, the more knowledge you have and the more creative you become with the space,” she explains. “The more I know about plumbing stacks and the runs required for a functional kitchen, the more I know about creating a lifestyle kitchen. And the more another team member knows about electrical slabs, the more able I am to ensure that dimmer lighting is incorporated into the condo development prior to the building being built.” While this partnership was forming, Cecconi Simone started focusing on the demographics of customers attracted to urban living in Toronto: a sophisticated audience that enjoys art, music, culture, shopping, and fine dining, while also appreciating well-appointed outdoor spaces. “We started asking questions of the potential condo owners: What type of car do they drive? Who is their fashion designer of choice? What types of books do they read? Do they drink wine, beer, martinis?” Simone says. The first example of the Blurredge Group’s integrated-team philosophy is Lippincott Living, an eight-unit townhouse development that reinvented Toronto’s infill residential living concept, providing luxury and exclusivity in a struggling real-estate market. The Lippincott development showed Toronto homebuyers for the first time that they could have the luxuries of modern living in a convenient urban setting. “We gave people luxury,” Simone says. “We integrated appliances into the kitchen in a stylish way, included beautifully organized closets rather than having rack-and-lightbulb closets, placed lights on every wall on which the

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Lippincott Living and Blurredge Group The cofounders of Cecconi Simone have become intimately aware of developers’ habits after 28 years of working with condo, office, and retail developers in locations ranging from China to Qatar to major cities throughout North America. Elaine Cecconi and Anna Simone realized that the most successful developers take time to involve all of the important disciplines, from engineers to architects to designers, in a project from the very beginning. Simone partnered with Toronto architect Brad Netkin and a silent partner to create their own development firm, Blurredge Group. The name highlights the blurring of the various disciplines’ roles to create a condo development in which every available comfort is fully anticipated and brought to fruition. By involving all disciplines from the outset, the approach ensures that the project is designed holistically from the outside in and the inside out. Blurredge Group’s first venture is Toronto’s eight-unit townhouse development Lippincott Living, near Bathurst and College streets, highlighted with private courtyards, green roofs, 10-foot-high ceilings on the main floors, and a modular design constructed with a minimal amount of construction waste. The homes showcase Cecconi Simone’s award-winning ability to seemingly enlarge the space by connecting indoor and outdoor elements. An eight-foot-tall window wall opens each dining room onto the outdoor space, for example, and master bedrooms feature walkouts to a sundeck.

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“Using green elements throughout the project, from the design approach to finishes to energy consumption, is part of being a responsible professional.” Anna Simone, Cofounder & Principal

Willis is a company that is relationship based and with all of our business transactions our first goal is to be a friend with our customer. We do everything we can to develop that business friendship by providing solutions to your Building Material needs. The best way to understand what Willis is all about is in this short statement: “Willis is a World Class Building Materials Sourcing Company with a specific stable of products and an ability to source other products to fulfill your needs. Our team devotes its working life to providing solutions to the building challenges you face”. Our hope is to provide you with a bundled offering of products that assist you in streamlining your supplier base. The Willis family will make you comfortable in your business dealings everday and

owner might hang artwork, and included ambient light, overall lighting, and reading lights throughout. The units were fully loaded.”

you will look for us to provide more products once you feel the friendship and trust of our company.

The design features of the property include thoughtfully designed lighting throughout the 2,000-square-foot units; porcelain-tile flooring that runs through living, kitchen, and dining areas; a window wall that opens up eight feet wide to connect the dining area to the outdoors; and bathrooms designed as spas and with a seamless connection to the bedroom. “In the past, people’s bragging rights revolved around how much square footage their homes had,” Simone says. “Today, it’s about how unique your environment is. Today, homebuyers are looking for lifestyles that give them more time, and that translates into a market such

WILLIS est.

888-994-5547 | www.4willis.com jan / feb 2011

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X The Condominium According to Simone, modern urban living is no longer simply about real estate and location; it’s about creating a unique condo design specific to each unit owner. X The Condominium epitomizes the interior-design-consulting firm’s philosophy. The 44-story, 437-suite condo tower in Toronto is the winner of the Building, Industry and Land Development’s 2010 High-Rise Project of the Year award. The tower’s double-height lobby features 24/7 concierge service, as well as a multifunctional space called “The Core,” that offers yoga, aerobics, Pilates, cardio, weight and fitness training and steam rooms; a kitchen/dining/bar lounge with a billiards room; an outdoor swimming pool with a hot tub, barbecue, and lounge poolside; and a rooftop garden and sundeck with exceptional landscaping. The condo tower also features panoramic views of the tony Bloor and Rosedale neighborhoods, as well as Lake Ontario.

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market watch: toronto condos

Charlie Condos Charlie, a 32-story, 314-suite luxury condo tower—which totes the motto “Condos That Love You”—showcases Cecconi Simone’s insistence on owner exclusivity. The suites, which feature nine-foot ceilings, offer a choice of granite or solid-surface kitchen countertops, porcelain-tile backsplashes, bathrooms with a soaker tub, a frameless glass shower, and prefinished engineered wood flooring. All of the suites come with Cecconi Simonedesigned kitchen cabinetry and Euro-style stainless-steel appliances. True to Cecconi Simone’s philosophy that urban dwellers crave a sense of community, the condo in the King-Spadina area is a short walk from Roy Thomson Hall, the Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandra Theatres, and the Rogers Centre and Harbourfront. The condo tower is also close to clubs, bars, lounges, restaurants, and trendy fashion boutiques.

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VERSATILE DESIGN Lippincott Living’s sophisticated, subdued color palettes blend seamlessly with any décor style.

“In the past, people’s bragging rights revolved around how much square footage their homes had. Today, it’s about how unique your environment is.” Anna Simone, Cofounder & Principal

as downtown Toronto in which the homebuyer can live close to amenities such as shopping, the theater, and great restaurants, and in which they can lock the door and count on a 24/7 guard to take care of security.” Furthermore, the Lippincott development highlights two concepts that Cecconi Simone introduced to make the most of the units’ 15-foot width and 70-foot depth: sliding walls and built-in storage cabinets. These now-common condo elements allow for a more efficient and innovative use of space. The floor-to-ceiling sliding panels, which move on a track, are used to introduce one room to another without having the three-foot distance that a standard swinging door requires to open. The designers also omitted corridor space between each room, and used a change in ceiling height—from 10 feet in the main living area to 9 feet just beyond, and back to 10 feet on the third floor—to create the illusion of space. “It’s all how you manipulate scale so that it appears you have more cubic feet,” Simone says. Lippincott also shows off Cecconi Simone’s commitment to the environment, with green roofs and an irrigation system that reuses rainwater collected in a cistern. “If being green is a company’s way of differentiating itself, that’s the wrong idea,” Simone says. “Using green elements throughout the project—from the design approach, to finishes,

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to energy consumption—is part of being a responsible professional.” Cecconi Simone’s other noted high-rise condo developments in Toronto mirror these principles. X The Condominium, Charlie Condos, One Bloor, and FIVE Condos at St. Joseph feature sleek designs, pool and spa areas, seamless indoor/outdoor access, and green elements throughout. At X The Condominium, these sustainable and contemporary elements are obvious in the luxurious common spaces and its roof garden. Its close proximity to the subway and fashionable Bloor-Yorkville section of downtown Toronto make it very appealing to the new generation of urban homebuyers. At Charlie Condos, the tower’s aluminum frame and heritage brick reflect its historic neighborhood while sporting a modern clear-glass facade. The common spaces, such as a pool and stylish lounge, make for easy access to relaxing and convenient living, while kitchen cabinetry and Euro-style stainless-steel appliances come standard in all suites. Reflecting on the changing condo market in downtown Toronto, Simone says, “It’s not just real estate; it’s creating a unique design specific to each condo owner. It’s about defining a brand that speaks to what the developer brings.” —Sandra Guy

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THE PLANS A showcase of sleek, modern architecture —and the blueprints that started it all

WESTLAKE HILLS RESIDENCE

HIDDEN COVE RESIDENCE

EAST WINDSOR RESIDENCE

CHALON RESIDENCE

BRENTWOOD RESIDENCE

BRENTWOOD GUEST HOUSE

ZEIDLER RESIDENCE

CARRILLO RESIDENCE

TOWER HOUSE RESIDENCE

Photo: PAUL FINKEL

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the plans

alterstudio architects, LLP

or Kevin Alter, of alterstudio architects, LLP, balancing teaching with private practice means being better at both. In addition to serving as partner (along with Ernesto Cragnolino) for alterstudio, Alter is a faculty member and associate dean at the University of Texas School of Architecture. These academic and commercial pursuits, he explains, nurture each other. “I’m a much better teacher because of the knowledge I have from practice, and I’m a much better architect because of the students,” he says. Buoyed by ambition, his students genuinely believe that architecture can change the world. Their enthusiasm

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by Susan Flowers

provides Alter with an ongoing challenge, preventing him from playing it safe in private practice. And his students’ belief that architecture can bring about positive change in the world is one that Alter shares. After an undergraduate career at Bennington College in Vermont, and grad school at Harvard, where he studied under the legendary Rafael Moneo, Alter decided that teaching was his best means of making a difference. His time at Harvard, where Moneo had recruited some of the world’s finest architects from Europe to teach, inspired his decision, but his choice also had to do with timing.

The client’s desire for an unparalleled view of downtown Austin, and the need for entertaining space, informed the siteplan of this extraordinary home. To maintain the priceless view, the foundation of the existing home’s two end wings were maintained while the middle section of the building was replaced entirely. The new ensemble offers a radically different alternative to the dark spaces and ubiquitous geometry of the previous building, and emphasizes a dynamic spatial sequence, while at the same time creating an abstract backdrop for an eclectic collection of antiques. Passing under a thick canopy of cedar and oak and ascending 75 feet, visitors arrive behind the house into an intimate entry courtyard of limestone and lush landscaping. Still unaware of the expansive panorama to come, views are revealed slowly as one enters the home. Upon descending into the main room, the ceiling rises to fourteen feet and the panoramic view of Austin unfolds.

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Photos: PAUL FINKEL

An Academic Approach to high-end design

The Westlake Hills Residence

the plans

CUSTOM COLOR Purpose-built walnut, anigre, and black painted builtins, with white and pearl-gray terrazzo floors, offer visual interest to the home.

IN & OUT 21 feet of oversized glass doors slide away entirely at the corner, allowing unfettered access to a generous deck in the tree canopy.

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Entry Powder room Master suite Dining room Living room Kitchen Breakfast nook Library Exterior deck

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SOCIAL SPACES The home, which provides a view of downtown Austin, features ample interiors and exteriors for entertaining guests.

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“All the work takes on a different character because we have different clients—but it’s all modern. I’m not interested in pretending to live in a different time.” Kevin Alter, Partner The late 1980s, when Alter attended graduate school, were not his favorite era in architecture. Uninspired by the waning days of post-modernism, he came to the University of Texas after working for a couple of firms in the Northeast. “One nice thing about being in Texas was the chance to build buildings,” he says. “I really wanted to be an architect who was building buildings as opposed to just writing about them.” The firm was founded in the early 1990s. The firm, with a staff of six—including Alter and Cragnolino—works out of one large room. According to Alter, the open environment nurtures a collaborative atmosphere. “It’s not a top-down office,” he says, “but one where we draw on the strengths of our whole team.”

Alter says that modernism is fundamental to all the firm’s projects, although he hastens to add that no two are exactly alike. “We take a great deal of pride in doing details well, and all the work takes on a different character because we have different clients—but it’s all modern,” he says. “I’m not interested in pretending to live in a different time.” His definition of modernism is not ruthless, he adds, but rather warm and inviting.

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The Hidden Cove Residence The Hidden Cove Residence project was the interior renovation of a previously unremarkable home on an extraordinary site. Nestled into a private inlet on Austin’s Town Lake, the original building was more a cabin than a house. The renovation turned the building inside out by opening it to expansive views, breezes, and connections to the surrounding landscape—all through a distinctively modern design. A series of tiny rooms was replaced by one large kitchen that also serves as the breakfast room. Once liberated from very cramped quarters behind a partition wall, the kitchen was highlighted with a folded cast-stone counter, book-matched cherry cabinets with touch-latch hardware, and back-painted glass backsplashes. The kitchen now serves as the social center of the home.

NOTABLE ENHANCEMENTS Inside what appears to be a modest cabin is a double-height space with an expanding view towards the protected inlet on Town Lake. A palette of rough-hewn cedar timbers, coarsely chopped limestone walls, Saltillo tile floors, and crude oak detailing was replaced by simple white walls, maple flooring, glass guardrails, and minimalist detailing.

Photos: Thomas McConnell

The concept of openness is also present in many alterstudio projects, where Alter says that spaces flow seamlessly from one to another, and the outside flows to the inside. “I have a deep connection to the outdoors,” he notes, adding that he’s always interested in highlighting the serendipitous beauty of natural elements in and around his projects. “I don’t think I can do anything as beautiful as a live oak tree or the grain of American black walnut, for example,” he says. “It’s like Japanese pottery, where the eccentricities, rather than the perfection, become the beauty. I embrace the special in nature whenever I can, and modernism lets me do that.” His penchant for use of existing elements includes incorporating natural light into designs whenever possible; light, he says, can allow one to see a room in a completely new way simply by the way it comes into a room.

Small in scope, this project allowed the time and space to design custom-made stainless-steel fittings, hardwood builtin furniture, functional cabinetry, and unique design details. It was an opportunity to design a refined interior landscape with subtlety and grace, while always keeping the focus on the more extraordinary characteristics of the natural landscape in which the home is situated.

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FROM THE CLIENT “Every single morning I still feel amazed at the impact it has on me when I go into the master bathroom area. Rather than enter into a small closed space to get ready for work, I feel it opens up and welcomes me to the new day—I immediately know the weather from the glass wall and the skylight, and the clean lines, the awesome detail work, and the wood and stone grounds me.”

hidden cove residence

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A TALE OF TWO PHASES Phase One of this renovation focused on transforming the master suite into a space seemingly thrust into the adjacent canopy of trees through a series of meticulously designed elements, while Phase Two of the renovation stripped back the interior to its shell, opening up the kitchen, living, and dining rooms.

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The concept of openness is present in many alterstudio projects, where Alter says spaces flow seamlessly from one to another, and the outside flows to the inside.

The East Windsor Residence Extraordinary views of the heart of Austin and a small buildable footprint demanded a thin, three-story home with the main living spaces and master suite on the top floor—essentially a one-bedroom loft with 270-degree views. Visitors enter through a pivoting glass door and are immediately greeted by a stair of massive ebonized-oak treads floating above twin steel channels hanging in a three-story vertical space. Beyond, an etched-glass wall captures the projected shadows of a stand of giant bamboo, and a band of clear glass directs one’s gaze out to a private garden. Punctuating the exterior ipe-wood façade are two steel-box windows, their mirror-like reflection or deep shadow

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posed against the filigree of the expansive screen. In the evening, this screen functions as a lantern from the outside, revealing a collection of living spaces behind. The screen also drastically transforms the building when two 10-foot sections dramatically unfold and reveal the formal dining room. Upstairs, the expansive view is highlighted with an unmitigated ceiling plane that provides a surface for reflected light. Adjacent power lines to the west are visually eschewed, although a constellation of portholes arrayed across this wall frame the dramatic western light and enliven the façade from the street beyond. An open plan is accentuated by laminated low-E corner glazing, twin Akari lanterns (akari.co.jp), and sliding wall panels.

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Photos: PAUL FINKEL

UNIQUE EXTERIORS A 16-foot ipe-wood screen envelopes the body of the house, and rests delicately atop a base of long courses of black Lueders limestone. luederslimestone.com

TRANSFORMATIVE SPACES In the evening, this screen transforms into a lantern revealing a collection of spaces behind. The screen also transforms the building when two 10-foot sections dramatically unfold and reveal the formal dining room.

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BETTER BATHS Exquisitely matched lacewood-veneer cabinetry and a marble bathing area define this spa feel.

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OPEN SPACES The home’s upper level features an open plan accentuated by sliding panels, laminated low-E corner glazing, and twin Akari lanterns (akari.co.jp).

BOATRIGHT

HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation Sanding Refinishing Repair Stairs Mouldings

“I’m a much better teacher because of the knowledge I have from practice, and I’m a much better architect because of the students.” Kevin Alter, Partner

6506 Burnet Road Austin, TX 78757 p. 512.454.3641 3765 S. Alameda Suite 1101 Corpus Christi, TX 78411 p. 361.855.4544

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Alter and Cragnolino are firmly opposed to greenwashing, in which a firm’s promotion of environmental issues outpaces its actual practices, and they strive to act in ways that are both ethically and ecologically sound. alterstudio buys locally whenever possible, and also ensures that its buildings’ locations are just right for low energy use. “It’s incredibly important to site a building so that it’s shaded at the right time of day, and such that it catches breezes so that you don’t have to run the air conditioner all the time,” Alter says. “More and more, we’re using geothermal heating, and through subsidies, Austin is making the use of photovoltaics affordable. We also try to get materials that were sustainably harvested.”

For alterstudio, quality is the ultimate goal. “We don’t take on something we can’t do,” Alter says. “We don’t do any advertising—it’s all word of mouth. We’re very careful not to take on too much work,” he says. The firm is also unusually consistent in its workforce. “We don’t staff up when we have a lot of work and staff down when we don’t,” Alter shares. “I care about my colleagues whom I work with.” While both partners are justifiably proud of their team, Alter considers his family his best project. His wife, an attorney, is his best critic, he says, and the couple has three small children. Alter also has a twin brother, whose attitude toward aesthetics is the polar opposite of the high-achieving architect’s: as a philosophy professor, Alter’s brother tends to be uninterested in the material world. However, for Alter, the real rewards of his career are intangible. “Being able to do things that are meaningful for people [is the greatest reward],” he says. “You can give them something they didn’t expect but that they love. I love construction sites. I’m like a kid. I’m still thrilled that I’ll draw something and someone will build it that way.”

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Photos: PAUL FINKEL

Environmental awareness is also important to the firm, although never the sole priority. “I enjoy making buildings that are sustainable,” Alter says. “In 2010, one has to be an ostrich not to be concerned. It’s always a consideration, but it’s one of many. It’s incredibly important to consider, but in balance with everything else.” Clients’ budgets do not always allow for every possible green material and practice, he adds, but all their designs are considered from this perspective.

SKY HIGH A large outdoor terrace of the Chalon residence juts out from the main level, offering panoramic views toward of the LA skyline. The terrace is encased with glass to allow residents to visually connect to the natural surroundings. Adding to the natural theme are a patch of grass and a wooden patio surrounding the pool and fire pit.

belzberg architects Exploring the vast possibilities of contemporary architecture

For Hagy Belzberg, FAIA, founder and principal of Belzberg Architects, the Brentwood Residence was a quintessential project. A unique site, the sprawling Los Angeles-area property offered a number of challenges, including a towering oak tree that had to be integrated into the design of the residence, which needed to feature both indoor and outdoor contemporary living spaces. Fortunately, Belzberg’s clients were extremely well versed in modernist residential design— Belzberg’s forte—and gave the firm the freedom to develop a truly innovative plan that involved experimenting with massing, creating of a series of interlocking cubes to frame the exterior con-

by Amy Meadows

ditions of the site, working with the renowned MLK Studio for custom interior and furniture design, and much more. The result is a spectacular 12,000-square-foot home that not only earned Belzberg Architects a Los Angeles Building Council Architecture Award in 2009, but also definitively reflects Belzberg’s distinctive and pioneering approach to form and site relationship, as well as architecture itself. “As a firm, we push every project to the available limit,” says Belzberg, who received a master’s degree in architecture with distinction from Harvard University in 1991, and launched his own archi-

tecture firm in 1997. “Whether it be the challenge of site, program, or budget, we are passionate about the process and making sure that the end product demonstrates thorough exploration.” It’s a philosophy that has become a hallmark for the award-winning, Santa Monica-based Belzberg Architects, which serves residential, institutional, and commercial clients throughout the United States, Canada, and as far away as Hong Kong and Dubai. In terms of its residential practice, the firm focuses on single-family custom homes because they offer the greatest opportunity for creativity and experimentation with everything

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The Chalon Residence Belzberg shares five key elements of this stunning home: 1. M ovable glass wall: “The living room’s south wall was engineered to support not only a large opening, but also to hang a custom sliding-glass-panel system. This was done to optimize the view and create an indoor-outdoor living environment without impediments.” 2. Cantilevered overhang: “Directly outside the living room, we engineered a very large cantilevered roof overhang to protect the large glass panels from direct sunlight. It also creates an ‘outdoor room’ that extends the living-room formality.” 3. Fire pit: “The fire pit acts as a destination device, which pulls the occupant outside. It promotes gathering, creates a wonderful hearth, and, though outside, becomes the center of the house.” 4. Library millwork: “The library acts as the personal retreat. Used as a transition between the master bedroom and the rest of the house, it is designed and used as a sort of decompression chamber and insomnia destination. The floor-to-ceiling library millwork hides the entry to the master suite and provides extensive views to the city below.” 5. F ront door: “The large custom steel frame encapsulated by solid-wood panels feels fortified yet is balanced on duel pivots that allow for effortless pull. This dichotomy promotes a ‘theater of welcoming.’”

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the plans

Chalon residence

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WHITE ALL OVER The modern design is clad mostly in bright white, featuring colorful, whimsical dĂŠcor elements that add a splash of fun to each room. In the library and tv room (above), the bright chair, sofa, and tiled rug pop against the white walls and ceiling.

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Theater Wine cellar Garage Guest suite Bedroom Bathroom Library Master bedroom Master bath Master closet

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The Brentwood Residence The Brentwood Residence is located on a large picturesque lot in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. Because the lot did not offer any immediate views from the buildable area of the property, the structures that comprise the project were designed to engage each other while focusing attention on the built and natural landscape within. The lot features a large California oak tree (above) on the rear half of the site, which serves as the focal point of the formal procession through the property. To counteract the formal setup of the site plan, the spatial organization has been set up to challenge the established axis without eroding it. As an homage to the palette of classic midcentury design, the house features a material composition of steel-troweled plaster, gauged and stacked Pennsylvania Bluestone, and Mangaris wood siding.

“We are passionate about exploring green and sustainable alternatives to the ‘standard market’ products, because it’s really our responsibility as a community and as an industry to move the construction industry to a greener environment.” Hagy Belzberg, Founder & Principal

UNIQUE SPACES Pathways have been intentionally designed to dissolve and reappear along the route. The line clearly divides the formal living area of the main house from the informal public spaces, but it is counteracted by the complex interlocking geometry and asymmetrical volumes that make up the exterior.

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GLASS & WOOD This lustrous wooden glass-encased staircase leads straight to the luxurious private living areas upstairs.

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the plans

brentwood residence SUN & SHADE The exterior windows are shaded by custom overhangs incorporated into the architecture of the home.

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WARMING UP Inside, a predominantly cool, white color palette is warmed by rich wood floors and earth-toned accents.

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interior and exterior Photos: art gray; photo of tennis court: benny chan

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Great room Kitchen Casual dining Changing/bathroom Utility Outdoor lounge Storage shed Pool Lawn Tennis court Guest room Bathroom Daybed Gym Deck

SECOND FLOOR OUTDOOR EATERY The guest house’s kitchen in the Brentwood home was designed to serve both indoor and outdoor spaces simultaneously. The kitchen features a 9-foot sliding glass door—the jambs have been integrated with the door to allow for a seamless transition between the indoor kitchen and the outdoor dining area. In order to blur the line between inside and out, the materials and detailing of the kitchen are kept the same from the interior to the exterior. The materials selected are low maintenance while maintaining the clean modern aesthetic of the rest of the house.

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from contemporary forms to natural and synthetic materials. “Every single-family custom home is different because every client is different,” Belzberg observes.

entails, clients can rest assured that, thanks to Belzberg’s emphasis on research and understanding of the construction process, what the firm designs is “first and foremost buildable,” Belzberg says.

Whether it’s the Chalon Residence—a 10,000square-foot dwelling sitting high atop a precipice in Bel Air, with interior and exterior spaces designed to offer sweeping views of the city below—or the Mataja Residence—a stunning 7,000-square-foot concrete home located in a remote part of Malibu in the Santa Monica Mountains that took nearly three years to complete— Belzberg always finds himself exhilarated by the design possibilities that he and his staff of 12 talented and highly motivated architects can consider and implement. And no matter what the design

“The staff pursues each project with a scholarly approach,” he continues. “Research and experimentation is the best way to describe our process. We don’t necessarily look to keep up with [changes in the industry or shifts in design trends] as much as we like to define new directions for ourselves.” Belzberg has found that one way to do this is to take a different approach to the way his staff operates. For instance, when a project is brought in to the firm, it is presented to everyone, and policy states that the best design idea wins. According

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SEPARATE BUT EQUAL The living room of the main residence was divided into two main areas, giving the space an expansive feel. Furnishings were chosen by designer Meg Joannides (mlkstudio.com).

to Belzberg, the clients benefit because they are essentially “hiring 12 architects in lieu of one principal making all of the decisions.” The staff benefits because the system produces a collaborative environment in which every architect feels like he or she is an important part of the team, which encourages them to deliver fresh and inventive work. That sense of cooperation is strengthened by the fact that each newly hired architect is ultimately charged with hiring the next new staff member; it’s an unusual approach that elicits a sense of responsibility to the firm and has replaced a culture of competition with one of true camaraderie.

Photos: art gray

That kind of trailblazing can also be found in the four to five projects that are completed by Belzberg Architects each year. It is especially apparent in terms of the firm’s pursuit of environmentally friendly solutions like passive energy and water conservation, as well as the inclusion of LEED criteria in every architectural design it produces, whether or not the project is going to be certified. “That’s our baseline,” Belzberg asserts. “We are passionate about exploring green and sustainable alternatives to the ‘standard market’ products because it’s really our responsibility as a community and as an industry to move the construction industry to a greener environment.” On a personal level, Belzberg also feels that it’s his responsibility to give clients the best experience possible. From interacting with clients throughout the entire design and construction process, to fostering a team atmosphere with the general contractors and vendors so he gets high-quality work,

Belzberg shows that the bottom line is not his first priority. For him, it’s about “having a really beautiful building produced with the client’s interests in mind,” he says. “It’s all about the relationships I have built with the clients. Being able to transform their needs into reality, and the bond that is created through that process, is incredibly rewarding.”

A Message from bulthaup Los Angeles The team of bulthaup Los Angeles wants to thank Belzberg Architects for their relationship with us. We look forward to working closely with your firm and promise nothing less than the best product, best design, and best overall service. bulthaup creates and designs holistic solutions for the kitchen living space. Geared towards the needs of a changing society and architecture, bulthaup regularly brings about advances in the evolution of the kitchen. The constant commitment to studying changes in living patterns and freeing the kitchen from its design constraints is what secures bulthaup its lead. Taking account of individual customer needs, bulthaup produces technically and aesthetically outstanding products, tailored to specific spatial conditions. bulthaup products are characterized by their timelessness, functionality, and sensuality. bulthaup’s history also obliges the firm to design products for even the toughest demands well into the future. For more information, please call 1-800-808-2923 or visit our website, www.bulthaup.com.

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Zeidler Residence Located in Aptos, CA, this 3,500-square-foot project was designed for a couple in 2007. Yanai arranged interior and exterior living spaces to maximize views and natural light within a simple yet sophisticated material palette. Key design elements include a double-height living room, with full-height glass doors that open the interior onto exterior spaces; a full-sized roof deck that serves various entertaining configurations; a landscaped courtyard with a lap pool and built-in barbecue, forming a complex of open-air pavilions that connect through the landscape; and a trellis that defines the walkway from the main house to the guest house.

ehrlich architects bringing environmental harmony to high-end design by Kaleena Thompson

Photo of ziedler residence: Matthew Millman

ulticultural modernism is the new black in today’s architecture, and Ehrlich Architects is at the helm of this evolving trend. “Multicultural modernism is not so much a signature style but a guiding principle––listening to the client and place and absorbing the cultural aspects that will lend to the architectural vision,” says Takashi Yanai, one of the principals at Ehrlich Architects.

Founded by cultural visionary Steven Ehrlich more than 35 years ago, the firm’s design philosophy has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable strategies and has embraced indoor and outdoor living. “It is appropriate for our time, where there is growing trend to sustain our environment,” Yanai explains. “We are shepherds of the earth, and we strive to be environmentally responsible. Therefore, our design and architecture should be a reflection of those basic principles.”

The Culver City, California-based firm senses place and listens to people; it uses courtyards as a remedy to stress, gleans the beauty of Los Angeles, and incorporates diverse cultures. As head of the residential studio,Yanai says the firm doesn’t have a signature stamp. “We give the clients the balance of livability and art,” he explains. “For each project, we understand the climate and context of which the project will be located, and that allows us to build a one-of-a kind structure.”

The company’s passion for integrating concrete flooring and operable windows that facilitate natural ventilation is a factor that draws clients,Yanai says, who’s been with the company since 2002. Although for those skeptical clients, he admits, “We try to express to them that they don’t need AC. We help them to embrace indoor and outdoor living with oversized windows and doors. They eventually recognize a connection between indoor and outdoor once they start living in their home.” Also,

Takashi Yanai

he adds, “We benefit living in California, where there’s a great climate.” For example, one of Yanai’s memorable projects was for a retired couple who loved to entertain guests and wanted their home to reflect their bus-

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“Multicultural modernism is not so much a design style but a guiding principle— listening to the client and place and absorbing the cultural aspects that will lend to the architectural vision.” Takashi Yanai, Principal

VISUAL INTEREST The program for the Zeidler Residence is divided into two main structures on either side of a sheltered courtyard. On the ocean side, the two-and-a-halfstory, one-bedroom main house accommodates the primary living spaces. third floor plan The rear guest structure accommodates the garage and three separate living quarters for friends and family. The view of the main house from the courtyard is ethereal, featuring a Rheinzink stair tower, which intersects a white cube that appears to hover in midair supported only by glass.

zeidler residence

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15 STUNNING STAIRCASE The stairwell, with walnut steps and rails, connects the main living area to the second-floor studio and master suite.

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the plans

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tling social life. “It was all about the use of indoor and outdoor spaces,” he says. With expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, the 3,500-square-foot Zeidler Residence was designed in two parts: the two-and-a-half-story project features a doubleheight living space that opens the interior to the outdoor spaces, and at either end of the stair tower is a full-sized roof deck and a basement wine-tasting room,Yanai tells. “The roof terrace is famously used for the couple’s annual Fourth of July parties.” The team of architects and designers use clients’ personalities and lifestyles as the main ingredients for their custom abode. “Keeping every project fresh and unique is easy when you embrace the client as a partner.”

Yanai’s most recent project was for a family who expressed a need to have a formal adult zone and an informal family zone. “Family life was important to the Carrillo family, and they wanted a space for their children and a space for themselves,” he recounts. The firm divided the outdoor space into two distinct courts. The informal frontcourt is a play area for the children that is adjacent to the family zone. “The adult side is accommodated with an outdoor dining area, barbecue, and infinity-edge pool, and expands toward the oceanic view,” Yanai notes. Also, the living room and dining room can be completely opened to this court by a series of oversized pivot doors.

SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS A double-height living space provides generous walls for displaying art, and features a burnished-block fireplace and sliding doors that open the interior to the exterior landscape.

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BASEMENT

Ehrlich’s portfolio also showcases a burgeoning body of high-end commercial and institutional

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buildings such as the Sony Music Headquarters, Dreamworks SKG Studio, and the award-winning Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. The six-story, 220-square-foot building reflects Phoenix’s vibrant downtown atmosphere, where the design aesthetic is prominent. The covered portals, shaded arcades, and open terraces fuse technology with cultural and environmental sensitivity. Since sustainability and environmental sensitivity are paramount, it is no surprise that the firm has successfully employed the LEED rating system in its institutional projects—such as the LEED Goldcertified Lantana Media Complex. INSIDE & OUT The living room and dining room can be completely opened up to the formal rear court (above) by a series of oversized pivot doors. The large expanses of glass of the living room visually connect the formal and informal domains and allow for the view to extend through to the canyon beyond. The formal rear court comprises an outdoor dining area, barbecue, spa and infinity-edge pool and expands toward the view beyond.

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While the majority of the firm’s work is in California, its résumé extends internationally.Yanai led a team of architects to design a six-tower residential complex in Taipei, Taiwan. “They wanted a foreign flavor, so we brought a little California to Taiwan,” he says. His team developed expansive garden areas on the rooftop and on balconies. “We created living rooms that opened to patios so that it gives residents views of the cityscape and the landscape we’ve created.” As for current projects,Yanai says he’s working on a house in Houston, Texas, where he will employ natural-air-ventilation design. Of course, the

climate is unlike California. However, he says his forward-thinking clients took that leap of faith. “We’re bringing this thoughtful approach to as many who will let us,” he says.

A Message from bulthaup Los Angeles The team of bulthaup Los Angeles would like to express our gratitude for the close business relationship we have enjoyed with Ehrlich Architects over many years. A first-class firm such as theirs expects premium products, expert advice, and perfect installation, and we are proud to have been able to provide this. bulthaup looks forward to a continued, mutually beneficial relationship with Ehrlich Architects. For 60 years, bulthaup has enjoyed an undisputed reputation for excellence in interior architecture, engineering, and materials. bulthaup combines a history of fine European craftsmanship with technical precision using state-of-theart manufacturing. This systematic approach is evident in all aspects of the process—from research and development to production and installation. bulthaup guarantees individual design solutions, sets lifestyle standards, and stands behind its flawless products. For more information, please call 1-800-808-2923 or visit our website, www.bulthaup.com.

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the plans

The Carrillo Residence H

This 4,500-square-foot home located in Palisades, CA, was designed for a young couple with two children. The firm addressed the formal and informal needs of the family by including an informal frontcourt that provides a protected sun-filled play yard that is adjacent to the family zone; an interior formal adult zone and informal family zones (and master suite and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room) are separated by the staircase and play area, and can be closed off from each other by pocket doors. Built-in cabinets divide larger spaces into smaller areas, and an upstairs play area can be converted into a third bedroom.

carrillo residence

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the plans

Tower House The original renovation of this Bridgehampton, NY, house included the addition a tower-like structure to maximize views and provide an architectural identity. An open-riser staircase leads to a family room perched at the top of the tower and features spectacular ocean views.

Stelle Architects providing modern designs for summer homes in the Hamptons

fter cutting his teeth on designbuild projects for Edward Larrabee Barnes’ legendary architecture firm, Frederick Stelle cofounded an architecture firm in New York City. “But I soon found that I really didn’t enjoy being in the office,” Stelle says. “I wanted to be outdoors— I’m an outdoors guy. My model was never to make a million dollars in the city and have a house in Bridgehampton; I wanted to live where I worked.” So Stelle made a lifestyle choice and moved out to Bridgehampton, New York, where he founded Stelle Architects in 1985.

Today, Stelle Architects specializes in the kinds of homes one associates with the eastern end of Long Island—single-family second homes and beach homes. Roughly 75 percent of the firm’s work is within a 20-mile radius of the office. “It’s a very fertile market for high-end, modern houses— probably as fertile a market as exists anywhere in the world,” Stelle says. Designing for secondary, weekend, or summer homes—which comprise the majority of Stelle’s projects—requires a different approach. “For instance,” he says, “I’m a big fan of radiant floors,

by David Hudnall

which are terrific for cold climates, but that doesn’t really make sense if the homeowner is only coming out during the summer.” At the same time, Long Island has strong solar capabilities, which Stelle consistently takes advantage of. “Almost every house we do today has a [photovoltaic] system, which works well because the system runs the house when you’re not there,” he says. “When you have low demand, the solar will just about cover every power you need. In summer, if it’s coupled with a geothermal system, you can just about cool your house for nothing.”

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the plans

2005 renovation During the second renovation in 2005, the weathered vertical cedar siding and wide window casings from the north elevation were replaced with a horizontal cedar screen and metal trim.

Though Stelle Architects started out at the height of the postmodern architecture movement, Stelle was, and remains, a committed modernist. However, he maintains that his modernist approach is less about a specific style than a mentality. “We’re just very exploratory,” he says. “We take the attitude that every client is a new challenge, and every job should be different than the last.” The firm often operates under a less-is-more, build-forthe-future mentality, avoiding, for instance, using materials on the exterior of the homes that need to be maintained, opting instead for a naturally aging, classic look.

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Part of that stems from having started out as a design-build firm. Though it spun off the construction side of the business ten years ago to focus more closely on design, the experience remains embedded in Stelle’s philosophy. “I found a lot of satisfaction in building, and learning how things are built, and I enjoy going home at night and being physically tired,” Stelle says. “Today, from a business standpoint, we’re able to recognize who the best builders are and collaborate with them. And because of our experience in building, that process is always more collaborative. We’re very detail-oriented as a result of that. And we’re also realistic about what it costs to build things.” The firm is gradually expanding beyond its Long Island roots, with projects in Zurich, Switzerland, a project in the Mediterranean, and a millionsquare-foot apartment-and-townhouse job in China. Stelle has also taken on some nonresidential work, but homes still comprise roughly 90 percent of its attention. “Back when I was a student at Syracuse, the most desirable area of architecture was houses,” Stelle says. “It’s where the most experimentation took place. I still feel that way.”

The Tower House Residence The Tower House in Bridgehampton, NY, was done in three phases: one in 2000, one in 2005, and one in 2009. “The genesis of the tower was that the client wanted a second sitting space in the house for the family to hang out, talk, watch TV,” Stelle says. “And the house sits behind a dune, which was obstructing views of the water. So we built this new structure and rotated it off axis to create a new entry, and put in a two-story glass wall. And we linked the master bedroom to the new living area via a bridge. Essentially we created a new ground plain at the top of the dune.” Stelle expects this look to become more common due to FEMA regulations. “Houses close to the water can’t be built right on the ground anymore,” he says. “Increasingly, everyone will be living up in the air, and that translates to a new architectural language.” Five years after that initial work, the client came back to Stelle, seeking renovations of the rooflines, windows, and siding (the house now features both horizontal cedar boards and cement siding). For the third phase, the firm installed geothermal heating and cooling and enlarged the dining space. “The client never told us if they were never going to do another phase of the house, so it was kind of like building a transcontinental railroad from each end and hoping at some point it would meet,” Stelle says. “And I think it does have a quality of being designed without an overall vision, more like a collection of parts.”

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interior Photos: Frank Oudeman; exterior photo: Jeff Heatley

2009 Renovation In the third renovation project for this house, in 2009, the dining space (above left) was enlarged and a curtain wall of floor-to-ceiling glass was installed on the south and west sides of the house. Cement panels and cedar are used on the interior as well as the exterior.

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BRAND NEW Geothermal heating and cooling was installed in the 2009 renovation, as well as cement panels and rain-screen siding on the exterior walls. Exterior decks and other details were altered and updated to complete the transformation of this house.

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architects

Providing concepts and programs for deluxe homes

The Ridge House Large windows of heat-mirrored glass showcase fabulous views of the nearby shoreline and allow the building to work without air-conditioning. The west-facing glass walls feature automated interior shades, and the building uses state-of-the-art heatingand-cooling systems.

Gleysteen Design Llc Eye-catching design concepts span many schools of architecture by Frederick Jerant It was one of those “Eureka!” moments. While backpacking around Europe on his honeymoon in 1979, Marcus Gleysteen encountered Giotto’s Campanile—a magnificent marble 14th-century bell tower on the grounds of Florence Cathedral in Italy. Although he was employed as an art teacher in New York public schools, he suddenly recog-

nized his true calling. A year later, Gleysteen was working in an architectural firm and pursuing his MA in architecture at Columbia University. He originally worked as a designer. “I had construction jobs during high school and college, so I had a good technical background” he says. “I was

able to combine my art training with architectural techniques and ideas.” In addition to his full-time workload, he was also a freelance architect during evenings and weekends. But in 1996, he founded Gleysteen Design in Cambridge, Massachusetts. While most of its work is in New England, the firm, which focuses on both modern and traditional homes, has recently completed its first house in California. “The challenge in designing a home—whether in the Georgian or deconstructivist style—is to do it very well,” Gleysteen says. Although he was trained as a modernist, he says “traditional architecture can be more fun. It has many limitations, but the challenge is to be all kinds of creative within those boundaries.”

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ARCHITECTs

“We design everything as if it was our only chance to show how capable and creative we can be.”

Marcus Gleysteen, principal

1 One recent example of the firm’s creativity is the Ridge House, in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts. “Our client wanted a home that was as much a sculpture as it is a piece of architecture,” Gleysteen says. The layout of the 4,900-squarefoot house, which rests on a ridge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, resembles an open hand; the main part of the home is in the “palm,” while the living spaces are placed among the “fingers.” Broad expanses of glass in the primary living spaces provide a magnificent view of the ocean. And though the home is about 60 percent glass, it easily passed all energy-code requirements. “We used the latest insulation techniques and triple-glazed heat mirroring glass,” he explains.

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Interior details feature many natural materials. “One of my favorites is ‘live-edge’ boards,” he says. That means the bark is simply ripped off the wood; the resulting rough edge is integral to the design. The effect was used on stairs in the living room and on a countertop in the kitchen. Additionally, an open stainless-steel fireplace in the living room is flanked by two boulders weighing a total of 13 tons. “After we trimmed the bottoms for stability, we welded and anchored stainless-steel ‘shoes’ to them, and an 80-foot crane hoisted them onto the foundation,” Gleysteen says. “We literally built the house around those stones.” Another notable project is the Gables House in Weston, a stone-and-shingle home on 4.6 acres of

Ridge House Design Details 1. A curving slice of roof protects the ocean-facing deck from sun exposure. 2. Electric-blue cabinets and cool-hued glass tiles define the kitchen space. 3. The luminous garage outbuilding is constructed of glass walls, steel masts, and a Teflon-coated fabric roof. 4. The warmth of the copper leaf wall, red birch flooring, and bubinga-wood columns is offset by the cool steel-andgranite fireplace and glass stair rail.

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The Farmstead House Commissioned in 2007, the Gleysteen-designed Farmstead House replaced a modern house built in the 1950s that was impossible to reuse due to structural failures in the foundation. Located adjacent to a wetland-resource area, the house required a very light environmental footprint on the site. With the layout having the primary living areas all contiguous to each other, the project required very careful attention to lighting design in order to create comfortable places within a large overall space. Working with Doreen Madden of Lux Lighting Design (luxlights.com), a dual approach with LED ambient up-lighting combined with place- and task-specific down lights created flexible and functional lighting scenes.

meadows and woodland near Boston. Influenced by Tudor-period English Country houses, the home presented a special challenge to Gleysteen Design. “We knew there would be no excuse for mediocrity,” he says, “so we designed everything as if it was our only chance to show how capable and creative we can be.”

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Overall, the home was designed to serve the way people actually live, and not as a showpiece that’s looked at occasionally. “Our clients love it,” Gleysteen says. “They call it the most ‘livable’ house they’ve ever owned.” Projects like these are the reason Gleysteen has been able to stand out from the competition—and the reason it will continue to stand out for years to come.

And the firm succeeded. Every aspect of the house is unique; not a single idea was borrowed from a previous job. The interior features abundant artisanal plasterwork—a detailed vaulted ceiling, chamfered wall corners, and exciting geometric details, rather than lots of wood trim. Wood accents are deceptively simple-looking, Gleysteen says, with lots of artistic content in the details, and the home’s stone flooring and baseboards bring a sense of solidity to the project.

A MESSAGE FROM LUX LIGHTING DESIGN Lux Lighting Design is renowned for its highend boutique style lighting designs for residential, commercial and landscapes. The team at Lux is led by award-winning lighting designer, Doreen Le May Madden, who has appeared in numerous publications, and has been a guest on TV and radio.

Perhaps the most unusual aspect of the house is its twin wine cellars, nicknamed “the Chapel” and “the Basilica.” The Chapel, located between the kitchen and family room, resembles a little Gothic chapel, with a vaulted ceiling and other details. The stoneand-wood Basilica, in the basement, “was supposed to have a cool theme,” Gleysteen says. “It looks like a Roman catacomb—as if we simply swept away bones and stacked cases of wine in it.”

Fully detailed documentation with lighting specifications and control system layouts is provided for electrical installation to be done efficiently. The combination of creativity, fashionable products, and technical expertise that Lux Lighting Design provides, results in every client having a personalized lighting design that creates their desired image and fulfills all their lighting needs with a timeless appeal.

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well as Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND). Our design approach is based on new urbanism philosophies and classical architectural languages. Every structure has a profound impact in a community and human behavior. As students of these concepts, we must acknowledge the wisdom where we are going. A home is a sanctuary and its existence is meant to enhance the experience of life …….. this is place making.

“Our perceptions of light are very personal, yet lighting like music, is a universal language. We are all attracted to light, but respond to it in an individual manner. Our physiological and psychological reaction to light are similar, yet out psychological responses can vary. A professional lighting designer has the ability to make people feel better in their environment.” Doreen Le May Madden, LC, CLC, IES Owner/Certified Lighting Designer Doreen Le May Madden, owner of Lux Lighting Design, has received numerous awards for her work in the private and public sectors. Doreen is known for her creativity and passion for quality lighting and ability to understand her clients’ needs. She leads a dedicated team that provides creative lighting designs using the latest technology. She has been featured on PBS’s This Old House; WMAL- Home Innovations Show; and Plum TV. She is featured in two recently released books Creating Curb Appeal and Perspectives on Design New England. 617.484.6400 385 Concord Ave Belmont, MA 02478 LuxLightingDesign.com

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ARCHITECTs

2009 Tampa Bay Showcase Home A luxury-home builder in the Tampa Bay area purchased this property with the vision of creating a grand, turn-of-the-century Mediterranean home. As the project evolved, Dorosinski was brought in and given carte blanche on the exterior. “It has an old, Spanish Revival look, but it’s fully automated and modern,” Dorosinski says. “And it has some McMansion characteristics, but there’s also this great attention to detail carried out throughout, with appropriate classical proportions. It looks like it could be reminiscent of an Addison Mizner design, but it’s really kind of a party house.” The rooftop is one expansive deck, replete with staggering views of the Tampa skyline. “You could have a wedding up there,” Dorosinski says. The showcase-home project, located in a prominent area of Tampa, has partnered with the Pediatric Cancer Foundation in Tampa, donating all tour proceeds to the cause. “Everything benefited a worthwhile charity,” he adds.

SHOWCASed LANDSCAPE The firm’s Tampa Bay Showcase Home features an abundant outdoor living and entertaining space. The rhythm of the Tuscan columns add weight and a sense of strength to the space.

Dorosinski, Campbell Design Associates, Inc. design firm applies classical elements to modern AND contemporary floridian homes by David Hudnall For more than a decade, Sean Dorosinski worked at large, corporate architecture firms, but in the early years of the new millennium, he reached his limit. “I couldn’t stomach the corporate design approach anymore, and I developed a distaste for sprawling, cul-de-sac communities,” Dorosinski says. He went back to school, at the Institute of Classical Architecture in New York, to study advanced traditional design, and found renewed passion for architecture in the aesthetics of classicism and new urbanism. Eventually he realized the only thing left to do was open the doors to his own firm, which he did, in Safety Harbor, Florida, in 2005.

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“I formed the company on the simple premise that every structure has importance as long as it serves the purpose it was designed for,” he says. “It was just me at first, very much a wing and a prayer. But I felt strongly about new urbanism and sustainable and green design, and felt like the only way to get involved with that at the level I wanted was to have my own firm.” Specializing in high-end custom residential homes, Dorosinski, Campbell Design Associates (Campbell is his wife’s maiden name; she handles PR and communications for the firm) has emerged in Florida and the Southeast as a skilled executor of

classical designs appropriate for modern uses. “I try to apply languages and proportions from a classical precedent and evolve that into a modern usability,” he says. “I’m not trying to re-create the past. Obviously, certain things about classic architecture just may not be feasible economically in some cases. It’s more a case of me studying those languages and applying the beauty and rhythm that makes them timeless. For instance, a budget may not allow for a high-end window package, but as long as you size and locate the windows in relation to the overall composition that enhances the design, you can begin to achieve harmony and balance.” A current project, Saddleback Manor, allowed Dorosinski to flex some of his classical muscles. A four-acre estate on a lake, Saddleback Manor’s every room includes a view of the water, and the elegant dining room can seat 20 people. “The clients shared my same vision and ideas about classicism, and I wasn’t restricted by gated-community requirements,” he says. “It’s an incredibly simple yet refined design, with heavy attention to details, and very little wasted space. I was very fortunate to get an opportunity like this.” Much thought went into separating public and private spaces in

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“I’m not trying to recreate the past. It’s more a case of me studying [classical designs] and applying the beauty and rhythm that makes them timeless.” Sean Dorosinski, Founder

the home. “It would be completely appropriate to host a black-tie event in this home and at the same time live comfortably on a day-to-day basis,” he continues. “It’s truly a home worthy of passing down to future generations.” Dorosinski says he completes around four or five residential designs a year, in addition to consulting on commercial projects. He’s most excited by custom homes and Traditional Neighborhood Development (he’s currently head of the Town Architects office for a TND in northern Virginia), but like many other designers, he occasionally finds himself working on designs where his preferred aesthetic is not as prominent. “Economically, times are still pretty tough, especially in certain regions in Florida, so you can’t always be picky,” he says. “I’ve done my fair share of McMansions. They don’t fit my exact niche, and I don’t include them in my portfolio, but that’s just part of being a small firm.” Green, sustainable design remains a core passion and concern for Dorosinski. “Traditional architecture is the ‘original green,’ they say,” he notes. “Homes used to have to be designed to be comfortable for all seasons. So most of my work is green in one way or another; I’m always trying to achieve elements of sustainability in the designs.” That includes things like window placement, using locally produced materials, and mapping out which rooms are affected by time of day and time of year. “Of course, it can be hard to say the words ‘sustainable’ and ‘10,000-square-foot home’ in one sentence,” he acknowledges. But this, again, simply comes with the territory for a firm like Dorosinski’s, a small operation fighting the good fight. “I still strongly believe that a home is a sanctuary, and its existence is meant to enhance life experiences,” he says. “We’ll just continue trying to achieve an affordable level of beauty. It’s not just the rich and famous who should be able to afford to live in a beautiful home.”

Garden & Landscape Design “Creating a harmonious sense of place, unique to the individual and their home.”

Ashley J.Robinson Landscape Designer 802.922.1924 www.arobinsonlandscapes.com jan / feb 2011

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ARCHITECTs

Elizabeth Herrmann architecture + design custom homes of character and distinction that fit the lifestyles and aspirations of a diverse clientele

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN By lining this New England home’s small dining room, once a screened porch, with large windows, the panoramic mountain and lake views are made a part of the interior. As a result, the room changes dramatically day to day and season to season.

by Daniel Casciato Elizabeth Herrmann, AIA, views herself as an advocate for her clients, working closely with them to bring form to their ideas and provide the information and options they need to make choices suited to their tastes, budget, values, and lifestyle. “I want them to be an integral part of the creative process and feel empowered to make decisions, but also to feel taken care of,” says Herrmann, who founded Elizabeth Herrmann architecture + design in Bristol, Vermont, in 2007. “In a small community where word-of-mouth referrals are still my main source of business, I think that my company’s growth is dependent upon my reputation for providing outstanding service, exceeding expectations, and for design excellence.”

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Herrmann spends time getting to know her clients and understanding their needs, interests, lifestyles, and goals. She accomplishes this by discussing budgeting, scheduling, and what they can expect at every step along the way. “I try to be accessible and work hard to incorporate client wishes but am also direct about things that don’t quite work,” she says. “Of course I’d like to be recognized for designing beautiful homes, but just as importantly, I’d like to be known as someone who listens to and cares about her clients, is passionate about what she does, and has a knack for designing the right house for a particular person and place.” Since founding her business, one of the biggest changes Herrmann has seen is that many of her

clients are becoming more concerned with and educated about energy consumption, healthy indoor environments, resource use, and maintenance. “I’m also finding that people have a better understanding of and appreciation for the benefits of good design,” she says. “Clients are developing their own personal definition of sustainability and well-being and are looking for ways to incorporate those ideals into their homes.” Her clients are also thinking farther into the future when considering the choices they make—empty nesting, retirement, changes in their own mobility, the next generation—and are looking for good design solutions to carry them through the different phases in their lives. Five years ago, most clients

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Elizabeth’s Favorites Most wood flooring for Elizabeth Herrmann’s projects comes from a local mill in Bristol, VT. Sustainably grown ash, pine, maple, birch, and cherry, among others, are inexpensive and native to the area. Vermont slate is also a favorite of hers—it comes in a variety of greens, reds, blacks, and purples, and makes a great tile or counter top. An unusual material she is currently using for a kitchen countertop is ThinkGlass (thinkglass.com), a kiln-fused, artisan glass made in Quebec. According to Herrmann, it is gorgeous and very dramatic when edge-lit with LED strips.

SMART SOLUTIONS In a dramatic transformation, this lively modern kitchen was converted from a 1970s garage, creating a cathedral ceiling where it was once flat, and freeing up space in the heart of the home.

Herrmann is also a fan of Marvin’s monumental tilt-turn windows for taking in the views and fresh air (marvin.com). The “hardiplank” material is also getting a lot of interest from clients looking for no-rot siding at about a third of the cost of wood (jameshardie.com). “But, there’s no substitute for the real thing, and cedar shingles or boards are still a favorite,” she says. “Eastern white cedar is readily available regionally.”

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didn’t care about a wall’s insulating value, whether they needed to paint their windows in five years or if their cabinets have formaldehyde. Now they not only care but are well versed. “All of these things have a lasting benefit on the long-term value, comfort, and utility of a house,” Herrmann says. “Although many of the things I do today that are considered green have long been just good, sensible practices, it’s great to see more people embracing these new, old ideas.” Herrmann earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture from Cornell University in 1990. After graduating, she worked for small firms in San Francisco, Minneapolis, and abroad before settling in Vermont in 1999. “Until moving here, I worked almost exclusively on public buildings—ranging from sports facilities, community buildings, and schools, to historic landmarks,” she says. “Here in rural Vermont, I found myself working almost exclusively on comparatively small-scale residential projects and loving it. There’s a level of detail, craft, and per-

sonalization that is more attainable in residential work and I find that rewarding.” Herrmann started her own business because it was something she had always wanted to do, so it was a natural next step. “I like the challenges and freedoms that come with self-direction and the collaborations made possible through forging my own professional relationships,” she says. She’s also proud of the fact that her practice is not exclusive; she works with a diverse range of clients and budgets and a broad range of project sizes—from small outbuildings to large homes. “For all clients, I try to design in a way that gives people the most for their money,” she says. “It’s easy to spend money but far more fun and rewarding to find creative ways of containing costs without compromise. Clients appreciate that, and I enjoy the challenge. I’m also proud of the collaborative relationships I have with builders. I enjoy their feedback and suggestions, problemsolving as a team, and am humbled and inspired by the talent I see.”

Hardwood Millwork and Moldings with Unique Knife Profiles Created for this Residence Resin Art Rubber Moldings Made-to-order 6 Panel Interior Doors from Bolection Emtek Hardware See more great products at the PBS showroom or online! 1200+ Custom Moldings Wood & Iron Stair Parts Custom Millwork & Architectural Panels Melamine Shelving Fiber Cement & Cedar Siding Hardwood Flooring Middlefield, OH Ph 440-834-1300 Hours M-F 7:30-4:30 www.ProgressiveBuildingSupply.com jan / feb 2011

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Axial entry procession The procession, built by Progressive Building Supply, leads through the foyer and centers on the oval dining-room windows out to the courtyard. Custom interior-trim details highlight the oval entryways. progressivebuildingsupply.com

portance of contextual and functional architecture. “The philosophy of Saarinen and others is very important,” Clemens says. “A project is not about the architect, but the client.” Clemens lives and works in the former mill town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. The cottage community has a rich history of residential quality dating back to its origins in 1844. The charming milieu complements neighboring cities like Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights, whose historic housing stocks inspire awe. A firm operating amid such a backdrop must offer work of the finest caliber. “I’ve lived near the craftsman homes of San Francisco and the eastern New Haven styles; many influences from my past give me a great background for traditional work,” says Clemens, whose company completes more than 50 additions, renovations, and new homes each year.

George Clemens Architecture Tudor themes blend with contemporary elements to build solid, functional homes by Zach Baliva After education and vocation took him all across the map, George Clemens returned to Ohio in 1996. After stints at several local firms and projects in commercial and institutional settings, a love for architecture coupled with a passion for the region’s historic homes drove Clemens to

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pursue residential building. So he opened George Clemens Architecture (GCA) in 2002. Clemens learned under three architects that all shared the same mentor: Eero Saarinen. The famed Gateway Arch designer preached the im-

Working with older, existing, and historic homes brings inherent challenges, but Clemens finds the work especially exciting. He calls such jobs “transformation projects” because he gets the chance to take a nonfunctional, stale house and update it with modern arrangements and new floor plans while matching existing elements. He often doubles square footage, revamping interior spaces with flowing layouts and contemporary touches. One recent client came to GCA looking for a French Country-style house with Tudor revival elements. “I was excited because the client wanted me to connect her house closely to the existing architecture that we already see in the area,” Clemens recalls. Inspired by area greats like Meade & Hamilton, Walker & Weeks, and Howell & Thomas, Clemens threw himself into the project after extensive research on English Country-home master Edwin Lutyens.

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ARCHITECTs

“Natural elements like brick and wood should not just be ornate. They need the right amount of understatement to feel old and fit in a traditional home.” George Clemens, Owner

At the site, Clemens focused on three aspects of space planning: privacy, access, and views. He created a horseshoe design with a rear courtyard and aimed to maximize views across the Chagrin River Valley. Clemens’s meticulous research inspired a fine exterior of brick, cast stone, and mahogany truly reminiscent of a classic country house. Other Tudor details include the traditional steep roof, oversized windows, tall chimneys with pots, and wide arches. Clemens specified French casement windows that open without a center bar and octagonal wooden columns that widen at the top.

Photo: Richard Leo Johnson

Inside, the house benefits from an organic floor plan. “Houses can look very traditional but must have a layout suitable for modern living,” Clemens remarks. The home’s kitchen serves as a nucleus for the main floor and creates a loop to a powder room, family room, dining room, and breakfast room. The areas are separated by an inglenook and two fireplaces. The fireplaces, like the front entrance, were built with brick and cast stones, each hand-drawn and specified by the architect. “Natural elements like brick and wood should not just be ornate,” Clemens says. “They need the right amount of understatement to feel old and fit in a traditional home.” The ground floor also holds a large family room with hewed horizontal beams and an oval dining room with custom molding. Each ingredient of the French Country home helps create a superb authenticity. Clemens credits builder Mark Chapic Homes and decorator Janna Lutz with bringing his vision to life. “This house succeeded in matching the quality of older houses in the area but was still imaginative in its own right,” he explains. Clemens sees traditional homes as avenues to creativity. With his work, he is proving that custom properties inspired by older homes can remain fresh and exciting.

ARTFUL FUNCTIONALITY The May River Forest home features twin steel-and-glass staircases as the focal point of the entry foyer. With a symmetrical design, the stairs are more a piece of sculptural art rather than a utilitarian element.

Johnson & Associates, Architects, Inc. specialized services leave custom-home clients with a positive outlook on the architectural process by Christopher Cussat For more than 30 years, Bob Johnson, principal architect of Johnson & Associates, Architects (JAA), has been reinventing and redefining what it means to be an architect. JAA specializes in a number of different styles of architecture—from very historical reproduction

architecture to ultra-contemporary or modern styles and everything in between. “The greatest compliment that I receive is when I am showing completed homes to potential clients and they say, ‘I didn’t realize one architect could design so many different styles of homes.’” Furthermore, Johnson takes great pride in the fact that after completing

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May River Forest home The challenge with designing a contemporary home within the Palmetto Bluff community in South Carolina stemmed from the form-based guidelines for the exterior of all homes. “The exterior of the home had to have what we locally call ‘lowcountry’ architecture,” Johnson says. This type of architecture includes very distinctive traits like dormers and large front porches, which are elevated off the ground in a very traditional, Southern-cottage appearance. Although the owners did not have a problem with the exterior meeting these guidelines, they wanted the interior to be completely unique. “For the inside of the house, they wanted nothing to do with wood walls and floors or other traditional interiors,” Johnson continues. “So what we basically ended up with was a stage set on the front of the house to appease the community and the form-based code—but the inside of the house is highly contemporary.”

LOWCOUNTRY EXTERIOR The May River Forest home’s exterior features a more traditional, cottage façade—a contrast from the home’s contemporary interior.

These modern design traits include: • Stained concrete floors; • Curvilinear circulation hall; • Linear fireplace that is 8’ long and 18” tall; • Exposed metal ductwork that runs through the main mass of the house; • Kitchen countertops that are a combination of compressed paper and man-made materials mixed with recycled glass.

Johnson is able to be highly effective as an architect “who listens” as a result of his educational training (he holds a BS in pre-architecture from Clemson University), and more than two decades of experience in the profession. In addition, as long as he has been a registered architect, Johnson has volunteered his time on ten separate architectural review boards for communities on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and the adjoining mainland (areas that enjoy an international reputation for architectural excellence) to help establish realistic architectural guidelines and protect those communities’ distinctive aesthetic harmony. He also believes the architectural and psychological benefits arising from that participation have profoundly influenced and shaped his professional and creative expertise and approach. “I find this helpful in many ways because it allows me to see what my peers are designing,” Johnson says. “It

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also gives me contacts and connections with different communities. In addition, it helps to keep my aesthetic sensitivities sharp.” Ninety-eight percent of JAA’s work is custom residential for individual clients, including some development prototypes (which are also singlefamily residences for development groups). Johnson adds that his average home values are between $1 million and $2 million; oftentimes these homes are his clients’ second or third dwelling, which may also serve as vacation and, eventually, retirement residences. Johnson assures that JAA’s competitiveness and uniqueness are a result of being very client oriented. “We try to listen and do what they want us to do,” he says. “I discovered a long time ago that a large ego won’t pay for the groceries—so we’re not very egotistical about what we do.” As an architect, he adheres to a simple, logical business philosophy: “The house, when finished, is the owner’s house—not mine,” he says. For the future, Johnson hopes to continue expanding JAA’s reach into other states and locales. The firm has already designed homes in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Mas-

sachusetts. “The majority of these out-of-state clients are people with whom I have worked locally,” Johnson says. “They enjoyed the process so much that they hired me to design their homes in other places.” Johnson has worked hard to reverse what he believes is a somewhat negative public perception concerning architects. “One of the things I’ve focused on during my career is dispelling some of the public’s misconceptions of architects—such as they’re egotistical, or can’t work within a budget, or don’t design what is asked for, or never perform on time,” he says. He believes that if one spoke to 100 of JAA’s clients, 99 would say it was an enjoyable process, they had a lot of fun, and that they would work with an architect again. JAA’s success is a result of Johnson’s well-honed professional process and his unwavering emphasis on being client focused. He feels that listening, being on time, and giving clients what they want are all paramount to succeeding. “My advice is to always give clients more than they expect,” he says. “I listen to them, I educate them about other ideas and concepts, I interpret what they want, and then provide them with a completed design as close to their dream as is humanly possible.”

luxuryhomequarterly.com

Photo: Richard Leo Johnson

nearly 300 houses in the last 23 years, the compliment that clients give him the most is that he always listens to their ideas and designs a structure that efficiently and pleasingly interprets those ideas. “I think too many architects aren’t like that,” he says. “They give customers what they think they should have and not necessarily what they want.”

Recognizing these three important components: quality construction, individualized service and competitive pricing, and excelling in each, enables Cambridge to provide you the greatest Customer Value.

d phone: 843-341-2444 | fax: 843-341-2446 19B Bow Circle, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928

www.cambridgehomeshhi.com

Eagle Lake Residence Located on Eagle Lake in Edwardsburg, MI, this home features cedartimber detailing for the gable truss, newel posts, flat arches, columns, and verandas. Its expansive windows expose the stunning lake views.

Helman Sechrist Architecture MidwestERn architect creates lakeside dream homes by Tricia Despres Anyone who has ever called the waterfront “home” knows the positive role it can play in one’s wellbeing. Whether it’s a small cottage on the lake or a multimillion-dollar estate on the ocean, much inspiration can be found via a simple body of water. Helman Sechrist Architecture knows of this lake love affair firsthand. Specializing in residential lake properties in Indiana and southwestern Michigan, the firm is active in the high-end custom home industry, offering everything from 3-D modeling and animation to renovation and interior design. “There is a higher sensitivity in everything we do, since so many of our clients have a real emotional connection to the lake we are building on,” explains Jeff Helman, president of Helman Sechrist Architecture. “I believe our true design philosophy is not really about style, or materials, or rooms; it is about discovering a true understanding of our client’s own personality, and then to be the instrument to express that personality in built form.” A recent Helman Sechrist client was looking to rehab a property in the southwest Michigan area

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that had been in the family for the past 105 years. The great-great-granddaughter of the original owner grappled at the thought of having to tear it down. “I worked with the owner for over a year and a half,” Helman explains. “We needed to reach deeply into their hearts and come up with the best solution. It’s extremely gratifying to walk through the finished product with a client, and they realize that we have heard everything they said and were able to deliver on their vision.” Helman Sechrist Architecture was founded originally as Helman Architecture + Design in December of 1990, by Jamie and Jeff Helman. “My background prior to formal architectural training was basically art and residential construction, a rather odd combination for sure,” he says. “Currently I find myself influenced in an artistic sense by the desire to create space that is simply wonderful to occupy and comfortable to the user without being overwhelming. Brad [Sechrist] and I also see ourselves being influenced by having an appreciation for the past but a strong look to the future. We are inspired by things that are fresh, yet comfortable.”

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REUTERWALTON CONSTRUCTION INC.

All in the Family

“There is a higher sensitivity in everything we do, since so many of our clients have a real emotional connection to the lake we are building on.” Jeff Helman, president

The transition of the firm’s name was made in 2003, when Brad Sechrist accepted the position of vice president. A graduate of Ball State University, Sechrist serves as senior project architect in charge of design and construction documentation. Fellow Ball State graduate Clint Stoelting works alongside Helman and Sechrist as a project architect. “Brad Sechrist’s design contributions here have been crucial to our success,” Helman says. “Although we remain a ‘general’ practice in the sense that we are highly involved in many other building types, such as professional medical offices, the high-end custom-home market continues to be our trademark, specialty, and passion.” With two properties recently showcased in the Elkhart County Parade of Homes this past June, Helman Sechrist continues to produce an impressive array of homes, often concentrating in the vacation and second-home market. “I always keep

Built on the prestigious St. Joseph River, this home was recently completed for Helman’s in-laws. With more than 100 feet of waterfront, the breathtaking residence is a combination of traditional and modern design aesthetics, featuring architectural elements including classic East Coast “shinglestyle” influences prevalent in Nantucket; genuine custom-cut stone; copper roofing accents; and an open-concept interior. “This particular residence has been featured in three home tours, and undoubtedly people are amazed by the open flooring plan,” Helman remarks. “Dramatic colors, shapes, and materials all enhance this shingle-inspired home that also has a certain warmth of history infused into the design.”

Builder of the Brown Remodel/ Addition with Rehkamp Larson Architects

in mind the areas of the home in which the family will gather, such as the kitchen and the great room,” Helman explains. In recent months, Helman says he has seen a pentup demand, of sorts, in the second-home market. “Every day there is a need for shelter, and every day there is a longing for the kind of homes in which families will make memories,” he says. “People have been waiting for the economic situation to improve, but they also know that children grow up quickly. This firm’s future will undoubtedly continue to expand and serve the market because we are so passionate about these special homes.”

Reuter Walton Construction, Inc. 1728 West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 Phone: 613.823.3489 | Fax: 612.823.7059

For more information or to view our photo galleries, please visit us online at

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MULTILAYERED HOME Set into its hilltop site, this house is organized into a number of levels. Its open plan is defined by ceiling articulation, window placement, and unique furniture selection.

Hilltop House

Luxury living finds its Midwestern identity by Russ Klettke Everyone has a personal definition of the perfect home. For one client of Rehkamp Larson Architects, based in Minneapolis, it was a cottage with outbuildings that satisfied the clients’ interests in gardening—on a grand scale. The client found a property that already had a vintage barn and chicken coop, located in the heart of Marshall, Minnesota, a town of about 13,000 residents in the southwestern corner of the state. However, the client was considerate about how the home would fit within the surrounding community, which largely consists of post-war, middleclass homes. Instead of tearing down the existing farmhouse, they sold it, and it was moved away intact. And the home the firm built—a handsome, 5,900-square-foot, two-story cottage—has a gabled roof and is obliquely situated, a secondary presence from the street view. The familiar outbuildings were preserved: the barn is now an office-workshop, and the chicken coop became a garden shed, equipped with a sumptuous garden.

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Known as the Becker Farmhouse, it is an example of what is called “Minnesota nice.” Not calling attention to itself and respecting that which was there before. It is also a good example of how wife-husband architects Jean Rehkamp and Mark Larson, principals of Rehkamp Larson Architects, work with the specific needs and interests of their clients. “We don’t walk into a new client meeting with a portfolio of our work,” Mark says. “It starts with a conversation, where we ask them for examples of what they like.” That discussion ranges from homes they admire to other objects, hobbies, and styles of living that define who the residents of these new homes are and how they want to live. Only after they learn these things do the architects provide a schematic design, with two or three alternatives, for the client to consider. Jean says this is the part of being an architect that she likes the most. “We are always interested in

•A n uncluttered, no-frills approach to both the interior and exterior; •H igh modernism showcased through contemporary light fixtures, ceiling-hugging windows, exposed support columns, a sleek kitchen, and an open floor plan; • J ewel tones, such as Cherokee reds, light maple floors, and blue granite in the kitchen, which are a conscious departure from classic, earth-toned colors.

what influences clients, in finding the thread of an idea that we can work with,” she explains. “People partially know what they want, but it is up to us to complete the idea.” And with this approach, the Rehkamp Larson team—Jean and Mark and four full-time staff members—manage an interesting challenge. It has to do with identifying what luxury is. This is the land of Fargo and A Prairie Home Companion, after all. In the full, rich lives of hardworking Midwest-

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Photo: ken gutmaker

Rehkamp Larson Architects Inc.

The clients, transplants from Boston, asked for a home in Edina, MN, that could blend a classic prairie style with a light, urban loft. Some of the key architectural features include:

ARCHITECTs

Brown Residence

“One size doesn’t fit all. Every project has its hidden details that evolve through the design conversation we have with our clients.” Mark Larson, Principal

Photo: susan gilmore

erners, there is often a parent or grandparent who lived on a farm. And yet Minnesota, where the firm does most of its work, ranks 12th among the 50 states in per-capita income. Amid this bounteous land, many clients revere a bucolic or prairie aesthetic. Examples are the white clapboard neo-Victorian farmhouse in Chaska, another with wraparound veranda in Stillwater, and an extensive interior renovation in Wayzata. But as is evident, the firm’s designers are hardly wed to any one building style. The Hilltop House in Edina answered the client’s request to blend Prairie School with a New York-style loft interior. Contemporary Asian features fit a cabin addition on Lake Carlos, in Alexandria, Minnesota, while urbane, contemporary lines and finishes can be seen in several other completed projects. For each client, the investment in a new home— Midwestern asceticism not withstanding—should provide the comfortable refuge that all people

crave. Is it too luxurious to build a home that is precisely tailored to the needs of its occupants? Is it too indulgent to break up large spaces with ceiling cove moldings that bring everything to a human scale? Is a building too luxurious when the sequence of spaces are logical, when interior features allow occupants to entertain large groups with ease? There is no single answer to these questions, because everyone defines luxury differently. “One size doesn’t fit all,” Mark notes. “Every project has its hidden details that evolve through the design conversation we have with our clients.” As an example, he cites the Martinson Cabin on Lake Sylvia. In the middle of the design, the client requested the addition of a study that would have the benefit of a 360-degree view of its wooded and wetland site. The study sits a full story-and-a-half higher than the rest of the timber-frame structure, accessed by a stairway that added a whimsical children’s hideout.

In order to preserve the home’s original form, Rehkamp’s renovation design created an open and casual living space that was more suitable to the homeowner’s needs. The majority of the addition took place in the back of the home, with an expanded kitchen showcasing a masonry fireplace. A new master suite and family room allow for ample living space. The home’s wraparound back porch and the covered porch off the front of the home connect the design with the outdoors. In addition, overhangs for passive solar strategies, as well as a totally renovated lower level, give the home sustainable functionality. Other notable features include a geothermal heat pump that supplies the radiant in-floor heat, keeping costs and energy use down, and salvaged doors and durable materials that add to a longlasting and sustainable design.

It is hard to look through the firm’s portfolio of completed work and not think of many luxurious lives, partially due to such practical features. Whether on hilltops, by lakes, in small towns, or surrounded by fields of golden grain, it’s easy to imagine how indulgent such places can be.

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The Huff Residence • ICF: This new-age building material by ARXX boasts an R-60 insulation capability. arxx.com •O ld-Growth Timber- Frame Structure FOHC (Free of Heart Center): Dried timbers by Lakeside Lumber ensure that the home’s timber frame will last for generations. lakesidelumber.com • Clay-Tile Roof: The authentic cap-and-pan barrel clay-tile roof was designed and installed by River Roofing to withstand the elements. riverroofing.com • Windows & Doors: The home features exquisite Italian windows and doors by Albertini. albertini.com • Painting & Stain: State-ofthe-art painting was done by Morgan Brothers. •R esin-Based Concrete Stucco Finish: The original, artful stucco finish was done by Rick Szymansky. • Interior & Exterior Masonry: An artful combination of Montana moss and natural lava stone was installed by Kelly Senega. ART MEETS ARCHITECTURE The Huff Residence’s foyer and main corridor incorporate many artistic details.

•C ustom Ironwork: Custom ironwork was provided by Ponderosa Forge. ponderosaforge.com

Rozewski & Co. Designers, LLC fine art informs soulful architecture

James Rozewski is an artist. Although he started his architectural career while he was in high school in 1968, Rozewski still dabbles in other mediums. In fact, a number of his portraits and vignettes were recently showcased at an art gallery in Portland, Oregon. The series in graphite—called “In the Shadow”—depicted homeless people and aimed to capture a forgotten part of society. All proceeds from the showing went to charities that help the homeless across the country.

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“I’ve always tried to do something with art that evokes emotions,” Rozewski says. “If it doesn’t provoke emotion or get your blood moving, it seems to be a lot of fluff.” Rozewski credits his middle-class upbringing with his ability to relate to the plight and emotional feelings of the poor and marginalized. He continues the work because it enriches his architecture, which he started by being allowed to spend his senior year in

high school working for a local architecture firm. “Art is an extremely wonderful exercise to stay on top of architecture,” he says. “[My fine-art work] allows me the opportunity to think artistically. The art helps my architectural design to grow. And the discipline of architecture helps my art.” Indeed, Rozewski sees the minute qualities of architecture, and takes care that he fulfills the client’s vision and reflects his or her personality

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Photo: Alan Brandt

by Sandra Guy

nour•ish

SPECTACULAR VIEW The Huff Residence affords plentiful views of the Cascade Mountains.

verb | ner-ish | e

ARXX ICF products help you satisfy the growing demand for cost-effective sustainable building solutions: 1 2 3 4

Highly energy efficient, Lower cost to operate, and Fast, easy, cost-effective build. Redefining building.

The design of a building and the building envelope are the essential building blocks to maximize a building’s overall energy efficiency and minimize its operating costs. Building with ARXX ICFs can provide the design freedom to accomplish an energy-efficient, cost-effective build with an architecturally stimulating design.

How are ARXX ICFs green? J

while respecting the project’s budget and location. “We take the budget seriously at the beginning so that, at the end, we can input as much soul into the project as possible,” he says.

ect. “It carries none of the current trends that can identify its age. This is a timeless house. It’s very difficult to tell whether it was recently built or a turn-of-the-century home that was very well kept.”

An example of this is the Huff Residence, an 11,000-square-foot hacienda-style home burrowed deep into a hillside on the Deschutes River Ranch—a 475-acre cattle-and-horse ranch in Bend, Oregon, that is divided into estate and individual lots. “The owners gave me free reign to design a home that paid respect and fit into the site,” Rozewski says. “It sits on the edge of a ravine—up a hill. It’s made to match the area around it. The stone that is used in the house’s exterior also sits on the ravine. The home’s stucco is the same color as the earth on the hillside. The reddish browns of the sagebrush and plant materials, which are a natural part of the area, match the color of the tile roof.”

The home also utilizes energy efficiency, making the most of insulated concrete forms that give it an insulation R value of 60—three times the insulation of a home with similar square footage. Indeed, the house’s heat loss reflects that of a 3,000-square-foot home.

The home also features a barrel-tile roof, handforged hinges and brackets, and Albertini-designed doors and windows imported from Italy. The upper level houses living space, while the lower level contains guest quarters that feature a billiard area, theater, poker table, tournament shuffle-board table, wet bar, seating area, and fireplace. The house sits on five acres and includes a two-story car “barn” and a six-stall working horse barn. “The intent was to develop a home that wouldn’t date itself,” Rozewski says of the three-year proj-

J J

Looking ahead, Rozewski is working on a major commercial project in South Korea—a 750,000-square-foot resort community in Gangneung, which will comprise eight residential towers, a reception hall, and a convention center. However, the bulk of Rozewski & Co.’s work fits into the residential sector, and—as evidenced by his vast portfolio—that is where its owner’s artistic sensibility is given room to integrate with custom architectural designs. J

a message from arxx ARXX’s ICF building system gives you a superior, proven way to deliver substantial savings in energy bills to your residential clients, along with higher structural performance and greater comfort. And designing with ARXX products gives you a highly cost-effective way to earn LEED certification and deliver a green project.

High energy efficiency – significantly lower heating and cooling costs. Sustainable – makes significant contribution to LEED points. Better indoor air quality – prohibits the growth of mold and mildew. Cost-effective to build and maintain. Safe and secure – can withstand hurricane and tornado force winds and be designed for the highest seismic zones. Flexible space planning – superior sound suppression. Discerning design – reinforced concrete design provides flexible design possibilities.

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To learn how ARXX can help you deliver more call or visit:

arxx.com | 800.293.3210 luxury home quarterly

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the teams

Partnerships and collaborations between architecture pros

Bercy Chen Studio LP International perspectives influence architectural designs by Anita R. Paul There is a place where the desire to express one’s creativity collides with the necessity to deliver what a client needs. Most architects know it all too well. Reconciling the two requires a mindset of balance or, as architectural designer Calvin Chen puts it, finding “the sweet spot.” “We have ideas and innovations that we want to pursue,

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but—at the same time—we have to listen to clients,” he says. “It’s about finding the sweet spot.” As a founding partner of Bercy Chen Studio, a design-build architectural and urban-planning firm based in Austin, Texas, Chen is well aware of the fine line he has to walk. “You can’t get so involved

Peninsula House Originally slated as a renovation of the attic, this gut-rehab project required Bercy Chen to add 900 square feet to the home—bringing the square footage from 5,500 to 6,400. The home features slated-wood overhangs, angled ceilings, structural glass, floor-to-ceiling doors, frosted glass backsplashes, high-end reflective plaster panels, and a functional vegetative roof.

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the teams

SCENIC & SUSTAINABLE An extensive shading strategy was employed while maintaining the Peninsula House’s waterfront views. A series of green roofs reduce energy consumption and increase the permeability of the site. The solarium green roof is a functional vegetable garden for the family. The upper terrace connects two bedrooms while creating a sense of privacy through the use of flower beds and various landscaping elements. Additionally, the home’s bedrooms face the lake, allowing all residents to take advantage of the views.

in your own world that people are afraid to hire you,” he says. “At the same time, you don’t want to compromise so much that you lose your vision.” When Chen and partner Thomas Bercy started the firm in 2001, they brought a world of creativity and vision to the table. Chen is Taiwanese, with ties to Australia, and Bercy is from Belgium. Both incorporate their international perspectives to the design of single- and multifamily residential projects and mixed-use commercial jobs. The duo met at the University of Texas at Austin and eventually built a business that now

includes 14 architectural designers and about 35 construction professionals. In describing the firm’s work, Chen says it is futuristic, forwardlooking, and cutting-edge, while simultaneously being respectful of history and culture. “Design innovation is a core value, but we also look at the vernacular that has been time tested,” he says. “The intersection makes it interesting.”

UNFOLDING ELEMENTS Inspired by the clients’ desire for a panorama of the lake, the view unfolds, like a Japanese scroll, to the furthest reaches of the ground floor and implies the continuation of the view outside the frame of vision. The layout opens and allows the play of natural light. The solarium walls terminate under water, thereby integrating the swimming and reflecting pools into the house, which opens to the lake through the use of curtain walls on this western façade.

It is that varied yet balanced approach that can be found in all of Bercy Chen’s designs. The Peninsula House, for example, rests at the bend of Lake Austin. Bercy Chen Studio was hired to do a reno-

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the teams

UNIQUE NOOK The former attic is a space where the inventive adaptation of the original structure created an evocative opportunity. This space between two bedrooms is a shared living space wrapped in Brazilian hardwood. Red acrylic panels line the inside of the dormers and are lit from behind. The niche creates an ideal space for reading or relaxing.

vation of the sprawling 1980s home. What started out as a short-term project turned into an unusually long seven-year commitment that included a somewhat backward approach, starting with an upgrade to the attic and then moving on to the children’s rooms, an upstairs living space, and downstairs to other rooms. With a 180-degree view of the lake, the home’s design was opened up to bring the outside in. Throughout the home, reflective panels were placed on the walls to capture the presence of the water and the trees. The master bedroom suite features a limestone sunken tub that sits on an axis with the lap pool. When the tub is filled with water, an effect of layers appears, transitioning from tub to pool and finally to the lake. In addition, the children’s room was cut open to make space for

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“Design innovation is a core value, but we also look at the vernacular that has been time tested. The intersection makes it interesting.” Calvin Chen, Partner

red acrylic panels that, when backlit, present the effect of a red glow. On the Riverview Gardens project—near downtown Austin—three identical, three-story, singlefamily homes were the canvas. The objective was to maximize the space inside the narrow homes and to position them on the lot—offset rather than in the center—to create a large shared garden space. The design of the third-floor main living area in each home allows an unobstructed view from the master suite on the same floor to Town Lake below. This kind of creativity is representative of the firm’s philosophy; to be conscious of the rich environment in which we live and to allow the diversity of people and the environment to collide and generate fresh ideas. Bercy and Chen have avoided the

kind of tunnel vision that lends itself to a particular specialization. Rather, their diverse perspectives and keen outlooks on the cultural conditions that influence how people use space have fueled their work. That is the height of good design.

a message from Kirwin Horticulture Services, LLC Patrick Kirwin of KHC and the principals at Bercy Chen design Studios worked closely on the Peninsula house to blend the architecture within the house with the landscape design outside. This created a seamless transition from the interior to the exterior. Collaboration was the key to this project. The clients Bercy Chen design Studio and Patrick Kirwin worked closely to make this project a success.

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the teams

blending interior and exterior spaces to knit new homes with the surrounding landscape by Zach Baliva As they prepare to celebrate 10 years in business, Michael Franck and Arthur Lohsen, principals of Franck & Lohsen Architects (F&L), are looking back at a memorable first decade. Over that time, the duo has built their practice into one renowned for elegant residences, timeless structures, and beautiful spaces. The architects create buildings that look like they have always been part of the landscape. Like its projects, Franck & Lohsen Architects is becoming a permanent fixture on the horizon. The company is based in the nation’s capital but has spent the last 10 years completing exclusive projects in many parts of the world, including Washington, Chicago, London, and Rome. Whether building a home, a university, or a church, the goal is the same: F&L serves the client’s needs above all else. “We want to provide good buildings

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that are appropriate and beautiful and good for the client, not what we need in our portfolio,” Lohsen says. “We always serve our clients needs in beautiful yet cost-effective ways.” F&L is a full-service architecture firm with interior-design capabilities. “We practice the way architects did 100 years ago and function as the leaders of an entire design team responsible for all aspects of the finished product,” Lohsen explains, adding that it is his duty as an architect to coordinate all disciplines. Exceptional spaces and beautiful homes are created through an important process that F&L views as intensely collaborative. “It’s up to us to interact with a client to learn what their dreams are and interpret those into a timeless home,” Lohsen says. “That’s the challenge and the magic of what we do.”

His team has indeed been creating magical structures since day one, when they started designing Wayside Manor. The Virginia estate home is nestled in the foothills and was built for clients who wanted a formal house with European overtones. In an apparent juxtaposition, the empty nesters also wanted their large home to remain comfortable for just two residents. F&L met those needs by designing modestly scaled rooms that are easy to live in while avoiding wasted spaces and echoes. A gallery along the rear displays suits of armor and part of the client’s art collection while also uniting all rooms. The layout, Lohsen explains, allowed F&L to build a house that is just one room deep. The entry hall on the first floor opens to stairs for the second floor, where large windows provide sweeping views of the 100-acre estate. A beautiful terrace continues

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Photos of wayside manor: ian bradshaw

Franck & Lohsen Architects

GALLERY OF ARCHITECTURE Custom bronze doors made in France bring a generous amount of light into the limestone-andgranite gallery of Wayside Manor. A monochromatic color palette helps create a timeless feel for this area of the house. The exterior architecture of the ionic columns is brought to the interior so as to create the illusion that this room was once a porch that was closed in over time.

the teams

Wayside Manor This new English-baroque-style house is set within 100 acres of the Virginia countryside. A series of interior rooms open to a range of exterior rooms, such as the great lawn shown here, and an enclosed herb garden off the kitchen. Bronze doors, mahogany windows, a graduated slate roof, a Brazilian granite watertable, and a lead-coated copper and refined-limestone exterior are showcases of this home’s truly classic character.

“It’s up to us to interact with a client to learn what their dreams are and interpret those into a timeless home. That’s the challenge and the magic of what we do.” Arthur Lohsen, Principal onto the rear lawn from the center hall and master bedroom. “The house is very well connected to the landscape, and there are many visual connections throughout,” Lohsen remarks. The divided and paved terrace holds grass and pavers to accommodate large gatherings.

house to the exterior, a west-side pond serves as a reservoir, a preserved hunt path crisscrosses the property, and English boxwoods frame views from the house to the river below. Completed in 2005, Wayside Manor spans approximately 15,000 square feet, with five bed-

rooms and five and a half baths. The team at F&L accomplished all project goals—the comfortable house fits nicely in Virginia but would be just as appropriate among European villas. Lohsen and Franck set the bar high with their first residential project and look to continue their refined work into the firm’s second decade.

Photo of franck and lohsen: greg tinius

Natural materials, like limestone, mahogany, and bronze, were selected to help Wayside Manor blend into its surroundings and to help outside elements flow to the interior. “As you walk from the morning pavilion to the center portion to the evening pavilion, you pass through a space that feels like a European colonnade,” Lohsen says. At Wayside, F&L debuted what the principals call “four-sided architecture.” The property is devoid of exposed trash cans and mechanical equipment. Utilities are concealed behind a kitchen garden, geothermal wells are buried under the great lawn, and other elements are out of sight. “We like to create homes you can experience all the way around without an unfortunate and forgotten side,” Lohsen says. As a rule, the firm avoids wasting even one square foot of space. Timeless new construction is achieved by preserving the feel of a region and blending the old with the new. Thus, Wayside’s connection to its landscape was crucial to the project’s success. A quarter-mile garden connects the front of the

Principals Michael Franck and Arthur Lohsen

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the teams SCENIC VIEW TEA2’s Medina residence features a stone terrace overlooking horse pastures that are directly accessible from the living room.

TEA2 Architects going beyond fads and trends to get to the heart of a client’s style by Anita R. Paul Many popular do-it-yourself TV programs and magazines have done a lot to bring the idea of home design and remodeling into the consciousness of homeowners. Amateur designers now know the difference that a splash of paint or a new style of flooring can make in an otherwise ordinary home.Yet, for Tom Ellison and Dan Nepp—principals with TEA2 Architects, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota—great home design is much more than fancy countertops and cabinets. These two are more interested in the “language of architecture.” “It’s not necessarily stye, but values—not fads or trends,” says Nepp, who joined the company in 1986, right out of architecture school. Ellison, who started the company in 1979 as a residential practice doing new-home designs and additions, says, “The language of architecture is defined by how well a house fits its place—if a design responds carefully to a site and to its owners.” The 23-person firm divides its energies evenly between new, custom residential designs and remodels.

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Both principals believe that flexibility and engagement with clients help to create designs that reflect the clients’ ultimate desires. Rather than create designs that can be produced “easy, fast, and cheap,” TEA2 takes an interactive approach with each client. “We found that it’s in the owner’s interest to stay engaged throughout the entire process,” Ellison says. “This involvement allows the design to evolve interactively with a client’s and architect’s deepening understanding of design possibilities and expression.” The value of this consistent engagement is that oftentimes in the beginning of the process, clients are not completely certain of all they want in a home. As the process evolves through regular communication and idea sessions, clients finally decide what they want. It is an interactive process. “If a client is willing to invest their time and provide the focus needed, the process will be more rewarding for them,” Nepp says. “We collaborate with them and use their desires to drive us. We don’t try to format it; just let them describe what they want. Then we flesh it out. It’s a holistic approach to home design.”

Viewing the client, the home, and the overall environment as interconnected, TEA2 has always incorporated sustainability into its process. Ellison recalls that when he started the company, energy conservation was coming into the consciousness of the American public. Over time, the “throw-away” culture emerged, and now sustainability is back on people’s minds.Yet TEA2 has always had a focus on high energy efficiency, even when clients were not asking for it. Sustainability for Ellison deals more with how the home relates to its environment. “The whole concept of sustainability needs to be broadened and enriched,” Ellison says. “Making sure that a building retains its character and the love that people have is more important than where we buy the floor.” Much of the outcome depends on the clients. Ideally, Ellison and Nepp enjoy working with people who are genuinely interested in architecture, who want to be involved in the process, and who respect their expertise and see value in the process. “High-quality designs and clients have kept us going,” Nepp says. TEA2 Architects has mastered the process by being able to keep the details from dominating the project and keep an eye on the big issues of what people like about their environments, why they love their home, and what makes them happy. It is a story that unfolds over time. “We hope,” Nepp adds, “that as people live in their homes, the story gets richer.

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the teams

Hefferlin + Kronenberg Architects PLLC High-powered design team rides a wave of gentrification in Chattanooga by Dave Hudnall In 2006, a nonprofit called Choose Chattanooga implemented a program called ArtsMove, which sought to persuade artists of all types to relocate to downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. It offered financial incentives and forgivable mortgages to sculptors, painters, landscape architects, DJs, and other creative types in exchange for living and working in the city for a minimum of five years. In doing so, it hoped to revitalize the south side of the city. So far, it appears to be working. “Chattanooga is in the midst of a renaissance right now,” says Heidi Hefferlin, who, along with fellow principal Craig Kronenberg, founded Hefferlin + Kronenberg Architects in the city in 1999. “The south side is full of creative types, and that’s been good for our firm, because we excel at custom

designs and urban-renewal projects. Many of our clients live and work in the area.” Both founding partners spent time in large architecture firms prior to teaming up: Hefferlin at Richard Meier; Kronenberg at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. “Being a boutique operation allows us to be very diversified, which we like,” Hefferlin says. “People who are interested in high-quality design know they can come to us and be taken care of.” The firm emphasizes a highly communicative, collaborative process where structural and mechanical engineers, landscape architects, electricians, plumbers, and lighting designers can contribute meaningfully to the final product. It takes on commercial, institutional, and municipal projects, but around 40 percent of its energy is devoted to custom residential.

South-Side Loft A private outdoor garden within the city was the inspiration for this residence. The garden was created by demolishing half of an existing warehouse and making the first-floor walls act as the enclosure. The rear wall of the residence is all glass, opening the house to the outside on both levels which provides for true indoor-outdoor living. The use of stucco, galvanized steel, and concrete keeps the environment both low maintenance and affordable. The floors (recycled from the roof deck), the wood windows, and the neutral color palette give the contemporary space a warm and welcoming feeling.

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“A fluidity between indoor and outdoor living was a critical part of the design.” Heidi Hefferlin, Principal

A recent south-side loft renovation (near the creative district) showcases Hefferlin and Kronenberg’s capabilities. A 12,000-square-foot space that had been vacant for years, the property previously functioned as a warehouse of a Marble Works stone fabricator. “Nobody could figure out what to do with it,” Hefferlin says. A client came to Hefferlin and Kronenberg and suggested tearing down half of the building and replacing it with a private garden/ outdoor living area. “We ended up keeping some of the original walls for privacy, and created an outdoor space with a pool and a yard, which is rare for such an urban lot,” she says.

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Inside, the living room, dining room, and kitchen mingle as part of a large, open public space; the original heavy timber structure from the warehouse days was retained. “There was a significant focus on sustainability,” Hefferlin says. “The building has two-foot-thick walls, which is great for insulation and sound. And we saved what we could of what we tore down and reused things in various ways.” The original framing from the second floor and the roof was repurposed for trim and flooring on the rest of the home. A high-performance envelope wraps the building, and four inches of spray-foam insulation was utilized to slow heat transfer. “Utilities are minimal—the heating and cooling requirements are incredibly low,” Hefferlin says. The homeowners are in outdoors enthusiasts; they lead active lifestyles, and Hefferlin says the firm sought to tailor the renovations in a way that would reflect that. “A fluidity between indoor and outdoor living was a critical part of the design,” she says. “There’s a lot of glass at the back of the house, which really opens things up and creates a flow. And there’s an outdoor porch, which, again, is a really nice thing to have in the center of the city. [The clients] really love that.” Hefferlin reports that roughly half of the firm’s current projects are LEED, and that the appeal of sustainable and energy-efficient building is blossoming in Chattanooga. A foundation in the city distributes grants to pay for LEED costs, which has substantially increased interest in the process. “Commercial clients see [green building] as an advertising angle, but for residential clients it’s about showing them the long-term savings,” she says. “You spend a little extra up front, but you save a lot in the long term. And it’s healthier—better air, better for the environment. It just makes a lot of sense.”

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the teams

California Mediterranean

Mattingly Thaler Architecture LLP finding a balance between design style and lifestyle by Amy Meadows When a potential client asked Mattingly Thaler Architecture principals Judith Mattingly and Peter Thaler to transform a contemporary 1950s ranch-style home into a Cape Cod residence, the husband-and-wife team knew that it couldn’t be done. However, the San Francisco-based architects had some ideas about how to remodel the house so that it would celebrate the structure’s best qualities and features. Unfortunately, the client decided to work with another firm to try and achieve her vision. One year later, though, she was back on the phone with Mattingly Thaler Architecture, acknowledging that the firm had been right and requesting its services. Since that call 10 years ago, the firm has completed several major remodels for the client, thanks in large part to the way its founders approach the architectural process.

This unique luxury home brings together both the classic qualities of Mediterranean architecture and landscapes with the contemporary vitality of California living. The structures are finished on the outside with integrally pigmented stucco, Osage rubble stone, cobblestones on the driveway, and custom mahogany windows and doors are complemented by antique, French claytile roofs and handmade terra-cotta tiles at the courtyard garden. Landscaping was provided by Jenna Bayer Garden Design (jennabayer.com).

“When it comes to remodels, you have to be true to the house, but you also have to try and understand what the client really wants,” Mattingly says. “Many times, clients have a way that they want to live in house, and they think it’s related to a specific style. Often, we realize it’s not a style—it’s certain qualities they want, and they can be achieved in many ways. We’re not style driven. We’ve been all over the spectrum stylistically. Style is something that comes out of the process—it’s not something that’s put on top of the process.”

the company specializes in both remodeling and new construction of high-end, custom homes. “We realized early on that working out the details, really spending the time in the design of a project—regardless of whether there was a budget for it—was the key to a successful project; that has been our mantra,” Mattingly asserts. “Today, everyone wants the project done as quickly as possible. We’re in the computer age, and people think everything should go faster. But construction still goes at the same pace, and design still has to be thought out.”

Working closely with clients to produce unique, lifestyle-centric residences has become a hallmark for Mattingly and Thaler, who began their architecture careers in New York and turned a side project—an opportunity to design a home on the West Coast in 1991—into a thriving architectural, planning, and interior-design firm in California. Today,

Although it can be a challenge to allow a property to reveal its own possibilities while ensuring that a family’s needs and desires are met, the benefits of using this modus operandi are clear. For instance, when a couple approached Mattingly Thaler Architecture about creating a home that blended modern minimalism and Spanish Mediterranean style, the

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ELEGANT INTERIORS The master bedroom offers views of rear gardens and the swimming pool, with mahogany beams and Santos mahogany floors. Other features include a pendant light by Feneri, bed and nightstands by Therien (therien.com), and a chair by A. Rudin (arudin.com).

result was a spectacular residence that boasts spare interiors enhanced by warm colors and rich textures; yet, it also boasts whimsical components fit for two young children, including a Moroccan tentthemed “secret” room in the basement that is accessible from a hidden ladder behind a cabinet door in an upstairs pantry. Another remodel of a 9,000-square-foot San Francisco Bay residence—known as the Sea Cliff home—was equally inspired. Built on the foundation of an old mansion, the cliffside home, which was constructed on a 13-foot grid, featured a twostory wood-frame structure on top of four levels of remaining garden walls and basement space from the original estate. From that starting point came such outstanding elements as a three-story home office with a curved wall of windows and a four-anda-half-foot-tall storage space located underneath the living room that includes the former home’s original terrazzo ballroom floor. To make magnificent homes like these come to life, Mattingly and Thaler, who also design educational facilities, commercial interiors, restaurants, and more, cultivate a collaborative environment with a team of highly skilled contractors, vendors, and

artists. “It’s a partnership,” Mattingly says. “As early as possible, we try to get the whole team together— from the contractor to the interior designer, landscape architect, lighting designer, and A/V experts. That way, as we go through the process, there are checks and balances. Also, we want the client’s process to be really good—so we want to bring the best-possible people onto the team to get the bestpossible project for the client.” In the end, it’s all about the client, Mattingly concludes. “It’s a collaborative process with our clients, as well,” she says. “We want to work with people we really like, and we want those relationships to be strong and carry on beyond the project.”

a message from Eric Johnson Associates Eric Johnson has been fortunate to have designed the lighting on several of Mattingly Thaler’s projects. Eric Johnson Associates, Inc. provides superior lighting design, controlsystem design, and project coordination for high-end residential and exclusive commercial properties. “Proper lighting adds value to the architecture, interior design, and functionality of a property.”

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vacation homes

second homes and getaways across the globe

OUTDOOR LUXURY The home’s outdoor living area features a covered seating and grilling area, with infrared heaters in the ceiling to temper cool mountain evenings.

Turks and Caicos Islands D’Amico Design Associates Blends Business and Design Skills to Ensure the Best in Luxe Resort Living

VERSATILITY IN DESIGN The Gansevoort Hotel’s signature pool features several sunny platforms that serve as relaxation areas, and can also be used as dining areas. The architect for the project is Simon Wood Associates (swa.tc).

by Sandra Guy Teri D’Amico, a Miami-based architectural preservationist and interior designer, is owner and head designer of D’Amico Design Associates (DADA), best known for designing hotel-condo resorts throughout south Florida and the Caribbean. DADA is a full-service, FLA-licensed interiordesign firm that provides qualified experts in commercial interiors. It strives to transform the otherwise mundane and prepare its clients for spaces that become provocative. The firm had to overcome many challenges unique to hotel-condo developments in the Caribbean; its exotic, remote locations are more difficult because of customs requirements and installation logistics. As designers, the firm must understand

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the severe environmental conditions for the harsh sun, constant winds, and saltwater. When designing a hotel-condo, the firm provides a quality residential design while also complying with stringent codes for hotel design. On the island, DADA became known for offering unique design furniture packages that offer a variety of styles to the condo clients within one resort. Whether it be the elegance of a bygone plantation era or a more modern, sleek, and colorful style, using ceramics, marble, and seamless glass, DADA can provide the end user with a comfortable, inspiring, and refreshingly unique tropical living experience. “As hotel designers, we offer our client many resources for quality products with the

Turks and Caicos Islands Population: 36,605 Attractions: Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival, charter cruises, diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, golf courses, unique shopping

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vacation homes

best warranties at the best prices,” D’Amico says, noting that, therefore, the developer can pass the saving on to the condo owner. DADA has also designed projects such as the Bianco Motel, a historic renovation in Miami’s MiMo District; the high-rise condo Cabana in Miami Beach that won HD Magazine’s 2006 Award for Most Creative Design; and various projects in Cayman Islands, New York, and San Francisco. Two of D’Amico Design Associates’ recent success stories are the Leeward Marina Resort and the Gansevoort Hotel in Turks and Caicos Islands. Both have won widespread acclaim for their designs, which emphasize waterfront locations and attention to details to create enlightened space to inhabit at whatever level the owners/hotel vacationers so desire. The first is Leeward Marina Resort, which debuted as the first Nikki Beach Resort, known for its clubs in marina resorts such as Monte Carlo, and won the Travel Channel’s second-hottest Caribbean destination in a 2009 countdown. The resort, which celebrated its one-year anniversary in April 2009, has attracted guests ranging from movie stars Denzel Washington, Michael Douglas, and Catherine ZetaJones, to New York Yankees star Derek Jeter. The second project, the Gansevoort Hotel, features 91 guestrooms, of which 84 are beachfront, 32 are suites, and 4 are 3-bedroom penthouses. The resort was chosen as a “Best Relaxation/Spa” and “Trendiest Hotel” by TripAdvisor in its 2010 Travelers’ Choice awards. Conde Nast magazine

listed the resort on its list of “Hot Hotels” for 2010, citing its “Miami Beach-style chic” combined with Providenciales’ “easygoing sybaritism.” Conde Nast cited the rooms’ practical details, such as sliding wood panels on bed headboards to block out sunlight, and well-equipped kitchenettes. The resort’s 7,000-square-foot, U-shaped infinity pool serves as the focal point. The modern beachfront retreat on Grace Bay also features the award-winning Exhale Spa, the Bagatelle Bistrot and Beach Lounge, and magnificent, sweeping ocean views. The whitewashed buildings provide a graceful backdrop to one of the islands’ quietest stretches of beachfront. The rooms and suites feature full kitchens equipped with washers and dryers, state-of-the-art Liebherr, Gaggenau, and Bosch appliances, bathrooms with spa tubs and custom, glass-encased Kohler WaterTile rain showers, Sterling Hospitality Sleep System beds with 400-thread-count Frette bedding, and 24-hour room service. The rooms include notable details such as a blender, peelers, graters, a toaster, salad bowls, and a dishwasher. And the sliding glass windows open wide to bring in the refreshing air. The room décor is free of Caribbean cliché, instead featuring clean color palettes and comfortable furniture that keeps the focus on the stunning views. The rooms are decorated in white with natural material such as wood and native stone, with touches of convenience such as remotecontrolled blinds and an outdoor shower outside of each room.

NOTABLE LUXURIES This Gansevoort one-bedroom suite has many perks such as a mosaic-tile backsplash and hidden refrigerator (above left). A few additional amenities include a beach bar for a quick escape from the sun (above right), and the awardwinning Exhale Spa with individual outdoor showers (directly above).

“We wanted to create a seamless and natural flow of materials,” D’Amico says, “to allow owners to move freely within any space without feeling the confines of thresholds or barriers.”

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VACATION HOMES

STUNNING MOUNTAIN HOMES This living room inside the Yellowstone Club features a concrete fireplace, dramatic 16-foot silk drapes, restrained modern furnishings, and distinctive western art. The interior design was done by Francis D’Haene of D’apostrophe (dapostrophe.com).

Rocky Mountain West Big Sky, MT Population: 1,400 Attractions: Skiing, paintball, biking, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, scenic vistas, Karst’s Camp Ghost Town, Gallatin Canyon, the historic Crail Ranch, Gallatin National Forest, Country Fair & Arts Festival, close proximity to Yellowstone National Park

Big Sky Mountain Retreats Erickson Associates designs ski-in/ski-out homes in Montana-wilderness mecca by Zach Baliva It might sound strange, but an architecture and interior-design firm based in Naples, Florida, is building some of the finest ski lodges in the country. The 2,600 miles that separate Erickson Associates’ (EA) offices in Naples from its projects in Montana aren’t much of an obstacle—the company is accustomed to following its clients across the nation. Significant projects include estate homes in the East, private cottages in the Midwest, retreats in the mountains, and villas in the South. Carl Erickson, president, says one significant factor binds his eclectic projects together—most are

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a client’s second or third home. “We established ourselves by designing very fine custom homes for people, and we continue to do just that for owners of multiple properties,” he says. Tapping into many markets in numerous regions has helped the company thrive since its inception in 1990. EA works with experienced owners who often have a story to tell. “We like to take an intimate interest in all aspects of the client’s life so that their family and their personalities are reflected in their home,” Erickson says. “We’re not just creating a house, we’re creating something unique and

The multitalented team at Erickson remains proficient in many realms but has done some of its best work at The Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana—the solitary members-only ski resort whose membership of 350 is said to have included the likes of Bill Gates, Greg Lemond, Frank McCourt, Mary Hart, and Annika Sorentam. There, EA is completing its sixth home within the exclusive family ski and golf community. With 864 mountain homes scattered across 13,400 acres, Yellowstone is a perfect oasis in all seasons. The Big Sky homes all feature ski-in/ski-out facilities. Adjacent ski rooms provide ample storage, heated floors and benches, and outdoor seating with fireplaces. Residents in one of EA’s Yellowstone homes enjoy skiing out from two floors. Another will have an indoor swimming pool with stone arches and retractable glass. While the mountain homes range from cabins to estates, Erickson constantly delivers at the top of the market value. One 7,000-square-foot chalet holds more than 200 tons of stone. “Local materials used only as window dressing are shallow and the practice misses the point of what can be very powerful,” says Erickson, who blends native wood and stone elements to create a seamless flow

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Photos: Kim Sargent, Sargent Architectural Photography

memorable.” His company recently designed a private residence in southwest Florida for a successful international businessman. Old growth timbers from an original structure were reused throughout, and ancient Chinese doors feature intricately carved details. For a family estate in Egg Harbor, Erickson Associates blasted a 24-boat marina into the bedrock and saved the stone for use in docks, walkways, and other areas. Architects who refuse to take design risks may provide beautiful homes, but they will never reach that upper echelon of meaning and nuance mandated by a fine vacation or secondary home.

EASY ACCESS The homes in the Yellowstone Club offer ski-in entry and ski-out exits to private ski slopes from two different levels.

“We like to take an intimate interest in all aspects of the client’s life so that their family and their personalities are reflected in their home. We’re not just creating a house, we’re creating something unique and memorable.”

The architect recently found logs that are 29 feet long and 8 feet around, and come from a tree more than 1,400 years old. “We’re trying to find a use for these unusual pieces,” he says, suggesting a stairwell as one possibility. “In a mountain retreat, we often go for the powerful use of stone and wood, and use very large pieces so people say, ‘Wow—how did they even get that in the house?’” The practice bestows upon a structure the aura of independence and strength that people associate with western living. EA’s Big Sky homes also express a rugged individuality. Because the firm focuses so heavily on personalization, even nearby homes with common materials stand in stark contrast. “One Big Sky home was for a modernist from New York, and

PLANNING INTERIOR DESIGN 6088 TAYLOR ROAD NAPLES, FL 34109

Carl Erickson, President

between indoor and outdoor experiences. Most of his homes rely on timbers—not just as decorative encasements, but as true parts of the frame. “When people go through our houses, they feel like they are in something permanent and substantial,” he adds. “They are designed with integrity, and that actually creates a calming and secure effect.”

ARCHITECTURE

another was for a traditionalist from Las Vegas,” Erickson says. “The framework was the same, but through execution the homes are completely different and perfectly customized.” The area just outside of The Yellowstone Club is home to three speculative mountain retreats also designed by Erickson Associates. Although the company has completed single projects in excess of 40,000 square feet, these homes fall just below 2,000. “We take the same care and provide the same integrity in the design for homes of all sizes,” Erickson says, adding that the mountain retreats will sell for around $1,000 to $1,500 per square foot—or even higher—while providing an enormous level of value and quality. For the past two decades, Erickson Associates has been establishing its name as one of the country’s top luxury firms. While the company serves multifamily resort and hospitality clients, its specialty lies in creating one-of-a-kind vacation homes. Whether a family dreams of lazy days on the beach or thrilling days on the slopes, Erickson Associates can provide the perfect environment.

PHONE: 239.431.7990 FAX: 239.431.7989 WWW.EAARCHITECTURE.COM

VACATION HOMES

OCEANVIEW HOUSE BCA incorporated a pivoting panel in the master bedroom to frame views of the home’s main living area and surrounding landscape, including vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.

Fire Island, New York Memorable homes by Bromley Caldari Architects PC fill ocean town’s most exclusive neighborhood by Zach Baliva Not all architects can say that Mick Jagger, Cher, Donald Trump, Jack Nicholson, and Andy Warhol have partied inside their creations—but R. Scott Bromley can. Bromley was propelled into the spotlight after designing the world-famous Studio 54. In 1991, he reunited with a previous associate, Jerry Caldari, to form Bromley Caldari Architects (BCA). While Bromley became famous for designing a discotheque, he and Caldari are known for their expertise in many areas of design, including complete renovations, fine restaurants, chic nightclubs, elegant churches, and fascinating custom homes. Caldari, who met Bromley two years after Studio 54 opened, says their work is both contemporary and natural. “We’re humanists; our homes are very

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modern but also warm and livable,” says Caldari, who serves as partner. “It’s about people being comfortable and not about contrived solutions.” BCA recently completed two prominent homes on New York’s Fire Island, a slender stretch of land just south of Long Island. Although Fire Island counts less than 500 permanent residents, the beach inlet serves as a second home to many New Englanders. One Bromley Caldari island project is known as the Oceanview House but is actually a vacation compound of several structures joined by cedar walkways. The owner, an avid entertainer, hired BCA to complete the main house, a pool house, and a cabana. After he acquired the house next door, Bromley and Caldari turned it into a guest

Fire Island, NY Population: 491 Attractions: Fire Island National Seashore, Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park, Smith Point Country Park, the William Floyd Estate, the annual Barefoot Black Tie Dinner Dance, clamming, surfing, boating, fishing

house with a dinning pavilion that sits between the two properties. The main house boasts an open floor plan and a double-height living room to allow room for elaborate parties. Porcelain floors and cedar walls give

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vacation homes ILLUMINATED LIVING The Oceanview House’s two-story living area, which continues the use of the master bedroom’s pivoting panel, features linear skylights above the ceiling joists, bathing the room with natural light.

“We’re humanists; our homes are very modern but also warm and livable. It’s about people being comfortable and not about contrived solutions.” Jerry Caldari, Partner

a stunning look and remain easy to clean. A glass backsplash in the kitchen doubles as a window, and most areas provide magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. The home’s most prominent feature is the master bedroom’s pivoting wall that looks down into the living room. The second story suite also features a private deck and shower consistent with rear decks and terraces built with cedar two-by-fours. The Oceanview House is the biggest property on Fire Island Pines and stretches from Fire Island Boulevard to the ocean. In the same community lies BCA’s Screened House. The unusual 2,050-square-foot home is a wood-frame structure with a screened porch and roof. However, the open and well-lit building didn’t start out that way. In fact, Bromley and Caldari’s client bought a closed and boxy house that was knocked to the foundation. When building regulations and lot coverages forced the architects to stay within an existing footprint, they uncovered creative ways to provide both space and daylight. The house was framed as openly as possible and holds few walls or interior supports. The entire load is carried by 12” x 12” timber posts and long span joists that frame views of the bay. Beneath the exposed long-span joists is a long, wooden dining-room table that seats 12 guests who can look out on the bay while enjoying a fine

meal. On warm summer nights, guests might opt to retire to the outdoor dining pavilion.

SMART ARCHITECTURE The Oceanview House’s sneak-around deck provides a connection between the front and back of the main house. The pavilion’s cantilevered roof provides shade for a lounging area beside the pool.

The whole of Screened House is bathed in warm light from all sides, brought in from large windows and an area that stretches 14 feet from floor to ceiling. “There were some structural gymnastics involved in the project, but it’s a great house,” Caldari says. “The space blows you away, and once you get comfortable you really start to notice the cool details.” Those details include corrugated metal surrounding the entry, kitchen cabinetry fabricated from plywood, and a large walnut countertop. The client, a painter, requested a studio onsite, and BCA provided a 400-square-foot circular room adjacent to the pool. The studio, also composed of cedar, faces north and captures light with a skylight and a large glass garage door. The architects have often found themselves on the cutting edge and continue to work on innovative projects like New York City’s first commercial rooftop farm. Caldari engineered a system to hold more than a million pounds of soil on the 40,000-square foot space, and is also creating lawns on two stories of a Fifth Avenue penthouse. Studio 54’s heyday may have come and gone, but Bromley and Caldari remain as creative as ever. Together, the architects continue to awe and inspire with their creations.

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212.595.1451

CONSTRUCTION CO., INC

19 Silo Lane | Warwick, NY 10990 marka@kngconstruction.com www.kngconstruction.com

vacation homes

SERENE SETTING Situated in St. John’s southeastern peninsula, Kismet features a soft color scheme, allowing the residence to blend into its surroundings.

Kismet Architect Robert Crane gives Virgin-Islands visitors an unforgettable view from the top with a splendid private-villa resort

Photo: Steve Simonsen Photography

by Amy Meadows When architect Robert Crane began designing Kismet, a palatial Caribbean vacation home for a physician and his family, he wanted to take full advantage of the sweeping 360-degree ocean vistas offered by his clients’ picturesque property, which sits high atop Maria’s Bluff in St. John, US Virgin Islands. However, as he started to sketch the exclusive five-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bath private villa, which ultimately would be put on the shortterm rental market for visitors to the island, he realized that once the expansive house was in place, there no longer would be unobstructed views from any one location in the residence. So the renowned architect added an open, breezy “sun tower” to the plans, situated one level above the rest of the estate. This allowed him to maintain the site’s panoramic views and create a truly magical spot, complete with a tiled staircase, mosaic floor, and

plush cushions and pillows. And it’s that attention to detail that has made Kismet one of the most sought-after vacation properties on St. John today. Featuring a luxurious 5,000-square-foot, Mediterranean-style home with a Moroccan influence and more than 6,000 square feet of outdoor living space, Kismet is Caribbean paradise personified. The property includes a sun-drenched centerpiece courtyard with a 37-foot heated swimming pool and hot tub, breathtaking gardens, and a charming private gazebo. “To me, the house is a kind of fantasy home—very different from the one you might be living in,” says Crane, who began his career at The Architects’ Collaborative (TAC), the acclaimed architectural firm founded by Walter Gropius in Cambridge, Massachusetts. While an associate at TAC, Crane worked on large projects around

St. John, US Virgin Islands Population: 4,197 Attractions: Virgin Islands National Park, Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, Reef Bay Trail and Petroglyphs, Bordeaux Mountain, Cruz Bay, Coral Bay harbor, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, hiking, horseback riding, shopping, dining

the world. However, when he decided to move to St. John in 1987, his specialty changed to single-family residences on the island. Kismet, which took three years to complete, is indicative of the kind of thoughtful, well-appointed, luxury homes that have become Crane’s calling card, thanks in

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LUXURY RETREAT Kismet includes a living area, master suite, guest suites, a garage, and a caretaker’s apartment. The home, outfitted with detailed design elements such as outdoor tile-decorated walls (left), affords expansive views from all over the property, most notably from the pool and spa, where St. Thomas unfolds in the distance (top left).

Robert Crane, Architect

part to the fact that they blend so beautifully into their surroundings. “When people think of the Caribbean, they think of brightly colored cottages, which is fine,” he observes. “But [that aesthetic] does not look good on a large house. When you are sailing by, I would prefer that the building not dominate the sight.” With Kismet situated so high on the summit of St. John’s southeastern peninsula, Crane opted for elements like a variegated green tile roof and gray walls, and with the spectacular landscaping in place on the grounds, he notes, “You really have to look to see the house.” Of course, upon entering the home itself, everything stands out—an attribute Crane shares with his collaborators on the project: designer Lisa Geiger, interior designer Joann Juen, and contractor

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Fred Trayser of Trayser Construction. From the great room’s large and inviting seating area, to the home theater’s ornate ceiling and six sumptuous reclining chairs, to the master suite’s setting in its own private pavilion, including a cozy sitting room and a spacious, Moroccan-tiled master bath, Kismet’s amenities rival those of any upscale Caribbean resort. With a separate pavilion boasting four additional en suite bedrooms and two daybeds conveniently located in the billiard room, the residence, which comfortably sleeps 12, is an ideal locale for group vacations. Weekly rates during winter’s high season are priced at $28,500, while off-season spring, summer, and autumn rates run $16,000 per week. The rates include all of the estate services visitors could possibly want— spa services like massages and manicures, and

assistance planning daily excursions like scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, hiking, and horseback riding. Without a doubt, Kismet’s striking architecture and skillful design are key attractions. And that’s just what Crane expects from all of his projects. “First, the home must fit into the location in all aspects,” he says. “Second, it must function well—it must be easy and practical to live in. Lastly, and just as important, it must be beautiful.You must do all three things to do the job properly.” It also helps to have a client that shares the vision for the project. “I feel it is important to thank the Levys,” he adds. “Without a nice and willing client, there would be no project. It takes a good client to make a good project.”

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Photos: Steve Simonsen Photography

“First, the home must fit into the location in all aspects. Second, it must function well—it must be easy and practical to live in. Lastly, and just as important, it must be beautiful.”

Designed with the Caribbean in mind.

WOODEN BRIDGE TRADING CO. S. A. Superior Quality Craftsmanship, every product, every time.

Contact us to learn more about our many door, window and architectural millwork products. Phone: (011)505.2552.0113 - Email: info@woodenbridge.net - Website: www.woodenbridge.net

VACATION HOMES Tropical paradise Perpetually cool breezes drift through the palms and across A’La Mer’s sunny beachside pool with Great Cruz Bay just beyond.

St. John, US Virgin Islands Population: 4,197 Attractions: Virgin Islands National Park, Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, Reef Bay Trail and Petroglyphs, Bordeaux Mountain, Cruz Bay, Coral Bay harbor

says. “I needed to live in St. John and vacation in the States.” Upon arrival to St. John as a full-time worker and not vacationer, Milne was soon known as the “new guy” on the island—the architect who seldom wore shoes around town. “I was quickly nicknamed the ‘barefoot architect’ by many people before they knew my name,” he says. “The name stuck, and the office grew around the idea of a relaxed and comfortable approach to carefully designed island homes.” Milne describes Barefoot’s competitive advantage in its design philosophy. “Our approach to architectural design is to understand and know the clients,” he says, “and to develop their own ideas of their dream home around their goals and their site.” Given this design concept, Barefoot develops these ideas and works with each contractor to make the concept a reality. “Surprisingly, not all designers approach the profession this way, and clients can feel as if they have built the architect’s home instead of their own,” he adds.

Barefoot architect, Inc. offers a custom-made paradise in the Caribbean by Christopher Cussat The story behind an amazing home like A’La Mer all began with the founding of an equally amazing company: Barefoot Architect. Principal and owner A. Michael Milne, AIA, took his love of island life and his talent and passion for architectural design and created the masterpiece A’La Mer, located in St. John US Virgin Islands.

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A’La Mer could not have been realized without Milne first coming to his own realization. Over the years, he had come to St. John on numerous vacations while working along the East Coast, and then one day—while stuck in traffic on the Washington, DC, beltway—Milne had an “aha” moment. “I realized that I had it all backwards,” he

A’La Mer consists of numerous sections, including the main house, which features six bedroom suites, a master bedroom suite, and an office/bedroom; a great room, where the family can gather and which connects the kitchen and family room; an outdoor area featuring a wraparound veranda, a huge pool, and a beach pavilion with hammocks between the palms along the beach; and a cottage,

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Photos: don hebert

A’La Mer

Perhaps this unique approach is not more evident than in the A’La Mer home. According to Milne, A’La Mer is a unique home for a unique family (the Marshall family). “Located on the western corner of the island, the waterfront property is flat and sandy—most lots are steep and rocky— with wonderful sunset views,” he says. “We started with the concept of a small town, so as to keep the scale of the house small despite the significant program, and then organized the design around the views and water.”

“We started with the concept of a small town, so as to keep the scale of the house small despite the significant program, and then organized the design around the views and water.” A. Michael Milne, Principal & Owner

which includes its own bedroom suite, living room, and kitchen, and is connected to the main house with walkways through the gardens. Furthermore, the house can accommodate more than 20 people, so everything about the house is super-sized, from the living room to the pool. (Even the laundry room has four washers and dryers.) Other noteworthy features of the home include stonework unique to St. John, with the doors, windows, and cabinetry all custom made from sustainable mahogany; a wastewater-treatment irrigation system; and backup power and high-speed Internet access.

According to Milne, one of the best amenities of the house is the location. “St. John is a little island of which two-thirds is a national park,” he says. The living on this island paradise is relaxed and low-key. The water is bright blue, the beaches have powder-soft sand, and the breezes are gentle and cool. “While we do have shopping and great restaurants, it is the sailing, boating, snorkeling, diving, hiking, etc. that are the notable activities on the island year-round,” he adds. With amenities both inside and outside the home, A’La Mer serves as a prime example of Barefoot Architect’s sophisticated design and unparalleled attention to luxurious living.

IROQUOIS

BUILDERS, LLC

You dream it, we build it.

BUILT TO LAST Island stone walls, travertine floors, cypress ceilings, and custom mahogany rafters and doors are only some of the natural, long-lasting materials used in A’La Mer that boast a rich and historic character.

340.775.6126 5000 Estate Enighed #250 St. John, USVI 00830 iroquoisbuilders@gmail.com jan / feb 2011

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Chris Barbara

Certified Building Contractor

CHRIS BARBARA DEVELOPMENT

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561.312.2717 PHONE 561.624.4973 FAX barbaradev4097@aol.com 4097 Cedar Avenue Palm Beach Gardens Florida 33410

U-20616 U-21093 MCMBC00189 MCMRC3875

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Chris Barbara

Certified Building Contractor

CHRIS BARBARA DEVELOPMENT

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561.312.2717 PHONE 561.624.4973 FAX barbaradev4097@aol.com 4097 Cedar Avenue Palm Beach Gardens Florida 33410

The Burlingham Residence Real-estate entrepreneur shifts focus to building luxury oceanfront homes through Chris BarBara Fine Homes, Inc.

U-20616 U-21093 by Daniel Casciato MCMBC00189 MCMRC3875

When Chris Barbara was challenged to build an oceanfront vacation home for one of his clients, William Burlingham, his goal was to give the client the feeling that he was not in South Florida. “The creation of this home was inspired by Mr. Burlingham’s countless surfing adventures around the world,” says Barbara, president and founder of Chris Barbara Fine Homes. “His main focus was to design an eco-friendly home that served as an extension of his travels and surround himself and guests as a ‘fun house’ to share the time together.”

Contact Chris Barbara Certified Building Contractor

4097 Cedar Ave., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 561.312.2717 phone | 561.624.4973 fax barbaradev4097@aol.com email 230 luxury home quarterly jan /feb 2011

Barbara delivered a masterpiece. The 3,000-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath Burlingham Residence utilizes a modern, tropical theme with a thatched roof over the front of the home, and carbonized bamboo and Italian trav-

ertine as the main flooring surfaces. The kitchen features cabinets made of crossed-cut maple stained in a dark mocha color, bamboo granite countertops, and a multitude of low-voltage LED lights. The bathrooms were done with hand-laid 2” x 2” Mexican beach pebble from floor to ceiling, with an inlay of bamboo paneling. The exterior has a true tropical feeling with a wide variety of native and non-native palm trees, plants, bamboo cap rocks, and an assortment of Mexican beach pebble. Barbara, who left a career in law to pursue other ventures, founded Chris Barbara Developments, a full-service development company that offers clients general-contracting, design-build, and construction-management services. Typical development projects for the firm span across many

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The Village of North Palm Beach, FL Population: 12,582 ATTRACTIONS: Beaches, museums, waterparks, zoos

NATURAL ELEMENTS Equipped with a thatched roof, the Burlingham Residence’s exterior features an assortment of native and non-native plant life.

client bases, and typically include auto, retail, offices, tenant improvements, medical build-outs, and high-end waterfront homes. Barbara has also purchased more than 100 foreclosed homes and rehabbed them to greatly increase their value. Since many customers requested additions onto these homes, Barbara decided to start Chris Barbara Fine Homes in 1999. Thanks to Barbara’s unique architectural designs and meticulous work ethic, business comes mainly from referrals and repeat clients. Although he had established a solid presence in Palm Beach Gardens, Barbara wanted to take his luxury-home business to the next level, and he turned to a familiar face to help him. “I invited my father, who has been a licensed general contractor in the state of Florida for over 40 years, and has over a million square feet of building knowledge, to come on board in 2002,” says Barbara, who worked with his father in the building industry in the early 1990s. “He took us to that next level by helping me specialize in oceanfront properties.”

Before Barbara’s father came on board, the company was developing 3,000- to 4,000-square-foot homes. Today, with 12 employees, the company is building homes with an average square footage of 10,000. Revenues exceeded $5 million last year, and the business continues to grow. “Our philosophy is that we have extraordinary communications, combined with delivering projects timely and competitively, all while exceeding our clients’ quality and expectations,” says Barbara, who, as president, takes a hands-on ownership approach to his business to ensure each project is a success. “Our success also comes from our willingness to hit singles and doubles, not always the homerun, to capture the contract.“ Barbara enjoys being personally involved in each project that his firm constructs. “We’re very communicative throughout the entire process,” he says. “For example, our on-site project superintendent has strong management skills and confirms everything in writing, including the minutes of the weekly client meetings. No one has ever said to us, ‘You never told me what is happening on the job.’” Communication is critical for the company, since it deals with many homeowners who live and travel abroad. “We often communicate with clients either by e-mail or via iPhones so we can send them photos about what is going,” Barbara says. His strategy of continuously updating the clients— whether it’s by conference call, in person, or via e-mail—has proven to be quite successful. “We sit down with our clients three times a week, go over the job schedule, what will be occurring and what has occurred, and just really keep them abreast about what’s going on,” he says. “Right now, clients are so sophisticated and very budget-conscious. In other words, you have to sit down with them and value-engineer the job in order to get it where they need to be. That’s the fun part of the job. I enjoy sitting down with the clients and try to build their dreams.”

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VACATION HOMES

BRIDGING LUXURY AND FUNCTION Georgica #1’s stone privacy wall integrates a water feature while separating the dining/sunset terrace from the entry bridge. The two-story living room (above) features a custom open-riser staircase leading to a bridge that connects the master wing to the family-bedroom wing.

“The terrace and water feature goes along with the Zen atmosphere of the house. It’s a clean and simple design that focuses on the outside views.” peter cook, owner & principal

Georgica #1 Peter Cook Architect’s work emanates a Zen-like aura in the Hamptons by Amy E. Lemen The inland estate known as Georgica #1 is tucked away in lush greenery, overlooking a private preserve, only minutes away from the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean in the Hamptons, on Long Island, New York’s South Fork. No detail was overlooked, and no expense was spared in its construction and details—or in the amount of attention paid to the way someone might feel while

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moving through it on any given day. And that was exactly the point when Peter Cook, owner and principal of Bridgehampton, New York-based firm Peter Cook Architect, designed this East Hampton estate on speculation for a recent client. “It’s very Zen-like inside, and that’s the way the client wanted it,” he says. “It was more about

Georgica #1 is a nearly 8,000-square-foot Georgian-style estate and investment property for its owners, who insisted that no expense be spared in its construction. “They didn’t want there to be any apologies, so everything is very high end and very high quality—from the level of construction, custom stonework, windows, and doors, to the pool, custom millwork, and stairs,” Cook explains. “It’s an attention to detail you don’t usually get in a spec home.” One area of special details was the entertainment and pool area. Since the home is inland, the owners wanted the pool area to be a true private refuge. So, Cook situated the home so that it overlooks the private preserve that’s part of the 1.6-acre site. “We wanted to exploit that view as much as possible,” he says, “so the house has views from each corner that overlook the negative-edge pool.”

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Photos: Jeff Heatley Photography

the lighting and the materials used than any ornamentation.”

VISUALLY STUNNING The home’s negative-edge pool rendered in blue tiles creates a dramatic foreground for the terraces.

Sophisticated Art Work “Our work is recognized throughout the Hamptons.”

Weber & Grahn has the distinct reputation for quality air conditioning and heating systems.

Concepts that are complex yet simple. Designs that have presence but cannot be seen. Representations of quality known only to the senses.

Southampton and East Hampton, NY Population: 75,000 Attractions: National Golf Links, the Maidstone Club, Hook Mill, the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum, shopping, beaches, boating

There’s also a water feature at the home’s front door—a bridge and flowing water that leads to a terrace just off the dining room. And since the sun sets at the front of the house, its owners can see the view from the terrace—enjoying a glass of wine, preserve views, and the sunset. “The terrace and water feature goes along with the Zen atmosphere of the house,” Cook says. “It’s a clean and simple design that focuses on the outside views.” Cook explains that the views here truly dictated the motion and the design of the house, which is why the focal point here is on the entire back side to take full advantage of the site—and to capture the energy of the house at the same time. “Walking through some homes can be uneventful; but to

me, moving through a house should be exciting,” he says. “Our goal is always to create an experience—to design rooms that create a feeling. In this house, you’re always looking at that view down the hallway, wherever you are, because there are no doors to pass through along the way.” Cook has been an architect in the Hamptons for the last 27 years—an area that has long been known as an enclave for exclusive vacation homes and summer getaways. He says it is a luxury to design primarily resort and vacation homes. “People want to capture something about an area when designing a vacation home, and they tend to be more creative, more open minded, more relaxed,” he says. “It’s so much more fulfilling to create a relaxing environment for someone on a beautiful piece of land.”

a message from Reilly Windows & Doors For 27 years, Reilly Windows & Doors has manufactured and installed the finest wood windows, doors, screens, and shutters for both new and historic buildings. Our products can be designed to meet any impact/infiltration requirement, and are backed by the most extensive warranty and service plan in the industry.

While most companies are new to Green Business, we at Weber & Grahn have over 20 years of experience in the design, installation, and service of energy efficient geothermal systems, capable of maintaining minimum optimum climate control with an emphasis on aesthetics and acoustics.

WEBER & GRAHN

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(631) 728-1166 “Quality Systems for Quality Homes”

distinction

Serving a unique niche in the custom-home industry MOUNTAIN-HOME MYSTIQUE This Bercovitz-designed home features a façade of Colorado boulder.

Bercovitz Design, Inc. creating high-end custom homes for snow lovers in Telluride

Top Mountain-Home Design Trends

by Julie Edwards

1. B uilding more-compact homes to preserve natural resources;

Providing a new spin on timeless, traditional design, Bercovitz Design specializes in crafting highend, single-family custom homes in and around the ski-resort community of Telluride, Colorado. According to Ron Bercovitz, the firm’s principal and owner, the work of the firm is extremely design oriented, with a focus on perfection throughout the entire design and building process. “We work with the client until the design is right, making improvements throughout the design process,” he says. “Approximately 90 percent of our clients are building a second, third, or even fourth home, and are based outside Telluride, so we’ve become very adept at providing an extremely high level of service for exacting out-of-town owners looking for their dream mountain home.”

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The firm, comprised of four trained architects/ designers (Bercovitz; Shane Jordan, AIA; Cindy Carver, interior designer; and Kyle Martin, architect-in-training), began offering architectural design services in 1989 and, since then, has become one of the most well-established, successful architectural firms in the area, with approximately 300 custom-designed homes in its portfolio. While the vast majority of Bercovitz Design’s projects have been built in Telluride and the surrounding areas, a number of the projects also have been constructed out of state, including homes in Long Island, New York; Greenwich, Connecticut; and Santa Cruz, California.

2. Integrating solar hot water into in-floor heating systems; 3. Using “new technology” lighting, including LEDs, to enhance spaces and save energy; 4. Interior and exterior use of rusted steel (siding/roof/accents), as well as reclaimed timber and siding; 5. Use of handcrafted clay plaster in lieu of drywall.

Regarded locally as a leading designer, Bercovitz Design is known for setting trends in mountain-

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“We strive to make our projects structurally and thermally efficient, and are continuously looking for ways to integrate more energysaving, environmentally friendly means into the homes we build.” Ron Bercovitz, Principal & Owner home design, as well. The firm helped pioneer the “mountain cottage” look to the region, and even had a national window manufacturer name a certain shade-of-green window used in the design of mountain cottages after the firm. One of the firm’s more unique and sought-after design styles is the contemporary “mining” home. With a shape derived from historic mill buildings and industrial style structures, the homes share some similar design techniques, including long and continuous asymmetrical roofs, steeply pitched gables, and interior connecting “bridges.” In addition to creating custom-built homes, the firm also acts as a “boutique developer,” often building single-family homes for resale. Bercovitz notes that design homes for the Colorado mountains presents a special set of challenges. For example, the home has to be built to withstand 10 feet of snow in winter and the accompanying freeze-thaw issues. “We also design with an eye to the sun, as UV levels are much higher at this altitude,” he adds. “And while we have to take fading of materials into account, the sun also can be used to provide natural light and solar gain for heating purposes.” Another factor Bercovitz considers in design is stairs, which are harder to navigate at high altitudes, so many of his multistory residences feature elevators. Since owners are often very sports minded, his designs also often incorporate special rooms for skiing equipment, bike tuning, and other sports-related activities. “Of course, the other design element we always take into account is maximizing any views of the mountains,” he adds. Because the firm works with mostly out-of-town clients, Bercovitz relies on technology to communicate with his clients, and employs state-of-theart CAD and computer graphic techniques, often

DIVERSITY IN DESIGN All of Bercovitz’s various projects incorporate high-quality architecture, such as stone and log accents (top) or a unique “mining” home design with a connecting bridge (bottom).

providing computer-generated walk-throughs and fly-arounds. “We utilize Revit, a building software that is unique in its ability to allow you to instantaneously see a 3-D view of any interior or exterior component façade of a project,” he notes. More recently, Bercovitz Design has actively sought opportunities to integrate green building techniques into each of its projects, “mainstreaming” eco-friendly techniques and materials such as passive-solar technology, radiant floor heating, and materials that are less environmentally demanding, such as reclaimed wood for flooring and beams. In fact, Bercovitz notes that recent projects included

wood that was repurposed from the demolition of a trestle that spanned the Great Salt Lake. For the long term, Bercovitz Design’s goal is to make its homes as close to “zero carbon footprint” as possible. “We strive to make our projects structurally and thermally efficient, and are continuously looking for ways to integrate more energysaving, environmentally friendly means into the homes we build,” says Bercovitz, who received his master’s degree in architecture with an emphasis on energy-conscious design. “Our goal is always to push the envelope to create a quality design that makes sense from all perspectives.”

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781.938.1820 www.gerritystone.com www.facebook.com/GerrityStoneMa

Custom Windows & Doors JB Window Specialties brings energy-efficient windows, custom wood doors and bronze hardware options to homes across western Colorado. Known for their ability to tailor window offerings which meet the special challenges presented by high country living, the firm offers solutions for reducing heat and cold transfer, blocking UV rays and controlling glare from the

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GerrityStone is proud to be Ferrante Tileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s custom stone fabricator. (970) 434-0909 Clifton, CO | (970) 728-9699 Telluride, CO | (970) 963-7330 Carbondale, CO Email us at jbrownjbw@aol.com or visit weathershield.com for more information.

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225B Merrimac Street, Woburn, MA 01801 luxuryhomequarterly.com

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Top Tile Trends According to Ferrante, here are some key elements clients are looking for in the high-end tile market: 1. Natural stone Using natural-stone tiles remains very popular in upscale, custom homes. 2. Large tiles Homeowners are requesting tiles as large as two feet square, and even larger. 3. Backsplashes Many homeowners like to match their backsplashes to their flooring, often using the same type of tile cut to a smaller size. 4. Neutral tones While many colors are available, most high-end homeowners are choosing natural, neutral colors.

QUALITY MATTERS High-end tile design gives any space instant luxury.

Ferrante Tile timeless methods and the latest materials keep third-generation tile experts on top by Laura Judy Since they first opened their doors 57 years ago, the Ferrante family has built a name in the tile industry that stands strong in the area. Ferrante Tile, based in Woburn, Massachusetts, is now in its third generation as a family-owned business. “My father started the company, and my sons works with me now,” says Mark Ferrante, current owner of Ferrante Tile. The company, which includes four full-time employees, works entirely on residential projects. At one time, it did commercial work, but

that changed about 10 years ago. “In the commercial market, profit margins are not as great, and because there is so much competition, it is very cutthroat,” Ferrante says. “In the high-end residential market, there is more opportunity to keep moving forward.” The company can tackle any type of tile project, working with materials from natural stone and marble to ceramic, porcelain, glass, and brick. Ferrante Tile usually takes on four or five large, high-end projects each year, with anywhere from

20 to 50 smaller projects along the way. “Designer homes can take up to a year to complete, so we fill in with a variety of more basic residential work,” Ferrante says. Despite the recent economic crisis, Ferrante Tile has remained the same strong presence as always. “Of course we feel the economy, but we take as many projects as we can, and we always stay busy,” Ferrante adds. Staying busy is made easier by the fact that Ferrante Tile is considered to be the top tile contractor in its market area. “Everyone knows us around here,” Ferrante says. “We really have no competition. People are willing to pay a little bit more for what they know is the best quality work available.” Because the company is so well known, it does very little advertising, relying instead on word-ofmouth business and a special partnership. For the past 25 years, Ferrante Tile has been the tile contractor for This Old House, a venture that brings

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“We still do our work the old-fashioned way. It keeps us on top of other companies, because not many do that anymore.” Mark Ferrante, Owner

the company nationwide attention. “It’s great for us, but it can be a double-edged sword,” Ferrante says. “We get a lot of calls from the show, but we can’t take on every single project.” Three years ago, the company was shaken when Joe Ferrante, Mark’s brother, co-owner and a popular presence on This Old House, passed away suddenly. However, it is a tribute to Joe that the company has continued to thrive and produce beautiful work project after project. Ferrante attributes much of the company’s success to its workmanship. “Over the years, a lot has changed in the industry, as far as methods and materials,” Ferrante says. “We were brought up on mud work. It is more labor intensive, but we still do our work the old-fashioned way. It keeps us on top of other companies, because not many do that anymore.” This workmanship has helped build a solid reputation for Ferrante Tile. “My guys do a clean job and good work, and this leaves a good impression,” Ferrante says. The company also follows up quality work with excellent customer service. “We constantly go back and check on our customers,” Ferrante says. “This helps us keep up a good rapport with every client, and ensures that they are still satisfied even well after the project is completed.” Ferrante Tile always keeps up with the latest trends, as well as the latest laws and regulations. “There are always a lot of little things to think about,” Ferrante says. “One day, you may be working in an older home that has lead paint, which requires certification. The next day, you may be working with a new technology, like radiant floor heating. We have to know about every new law and technology out there.” Moving forward, Ferrante expects the company remain at the top of the industry on the East Coast. “We keep an eye out for ways to grow and push the company further,” Ferrante says. “We’re always ready for a challenge.”

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DESIGN IN BLOOM Ecocentrix designed this outdoor area with various plant life and a stone-walled seating niche.

Ecocentrix Landscape Architecture Exterior artistry for outdoor getaways by Ruth E. Dávila John Feldman laughs during the darkest moments of Lost in Translation, in which Bill Murray portrays a famous actor caught in Japan’s surreal media culture. Feldman’s no movie star, but he can relate. Seventeen years as a landscape architect has exposed him to eccentric people and places, including luxury residential projects that have taken him to the other side of the world. “So I’m in Tokyo, surrounded by the paparazzi with translators and marketing teams,” recalls Feldman, principal and CEO of Ecocentrix Landscape Architecture, of one of the high notes in his career. It was a whirlwind trip: Feldman appeared on a talk show and on stage in front of 100 prospective buyers. Fielding questions via Japanese interpreters, he articulated the finer points of the interlac-

ing “garden rooms” that his team ideated—fabulous floral spaces demarcated by stone walls and water features—for the Sumiyoshi-Honmachi Condominium Towers. “I have traveled around the globe for work and consider deeply everything, be it architectural or culinary experiences,” he says. Based in Santa Monica, California, Feldman has worked on a variety of lavish properties with bigname owners, “from entertainment clientele to leaders of the world of finance,” he says. “Some of the most satisfying design projects have been the dynamic and edgy—like a multishaped infinity pool on the hillsides above Hollywood Hills.” But Ecocentrix operates on the principle that everybody deserves solace and sanctuary in their home

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Top Landscaping Trends 1. LE D lighting “Technology needs to be considered in lit landscapes from an energy perspective—particularly in California, where water rationing is constantly being reinvented and our clients are being dinged for overages.”

HOLLYWOOD HIDEAWAY For this house nestled high in the Hollywood Hills, Ecocentrix used various elements to support the home’s existing architecture, highlighting the strength of lines in the exterior and interior, and complementing the home with a restrained color palette.

2. R ainwater-harvesting and rooftop-garden technologies “Even in areas with no rainwater, this can be from morning dew that rolls off rooftops and gets channelized in roof system. It may be possible to capture water on-site for reuse.”

environment, whether it’s a 2,500-square-foot residence or a mega mansion surrounded by lush acreage. “We’ve always held the philosophy that we can very easily design very sophisticated spaces and gardens with the most modest of materials,” he says.

made indoor-outdoor living so attractive here,” he says. Affluent Californians indulge in spa-like amenities such as full outdoor-terrace dining rooms with smokers, pizza ovens, and “more countertop than you’ve ever seen,” Feldman says.

As the name implies, Ecocentrix is ecologically progressive, incorporating materials such as antique, recycled, or sustainable materials. The firm works on new properties, breathing new life into rundown or nonfunctional landscapes. For a 1950s Beverly Hills residence, Ecocentrix updated its retro stylings to flow with contemporary interiors. Feldman designed a new outdoor kitchen and extensive plant life, with bronze uniting the elements: a bronze water feature, custom bronze drain gates, and even bronze-colored foliage.

But geography is no hurdle for Ecocentrix, and Feldman assures he can create a fantasy landscape in any environment. “There’s nothing that we can’t do anywhere,” he adds.

Feldman is the antithesis of pretentiousness and founded his company in that same vein some five years ago. “I’m a California kid, a thirdgeneration Los Angeleno,” he says. “SoCal can be a rather casual climate. I enjoy simple and casual comforts, even though my work is tailored often to a much more sophisticated social construct with my clients.” Feldman rose up in the industry at leading firms, such as KAA Design Group and Nancy Goslee Power and Associates. He also formerly served as partner in Garness/Feldman Architecture + Landscape. Today, Ecocentrix is the culmination of his privileged industry upbringing. The firm’s aesthetic is rooted in “regional contextualism,” adapting exteriors to evoke a particular place and mood, feeding off the client’s style. “We look strongly for visual clues,” Feldman says, “whether interior or architectural precedents, the client’s art collections and culture, or history, climate, and site conditions.” His backyard, California, boasts some top-tier examples in the field of landscaping. “We consider the year-round climate what has traditionally

3. Solar and radiant pool heating “Radiant pool heating is captured through paved surfaces and runs through pipes to your system. Ozone systems are being looked at rather than traditional chlorinated pools.” 4. Outdoor media rooms “For an outdoor movie night, an amphitheater or sunken type of landscape can be used to project imagery against some kind of structure—the side of a barn, grain silo, or even a wall of water.”

And by nothing, he means that the sky is the limit. True landscape architecture goes beyond mere “landscape design,” he explains. A licensed landscape architect like Feldman is trained in horticulture, urban planning, a slew of engineering disciplines (from soil to civil), and legal aspects, such as contract writing, in addition to the history of urban architecture, landscape architecture, and acuity for interior design. Through Ecocentrix, Feldman taps into his diverse dossier to provide clients with luxury outdoor living. “It’s really about experience,” he says, “and maybe, in many cases, introducing people to opportunities and to a lifestyle that they’ve never considered or had made possible.”

a message from Serra Gardens Don Newcomer’s Serra Gardens Landscape Succulents has been an industry favorite throughout Southern California for more than 25 years. Featuring a wide variety of drought-tolerant and fire-resistant plants, Serra Gardens is known for well-acclimated specimens grown under full exposure. Newcomer recently moved the nursery to Fallbrook, CA, after decades in a legendary Malibu location. The nursery is open by appointment weekdays, and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Call 760-990-4762, or visit online at serragardens.com.

“We’ve always held the philosophy that we can very easily design very sophisticated spaces and gardens with the most modest of materials.” John Feldman, CEO

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LHQ Jan/Feb 2011 Griffin & Wilson Stucco Inc - Seacoast Supply 1/3.indd 8/5/101 9:15 PM

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CUSTOMIZED FINISHES This luxury home—built in The Bears Club in Jupiter, FL, by Vintage Properties Inc. (vintageproperties.com)—features a stunning Old-World finish and custom mouldings by Griffin & Wilson.

Griffin & Wilson Stucco, Inc. providing the finishing touches for Florida estates by Tricia Despres The versatility of stucco has allowed many in the residential-design industry to dream big when it comes to creating an unforgettable look. “I have always found it inspiring to watch an architect take their imagination and talents to create something amazing, and I’m proud to play a part in that finished product,” explains Derrick Griffin, co-owner of Griffin & Wilson Stucco. “There is nothing like standing back and looking at something that everyone involved with is proud of.” Established in 1985 by Griffin, alongside industry veteran Jim Wilson, Griffin & Wilson Stucco is known as the premier contractor for stucco and plastering in Florida, having built relationships with more than 200 contractors in the area. From Vero Beach to Palm Beach to the coast of Miami, Griffin & Wilson has worked on stucco finishes and moldings on fine estates for more than 20 years. It also works on a number of projects on Florida’s

affluent west coast, including Tampa, Sarasota, and Naples. Alongside a modest group of 15 employees, the company takes on an average of 1,000 projects annually. “We all certainly bring a number of different talents to the table,” says Griffin, who graduated from the University of Florida and entered the construction industry in 1971. “It’s a true partnership made up of a staff of veterans with a number of years in the stucco industry.” Due to demands Griffin & Wilson saw from the commercial sector, it expanded its brand to include more commercial work, including the exterior of a Macy’s store in New Orleans, and a number of projects for Walgreens, CVS, and McDonald’s. “In the current economic climate, there were companies out there that had specialized, and now have

Top Stucco Trends 1. CULTURED STONE VENEER Cultured stone is becoming more and more popular as a warm and inviting option to use in many areas of a home’s exterior. 2. HAND-PULLED STUCCO MOULDINGS Hand-pulled, solid-stucco mouldings are in very high demand right now. 3. FAUX CAST-STONE FINISHES Cast-stone finishes create an amazing look, and—better yet—the finish is right on the stucco, making it a big bang for its buck. 4. EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) This is a synthetic stucco referring to a multilayered exterior finish. 5. STUCCO MOULDINGS OVER FOAM With a synthetic base coat and fiberglass mesh, they can be sand-float finished or cast-stone finished.

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The versatility of stucco has allowed many in the residential-design industry to dream big when it comes to creating an unforgettable look.

SLEEK & STRIKING This custom Drakeley pool-edge design creates the illusion of no end, making the hillside beyond appear to float.

just died off,” explains Griffin, whose offices are based out of West Palm Beach. “I think we have made it because of the fact that we didn’t specialize in one specific style or function, but instead always looked for ways to expand our brand.” In fact, two distinct companies now lie within the Griffin & Wilson umbrella. In addition to Griffin & Wilson Stucco, which focuses on luxury and production homes, as well as commercial work, Griffin & Sons Stucco, the smaller of the two companies, takes on a smaller volume of work but specializes in the high-end luxury market, from Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale. “Working with my son, Sean, is very gratifying,” says Griffin, who also recently hired daughter Melissa to work in the front office. “It’s great working with family and also with a fantastic team of professional estimators with 20 years of experience in the industry. And, of course, it goes without saying how lucky I feel to work alongside [co-owner] Jim [Wilson], who is just a fantastic and knowledgeable man in the industry.” In recent months, Griffin says he has seen some indications of things beginning to go back in the right direction. “I would say that I’m starting to see more national builders who can get the financing to start up production again,” he says. “They are out there selling multiple homes every week, and their prices are staying competitive. Buyers out there just don’t want to fool with foreclosures and short sales. The very high-end luxury homes in the $5–40 million range are also starting to come back, but not so for those people looking to build the $1–2 million homes. Those folks simply are not able to get the loans anymore like they used to.” Relying on good ole word of mouth, along with targeted e-mail marketing, Griffin says his hopes are high for the future. “It’s all about exceeding the expectations of your customers and doing what the builders ask for,” Griffin explains. “I’m looking forward to all that the future holds for this company.”

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Drakeley Swimming Pool Company LLC deconstructing and reinventing the luxury-pool market by Christopher Cussat As a third-generation professional in the poolconstruction industry, William T. Drakeley, Jr. has seen the waters rise and fall in his business. As soon as he realized that it was up to him to change and help the pool industry progress into the future, he dove in full force and has been making huge waves ever since. Drakeley Swimming Pool Company (DSPC) actually lies under the umbrella company of Drakeley Industries. As president, Drakeley has been using his expertise and passion for pool-making to advance each sector of his conglomeration, including a third subsidiary, Shotcrete Review. In the late 1950s, Drakeley’s grandfather started a pool company, and he began working around pools at an early age. After receiving his business degree from Northeastern University, Drakeley worked briefly in finance but soon returned to his long-ingrained passion. “I didn’t have the patience to sit inside and wait to climb the ladder—I wanted to build my own ladder,” he says.

But Drakeley did not simply return idly to his family business; instead, he decided change was needed. “So I went from banking back into the pool business,” he explains, “and then I eventually graduated out of the typical pool business into what we define now.” What DSPC can be defined as now is a sleek and modern evolutionary link that already smacks of what the future standards of pool construction will and should be. It is definitely not Drakeley’s grandfather’s company. In fact, not only does DSPC specialize in high-end residential pools with unique features like vanishing-edge, slot overflows, natural rock work, wireless remote controls, and glass-tile interiors, but it also constructs commercial, competitive swim environments and venues for colleges and municipalities. Therapy and hospital pools are also in DSPC’s impressive portfolio, and many of its pools include the most-modern amenities like stainless-steel gutter systems (which provide 100 percent perimeter overflow with little turbulence for the swimmer).

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Photo courtesy of Skip Phillips/Questar Pools

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“We really delve deeply into concrete chemistry, delivery, and transportation— and we have also become experts in strength gain, curing, applications, and various other advanced techniques.” William T. Drakeley, Jr., President

DSPC’s uniqueness is perhaps most blatantly visible in the company’s pool-design attributes. “All of our pools have what we call ‘water-shaping’ construction, which is very in tune with all of the pool’s working parts,” Drakeley says. For example, aesthetic aspects like textures, colors, architectural symmetry, and architectural value are concurrently taken into consideration with technological attributes like line velocity, pipe sizing, friction loss, energy consumption, and alternate sanitizers.

fied nozzle-men—meaning those who are spraying the concrete have been licensed by the ACI and for the pool industry,” Drakeley says. His involvement with shotcrete testing, and the knowledge that DSPC has gained as a result, places it in a superior position above typical pool companies. “We really delve deeply into concrete chemistry, delivery, and transportation—and we have also become experts in strength gain, curing, applications, and various other advanced techniques,” he adds.

Another competitive trait of DSPC lies in Drakeley’s personal expertise as a shotcrete (the process of spraying concrete at high velocity) examiner for the American Concrete Institute (ACI). In fact, Drakeley is currently the only shotcrete examiner from the pool industry in the northern hemisphere. “[The ACI] travels all over the world, teaching and testing this process for the tunnel, infrastructure, mining industries, etc.,” he says.

Drakeley is also an instructor for the Genesis 3 Design Group (GDG)—an affiliation of constructors that teach art and architecture perspectives, drawing, and color theory. “We go through the design and artistry of the project, all the way through its final construction,” he says. “I teach the bulk of the concrete and shotcrete implementation classes for the GDG.”

In addition, DSPC’s staff members are also fluent in the best and latest pool-building processes like shotcrete implementation. “My guys are all certi-

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DSPC’s goal for the future is to be recognized as the best installer of shotcrete in the water-shape industry. Drakeley intends to achieve this by continuing to spread his company’s brand and reputa-

REIMAGINING THE STANDARD A perimeter overflow spa, flanked by black absolute granite, is a striking piece of art that appears to be a black solid cube (above right). The offset color of the getty-limestone pool surround creates the perfect balance. Surrounded by wildflower fields, a classic straight-lined pool (above left) becomes a country-style fantasy.

tion through his work with the ACI and GDG. “I also do expert witness testimonies on structural faults in pools,” he adds. “And through such recognition, my goal is to keep our name out there and continue doing a good job.” Additionally, superb client care has always been a very important emphasis for the company. “We’ve always done the right thing for our clients, and [DSPC’s] success is because we do what we say we’re going to do and approach everything with honesty and open communication,” Drakeley says. “If we’re not immediately friends with the client after the job, then we’ve not done everything we could have.” There are perhaps no better ingredients than passion and continual learning when it comes to DSPC’s recipe for success—and these attributes permeate all of the company’s representatives. “We strive to instill our passion and expertise into all of our staff,” Drakeley explains. “In order to achieve this, we always have to remember that we constantly have to reeducate ourselves.”

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distinction ALLIGATOR HOUSE Located on Oahu’s North Shore at Alligator Rock, this modern surf home features a translucent white, soundproof material instead of window glass, to give character to the faÇade, provide natural daylighting, reduce noise pollution, and maximize privacy.

Five Trends in Ecoluxury 1. Increased demand for green, sustainable solutions have lead to a greater quantity and quality of products and services available. 2. The whole-building approach to green design means that rather than simply tacking on a few recycled products, clients are beginning to see the impact of their design decisions throughout the construction process. 3. People are more conscious of the health within their homes, with higher interest in nontoxic, low-VOC, and natural materials to promote better indoor-air quality. 4. A conceptual “unplug” mentality in some cases, clients are looking to go entirely off the grid, create net-zeroenergy homes, or significantly reduce or eliminate their operating costs and resource consumption. 5. As with getting rid of plastic and paper bags to carry reusable ones, progress can start with small things like home composting or recycling and eventually turn into a complete lifestyle.

Long & Associates Architects and Interiors luxury homes reach new heights in Hawaii with strategically placed sites and ecoluxury elements by Megy Karydes Most designers and architects of custom homes consider the home first and the landscape second. But for Honolulu, Hawaii-based Long & Associates Architects and Interiors, that approach seems backwards. The award-winning architecture, interior-design, and design-build firm specializes in

high-end, custom luxury retreats and, selectively working with its own construction company, often uses a form of reverse engineering that begins with the lush, native landscape of Hawaii, says Jeffrey T. Long, AIA, the principal architect at Long & Associates.

“We situate our designs like amphitheaters to the amazing view Hawaii affords, to ensure that we take maximum advantage of our captivating setting,” Long says. “With 30 years of experience and expertise in the Islands, we’ve gained insights into the subtleties of designing in this environment, and can pass on this knowledge to our clients.” The firm is often called upon to build second or third homes for clients who have an international lifestyle, and its projects take it from Hawaii to California and the Pacific Rim. While the firm usually enjoys a lush landscape from which to work in Hawaii, Long and his team love a good challenge. A recently completed project found the team on a small, complicated oceanfront lot on the North Shore, facing the surf break at Alligator Rock. The client challenged Long & Associates to use creative engineering to accommodate a dense program on the small lot. “Alligator, by virtue of its name, foretold the efforts and energies that would be required to move ahead,” Long admits. “The project presented wonderful challenges to us from the onset. We embraced them and addressed accordingly to take on the rigors and requirements of this tricky oceanfront lot.”

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ECOLUXURY ON DISPLAY This island luxury home is the picture of sustainability, earning a LEED-Gold certification which makes it one of only a handful of homes to earn the designation in Hawaii. Among other ecologically conscious features, the power consumed by the home is offset by a 20-panel photovoltaic system on the roof, generating approximately 4.6 kW per hour.

The firm had an in-house design competition to present the best strategy for development. The winning design was fine-tuned with the client and the client’s representative, Hiroshi Kato, of Kato & Associates, and then meticulously built with a team of skilled local craftsmen through Sutton Construction Company. As a result, the final home features a three-story modified spiral staircase with floating wood treads, a floor plan that takes advantage of trade-wind patterns, and a reclaimed monkeypod island countertop in the kitchen that was sourced from a local treeremoval service.

INTERIORS

Long also is proud of another project that is years in the making: Hawaii’s first ecoluxury LEED for Homes projects located on Kahala Avenue, one of just a handful of LEED Gold-certified homes on Oahu. “The Kahala home is a commitment,” Long says. “It is the culmination of years of working in the environmental and sustainable communities, and bringing the experience together in a cohesive and measurable design.”

HONOLULU 808 521 1467 MAUI 808 669 9085

It would appear that Long & Associates’ specialty is green design and is riding on a new trend. However, Long doesn’t see it that way, and takes exception to the term “trends.” “For us, environmentally conscious design is not new,” he says. “Over 30

LONG & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS

years ago, I received my degree in architecture and environmental design, and in that regard everything that we have done in the past and will do in the future always maintains a degree of sustainability and environmental awareness.” The collective commitment to sustainability at Long & Associates is so strong that when the company completed the home on Kahala Avenue, it opened its doors to school children, college students, design professionals, and the community, to encourage discussion of green design practices. “We take the green philosophy in a measured way,” Long says. “Some clients choose to be greener than others and make choices accordingly; some remain apprehensive and are more selective in the use and integration for their home or project. Our goal would be to bring as much awareness and education as possible to our clients through the work that we’ve done and the certifications we’ve received from the LEED council such to provide a menu from which they can consciously choose. Ecoluxury is our approach for the market we work in today. To us, that means well-crafted, durable, healthy homes that are woven into the natural environment and meet the aesthetic and quality standards we’ve established over three decades and that our clients have come to expect.”

WWW LAI-HAWAII COM n

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Studio H:T Perfecting Eco-conscious Luxury homes with plush accommodations and atypical designs by Frederick Jerant Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Studio H:T is a full-service architecture, interior-architecture, and development-consulting firm. Much of its work is devoted to high-end, very sustainable residential projects, primarily in Colorado and California.

Photos: ellen jaskol

“We consider ourselves to be ‘capital-D Designers,’ which means we concentrate on solving the problems that develop as designs evolve,” says founding partner Brad Tomecek, AIA. “We don’t specialize in multifamily dwellings or medical architecture. Our business bridges all typologies—the full gamut of projects and building types.” Instead of allowing a single vision to drive the business, Studio H:T operates as a “collaborative cooperative.” As cofounding partner Christopher Herr, AIA, puts it, “Some architectural firms tend to be ego-heavy; we are not. At Studio H:T, the ‘ego’ is in the collective talent we have on board. We’re more concerned with developing the best idea, and less with determining exactly who developed it.” The success of that approach is evidenced by the firm’s numerous professional awards, in-

cluding a pair of regional AIA Young Architect of the Year awards for the principals. Studio H:T’s goal is to mix form and function so that it serves its clients’ needs, but also improves their lives. That’s a basis for its success in the ecoconscious, luxury market niche. These homes offer elegant living with minimal effect on the environment. One way that the firm accomplishes its sustainable goals is by focusing on atypical building methods and alternative systems. For example, the firm often works with a German prefabricated system called eco-panels. “They’re similar to structural insulated panels,” Tomecek says, “but the windows, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure are built right into the wall.” The firm’s dedication to ecological soundness is exemplified in a home that was constructed from a discarded pair of 40-foot shipping containers. “These containers enter the US from overseas and are rarely returned; it’s less costly to make new

The Box House Located in Boulder, CO, the Box House is situated on a steep hillside. Working with the slope informed the project’s character. Studio H:T designed the prominently located home to take advantage of the compelling views that look to the east, southeast, and south. A ribbon of concrete carves through the hillside to create the space for the programmed boxes. The garage and main living level push into the earth, while the studio and the master suite float above it. Additionally, a slot of space organizes the procession from the car park at the north to the courtyard at the south, and the courtyards form introverted space that perceptually enlarges the efficient interior.

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ones than to ship them back,” Herr says. “This is one way to take some of them out of circulation and make them useful.” Another notable project is known as the Box House, a 2400-square-foot structure located in Boulder. Its green aspects include 2.8-kilowatt photovoltaic panels that supply about 80 percent of the home’s electrical needs, and hydronic heating—driven by evacuated tube solar collectors— beneath the concrete floors. “Our first challenge was the property itself,” Tomecek says. “Not only was there no flat land, we had to deal with a 40 percent slope.” The team designed a concrete ribbon that winds through the hillside, defining the foundational space for the rest of the house and supporting the steeply angled land. “We like to take our design cues from site-specific features, such as the surrounding views and other contexts,” he adds. Two boxes rest upon the ground: one is a garage, the other is the main living area. To complement the solidity of the ground-based boxes, two others seem to float above the lower structures, and

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serve as the master bedroom and a detached studio. “We like to express ideas in architecture,” Herr says, “and this one is a rich expression of the contrast between grounding and floating.” The contrasts and complements continue through the interior, as well. A set of stairs has three solid concrete risers at the bottom that form one end of a work space; the remainder of the steel-framed staircase is fabricated from 3/16-inch folded steel plate and extends above the work area—again, combining solidity with a sense of airiness. Also, the master bedroom connects to the master bath/closet section of the upper level with an elevated bridge made from laminated veneer lumber. “We spaced them out,” Herr says, “to provide an ephemeral aesthetic to the structure.” The slight elevation provides an almost-subconscious sense of separation. “The bedroom is like a sanctuary,” Tomecek says, “and when you step down and off the bridge, your body expresses the notion of departure, of leaving the day’s cares behind. It’s another way we manifest an abstract idea through architecture.”

The Shipping Container House The innovations used in the 1,500-square-foot Shipping Container House have earned Studio H:T an Innovative Practice Award from the American Institute of Architects, Colorado. The client was interested in recycling materials and reducing energy expenses; the designers met those goals head on. The two 40-foot shipping containers, which are used for sleeping and working, bookend a taller middle section that provides entry, dining, and living areas, as well as a loft above. The home’s platform bed rolls easily from the interior to the exterior loft deck, for convenient open-air sleeping surrounded by fir, pine, and aspen trees. Additionally, doors, floors, and decking are made from reclaimed materials; a central wood-burning stove is fueled by trimmings from nearby trees; and the home’s use of solar orientation, passive cooling, green roofs, and photovoltaic equipment has the potential to allow off-the-grid living.

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Photos: ellen jasko

“We consider ourselves to be ‘capital-D Designers,’ which means we concentrate on solving the problems that develop as designs evolve.” Brad Tomecek, Founding Partner

At Tomahawk Timberframes & Doubletree Designs we design & build “Green” Handcrafted Timber Frame homes. With us, building green is not just a cliché, it’s a way of life. Our homes and shop are totally oﬀ the grid. In our 40 years of building luxury homes across the United States, we “built green” before it became main stream. We have always combined the latest “Green Technologies” with "Old World Craftsmanship". We only use standing dead trees, recycled timbers and renewable forest products. Combining these with energy eﬃcient designs, building techniques and green building products, we produce an eco-friendly luxurious place to live.

Earthform Design is a full-service professional landscape architectural design firm based in Santa Barbara, California specializing in master landplanning and urban site-design for high-end residential, commercial and institutional projects. Established in 1980 by Sam Maphis, ASLA, Earthform Design has extensive experience working with state and local agencies in California, Arizona, Colorado, Florida as well as international projects located in the

77 South 4th Avenue Brighton, Colorado 80601

Middle East and Panama. Award-winning designs are first and foremost inspired by the clients’ need for architectural style compatibility and site-specific conditions and sustainability. From concept to construction, and with special attention to detail, Earthform creates landscapes and gardens that are both dramatically aesthetic yet functional and enduring.

EARTHFORM D

1227 De La Vina Street Santa Barbara, California 93101 Phone: 805.963.2006 | Fax: 805.963.8335

www.doubletreedesigns.com www.tomahawktimberframes.com www.earthform.com jan / feb 2011

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The Padaro Residence

B3 Architects Sustainable homes crafted with living in mind by Susan Flowers Lots of people are ambitious and eager to succeed, even at a young age, but very few are in Barry Berkus’ league: his drive to be an architect was so strong that he started his own firm before he was out of college. Berkus’ first company, a precursor to the Santa Barbara, California, firm he now runs, was the culmination of a longtime fascination with drawing and space—and with the people who inhabit that space. “I was always interested in buildings and how they work,” Berkus says. “I had a real interest in having people in something other than filing cabinets. I really wanted them to be in interesting spaces. The family starts their day in the home, and the family is like a garden, in that you’re nurturing members of the family by the home’s quality of space.”

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Applying this philosophy has made Berkus wildly successful. Currently operating as B3 Architects, his company has had offices around the world during its 50-year history, in locations such as Europe, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. While Berkus and his team of seven to eight architects focus primarily on residential work, the company’s portfolio also encompasses projects as diverse as wineries and a recently completed children’s museum. Philanthropic projects such as the museum meet the same high standards that Berkus sets for his residential work. “People still are the focus of the buildings,” he says.”You’re continuously trying to stimulate the intellect and curiosity.You want people always to be stimulated to learn and ex-

The Padaro Residence, located in Carpenteria, CA, features glass walls that help bring the garden into the home’s interior living environments, extending the perception of space. “The materials and texture utilized beyond the home’s interior are an important extension of the philosophy of the design within,” Berkus notes. The garden and exterior surfaces were created by Arcadia Studio (arcadiastudio.com).

plore.You don’t want them to settle for something less than the building could be. We’re not afraid to invent and reinvent. There’s always a better way to do it. We’re always able to expand the meaning of the building.” And for Berkus, that means finding solutions for clients. “I love to create and discover new horizons and to solve problems, to look beyond the predictable,” he says. “The building comes to life, and it stimulates [a client’s] being, and can stimulate the imagination and mental and physical health of people who experience it.” Thinking creatively for Berkus and his team includes a focus on sustainability. In the children’s museum, for example, making the building

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“We believe that as we increase in population and as cities increase in density, that trying to create formulas that use less to create more is important.” Barry Berkus, Founder

At Flowers & Associates, Inc., we are proud of our record of achievement and our dedication to sustaining ethical and professional standards in our endeavors.

Open Living Dana Berkus Interiors (danaberkusinteriors.com) complemented B3 Architects’ design of simplicity for this home, creating minimal furnishings and groupings to honor the home’s lines and geometry. Hard surfaces were both softened and accented by textures and forms of period and contemporary furnishings.

breathe and using daylight as a source was a top priority. Berkus looked for inspiration to architectural practices of centuries ago, when a building’s design provided light, warmth, and ventilation out of necessity. The need for environmentally sound practices goes beyond the effect on the environment and extends to humanity, according to Berkus. “We believe that as we increase in population and as cities increase in density, that trying to create formulas that use less to create more is important,” he says. “Sustainability begins with a human being. [Through our work], we’re trying to enfranchise a human being and give them a feeling of worth, trying to take these human beings and make them a part of the formula so that they’re proud of who they are and what they do. I want them to contribute and to be part of a community.” Berkus has noticed a generational difference in his clients when it comes to environmental awareness. “The younger generation is more aware and wants to save the planet,” he says. That enthusiasm for

environmental issues is shared by Berkus’s three grown children, who work in the industry as an architect, a builder, and an interior designer. With two of the Berkus siblings also married to interior designers, the extended family is involved in the field as well. Active and athletic all of his life, Berkus’s outdoor hobbies in past years included helicopter skiing, mountain climbing, ice climbing in the Antarctic, and sailing from destinations as far-flung as Hawaii and Mexico. Today, he spends much of his leisure time on a road bike, seeing and enjoying the environment at his own pace instead of through the windows of a car. He is also a serious art collector, co-chairing the Collections Committee for Contemporary Art for the National Gallery in Washington, DC. Luckily for his clients, Barry Berkus still has the drive to succeed that has taken him to the pinnacle of his field. The world of architecture can expect to see him discovering new horizons for many years to come.

Flowers & Associates was established in Santa Barbara, California in 1977 with the aim of providing specialized consultant design and professional civil engineering services to Architects and developers to further their process and achievement. These projects provided teaming opportunities with forward-thinking personages with the goal of providing the best project possible. This early work set the tone and scale for the firm which has provided services in four western states for land development and commercial improvement projects. We have continued to work with Architectural design leaders such as Barry Berkus, featured herein, on creating successful and noteworthy development achievements. Flowers & Associates has expanded and matured to encompass a wider range of civil engineering planning, design and construction applications. The firm is now proficient in providing project organization, planning, technical studies and reports as well as the routine plan and specification production for construction projects of varied types. We provide guiding input to clients and environmentally sensitive and LEED certified projects.

Flowers & A ssociates, I nc. C

Santa Barbara, CA | 805-966-2224

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