Signature Homes by Rachel Lynn Watkins

NEST ARCHITECTURE

San Circle House

SAN CIRCLE HOUSE TYPE: single family SIZE: 6,000 square feet MAIN ROOMS: great room, kitchen, family, screening room, five bedrooms, five-and-a-half bathrooms Punctuated by contemporary architectural lines and flooded with an abundance of natural light, the San Circle House is a beacon of statement design in San Ysidro Canyon, adjacent to Beverly Hills, California. The main goal for the residence was to maximize the alluring views—both of the verdant canyon walls and of the sparkling city lights below—and to inject daylight into every angle of the house. Mission accomplished, in more ways than one. Divided into two, two-story blocks, the home features a gallery in the middle to bridge the front and rear gardens and bring the radiance of the exterior surroundings inside. Floor-to-ceiling windows draw in light to enhance the connection to the outdoors, while corner glass provides panoramic vistas. Balconies across the entirety of the second floor, accessed via sliding glass doors, provide an additional link to the exterior. The property’s signature floating gallery roof, which hovers on steel tendrils above gallery walls and features skylights at each bay, allows even more natural light to stream in from all sides. The clean exterior, wrapped with smooth, hand-troweled plaster and travertine, is only matched by the minimalistic interior design of Franke Fowler, effectively complementing the cheerful, uplifting spaces in fine form. Photographs courtesy of Nest Architecture

Nest Architecture

THOMAS THADDEUS TRUETT ARCHITECT

Cottage 52

COTTAGE 52 TYPE: single family SIZE: 6,800 square feet MAIN ROOMS: front foyer, living room, gallery, master bedroom, loggia For a family who had always preferred the uncompromising character of an older home, Cottage 52 provided the perfect entrée into the realm of new construction. The oceanfront residence on Sea Island, Georgia reflects a Mediterranean Revival style, with Thad and builder Rob Marett having every intention of harmoniously weaving it into the established landscape of the area. Mission accomplished, when a passerby inquired as to the timeline for the property’s renovation. Lime-washed Georgia brick, a missionstyle clay roof, and steel windows and doors draw inspiration from the nearby Casa Genotta, the charming 1930s dwelling of renowned playwright Eugene O’Neill, which the homeowners wished to emulate. Inside Cottage 52, the sense of deep-rooted soul continues with authentic details such as arched ceilings, beams crafted of antique heart pine from a building in Harlem, New York, and hand-painted tiles, to which interior designer Susan LaPelle riffed on subtle Palm Beach styling with an uplifting take on traditional furnishings. Maximizing its surroundings, the home features straight-shot views to the water beyond, with a covered loggia one of the many highlights of the relaxed-refined space. Photographs by Lucas Hock, Hock Pictures

Thomas Thaddeus Truett Architect

MARYANN THOMPSON ARCHITECTS

Stonington Meadow House

Maryann Thompson Architects

STONINGTON MEADOW HOUSE TYPE: single family SIZE: 4,600 square feet MAIN ROOMS: living room, kitchen, master bedroom with private balcony, roofdeck patio A modern idyllic retreat on more than 100 rolling acres of Connecticut farmland, the Stonington Meadow House is a striking beacon that’s effortlessly nestled into a long ridge amidst stately beech trees. A second home for a New York City-based couple, who escape the concrete jungle to this farm hideaway, the property masterfully maintains an open communication between the indoors and the outdoors. The home’s undulating levels follow the movement of the land while private rooftop decks offer unique, unobstructed views of the landscaping designed by Reed Hilderbrand, as well as the surrounding pastures and ocean beyond. Disappearing glass walls blur the boundaries between the ambiguous interior and exterior; the sliding screened panels in the main living rooms in essence transforming the space into a large screened-in porch. Delicate sheer white drapes assure no hindrance of view while softly recognizing the presence of the wind, heightening the natural phenomena of the site. The property’s large overhangs modulate the sun, providing shade in the summer while admitting direct light in winter. Natural materials are used throughout, including walnut, stone, and porcelain tile, with whitewashed cedar ceilings that extend to the exterior overhangs, further bridging the outside with the inside. Linen-white, integral plaster walls are quietly reflective, mirroring the landscape, the minimal palette allowing for greater emphasis on the vibrancy of the site and its multifaceted light to dominate. Photographs by Chuck Choi

Maryann Thompson Architects

ARCHITECT JEFF WHYTE +ASSOC INC

The Algonquin House

THE ALGONQUIN HOUSE TYPE: single-family SIZE: 06,000 square feet MAIN ROOMS: living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom Tucked away in a heavily wooded sanctuary in Illinois’ Fox River Valley, the Algonquin House is a study in modern warmth. Inspired by the owners’ love of the trees and lush land that surrounds the havenlike property, the home’s harmonious design is contemporary yet compatible with nature. The exterior combination of cedar and glass, as well as stone sourced from Wisconsin, blends seamlessly with the landscape. The dynamic three-story structure features a total of seven levels, with subtly offset floors reflecting the rolling terrain of the site. Nature pervades the interiors, as well. The cherry kitchen is highlighted by a walk-out bay window with a glass roof blurring the line between inside and outside. The main focal point in the living room is a wall of windows, with panes made purposefully irregular to organically reflect the forest beyond. The house opens in the back to a cantilevered balcony that lifts into the canopy, completing the tree-house-like effect. Photographs by Nathan Kirkman

Architect Jeff Whyte +Assoc Inc

FLORIAN ARCHITECTS

Ross Residence

ROSS RESIDENCE TYPE: single family SIZE: 3,000 square feet MAIN ROOMS: living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, master suite, two offices Designed to embrace the gracious character of the American Arts and Crafts style as well as modern flourishes, this three-bedroom Evanston home combines the best of both worlds. The homeowners appreciated the good bones, authenticity, and handcrafted details of Craftsman architecture, but not the isolated rooms that typically accommodate them. So, traditional exterior elements including a masonry base, buttressed stucco walls, multiple porches, and corner windows were celebrated. And interior spaces were made more generous, family-friendly, and interconnected by a contemporary sensibility toward openness and natural light. The entry features an ornamental, vertically slatted wood staircase, emphasizing the spirit of Craftsman design. The warm, wood-accented living room, dining room and kitchen are grounded by a double-facing fireplace and joined together under a continuous curved vault ceiling. Inspired by a ballroom in a George Maher house, these three areas, with interior finishes by Nancy Hernandez, are the focal point of the home; a perfect setting for entertaining as many as 35 guests. Photographs: below and facing page by Mark F. Heffron; previous pages by Karant + Associates

Florian Architects

EAST VILLAGE RESIDENCE TYPE: addition SIZE: 1,600 square feet MAIN ROOMS: living room Appearances can be delightfully deceiving, and such is the case at a charming, rehabbed English brick cottage in Chicago’s East Village neighborhood. The charge was to create a secret addition to a singlefamily residence—an addition that didn’t compromise the home’s street-facing presence or contradict its intrinsically historic vernacular. Contemporary elements, such as an industrial aluminum roof and rich wood veneer paneling, are juxtaposed with the existing exposed brick walls to create a careful balance between new and old. Tradition was also turned on its head with a French balcony and distinctive windows, each overlooking the intimate back garden designed by Cosmo Ferraro. The larger threepaned window is paired with an acrylic light box to boost illumination and thereby soften the hard edges of the space inside. The sleek living room’s concrete hearth, which bursts through the back wall to house an outdoor grill, is just another of the captivating surprises that set this structure apart. Photographs by Kate Roth

Florian Architects

LAKE SHORE DRIVE RESIDENCE TYPE: apartment SIZE: 5,000 square feet MAIN ROOMS: entry hall, living room, powder room, library, master suite, formal dining room, informal

dining, kitchen, pantry, children’s bedrooms, playroom Whispering of casual elegance, the expansive full-floor apartment in Chicago’s Gold Coast is artfully designed to accommodate an active young family’s love of formal entertaining as well as comfortable living. The home’s classic, refined interior furniture and finishes are the work of designer Lynn Hummer. The architecture of this sophisticated, five-bedroom residence exudes a grand sense of tradition with a polished edge and features a private elevator vestibule that opens onto its sparkling centerpiece: a dramatic 20-foot long entry hall that’s grounded by a terrazzo floor and refurbished brass thresholds, then surrounded by decoratively festive floral wallpaper. To the east, windows in the living room, formal dining room, and library picturesquely frame views of Lake Michigan. To the west, a sequence of formal and informal hallways and vestibules, including a bedroom corridor painted with a graceful diamond trellis pattern, effectively delineate the public spaces from the private, creating a seamless fusion of formality, comfort, and charm. Photographs by Brooke Hummer Photography

Florian Architects

SIMONINI HOMES

Private Residence

PRIVATE RESIDENCE TYPE: single family SIZE: 12,000 square feet MAIN ROOMS: formal living room, great room, office, master foyer, master bedroom, pool house Exuding a majestic sense of elegance and charm, this private residence in Salisbury, North Carolina, is a grand example of English country house inspiration infused with French architectural flair that quietly references the renowned Biltmore Mansion. Designed to be a statement property that’s simultaneously sophisticated and inviting, the home greets guests with an impressive arched column entry into the foyer where a mahogany and iron-laced staircase swoops upstairs with a flourish. Mahogany is also put to good use in the handsome wood-paneled office, while the living room and great room shines brightly with rows of windows specifically placed to frame the view of the sparkling pool. Not surprisingly, the property maximizes the indoor-outdoor lifestyle and is simply made for entertaining. Architect Christopher Phelps and designer Barbara Fisher ensured it was in fine form, working in tandem to create the distinguished European aesthetic with polished marble and “truckloads” of Mexican limestone throughout. The impactful exterior and interior details, including decorative columns and moldings, plaster appliques, a copper domed roof, and groin vault and beamed ceilings, are only elevated by the classic furnishings and refined finishes that permeate the home. Photographs courtesy of Simonini Homes

Simonini Homes

DERRICK ARCHITECTURE

High View Home

HIGH VIEW HOME TYPE: single-family SIZE: 8,800 square feet MAIN ROOMS: entry hall, great room, formal dining room, guest suite, kitchen and breakfast room A beautiful example of traditional, European-inspired design, this property in the Glen Ellyn suburb of Chicago is not only well-suited to the context of its neighborhood but also to the family of five who call it home. Specifically planned to fit their lifestyle, the residence emphasizes a spirit of comfortable formality with a floor plan that’s defined by a separation of spaces, with the front receiving rooms set apart from the more open, casual areas in the back of the house. Interior architectural details, such as decorative columns, wood-beamed ceilings, and leaded glass, are given as much attention as the striking stone and stucco exterior which is punctuated by curving balconies, warm copper accents, and arched detailing. An emphasis on natural light, as well as a screened-in porch with retractable windows which is adjacent to the kitchen, bring the outside in—no matter the season—while offering views of the expansive surrounding patio and gardens. Attention to fine detail, both in design and craftsmanship, allows this stunning home to stand out amongst its neighbors. Photographs by Bill Meyer Photography

Derrick Architecture

12/12 ARCHITECTS

Cape Cod Addition

CAPE COD ADDITION TYPE: single family SIZE: 2,500 square feet MAIN ROOMS: new master bedroom suite, family room, mudroom, and covered porch; plus

remodeled kitchen When the owners of an exceptionally charming, 1920s Cape Cod-style residence in a small Chicago suburb wanted some extra space, the only solution was to build an addition to the existing home. The challenge was to maintain the integrity of the signature, character-filled architecture in the process, while creating a serene yet intellectual new space for the couple; heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an engineer and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a professor. Although the addition cannot be seen from the street, once glimpsed, it appears as if it could have always been part of the historic property. Strategically placed brick accents tie into existing brick for continuity, while new siding blends in seamlessly. Designed to maximize natural light and views into the abundant backyard gardens, the addition features large European-style, tilt-turn windows and a covered rear porch, the primary entrance for owners from the detached garage. Inside, a remodeled kitchen and archway leads the way to the addition, where wood floors continue throughout the space for further consistency. The homeowners constructed all the custom woodwork throughout, from the window trim to the shelving, cabinets, and even the towel bars in the bathroom. Upstairs, the breezy master bedroom includes backyard-facing windows that run the full width of the addition, while an interior window smartly allows light to filter into the hallway of the newly widened stairwell and existing bedrooms and bath. Photographs by Larry Kmiecik, Kmiecik Imagery

12/12 Architects

STUDIO 1 ARCHITECTS

The Federal on Lexington

THE FEDERAL ON LEXINGTON TYPE: single family SIZE: 11,500 square feet MAIN ROOMS: kitchen, sitting room, six bedrooms, finished attic and basement, pool house,

in-law suite Having fallen in love with the distinguished Eleutherian Mills in Delaware, the first American residence and gunpowder mill of the Du Pont family, the owners of this stately federal-style home in the Chicago suburb of Wheaton set out to emulate their favorite aspects of their inspiration property. With that in mind, the team at Studio 1 Architects grandly reflected the distinguished elements of the Du Pont place, while creating a comfortable home for a family. The symmetrical, street-facing front elevation is highlighted by a stucco exterior with functional, louvered shutters, all nodding to the regimented style that continues inside, where the mood is classically formal. Traditional, compartmentalized rooms include a farmhouse-kitchen, sitting room with a piano niche, and a wood-paneled office, all anchored by 12-inch pine-board floors for an elegant yet rustic touch. One of the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s showcase interior spaces is a sunny informal dining room, which is crowned by a molding-encased skylight shaft. The room leads out to the pool deck and backyard, where the prime entertaining space includes an expansive patio, drapery-enclosed loggia, and fireplace. Photographs courtesy of Studio 1

Studio 1 Architects

MADISON STREET HOME TYPE: single-family SIZE: 8,000 square feet MAIN ROOMS: living room, master bedroom suite, kitchen, patio A secluded retreat within Chicago’s bustling Madison Street surroundings was the order of the day at this two-story residence, where a multipronged, garage-facing entrance and motor court immediately provides shelter from the noise while ensuring the highest level of privacy. Aside from creating a sense of quiet among the bustle, the progressive homeowners wanted the property to echo a cool yet character-filled modernity. In that manner, the exterior’s distressed brick, accomplished by a stucco wash, gives the perception of a storied history, avoiding the newness of more pristine tiles. Miniature gargoyles greet guests at the main entrance, which opens into a gallery hallway with heated floors. The formal living room features a grand molded fireplace and sleek furnishings while the contemporary, white-washed eat-in kitchen with iron lanterns makes use of a huge walk-in pantry to replace the traditional row of upper cabinets. A large covered patio is located just off the kitchen, showcasing the steep slope of the striking backyard area that’s punctuated by a small stream and a protected wetland, all restored to their natural beauty by the homeowners. Photographs courtesy of Studio 1

Studio 1 Architects

ALLEN-GUERRA ARCHITECTURE

Black Sands Beach House

BLACK SANDS BEACH HOUSE TYPE: single-family home SIZE: 6,874 square feet MAIN ROOMS: great room, master suite, guest suite with balcony, covered lanai The aloha spirit is written all over the walls of this striking Kailua-Kona home on Hawaii’s Big Island. The oceanfront property itself is a modern interpretation of traditional Hawaiian plantation architecture, as imagined by the Allen-Guerra team including lead architect Courtney Saldivar, AIA, and Timothy Sabo. Even the log posts, used throughout, are native Hawaiian ʻōhiʻa lehua, which is a species of flowering evergreen tree thought to be sacred to Pele, the goddess of Hawaiian volcanos, in island folklore. The remarkable view of the North Pacific waters served as the primary inspiration for the open floorplan design, dominated by an artful balance between the “makai” (toward the sea) lanais and the “mauka” (toward the mountains) side of the home. The sizeable great room seamlessly unites both land and sea while creating the illusion that the mountainside pool, designed by Kolohe Design, LLC, faces the ocean. The surrounding waters also informed the core structure of the house, which is built on a pier system with more than 60 piers supporting a concrete deck that floats six feet above ground, allowing large waves and swells to sweep underneath the house—and its master suite, which is perched on a small sliver of land that extends out towards the water for the ultimate ocean retreat. Photographs by Panavi2 Photography / panavi2.com

Allen-Guerra Architecture

B-BAR-K RANCH BARN AND EQUESTRIAN CENTER TYPE: horse barn and equestrian center SIZE: 46,000 square feet MAIN ROOMS: tack room, 19 horse stalls, horse wash bay, attached recreation spaces The joy of horsemanship steered the design reins of this Colorado property, where Allen-Guerra architects Yves Mariethoz and Ben Henson worked with the owners to fulfill their vision of a place for family and friends to gather while celebrating the equestrian sport. Recreational spaces inside the barn all feature walls of windows that strategically capitalize on impressive views to the indoor horse arena. A ping-pong room, billiards room, library, TV lounge, large bar, and game area provide even more entertainmentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and little reason to leave the premises! The western-style barn pays homage to National Park Lodgestyle architectural features, such as large boulders at the base of the exterior stone veneer as well as thick wood trim and wainscoting inside. The integrity of the local landscape also pervades the property with the materials used by builder Matt Halliday of Landmark Luxury Homes; wood beams crafted from beetlekill pine timbers were harvested and milled locally. The stone used throughout is from the Coloradobased Telluride Stone Company, and the steel bar top inside was fabricated by the Colorado steel forging company, Ventana, and specially selected by interior designer Heidi Hanson of Added Touch Design. Many of the ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; trophy mounts are also showcased in the equestrian center, where architectural details specifically incorporate the big game mounts and taxidermy to further amplify the ruggedly robust spirit of the space. Photographs by Bob Ninsett

Allen-Guerra Architecture

THOMAS BAIO ARCHITECT

Beechcroft Home

BEECHCROFT HOME TYPE: single family SIZE: approximately 12,000 square feet MAIN ROOMS: living room, family room, dining room, 7 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms A spirit of true Americana is at the heart of this home in Short Hills, New Jersey, a sprawling architectural stunner that serves as the primary residence for a growing family. Suitably dramatic, the property is a sculptural collection of classic American vernacular elements, distinctively developed from two eclectic, disparate structures: a 1940s American Colonial home and a carriage house. They are seamlessly united by a modern, cupola-crowned bridge addition that connects the two spaces and, in effect, bridges the two different design eras. The grandeur of the exterior, which is clad in Western red cedar shingles along with horizontal lap siding and stone, is only matched by manicured landscapes, designed by Landscapes by Lou. The comfortably livable interior includes a two-story family room with a balcony overlook that’s adjacent to the back staircase along with a contemporary living room and dining room. The color palette reflects muted gray tones infused with subtle colors—soft greens, blues, and pinks—that provide warmth and radiance to render an environment that is at once modern and inviting. Photographs by Jody Gianni (exterior) and Peter Rymwid (interior)

Thomas Baio Architect