HOME RENOVATION
CONTENTS
Highlights from this Issue of myTrends Home Renovation
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HOME RENOVATION It’s a challenge at the best of times – updating, expanding, blending the best features of the old with the convenience of the latest innovations. Where to begin? So how do you make sure that the final result will meet your expectations? You go to mytrends! On mytrends you can search for design ideas and solutions in our online showcase of hundreds of remodeled and renovated homes, kitchens, bathrooms and apartments; and connect with our community of architects and designers. When you’re ready to start choosing, mytrends can suggest products, services and expertise to help make your final selections easier. In this issue of mytrends Home Renovation we’ve collected some of the latest ideas to impress us. You’ll find these projects and many, many more on mytrends – where everyone who loves design can find each other, share ideas and collaborate on projects. Join us today and discover a whole new world of design inspiration!
HIGHLIGHTS mytrends editorial contact – Kathleen Kinney kathleen.kinney@trendsideas.com mytrends sales contact – Judy Johnson judy.johnson@trendsideas.com
8 We open this edition with designer Donald Billinkoff’s own vacation home. Head over to myTrends to take a peek inside the homes of other designers
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48 The charming front face of this bungalow was retained and restored, but big changes happened at the back. You’ll find similar projects on myTrends
This issue is a print edition of myTrends digital content
Known as a modernist, our cover story shows how architect Alexander Gorlin FAIA updated an 18th century farmhouse. See more of his work on myTrends
More ideas, information and inspiration, plus the full multimedia experience at trendsideas.com
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Beam work, ceiling detail, raised tub, and rain shower strategically concealed in a beam make a truly unique master spa bath.
Unique use of insulation techniques and materials makes this home top of its class in energy efficiency.
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Glass balusters provide security while also acting as “windows� for an unobstructed view from the upper level deck.
Second time round Architects and designers remodeling houses for their own families bring a fresh insight to projects long past their prime
designer’s own
Take two Remodeling this house involved a Mid-century makeover that maximized both the views and the modernity of the ’60s design
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There can be many design influences that determine the direction an architect takes for his own home. In 1968, when Connecticut architect George Lechner built this house for his own use, it was the work of Mid-century Modernists that inspired the design. But that wasn’t the only influence, says architect Donald Billinkoff, who recently remodeled the house for his own family. “Lechner was an architect working on education facilities, notably high schools. This background was evident in
the design. For example, while windows on one side were large to provide valley views, on the other side – the front elevation – they were high and small, so the house had a penitentiary look, and much of the view was simply blocked off.” Billinkoff says the house aspired to Modernism, but was hindered on the interior by a collection of small rooms. Not surprisingly, the remodeling was all about opening up the house to the spectacular forest and valley views, and opening up the interior.
“We reworked the perimeter of the house in terms of the fenestration, bringing windows right down to ground level on all sides,” says the architect. “The front of the house now looks a lot less like a school building.” To further maximize the view, a large screened porch was added onto one end of the house, stretching out towards the view. With an outdoor kitchen, dining and seating furniture, the porch is an extra room where the family spends most of the summer, says Billinkoff.
Preceding pages: To update this 1960s house for his own family’s use architect Donald Billinkoff opened it up to the spectacular forest and valley views. The remodeling included the addition of a 500sq ft screened porch. Facing page, top and above: Several interior walls were removed to create one large open-plan living area. The original ceramic tile fireplace surround was covered over with textural blockwork and blackened steel. Facing page, lower: The new kitchen incorporates a much larger window to maximize the view.
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Top: A seamless flow between inside and out is created by a large opening leading to the screened porch. The light fixture above the dining table, designed by the architect, features a steel channel with undercabinet-style lighting. Above and right: To provide a touch of drama in the living room, Billinkoff specified a purple sectional sofa by B&B Italia and a matching custom rug. Cable balustrading on the balcony beyond ensures the view is not interrupted by a large handrail.
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The entry hall was made to appear more spacious – walls were removed, including a wall that enclosed the stairs leading to a guest suite on the lower level. A wall closing off the kitchen was also removed to open the space up to the wider living area. The architect says taking out the walls to create one large, open-plan room has put the spotlight on the original wood-lined ceiling, with its dark-stained beams. This has become a significant feature of the interior and an important link with the forest beyond.
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Another prominent change to the living area involved the fireplace. “This was an awkward Mansard shape, and was covered in ceramic tile,” Billinkoff says. “But when we came to remove it, we found it was too difficult. The house didn’t just look like a commercial building, it was built like one – it is a real fortress.” Consequently, the chimney element was not removed, but was covered over with a concrete block wall that sits over a blackened steel fire surround. These raw
Facing page, top and lower: Two former bedrooms were opened up to the passageway to create an open television room and study. Above: A new plywood closet doubles as a headboard for the bed in the master suite. The freestanding unit was kept low to ensure the room would be flooded with natural light. Left: In remodeling the master bathroom, the original olive green fixtures and sunken tub were removed. A small high window was also removed and replaced with a large window that goes down to the floor level, allowing a view of the forest.
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Top: The new screened porch incorporates an outdoor kitchen with grill and hood, a large dining table and a separate seating area. Above and above right: Because the house sits on a hill, the screened porch is elevated, providing a view across the treetops. The soaring roofline allows plenty of light to penetrate. Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Peter Murdock Photography
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materials, and the stacked firewood, add a strong textural quality that balances the more streamlined aspects of the design. Further changes were made to the long bedroom wing, which featured rooms off one side of a 40ft corridor. “The wing had a motel quality that was not appealing,” says the architect. “To reduce the apparent length and narrowness, we made the first room a TV room, swapping the original door for a wide, sliding door. The entire room is open to the circulation area, but can be closed off
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if required. We also removed the wall to another former bedroom, creating a study with windows providing views out both sides of the house. These changes have created a lot more light and space.” The large master suite was another focus of attention. “The most significant change to this oversized room was the addition of a freestanding plywood closet,” says Billinkoff. “By stopping it short of the ceiling, we have ensured it doesn’t block the light, and there is still a view of the trees.”
Billinkoff says natural, eco-friendly materials were used wherever possible. He also installed a solar heated hot water system – there are panels on the roof. “The house has been brought right in to the 21st century, both functionally and aesthetically,” he says. “But while it now provides a contemporary loft-style living space, much of the original design detail has been retained.” View, save or share this story online at trendsideas.com/us2905p8
Architect and interior designer: Donald Billinkoff, Billinkoff Architecture PLLC (New York) General contractor: Hammersmith Inc Steel fireplace surround and handrails: Roverhead Metal Works Window shades: BlindTek Custom furniture: The Woodshop of Dennis Maloney Screened porch: Sofas and dining table custom designed by Donald Billinkoff, fabricated by The Woodshop of Dennis Maloney Pendant light fixtures in porch: Abolite from LSI Industries Floor and wall tiles: Nemo Tile Bedroom carpet: Patterson, Flynn & Martin
Dining table and sectional sofa: B&B Italia Dining chairs: Fullhouse Modern Console: Farnsworth Lounge chair: Torso designed by Paolo Deganello at Cassina Rug in living room: Crate & Barrel, custom cut by Rug-Tech Sofabed in TV room: Poltrona Frau Chairs in TV room: Saarinen Womb chair; Knoll Cooktop, ventilation and ovens: Wolf Refrigerators: Sub-Zero; General Electric Dishwashers: Miele Kitchen track lighting: Lightolier Countertops and backsplash: Corian
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In praise of Modernism In 1942 architect Burnham Hoyt was way ahead of his time – the Mid-century Modern architecture he espoused is appreciated even more today Architects have a good eye, so you can be sure when they choose an older home for their own family, it will have a strong design history. Two Denver architects, Sarah Semple Brown and Rusty Brown fell in love with this International-style house designed in 1942 by leading local architect Burnham Hoyt, who also designed the Denver Public Library and Red Rocks
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Amphitheatre. The house sits within an historic district, where most of the homes were built in the 1920s and have a more traditional character. “It is very unusual to find a Mid-century Modern house in this neighborhood,” says Sarah Semple Brown. “But we love the area, and the house has a real street presence – it is very alluring. We love the simple detailing and the horizontal
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stacked windows inspired by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier. Hoyt designed the house to be a grand gesture to the International style, and it is one of only a few such houses that remain.” The architect says that over the years, the architectural style has not always been appreciated, with many houses lost as a consequence. “These houses don’t have
very high ceilings and there is a lack of detailing – the rather spare look has not been to everyone’s tastes. Fortunately, the previous owners loved the house and had carried out considerable renovations. But there were still a lot of unnecessary walls that inhibited the flow through the house.” Remodeling the exterior of the house included clearing overgrown greenery. To better
expose the house, the owners removed sprawling creepers and two large and untidy spruce trees, one of which had fallen over. “We tidied the landscape but kept the original circular driveway, which is a typical feature of such houses,” says Semple Brown. “We also added a new path and wide steps to better connect the house with the street.”
Before
Above left and left: Designed in the Mid-century Modern style, this 1940s house has been extensively remodeled by architect-owners Sarah Semple Brown and Rusty Brown. Trees and creepers obscuring the front of the house were removed, and new landscaping introduced. Above: Removing a wall between the entry hall and dining room has opened up the views through the house and improved the circulation.
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Preceding pages and right: The living room is two steps down from the rest of the house. The owners say its size is reminiscent of a loft – there is plenty of space for two seating areas and a grand piano. Above: A new moveable screen replaces the wall between the hallway and dining room. It features fluted glass recycled from the original wall. French doors on the south side of the room open onto the landscaped back yard.
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One of the key changes to the interior is visible from the entry. A long wall was removed to improve the flow through the house, and to open up a view to the landscaped south-facing back yard. “We were able to reuse the fluted glass in the original wall to create a sliding screen,” says Semple Brown. “We wanted to preserve the existing character wherever possible.”
The architect says the large size of the salon-style living area was another appealing feature – the room is almost like a loft. Furniture was chosen to complement the Mid-century Modern look. Semple Brown says vintage and new pieces have been acquired gradually over the years, and several items have come down through the family, including a 5ft-diameter wood coffee table.
“We love the proportions of the fireplace also. This has a large travertine surround that matches a travertine column – both original features.” The couple retained the wood flooring as well, opting for a dark stain that helps anchor the space visually. The house does have a new kitchen, however, in a new location. A Bulthaup kitchen, designed by William Landeros
and Jed MacKenzie of Kitchen Distributors, was positioned to open right up to the terrace and landscaped back yard. “The original kitchen was very small, and did not work with the scale of the house,” says Semple Brown. Landeros and MacKenzie teamed high-gloss white acrylic cabinets with a quartz island countertop and stainless steel perimeter tops. A slab of
Top: The position of the kitchen was changed, bringing the room closer to the outdoors, which improved the outlook and natural light. The new kitchen, designed by William Landeros and Jed MacKenzie of Kitchen Distributors, is also much larger, so it is a better scale for the size of the house. Above: A large slab of elm wood forms an island bartop. It also provides visual warmth, balancing the crisp look of the cabinets.
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Above: The original spiral staircase creates a dramatic, sculptural centerpiece. Sarah Semple Brown describes it as the single most important feature of the house. Right: Although it was last remodeled in the 1980s, the master bathroom has not been altered. The owners say they appreciate the stainless steel cabinets and bathtub, and the granite slabs that feature on the walls, floor and vanities.
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elm wood forms the bartop. “With its huge island, the new kitchen is a much better fit for the size for the house,” says MacKenzie. “To keep the look modern, we added sleek anodized aluminum panels for the backsplash.” To gain extra natural light in the kitchen, family room and home office, the owners demolished a pool enclosure adjoining the house, which
had been added in the 1970s. Perhaps the most dramatic Mid-century Modern feature retained in the refurbishment is the grand spiral staircase, which is cantilevered off a curved wall, complete with curved windows. “This is a very sculptural, highly engineered feature,” says Semple Brown. “Architecturally, it is the most significant element in the house.”
Another pleasing find for the owners was the white oak flooring on the upper level, which had been hidden beneath wall-to-wall carpet. “We were expecting the more typical Douglas fir planks, but discovered beautiful white oak,” says the architect. “We have refinished these in a light stain, which retains the light, airy look of the bedrooms.”
“We also kept the original plaster valances that run around the perimeter of the rooms above the windows – these conceal fluorescent strip lighting, and probably hid the tops of curtains, ” says Semple Brown. “We feel, with all the changes we have made, that we have reclaimed the home, so it once again reflects the architect’s original intent.”
Above: Solid white oak floorboards were hidden beneath wall-to-wall carpet. These were given a light stain to complement the white walls and light furnishings. Another distinctive, original feature of the master bedroom is a dressing table niche lined with mirror panels. The top of the table is also mirrored. The door beyond this area opens to the terrace on the upper level.
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Architect and interior designer: Sarah Semple Brown, Rusty Brown, Semple Brown Design (Denver) Kitchen designer: William Landeros, Jed MacKenzie, Kitchen Distributors Structural engineer: McGlamery Engineering Group Builder: Miles Livingston Kitchen company: Bulthaup Denver Doors and windows: Original custom sliding windows; new bifolding doors by La Cantina Flooring: Red oak Lighting: Lightolier; Visual Interest Paints and varnishes: Benjamin Moore Screen: Custom design by architect Kitchen cabinets: Alpine white high gloss; wall panels in anodized aluminum Countertops: Stainless steel with integrated sinks, and elm bar top by Bulthaup; quartz Faucets: Dornbracht Oven and cooktop: Miele Ventilation and dishwasher: Bulthaup Refrigeration: Liebherr; Sub-Zero Bathroom walls and vanity top: Granite slabs Vanity cabinets: Stainless steel
See image gallery and video at trendsideas.com/us2905p18
Above: The home office opens right up to the sunny pool area. Right: An enclosure around the pool was removed to allow more light to enter the family living areas. New landscaping was also added to create an attractive outdoor living area that is used for many months of the year.
Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Emily Minton Redfield
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Personal best This two-part remodel transforms a modest dwelling into a substantial family residence – the project responds to the requirements of its owners, as one of them was also the architect
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Preceding pages: This house was transformed in a two-stage remodel by architect and owner Hank Houser, with his wife Margot. The first step extended the master suite and provided a new porch and entry. Above and following pages: Exposed concrete forms and glass feature in areas of the new extension. The large doors were designed by the architect and built on site. The design makes the concrete feel like it floats by obscuring the structural mechanics.
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Location is the much touted word when it comes to house acquisition – and this can be as much about good neighbors as great outlooks. Architect Hank Houser first discovered this house when it was but a pale shadow of the now reinvented home. However, having friends with children of a similar age to his own in the near vicinity he decided to secure the modest split-level bungalow – and transform it. The first phase of the renovation consisted of a small addition to the front of the house, to enlarge the master suite and provide a new front porch and entry, says Houser.
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“The front extension of the house is finished with similar brick and lap siding to the original facade. Clerestory windows were introduced to replace the old jalousie, or slat windows. The high windows optimize privacy and bring natural light into the interior while extended roof eaves prevent solar gain. “Corner windows were strategically located to permit views out from the new master bathroom while also preserving privacy.” The second stage of the remodel was more far reaching and completed Houser’s vision. “The first floor of the two-story addition
Lower level
Upper level
includes a new living room, freeing up space for an expanded dining and kitchen area in the original footprint – and a playroom tucked right at the rear of the house,” says Houser. “The living room, kitchen and dining all orient to a reinvented central courtyard. “Upstairs, there are two children’s bedrooms, a new children’s bathroom and a laundry. A three-level circulation stairwell at the rear of the house leads up to a new roof garden.” The rear addition to the residence marks a design departure in terms of both architectural style and choice of materials.
Before
Top: Shaded areas of the diagram show the two stages of the remodel – the addition at left first and the element at right second. Middle and above: 1 entry, 2 office, 3 kitchen, 4 dining, 5 living, 6 playroom, 7 exterior courtyard, 8 master bedroom, 9 master bathroom, 10 guest bedroom, 11 bedrooms, 12 laundry. Left: The split-level bungalow before remodeling began.
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Above: The dining room sits within the home’s original footprint. The brick wall is original, painted white on the interior for a sense of lightness. The original floors in this area were stained a darker hue. Several antique pieces were incorporated into the decor, including the dining table, which had belonged to Houser’s grandparents. The architect says these older pieces take on a more sculptural role within the now-contemporary interiors.
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While brick and lap siding feature where the house facade can be seen by the neighbors, both the interiors and exteriors make generous use of concrete. Exterior tie holes and formwork indentations were arranged and accentuated for aesthetic effect, says Houser. “For the exposed concrete walls, we used an extra-hard concrete with a small aggregate so that the edges are crisp and won’t break or crack. We also replaced 50% of the cement with slag – a by-product of the steel smelting process that would otherwise have gone to landfill. This had the added plus of whitening the concrete.”
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The extension is as dynamic architecturally as it is in choice of material. A picture of tilting wall and roof planes, the articulated add-on is designed to optimize sunlight and intriguing vistas through the house. For example, guests at the front door can look through a long corridor out to an upper-level glass wall with views of the treetops beyond. “The courtyard and the rooms looking onto it are the heart of the home,” says Houser. “We designed a substantial steel and glass window wall with pivoting doors that allows the entire living and outdoor area to work as one. The
courtyard bench and living room furniture were situated to underscore this concept.” The new kitchen looks into the dining room and the living area, and is integral to these spaces, says kitchen designer Matthew Rao. “The kitchen had to strike just the right balance between formality and informality, high design and usability,” he says. “When Hank approached me, the old kitchen was open in the middle with two L-shaped banks of cabinetry, one at each end of the space. I recommended introducing the island to split the circulation and help define the center. Now a tall appliance
wall houses the refrigerator, oven and storage, while preparation and clean-up areas face public spaces and views to the outside.” An important aspect of the remodel was the introduction of green energy measures. Besides incorporating recycled materials, the house now has solar hot water, high-performance glass, a rain and condensate harvesting cistern, closedcell polyurethane foam insulation, occupancy sensors and radiant-heat flooring. Highly efficient mechanical and lighting systems and dual-flush toilets also feature in this comprehensively reinvented residence.
Top and above: Kitchen designer Matthew Rao specified white SieMatic handle-free matte laminate cabinetry, for its cost-effectiveness, practicality, and minimalist looks. Worktops are in composite quartz in white and green. The white blends with the cabinets and contrasts tonally with the concrete, while the green was specified to anchor the room visually and bring some levity and fun to the design.
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Architect and builder: Hank Houser AIA, Houser Walker Architecture (Atlanta, GA) Interior designer: Monika Thiels, Staged to Sell Atlanta Kitchen designer: Matthew Rao, Rao Design Studio Landcape architect: Michael Streger, Land Design & Consulting Lighting consultant: Gabler Youngston Structural engineer: Jamie O’Kelley, Houser Walker Architecture Siding: Concrete fly ash admixture, from Exact Concrete Construction; reclaimed masonry Roof: Standing-seam galvanized steel; EPDM rubber Doors, windows: Custom black steel curtainwall, Houser Walker Architecture Kitchen cabinets: SieMatic Countertops: Quartz Kitchen sink: Franke Faucets: Dornbracht Appliances: Miele Flooring: Oak floor, stained Paints: Sherwin-Williams Lighting: Sesco Lighting, Emerge LED, Litecontrol, Winona Lighting
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This page: Intriguing vistas through the home include those from the rear stairwell. The ties and plank marks from the concrete formwork were retained to provide visual interest and evoke the building process. Classic brick and lap siding is used where exteriors can be seen by neighbors. Story by Charles Moxham Photography by John Umberger
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Tropical downpour From standard showerhead to luxurious shower experience in one easy step – the Grohe Retro-Fit Shower System reinvents your bathroom as an invigorating spa
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Tired of enduring a morning shower that leaves you half dry and underwhelmed? The advanced Grohe RetroFit Shower System transforms an existing shower installation into a pampering experience. A generously sized showerhead swivels to the optimum angle, and is supplied together with the convenience of a hand shower. Both feature the Grohe Dreamspray technology
Before
that delivers even water and temperature distribution, minimized water and energy consumption and a choice of spray to match your mood. The upgrade is quick and easy to install, with no need to change tiles or other original work. And a luxurious shower experience can be created in any style of bathroom as the system complements all Grohe shower products.
The Grohe Retro-Fit Shower System is offered as a set, with Euphoria head and hand showers, or as a basic shower rail set – allowing for a customized shower product. It fits all Grohe head showers, from the compact New Tempesta to the XXL Rainshower, and all hand showers, from the minimalist Sena to the advanced Power&Soul. If you love your bathroom
After
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Blue skies This beach house once had a split personality, but a full makeover has unified the architecture and the interior
Before
Top and above: Every picture tells a story – this beachfront house has undergone a major transformation by architect Jeff Tohl, which has streamlined the architecture and opened up the interior to the view. Right: A large entertaining deck caters to year-round outdoor living. The existing deck was reclad with îpe hardwood, and a new spa pool added. A Colorado stone wainscoting now runs around the base of the house, helping to anchor it visually.
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Vacation homes often grow in an ad hoc manner – a new wing here, a dormer window there, perhaps some decorative trim to jazz up an entry. And the end result can be a mélange of architectural styles. This beach house in Malibu County had a Victorian meets Polynesian architectural theme. This was probably not deliberate – it was just the way the house evolved over many years, says architect Jeff Tohl of The Architecture Studio, who was commissioned to design the remodel. “The house was also part clapboard beach cottage style. The roof consisted of one very steep gable, with other gables and dormers of varying slopes and shapes added to the original structure. And there was a single-story teahouse addition facing the beach. The interior was equally tired – it had a dated ’60s-’70s look and a fake beam ceiling in the living room.” However Tohl says the house had good bones that provided a suitable framework for a major remodel to bring it up to modern living requirements. “We couldn’t add any square feet to the house, but we could replace windows and doors and exterior materials,” he says. “So we took the house back to the bare studs, reinforced the foundations, added thermal insulation and plywood walls, and essentially created a brand new home.” To provide a crisp, clean-lined exterior, the extraneous overhangs and rafter tails were removed, and the teahouse roof was raised and leveled. Dormer rooflines were standardized for a more unified look, and the slightly flared shape of the tall gable was replaced with a straight, sharp gable. “The overall effect from the outside is one of unity and an integration of forms,” says Tohl. The sun deck was also rebuilt with îpe hardwood, creating a resort-style outdoor living area with a spa pool replacing the swimming pool.
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indoor-outdoor
Before
Top and above: Removing the swimming pool allowed more space for an alfresco dining area. The boundary fence now features louvered panels, and incorporates a sculptural composition of hardwood shelving and cabinets for storage of beach equipment. Right: The family room and kitchen in the teahouse benefit from expansive windows on two sides. The raised ceiling features painted tongue-and-groove boards.
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A wainscoting of Colorado stone around the base of the house helps to anchor the building visually, and provides a sense of substance. It also creates continuity between the built form and the landscaping. On the interior, the fake beam ceiling was removed from the living room in the teahouse, and a painted tongue-and-groove ceiling added. Interior doors and passages were widened and windows enlarged to capture more of the ocean view. The new windows feature mahogany frames that bring a richness and warmth to the interior, while the exterior window framing is low-maintenance aluminum. The kitchen was completely renovated and reconfigured to become part of an open kitchen, dining, salon area. With slatted white batten boards on the cabinetry and a countertop of Brazilian Blue granite, the beach house aesthetic is reinforced. New wood floors have been stained to a rich dark umber shade, which contrasts the lively new furniture and furnishings specified by interior designer Bettye Jordan Young. “The master bedroom also underwent a major facelift,” says Tohl. “This room had exposed beams and small windows and was very rustic. We opened it up to make it as light as possible, despite being constrained by the need to address lateral structural support issues. To boost the framing we clad the existing wood members, beefing them up to give them a more substantial look. We added uplighting to the horizontal beams, so the room glows by night.” The fireplace in this room was redesigned and new built-in storage added along the same wall. The master bathroom was slightly enlarged, and the shower area glazed to make the space seem larger. Other changes that have helped transform the house included removing a loft space to create cathedral ceilings for a guest suite below.
Before
Left: Dark neutral furnishings with red and blue accents give the living room a warm, inviting look. Interior designer Bettye Jordan Young added a bright striped area rug for a lively touch. Ceiling fans were introduced to improve the natural ventilation. Above: The original family room in the teahouse was tired and dated – it also had a lower ceiling.
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Architect: Jeffrey Tohl, The Architecture Studio (Los Angeles) Interior designer: Bettye Jordan Young Engineer: Martin Gantman Engineer Contractor: Kevin Babineau, Babineau Construction Cabinet company: David Krouse Siding: Painted redwood boards Roofing: Composite shingles in Charcoal Doors and windows: Loewen Flooring: Solid walnut Paints and varnishes: Dunn-Edwards Outdoor furniture: Janus et Cie Countertops: Quartzite from Marble Unlimited Backsplash: Lake Garda glass tile from Ann Sacks Oven: Wolf Refrigeration: Sub-Zero Bathroom basins: Kohler Faucets: Ferguson Bathroom floor tiles: Ann Sacks Bathroom wall tiles: St Tropez Pebbles from Ann Sacks Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Val Riolo
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Above: The master bathroom was slightly expanded by taking space from the adjacent guest bedroom. The complementary material palette includes stone and marble. Right: A much larger window has opened up the master bedroom to the spectacular view. The architect also replaced a semi-circular window with larger trapezoidal-shaped glazing. The original rafters were made to look more substantial, and painted to match walls and ceiling.
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Front to back To provide a seamless transition between old and new, the architect of this traditional bungalow renovation created a modern interpretation of a return veranda at the rear of the house Even in the early 1900s, architects knew a thing or two about street appeal. The traditional bungalows they designed had character in abundance, and often featured return verandas, bay windows and intricate fretwork. Around the back it was another story, however, with small, dark kitchens and a total absence of any kind of indooroutdoor flow.
Architect Darren Jessop says the rear of this house was typical of the genre – attractive at the front and a nightmare at the rear. “The house did have many good features – it had plenty of character at the front, lovely windows and a wide hallway. But it needed to be restored to its former glory,” Jessop says. “It was also not well suited to modern living. The service
rooms were inadequate and the house was far too small for the new owners.” Extending the house at the rear was the logical option, and a way to gain extra space without compromising the architectural integrity. In designing the addition, Jessop says he took his cue from the return veranda, replicating this form with a modern interpretation.
Facing page: All the original character of this return-veranda bungalow remains. As part of a major renovation project, architect Darren Jessop reinstated the position of the front door, which had been moved off to one side. Above: A new garage was positioned near the road, replacing the existing car parking facilities at the rear of the house. The original shared driveway is now mainly used by the neighboring property.
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Legend to plan: 1 entry, 2 master suite, 3 bedrooms, 4 family bathroom, 5 den, 6 covered courtyard, 7 laundry, 8 scullery, 9 kitchen, 10 dining area, 11 living room. Right: The master bedroom occupies the front room with the bay window. Other traditional detailing includes the leadlight windows and decorative ceiling rose.
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“The extension, which has nearly doubled the size of the house, features its own return veranda. It also has a similar gabled roofline, but the interior was given a much more contemporary treatment.� Jessop says there is a clear transition between the old and the new. The old part of the house, which accommodates the bedrooms, bathrooms and a den, still features its original
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detailing, including leadlight windows, ceiling roses and board-and-batten ceilings. But these rooms have been updated with more modern interiors and colors by designer Sonya Cotter. Because the site has a slight gradient, the new kitchen and family living areas at the rear are a few steps lower. “These steps mark the transition between old and
Above: Although small, the master ensuite bathroom is well equipped with contemporary fixtures and fittings. The marble vanity top is the same material that is used in the kitchen, where it appears on the backsplash. The large mirror, cantilevered vanity and open shelving increase the sense of space in the bathroom.
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Top: The original wide hallway remains a key feature of the house – its white walls serve as a gallery for the owners’ art collection. An extra-wide opening was created for the den on the right. The wooden slats on the left screen a staircase to a new attic room. Above: Interior designer Sonya Cotter chose a deep gray tone for the walls in the den. This room opens to the return veranda that wraps around the front of the house.
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new,” says the architect. “But while the floor is lower, the ceiling height remains, which gives the whole space a very light, airy look. In this part of the house the ceiling also follows the roofline, with a glazed gable at one end.” Skylights above the kitchen ensure the area is flooded with natural light as well. To maximize the sun, Jessop created a semi-internal
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courtyard that can be accessed directly from the kitchen and family room. “This outdoor room sits between the old and new parts of the house. It has a fireplace, barbecue facilities, outdoor heater and a louvered roof so it is both sheltered and sunny as required.” The kitchen adds a touch of drama to the extension, with black lacquered wall cabinets
contrasted by a white island, white lower cabinets and a marble backsplash. To keep the look uncluttered, appliances are integrated where possible, and doors to the scullery and laundry are concealed within the cabinets. There is also a hidden wine cellar that is accessed through a trap door in the kitchen floor between the island and rear cabinets. Different light pendants
enliven the family living space – one features spun wood, the others are glass. “The family entertain a lot, so we created a number of zones for the children and adults,” says the architect. “There is always somewhere to go for a little peace and quiet.” To shield the sun and provide privacy from neighboring properties, Jessop added sliding louvers.
Above: The addition accommodating the kitchen, dining and living area is three steps lower than the original part of the house. Skylights ensure natural light floods the kitchen work area. The island incorporates a cantilevered wooden countertop that helps to warm the room visually. Doors to the scullery and laundry are concealed within the black cabinets. Left: A fully lined basement wine cellar is accessed via an automated trap door in the floor of the kitchen.
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Preceding pages and facing page, top: The kitchen and living room open out to a sheltered, sunny courtyard with a built-in concrete fireplace surround and barbecue facilities. Above and facing page, lower: The addition also opens out to a modern return veranda. Wide steps lead down to the lawn and new pool. Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Jamie Cobel
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The horizontal battens on the clerestory window in the gable are fixed, however. Light is not compromised by the veranda. A 13ft-long skylight in the roof of the veranda keeps the living room bright and airy. A new poolscape was also included in the renovation, and a large lawn for the children. A mature tree with a swing was retained.
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Architect: Darren Jessop NZIA, Jessop Architects Interior designer: Sonya Cotter, Sonya Cotter Design Landscape designer: Humphreys Landscaping Builder: A Casey Contractors Kitchen manufacturer: Johannes Erren Cabinetmakers Siding: Weatherboard Roofing: ColorSteel; LouvreTec Doors and windows: Wood from Western Joinery Skylights: Velux
Tiles: European Ceramics Paints and varnishes: Dulux Living room lights: Katie Brown Glass Cabinetry: Lacquered Backsplash: Italian Stone Kitchen appliances: De Dietrich Vanity: Johannes Erren Cabinetmakers Bathroom taps, basin and shower fittings: Robertson Vanity top: Italian Stone
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On a windswept coast Preserving the essence of the original Sea Ranch Hedgerow architecture was a priority for the architect responsible for the remodeling of this house on an exposed California coastline
shaped by the landscape
Preceding pages: Ocean winds have shaped the trees and bushes in this coastal landscape. They have also determined the pitch and angle of the roofs of houses in the Sea Ranch community. This house, the original prototype, was remodeled by architect Michael Barron-Wike AIA. Above: The new exterior is true to the original – right down to the cedar shakes. But there is extra glazing, and a new chimney for a highefficiency fire.
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Back in 1964, when architect Al Boeke and landscape architect Lawrence Halpin were planning a development on an exposed coast north of San Francisco, they wanted a cluster of houses that would be at one with the natural surroundings. The principles that underlined their design still have a resonance today. Their masterplan, which determined the look of the Joseph Esherick-designed house featured on these pages, established guidelines for the community now known as The Sea Ranch – a cluster of houses to be built between long hedgerows. These cypress hedges, which are
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perpendicular to the coastline, were originally planted as farm windbreaks decades earlier. The prototype houses built at that time all featured an agricultural vernacular – their form and natural wood siding are reminiscent of farmhouses and outbuildings. But the 1960s masterplan went into further detail. It also dictated the angle and pitch of the roofs, which conform to the shape of the windswept trees. In addition, houses were clustered, but staggered for privacy. And open spaces were preserved for all to use – each property owns a share of a commons area with coastal pathways,
After
Before
Before
hiking and riding trails open to the public. Fast forward 45 years and the original design still rings true. But not surprisingly the houses have needed work to repair the onslaught of the weather over nearly half a century – and to bring them in line with modern lifestyles. The owners of this Sea Ranch house, which was a prototype and consequently the first to get a building permit in 1965, commissioned architect Michael Barron-Wike AIA to design a full renovation. The architect, who studied under Esherick, says the house had been used as a vacation rental for many years and was in
Left: Before the remodeling, the house was in a state of disrepair. More than 75% of the materials on the house needed to be replaced, albeit with similar products. Top and above: Before-and-after graphics illustrate the changes to the glazing to allow more natural light into the house. These include enlarged dormer windows, the addition of two bay windows and a new high window in the center of the house.
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a state of considerable disrepair, with damp, mildew and mice much in evidence. “The building had to be stripped right back to its bare framing – approximately 75% of the house was rebuilt, while keeping to the original footprint,” he says. New bandsawn red cedar shakes, with new rain-screen technology, were installed on the exterior to match the former siding. These will be left to weather naturally. The existing cracked brick chimney was replaced with a high-efficiency fireplace and metal chimney reminiscent of the current ranch style.
“We also popped out two bay windows; in the dining room on the lower level, and the master bedroom upstairs,” says the architect. “These bay windows add less than 90sq ft, but dramatically improve the ocean views.” The new bay windows were not the only solution to introduce more natural light. BarronWike says in terms of natural light, the rooms were unevenly lit, which made the house very dark in winter. As well as enlarging some of the windows, he added new high windows, including a large window that allows a view from the landing at the top of the stairs.
Facing page: Corner windows maximize the views in two directions. The living area is a double-height volume that is overlooked by the landing at the top of the stairs. Above: The kitchen features Afromosia, a sustainable African wood species. The grain is used horizontally to echo the low ceiling line, and to give the cabinets a furniture look.
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Above: The new bay window in the dining area features an inviting window seat. Western red cedar walls in the house were replaced with boards in a similar wood, but with a smooth, rather than rough finish. The new boards were whitewashed to give a blonded, rather than yellow look. Right: Before the renovation, the ceiling line was interrupted by large, unattractive light fixtures.
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Before
All of the original western red cedar wall paneling was removed, planed, oak-pickle stained and reinstalled. “These houses were originally supposed to be moderately priced homes,� the architect says. “As a result the interiors were sparse and the finishes very crude. We used the same wood but put it back differently, planing it smooth, rather than keeping it rough. And we gave it a light whitewash so it has a creamy tone, not a yellow color. We kept the feeling of the old house, but put the wood back up so that it would have the look of a cabinet rather than a cabin. It now
reflects a wonderful craftsmanship that the original house never had.” Barron-Wike’s seamless changes also ensure it is not be possible to tell where the old house ends and the new begins. New lighting includes cable lighting, recessed nickel halogens for the low ceiling in the inglenook, and small lights in the dining area, rather than protruding fixtures as before. “This is a much more satisfactory solution. We also took out the original smoke-stained fireplace surround and replaced it with textured, punched, acid-worked copper sheets separated
Before
Above: Designed as an intimate room for a winter’s day or evening, the inglenook has a low ceiling. The original brick fireplace surround was replaced with textured, copper panels crafted by Matt Burbank. The house was also fully insulated to meet modern standards. Existing floorboards were sanded and refinished. Left: The original fireplace was smoke stained. The sofas also made the space seem a lot smaller.
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Above and right: Glimpses of the spectacular view now open up throughout the house. An opening in the wall at the top of the stairs allows a view across the living room and out a new window to the sea beyond. The master suite was redesigned so the bed could face the view, and to provide an ensuite bathroom. This bedroom also features a new bay window with window seat. The decorative tree sculpture on the balustrading is by Matt Burbank.
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by a pronounced seam of copper nail heads.� The new kitchen features wood cabinets in a sustainable African wood. The bookmatched grain runs horizontally to create a look of furniture rather than fixed cabinetry. Granite countertops echo the natural surroundings. On the upper level, new dormers were added and rooms rearranged to create a larger master suite – the bed now faces the view. A guest bedroom is also placed to maximise ocean views, ensuring the owners and their friends can now enjoy every aspect of the Hedgerow House, completing the original design.
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Remodeling architect: Michael Barron-Wike AIA, Michael Barron-Wike Architect (Gualala, CA) General contractor: Matt Burbank Design Cabinet company: Bob Tupper Cabinets Roofing: Elk Prestique asphalt composite shingles Skylights: Velux Siding: Cedar shake, resawn Carpet: Mohawk Carpets Tiled flooring: Tumbled marble from Artistic Stone & Tile Wood flooring: Pecan Doors and windows: Marvin Garage doors: Overhead Door Company Lighting fixtures: Tech Lighting Fireplace surround and decorative balustrade: Matt Burbank Design Fireplace: Xtrordinair Elite Kitchen cabinets: Afromosia wood Countertops: Granite from Artistic Stone & Tile Kitchen faucets: Grohe Ovens, cooktop, refrigerator: GE Dishwasher: GE Profile Bathroom fittings: Grohe, American Standard, Interaktiv by Hansgrohe Basins: Kohler, Ronbow Award: American Institute of Architects People’s Choice Award 2012
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Above: A large double shower is a feature of the new master bathroom. For visual continuity, the vanities in this room are in the same African wood as the cabinetry in the kitchen. And the granite vanity tops echo the kitchen countertops. Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Tim Maloney
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Back to the land Designed as a series of connected pavilions, the additions to this 18th-century stone farmhouse reference the local architectural vernacular of the farm buildings on site
Preceding pages: Like a small mountain village, this remodeled farm property comprises a series of linked pavilions of differing sizes and orientation. A glazed transition zone ensures the original Dutch stone farmhouse, built in 1761, stands proud at one end of the main house. Above: The new pavilions echo the outbuildings on the farm. Two of the volumes are painted red like a traditional barn, and one features corrugated steel siding.
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When new owners purchased this 250-acre farm property, it comprised an old, rather tired stone house and a number of outbuildings, but the location, in the Catskill Mountains area of New York State, was exceptional. Architect Alexander Gorlin, commissioned to design an extensive renovation, says the house was encumbered by a number of ad hoc, haphazard additions built over time, from inexpensive materials. And the true character of the Dutch stone farmhouse was not revealed. “The owners didn’t really know they had a hidden jewel,” Gorlin says. “But they could see
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the landscape was a spectacular place to have a weekend home. The property is approached through rolling hills, and you don’t have any sense of the picturesque valley and the Catskill Creek below until you get to the crest of the hill near the house. The view has a tremendous pull, and this is enhanced by a triangular-shaped hayfield that forces the perspective.” Gorlin says the owners initially talked about adding new wings to the stone building, but it became obvious that it was essential to do something subtle – a design that wouldn’t interfere with the scale of the original building.
Left: With the buildings forming a solid line, the spectacular view of the rolling hills and valley is deliberately blocked to enhance a sense of anticipation. Positioning the pavilions at angles means different aspects of the view are framed as you move through the house. The position of the buildings also establishes an entry court between the house and the garage.
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Second floor
First floor
The architect’s solution was to create a series of linked pavilions of a similar scale to the stone structure, but with differing angles and setbacks – a train of buildings, such as you might see in a small village. “They are all different, but they were all designed to echo the architectural vernacular of the farm buildings on site. For example, two are clad in red-painted wood siding, similar to the red barn buildings, and one of the two doubleheight volumes features corrugated steel.” Gorlin says he wanted to keep each pavilion as simple and primal as possible, to retain the
essence of the architecture. Small high windows on the front of the buildings echo the rhythm of fenestrations in the stone structure. “I also designed the house to read as a solid line on this side – like a wall that partially blocks the view on arrival. This allows the outlooks to open right up as you move into the house, which has extensive glazing on the other side.” Highlighting the original stone farmhouse as a stand-alone structure was another priority. The farmhouse has a long history – it was built by pioneering Dutch settlers in 1761. Beaten iron tie-rods that hold up the giant oak beams
Facing page: Architect Alexander Gorlin distilled the essence of a traditional gabled house to give the pavilions a simplicity of form. The large red volume accommodates the master suite on the first floor, with three bedrooms above, while the dark grey pavilion houses a library on the lower level, with a study above. Legend to plans: 1 entry, 2 great room, 3 kitchen-family room, 4 screened porch, 5 library, 6 sitting room, 7 master suite, 8 study, 9 bedrooms.
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Above: Sunlight streams into the new family room in the single-story pavilion. Large sliding doors open up to a terrace and the spectacular hill and valley views. Interior designer Garrow Kedigian introduced touches of warm red to the furnishings, which enhances the visual link with the red-painted exterior.
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are inscribed with the date of construction. The architect consequently created a fully glazed transition zone between the building and the adjoining single-story volume with the kitchen and family living area. This circulation space also accommodates the entry, which means part of the exterior of the stone structure is now on the interior of the house, and can be seen as you enter through the front door. To further link the inside with the outside, the use of bold colors and contrasting textures continues on the interior, which was designed by Garrow Kedigian. Several of the interior
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window sashes are painted red like the barns. Sofas and chairs, in a mix of contemporary, classic and Mid-Century Modern styles, also pick up the red shade. The original stone structure was gutted and restored to create a large great room. A loft was removed to highlight the huge beams, and to open the room up to the high vaulted ceiling, which is now lined with cedar. At night indirect uplights allow the ceiling to glow, creating a warm, inviting living space. To make the small windows in the great room seem more significant, the designer added
deep bluestone sills and cased the windows in pickled oak, extending the wood paneling to the floor. The same wood also features in the kitchen in the modern family living space. Flush doors and drawers give the kitchen a streamlined look, while the wood imparts a modern rustic flavor. The house also incorporates 250-year-old wood beams and boards salvaged during the restoration of the stone building. Part of the beams appear on the corners of the kitchen island, while others were used on banisters. As with the ceiling in the stone building,
cedar boards line a large screened porch off the family room, which functions as an outdoor room. Other rooms on the first floor include a library, in the angled, double-story corrugated steel pavilion – the upper level houses a study. The master suite is on the lower level in the final pavilion, and has an adjoining sitting room. The upper level of this pavilion provides another three bedrooms and bathrooms. Gorlin says the house is a significant, yet welcome departure from the owners’ other home – a very modern glass building in the heart of Manhattan.
Top: Furnishings are an eclectic mix, and include Mid-Century Modern chairs and antiques. Above: The kitchen features pickled oak cabinets with flush doors and drawers. For visual consistency, the wood is similar to the window casings in the great room.
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Top: The original fireplaces were restored and are in keeping with the scale of the great room. Above: Part of the exterior of the stone house is now on the interior, framing the entry to the great room. Right: Gutting the interior of the old stone building, which included removing a loft, has allowed a pure expression of the structural elements, and created a light-filled living space.
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Architect: Alexander Gorlin FAIA, Alexander Gorlin Architect (New York) Interior designer: Garrow Kedigian, Garrow Kedigian Interior Design Builder: Norseway Construction Kitchen manufacturer: Precious Woodwork Siding: Wood; corrugated iron Sofas in family and living rooms: Barbara Barry Breakfast table: Ann-Morris Antiques Breakfast chairs: Thos Moser Kitchen cabinets: Pickled oak Countertops: Quartz Formal dining table: Frederick P Victoria & Son Formal dining chairs: Ann-Morris Antiques Sofa on screened porch: Brown Jordan, Venetian Collection Dining furniture on screened porch: Walters Wicker, Veneman Collections Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by Peter Aaron/Otto
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Left: The screened porch functions as a sheltered outdoor room. It includes quirky red-painted chairs that add a fun element and continue the red accent seen throughout the house. The ceiling is lined with cedar that complements the new ceiling in the stone volume.
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In character There has been a resurgence of interest in architectural styles that have endured for generations – increasingly homeowners are opting for quality over quantity
historical influences
Fairy-tale ending A cabin perched high above the lake beneath towering pines is transformed into an Arts and Crafts-style house that remains true to tradition
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There are many reasons to opt for a remodel rather than a new build, and one of the most compelling is being able to utilize the existing footprint of a house. And when that house sits in a magical setting right on the shore of a misty lake, there’s an imperative – especially when a new build could never be built as close to the lakefront. Such was the case for this
remodeling project, designed by architect William Harrison and associate Robbie Pich of Harrison Design Associates. The house was originally a small camp-style cabin nestled beneath the tall pines. “The owner did consider demolishing the cabin and rebuilding, but regulations would have meant building back from the lake,” says Pich. “So, a decision was made to
use the shell of the cabin as the base for a remodeled house in the Arts and Crafts style. “Based on natural forms and materials, this is a very organic architectural style – one that was embodied by the work of legendary architects Greene & Greene in California and Frank Lloyd Wright in Chicago. And, of course, it is especially appropriate for such a lake and woodland setting.”
It is also an architectural style that depends on fine craftsmanship. Every detail of the millwork needed to be customized and handcrafted by builder Dovetail Homes. “Key features of the Arts and Crafts style can be seen in the entry porch – in the rafter tails, the double half columns and the mortise-andtenon joints where the beams protrude,” says Harrison.
Preceding pages and these pages: This lakefront house was remodeled to reference the Arts and Crafts movement. Architect William Harrison and associate Robbie Pich say no detail was spared to capture the traditional character. Following pages: Fine craftsmanship is a hallmark of the architectural style. The millwork was carried out on site by specialist builder Dovetail Homes. The hall mural replicates a Gustav Stickley design.
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These pages: The family room reinforces the Arts and Crafts tradition. Much of the furniture and fixtures was designed by interior designer Rabun Martin – fabrics were inspired by William Morris and Frank Lloyd Wright. The custom-designed light fitting incorporates a tree pattern in metal – another reference to the organic nature of the Arts and Crafts movement. The owner’s existing barley-twist furniture adds further character.
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The substantial look of the house is reinforced by another traditional Arts and Crafts feature – a stone base that helps to anchor the house to the land visually. “We wanted the house to look as though it had grown out of the site,” Harrison says. “It didn’t need to be grand, overpowering or overly ornate; it just needed to retain that link with nature, just like
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the Arts and Crafts movement around the turn of the last century, which was a reaction to the industrial Modernism of the times.” Pich says the house is not especially large; its size gives it a sense of comforting intimacy. “We have noticed a revival of interest in this type of finely crafted detail – people are looking for quality over quantity.” The house did get another
story, but the position of key rooms remained as before. “The owner really liked the way the morning light came into her original bedroom, and the view from that part of the cabin,” says Pich. “So we chose to put a large screened porch in this prime spot, and placed the new master suite directly above this. This means she can still enjoy the same view and light from her bedroom.”
Above: Solid wood cabinets in the kitchen are painted in sea blue-green and have a traditional flat-panel door style. The color complements the Typhoon Green granite countertop. Other key features include a handcrafted wood hood made by Dovetail Homes, and a tiled backsplash with fossilized fish. Facing page: Soft green tones are also evident in other rooms, including the master suite and guest room. At top left is the screened porch.
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The full impact of the Arts and Crafts style is evident in the entry hall, which features wood wainscoting and arches, and a handcrafted wood staircase. Wood wainscoting also features in the family room. Ashley Martin of Dovetail Homes says all the exposed wood was stained, glazed and given a Briwax finish. “We wanted the wood to have an aged look, as though
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it could have been there for the past 75 years,” he says. Rabun Martin, the interior designer for the project, says all the millwork detailing replicates traditional designs. “We also replicated a mural designed by Gustav Stickley last century. This was handpainted on the wall, which has a faux paint finish that helps to soften the dark-stained wood stairs and wainscoting.
Lantern-style light fixtures hang above the mural. We positioned these at different heights to focus attention on the mural of the tree.” The tree form – a common design element in Arts and Crafts architecture – also features in the family room, on a custom light shade. Other light fixtures incorporate a dragonfly shape, a signature design for the owner.
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Architect: William H Harrison AIA, and Robbie Pich Assoc AIA, Harrison Design Associates (Atlanta, GA) Interior and kitchen designer: Rabun Martin, Rabun Mary Interiors Builder: Ashley Martin, Joe Daniels, Dovetail Homes Landscaper: Buck Cofield Siding: James Hardie Artisan Roofing: Weatherwood asphalt shingles Doors and windows: Jeld-Wen Stained glass window at front: Theodore Ellison Exterior railings: Rabun Metal Products Exterior lighting: Old California Lighting Outdoor fireplace: Copper surround designed by Rabun Martin, built by Lee Johnson Flooring: Oak Paints and varnishes: Benjamin Moore Nantucket Gray on exterior, with trim in Coastal Path; Sikkens Dark Oak stain Lighting: James Mattson; Old California Lighting; Currey & Co Furniture: Antiques; and custom designed by Rabun Martin, built by Holly Woodworks Mural in hallway: Designed around 1910 by Gustav Stickley for Crab Tree Farm, painted by Barbie White and Holli Stephens Living room chandelier: Etched copper, designed and hand made by James Mattson Kitchen cabinets: Custom five-step paint finish Countertops: Typhoon Green polished granite; Marmi Natural Stone Backsplash: Tile with inset petrified fish fossils by Green River Stone Company Kitchen faucets: Newport Kitchen appliances: KitchenAid Bathtub: Bain Ultra Air Tub from City Plumbing
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Above right: A balcony off the master suite on the top floor features an outdoor fireplace with a handcrafted copper hood. The stone columns and chimney enhance the sense of substance and permanence. A novel feature is a coffee table made from a slice of a tree trunk. Story by Colleen Hawkes Photography by David Christensen
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Custom furniture designed by Rabun Martin includes a dining table in two parts, and built-in banquette seating. “We incorporated many of the owner’s existing antique pieces as well, including the barley-twist furniture.” The kitchen features solid wood cabinets, also built by Dovetail Homes. These have traditional Shaker-style flatpanel doors, and are painted
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in a sea green-blue, a color that reappears in other rooms. “Both the paint colors and the furnishings were inspired by the wooded lake setting,” says the designer. Other special features of the kitchen include a decorative wood hood, and a tiled backsplash that incorporates petrified fish fossils estimated to be 50 million years old. Bedrooms on the upper
level continue the Arts and Crafts feel, with traditional wainscoting that is either painted or stained wood. In the master suite, the wood-lined ceiling follows the roof gable, but flattens out to enclose the room, making it more intimate. Another focus of attention is the tub, which is positioned right beneath a large bay window, ensuring the view is always within reach.
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History repeating A passion for the craft of the Victorian era has resulted in a townhouse renovation that goes beyond an homage Many of us find ourselves drawn to an era or style that for some reason has a special resonance with us. While it may be difficult to articulate the exact attraction, there is usually an appreciation for the level of craft exhibited. So it was for the owner of this inner-city townhouse, says architect Maddalena Vienna, principal of Vienna Design. “The house was a typical
Victorian townhouse that had had many renovations in the past, stripping out all of the original features. “My client bought the house with the express desire to restore its character and to create the kind of atmosphere that he had dreamed of.� With instructions to restore everything original and replace the additions, Vienna set about turning back the clock.
Before
Facing page and left: Architect and designer Maddalena Vienna was asked to restore the character of this Victorian townhouse. Above and following pages: The architect says she strives with every project to create a finished product that appears to have had no intervention. All of the fireplaces in the house were restored to working order, mouldings were reinstated, and antique pieces sourced specifically for the house.
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Above: Previously located in the middle of the main level, the kitchen was repositioned towards the rear. In the process, Vienna was able to create a space that followed the lines of the house, resulting in a larger, more amenable kitchen.
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“We didn’t have anything to go on – no photographs or details – that related specifically to this property, so we relied on a Victorian framework to inform the design. “It is highly likely, given the area and its working class, light industrial past, that the house was never designed as a grand Victorian residence. As such, many of the features we’ve incorporated – the
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highly decorated mouldings and corbels – may never have existed originally, or would have been much simpler.” As well as adding authentic elements to the property, the designer carried out a number of architectural changes. On the main floor the kitchen was extended and repositioned to the rear of the building. Upstairs, internal walls were removed to create one
large master suite, comprising bedroom, sitting room and study. The bathroom was also reconfigured, using the existing volume to create a greater sense of space. “One of the successes of the project overall, is what we’ve managed to achieve using the existing space,” says Vienna. “Built-in millwork, in the form of bookcases or closets, has been incorporated into
nearly every room, adding much-needed storage space without compromising the overall design. “Similarly, the plaster ceiling in the bathroom now gives a seamless finish to what was an area of competing geometries – smoothing out the edges in a sympathetic way has imbued the spaces with a sense of grace, and introduced a series of gentler shapes.�
Before
Above and left: The existing doors were replaced with period examples, and the formerly exposed aluminumframed skylight has been partially concealed behind a false ceiling. As with the rest of the house, antique light fixtures were sourced for the kitchen.
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Architect: Maddalena Vienna, Vienna Design Interior designer: Vienna Design Builder: Oakworth Developments Kitchen designer: Vienna Design Kitchen manufacturer and millwork: Sam and Zeyad Kojok, Chateau Kitchens Landscape designer: Vienna Design Horticulturalist: Amelia Ruby Hepburn Blinds: Stitches Soft Furnishings Cornices and plaster work: RDJ Ornate Interiors Doors and windows: Reclaimed Australian and Argentinian pieces from Heritage Building Centre Door and window hardware: Mother of Pearl and Sons Skylights: Custom from Heritage Building Centre Flooring: Recycled tallowwood; Carrara marble (shower); slate (rear courtyard) Paints and varnishes: Dulux Kitchen countertop and backsplash: Emperador Dark marble Bathroom fixtures and fittings: Leader Bathrooms & Kitchens Lighting: Wall sconces from Magins Classical Lighting Story by Justin Foote Photography by Rowan Turner
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Similar shapes have found their way into other rooms, most notably as a way to screen the skylights. “The client was adamant that the skylights be removed and a proper ceiling reinstated. However unappealing, they have a genuine use and I was able to persuade him to keep them, on the condition that they be modified so as to be less obtrusive,” says Vienna.
“A false ceiling with circular cutouts was the compromise we came up with. “It is the only modern concession. All of the millwork, doors, flooring, furniture and accessories are period pieces that were sourced, restored and installed. Because of that, the house will never date. On the contrary, it will acquire a patina that will only enrich it further.”
Before
Facing page: A wall separating the master bedroom from another bedroom was removed to create a suite of rooms. Built-in wardrobes were added to both areas to provide sought-after storage space. This page: The heavy bath surround and unsightly tiles were replaced with more authentic touches. The neutral color scheme and plaster ceiling give the impression that the room is much larger than it is, as well as imparting an overall softness.
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index A Casey Contractors 56 Alexander Gorlin Architect 68-79 Amelia Ruby Hepburn 101 American Standard 67 Ann Sacks 46 Ann-Morris Antiques 79 Artistic Stone & Tile 67 B&B Italia 17 Babineau Construction 40-47 Babineau, Kevin 40-47 Bain Ultra 92 Barbara Barry 79 Barron-Wike Architect 58-67 Barron-Wike, Michael AIA 58-67 Benjamin Moore 26, 92 Bettye Jordan Young 40-47 Billinkoff Architecture 8-17 8-17 Billinkoff, Donald BlindTek 17 67 Bob Tupper Cabinets 79 Brown Jordan Brown, Rusty 18-27 Bulthaup Denver 26 37 California Closets 17 Cassina Chateau Kitchens 101 City Plumbing 92 Cofield, Buck 92 56 ColorSteel Corian 17 6 Cosentino 48-57 Cotter, Sonya Crab Tree Farm 92 Crate & Barrel 17 Currey & Co 92 56 De Dietrich Details Consulting Group IFC-1 26, 36 Dornbracht Dovetail Homes 82-92 Dulux 56, 101 Dunn-Edwards 46 Dura Supreme Cabinetry IBC Elk Prestique 67 Emerge 36 European Ceramics 56 Exact Concrete Construction 36 Ferguson 46 Fireplace Xtrordinair 67 Franke 36 Frederick P Victoria & Son 79 36 Gabler Youngston Garrow Kedigian Interior Design 68-79 General Electric 17, 67 Gorlin, Alexander FAIA 68-79 Green River Stone Company 92 Grohe 67, 38-39 Hammersmith Inc 8-17
67 Hansgrohe Harrison Design Associates 82-92 Harrison, William H AIA 82-92 Heritage Building Centre 101 Holly Woodworks 92 Houser Walker Architecture 28-36 Houser, Hank 28-36 Humphreys Landscaping 56 Italian Stone 56 James Hardie 92 James Mattson 92 Janus et Cie 46 Jeld-Wen 92 56 Jessop Architects Jessop, Darren NZIA 48-57 Johannes Erren Cabinetmakers 56 Johnson, Lee 92 56 Katie Brown Glass Kedigian, Garrow 68-79 Kitchen Distributors 23-27 KitchenAid 92 17 Knoll Kohler 46, 67 Kojok, Sam 101 101 Kojok, Zeyad Krouse, David 46 La Cantina 26 Land Design & Consulting 36 23-27 Landeros, William Leader Bathrooms & Kitchens 101 26 Liebherr 17, 26 Lightolier Litecontrol 36 Loewen 46 56 LouvreTec LSI Industries 17 Lutron 5 MacKenzie, Jed 23-27 Magins Classical Lighting 101 Marble Unlimited 46 Marmi Natural Stone 92 Martin Gantman Engineer 46 Martin, Ashley 82-92 Martin, Rabun 82-92 Marvin Windows & Doors 67 Matt Burbank Design 58-67 McGlamery Engineering Group 18-27 Miele 17, 26, 36 Miles Livingston 18-27 Mohawk Carpets 67 Mother of Pearl and Sons 101 Nemo Tile 17 Newport 92 Norseway Construction 68-79 36 O’Kelley, Jamie Oakworth Developments 94-101 Old California Lighting 92
Overhead Door Company 67 Paolo Deganello 17 17 Patterson, Flynn & Martin Pich, Robbie 82-92 2-3 Plow Studio Poltrona Frau 17 Precious Woodwork 79 Rabun Mary Interiors 82-92 Rabun Metal Products 92 Rao Design Studio 33-36 33-36 Rao, Matthew RDJ Ornate Interiors 101 Rigidized Metals Corporation 7 Robertson 56 Ronbow 67 17 Roverhead Metal Works Rug-Tech 17 Semple Brown Design 18-27 18-27 Semple Brown, Sarah Sesco Lighting 36 Sherwin-Williams 36 SieMatic 36 Sikkens 92 Silestone 2 Simpson 67 Sonya Cotter Design 48-57 Staged to Sell Atlanta 28-36 Stainless Living 7 Stephens, Holli 92 92 Stickley, Gustav Stitches Soft Furnishings 101 Streger, Michael 36 Sub-Zero 17, 26, 46 Tech Lighting 67 The Architecture Studio 40-47 The Folding Sliding Door Company 102-103 The Woodshop of Dennis Maloney 17 Theodore Ellison 92 Thiels, Monika 28-36 Thos Moser 79 Tohl, Jeffrey 40-47 Trends Publishing International 4, 80-81, 102-103 True Professional Series OBC Velux 56, 67 Vienna Design 94-101 Vienna, Maddalena 94-101 26 Visual Interest Walters Wicker 79 Weatherwood 92 Western Joinery 56 White, Barbie 92 Winona Lighting 36 Wolf 17, 46
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