An Architect’s Storage Shed

Wednesday, February 20th, 2013

A Stowe architect and his growing family needed a place to store the tools required to support the many activities of their active lifestyle. A 16’ by 16’ gabled shed was decided upon with double doors at either end. Cubbies and storage loft were added, maximizing usable space.

The result is a space complementing the existing house while taking steps forward, setting the stage for future renovations.

Architect: Brian Hamor – Stowe, VT

Vintage, Village Farmhouse Addition

Wednesday, February 20th, 2013

“Keeping the detail, adding practicality”

This prominent Stowe farmhouse had been renovated within the last decade. During that renovation, the original barn was removed because of structural flaws. That barn provided a point of entry where one could shake off the elements before entering the house. The owner’s wanted to regain a practical point of entry, while not detracting from the home’s classic, timeless facade.

We added a mudroom with necessary built-ins, by working it into the existing roof line of a covered porch that wraps around the house. Inside, we leveled floors, installed structural elements, added built-in storage, installed shop made furniture, laid local slate tile with electronic radiant heat, and re-worked several existing trim details. Wherever possible, original architectural details were preserved and restored. Historical yet refreshing interior paint colors, hand hewn structural timbers, maple cabinetry, period specific beaded wall coverings, and exterior trim reproductions, dovetail this addition into the timeless character of classic Vermont.

Any time we have the opportunity to be working on a vintage home, we are reminded on a daily basis of the focus, ingenuity, and thrifty inventiveness of our ancestors. Extra care is taken to preserve the original character of older homes. Siding and exterior trim that has been attached to a home for one hundred and fifty years, often shows its age through inconsistent exposure. When adding to homes with historical “character” we follow what was originally fabricated and honor the aging process. This process of blending old with new, focuses on building an addition that appears original to the home.

Architecture/design: Tektonika Studio Architects – Stowe, VT

Minimalist Barn in the Countryside

Wednesday, February 20th, 2013

We developed this project from raw land through to completion. When we began, what was once a farm meadow had matured into an un-managed forest. Our goals included: subdividing one building lot from a larger parcel of land, returning the landscape to the farm pasture it had been years before, and siting this barn style home to maximize views and solar gain.

The clean, almost simple form of this home presents a blank slate for its inhabitants to manipulate. The exterior contains lots of glass to the South and West, while protecting the North side with fewer, small windows. The exterior stain was discovered on a working barn in Stowe Village. The translucent finish allows the knotty spruce siding to bleed through, adding a layer of rustic charm.

A barn seemed fitting, because of the agricultural history of this hillside. Barns have seen resurgence in recent years because of the strength, and flexibility their soaring timber frames provide. Similar to the city loft, a barn presents a stunning blank slate, rich with textures of the past.

Inside this barn, we focused on finishes with a minimalist palette. Plaster, stone, and concrete were used because of their historic roots and modest beauty. Three levels of concrete flooring provide substantial thermal mass for the radiant heat, as well as a canvas for the stained concrete. Plaster walls and ceilings present an opportunity for added texture and smooth architectural accents. The upper-level guest bedroom, contains a piece of tempered glass framed into the wall overlooking the cathedral living room below. We plastered a round opening for this window. Plaster’s organic nature lends a sculptural feel to this simple window. We scoured through local Vermont stone yards looking for the perfect counter tops. I knew I had found what I was looking for the moment I saw this rugged soapstone in a Barre, VT “grave yard” where stone goes to die. This non-traditional soapstone looked far more earthen with massive crystalline veins, dark green hues, and the classic soft/subtleness only soapstone can provide.

We were true to Vermont barn vernacular, keeping interior trim details to a minimum. We let the plaster and concrete make interior visual connections, often concealed by many smaller pieces of wood trim. Timeless materials show their age with an artistic patina.

This relatively small structure of 2000 square feet, feels larger because of the proportion and flow of the interior spaces. Smaller rooms were clustered towards the entry, or up-hill end of the house, while large, soaring spaces comprise the walk out end. The walk-out level contains its own bedroom and full bath, lending itself to private guest quarters.
Efficient features of this home include: siting for maximum solar gain, salvaged materials were used throughout (siding, interior trim, plumbing fixtures, hardscape materials) thermal mass radiant heat on all three levels, closed cell foam insulation, low E- argon filled – double glazed Marvin aluminum clad windows.

The 24’ by 24’ garage, deeply seated, not overbearing, brings slightly more detail to the property. The shiplap siding exposure is narrower than that of the main house. Two over two window light division, and handmade red cedar garage doors add a level of craft. Zero fascia soffit to match the house gives the shed dormer a light/minimalist appearance. The small garage apartment maintains a dramatic view of nearby Mt. Mansfield through the large operable dormer window.

Architecture/design: Tektonika Studio Architects – Stowe, VT

Renovation – Classic New Englander

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013

This Classic New England home was once a well cared for estate.  Sitting on what was once one acre of manicured landscaping this project involved restoring the house and grounds to its former glory.

Renovation is currently underway.  Structural repairs were the first order of business, followed by extensive interior framing improvements and alterations.  Completely new electrical, plumbing, insulation, windows, roof, plastered walls and ceilings, doors, trim and kitchen.

The existing entry vestibule was beyond repair.  I rebuilt it in the architectural style of houses of the late 1800’s, including cornice returns on the gable end.

Once completed, this home will benefit from modern systems and finishes, yet retain the charm of these classic homes.  The property includes a large barn and pool which are both being restored as well.

I will add pictures and updates as this project nears completion.

Row House Resurrection

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013

I led the construction of this Washington, DC row house.  The extensive renovation began with demolition and structural repairs.  New floors, walls and ceilings were framed throughout.  The brick exterior was repointed, repainted, and new window openings wee cut in.  New roof, mechanical system, electrical and plumbing were also installed.

The design called for modern and clean finishes, while also calling on much of the old.  New sleek Pedini kitchen, old painted pine floors and stairs.  New built-ins, and doors, restored fireplace and mantel.  New trim was applied throughout paying homage to what was foung in the house as it sat when we began.

The client’s were involved in this project on a day to day basis.  Their level of energy and insight added to the collaborative process, and together we achieved something special.

 

 

Urban Coffee Shop

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013

I led the construciton of this Washington, DC coffee shop.  The space needed a complete overhaul.  Floor joists and sub floor were replaced to carry the new waxed concrete floor.  Earthy finishes like anitque barn board moasic’s, stone countertops, and custom millwork create a calming oasis from the bustle of the city outside.

 

Arched Entryway

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013

The existing entry of this home was failing because of moisture damage.  I was brought in to replace it and improve upon the overall design.  Steel top rails make up the canopy, PVC cladding covers the arched wherever exposure to moisture was a concern, Douglas Fir tongue and groove bead board lines the underside of the arches, and cedar claddding for the supporting posts.  The Mahogany decking was sanded and refinished as well.  A new step was build to wrap around the Mahogany deck.

Design and Build Ipe Deck

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013

 

The client wanted a deck for gardening, grilling and meals outdoors in the warmer months.  We decided upon Ipe (the Brazilian hardwood) decking and trim thoughout for it’s longevity and beautiful dark color. 

Ipe handrail and black iron balusters were used.  The Ipe knewell posts were drilled to accept small accent lighting, resulting in completely hidding wiring. 

Working with this exotic hardwood is not easy because it is so hard.  Cutting and drilling Ipe requires lots of sharp drill bits and saw blades.  The decking secured to the framing with hidden fasteners, the resule is a deck with no visible fasteners. 

A roof was constructed over the grilling area, and a small covered balcony was added to a nearby living room which connects to the main deck.

I brought in a structural engineer to evaluate my design.  An hour or two of his time affords a lifetime of peace of mind.

Design and Build Master Bathroom Remodel

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013

 

This client worked with a bathroom designer at Splash in Nashua, NH to choose fixtures and finishes for their bathroom renovation.  The Dornbracht fixtures and unique finish required pinpoint accuracy during construction.  Wall hung vanity’s, heated tile floors, plaster walls and ceiling, wall hung toilet,  concealed runtal baseboard heat, and curbless, multi-head shower are some of the more exciting features in this space.

My job was to re-design the floorplan of the bathroom to increase square footage and create a spa-like space.  I achieved this goal by reconfiguring a neighboring laundry room with stacked washer / dryer and built in work space, which in turn opened up considerable area for this bathroom to expand into.

Three specific areas comprise this open space.  Vanity alcove, wall-hung toilet chamber, and shower stall with changing area.  Breaking out individual areas allows for usage by the copule toghther with privacy.

I enjoy projects like this because they require considerable forethought and accuracy in construction across the trades.  The client got exactly what they wanted which has led to my renovating other areas of their property.

Artfully Inspired Mountain Residence

Monday, January 14th, 2013

 

The surrounding rural countryside had a large impact on the design of this residence. A refined work containing many natural elements manipulated by highly skilled craftsmen, eclipse the challenges this site forwarded. The steep, narrow lot, with extraordinary mountain views became home to this modern take on the rustic mountain home.

Interior and exterior finish details include open rail wood stair with hand forged iron balustrade, gracious kitchen with center island providing seating for six comfortably, mud room with necessary built-ins. Natural materials were used throughout: local maple, cherry, and tinted concrete flooring, soaring granite fireplaces on two floors built with local granite, local hardwoods for interior finishes, wood wall and ceiling finishes, and a wall of Vermont made antique reproduction brick in the walk out basement. Clear, vertical grain red cedar siding was applied, in numerous styles (clapboard, board and batten, horizontal channel, shingle, tongue and groove).

The house is sited for maximum solar gain and view. Walls of glass on south and west sides of the house allow winter sunlight to bathe the 1st and 2nd floors with light.

A highly efficient, self modulating line propane gas furnace has been chosen to supply 5,000 square feet with multi zone radiant heat.

Closed cell polyurethane foam insulation, provides a super-insulated building shell.

Rain screen exterior wall system, allows air to circulate behind the cedar siding thus allowing moisture to evaporate. The rain screen system extends the life of the cedar siding and keeps moisture from penetrating exterior wall sheathing.

Landscape features include: driveway entry and in-wall lighting, crushed blue stone finished driveway surface, stone walkways, flag stone patio on south side of living and dining rooms, planting of native grasses and sod type grass (immediately surrounding house),hand laid and boulder retaining walls, dozens of specimen and screening trees have been carefully planted.

Thomas Kuepper is a life-long student of building science and building performance.  My knowledge and commitment to efficiency ensures the energy efficiency of our projects.

Architecture/design: Tektonika Studio Architects – Stowe, VT

Personalizing a Deck House

Monday, January 14th, 2013

 

This ski chalet had been in the owner’s family for over a quarter century. Over that time, the nuclear family unit had evolved. The husband and wife wanted to transform the home reflect their current lifestyle priorities.

The building program began as a modest master bedroom addition. Upon breaking ground, ideas began to flow; the result is a classic ski chalet with updated features bringing together the couple’s varied life experiences.