Douglas VanderHorn Architects From grand estates, to exquisite country homes, to whole house renovations, the quality and attention to detail of a "Significant Homes" custom home is immediately apparent. Full time on-site supervision, a dedicated office staff and hand picked professional craftsmen are the team that take you from groundbreaking to occupancy. Every "Significant Homes" project represents 45 years of luxury homebuilding experience, and a commitment to quality widely recognized by architects, the press and, most of all....thoroughly satisfied homeowners. Our projects have been published in Architectural Digest 6 times along with many other publications and books. Though the lion share of our work has been in Fairfield and Westchester counties, we have built homes in Palm Beach, Aspen, Maine, Nantucket and Long Island.

Douglas VanderHorn Architects From grand estates, to exquisite country homes, to whole house renovations, the quality and attention to detail of a "Significant Homes" custom home is immediately apparent. Full time on-site supervision, a dedicated office staff and hand picked professional craftsmen are the team that take you from groundbreaking to occupancy. Every "Significant Homes" project represents 45 years of luxury homebuilding experience, and a commitment to quality widely recognized by architects, the press and, most of all....thoroughly satisfied homeowners. Our projects have been published in Architectural Digest 6 times along with many other publications and books. Though the lion share of our work has been in Fairfield and Westchester counties, we have built homes in Palm Beach, Aspen, Maine, Nantucket and Long Island.

Douglas VanderHorn Architects From grand estates, to exquisite country homes, to whole house renovations, the quality and attention to detail of a "Significant Homes" custom home is immediately apparent. Full time on-site supervision, a dedicated office staff and hand picked professional craftsmen are the team that take you from groundbreaking to occupancy. Every "Significant Homes" project represents 45 years of luxury homebuilding experience, and a commitment to quality widely recognized by architects, the press and, most of all....thoroughly satisfied homeowners. Our projects have been published in Architectural Digest 6 times along with many other publications and books. Though the lion share of our work has been in Fairfield and Westchester counties, we have built homes in Palm Beach, Aspen, Maine, Nantucket and Long Island.

This condominium apartment is located at Locust Walk at Washington Square, an adaptive reuse of the turn of the century, five-story brick building that formerly housed Lippincott Publishing. Located in the Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, and overlooking Washington Square, the design of the project preserved the distinct architectural character of the building by fitting 26 condominium apartments within the existing structure. Cecil Baker + Partners provided the design and documentation for the base building renovation and determined the unit distribution. The developer then sold each unit as raw space, and each buyer had the opportunity to customize their units. Cecil Baker + Partners ultimately provided custom designs for five of the residences. This 1800 square foot apartment was designed for a busy working couple. It provides an open living space that while being thoroughly modern, also embraces the original character of the building. The heavy timber and steel structure was sandblasted and exposed providing for a warm backdrop for a clean, modern intervention. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

Douglas VanderHorn Architects From grand estates, to exquisite country homes, to whole house renovations, the quality and attention to detail of a "Significant Homes" custom home is immediately apparent. Full time on-site supervision, a dedicated office staff and hand picked professional craftsmen are the team that take you from groundbreaking to occupancy. Every "Significant Homes" project represents 45 years of luxury homebuilding experience, and a commitment to quality widely recognized by architects, the press and, most of all....thoroughly satisfied homeowners. Our projects have been published in Architectural Digest 6 times along with many other publications and books. Though the lion share of our work has been in Fairfield and Westchester counties, we have built homes in Palm Beach, Aspen, Maine, Nantucket and Long Island.

Douglas VanderHorn Architects From grand estates, to exquisite country homes, to whole house renovations, the quality and attention to detail of a "Significant Homes" custom home is immediately apparent. Full time on-site supervision, a dedicated office staff and hand picked professional craftsmen are the team that take you from groundbreaking to occupancy. Every "Significant Homes" project represents 45 years of luxury homebuilding experience, and a commitment to quality widely recognized by architects, the press and, most of all....thoroughly satisfied homeowners. Our projects have been published in Architectural Digest 6 times along with many other publications and books. Though the lion share of our work has been in Fairfield and Westchester counties, we have built homes in Palm Beach, Aspen, Maine, Nantucket and Long Island.

When big architecture comes to a small town, it’s bound to attract attention. This house, atop a hill in the northwest corner of Connecticut, is no exception. Some of the neighbors, bewildered by its flat, pale façade, have asked the owners, Norval and Camilla White, “When are the shutters arriving?” and “What color is going to be?” Others, entranced by its simplicity, have inquired, “What style is it?” The answers, respectively, are, “There won’t be any shutters”; “We’ve already stained it white”; and “Distilled vernacular.” That’s the phrase coined by the couple to describe their seductively spare structure. “It’s a typical New England building, taken down one level of detail,” explains Norval, who is the co-author of the classic AIA Guide to New York City (and therefore eminently qualified to name the style). Camilla explains that when it came to details such as moldings and overhangs, they didn’t eliminate them — something a minimalist might do – but kept them small and simple. Article by architect Fred Bernstein first published in Metropolitan Home – April 2002 Full article found here: http://www.fredbernstein.com/articles/display.asp?id=31

Completed in 2015, this project incorporates a Scandinavian vibe to enhance the modern architecture and farmhouse details. The vision was to create a balanced and consistent design to reflect clean lines and subtle rustic details, which creates a calm sanctuary. The whole home is not based on a design aesthetic, but rather how someone wants to feel in a space, specifically the feeling of being cozy, calm, and clean. This home is an interpretation of modern design without focusing on one specific genre; it boasts a midcentury master bedroom, stark and minimal bathrooms, an office that doubles as a music den, and modern open concept on the first floor. It’s the winner of the 2017 design award from the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has been on the Tribeza Home Tour; in addition to being published in numerous magazines such as on the cover of Austin Home as well as Dwell Magazine, the cover of Seasonal Living Magazine, Tribeza, Rue Daily, HGTV, Hunker Home, and other international publications. ---- Featured on Dwell! https://www.dwell.com/article/sustainability-is-the-centerpiece-of-this-new-austin-development-071e1a55

We moved these four Pileas to a bigger pot when they were still young, about three years ago. The bigger the pot, the more space they have to grow and the bigger the plant will become. Credits: instagram.com/houtje.touwtje

Completed in 2015, this project incorporates a Scandinavian vibe to enhance the modern architecture and farmhouse details. The vision was to create a balanced and consistent design to reflect clean lines and subtle rustic details, which creates a calm sanctuary. The whole home is not based on a design aesthetic, but rather how someone wants to feel in a space, specifically the feeling of being cozy, calm, and clean. This home is an interpretation of modern design without focusing on one specific genre; it boasts a midcentury master bedroom, stark and minimal bathrooms, an office that doubles as a music den, and modern open concept on the first floor. It’s the winner of the 2017 design award from the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has been on the Tribeza Home Tour; in addition to being published in numerous magazines such as on the cover of Austin Home as well as Dwell Magazine, the cover of Seasonal Living Magazine, Tribeza, Rue Daily, HGTV, Hunker Home, and other international publications. Featured on Dwell! https://www.dwell.com/article/sustainability-is-the-centerpiece-of-this-new-austin-development-071e1a55

Completed in 2015, this project incorporates a Scandinavian vibe to enhance the modern architecture and farmhouse details. The vision was to create a balanced and consistent design to reflect clean lines and subtle rustic details, which creates a calm sanctuary. The whole home is not based on a design aesthetic, but rather how someone wants to feel in a space, specifically the feeling of being cozy, calm, and clean. This home is an interpretation of modern design without focusing on one specific genre; it boasts a midcentury master bedroom, stark and minimal bathrooms, an office that doubles as a music den, and modern open concept on the first floor. It’s the winner of the 2017 design award from the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has been on the Tribeza Home Tour; in addition to being published in numerous magazines such as on the cover of Austin Home as well as Dwell Magazine, the cover of Seasonal Living Magazine, Tribeza, Rue Daily, HGTV, Hunker Home, and other international publications. Featured on Dwell! https://www.dwell.com/article/sustainability-is-the-centerpiece-of-this-new-austin-development-071e1a55

Published in the NORTHSHORE HOME MAGAZINE Fall 2015 issue, this home was dubbed 'Manchester Marvel'. Before its renovation, the home consisted of a street front cottage built in the 1820’s, with a wing added onto the back at a later point. The home owners required a family friendly space to accommodate a large extended family, but they also wished to retain the original character of the home. The design solution was to turn the rectangular footprint into an L shape. The kitchen and the formal entertaining rooms run along the vertical wing of the home. Within the central hub of the home is a large family room that opens to the kitchen and the back of the patio. Located in the horizontal plane are the solarium, mudroom and garage. Client Quote "He (John Olson of OLSON LEWIS + Architects) did an amazing job. He asked us about our goals and actually walked through our former house with us to see what we did and did not like about it. He also worked really hard to give us the same level of detail we had in our last home." “Manchester Marvel” clients. Photo Credits: Eric Roth

Published in the NORTHSHORE HOME MAGAZINE Fall 2015 issue, this home was dubbed 'Manchester Marvel'. Before its renovation, the home consisted of a street front cottage built in the 1820’s, with a wing added onto the back at a later point. The home owners required a family friendly space to accommodate a large extended family, but they also wished to retain the original character of the home. The design solution was to turn the rectangular footprint into an L shape. The kitchen and the formal entertaining rooms run along the vertical wing of the home. Within the central hub of the home is a large family room that opens to the kitchen and the back of the patio. Located in the horizontal plane are the solarium, mudroom and garage. Client Quote "He (John Olson of OLSON LEWIS + Architects) did an amazing job. He asked us about our goals and actually walked through our former house with us to see what we did and did not like about it. He also worked really hard to give us the same level of detail we had in our last home." “Manchester Marvel” clients. Photo Credits: Eric Roth

The Courtyard House, designed in 1964 by Sarasota School of Architecture's Jack West, is a Homes for Better Living Award winner, published in Architectural Record Houses of 1965. Known for it's simple materiality, open plan, and sweeping curving roof shape, the home had seen several renovations before the current owners came to us with a challenge: let us celebrate the spirit of the Courtyard House with a serene reflecting pool at the entry of the home. The design strategy was to introduce several wall planes, perforated and screened with wood-look aluminum battens, that gradually reveal the home and provide a neutral base for the strong, sweeping curved form of the existing roof. The introduction of the wall planes allowed for a subtle reorganization of the entry sequence, and a unique opportunity to experience the reflecting pool with a sense of privacy. A new pool and terrace with integrated fire feature look over the beautiful Dolphin Waterway, and provide for a relaxing evening for the family, or a backdrop for a large gathering. Winner of 2020 SRQ Magazine Home of the Year Platinum aware for Best Remodel/Renovation and Gold award for Band Best Landscape Design.

MASTER BEDROOM -This historic Vermont home had many beautiful large windows with a breathtaking westerly view of the Adirondack mountains. The design challenges were many given that this existing house for this project had many smaller bedrooms, but not a large room to create an efficient master. My client wishes were for a new, open and airy master suite and an area for sitting and relaxing as well as a new master bath. . This master bedroom was created by opening two existing bedrooms, and cleverly creating two closets in a room that was full of windows and doors (seen in the archway separating the bed area from the sitting area). Master bath was also created utilizing an existing back hallway. Here is a link to the full story of this project as published in the Renovation Style Magazine! http://www.mitradesigns.com/…/w…/uploads/2011/07/garnett.pdf Teare photography -

The broad stroke design of this home harkens to sap houses and agricultural structures of the Northeast which inspired the inclusion of a clerestory, cylindrical silo-like stairwell, and site-harvested stone. It was important for the family of five to have a central living space that felt settled and intimate while being able to host guests. The resulting 36’ x 36’ great room is characterized by its “circle in a square” frame that is the core to the overall basket-like structure. Lower volumes are created, and dimensionality is woven in with arched timber brackets and curving lines. The curves and arches were realized with a combination of double sawn solid timbers and grain-matched glulams “I cannot imagine a day when I will stop smiling at this.” – Shannon, homeowner “Neither my temperament nor my history with Fine Homebuilding inclines me to be impressed by trophy houses, the place is impressive. Your designers and framers did an amazing job—craftsmanship on the highest order.” – Kevin Ireton, writer and former publisher of Fine Homebuilding Magazine. Read more about this project from our design team and the homeowners on our blog. Professional Photography: Don Cochran Photography

The Courtyard House, designed in 1964 by Sarasota School of Architecture's Jack West, is a Homes for Better Living Award winner, published in Architectural Record Houses of 1965. Known for it's simple materiality, open plan, and sweeping curving roof shape, the home had seen several renovations before the current owners came to us with a challenge: let us celebrate the spirit of the Courtyard House with a serene reflecting pool at the entry of the home. The design strategy was to introduce several wall planes, perforated and screened with wood-look aluminum battens, that gradually reveal the home and provide a neutral base for the strong, sweeping curved form of the existing roof. The introduction of the wall planes allowed for a subtle reorganization of the entry sequence, and a unique opportunity to experience the reflecting pool with a sense of privacy. A new pool and terrace with integrated fire feature look over the beautiful Dolphin Waterway, and provide for a relaxing evening for the family, or a backdrop for a large gathering. Winner of 2020 SRQ Magazine Home of the Year Platinum aware for Best Remodel/Renovation and Gold award for Band Best Landscape Design.

Completed in 2015, this project incorporates a Scandinavian vibe to enhance the modern architecture and farmhouse details. The vision was to create a balanced and consistent design to reflect clean lines and subtle rustic details, which creates a calm sanctuary. The whole home is not based on a design aesthetic, but rather how someone wants to feel in a space, specifically the feeling of being cozy, calm, and clean. This home is an interpretation of modern design without focusing on one specific genre; it boasts a midcentury master bedroom, stark and minimal bathrooms, an office that doubles as a music den, and modern open concept on the first floor. It’s the winner of the 2017 design award from the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has been on the Tribeza Home Tour; in addition to being published in numerous magazines such as on the cover of Austin Home as well as Dwell Magazine, the cover of Seasonal Living Magazine, Tribeza, Rue Daily, HGTV, Hunker Home, and other international publications. Featured on Dwell! https://www.dwell.com/article/sustainability-is-the-centerpiece-of-this-new-austin-development-071e1a55

This condominium apartment is located at Locust Walk at Washington Square, an adaptive reuse of the turn of the century, five-story brick building that formerly housed Lippincott Publishing. Located in the Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, and overlooking Washington Square, the design of the project preserved the distinct architectural character of the building by fitting 26 condominium apartments within the existing structure. Cecil Baker + Partners provided the design and documentation for the base building renovation and determined the unit distribution. The developer then sold each unit as raw space, and each buyer had the opportunity to customize their units. Cecil Baker + Partners ultimately provided custom designs for five of the residences. This 1800 square foot apartment was designed for a busy working couple. It provides an open living space that while being thoroughly modern, also embraces the original character of the building. The heavy timber and steel structure was sandblasted and exposed providing for a warm backdrop for a clean, modern intervention. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography