Allen Ross Architecture was hired to design a new retreat center that includes a multi-purpose Party Barn with a 3/4 basketball court, guest house, pool, sports field, tennis court, adventure course, outdoor kitchen, and changing cabana. Careful thought was given to the component relationships and how one moves through the site. Elements were configured to address function, aesthetics, security, and safety. Code mandated pool enclosure requirements were met without blocking views and without enclosure fencing. Adjacent wetlands, storm water management requirements, and multiple zoning limitations necessitated thoughtful permitting applications. Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board approvals were required. Extensive infrastructure improvements and property grading were needed to meet the regulatory and client program requirements. The design intent was a crisp transitional style that is sympathetic with the Georgian buildings located elsewhere on the site. Timber trusses support the guest house roof and steel moment frames support the barn roof.

©️Maxwell MacKenzie THE HOME, ESSENTIALLY A RUIN WAS PRESERVED THROUGH NEGLECT. A CLARIFIED HISTORIC RENOVATION REMOVES BAY WINDOWS AND 1950’S WINDOWS FROM THE MAIN FAÇADE. TWO WINGS AND A THIRD FLOOR AND A SYMPATHETIC STAIRWAY ACCOMMODATE MODERN LIFE. MASONS WERE TASKED TO MAKE THE STONE WORK LOOK AS THOUGH “A FARMER BUILT THE WALLS DURING THE NON-PLANTING SEASON,” THE FINAL DESIGN SIMPLIFIES THE FIRST FLOOR PLAN AND LEAVES LOGICAL LOCATIONS FOR EXPANSION INTO COMING DECADES. AMONG OTHER AWARDS, THIS TRADITIONAL YET HISTORIC RENOVATION LOCATED IN MIDDLEBURG, VA HAS RECEIVED 2 AWARDS FROM THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE.. AND A NATIONAL PRIVATE AWARD FROM VETTE WINDOWS WASHINGTON DC ARCHITECT DONALD LOCOCO UPDATED THIS HISTORIC STONE HOUSE IN MIDDLEBURG, VA.lauded by the American Institute of Architects with an Award of Excellence for Historic Architecture, as well as an Award of Merit for Residential Architecture

Photography by Angle Eye Photography
Bathroom - large traditional master gray tile and marble tile marble floor bathroom idea in Philadelphia with furniture-like cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls and an undermount sink

Photography by Angle Eye Photography
Mid-sized elegant master dark wood floor bedroom photo in Philadelphia with white walls and no fireplace

This 24’ by 22’ addition opens up the kitchen space with an additional room which the kitchen connects to. The newly constructed space serves as a living room/sunroom. To do this, we tore down the kitchen wall and built a temporary plywood wall to keep the space closed off from the new construction. The new structure was framed and the roof was shingled. To allow for the roof line, new window openings were built and new windows were purchased to meet current egress requirements. The double door that initially went to the exterior was transformed into an 8’ tall opening. The kitchen window at the sink was taken out and now has a wood jamb opening with a granite countertop for a bar where people can sit and watch the cooks at work. Inside the addition we created some additional cabinet space for another serving area. The cabinetry was framed to fit a beverage cooler. The floor in the addition matches the existing hand scraped wood floor in the kitchen. One particular challenge we faced in the addition was ensuring that the floor elevation for the new addition lined perfectly so that it was seamless. On the exterior we installed a new cultured ledge stone and a real limestone sill with actual rock face to provide a natural appearance. The stone steps on each of the entryways into the addition have a similar look. The radius steps contain the rock face feature as well. Large windows were installed which match the pitch of the existing roof. The siding on the new structure is sympathetic to the siding on the home. We also installed new state of the art skylights that shut themselves when it rains.

Sympathetic addition to 1940s bungalow. The addition added a great room to the kitchen with a vaulted ceiling, a covered porch outside and a family room below. Photos - S. Wirt

Photography by Angle Eye Photography
Mid-sized elegant brown two-story stone gable roof photo in Philadelphia

Photography: Albert Vecerka-Esto
Dining room - industrial dining room idea in New York

Photography by Angle Eye Photography
Bedroom - mid-sized traditional master dark wood floor bedroom idea in Philadelphia with white walls and no fireplace

Hot tubs improve nervous system health because they balance the opposing functions within the nervous system – the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Hot water therapy reduces the effect of the sympathetic nervous system, which is the major cause of harmful stress, say experts. For this project, we designed an attractive lounging area ideal for when taking breaks from the hot tub. www.longislandhottub.com

Designed in 1970 for an art collector, the existing referenced 70’s architectural principles. With its cadence of ‘70’s brick masses punctuated by a garage and a 4-foot-deep entrance recess. This recess, however, didn’t convey to the interior, which was occupied by disjointed service spaces. To solve, service spaces are moved and reorganized in open void in the garage. (See plan) This also organized the home: Service & utility on the left, reception central, and communal living spaces on the right. To maintain clarity of the simple one-story 70’s composition, the second story add is recessive. A flex-studio/extra bedroom and office are designed ensuite creating a slender form and orienting them front to back and setting it back allows the add recede. Curves create a definite departure from the 70s home and by detailing it to "hover like a thought" above the first-floor roof and mentally removable sympathetic add.Existing unrelenting interior walls and a windowless entry, although ideal for fine art was unconducive for the young family of three. Added glass at the front recess welcomes light view and the removal of interior walls not only liberate rooms to communicate with each other but also reinform the cleared central entry space as a hub. Even though the renovation reinforms its relationship with art, the joy and appreciation of art was not dismissed. A metal sculpture lost in the corner of the south side yard bumps the sculpture at the front entrance to the kitchen terrace over an added pedestal. (See plans) Since the roof couldn’t be railed without compromising the one-story '70s composition, the sculpture garden remains physically inaccessible however mirrors flanking the chimney allow the sculptures to be appreciated in three dimensions. The mirrors also afford privacy from the adjacent Tudor's large master bedroom addition 16-feet away.

Photography by Angle Eye Photography
Example of a large classic master gray tile and marble tile marble floor bathroom design in Philadelphia with furniture-like cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls and an undermount sink

The owners of this historic house on a promontory surrounded by water asked Morpurgo Architects to maximize ocean views while expanding their home for their growing family. Conforming to The Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission’s requirements, our modifications to the existing structure are sympathetic to the original Stuccoed Mission-style and contextually in keeping with neighboring historic homes. This challenging site presented numerous constraints, including adherence to oceanfront setbacks and environmental and zoning regulations. We overcame imposing restrictions to develop a dynamic plan that fulfilled the clients’ programmatic and aesthetic needs. The kitchen was identified by our clients as the focal point of family activity. We maximized this lifestyle concept by developing the kitchen into a spacious living area with commanding views of the water. Renovations to the third floor allowed Morpurgo Architects to create an outdoor space offering a panorama of the historic surrounding communities.

The project’s starting point was to understand the building’s original post and beam structure and to use that internal logic to formulate a sympathetic remodel. With an emphasis on the upper back unit, the owner’s private residence within this recently purchased Edward Killingsworth triplex, the first order of business was to strip the excess out and to return the complex to something that resembled the original. With a limited budget, the tact was to restore where possible, and to insert where needed, but always with a sympathetic eye. The kitchen quickly became the primary focus and it was soon realized that by removing the division between the existing galley and family room that the essence of the structural system could be revealed. Once opened the datum of the layered beams was adhered to with the kitchen reinforcing this overhead water line. The primary internal wall was then highlighted with a new wood veneer with the refrigerator recessed (borrowing a bit of space from the master closet) and the existing heater chromed.

This 24’ by 22’ addition opens up the kitchen space with an additional room which the kitchen connects to. The newly constructed space serves as a living room/sunroom. To do this, we tore down the kitchen wall and built a temporary plywood wall to keep the space closed off from the new construction. The new structure was framed and the roof was shingled. To allow for the roof line, new window openings were built and new windows were purchased to meet current egress requirements. The double door that initially went to the exterior was transformed into an 8’ tall opening. The kitchen window at the sink was taken out and now has a wood jamb opening with a granite countertop for a bar where people can sit and watch the cooks at work. Inside the addition we created some additional cabinet space for another serving area. The cabinetry was framed to fit a beverage cooler. The floor in the addition matches the existing hand scraped wood floor in the kitchen. One particular challenge we faced in the addition was ensuring that the floor elevation for the new addition lined perfectly so that it was seamless. On the exterior we installed a new cultured ledge stone and a real limestone sill with actual rock face to provide a natural appearance. The stone steps on each of the entryways into the addition have a similar look. The radius steps contain the rock face feature as well. Large windows were installed which match the pitch of the existing roof. The siding on the new structure is sympathetic to the siding on the home. We also installed new state of the art skylights that shut themselves when it rains.

This 24’ by 22’ addition opens up the kitchen space with an additional room which the kitchen connects to. The newly constructed space serves as a living room/sunroom. To do this, we tore down the kitchen wall and built a temporary plywood wall to keep the space closed off from the new construction. The new structure was framed and the roof was shingled. To allow for the roof line, new window openings were built and new windows were purchased to meet current egress requirements. The double door that initially went to the exterior was transformed into an 8’ tall opening. The kitchen window at the sink was taken out and now has a wood jamb opening with a granite countertop for a bar where people can sit and watch the cooks at work. Inside the addition we created some additional cabinet space for another serving area. The cabinetry was framed to fit a beverage cooler. The floor in the addition matches the existing hand scraped wood floor in the kitchen. One particular challenge we faced in the addition was ensuring that the floor elevation for the new addition lined perfectly so that it was seamless. On the exterior we installed a new cultured ledge stone and a real limestone sill with actual rock face to provide a natural appearance. The stone steps on each of the entryways into the addition have a similar look. The radius steps contain the rock face feature as well. Large windows were installed which match the pitch of the existing roof. The siding on the new structure is sympathetic to the siding on the home. We also installed new state of the art skylights that shut themselves when it rains.

In this project, the client wanted to make an arts and crafts themed first floor. First, walls were torn down to open up the space. To carry the arts and crafts theme throughout the first floor quarter sawn cabinets and a hand-scraped wood floors were installed in the kitchen, new arts and crafts columns were added between the kitchen and family room, and doors and trim sympathetic to the rest of the theme were replaced in each room. The staircase was also completely redone with new null posts, balusters, skirt boards, and risers. Thomas J. Pearson, Inc. Bird & Branch Photography

The project’s starting point was to understand the building’s original post and beam structure and to use that internal logic to formulate a sympathetic remodel. With an emphasis on the upper back unit, the owner’s private residence within this recently purchased Edward Killingsworth triplex, the first order of business was to strip the excess out and to return the complex to something that resembled the original. With a limited budget, the tact was to restore where possible, and to insert where needed, but always with a sympathetic eye. The kitchen quickly became the primary focus and it was soon realized that by removing the division between the existing galley and family room that the essence of the structural system could be revealed. Once opened the datum of the layered beams was adhered to with the kitchen reinforcing this overhead water line. The primary internal wall was then highlighted with a new wood veneer with the refrigerator recessed (borrowing a bit of space from the master closet) and the existing heater chromed.

The project’s starting point was to understand the building’s original post and beam structure and to use that internal logic to formulate a sympathetic remodel. With an emphasis on the upper back unit, the owner’s private residence within this recently purchased Edward Killingsworth triplex, the first order of business was to strip the excess out and to return the complex to something that resembled the original. With a limited budget, the tact was to restore where possible, and to insert where needed, but always with a sympathetic eye. The kitchen quickly became the primary focus and it was soon realized that by removing the division between the existing galley and family room that the essence of the structural system could be revealed. Once opened the datum of the layered beams was adhered to with the kitchen reinforcing this overhead water line. The primary internal wall was then highlighted with a new wood veneer with the refrigerator recessed (borrowing a bit of space from the master closet) and the existing heater chromed.