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 is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

Gertler & Wente Architects was hired to design this 12,000 s.f. residence for a family of five. It is situated, facing west, on Oyster Bay with views of Long Island Sound, Oyster Bay Harbor and Oyster Bay beach. The house was designed to be sympathetic to its context and the history of north shore residences. A range of outdoor terraces, porches, and structures extends the living area of the house into the landscape. The building is mostly steel frame construction. Photography by Edberg Marketing and Tony Calarco

Set in the heavily treed neighbourhood of Minneola, this project was developed in a way to be sympathetic to its mature trees and woodland views. The negative-edge pool is predominantly viewed from inside the home, while the outdoor kitchen, fireplace and dinning are clearly for entertaining. The surrounding forest provides a rich backdrop and seclusion.

This sweet master bedroom ended up with tons of angles once we were done with it. We followed the lines of the roof rafters above when renovating the space and opening it up, so we wanted the custom millwork design to be sympathetic to those beautiful new angles - a dresser was perched under the angled roof with a custom inset triangular mirror placed above the dresser portion. The whole thing sits on legs to give it an airy feeling in the room. Designed by: Stephanie Houghton, principal partner at Emily Griffin Design.

Gertler & Wente Architects was hired to design this 12,000 s.f. residence for a family of five. It is situated, facing west, on Oyster Bay with views of Long Island Sound, Oyster Bay Harbor and Oyster Bay beach. The house was designed to be sympathetic to its context and the history of north shore residences. A range of outdoor terraces, porches, and structures extends the living area of the house into the landscape. The building is mostly steel frame construction. Photography by Edberg Marketing and Tony Calarco

Gertler & Wente Architects was hired to design this 12,000 s.f. residence for a family of five. It is situated, facing west, on Oyster Bay with views of Long Island Sound, Oyster Bay Harbor and Oyster Bay beach. The house was designed to be sympathetic to its context and the history of north shore residences. A range of outdoor terraces, porches, and structures extends the living area of the house into the landscape. The building is mostly steel frame construction. Photography by Edberg Marketing and Tony Calarco

Extension, whole house refurbishment and barn conversion for a private client in Dorset. An inefficient and outdated farm house has been transformed into a low energy, modern family home. With sympathetic extensions as well as conversions of existing redundant out buildings, bringing them into use as part of the dwelling

Situated along the perimeter of the property, this unique home creates a continuous street wall, both preserving plenty of open yard space and maintaining privacy from the prominent street corner. A one-story mudroom connects the garage to the house at the rear of the lot which required a local zoning variance. The resulting L-shaped plan and the central location of a glass-enclosed stair allow natural light to enter the home from multiple sides of nearly every room. The Arts & Crafts inspired detailing creates a familiar yet unique facade that is sympathetic to the character and scale of the neighborhood. A chevron pattern is a key design element on the window bays and doors and continues inside throughout the interior of the home. 2022 NAHB Platinum Best in American Living Award View more of this home through #BBAModernCraftsman on Instagram.

Extension, whole house refurbishment and barn conversion for a private client in Dorset. An inefficient and outdated farm house has been transformed into a low energy, modern family home. With sympathetic extensions as well as conversions of existing redundant out buildings, bringing them into use as part of the dwelling

Gertler & Wente Architects was hired to design this 12,000 s.f. residence for a family of five. It is situated, facing west, on Oyster Bay with views of Long Island Sound, Oyster Bay Harbor and Oyster Bay beach. The house was designed to be sympathetic to its context and the history of north shore residences. A range of outdoor terraces, porches, and structures extends the living area of the house into the landscape. The building is mostly steel frame construction. Photography by Edberg Marketing and Tony Calarco

Gertler & Wente Architects was hired to design this 12,000 s.f. residence for a family of five. It is situated, facing west, on Oyster Bay with views of Long Island Sound, Oyster Bay Harbor and Oyster Bay beach. The house was designed to be sympathetic to its context and the history of north shore residences. A range of outdoor terraces, porches, and structures extends the living area of the house into the landscape. The building is mostly steel frame construction. Photography by Edberg Marketing and Tony Calarco

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.

Gertler & Wente Architects was hired to design this 12,000 s.f. residence for a family of five. It is situated, facing west, on Oyster Bay with views of Long Island Sound, Oyster Bay Harbor and Oyster Bay beach. The house was designed to be sympathetic to its context and the history of north shore residences. A range of outdoor terraces, porches, and structures extends the living area of the house into the landscape. The building is mostly steel frame construction. Photography by Edberg Marketing and Tony Calarco

Extension, whole house refurbishment and barn conversion for a private client in Dorset. An inefficient and outdated farm house has been transformed into a low energy, modern family home. With sympathetic extensions as well as conversions of existing redundant out buildings, bringing them into use as part of the dwelling

Set in the heavily treed neighbourhood of Minneola, this project was developed in a way to be sympathetic to its mature trees and woodland views. The negative-edge pool is predominantly viewed from inside the home, while the outdoor kitchen, fireplace and dinning are clearly for entertaining. The surrounding forest provides a rich backdrop and seclusion.

Set in the heavily treed neighbourhood of Minneola, this project was developed in a way to be sympathetic to its mature trees and woodland views. The negative-edge pool is predominantly viewed from inside the home, while the outdoor kitchen, fireplace and dinning are clearly for entertaining. The surrounding forest provides a rich backdrop and seclusion.

Preserving the character of an historic home with sympathetic design ideas. Especially, helping our clients navigate the design and preservation building process.