When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Ben's Barn, From Marvin Windows and Doors
Inspiration for a contemporary two-story wood gable roof remodel in Other

Example of a mid-sized classic beige one-story stone exterior home design in Other

Corey Gaffer Photography
Inspiration for a transitional sunroom remodel in Minneapolis

Floor to ceiling Brombal steel windows, concrete floor, stained alder wall cladding.
Minimalist concrete floor, gray floor and wood wall family room photo in Seattle with brown walls

White tile and subway tile bathroom photo in Los Angeles with a drop-in sink and recessed-panel cabinets

The custom glass shower and mosaic tile enclosure helps both separate and unify the space depending on the mood of its occupants. The space was planned so the husband and wife would have adequate privacy but could meet romantically in the middle. The banks of windows does not interfere and allows in as much natural morning light as possible keeping with the overhang of the roof. Truly a master bath where body and soul can relax.

This Weston Home's garage was stripped of its previous shingles, as our crew installed new Tyvek and Western Red Cedar shingles in its place! New PVC molding was installed to the two flower boxes, along with the garage window sill. The main home was washed by hand using bleach, jomax and soft bristle brushes. The trim, casings, doors, shutters and basement windows were scraped, sanded and repainted.

old factory and stable converted to lofted residence w/ new steel windows
Example of a trendy brick exterior home design in Chicago

Cedar shutters and window box with Sikkens log and siding top coats.
Small craftsman green concrete fiberboard exterior home idea in Kansas City

URNS and Window Box Dressing in Bedford Hills, NY
Example of a mid-sized cottage exterior home design in New York

Merle Prosofsky
Large trendy concrete floor and gray floor entryway photo in Edmonton with a red front door

Mid-Century Remodel on Tabor Hill This sensitively sited house was designed by Robert Coolidge, a renowned architect and grandson of President Calvin Coolidge. The house features a symmetrical gable roof and beautiful floor to ceiling glass facing due south, smartly oriented for passive solar heating. Situated on a steep lot, the house is primarily a single story that steps down to a family room. This lower level opens to a New England exterior. Our goals for this project were to maintain the integrity of the original design while creating more modern spaces. Our design team worked to envision what Coolidge himself might have designed if he'd had access to modern materials and fixtures. With the aim of creating a signature space that ties together the living, dining, and kitchen areas, we designed a variation on the 1950's "floating kitchen." In this inviting assembly, the kitchen is located away from exterior walls, which allows views from the floor-to-ceiling glass to remain uninterrupted by cabinetry. We updated rooms throughout the house; installing modern features that pay homage to the fine, sleek lines of the original design. Finally, we opened the family room to a terrace featuring a fire pit. Since a hallmark of our design is the diminishment of the hard line between interior and exterior, we were especially pleased for the opportunity to update this classic work.

The pink and white softens the black, creating a cozy backdrop for baby to grow in. The canopy around the window acts as a reading nook when she is older, and, at a later date, a desk or bench can be placed at the window.

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.

Andy Hensler
Mid-sized beach style gray exterior home photo in Other

Robert Clark
Living room - traditional open concept living room idea in Other with blue walls

Girl's bedroom. Soft golden tones. Boxed seat with pullout drawers under arched window. White flanking bookcases with traditional bead board details. White steel frame bed. Atherton, CA. Photo Credit: Scott Hargis

Living room - contemporary open concept concrete floor and black floor living room idea in New York with a wood stove