Gobble!

"gobble"
happy thanksgiving
from ron brenner architects

Cape Cod with Diamonds

I had an inquiry yesterday about the pattern shown in the upper portions of the gables in this house.  The home is a cape cod inspired design I created a few years ago.

The entire house is clad in cedar shingles.  We used a semi-solid wood stain made by Cabot.  Sorry - I don't remember the specific color.  The grey shingles are contrasted with the linen colored trim and columns.

The diamond pattern is also created from cedar shingles with a custom cut.  This is a bit labor intensive, but provides a large design impact.  You can create many types of patterns using this technique, but I think the diamond weave is elegant while remaining understated.  Note that I also projected the upper gable outwards to create a shadow line and provide a protective overhang for the windows.

Houzz on Fire!

I was recently at the "Capture, Communicate, Create" event at the W Hotel in Minneapolis where Liza Hausman from Houzz was the featured guest.  If you have never heard of Houzz you should probably check it out.

Houzz is quickly becoming a leading destination site for home design enthusiasts.  It features over 200,000 high quality interior and exterior photos that have been uploaded by the original designers.  This makes Houzz the Internet's largest database of design and decorating ideas.

Houzz has a number of features for homeowners, but I think the coolest is that you can create your own ideabooks.  It's the modern day version of the old "cut and paste scrapbook" from magazines. Preparing to build a new home or take on a major remodeling?  Create an ideabook and share it with your Architect. In my own practice I love ideabooks because it helps me to understand my clients tastes and preferences. With this information I can go out and design something new and fresh, but in a vein I know my client will love.

So do check it out.  You can view the Ron Brenner Architects Houzz page at http://www.houzz.com/ron-brenner-architects.  

And please don't forget to like us!

design update - traditional yet contemporary

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a client of mine who is seeking a home that is both old and new.  The latest development of the design is illustrated below.

view from front left - design and image copyrighted 2011 ron brenner architects

front elevation - design and image copyrighted 2011 ron brenner architects

entry detail view - design and image copyrighted 2011 ron brenner architects

left elevation - design and image are copyrighted 2011 ron brenner architects

Ron Brenner Architects on Facebook and Twitter

We have been busy updating our Social Media exposure.

You can now find Ron Brenner Architects on Facebook at    ron brenner architects at facebook

You can also follow us on Twitter at  http://twitter.com/#!/RonBArchitects

Please check us out - like us and follow.

Thanks

traditional yet contemporary home design

I am doing some design work for new clients of mine.  They are looking for a home that blends the contemporary with the traditional; something that is both yesterday and today.  I presented the following three concepts.

A double gable scheme.  This form is "familiar" while remaining uncommon.

Here I integrated a classic saltbox colonial roof form with a single nearly full width shed dormer.  Window patterns and dramatic color contrast emphasize the contemporary.

Gable on saltbox scheme.  The full width gable is an unusual variation.  The side bumpout and "link" between house and garage are clad in galvanized metal.

New Modern Korean Home Design

We have been working on a modern new home design for a client in Seoul, South Korea.  The house will be constructed on a dramatic hillside site overlooking the Han River valley.   The designs therefore organize interior glass and exterior courtyards to take advantage of the vistas. The images below represent two of the design options that were presented.

Latest Design Sketch

I just wanted to give you a sneak preview of a new home design that we are working on for a friend of ours - Main Street Builders.  The new modestly sized home is illustrated below.

The design is a modern interpretation - blending elements from the classic american farmhouse and the arts and crafts. 

The design process we use is always very collaborative.  In this case Mark Sova (from Main Street) developed an initial concept floor plan.  We took that and performed a number of massing studies in order to determine the best possible form for the plan.  Then we developed a pleasing fenestration.  The result is a modern interpretation of a Midwestern Farmhouse.

grandpa's apartment featured in forbes

A few years ago I designed an above garage studio apartment for the father (grandpa) of a client of mine.  The apartment was featured in a new book called In Laws, Out Laws and Granny Flats.  I have included a couple of images here.

Now Forbes.com  has picked up on the idea.  Check out the article by Ashlea Ebeling at 10 Chic Granny Flats.