TB House / HA&A Design

The article details the intricate process and decisions behind designing and building the exterior of the McGee family's custom home. After years of creating dream homes for clients, the authors embarked on building their own residence, a project that transformed from initial inspirations and mood boards into a tangible structure. The experience provided a unique perspective, as the authors navigated the personal and financial aspects of custom home construction from the client's side, emphasizing the importance of every detail, no matter how small. The exterior design was driven by a vision of a grand, traditional yet modern aesthetic, focusing on symmetrical gables and a mix of materials to achieve an old-world charm. The construction process was challenging, particularly due to the harsh Utah weather, which the contracting team, Killowen Construction, diligently worked through. The article highlights the emotional significance of walking through the unfinished frame, envisioning future family memories within its walls. A crucial early decision involved selecting windows. The authors opted for classic white, wood aluminum clad windows from Windsor, prioritizing a modern, streamlined look. This was achieved through a thin mullion detail and a casement style that swings open. A specific "putty bar" grid, narrower than typical, was chosen to ensure the windows appeared subtle and less bulky, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail even at this early stage. For the brick and paint, a unique approach was taken. The authors quickly chose a brick but spent considerable time finding the perfect paint to achieve a chalky, historic masonry look. They settled on Romabio masonry flat paint, which allowed the brick to breathe and concealed imperfections, a product unfamiliar to their contractor but ultimately embraced for its desirable finish. After extensive swatching, Benjamin Moore's White Dove was selected as the soft white for the brick, siding, and trim, creating a cohesive and elegant exterior palette. The front door initially presented a design challenge, appearing too flat as a rectangle. An arch was introduced in the rendering, immediately resolving the issue and leading to a custom-designed arched door painted with Sherwin Williams' Black Magic for striking contrast against the white exterior. The porch design also involved strategic choices; while bluestone was desired for its color and texture, its cost limited its application to the porch and top two steps. An innovative concrete detail, designed to resemble flagstones with grass in between, was implemented for the pathway, offering curb appeal at a lower price point and adding visual interest. Copper gutters were a non-negotiable splurge, chosen for their ability to patina and add character, avoiding a "cookie-cutter" appearance. The decision to install them around the entire house, rather than just the front, reflected a commitment to this detail. The authors even accelerated the aging process with water, anticipating a weathered look that would imbue the home with history from the outset. The roof featured hand-split cedar shake shingles, selected for their natural, lived-in aesthetic, despite the understanding that they would weather and fade over time. The siding was constructed from a smooth, hardy board material with a shrunken lap-depth to create a custom finish, complementing the brick and stone with varied texture. The stone selection proved to be the most challenging aspect, with the side of the house becoming a temporary showroom for various samples. The desired old, textural look was achieved by blending two types of stones from Hearth and Home and meticulously wiping the grout, resulting in a unique and contrasting texture that distinguishes the house from typical white homes. Finally, the trim strategy involved applying wood trim specifically to the wood siding, while header and sill details framed the windows in the brick sections, adding custom touches that elevate the overall exterior design. This comprehensive approach to every exterior element underscores the dedication to crafting a home that reflects years of hard work and personal vision. #HomeDesign #ExteriorDesign #CustomHome #BuildingMaterials #ArchitecturalDetails #DesignProcess #ProjectManagement #ResidentialArchitecture

This article discusses the design and construction of a new guesthouse by Hariri & Hariri Architecture, commissioned by entrepreneur Cliff Schorer, for his property in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The property is home to a significant 20th-century architectural masterwork, the former residence of Carl Murchison, designed by The Architects Collaborative, led by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, and completed in 1959. Gropius was a strong advocate for modernist design, famously urging the U.S. government to adopt contemporary architectural styles for the Cape Cod National Seashore's visitor centers, rather than resorting to "reviving revivals." Despite Provincetown's history of embracing progressive ideas and diverse communities, modern architecture remains uncommon. However, Schorer and the Hariri sisters, Gisue and Mojgan, shared a vision inspired by Gropius's philosophy, viewing his Cape Cod National Seashore letter as a call to push the town's architecture into the 21st century. Schorer, described as a "very inspired client," sought a design that would be both "revolutionary yet livable," driven by his passions for architecture, furniture, and art. The resulting 2,400-square-foot guesthouse presents a fresh and captivating appearance, envisioned by Gisue Hariri as reminiscent of rocks washing off the nearby breakwater and landing on the beach. While distinct, the design thoughtfully incorporates and adapts Gropius’s signature rectilinear forms and neutral materials. The Hariris used a palette of grays, taupe tones, and dark wood, mirroring the original house's aesthetic. Charcoal-colored stucco covers the retaining walls, polished concrete flooring features on the lower level, and aluminum frames the windows, all contributing to the gray scheme. Brazilian ipe wood is a prominent material, wrapping the upper level's exterior and lining its interior, creating a sense of warmth and continuity. The guesthouse's roofline, with its hairpin shape and broken pediment, serves as a transitional element, addressing the pre-existing gabled gatehouse on the property. A Gropius-inspired clerestory adds height to the master bedroom's window wall, while a smaller, ipe-clad window in the master bathroom is strategically placed to block views of a neighboring motel. Inside the master bathroom, ipe continues for flooring and faceted paneling, evoking a carved, cavelike feel, or a warm Swedish sauna, as described by the Hariri sisters. Emulating Gropius's architectural approach, a portion of the guesthouse's lower level is buried, capitalizing on the site's elevation change. This design choice makes the guesthouse appear as a modest single story from the approach, with the living and dining areas revealing themselves down the slope. The double-height living area features a soaring fireplace wall, surfaced with the same gray stucco used on the exterior, echoing the Gropius house's fireplace. The Hariris expressed their profound respect and excitement in working with Gropius's architectural principles. The project serves as a testament to honoring the architectural heritage of a place while simultaneously advancing contemporary design, a philosophy that will guide future guesthouse proposals for the property. #BauhausArchitecture #GuesthouseDesign #HaririAndHariri #CapeCod #ModernArchitecture #ArchitecturalRenovation #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture

The article critiques the widespread popularity of open floor plans in residential design, attributing their prevalence to HGTV's perceived need to appeal to male viewers through the visual spectacle of demolition. According to a _New York Times_ contributor, Ronda Kaysen, HGTV executives believe that men are more likely to watch home improvement shows if they feature scenes of walls being torn down with sledgehammers, thus making open-concept renovations a central theme in their programming. This focus on demolition for entertainment, rather than optimal home design, has significantly influenced modern interior trends. Beyond their television appeal, open floor plans present several practical and environmental drawbacks. Historically, the concept of open living spaces emerged from a sexist understanding of domestic labor, where women were expected to be perpetually available for household and childcare duties, often confined to the kitchen but without physical barriers. This design facilitated constant oversight and access, reinforcing traditional gender roles within the home. Environmentally, open floor plans are considered less energy-efficient. Architecture critic Kate Wagner highlights that closed floor plans, especially enclosed kitchens, are more effective at conserving energy by allowing specific areas to be heated or cooled independently. In an open layout, maintaining a comfortable temperature across a large, undivided space requires more energy, leading to higher utility costs and a larger carbon footprint. Furthermore, the article points out a peculiar trend born from the open floor plan: the emergence of two kitchens in some homes. One kitchen is often designed for aesthetic appeal, prominently displayed within the open living space, while a second, hidden "mess kitchen" is used for actual cooking and preparation. This bifurcation underscores the impracticality of an open kitchen for daily, functional use, as it forces homeowners to create an additional, segregated space to maintain the pristine appearance of the main living area. The author argues that this dual-kitchen setup is an unnecessary complication stemming from a flawed design philosophy. The author expresses a preference for traditional walls, advocating for their return as a standard feature in home design. Walls offer essential elements such as privacy, quietude, and a sense of coziness that open plans inherently lack. The ability to retreat into a separate room for peace or to close a door for privacy is presented as a fundamental aspect of a comfortable home environment. The continued promotion of open floor plans, driven by what the author perceives as a misguided notion of male entertainment preferences, perpetuates a trend that compromises functionality and personal well-being within the home. #Architecture #Culture #Design #HGTV #Home #Lifestyle #OpenConcept #InteriorDesign #TelevisionInfluence

Townhouses have gained significant popularity in Melbourne due to their low-maintenance living and ability to accommodate a growing population, especially in middle-ring suburbs with large, subdividable blocks. They also serve as an accessible entry point into the property market. However, not all townhouse designs are created equal, with poorly planned layouts, complex building forms, and overwhelming material palettes leading to costly planning processes, limited comfort, and a lack of character, according to architect Steffen Welsch. This article, featuring insights from Welsch, who designed the Sunshine townhouse project, offers guidance on creating well-designed townhouses. A key aspect of successful townhouse design involves the careful integration of the design with the land parcel, despite potential restrictions from planning and building controls. Architects play a crucial role in navigating these hurdles, creatively interpreting rules to achieve optimal outcomes without compromising design integrity. For instance, strategically positioning a townhouse closer to the street can prevent overshadowing neighboring properties while allowing for more private open spaces and a more functional floorplan, as demonstrated in the Sunshine project. Welsch emphasizes that larger spaces do not inherently equate to better design. Instead, he advocates for intelligent design that makes spaces feel expansive, even if they are not physically large. This can be achieved through various techniques, including maximizing natural light, framing picturesque views, and incorporating multifunctional spaces. Creating wider landings that can serve as studies or retreats, and optimizing exterior views, are effective ways to enhance the sense of spaciousness within the interior and achieve an efficient and economical building footprint. To ensure a townhouse stands out and possesses a unique identity, it is important to incorporate distinctive personal touches. These don't need to be elaborate or expensive but should be strategically placed to create impact and surprise. In the Sunshine project, Welsch utilized a feature breeze brick wall at the entrance. This design choice, inspired by mid-century modern aesthetics, not only adds character but also serves a functional purpose by softening harsh light, providing shade, and aiding ventilation. Additionally, the inclusion of timber floors can introduce warmth and personality, instantly enhancing the character of a townhouse. Anticipating and addressing potential challenges, such as overshadowing and overlooking neighboring properties, is critical for a smooth approval process. Proactive planning involves devising creative solutions that satisfy all parties, thereby minimizing planning-approval delays. For the Sunshine project, typical upstairs privacy screening was replaced with louvred balconies, which not only provide privacy and sunlight but also offer distant views and contribute to the building's character. Finally, considering the existing streetscape and using materials predominant in the area can help integrate the townhouse into its surroundings. Demonstrating that the development will enhance the street's value and appeal can foster neighborly support, reducing the likelihood of opposition and associated planning delays. #TownhouseDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #UrbanLiving #PropertyDevelopment #SpaceOptimization #SustainableDesign #CommunityIntegration #MelbourneRealEstate