Design Process

Creating a solution that blended seamlessly with the existing Dutch Colonial house and yet allowed for modern interventions was central to the design intent. Our clients appreciated modern design, and also wished to maintain a unified front facing the street.

Together with Mary Barensfeld Architecture, we went through a comprehensive conceptual design process in which various designs were explored that both mimicked yet deviated from the traditional vernacular. With the clients, we ultimately chose a design that incorporated the traditional barn typology of the surrounding landscape in a series of smaller volumes of programmed space that each opened up separately to views of the meadow beyond with large glazed walls.

The roof design proved to be one of the more challenging aspects of the project as each new roof needed to intersect, relate, yet stand out from the existing adjacent structure. In addition, the desire to showcase and expose the timber framing structure led to many exploratory studies on how to maximize the use of the available timber stockpile, while also creating a thin roof profile. Through these roof assembly studies and a cost analysis, we chose to use SIP panels at the roof to help achieve the insulation requirements, structural stability, and thin profile we desired. The initial concept went through several other iterations before finally settling on the final design that was constructed.

To provide for age-in-place living, the existing master bedroom that was previously on the second floor moved to the ground level making it easily accessible from all living areas of the house and allowed for the new elevator to ascend only one story. The master suite relocation also led to the design decision to split the new spaces into two additions on either side of the original house, separating the public and private functions: master suite to the east and dining pavilion to the northwest.

Sustainability

The driving design philosophy is that a well-functioning building is that a well-functioning home that not only delights the eye and mind but is also well-built, with durable construction materials, is both beautiful and enduring but is also a responsible and sustainable solution.

The project is about placemaking: creating a timeless design that establishes the home as an enduring family hub for a multi-generational family. Respect is paid to the layering of architectural history and the natural site (avoidance of site obliteration and focus on views and existing site features).

Re-using antique 200-year-old timbers saves valuable local history from the trash bin. It is immediately evident to visitors to the house that saving old building materials is not only a viable and sustainable design option but can provide beauty. In this project, it is a source of pride for the clients that their house was able to utilize old building materials for their original purpose: as strong structural members.

For thermal performance, a high-performance enclosure is achieved by a combination of energy-efficient windows, well-insulated products and materials, and construction methods. Windows use Low-E double paneled insulated glazing and thermally broken frames by a local window manufacturing firm, Hope’s Windows of Jamestown, NY.  Structural insulated panels (SIPs) solved a design need for a thin profile roof while minimizing infiltration (compared to traditional stick framing plus insulation assemblies).

Natural light floods the new additions through floor to ceiling glazing.  Mostly north facing, these window wall areas provide a uniform distribution of ambient light and help to minimize glare and high contrast areas. Artificial lighting is used in conjunction with natural daylighting:  the project uses 100% LED fixtures on dimmers to allow for manual control of light levels, meeting user needs when natural light levels are not adequate. In the new dining room pavilion, the massive bi-fold door system can be opened in moderate temperatures, in conjunction with opening the rear dormer windows for natural ventilation. Air conditioner use is reduced and a greater connection to the outdoors is emphasized. The native meadow alongside the house sports a mixture of pasture grasses, wildflowers, and milkweed, an important host plant for monarch butterflies on their migration path. White clover takes priority over lawn grasses in this rear yard as well, providing a native, low-maintenance alternative to less drought tolerant, finicky, turf grasses.

Heating in the new additions is provided by a combination of radiant heating and EPA-certified wood-burning stoves. These heating sources are consistent with the heat sources of the existing house, which uses radiators and wood stoves. Fuel for the wood stoves is conveniently provided by firewood culled from downed trees on the property which would otherwise be hauled off-site.  In-floor radiant systems provide additional heat in the new additions, a technology generally more efficient than ducted forced air systems.

Sustainable design is not simply creating a laundry-list of green materials; rather; it’s creating an enduring and timeless project that’s long-lasting, conserves resources, and is efficient in use. Design emphasis on thoughtful detailing, re-use of vernacular antique building materials and usage of modern, energy efficient products further seeks to respectfully root the family to its home and land. Architecture and landscape act as history and environmental teacher.