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This section is dedicated to our residential projects. The majority of the architectural work we do is high-end residential, and this section portrays our work in new construction. These projects are a representation of the work we do on Long Island. We are also working as architects in the Hudson Valley, and have completed projects in Greene County and the Hunter Mountain area in upstate New York. The initial meeting with new clients starts with the site. It could be a waterfront house with particular views, or a site with landscaping that the client wishes to view and bring this view into the interior. We look at the room list, or spaces requested by the client, and start to lay out adjancies…. or room relationships to each other. For example, we like to place the kitchen with visual access to the family room, but also near the garage and mudroom for easy unloading of groceries. We also strive for floor plans that are efficient and provide usable spaces. More square footage is not always better, especially as you start to calculate the tax and heating /cooling implications of spaces that are not being utilized. As architects, we feel that a smaller and more efficient floor plan will allow us and the client to realize the architectural design of the residence at its highest level. This level of design includes the creation of interesting interior and exterior spaces, and the finish on the interior and exterior that is up to our (clients and ours) collective expectations.
We consider many planning aspects as we resolve the floor plans with the client: sizes of room, how many spaces, which room are next to each other, which rooms have a view, etc. This is a collaborative process with the client, and is done through meetings with the client by working though a series of tracing paper overlay designs. When this phase is completed, we start to bring the residence up into dimension and create building elevations. The roof line treatment, in our opinion, is one of the most important factors in the overall design of the residence. One factor we consider in roof design is to use passive solar design techniques allowing for summer sun to be blocked and winter sun to enter and help heat the residence. It may seem to be a modern concept, but through descending roof lines, “skirt” roofs, balconies and overhangs that we are able to obtain useful sun control. It adds a level of detail to the residence that is both functional and aesthetic. Regional traditional design has this aspect at the center of design: saltbox house in the northeast, or shotgun floor plans down south. We use vernacular techniques that have come before us to enhance the design and provide an energy efficient building envelope and design.
Islip, N.Y.
Located in the Bayberry area of Islip,Long Island this 10,000 square foot home is situated on an inlet off of the Great South Bay. James Bouler's design addresses the view to the water with multiple balconies as it provides function for its occupants. The building expresses its athletic roots of a shingle style building despite the fact that it has a brick veneer, seperating itself from the traditional colonial vernacular.
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Mission Statement
