Pattern Builders

a new fireplace - chevy chase, md

As part of the same family room remodel project where we built a new desk, we built a new fireplace that also serves as the new entertainment center.

before

The existing fireplace was a gas unit framed with cabinets and bookshelves. The owner, a client we had worked with several times before, wanted to eliminate the clutter and give the room a new look. The solution, however, needed to include a new gas fireplace, a flat panel television, and large surround-sound speakers.

    

initial concepts

We studied a few options and settled on a fireplace that the owner came across in an idea book borrowed from Margaret Carter Interiors. Working from the photo, the final solution was melded to accomodate actual dimensions of the space, television, fireplace, and speakers to be installed.

preliminary design

After one more round of revisions based on an on-site mock-up, we settled on the final design below:

 

finished fireplace

The fireplace surround is fabricated from hand-selected slabs of Brazilian soapstone. This dark colored stone is very smooth with a matte finish and helped blend the black frames of the fireplace and electronic equipment. Triple-laminated sections form the mantel, hearth, and capping piece. While it's a contemporary design to complement the client's home, it draws on traditional typology that one would associate with images of hearth, fireplace, and mantel.

It's become common to mount a television above the fireplace. While not my first choice, some rooms just don't have another surface or area in which to place a large, flat-panel television. This room was such an example. As a bit of a shrine for the fireplace and television, we were all very pleased with the way it came together.

  

Credits:

Margaret Carter Interiors    -paint selection, carpeting, and concept photo

International Marble and Granite  -soapstone fabrication and installation

Marble Systems, Inc.  -stone wholesaler and supplier 
  
 

 
 

a clean, well lighted place

 

This was a fun little project we completed in September, 2009. Over the years, I have done a lot of work for this client, and I was honored that he had called me again to create a new space for him to work. The client, Nish, had been using a computer armoire in his family room for years. It had served him well but he had decided it was time to remodel the family room. In the process, he asked me to design a workspace solution for him that complemented his home. 

Chevy Chase, MD remodel - before

Nish's home is very contemporary, originally designed by Travis Price, I think. The french country armoire didn't fit with the contemporary theme throughout the home, so we set to work resolving the issue. It was obvious that he needed more storage space, and that the solution must still incorporate a modern working desk and filing system.

conceptual sketch

I generated a few conceptual schemes and we settled on an idea that made better use of the whole wall and used some of the existing forms already within his home. The existing windows brought in lots of good natural lighting, but they seemed oddly positioned as if they were originally designed around a specific artwork or future fireplace. I designed the desk to bridge the space between the windows, create more storage space, yet leave a space for artwork.

study model - foam core and balsa wood

Given that the proposed desk incorporated some unusual angles, I built a study model so we could gage the scale and shape of the proposal before we set about building it. Scaled study models are very helpful tools. When photographed, they allow us to envision a finished product in very much the same environment that it will be placed. The model was very helpful. It was obvious to us that the desk needed to be shorter in length, and we finalized its dimensions and produced our shop drawings.

shop drawings for fabrication

The new desk is built with flush doors and drawer fronts of naturally finished maple with a Brazilian soapstone top. Inside, the cabinets are fitted with plenty of storage amenities including roll-out shelves, slide-out printer and computer trays, adjustable shelves, file drawer hardware, full extension drawer glides, and sorting cubbies.

installation

Nish loves his new workspace. It has a place for everything and fits well with his existing home. Sometimes it just makes a lot of sense to build the right furniture for a space rather than settle for something "that works ok".

 

almost complete (sans knobs and handles)

 

Coffered Ceiling for Comfort

In our first meeting, a client expressed to me that her "kitchen never felt quite right."  Her home was built in 1990 by a large developer and had poor proportions throughout the first floor.  Especially lacking were fine details in the kitchen, which the owners used most frequently.  Being the most important room in their home, they certainly deserved a better solution.

When presented with a problem such as "this doesn't feel quite right", we often find ourselves on a mission of "site repair."  That is, we seek ways to resolve poorly planned, poorly detailed, or poorly constructed elements in a manner that adds the most value for a client's needs and budget. 

After exploring a number of design options, we chose to expand the kitchen by just 3 feet, with a large cantilevered box-bay bump-out.  Because of budget and design considerations, it didn't make sense to add more space than the 3' we really needed; and in this case, 3' would make all the difference in the world while also sparing the unnecessary and additional expense of basement remodeling.  Our engineer sized a 17' steel beam and designed other structural modifications that would resolve all affected load paths.  Then we finished our design drawings, got our permits, and set to work removing the kitchen and a large portion of its exterior wall.

A highlight of the final design was the coffered ceiling we implemented to add detail, differentiate the kitchen space, create a brighter interior, and add elegance that was lacking.  Rather than work out all the exact proportions of things like a coffered ceiling prior to construction, we prefer full-scale site mock-ups.  In this manner, we can fully see and consider all the intricacies and ancillary concerns - and believe me, there's always something you'll miss if you try to resolve this 100% in a set of architectural plans - spending unnecessary design dollars on something that can be done better and more efficiently on site.

We believe, often times, that getting the final proportions, construction materials, dimensions, lighting, and trim detailing just right is a perfect job for an experienced old-school builder - and does not necessarily have to involve an additional designer or architect.  Skilled in design and construction, we fully understand all the issues to consider, know how to bring it all together, and are always pleased to spare our clients unnecessary expense and hassle.

If you have a space that needs fundamental repair or re-configuration, call us.  We'd love to help analyze the problem and can deliver a great solution for your needs and budget.

Fresh New Spaces

   

There is work in progress, both here online and in the homes of our clients.  We've been away from this space for a bit, but are back with a new look for the blog [and soon for the website, very soon] new exciting projects ahead, and stories to share.

Stay tuned.