Exterior Architecture

EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

Exterior architecture cannot really be isolated from the interior spaces if the entire project is to be successful. There is tension during the design process between the exterior massing and form and the impact on the interior spaces. Conversely, interior space demands often influence the final exterior expression. Symmetry, balance, massing, varying spatial arrangement, and pragmatic functionality all play roles in the overall development of a residence.

Gallery

Click on images for zoom and lightbox view.

Winnetka Coach House
Street View
Judy A Slagle Photographer

A new construction two-car depth coach house designed to match the character of the existing main residence accommodates four automobiles and a second floor family center for casual entertaining.
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Winnetka Coach House
Entry View
Judy A Slagle Photographer

Entrance stairs to the second floor living level is privately located between the main house and the new coach house.
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Bauhaus Plus
Entry View
Hedrich Blessing Photography

Interior space demands played a strong role in the development of two additions to this originally modest rectangular brick and glass residence. the choice of glass block maintains privacy where required while allowing soft natural light to filter into living spaces.
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Bauhaus Plus
Screen Porch View
Hedrich Blessing Photography

The heated driveway ramps down to a subterranean garage that accommodates three automobiles and ample storage. the front elevation is thereby spared the appearance of garage doors dominating the street view of the residence. ground level space is then preserved for family living areas.
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Glencoe Ravine House
Street View
Hedrich Blessing Photography

The front façade of this new construction home was specifically intended to be unassuming and private, concealing the extreme openness to the rear ravine views experienced upon entering the residence.
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Glencoe Ravine House
Ravine Deck View
Hedrich Blessing Photography

Textures of brick, vertical cedar siding, and tailored cedar shingles play against one another to establish interest in each exterior plane. the cedar deck and rail continue this dialogue, allowing the homeowners and guests to experience the transition from interior to wooded ravine.
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Fieldstone Residence
Lawn View
Hedrich Blessing Photography

A new one story addition includes a generous family room with lower level billiards room. the remodeled areas include the conversion of an existing galley kitchen into a new breakfast area and an existing moderately sized family room into a new more accommodating kitchen. the existing field stone was exactly matched and seamlessly installed. french doors headed by elliptical windows with muntin sticking create a rhythmic aesthetic. a low sloping copper roof caps the new addition while maintaining full views from the existing second floor windows.
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American Manor
Lawn View
Hedrich Blessing Photography

The villa-like appearance of the private façade of the residence opens to views of the formal english garden, landscaped ravine, and a lake beyond the expanse of lawn.
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American Manor
Street View
Hedrich Blessing Photography

The symmetry of the front entry façade of this new construction home is consistent with the design intent to include aesthetic features of a georgian style residence. the selection of a sand molded brick, with inherent variations in both texture and coloration, limestone with crevices and fossilizing, and exterior antique brass finished door hardware all contribute to an aged appearance.
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American Manor
Northeast View
Hedrich Blessing Photography

Exterior terraces off the first floor master bedroom suite, living room, family room and garden room, and above the living room off two of the second floor bedrooms, are integrated into the architecture.
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American Manor
Limestone Details
Hedrich Blessing Photography

All limestone quoins, balusters, and trim were custom designed and cut to architect’s specifications.
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Exterior
Before
Photo By Homeowner

The homeowners were excited about the stunning interiors of their new home and quite disappointed in the exterior facade.
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Exterior
After
Photo By Homeowner

Curb appeal and character were achieved by the design of a new gable entry with tapered columns, a porch deck from which the homeowner could enjoy her children playing, shutters to add importance to a second floor window and balance to the entry gable, and a railing at the second floor french doors that established dialogue with the front porch deck railings. selection of a high contrast paint color allows the white trim and elements to pop.
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