Allbright Hansen Architects. Photo by Celia Pearson.
American Institute Of Architects
CHESAPEAKE BAY CHAPTER 2005 DESIGN AWARDS
Well-designed buildings consider the needs of the people who will live, work, and play in them. These buildings take into account the site, views, weather patterns, budget constraints of the client, style of other nearby structures, natural topography, and more. The best architecture is designed with all these criteria in mind and manifests itself with grace, beauty, inventiveness, and style.Each year the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA CBC) recognizes a select group of area architects who have exhibited these qualities in their work. This year’s jury was comprised of members of the Rhode Island Chapter of AIA. Jury participants are distinguished as leading scholars, educators, and practitioners in the field of architecture. As sponsor of the AIA CBC awards, we are honored to feature the 2005 winners.
The owners of this waterfront residence wanted a home that is artful, open, and environmentally sensitive. Allbright Hansen selected straw bale construction for its sustainability, local availability, thermal mass, and inspiring 22″ thick walls. Keeping the house plan a clean two story rectangle, the design was simplified to large open living spaces flanking the water side on the south, while core rooms (baths, pantry, storage, stairs) are clustered along the north. This configuration allows a bank of windows and doors along the south side for solar gain and keeps the smaller windows to the north to limit infiltration of winter winds. The main living space has a sitting area facing a fireplace at one end, a dining area in the middle, and at the other end, a kitchen that contains salvaged components from commercial restaurants and old school buildings. The dyed and scored concrete floors on both levels have hot water radiant heat, and their mass helps stabilize the temperature. Reclaimed lumber and architectural details were also incorporated-other eco-friendly features include composting toilets, a “living” roof over the long north porch, walls tiled with recycled pottery shards, and energy efficient lighting.
Alt Breeding Schwarz Architects
Merit Award
absarchitects.com or 410-268-1213
Because the owner “did not want a house that looks like all the houses throughout the Chesapeake,” Alt Breeding Schwarz created a house with structural honesty that respects the informal flavor of the old community campground, a remnant of which still exists on the four-acre site in the woods on the Severn River. The stepped volumes grew out of a need to honor the required buffer from the water. Stone foundations of the original farmhouse were planned into the new massing. Second floor dormers, rough sawn board and batten siding, and natural wood windows comprise the palette of simplified, honest structural and building materials. The farm-like porches with exposed rafters, more homey than formal, protect the house from afternoon sun. Craftsman details were carried through to the interior with hand wrought iron railings, exposed butterfly joinery in natural cherry casework, stained glass light fixtures, and simplified natural wood furniture.
Torchio Architects
Merit Award
torchioarchitects.com or 410-758-1000
Named “Hoohonka” for the Native American term meaning “of owl and goose,” this 3,600-square-foot house and studio was designed and built by the architect for his family and firm. Inspired by “V” formations of flying geese, the roof and plan reflect this shape. The long necks and diamond shaped head of the geese are echoed in the ridge projections, newel posts, and mosaic tile. Located on a tidal creek, the house incorporates green design principles and is sited to take advantage of the views as well as solar gain in the winter and shade in the summer. Heating is provided by passive solar gain and in-floor radiant hot water powered by a closed loop solar hot water system. Concrete flooring adds thermal mass and aids in cooling during the summer. The in-house design studio reflects the architect/owner’s philosophy of the importance of conserving resources by working close to home and not building unnecessary or wasted space. Other green features include natural materials and finishes like linoleum flooring and countertops. Low VOC water-based paints and varnish, urea formaldehyde-free adhesives, and the absence of carpet maintain good indoor air quality. Built almost entirely by the architect and his father, the home features a blend of modern design and traditional craftsmanship. The exposed beams, expressive metalwork, mosaic tile, custom woodwork, wood-fired pizza oven, and uncommon materials make this house unique.
Alt Breeding Schwarz Architects
Citation Award
absarchitects.com or 410-268-1213
The Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, is a monument to the history of the U.S. Naval Academy as an institution responsible for the training, education, and motivation of its graduates to serve as leaders in the armed forces of the United States. Additionally, the Stadium stands to honor the thousands of men and women of the Navy and Marine Corps who selflessly gave their lives and service defending our nation and its values. Visitors know that the Stadium represents more than simply sports events or commissioning. All who go there recognize the names of battles that encircle its walls and remember the sacrifices made on their behalf. The goal of the renovation was to develop a much needed external facelift and modernize the facility to meet current codes. Alt Breeding Schwarz created a new formal/processional entrance and, as perimeter markers, has created architectural elements to memorialize the Navy-Marine Corps as well as adding contemplative spaces within the arena setting. Furthermore, seating was designed to give the team a “home field advantage” by adding east-west seating in the voided sideline wall and field and creating a new north endzone bowl which combine to envelope the field by rabid devotees.
