published by:  Michael Ullrich  AIA

If 1 in every 10 American households installed water saving bathroom fixtures, it is

estimated that water consumption could be reduced by as much as 74 billion gallons per

year, saving approximately $1.5 billion annually in utility costs.

In 2006, the EPA launched “Water Sense”, an initiative that brings local water authorities,

product manufactures, and retailers together in an effort to promote water saving products

and strategies to consumers.  Much like “Energy Star” and other rating systems, products

that meet specific water conserving criteria carry the water sense seal of approval.

 

Did you know that 60% of our daily water use comes from bathroom fixtures?

 

Your morning shower consumes approximately 25 gallons of water.  Replacing an existing

shower head with a low-flow model (2.0 gal/min or 1.5 gal/min) can reduce that

consumption by 50 – 70%. 

Your daily faucet use averages around 17 gallons of water per day.  A low-flow faucet can

reduce this consumption by up to 30%.

 

In your bathroom, a considerable amount of water is unfortunately wasted due to “lag time”

(the time it takes tepid or cold water in the pipes to clear before hot water reaches the

desired fixture).  A household of 4 can waste more than 12,000 gallons / year due to lag

time.   Installing a re-circulating hot water loop, can greatly reduce or eliminate lag time.

 

Toilets account for 30% of our daily home water usage.  Toilets made prior to 1992,

consumed 3-7 gallons per flush (GPF).  Since 1992, and Congresses passage of the Energy

Policy Act, low flow toilets have become the norm operating at   1.28 – 1.6 GPF.   Replacing

inefficient toilets alone goes a long way to reducing your water consumption.

(for retrofitting a pre 1992 water-wasting toilet, see Jan 7, 2011 blog – “Stop flushing money down the drain”)

Today’s consumers are becoming more and more educated and conscious about the impact

they have on the environment around them.  Water conserving bathroom products are

readily available, relatively inexpensive, and require little if any lifestyle changes.  Do your

part to conserve this precious resource.

published by:  Michael Ullrich  AIA

More and more often these days, we seem to be getting commissions to design and build

screen porches.  A screened porch is a wonderful way to expand the living space of your

home, offering a protected outdoor space that in the MD, DC, VA climate can be enjoyed

almost year round.

Structure as ornament:

Beams and columns are crucial elements to a well built screen porch. With applied trims and

moldings, these structural elements become an architectural feature establishing a rhythm

and vocabulary for the porch. 

Fit and finish:

Weather resistance is another key feature to any well built screen porch, but it should not

come at the expense of style.  Careful detailing of exterior grade woods, composites and

masonry can create a fit and finish equal to that of any interior space.  The same philosophy

should be applied when selecting lighting and furnishings for the screen porch.

Screening:

Instead of field stretching screens, we prefer to install custom screen panels built of decay

resistant spanish cedar or mahogany.  Each panel has removable screens for easy cleaning

and maintenance, and can be substituted with tempered glass inserts that extend the utility

of the porch into the fall and winter months.

 

To us (and our clients), a screen porch is more than fiberglass screens stretched across a

framework of wood supports, it is an extension of the home; refined to the same level of

detail and sophistication as any other room in the house.

 

 

 

Published by:  Michael Ullrich,  AIA

One of the greatest things about residential architecture is the big impact even small projects can have on a home and its owners.  Take for instance, this recently completed design;

The owners of a 100-year old Washington, DC row house were in dire need of a functional breakfast nook.  With two growing boys soon to be 6'-0" or taller, the current breakfast space was beginning to feel cramped.  Though they would have loved to expand the room, as is often the case in row houses, there just wasn't the space to do so.

After exploring a number of design scenarios, it became clear that the problem wasn't necessarily the space, it was the furnishings.  The standard sizes and shapes of available tables just weren't well suited for the nook.  So together, we set out to design and build a custom table.

 

Breaking from convention, the uniquely shaped table provides ample seating for 4, expanding to seat 6 when needed.  The soft curve at one end responds to the natural circulation paths in and around the nook.

Here's what the owners had to say;

"Mike transformed the way we live in this area of the house by designing a beautiful custom table  with built-in seating and drawers... All our future home renovations will be with Pagenstecher GROUP."

Thoughtful design makes a difference.  Every successful remodeling project begins with a quality design.  Architects are the only professionals with the education, training and experience to guide you through the complexities of home renovation.  At Pagenstecher GROUP, our architectural staff works with you to develop a unique vision for your home; listening to, and interpreting our needs.  They challenge preconceptions and inspire you to consider things you may have never dreamed possible.  The result is a home tailored specifically to you.

Authored by:  Peter Pagenstecher

In August, I was invited to serve on the judging panel for the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County Remodelers Council STAR Awards program.  This program recognizes outstanding achievement in remodeling projects throughout Raleigh/Chapel Hill/Durham, North Carolina.

 Over the years I have become frustrated with awards programs even though our firm has had more than our share of successes participating in them.  The majority of the programs we enter, or I have judged previously, were photography based.  In other words, the judges all sat in an office and looked at photographs of finished work without ever touring the actual projects.  This approach never seemed quite right to me.

 For the STAR awards, judges were divided into groups of three.  With score sheets and award submission notebooks in hand, a driver took us around to each project. Once on site, we got a hands on look at the finished projects AND met with a representative from the remodeling company that did the work.  In most cases we also met the homeowner.  In my view, this allowed for a thorough evaluation of each project. On top of photograph submissions, judges were able to see the “real” work and, more importantly, engage the people and witness the relationships that had produced the work.  This is an awards program I would like to win.

 The cliché, you can’t judge a book by its cover rings true in remodeling as I have always believed you can’t judge a project by its photography.  Case in point; there was one project that had less than inspired photography in its award submission.  However, on site and in person – it was a beautiful job.  There was another project that had exceptional photography, but close inspection of the workmanship revealed another story – the kind you won’t see in the photographs. 

 Congratulations to the Home Builders Association of Raliegh-Wake County for developing such a wonderful awards program.  More importantly respect and congratulations to all the entrants.  Your willingness to open your work up to inspection by peers was only reinforced by the pride with which each job was presented.  It was an honor to be involved.

Published by:  Michael Ullrich  A.I.A.

As our homes become more and more energy efficient and the exterior building envelope gets more and more tightly sealed, indoor air quality becomes a major concern.  Think of it this way; have you ever been in an old home on a cold day and felt a draft?  Though this draft is horrible for home efficiency, it is hugely beneficial to air quality because that draft  brings fresh air into the home and creates circulation (air movement).  

 ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) has developed  Standard 62.2  which establishes some minimum requirements for creating constant air movement throughout our homes.   Studies by the American Lung Association and EPA have shown that poor indoor air quality can pose serious threats to our respiratory health.

The good news is maintaining healthy indoor air quality is a relatively simple endeavor, thanks to some new bath fan technologies.   Manufacturers like Panasonic, Broan-Nutone, and Air King have developed " smart fans" that can  serve the dual purpose of exhausting moist bathroom air as well as managing your home's  indoor air quality.  Running at near in-audible sound levels and very low constant speed, these fans consume minimal energy while cycling air throughout our super-sealed and insulated homes. 

As you improve the efficiency of your home, incorporate this low impact solution to maintain the air you, your family, and your home "breathe".

 

At Pagenstecher GROUP, we are constantly on the look -out for the newest products and innovations in residential design and construction.  If you are considering a home renovation project in Maryland, DC or Virginia, let our experts develop a unique design solution for you.

 

Published by:  Michael Ullrich  A.I.A.

Looking for space to tuck a powder room (or half bath) into your already cramped for space home?  There is a new product that might be the answer for you, but you will have to think outside the box a bit.  Caroma (www.caromausa.com) has introduced a unique fixture that integrates a dual flush toilet and a sink basin into a singular unit.  

This all-in-one fixture offers an environmental (water re-use) benefit to boot.  After the toilet is used clean, fresh water is fed through the integrated hand-washing faucet instead of flowing straight down the drain (literally) like conventional toilets.  The handwashing water is collected in the toilet tank where it is stored for the next flush.

Though slightly unconventional, the fixture offers a couple key benefits worth considering; 1) it is environmentally conscious, which is never a bad thing.   2) It allows for a very compact footprint and greater flexibility when locating a powder room.   3) Cost of all-in-one unit is offset by reduced installation cost since singular water and drain connections serve both toilet and sink functions.

On top of that, it is bound to become a conversation piece for all visitors.

At Pagenstecher GROUP, we are constantly on the look -out for the newest products and innovations in residential design and construction.  If you are considering a home renovation project in Maryland, DC or Virginia, let our experts develop a unique design solution for you.

 

Published by:  Michael Ullrich  A.I.A.

Who'd ever think of writing about shower drains?  Utilitarian-looking at best, they are certainly not a design feature in most bathrooms.  Well that sentiment may soon be changing.  Infinity Drain (www.infinitydrain.com) offers a variety of unique bathroom drains  with an architectural edge.

Their linear strip drain systems offer a multitude of design opportunities that can be incorporated into the overall aesthetic of the shower.

Even more intriguing is their "TILEDRAIN" which virtually disappears into the shower floor.  Available in 3-sizes, the tiledrain can be covered with the same material (up to 3/4" thick) as the rest of the  shower floor. 

At Pagenstecher GROUP, we are constantly on the look -out for the newest products and innovations in residential design and construction.  If you are considering a home renovation project in Maryland, DC or Virginia, let our experts develop a unique design solution for you.

Published by:  Michael  Ullrich  A.I.A.

Part V in a series that follows our renovation of a Chevy Chase,  Maryland home.

The rear elevation of this Chevy Chase home was quite understated and lacked any real architectural character.

In order to maintain a conditioned, secure interior during construction, the breakfast room shell was constructed and weather-proofed before opening through the wall of the existing house and connecting to the kitchen.

The new insulated, double pane, gas filled, low e windows reduce energy consumption while adding a modern style to this Chevy Chase, Maryland home's exterior.

PVC trim details bring everything together.  This amazing material comes in dimensional shapes and moldings just like wood,  Impervious to water, PVC will never rot, and paints magnificently making it far superior to wood as an exterior trim.  High quality modern materials like this meet the low maintenance needs of our clients while insuring the quality of our craftsmanship will withstand the test of time, looking as good tomorrow as it does today.

 

Continue following Pagenstecher GROUP to watch this Chevy Chase, MD home renovation take shape.

Published by:  Michael Ullrich  A.I.A. 

Part IV in a series that follows our renovation of a Chevy Chase, Maryland home.

While work on the breakfast room addition foundation approached completion,  the crew at Pagenstecher GROUP began framing on the second floor dormer expansion.

(refer to "Part III- the owner's suite" of this series to see 2nd floor plans)

The dormer expansion takes full advantage of available second floor space; making way for a new master bath and walk-in closet. 

The small gabled roof line breaks the linear form of the rear dormer, and is the joint between old and new. 

Before: the master suite had minimal light and view to the rear of the property.  The sloped ceilings made what would be considered a sizable bedroom feel compressed and much smaller than it actually was.

A new picture window brings in much needed daylight while improving views to the heavily treed rear yard.  A raised flat ceiling returns the bedroom  to its appropriate scale, giving an expansive new feeling.

 

Continue following Pagenstecher GROUP as work progresses on this Chevy Chase, Maryland home.

 

 

 

 

 

Reinvigorate your kitchen with a backsplash

No room is more important than the kitchen when you’re remodeling your home. An updated kitchen gives you the greatest return on your investment, and backsplashes serve a practical purpose by protecting walls from grease, water and other “splashes.” Adding texture to the walls will enhance your kitchen's appearance, providing a little personality to a space that gets more guest traffic than any other room in the home. Here are a few of the more popular options:

Stainless Steel

For many years, stainless steel was strictly the domain of restaurants and commercial kitchens, but as times and tastes have changed, consumers have come to appreciate the stylish ease of use that it offers. Steel is durable and virtually indestructible, while also providing the easiest of surfaces to clean. It also comes in a variety of finishes, which can be used to mask its appearance.

Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles

Both extremely popular backsplash options, there are pros and cons of each to consider before making any decisions. Porcelain is a much denser material and less likely to absorb water, which reduces the likelihood of stains. It's resistant to allergens and bacteria, making it a great choice for kitchen applications. Ceramic is a less expensive option, but equally attractive as porcelain and available in as many color and styles. The down side, of course, is that it's less durable and resistant to water than it's counterpart, and requires more maintenance to resist long term wear and tear.

To read more go to: http://nl.r2rassoc.com/enews/3682/Pagenstecher-Group/0

Published by:  Michael Ullrich  A.I.A.

Part III in a series that follows our renovation of a Chevy Chase, MD home.

As foundation grading, drainage, and waterproofing continues progressing on the first floor breakfast room addition, let's take a minute and review the planned renovations to the second floor of this Chevy Chase, MD home.

Most of today’s new homes incorporate the idea of an owner’s suite.  The suite includes; a sleeping chamber appropriately sized for a large bed (queen or king), walk-in closet(s) with ample storage, and a private bathroom. 

We work in a lot of older homes that often lack the modern amenity of an owner’s suite.  Such is the case at this Chevy Chase, MD residence.  The bedroom is comfortably sized, but it lacked adequate closet space, and shared a small hall bath with another second floor bedroom.  Not quite the private oasis the owners dreamed of.

Our plan for the second floor expands an existing rear dormer to create additional space for a private bath and new walk-in closet.  Recapturing some under-utilized eave storage space makes room for a second walk-in closet.  The result is a true owner’s suite that will be a calming space to retreat to at the end of a long day.

Continue following Pagenstecher GROUP to watch this Chevy Chase, MD home renovation take shape.

Posted by:  Michael Ullrich  A.I.A.

Thanks to the collective efforts of our staff, Pagenstecher GROUP recently completed the design and fabrication of our new job signs.   Look for them at all of our upcoming renovation projects throughout Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac,  and upper NW DC.

"We mentioned to you up front that we wanted to have a Pagenstecher GROUP sign proudly displayed in front of our home during our project. While we expected it to be of tasteful design, we want you to know that once again your team surpassed our expectations."

Chevy Chase, MD homeowner

Published by: Michael Ullrich  A.I.A.

Part II in a series that follows our renovation of a Chevy Chase, Maryland home.

In preparation for the new breakfast room addition and screen porch, the existing masonry patio must go.  We carefully removed and stacked the existing flagstone paving so it can be re-used later on in the project.  Though we intended to re-use portions of the existing concrete  slab for the floor of the new screen porch, major cracks and settlement were discovered  so the entire  slab was removed.

April showers, well, they brought May showers.  The frequent rain storms of late had the potential to hinder progress on this  Chevy Chase, Maryland  renovation.  Fortunately, with a little on-the-job ingenuity;  excavation, footings, and masonry foundation walls have proceeded on schedule.

14 foot long 2x4's were secured to the existing house and covered with plastic to create a lean-to that sheds water away from the newly excavated hole, keeping things nice and dry as the breakfast room addition quickly rises out of the ground.

Keeping the new breakfast room foundation dry insures a clean, healthy environment is maintained throughout construction, eliminating the potential for mold.  Perimeter drain tile and exterior waterproofing will soon be installed to collect, and direct any future water away from the new foundation.

Continue following Pagenstecher GROUP as we transform this Chevy Chase, Maryland home.

Published by: Michael Ullrich  A.I.A.

Pagenstecher GROUP will soon break ground on another exciting Chevy Chase, Maryland home renovation. 

Over the next several months we will be detailing our process from design thru finished construction.  Keep checking in to follow the project as it takes shape. 

"Every successful renovation project begins with a client-specific design."

The breakfast room addition gives relief to the compact kitchen footprint.  Relocating, and widening the opening into the dining room maintains the efficient kitchen layout, while reinforcing a natural circulation path along the back of this Chevy Chase, Maryland residence.

 

3-d rendering of completed breakfast room 

Adding drama, expansive views, and natural light to the once secluded kitchen, transforms the space into a pleasant center for the owners of this Chevy Chase, Maryland home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published By: Michael Ullrich A.I.A.

Last Wednesday, we invited a group of 5th grade weblelos into our Kensington, MD  offices to assist them with their final activity badge requirement before becoming Boy Scouts.  The topic; "What does an Architect do?"

Though we talked a lot about the pragmatics of Architecture,  we also explored the creative side of the profession.  I asked a simple question; "What could your house look like?"  You would be amazed at what this energetic group of young minds came up with.  It was inspiring.

 

Many thanks to all participants.  Good luck in the Boy Scouts!

 

 

 

Winter weather can often be hard on your home's exterior. With spring just around the corner, it's time to take a closer look and correct any problems that may have developed over the season. Post-winter "tune ups" are common and can easily be handled. Here's a checklist to get you started:
Gutters and downspouts
Remove leaves and debris. Check for joint separation, loose fasteners, or corrosion. Gutters can expand and contract with freezing and thawing, which causes sagging. Reattach so they're flush and secure against the roof. If you don't have them installed already, now is a perfect time to consider a gutter guard system, to alleviate gutter cleaning for good!
Brickwork and stucco
Check for deteriorated mortar or spalling, where the brick facing has chipped away to expose its interior. Spalling leaves the brick susceptible to moisture and crumbling. Seal these areas with an appropriate sealant. Check for white salt deposits that remain after water evaporates and brush gently to remove it.
Roof
Look for lost or damaged shingles. Check flashing around plumbing vents, skylights, and chimneys. Inspect attic rafters for water stains. Examine siding under the roof eaves and inside ceilings for water or discoloration; these indicate ice dams may have created leaks along the roof edge. Have any repair work done by a qualified roofer.
Chimney
Check the chimney exterior for signs of damage. Have the chimney cap and flue inspected for cracks or leaking. Get the chimney cleaned.
Siding and trim
Clean the exterior with a pressure washer to remove mold. Check wood surfaces for weathering. If paint is cracked or peeling and the wood is exposed, scrape loose paint, sand the area, and apply primer before painting. Replace any rotted wood.
Foundation
Monitor any hairline cracks in foundation walls. Minor cracks that result from settling are normal. Mark cracks with tape and check them every few months. If you can slide a nickel into any crack in your concrete slab or foundation, it's time to call in a professional.
Concrete driveways, patios, and walkways
Inspect for cracks or signs of movement. Fill cracks with a concrete filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, pressure-wash the concrete and seal.
Air conditioning
Have a qualified contractor clean and service the outside unit of your air conditioning system.
Landscaping
Trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes that are touching structure to prevent them from scratching the sides of the house. Check for weakened trees and broken branches.
Sprinklers
Check your lawn sprinkler system for leaks, exposed lines, and broken sprinkler heads.
Decks and porches
Check for loose boards and deterioration. Look for water stains or signs of decay where the deck ties to the house. Wash decking to remove moss and mold.

For more info go to: http://nl.r2rassoc.com/enews/3184/Pagenstecher-Group/0

Published by: Michael Ullrich, A.I.A.

Spring is upon us; warmer temps, blossoming landscapes… and stink bugs!  Scientists are predicting the shield shaped invaders will again plague DC, MD and VA in 2011. So how do we protect our homes from these smelly nuisances?  Unfortunately at present time there is no wonder cure for stink bugs, but here are a couple techniques to help minimize the problem. 

 If you are not adverse to chemical treatments, many pest experts have reported success using a product called Talstar Pro.  Mix 1-ounce of concentrate per 1-gallon of water and apply with a pump sprayer, paying specific attention to the window sills and door thresholds around the exterior of your home. Pesticides break down with exposure to sunlight, so you may need to re-apply every 7-14 days for effective control.

Insure your homes exterior is properly sealed.  Replace torn window and door screens. Seal cracks in your siding, windows, doors, utility pipes, and any other openings with a high quality silicone caulk.  Install screens on attic vents, and chimney flues. Inspect crawl space openings and make sure they are properly sealed. 

Stink bugs, like many insects, are drawn to light, so closing your shades at night and turning off exterior lighting when not needed will help to reduce their attraction to your home.

Stink bugs will impact all of us in the upcoming year.  If you have other useful tips or techniques, I would encourage you to share them with us here.

 

To see more go to: http://nl.r2rassoc.com/enews/3000/Pagenstecher-Group/0

All light bulbs are not created equal Posted by: Michael Ullrich, A.I.A.

Looking for ways to reduce energy costs in your home?  LED lighting is gaining popularity in residential markets, and offers some exciting new products worth considering.  One such product is the CR6 from Cree lighting.

http://www.creelighting.com/                             

This retrofit LED down light works in most standard 6”cans.  Using Cree’s True White technology, the CR6 reduces energy consumption by over 80%, while delivering light quality equivalent to a standard 65 watt incandescent bulb.
Priced around $50 per unit, the payback in energy savings is estimated at 3-5 years (based on an average daily use around 6hours, depending on current energy costs).  With an average life expectancy estimated at 25 years, the CR6 may be the last replacement bulb you ever need.

Life Expectancy Comparison               Average use before replacement
Standard incandescent light bulbs          =       750 - 1,000 hours (6 months)
Compact fluorescent bulbs                    =       8,000 – 15,000 hours (4-7 years)
CR6 LED retrofit downlight                    =       50,000 hours (25 years)

If you are unhappy with the slow warm-up and poor color rendering of compact fluorescent bulbs, the CR6 might be the right light for you.

For more information on the CR6, check out this Youtube video; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UKP_lvzY3A

Here is a simple way to upgrade your water wasting toilets without replacing them completely.   The HydroRight Dual Flush Converter will add water saving features to any standard toilet, and at under $25, its any easy way to save money and reduce your impact on the environment.

For more detailed information about the HydroRight Dual Flush Converter, check out this Youtube Video;  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U16sbM3HJW0

Clean lines and the gracefully curving roof combine with the use of Seneca sandstone for the foundation and cedar clad walls to nestle this Darnestown Md pool house into the landscape.  The Seneca sandstone was reclaimed from demolished buildings.

Few things will go further towards taming the chaos of family living than a well organized mud room or mud zone.

Here individual cubbies are provided for each member of the family with separate compartments for boots, shoes, and sports equipment.  Nearby is a place to sort mail as well as a niche for the answering machine with cabinets above and below for phone books, take out menus and stationary supplies.

The mud room is an entry portal into the kitchen after dealing with day to day activities which cause clutter.

Sometimes there is not enough space for a separate mud room.  As soon as we enter this kitchen we create at one end of the room a mud zone by building in tall cabinets which serve as closets and lockers for sports gear and coats.  In addition there is a window seat with drawers below for boots, gloves and scarves.

A simple change in cabinet finish can differentiate the mud zone from the balance of the kitchen.

Pagenstecher GROUP
10605 Concord Street, Suite 1
Kensington, MD 20895-2503
301-933-9305
www.pagenstechergroup.com

Earth Tones Bring Outside In

In this Bethesda MD home remodel the use of natural wood and rough hewn stone creates a wonderful feeling of warmth.  It also strengthens the connection with the landscape.  The wood doesn’t create a contrast to interfere when looking out. The result brings the outside in.

The key to attracting people to the basement is to create a space that tells a story and is unique to the rest of the house.
In this Darnestown MD remodel we wanted the feeling of a rustic lodge.  To achieve this we wrapped the the beams and columns with rough pine and detailed it to make it look like massive columns complete with steel connecting straps.  In the bathroom the walls are covered with horizontal planks.  Both the fireplace and the bar make use of natural stone.  Every design element is used to reinforce the story of a rustic lodge making it feel like a vacation cabin.

Rethinking the stair railings for this contemporary Bethesda Home we used a blend of wooden elements; mahogany newels and top rails, combined with stainless steel ¾ inch rods and a steel cable at the top.  The cable creates tension,pulling everything together, while the rods create compression which keeps the rail from collapsing or falling apart.  Modern architecture is all about expressing the nature of  materials while enjoying the cleanliness of line and the rigor of the details.

So often garage doors dominate the front façade of houses.  In this Bethesda, MD remodeling project we pushed themback behind an arcade deemphasizing the massiveness of the garage doors. At the same time we are creating an interesting architectural element while providing a covered path to the house.

Pagenstecher GROUP
10605 Concord Street, Suite 1
Kensington, MD  20895
301-933-9305
www.pagenstechergroup.com

This Bethesda home was a typical brick rambler on a magnificent lot.  The house did not take advantage of its spectacular hillside views.  Our transformation to a Prairie style cottage included; the addition of a new covered porch, and a round room extending out over the hillside and into the trees.  The unique site can now be enjoyed from both inside and out.  Influenced by the early work of Frank Lloyd Wright, the house now engages the site.

This Potomac, MD residence is another version of a home reaching over a hillside and floating into the trees to enjoy a 360 degree connection with nature from inside the house.  Notice how the traditional windows on the right ease the transition between the contemporary and traditional aspects of this house. 

 

Have you ever said “Where can I put those wires, they look terrible”?  We came up with an unusual solution to this problem.  During this remodel we created a floating wooden slab with seamless doors to conceal all the Home Theater and stereo components as well as the unsightly wires.  The "slab" is held up by concealed cantilever steel brackets.  This gives the room an architectural focus while solving the problem.
We love the challenge of architecturally driven projects.  Accordingly, we have developed our staff and systems around the specific needs of this type of work. The sophistication of this process pays off in our highly detailed designs; in fact it is key to our ability to consistently deliver works of beauty and grace.
Pagenstecher GROUP
10605 Concord Street, Suite 1
Kensington, MD  20895
301-933-9305
www.pagenstechergroup.com

This home in Bethesda, MD had been remodeled several different times with different designs.  Our goal was to unify and give cohesion to the house without making major changes.  In this room we started with simply changing the pattern of the window divisions.  We then moved the door to the center and replaced it with French doors.  Overhead ceiling lights were added to brighten the room and we retrimmed the fireplace with a custom designed mantel and stone hearth. 

We believe in a team approach; and working enthusiastically, hand in hand with our clients is very important to us.  Nothing is more satisfying than standing back with our clients, reviewing a completed project and saying, "look at what we've created together".  

Pagenstecher GROUP
10605 Concord Street, Suite 1
Kensington, MD  20895
301-933-9305
www.pagenstechergroup.com

As an Architect who remodels older homes, I constantly adjust my design approach; to serve the differing circumstances created by the wide range of styles found in the Washington DC area.  Here are two very different architectural solutions for dining room storage and display, in two very different homes -- both in Bethesda, MD:

The first home received a formal, classically-inspired treatment, with storage cabinets and display shelves recessed into the wall.  Notice that the third bay of the built-in is actually the door to the kitchen!  The door panels are recessed into the vertical dividers of the cabinetry, creating a "paneled portal" effect.  Additional storage and serving surface are provided by a lovely breakfront.

 

The second home is a mid-century rambler, in which we replaced a single window with a group of 4 windows and a pair of skylights, framed by built-ins.  This is how we resolved the conflicting need for more light with the need to furnish along that same wall.  Notice the floating shelf separating the upper and lower windows; it provides serving and display surfaces, but it also allows us to treat the windows in entirely different ways.  The upper windows are trimmed-out and subdivided into 4 panes, reinforcing the traditional notion of what a window should be, while the lower windows seem to disappear in to the adjacent woodwork and serve as a place to display sculpture.  The lighted display cases in the surrounding built-ins serve to anchor  the entire composition.  
Every home and every client are different.  So my simple formula for pleasing architectural designs is this:  Unique Homes + Unique Clients = Unique Solutions.
 
Pagenstecher GROUP
10605 Concord Street, Suite 1
Kensington, MD  20895
301-933-9305
www.pagenstechergroup.com
 

A tile rug is a great way to add elegance to any bathroom.  Traditional 6x6 white field tiles surround a polished Carrara Marble rug inlay in this master bath. 

What is the most underutilized space in most homes? The answer is right under foot, it’s your basement. For many the basement is a damp, musty space, devoid of natural light, disconnected from the rest of the home, useful only for storage. This is unfortunate, because I see the basement as useful lower level living space, and you should too.

Water management:

Moisture is the most common problem found in basements and left unattended can lead to noxious odors, constant frustration, and mold. If water is infiltrating your basement, its time to do some investigation:

1. Clean your gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear of debris and directing water away from the foundation.

2. Look at the ground around your foundation to make sure it is properly sloping away from the house.

3. Evaluate any wall penetrations like windows, doors, pipes and wires to make sure they are properly flashed and sealed.

4. Check for cracks and movement in your foundation walls.

Before finishing your basement it is critical that the space remain dry, otherwise you are wasting your time and money.

Access:

The basement stair is often utilitarian in nature. Lacking grace or a sense of destination, it acts as a barrier, instead of a connection. Consider replacing the walls that hide your stair with new open railings and architectural details to make it special. Highlight this important connection and you will draw people down into the lower level of your home.

Finish:

If you want to reclaim your basement, treat it with the same creativity and attention to detail as any other space within your home. Select finishes on par with the main level living spaces, and continue architectural details commensurate with the vocabulary of the house. Details like this go along way towards turning your basement into lower level living space.

Creativity is also important. Undoubtedly there will be things like pipes, ducts and utilities that must be dealt with and concealed. Instead of impediments, consider them opportunities for design. Sculpt bumps in the wall to make an architectural niche; transform unsightly bulkheads into custom ceiling features. Clever details like this will make your space unique.

Light:

Large windows flood a space with light. Unfortunately, your basement sits partially if not mostly under ground, and the installation of large windows may be impractical. If your basement lacks natural daylight, don’t skimp on lighting. Installing dimmer and scene selector controls will give you flexibility to manage light levels and set the desired mood for your lower living spaces.

In most homes, a finished lower level can increase the usable square footage of the home by more than 25%, and at a fraction of the cost for a new addition. This is but another way to reclaim underutilized space within your small home, adding space without adding space.

            In the current economy, and with growing awareness of green concepts, it seems the desire for "big" houses is on the decline.  This gives architects and remodelers an exciting opportunity and challenge: to make smaller houses live "large".

          To me, a house should be tailored so that every square inch has purpose and usefulness in the daily life of its inhabitants.  This concept is critically important in smaller homes.  In the next couple of blogs, I will discuss different ideas and methodologies to customize your home, and maximize the utility of its space.

Repurposing under utilized space:

          I thought I would start with an example (my own home); I had a formal dining room that we used 2-3 times a year at best.  I came to realize that we were wasting this valuable square footage in our home, so I repurposed the room.  Installing a wall of built-ins, I created a space for the family computer, with a mixture of concealed storage and bookcase / display shelves.  I took the leaves out of the dining room table so it would comfortably seat 4 (previously it seated 8-10) and repositioned it against a wall in the room to maintain natural circulation paths.  The remaining 4 chairs were dispersed into other parts of the house.  The dining room is now used daily for craft projects with the kids, for surfing the net on the computer, or for browsing through an ever growing stack of magazines.  The 2-3 times a year we need it for formal dining; with a few minutes of straightening up and minor rearrangement of the furnishing, it still serves its original purpose, and the new built-ins are perfect for serving.

           I added 168 square feet of useful space to my home without changing its footprint.  Repurposing a room is a great way to reclaim the under utilized spaces within your home.  In my case, the combination of formal dining and a library / office space made perfect sense. If you have a space like this in your home, maybe its time to stop thinking about what it is, and start thinking about what else it could be.

 

Check back in for future installments of "Adding space without adding space"

 

We have all seen countless advertisements on HGTV, for their "dream homes".  It's an enticing sales pitch.  A uniquely designed, fully decorated home, on a picturesque site.  Who wouldn't want that?   

Well, I see every home as a "dream home" waiting to be realized.  Far too often we focus on the negative aspects of our homes, instead of looking for opportunity and potential.  Intoxicated by television and print images, we "dream" of someday aspiring to have this or that, and it usually looks nothing like what we currently have.  As an architect who has devoted himself to remodeling homes, I love showing clients that their "dream home" is right in front of them. 

So what is it about these "dream homes" that make them so appealing?  To me it's the attention to detail.  Every space is tailored like a custom garment.  Architectural detail is not sacrificed, it is celebrated.  For many, the images flashing across their television screen define "home".  You can have this too!  And you don't need to move to the wine country of Sonoma, California.

Your house should be more than just a roof over your head.  It should be unique.  "Dream homes" evolve from the collaborative efforts of professional architects, master builders, and trusting homeowners.  Let me show you how to make your "dream home" a REALITY. 

                              

                                 We specialize in transforming older homes from ordinary to Extraordinary.

  We experience the world in three dimensions, yet most of the drawings I produce when remodeling homes throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. are representative of only two dimensions (plans, elevations, sections, etc).   This can pose a major challenge when trying to express the complexities of a design to my clients.  It is difficult for most people, architects included, to fully visualize a space when looking at two dimensional drawings.  Fortunately, computer aided drawing programs allow me to construct three dimensional models that I can inhabit with my clients.  The power of this technology is amazing, and is an essential tool used in all of my designs.

            Incorporating a 3-D design approach, I am able to walk clients through a virtual remodel of their home.  Together we remove walls, enlarge window openings, and explore different cabinetry and casework options. The interactive nature of a virtual model offers my clients the unique opportunity to inhabit their remodeled home before the first nail is driven on the "real" project. This goes a long way to building client confidence in the decisions they are making.

            Designing in three dimensions is of great benefit to me as well.  The freedom of a virtual environment allows me to balance technical know-how with artistic vision, resulting in a sophisticated, cohesive design solution.  I learn from the model as I build it, refining every detail until it is just right.

 

The construction of a 3-D model is no small undertaking, but its value during the design process makes it well worth the time and effort for all parties involved.

Scale - no, I am not talking about that thing we all dread stepping onto in our bathroom or at the gym.  I am talking about proportion and the spatial qualities of an object or entity in relationship to its surroundings.  Scale is measurable, but more importantly it has a sensory component.  When you walk into a room, how do you feel?  Does something seem off?  Maybe the windows are too small, the room is too narrow, and the couch blocks circulation paths.  Everything around us acts to define scale, and therefore, has an affect on our sense of it.

If a room feels too big; architectural treatment of the ceiling and floor planes might be incorporated to create different zones within the space.  If a room feels too small; large window openings and strategic removal of vertical wall surfaces offer new views and a sense of openness. 

Scale can also establish a hierarchy and create focal points.  Like a road map, inhabitants and guests are lead by these architectural cues, and drawn through the spaces of a home.  Proper understanding and manipulation of scale informs every decision that goes into a successful design.

That room you walked into earlier... the one that seemed a bit off.  Imagine how differently it would feel with large windows that flood the space with sunlight.  A boxed bay widens the room creating a niche for the couch, restoring the natural circulation paths into and through the room.  Adjustments like this have the power to modify your perception of a space, redefining its scale.

Welcome to my blog.  I am Michael Ullrich, AIA, an architect dedicated to residential design and remodeling in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.  I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you…

“Thinking outside of the Box”

    It seems everywhere I turn; I am constantly reminded of the downturn in the current economy.  Instead of talking about how bad things are, I would instead like to share a bit of optimism.  I see this downturn in the market as a great opportunity for architects to be “CREATIVE”.  Exquisite design and quality construction should not be limited only to projects with unlimited budgets.  This requires a concerted effort from professionals within the architecture and construction industry.

    We must task ourselves with effectively guiding clients through the design process, and thoroughly explaining how every decision affects their budget.  We must challenge our own preconceptions about design, looking for economical solutions that do not sacrifice intent.  These challenges do not hinder us; instead they fuel creativity and lead us to superior design solutions.

We must also use trade professionals and the ever expanding web to search out cost effective materials and products that do not sacrifice quality.  This again, provides us with a great opportunity.  Simple materials, when detailed and installed properly, can produce magazine quality results without breaking a client’s budget.

    Opportunity is all around us. With effort and ingenuity we can prosper and improve ourselves and our homes… if we just “think outside of the box”.