One of the exciting projects we’ve been working on this year is the chancellor’s residence at North Carolina State Univerity, my alma mater.  Judy and I can’t wait to see the end result, and we’re excited to share updates along the way!  Working with Weinstein-Friedlein Architects, Marvin Malecha who is the Dean of NC State’s College of Design, Rufty Homes, and an entire team of people at NC State has been a unique and enjoyable process.  Construction on ‘The Point’ began a few months ago on Centennial Campus.  The house is tucked in the woods, with Lake Raleigh in its back yard. 

 This water color rendering shows the view as you approach the residence from the main drive.  The architectural style is inspired the work of Hugh Newell Jacobsen who drew from the vernacular architecture of the American homestead.  The design is modern, but it is executed with traditional materials for a humble and inviting balance.  And being on NC State’s campus, it was destined for a brick exterior.

 This architectural model sits in the Park Alumni Center on Centennial Campus. 

Here is a view of the garage side of the house, where the chancellor will pull in everyday.  The detail shown on such a small scale is amazing.  A laser cutter burned the window and roof details into the wood.

The back of the house, with the land slanting down toward Lake Raleigh.  The outdoor living spaces will be just as amazing as the interior!  Wonderful porches and decks on the front and back of the house offer a great place for entertaining with our mild North Carolina climate.  The 8,500 square feet features private living space upstairs, with open spaces for university guests, dinner parties, banquets, and fundraisers.  It is as much a chancellor’s residence as it is the university’s residence. 

Check back later in the week for construction pictures .  Click here for more information about the project, including a photo of the current chancellor’s residence.

Lauren

My small piece of paradise sits on Kiawah Island South Carolina. We have had a second home there well since Hilaire was 7 years old…let’s see that is 16 years. I never get tired of my visits to the island and the architectural treasures I find each time go. I always spend a day on my bike touring the island and taking pictures. Below are some of the places I visited when I was there last month.

The architecture of this home is inspired by the Voysey english country arts and crafts style. Built by Simonini Builders of Charlotte it looks perfectly at home in the low country setting.

I always marvel at the quality of the brick work and tabby stucco of the low country trades.

It takes a special artisan to construct groin arches in brick! They were really magnificent in person…

Even I was blown away by this entry feature of stone and slate. The slate “cap” is beautifully executed in staggered lengths turned on its side.

These stones that seperate the street from the drive look as if they have been there for hundreds of years.

More Voysey inspired rooflines….

Even the boat dock to the Kiawah River has architectual appeal!

Architecture is art…all subjective. I can identify 4 different historic styles in this single family residence on the ocean. Interesting to say the least…I am just not sure it knows what it wants to be when it grows up.