The Marvin Windows and Doors’ Architect’s Challenge winners have been announced and this year, there are some really beautiful winning modern houses. Here are our favorites:
Casey Key Bay House by Jerry Sparkman of Sweet Sparkman Architects (first image also) was created at the request of an owner who wanted a “house in the trees” that respected the land and nature. The design of the curved custom windows mimic the organic forms of its surroundings and it really feels like a treehouse.
Folly Farm by Dale Hubbard of Surround Architecture is a hybrid between rugged, traditional architecture and sleek contemporary design and was named best in show. The architects selected lots of textured materials to give it a more rural feel while maintaining a mostly modern design.
Bragg Hill by Matthew Moger of Moger Mehrhof Architects is a new, sustainable residence located on the top of a wooded hillside that overlooks the Brandywine River on the outskirts of Philadelphia. Although it looks old, it’s a modern take on the 18th century barn, a frequent sight in the rural parts of Pennsylvania. I particularly like the patchwork-like exterior and the variety of materials used.
Highland View Residence by Rob Carlton and Chad Harding of Carlton Architecture and DesignBuild is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, overlooking a mountain lake with expansive mountain views beyond (thus the need for lots of windows!). Tying nature and home together, the design utilizes large expanses of glass including an entire hallway made of glass that brings nature inside all year round.
Lyme Guesthouse by David Mansfield Architecture and Design was originally just going to be a simple pool and guest house, but morphed into a modern barn-style retreat. Taking advantage of its dramatic riverside location, the small residence merges the client’s love of Japanese culture and the New England countryside. A well-done modern barn, for sure. Are you starting to see a trend here?
Vermont Mountain House by Marcus Gleysteen and Robyn Gentile of MGA | Marcus Gleysteen Architects reflects a mountain home full of glass to expose the homeowners to 360 degrees of views. I especially like this because it’s a nice hybrid between a cabin-style mountain home and a modern home in the woods.
Which one is your favorite?
The full list of winners includes:
- Folly Farm by Dale Hubbard of Surround Architecture
- Marquette Park Pavilion by Bill Latoza of BauerLatoza Studio
- Casey Key Bay House by Jerry Sparkman of Sweet Sparkman Architects
- Batts Hall by Simon Janes of Janes Architectural and Hugh Petter of Adam Architecture
- Highland View Residence by Rob Carlton and Chad Harding of Carlton Architecture and DesignBuild
- Lyme Guesthouse by David Mansfield Architecture and Design
- Vermont Mountain House by Marcus Gleysteen and Robyn Gentile of MGA | Marcus Gleysteen Architects
- LenFest Management and Preserve Center by Daniel Russoniello of Archer & Buchanan Architecture
- Bragg Hill by Matthew Moger of Moger Mehrhof Architects
- Santa Rita Cottage by Heather Young of Fergus Garber Young Architects
Stay tuned for some more highlights and features on our favorite modern winning designs from the 2013 Marvin Architect’s Challenge coming up soon.
