FLANAGAN HOUSE Bronxville, New York Abelow Sherman Architects (in association with Shin Koga) Partner-in-Charge: David Sherman Contractor: Top Drawer Construction Corp. Photographer: Michael Moran Completed: 2003 Project Team: David Hendershot A large house in the seminal ?garden suburb? village of Bronxville, in Westchester County, was thoroughly renovated by a family relocating from Manhattan. The original house was conceived in a mock Tudor manner, though with a rare simplicity of detail, and with a surfeit of steel casement windows on two sides of many rooms, as the house is only eighteen feet deep. The new owners commissioned the architectural team to upgrade the infrastructure of the house, completely rethink the kitchen, and give a new fit-and-finish quality to the remainder of the house. The simplicity of the original detailing inspired a new minimalist approach to what is commonly referred to as ?transitional? design. New steel casements were sought which precisely match the early 20th century model. A central air conditioning system was threaded through the interior partitions and ceilings, insulation was injected, and a high-end perspective was applied throughout to transform a home for a family of five that might stand up for many decades.

This prefabricated 1,800 square foot Certified Passive House is designed and built by The Artisans Group, located in the rugged central highlands of Shaw Island, in the San Juan Islands. It is the first Certified Passive House in the San Juans, and the fourth in Washington State. The home was built for $330 per square foot, while construction costs for residential projects in the San Juan market often exceed $600 per square foot. Passive House measures did not increase this projects’ cost of construction. The clients are retired teachers, and desired a low-maintenance, cost-effective, energy-efficient house in which they could age in place; a restful shelter from clutter, stress and over-stimulation. The circular floor plan centers on the prefabricated pod. Radiating from the pod, cabinetry and a minimum of walls defines functions, with a series of sliding and concealable doors providing flexible privacy to the peripheral spaces. The interior palette consists of wind fallen light maple floors, locally made FSC certified cabinets, stainless steel hardware and neutral tiles in black, gray and white. The exterior materials are painted concrete fiberboard lap siding, Ipe wood slats and galvanized metal. The home sits in stunning contrast to its natural environment with no formal landscaping. Photo Credit: Art Gray

French toile window valance adds a pop of red to the black & white design. The backsplash, an afterthought, became possible due to a stroke of good luck finding a boxful of these tiles @ Habitat for Humanity Re-Store for $15

Fresh and bright style for this updated 1930's kitchen in a cottage style home. Original fixtures were replaced with clean lines and traditional details. White ceramic blacksplash is mixed with patterned marble above the range. New hardwood floors were added to flow with the adjacent living room.

Galley kitchen layout with Brilliant White Design Glass kitchen furniture, and 20mm Compac Smoke Grey Quartz worktop.

Spectacular double island kitchen with cupboards galore, gorgeous wood range hood, lighted display cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and fixtures.

Steve Carter Got you looking

Photographer: Will Pryce

Barbara Brown Photography

Sam Oberter