CLASSIC SEASIDE HOMES BY ASHER ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS

We first came across Asher Associates Architects, LLC when this fabulous beach house by Mark Asher, the firm's principal, was featured in the October / November 2010 issue of Design NJ Magazine.  We've provided a few screenshots, but you can visit asherarchitects.com to see the full portfolio.

Here's why we're a fan of their work...



We love that Mr. Asher and his associates design classic shore houses.  They're rooted in historic tradition, and from the exterior, they blend well with the surrounding architecture; they appear as if they were perhaps built a hundred years earlier.  The interiors are quite different, however, since these homes are open, full of light and designed in a very livable manner.

We love the gambrel roof, the porch above the front door, the huge windows (which still manage to maintain a classic look in spite of their massive size), the bright interior with its interesting ceilings and sense of space, the superb craftsmanship..... We could go on and on....

Mr. Asher's homes are quietly elegant and feature classic architectural detail and superb craftsmanship.  "The firm’s design ideology is rooted in 'New Urbanist' philosophies which assert that buildings should be designed as good neighbors, deliberately intended to have a gentle impact on the streetscape and community." -- asherarchitects.com

Another screenshot from Mr. Asher's portfolio.  This home feels like a New England Colonial at the beach!

Here's an interior screenshot of a living room or great room.  Notice the beautiful windows and the ceiling details.  Too many times you'll see new homes with spaces that are open, but seem out of proportion or cavernous.  Mr. Asher pays attention to scale and builds in such intricate architectural details so that his rooms, while large and spacious, still manage to feel intimate.

If you're in the market to build or renovate a home -- especially at the beach -- why not look into Asher Associates, LLC?

For more information:


Asher Associates, LLC
Mark Asher, AIA, Principal

115 West Avenue, Suite 202
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Tel. 215.576.1413
Fax 215.576.0879
asherinfo@asherarchitects.com

9723 Second Avenue
Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Tel. 609.368.1411
Fax 609.368.0099

SHINGLE STYLE MASTER RENOVATION BY OLIVER COPE ARCHITECT & MAYFAIR CONSTRUCTION

This addition / renovation by Oliver Cope Architect and Mayfair Construction is truly exceptional.  The architect and builder transformed the house from a generic, though lovely, colonial into this exceptional shingle-style home.


Check out a photo of the house in its original state.  While it was a lovely white colonial, it was a bit bland.

But after Oliver Cope and Mayfair Construction completed the project, the architecture is exceptional.

The "new" home feels like it's been there forever; it seems like it has a history, as if it existed on that site for perhaps a hundred years in its current state.

The different shapes and rooflines add interest to the home.  The design also make the structure feel more intimate, which is not easy to accomplish with a house this size.

The rear exterior: The covered porches face the water.  The back of the home is just as beautiful and interesting as the facade.

A gorgeous kitchen, with painted white cabinetry, marble countertops and wide-plank hardwood floors.  Notice the curve of the woodwork on the island, the shape sort of mimics the arches.  And that sweet dog looks awfully happy in this gorgeous house!

I like this a lot -- it's a breakfast / keeping room, overlooking the water.  Again, we see the arches repeated, this time in the built-in cabinetry that surrounds the fireplace.

And here we have two photos of the library.  Of course the woodwork is fabulous, but my favorite aspect is the shape of the room and the ceiling, which adds a sense of drama.  The architect or architectural team responsible for the project created an elegant home with a sense of history, and the talented craftsmen at Mayfair Construction, who carried out Oliver Cope's vision, certainly deserve kudos, as well.

For more information, please visit:

• Oliver Cope Architect 
• Mayfair Construction

HUDSON RIVER VALLEY HOME BY RALPH MACKIN ARCHITECTS & CAMPION PLATT

I first stumbled across this magnificent home, designed by Ralph R. Mackin Architects, PLLC, AIA, with interior design by Campion Platt, in the July 2010 issue of Architectural Digest.

This New Home inspired by the original style of the vintage 1908 dwelling (now guest house) is part of a 100 acre estate , sits atop a sweeping lawn at the crest of the Hill over looking the Hudson River and Storm King Mountain beyond.  The residence is in the Shingle Style, with a touch of Colonial Revival symetry and porch detailing. It is subtle yet majestic, with 11 foot high ceilings and deep wrap around porches.  The porches are essential to the views, creating a transition point, and giving a human scale to the great outdoors. Large bay windows afford wide open views to all the Western River views, yet are classically detailed. -- Mackin Architects

I've posted a few screenshots below, but for additional photos and information, you can visit the following:

• Ralph R. Mackin Architects, PLLC, AIA
• Campion Platt
• Architectural Digest: "Dances with History," by Steven M. L. Aronson - July 2010 Issue

Stone and shingle exterior with wrap around porch.  Magnificent Hudson River Valley views.

Another view of the porch.  Note the floor-to-ceiling windows, which let it an abundance of light, not to mention views of the majestic Hudson River Valley countryside.

Another exterior shot, which features the outdoor living areas and swimming pool.

This is one of my favorite photos.  The entry hall sets the tone -- it manages to create a sense of place and a feeling of "home," which could have been lost on a house this size.  Look at the beautiful woodwork, cozy fireplace, unobstructed views from front-to-back, not to mention the gorgeous lighting fixture!

ROBERT A. M. STERN: House at Blue Water Hill (2007)

Have you seen the House at Blue Water Hill (2007) by Robert A. M. Stern?  If you haven't, it is truly magnificent (which should come as no surprise since Mr. Stern designed it).  I've posted a few screenshots below, but you can visit RAMSA.com for more photos...

Look at how the home is situated.  The blue hydrangeas complement the facade... 

An inviting outdoor living area, featuring terraces, porches, pool, etc.

The view, the woodwork, the fireplace, the sense of intimacy -- need I say more?

And speaking of a view... 

A breakfast room adjoins the kitchen (with pale painted blue cabinetry. 

The staircase.... 

The entrance hall... A truly spectacular home!