A project dynamic in its forming. Currently in the midst of its evolution its true nature is being revealed. The Owner started with ideas of particular spaces to be incorporated into the design. In collaboration we invented a story for the historical evolution of the house. The history of the house, which is described on the the owner's web page in detail, is expressed by changes in stone and stucco finishes and roof detailing among the various wings. By examining the completed house, one can piece together the evolution of the estate. The combination is meant to be pleasing to the eye and evocative of the lengthy period over which manor houses were often constructed.
    The walls built of foam formed concrete are part of an emerging technology as is the rest of this "smart house". The benefits are the obvious increase in strength, a quieter interior, and moderate internal temperature fluctuations. The geothermal heating and cooling system takes energy from the sun via the tubes buried in the earth. It all means no ongoing fossil fuel consumption, greater comfort, and a lower heating bill. The house blends the best of tradition, individual personality, and modern technology.

The Project In Progress

We're so pleased with the way this project is unfolding we just had to include some construction photos to show off the stone siding and handsome multicolored tile roof. Note the copper on the dormer roofs too. The proportion of the masses and textures of the stone and stucco displayed so well in the sunshine make this Architect's day.

Exterior of the French Estate

Looking west past master bedroom to conservatory	South Face
View of house from across new pond.	Stone & Stucco Siding
View of family room kitchen & living room	Croquet Shelter beyond the wetlands
Copper Finials At Turret Tops	Stone water table, Window Sills and Quoins
Rustic Quoins at windows	Large Stone Clad Turret

Interior of the French Estate

Conservatory Roof	Family Room to Kitchen Before hood installation.
Fitted Cabinets	Fitted kitchen with 3'x6' Stainless Steel and brass Hood
Yellow Office	Blue Office
Entry door designed for this house	Carved Stone Fireplace in Living Room
Dormers in the attic	Small Stairway Turret
Lounge to Family room Stairway Marble shower and steam room Bead Board Ceiling

The process . . .

The image of the wood model describes an estate in progress. The owner describes his project on his web site in great detail. The wood model delights the child in us all and we love to play Gulliver and peak in the windows. Thanks to our state of the art electronic office we peak in the windows or the attic, fly over, walk through and crawl under at will with the click of the "mouse". We can slice the building a million ways and resolve construction issues at any phase of the design. Thanks to the three-dimensional "modeling" capability of our software our clients experience their projects and understand their buildings in ways even models can't provide. We put people on the inside, looking out and include the virtual landscape so they know what they will see from any window. As a result of our interactive meetings, our clients make informed choices along the way and feel involved in their projects. DePape Associates feel confident that we are serving our clients with the best tools available, a reflection of the care which goes into our architecture.

Overview of the east

The estate is divided into wings that embrace views of gardens, wetlands and forest and provide privacy and settings for the owners' planned activities. The east wing encloses the informal kitchen garden. This area of the house contains the domestic functions of cooking, informal dining and entertaining, garage and domestic animals quarters.

Overview of the south

The approach to the house is from the northeast. The road was planned for a dramatic first view of the house as one rounds a bend and crests a rise. A circular drive brings one to the formal entry at the center of the group. The play of textures, roofs and different wall treatments will evoke the story of a complex of buildings that have evolved over time.

Overview of the north

The approach to the house is from the northeast. The road was planned for a dramatic first view of the house as one rounds a bend and crests a rise. A circular drive brings one to the formal entry at the center of the group. The play of textures, roofs and different wall treatments will evoke the story of a complex of buildings that have evolved over time.

Overview of the conservatory

The transparent teahouse and conservatory enliven the gardens. The model shows the complexity of roofs, all resolved in the computer design process.

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