Schematic Design

The primary purpose of the Schematic Design phase is to create the overall vision for the project. The client’s program and desires, site, existing conditions and budget are all considered. These considerations allow the architect and clients to begin to develop the form and spatial configuration of the building.

Introduction to the Hudson Valley Extreme Makeover

This extreme makeover is located in the Hudson Valley of  New York.  The old  farm house hadn’t been lived in for over twenty years and was in disrepair, but there was something special about this diamond in the rough. It had a simplistic look in a beautiful setting filled with classic Hudson Valley stone walls. Serge is working with the firm Handcrafted Builders. The team intends to make a modest but high quality home, with an open feeling, that visually connects the interior spaces with the beautiful landscape. The new house will have a charming Hudson Valley look with simple exterior details that mirror the  details of the original house. The original house looked like it belonged on the site and the new house will as well.

The Program

The look and feel of the main body of the house remains unchanged. The original house had a living room, dining room and two bedrooms in the main body of the house. The new design does as well. The post and beam construction was visible in the original living and dining rooms and will also be seen in the new house. The series of additions on the rear of house sustained too much water damage and could not be salvaged. They have been removed. A new addition was designed for the rear of the house which includes a mudroom, kitchen, great room and office on the first floor. The second floor of the new addition will house a master bedroom suite. The basement under the new addition will be finished and contain a billiards area and office space. Not including the basement, the total amount of finished interior space is approximately 2700 sq. ft..

Key Features:

The house will feature a semi-circular stair, centrally located in the house, which makes its way up from the basement to the second floor. The exterior of the stair will be clad with stone. The combination of the stone stair and exposed timbers will create a very earthy, rustic feel. The house will have two fireplaces. The original Rumford Fireplace in the living room will need to be reconstructed and a massive stone fireplace will be added in the great room.

Existing House and Schematic Design Sketches:

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