Project Manager/Designer: Robert M. Scarano jr.
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The program consists of two identical 4-bedroom apartments that are configured to accommodate the needs of an orthodox family with balconies and oversized kitchen and living room, all contained within 7,000 square feet at an anticipated construction cost of $1 million. The design approach was to create a unique building that conforms to the general characteristics of a traditional townhouse. For example, a traditional stoop is expressed through modern stone stairs at the entrance, and the recessed windows follow the line of neighboring buildings. The standard rear yard has been redesigned to slope like a "rolling green" along its full length as an exaggerated expression of an existing change in elevation between two adjacent lots. A floating glass-enclosed cube hovers over this yard to stress the tension between sloped and straight plains. The exterior finish material is a dark grey stone, the primary building material in the client's home country, and a material that ages well. The form is derived from the sculptural possibilities inherent in stone, treating the building as a stone volume to be carved out, revealing dynamic openings. The interior finishes follow the austerity of the exterior in their perception.
Project Manager/Designer: Robert M. Scarano jr.
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The gut renovation of 180 East 64th street converted a four-family brownstone into a single-family "mini-mansion". The entire building was stripped and redesigned inside and out. Every element was carefully designed by the architects, who worked closely with the craftsmen for 36 months to create "details of a bygone era", including lavish moldings and delicate plaster and wood trimming. This project is a good example of a successful collaboration between a well-informed client and architects trained in preservation techniques, complimented by enthusiastic craftsmen and imported materials, including windows, moldings, wood tiles and quarry stone. The result is the clients' 6,000 square foot dream home, which cost $3 million to build and has doubled its resale value. 180 East 64th Street takes the lead in a growing trend to create family style apartment homes on a block which, shortly after the completion of this project, was described by architectural historian Christopher Gray as, "one of the richest and most desirable blocks to live on in all of New York City".
Project Manager/Designer: Robert M. Scarano jr.
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The client's search for a design for his new weekend residence in Westhampton presented a series of challenges. The 1.7 acre site is located in a wetland preservation area, with an unusual "L" shape restricting the building to only one possible location. The flood zone required driving deep piles and elevating the house ten feet above grade. These limitations created a ramp 200 feet long from the entrance of the site to the house. The design was dominated by a strong axis created by the long approach to the house and the extension to the canal. The house is located where the two axis meet. Although comparatively small, the house gives an illusion of grandeur. The flow of the exterior circulation is carried inside the house. Large interior spaces afford magnificent views of the property as well as intimate spaces for the owner to enjoy. The open plan for the kitchen, dining and grand room gives a relaxing, less formal atmosphere to the house. A bridge connecting to the pool area enhances the second axis to the canal with a long and easy descent to the pool and garden. Large roof eaves, oversized windows, and classical touches ground the traditional design. Careful handling of the restrictions imposed on the site, as well as its shape, helped to create a residence that not only adapts to the site's conditions, but celebrates each of them with playfulness and grace.