History lesson

Architectural styles evolve from generation to generation. However, like most ephemera dictated to by the whims of fashion, the proven elements of architectural design remain constant through these changes.

The owner of the property featured on these pages has an affinity for Irish Palladian architecture (1690-1740) and wanted to incorporate parts of that style into his home, says Don Zivkovic, principal of Zivkovic Associates Architects.

"We talked about that specific style of European country estate, and decided to Americanize it. The Hudson River Valley, where the home is situated, has a distinctive architectural style all its own, dictated in part by its most famous landmark West Point Military Academy."

Architecture throughout the Hudson River Valley is dominated by granite and limestone two local materials that combine well with the ethos of bold simplicity that pervades Palladian architecture.

"When designing the home we thought carefully about how to make it look imposing. The simplicity of the Palladian form lends itself to conveying a sense of scale, while the continuity of materials used also makes the structure appear larger than it actually is."

The oversized proportions have been carried into the interior of the home as well. Guests enter a double-height reception hall before being ushered through a vaulted archway, and into the living room. The transition creates an impression of increased height, when in actuality the living room is the same height as the other rooms on this level.

"The layout of the home is simple and axial in fact when you open the interior doors you can see through the house in all directions, including down the Hudson River and across to West Point. So, to create a sense of grandeur we played around with the ceiling heights pushed some up and brought some down," says Zivkovic.

The expansive windows and glass doors on this floor are another element that works to create a greater sense of interior scale, says Zivkovic.

"The size of the windows and doors has also been exaggerated, which has a two-fold effect. Firstly, when viewed from the exterior their rectangularity adds height. Secondly, when looking out, they frame the expansive view, which again creates a sense of magnitude. The proportions of the openings and the amount of masonry surrounding them was critical. The doors and windows march around the house in a classical way, similar to but not in strict adherence with Irish Palladian manors."

Other architectural details that differ from the established style include the limestone porch overlooking the pool, and dormer on the third floor.

"You'd be hard-pressed to find any exact precedent for these elements in Palladian architecture. However, they serve to increase the visual amount of masonry, again contributing to the imposing nature of the property."

As a way to Americanize the property, Zivkovic added the four dominant chimneys drawing inspiration from 18th-century plantation manor, Stratford Hall.

"The chimneys, aside from serving a functional role two are actual chimneys, one houses the elevator shaft, and the other, the staircase from the third floor to the roof aesthetically adhere to the Palladian need for symmetry."

The inclusion of a widow's walk acknowledges the home's Hudson River Valley outlook.

Another counterpoint this time to the home's immediate surroundings is the entry court, a vast sea of granite that is in direct contrast to the rural setting of the property.

"The home is situated on a sloping site set amongst 100 acres of woodland. Although there are neighboring properties, they cannot be seen, enhancing the feel of being surrounded by nature. I wanted to play off the rural setting with an urbanized entry. Furthermore, it acts as an extension of the solidity and commanding presence of the home," says Zivkovic.

But even here, the spirit of Palladian architecture can be seen. The garage is connected to the house via a covered breezeway similar to the connection between the traditional Italian Palladian villas of the 16th century, and their associated out-buildings.

Zivkovic says the sloping nature of the site was one of the biggest hurdles during the construction on the home.

"To counteract the slope we had to construct a series of terraces on which to site the property. Concealed within the masonry facade of the home and retaining walls is a steel frame and a lot of concrete."

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Jamie Cobeldick History lesson A historical interest was the inspiration behind