Modern classic

In a neighborhood where the streets are lined with established and traditionally designed homes, building something new requires a subtle approach. Paying close attention to detail is important for an authentic traditional look.

The owners of this home didn't want to move from their corner lot, but a growing family meant a need for change. The original plan was to renovate their existing two-story brick home, but architects Yong Pak and Charles Heydt from Pak Heydt & Associates saw a major problem a brick interior structure so they decided to start from scratch.

"It's on a corner, so we didn't want it to look overwhelming. When designing the new house, we looked at building to fit the architectural scale of the street," says Pak.

A sloped site allows space for a full basement downstairs, with room for a garage, storage space and a pool cabana. A steeply pitched roof accommodates an attic playroom. Living, dining and kitchen areas make up the first floor, while bedrooms are placed on the second.

In order to accentuate the Tudor look of this home, Pak concentrated on detailing. On the front fae§ade, brick has been laid in differing patterns between dark-painted timber, in a technique known as nogging'. Wood patterning on the front door relates to the brick above. Gabled bay windows and Tudor-style chimney pots add to this authentic feeling. Diamond-paned leaded glass is a feature of the dining room on the first floor.

"People often comment that this home looks like a historic renovation," says Pak.

Traditionally, Tudor style homes are relaxed, informal spaces that, despite alluding to aristocracy, do not flaunt wealth. Instead of going for a grand approach, Pak designed the entrance to encourage movement through the home. The front door opens into a foyer area, where a staircase leads the eye up towards the second floor.

"The stair foyer is the heart of the house, efficient and user-friendly, but we still wanted it to look high quality," he says.

The family's initials have been incorporated into the intricate ironwork on the stairs. Limestone flooring and arched entranceways give a Mediterranean feel to the foyer.

The owners' collection of French furniture inspired a European accent to be integrated into the design of the interior. In the living room an antique fire surround and the use of Venetian plaster and exposed ceiling beams add to this European feel.

Outdoor living was equally important to the owners. A warm climate and the need for shade and shelter prompted a loggia to be created beside the pool area. From the family room, French doors open onto a deck where an outdoor grill encourages use of the space year-round.

"What I like is that this is a real user-friendly family home. They live in it fully they use every part of this house," says Pak.

Landscaping was designed to tie in with the traditional look of the home, with vines planted to grow over the brickwork, giving the illusion of a much older building.

Story by: Trendsideas