Build news spring15

SPRING 2015 • Volume 4 • Issue 4

Look around you The Stratford area is home to many notable residences and buildings. Spring is the perfect time to take a walk and view the details of some of these fine places.

The Perth County River Walk Tour's downloadable map is self-guided and can get you started. See where the Festival's annual garden party was for years, or the house where a young Norman Bethune spent his summers. Grab your dog (or partner) and spend an hour or so wandering the streets of central Stratford for a history lesson. The side benefit is taking the time to admire the neighbouring homes which you may not often have a chance to do.

Ror y

Our design was a modern take on traditional Craftsman style with wood columns and decorative bracket gable trim.

Craftsman style in St. Marys We designed this new build home with a modern appeal and a Craftsman influence.

We were able to maximize on the subdivision's restrictions by reducing the size of the garage to add focus to the front entrance and utilizing custom painted cement board siding and dramatic black brick to differentiate from the neighbouring homes.

WE LOVE YOUR HOUSE! This refined Stratford home on Hibernia St. is a two bay, red brick cottage with pleasing, symmetrical proportions. The textural cedar roof and Georgian style transomed door are details that add understated elegance to an otherwise simple facade.

Rory McDonnell build4u.ca 519 275 3250 rory@build4u.ca

Above: Dramatic central staircase.

Top Right: Dining room is appropriate for everyday dining as well as entertaining a group.

Bottom Right: The spacious kitchen has plenty of storage, a contrasting butler's pantry and an eat-in island with walnut butcher block prep area.

For more photos: www.build4u.ca/our-clients.html

The traditional central staircase allows for open space which at the same time has visual markers to designate each area for a specific use. Custom designed built-in cabinetry in each room creates plenty of storage and adds visual interest. The contemporary grey and white colour scheme and custom trim details unify the entire home from the exterior in.

Yes, we have the skills When Dr. Chris Cooper of Edifice magazine posted to his blog, "is there anybody out there up to the challenge to build such an amazing folly?" in regards to plans he had found for the long lost summer house from the Ashhurst Estate in Mount Holly, NJ, we knew that it needed to be built. This late 19th century gazebo would have been the centerpiece of an elegant garden, and when it is complete it may be the perfect respite from modern toils in your own backyard... no cell phones allowed! Let us know if you are interested in giving it a home.

Right: Original perspective drawing for the summer house on the Ashhurst Estate in Mount Holly, New Jersey.

Organization by Build

Room with a river view

A clear view with maximum seating at large island. Ironwork window allows for additional light in entrance way.

Our client specifically chose this space for the roof deck view of the Avon River and surrounding park space but the interior view was lacking. With a nod to industrial loft style this penthouse was gutted and totally refurbished. The kitchen was fitted with painted custom cabinets, a distressed island and quartz counter tops.

Commissioned iron grid work was used as a room divider, coat closet door and a guest room vanity.

Space saver: Pantry and adjacent shallow broom closet.

Modern kitchen design takes advantage of many organizing accessories and ideas which help create a natural flow for cooking, entertaining and clean up. Here are a few that we have recently implemented in our client's kitchens.

Inner lid drawer hidden in pot drawer under cook top.

In the shop: A client's iron, Baroque-style, Parisian fence piece to be included in new design and build project.

Space above fridge slatted for trays and pans.

White subway tile with black grout lends a modern edge, as does the custom metal and reclaimed wood vanity.

SNEAK PEAK Albert Street Addition An elegant grouping of windows creates a sunny spot for our garden loving clients to view their lush backyard when the winter weather finally passes. This addition is an extension of the newly renovated kitchen of their Edwardian style red brick home.

Outstanding access with LeMans Corner cabinet pullouts.