2017 DHDA: Exteriors

2017 Design Awards

Judges | Details | Exteriors | Interiors | Commercial Design
Homes | Rising Star | Reader’s Choice

Gate / Fence / Wall

Photo by RAY ROGERS

1st – Rockworks

The site challenge was that the hillside, a 30-foot drop, was falling into the river, the access was limited, and the client was extremely concerned that they would loose their home. With a carefully thought-out plan, an aesthetically pleasing engineered solution was designed and installed. Five 6-foot-high natural stone retaining walls were used to hold the earth back. The retaining stones were 12 to 14 inches thick, and more than 70 natural stone steps and landings that switchbacked to the river’s edge were incorporated, making it aesthetically pleasing.

Exterior Use of Stone / Tile / Concrete

Photo by BRAD ZIEGLER

1st – VanBrouck & Associates, with David Gibbons Masonry

Connecticut fieldstone was selected for the exterior walls, veranda, potting-shed structure, and courtyard walls of this all-stone, French Normandy- inspired lake house. The objective was to create a timeless, solid, and enduring home, and for the stonework to define the strong, sculptural lines of the architecture. The craftsmanship is artistic and impeccable, with perfectly chiseled edges and corners, and graceful sweeps along the curves of the turrets and arches. A stone veranda stretches more than 50 feet along the lake side of the home, and is defined by three equal stone arches.

Residential Swimming Pool / Spa

Photo by ZECCHINIARt

1st – Outdoor Living by Ryan Payment

The creation of this natural- shaped pool was much more than a pool project. The primary concern was to create an oasis for the client, and required collaboration between the architect, builder, and pool developer. The design was conceived with the idea of providing the greatest advantage of a pool environment, complete with a diving stone. Words cannot describe this pool; it must be viewed and experienced.

Judge’s Insights

“On the Outdoor Living by Ryan Payment project, I like that there’s a clean and polished look. As for the Michael J. Dul design, I like the lights next to the pool and the ones in the pool, and I like the dimension they add.”

— Judge Karen Davis

Residential Landscape Water Feature

Photo by GEORGE DZAHRISTOS

1st – AguaFina Gardens International

This project was the result of receiving a call about a leaking waterfall connected to a pool, but it wasn’t feasible to repair/save the existing feature from either a functional or aesthetic perspective. The challenge was to develop a solution that would work within the same footprint of the prior structure. A second challenge was the need to incorporate the existing waterfall stone. The result was the construction of a steel fountain with strong geometry. Beyond water pouring out like a wave, a mix of succulents, groundcover, sculptural evergreens, and perennials adds to its beauty, and at night the fountain is illuminated, showcasing the dancing water.

Deck / Patio / Porch

Photo by WILLIAM HEBERT

1st – Visbeen Architects

Anchoring the rear yard of this sprawling lake house is a collection of natural stone terraces set within a luscious landscape. The centerpiece is an upper-level pergola located above a stone arcade and aligned with the home’s living room. Tracing the perimeter of this arched terrace are wrought iron sections of railings between stone piers. Accentuating the light stone and crisp white pergola are brick pavers, natural wood umbrellas, and hanging planters — creating a pleasant atmosphere in which to enjoy the seasons and the views from this extravagant terrace.

Residential Landscape Design Under One-Half Acre

Photo by DARYL TOBY

1st – AguaFina Gardens International

The task here was to create a Japanese-inspired garden that would harmonize with the natural landscape, not compete with it. Layered plantings of varying textures, colors, and heights are reflective of the changes in vegetation at different elevations. Large stones nestled within the plantings represent formations seen peeking out of the growth in the surrounding mountains and valleys. Two areas are dedicated to a Kare-san-sui, sometimes referred to as a Zen garden. These are overlooked from a courtyard space made from antique pavers reclaimed from development projects in Asia.

Residential Landscape Between One-Half Acre and One Acre

Photo by george dzahristos

1st – AguaFina Gardens International

The intent here was to create a strolling garden with places to relax. After attempting to design around a circular driveway, its need was challenged and it was replaced with a semiformal garden that includes fragrant plantings, crushed gravel underfoot, and the sound of water falling into a reflecting pool. A portion of the drive was creatively left as a walkway to the home’s entrance. In the back gardens, large spruce trees were left in place while natural stone slabs were repurposed as steps and surrounded by a lush landscape.

Garden (Flower)

Photo by EE BERGER

1st – Michael J. Dul & Associates Inc.

An important component of this front yard entry garden is the prolific use of flowering shrubs and annuals, which beckons one to enter and explore this garden. A flowering Mandevilla vine wraps around a spherical sculpture frame, integrating this man-made element with nature, while the kitchen nook terrace provides an elegant view of the entry garden’s white-flowered theme. Generous masses of zinnias and surface flower pots create color and spatial quality in the rear yard; arrangements of annuals work in concert with flowering hydrangea to make the terrace come alive.

Garden (Produce)

Photo by RYAN PAYMENT

1st – Outdoor Living by Ryan Payment

The inspiration for this garden was drawn from the honeycombing nature of honeybees. The planting plots are all hexagon- shaped, with designated pathways throughout. Cut limestone was used to raise the planting beds. The vegetables grown in this garden produce some of the best salsa and spaghetti sauce ever tasted, for the select few who are fortunate enough to experience it!

Gardener’s Challenges

“The balance between overwatering and drying out is tenuous. And recently, deer have found the gardens. This required the installation of a temporary trellis fence; something more permanent is needed in the future. Gardening is always a challenge!”

— Gardener Fran Gross

Outdoor Kitchen

Photo by mike kline

1st – Heller & Associates Design + Build, with Mosher & Associates Fine Landscapes

This double-island outdoor kitchen is the perfect workspace. The cooking area is symmetrical to the sink, and is surrounded by plenty of preparation counter space, while the integrated concrete sink and countertops are connected to and incorporate the bar seating. The outdoor kitchen includes a refrigerator, ice machine, and ample prep space. Perched above the backyard and completely covered by an expansive lanai roof structure, it can be utilized rain or shine, and has become the favorite spot for the homeowners and their family and friends to congregate.