GOLD AWARD
Team Entry: Architectural Resource, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Christian Tennant Custom Homes, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Project location: Ann Arbor, Mich.

The objectives of this room remodel project by Architectural Resource, and Christian Tennant Custom Homes, both of Ann Arbor, Mich., were to transform the impersonal and overscaled “McMansion” builder’s big box interior volume and create a better sense of space, human engagement, visual interest, richness and substance.

The scope included an entirely interior remodel of selected spaces within the walls of the existing residence. Submitted for this category of the Master Design Awards was the entry foyer and great room components of the overall project that were considered and designed as one contiguous space flowing from one to the next in order to meet the objectives of this project.
The design challenges were to employ design elements and materials that would achieve the desired project goals. The design solution needed to be bold enough to tame the spaces and add a human dimension and spatial engagement, but tempered enough so as not to overwhelm with Baroque indulgence.

The design solution introduced a new grand stair built upon the existing one with new classical balusters, newell posts and details, and a sweeping wooden guardrail custom hand-built on site. This architectural feature became the focal point for the entry foyer and gave the space a sense of scale and proportion.

The ceiling plane became a device to tie the connected spaces together visually and to add some human engagement and interest to the otherwise cold and overscaled volume. Using deep ceiling coffers and stacked millwork, the raw “big box” space was tamed. The new textural ceiling treatment and resulting shadow play advanced the plane, bringing the ceiling down and reducing the perceived scale.

The same classical balusters of the grand stair were introduced at the balcony on the great room side set between new classical columns. These again helped to add some scale, proportion and elegance to the space, tying the front foyer to the great room thematically.

Products specified:
Lighting fixtures: Halo
Flooring tile/stone: Carrera Marble
Hardware: Baldwin
Trim work: Fypon

Silver:
Blue Ribbon Residential Construction, Raleigh, N.C.

Bronze:
Media Rooms Inc.
West Chester, Pa.

Honorable Mention:
Gilday Renovations
Silver Spring, Md.