studio SKETCHWORKS
a shenandoah valley
design | arts | development collaborative
we are not your typical design studio.
[we never really intended to be.]
we enjoy designing websites as much as we enjoy designing someone's home or commercial space.
we get the same excitement when doing a flagging tape art installation as we do when developing a piece of real estate.
as diverse as our studio is, the binding commonality of all of our work is contemporary design and thoughtful inquiry.
the following portfolio reflects our work in the real world, the digital world, object design and art installations.
OUR WORK | DESIGN
3SQUARE urbanhome
harrisonburg, va
1,665 sf. | 2 stories
3|SQUARE urban home is a contemporary interpretation of the iconic American Foursquare (1890 - 1930.) The American Foursquare was plain, often incorporating handcrafted "honest" woodwork, but was also a part of the industrial revolution and could be ordered as a stockplan with the shipped materials. As with other styles in streetcar suburbs, it was tailored to relatively narrow lots, and was multi-story- allowing more square-footage on a smaller footprint.
3|SQUARE is firmly rooted in that heritage, but leaps forward to respond to today (and tomorrow's) emergent need for responsible growth and healthier density in an attempt to preserve our precious natural resources.
3|SQUARE is comprised of 3 individual (but connected) 1,665 sf. homes sited on a 75' x 150' corner urban lot- bound with an alley at the rear of the property. In todays climate of rampant suburban sprawl, economic meltdowns, and environmental mishaps, we need to consider letting go of the suburban single family home as the archetype for family living, and look to urban-living once again.
3|SQUARE offers sustainability by increasing density while maintaining the identity and amenities available in a single family home. Our cities offer incredible potential for walkability, closeness to culture and social infrastructure and the chance to let go of the reins of the car (even just a little.)
a real estate development project with VELOCITY property group.
pairedHOMES
2 | 2 story joined homes
3br | 2ba
1 car garage
roof terrace
each home is approximately 1500 sf of open plan living, and offers a 1car garage and an unfinished walk out basement- designed to accommodate a future in-law's suite, or an apartment for a college student.
harmanyHOUSE
2,200 sf. | 2+ stories
initial studies for developing one contemporary single family home on the north end of the city.
the 3br | 2ba home is approximately 2,200 sf + 2 car garage and a 1,100 sf unfinished walk out basement.
due to the sharp sloping topography, the home is linearly organized to parallel the slope, and offers sweeping vistas of the mountains beyond.
leverHAUS
1,000 sf. | 2+ stories
early conceptual design studies for developing 5 contemporary (connected) loft-styled apartments within the city of harrisonburg.
each apartment offers an efficient open floor plan, 2br | 2ba, and is approximately 1,000 sf.
the development's distinctive title is derived from each unit's carport; created from dramatic cantilevered floors above.
real estate development project with VELOCITY property group.
lakeHOUSE
smith mountain lake, va
HOUSE1
2,600 sf. | 3 stories
feasibility study for a lakefront vacation home, this structure sits gently on the side of a strongly sloping site.
the internal organization is intended to accommodate multi-level living, and is based on an open plan for taking in the beautiful lakefront surroundings.
the lower level plan is essentially dedicated to visiting children or guests. the upper level contains the master suite.
the exterior is a blend of natural materials... wood siding, stone walls and steel roofing.
main level plan
upper level plan
lower level plan
front elevation
HOUSE2
2,600 sf. | 2 stories
the internal organization is intended to accommodate single-level living, and is based on an open plan for taking in the beautiful lakefront surroundings.
the lower level plan is essentially dedicated to visiting children or guests.
artistHOUSE
rockingham county, va
1,950 sf. | 1+ story home
feasibility study / conceptual design for a glass artist. the study of this home was essentially an exercize to show a client that by using simple geometries and logical organizations, artful composition can occur.
the project is broken into 2 'pods'... one for (2 person) living, the other for an art studio/ workshop. the two pods are held together by a screened in porch.
the living pod opens itself up to beautiful views of the blue ridge beyond, while the studio pod is north facing and easily accessible by vehicle (a program requirement.)
Work shown was produced while employed with Blue Ridge Design Studio, PC
rawleyHOUSE
2,000 sf. | 2 story
designed for a family of 2 (and the occasional visiting friend | family) the home is nestled in the woods of western rockingham county- at the edge of a stream.
while the home's front is slightly closed off, the rear opens up to take in the beautiful stream bed and forest views.
the internal organization is based on an open plan for enjoying the natural surroundings. the upper floor contains a library and place for visiting guests.
the exterior is a blend of natural materials... wood siding, stone walls, cemant panels and steel roofing.
bryceHOUSE
basye, va
2,200 sf. 3 story home
designed for a family of 2 (retiring from NOVA) this retirement retirement home is carefully sited on the side of a steep hill in the woods of bryce resort.
the clients wanted a unique and modern home, but also one that complimented its forrested surroundings.
the home is divided into 3 levels- the middle level contains the public rooms (living/ dining/ kitchen) the upper level is for the master suite and the lower level is for visiting grandchildren.
beyondRESTAURANT
historic tax credit | 5,000 sf. addit/ renov.
commonly referred to as 'the old spanky's building,' the new owners have transformed this poorly maintained vacant downtown structure into a 200+ seat 2 story asian-fusion restaurant and lounge by utilizing state and federal tax credits.
a two story (open volume) addition was added to the rear of the existing structure to create better connectivity and visibility for the patrons.
the ground level is essentially dedicated to the (less formal) lounge and outdoor terrace. the upper level is for the more formal dining and people-watching.
we didn't set out to design websites and graphics -
it just kinda' happened!
back when we designed the first edition of our business' website, we received numerous accolades and recognition from the software company we used to make our site (WIX.com.) then WIX invited us to become one of their designers of referral.
since then, we have been fortunate enough to have helped several non profit orgs, a few real estate developers and some friends develop their websites and/ or identities.
we approach each digital project as though it were an actual building project; we ask lots of questions, work hard on visual composition and overall aesthetics and aspire to provide a digital space that transcends our client's expectations.
it is said "GOD is in the details."
consequently, beauty does not stop at the skin.
it continues inside.
it works angles.
it pushes corners.
it resolves collisions.
it celebrates the marriage of craftsmanship and technology!
archi-philosophy at the scale of a t.shirt
requies the skills of a seasoned ninja.
and if it can't be stated on an 18" x 18" area,
perhaps it should be left unsaid.
How can we expect our students to become bold and fearless in thought and action if we encase them in sentimental shrines feigning a culture which has long since disappeared?
Walter Gropius, architect
JMU.INDE
we only use small characters because it saves time. moreover, why have 2 alphabets when one will do? why write capitals if we cannot speak capitals?
rv
so what if i'm a
REGIONAL VERNACULARIST
[you wanna' make something out of it?]
imaginative places | spaces | things
