FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Annual Design Award Honors Classic New England Architecture

(JULY 3/NEW HAVEN, CT)  The Alice Washburn House Award is an annual award program to acknowledge excellence in traditional house design. Focused on style, this awards program is about the thoughtful and delightful adaptation of tradition to address 21st century needs in residential form.  The Alice Washburn Accessory Building Award is a new annual award that recognizes Connecticut’s architectural heritage of small and subsidiary buildings. Close to forty architects who are licensed and reside in Connecticut, submitted their new construction, renovation, or accessory building projects for juried consideration.

This year’s jurors, Mohamed Farzan, AIA of NewPort Architecture, LLC, Newport, RI, Paul Weber, AIA, of Paul Weber Architects, Newport, RI, and Martha Werenfels, AIA, of Durkee Brown Viveiros & Werenfels Architects, Providence, RI adjudicated the submissions.

This year’s winners are three unique structures that honor the legacy of Alice Washburn: to create a beautiful design with exquisite detail, yet maintain functionality.

The Winning Project for a New Construction was awarded to Beinfield Architecture, PC of Darien, CT.  This uniquely designed home blurs the lines between traditional New England vernacular forms and decidedly contemporary ones. As a result, the home is reminiscent of traditional New England style but with window placement that is deliberate and asymmetrical. The judges, impressed with the blend of styles commented: “The house nestles into the landscape. It is nicely detailed, a modern interpretation of farmhouse forms.”

The Winning Project in the Renovations category was awarded to The Music Barn in Redding, designed by Austin Patterson Disston Architects of Southport. The restored 1,530 square foot barn includes original pine beams and walls, a pool area, and large welcoming terrace. Twelve original millstones were incorporated into the landscape architecture. “The jury appreciated the fact that the project was taken back to its footprint,” jurors said. “Its new program is in keeping with the historic use of the building. There is a very strong, consistent design element between the inside and outside.”

The Winning Project in the Accessory Buildings category was awarded to the Berry Bowl in Washington, CT designed by Haver & Skolnik Architects. The clients, avid gardeners, presented the architects with a unique challenge: find a solution to the chronic problem of birds feasting on their many blueberry bushes. Haver & Skolnik created a unique domed circular structure resembling a bird cage designed to keep the birds out.  A challenge was in determining a mesh size that prevents birds from entering while still allowing bees to freely pass through to pollinate the bushes. The Berry Bowl also provides a unique sculptural element to the landscape and was the highlight of a recent Garden Conservancy Tour. “This innovative project presents a simple solution to a horticultural challenge. Its use of materials is admirable,” the jurors commented.

These award winners will be recognized and honored at the AIA Connecticut Annual Design Awards in December.

Photo credits:

Kirchhoff Home: Houlihan Lawrence Darien & Rowayton Brokerages
Lion House: David Sundberg/ESTO
The Berry Bowl: Robert Benson Photography
Pool House: David Sundberg/ESTO
Restored/Renovated Music Barn: David Sloane Photography
Gaffney Place and Central Avenue: Carl Vernlund Photography

About AIA Connecticut:

AIA Connecticut, a statewide chapter of the American Institute of Architects, serves the architectural profession, encourages design excellence, and works to improve society through a concern for the quality of the built and natural environments. Members commit themselves to the highest standards of practice and code of ethics that addresses responsibilities to the public, clients, the building industry, and the art and science of architecture.  AIA Connecticut serves as a resource to architects and the public. Its membership of over 1,300 is comprised of architects, associates working towards licensure, students, and professionals in affiliated fields.

For more information, visit AIA Connecticut’s website at www.aiact.org.

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