Ralph Fey Architects, celebrating 25 years in Doylestown and specializing in historic preservation and contemporary architectural transformations, has received two design awards from The Bucks County Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The Excellence in Design Award recognizes the property: Familial Traditions. It was given for the project exemplifying the highest design at the AIA jury’s discretion.
The Honor Award recognizes the property: Sustainable Farmhouse Conversion.
Both residences are located in the heart of Bucks County. Architect Ralph Fey accepted the awards on behalf of his firm.
Familial Traditions is a preserved farm that has been in the same family for generations and includes a tree originally planted by the parents of the current owners. The vision was to preserve the tree and make it a focal point.
The current architecture and design involved situating the tree to be enveloped by the house and be an integral part of the home, telling the story of the progression of time. Special attention was paid to the location and depth of the foundation of the home and the architects worked with an arborist to ensure the tree remained healthy throughout the process.
The house sits on the existing location, with a more traditional look in the front entry and contemporary glass and connection to the landscape toward the pond in the back. The reconstruction of the farmhouse incorporates a glass “link” connecting to the stone guest house.
Sustainable Farmhouse Conversion is a restoration and linking of an existing garage and farmhouse. Relocating the entrance to the porch covered link between the existing buildings provided an opportunity to direct the view towards the landscape in the new framed opening.
Sustainable aspects include utilizing existing heavy timber construction, geothermal heating, solar, and local/reclaimed materials. The form of the building has evolved but has maintained its roots. The rear was transformed into a wall of glass looking out into the natural tree line, and the decisive blue exterior connects the building with the sky and river beyond.
From the jury: “... Through several modest, but considered additions, the project very successfully unifies two structures on the site in a way that respects, and expresses, their original forms and massing ... this is a beautiful house with a conscience, and very deserving of a Chapter Honor Award.
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