Northshore Home magazine highlights the best in architectural design, new construction and renovations, interiors, and landscape design.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1142011
52 SUMMER 2019 to the road." Additionally, the building breaks up the ar- borvitae mass and offers some soundproofing qualities. Opposite that structure is the large-scale fireplace. Standing over 5 1/2 feet tall and 8 feet wide, it is a dra- matic focal point. The designers planned for the long- term growth of the arborvitae hedge, hydrangea 'Lime- light,' and Pennisetum 'Karley Rose' to soften the effect. "It's going to feel like the landscape is embracing that sitting area," Fleischer predicts. "While the fireplace is white and large, over time it will seem like something coming out of nature, and that space will become even more of a room in a way." The four Sargent cherry 'Pink Flair' trees will surely contribute to that effect. The fireplace is a wholly customized piece. The team found the salvaged wood slab for the mantel at a stone yard on Cape Cod, and went with Superior Clay black herringbone tile for the firebox juxtaposed with the linear brick in a running blunt pattern on the exterior. "Oftentimes, fireplaces are not particularly attractive when not in use," Fleischer notes, "so it was important that the interior have an attractive element for when it's not on." Lloyd believes the concrete base speaks to a more modern, industrial feel. And both agree that its gray tone provides a nice transition from the Persian gray limestone elsewhere in the garden against the white of the mantle. "It has kind of a retro feel to it," Lloyd adds, noting that clients respond to a 1950s style. To inform material choices and treatments, the team took cues from the house architecture, which includes a brick terrace retaining wall. "In order to celebrate that clean Northern California vibe the homeowners were interested in, we took the bold risk of painting all of that brick white," Fleischer explains. "That's not a traditional thing to do here in New England. Brick is a traditional material that we intentionally decided to modernize." The fact that the homeowners were, unlike most, uninterested in preserving much lawn area allowed more room for the different elements. "It was a refresh- ing change not to have that constraint," notes Fleischer, adding that the lawn was just used as a softening agent; it didn't dictate the design. Working with the Craftsman-esque house and the homeowners' penchant for minimalism, Fleischer and Lloyd grew to appreciate the ways in which varying stylis- tic elements work together here. They credit their clients with having a keen eye for the well-orchestrated. "They value design and art," Fleischer notes. "What we did here doesn't necessarily fall into one category." In truth, the landscape offers "lots of different points of view." For Resources, see page 106. Originally destined to be demolished, the cedar shingled gate house is not only useful but also a key design element. inspire