Private Residence, Smithtown, NY
Architect: Peter Caradonna Architecture and Planning
Role: Design Development, Construction Documents and Construction Administration
Role: Design Development, Construction Documents and Construction Administration
House with upper level widows walk visible |
Summary:
Located on the banks of the Nissequogue River in Smithtown, NY, this historically significant home, underwent renovations and alterations that address its owners desires take advantage of the sites most endearing asset, the river. While the house was in relatively good condition and served its occupant well there were things that could enhance the owners love for good food, wine, and entertaining. The existing crawl space, whose low ceiling height limited its use to storage, was dug out by hand to make room for a new 2000 bottle wine cellar and recreation room. On the homes existing west facade, adjacent to an existing pool, an exterior fireplace was added to provide an area for traditional Croatian cooking for the family and guests.
The crown jewel of the house is the new widows walk overlooking the Nissequogue River accessed from the newly renovated den on the attic level. A custom designed handrail makes reference to historical features of the existing home while the widows walk provides a peaceful place outside, above the sound of playing children, to enjoy a glass of wine from the wine cellar or just the view. Additional alterations included new stone steps from the first floor to the rear yard, facing the river, and standing seam copper roofing on the home.
Due to the proximity to wetlands along the banks of the Nissequogue River, coordination and permitting from the NYSDEC was required, as was ensuring work was done to minimize disturbance to the site and existing home, as well as respecting the Scenic River Zone the house is located within.
Located on the banks of the Nissequogue River in Smithtown, NY, this historically significant home, underwent renovations and alterations that address its owners desires take advantage of the sites most endearing asset, the river. While the house was in relatively good condition and served its occupant well there were things that could enhance the owners love for good food, wine, and entertaining. The existing crawl space, whose low ceiling height limited its use to storage, was dug out by hand to make room for a new 2000 bottle wine cellar and recreation room. On the homes existing west facade, adjacent to an existing pool, an exterior fireplace was added to provide an area for traditional Croatian cooking for the family and guests.
The crown jewel of the house is the new widows walk overlooking the Nissequogue River accessed from the newly renovated den on the attic level. A custom designed handrail makes reference to historical features of the existing home while the widows walk provides a peaceful place outside, above the sound of playing children, to enjoy a glass of wine from the wine cellar or just the view. Additional alterations included new stone steps from the first floor to the rear yard, facing the river, and standing seam copper roofing on the home.
Due to the proximity to wetlands along the banks of the Nissequogue River, coordination and permitting from the NYSDEC was required, as was ensuring work was done to minimize disturbance to the site and existing home, as well as respecting the Scenic River Zone the house is located within.
Suffolk County Environmental Center
Suffolk County Environmental Center, Islip, NY
LEED CS 2.0 Silver
Architect: Peter Caradonna Architecture and Planning
LEED Consultant: Peter Caradonna Architecture and Planning
Role: Contributed to Construction Documents and LEED Certification documentation
Turret Entry |
Summary:
The 80 acres of protected wildlife habitat form the foundation of the nature center. The varied habitats become the outdoor classrooms and serve as the foundation for Seatuck’s educational offerings. Seatuck proposes to establish and maintain a series of nature trails, boardwalks and an observation platform. The Suffolk County Environmental Center opened to the public, with great acclaim, in March 2010. All waste-water is treated and infiltrated on site using a complex de-nitrification system; this eliminates the burden on local infrastructure while demonstrating a more environmentally friendly way to address waste. A photovoltaic system, while not yet installed, is planned to help offset some of the electricity demand of the property.
The Suffolk County Environmental Center was created through the historical restoration of the 1917 Scully Residence originally designed by Grosvenor Atterbury, best known for his design of the model housing community Forrest Hills Gardens. Located on approximately 80 acres along the estuaries of the great south bay, the former mansion is the ideal home for its primary occupant, Seatuck Environmental Association, which has a mission to promote the conservation of long island's wildlife and environment through education, research and advocacy. Considering the location, use, and occupants, restoring the building to meet the standards of USGBC's LEED green building certification was an easy decision.
An extensive existing conditions survey was followed by investigation into measures that would be appropriate to the historical fabric of the existing building, as well as programmatic changes, code compliance, energy upgrades, and environmental concerns. In addition to pursuing LEED certification, the 13,000 square foot historical building renovation and restoration addresses energy efficiency, sustainability and a healthy interior environment that will be beneficial to the occupants, both public and private.
In addition to converting first floor public spaces into an exhibition space and a gift show, the final design included A.D.A upgrades within the building as well as new public bathrooms and a kitchen, that contain low flow and waterless fixtures. Upper level bedrooms where converted to offices and a caretakers space. Existing leaded glass windows that were vandalized were replaced with historically accurate replacements that incorporated energy panels, to meet current energy codes and contribute to the buildings LEED Certification. Upgraded energy systems and environmentally preferable building material are used throughout. The unique challenge was to blend modern green building strategies and materials with the careful restoration of an early 20th century building.
See more about the Suffolk County Environmental Center, including events see the Seatuck website here.
Gift Shop |
Entry Hall |
Lounge |
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