A mixed-use building with 1.5 lower floors of retail and three floors above with 39 condominiums for Warrenton, VA. The design is a combination of classical and modern proportions, local materials and a contemporary aesthetic. A tripartite strategy is employed with a red brick base (to match adjacent buildings), a light colored mid-section with large vertically oriented openings, and a simplified cornice with a hipped eave, minimized fascia and a wood soffit. The building is punctuated with slender vertical brick porticos, again similar to adjacent buildings, which help to break the massing, demarcate entrances, offer privacy at balconies, and to emphasize a simple rhythm and strong modern statement. The balconies are enclosed with the warm, natural brick as well as a wood floor and ceiling. The railings are proposed to be near invisible cable rails, slender aluminum posts and a wood handrail that has a natural, soft and warm tactile quality. The side wall of the porticos could be carried inside to allow for an accent wall of interior brick on one side of the great room. The height of the porticos allow for transom windows above the sliding glass doors on the fourth floor and skylights may also be added for additional natural light and sky; a vaulted great room ceiling may be possible in these units as well. Occupied roof terraces are to be developed. An advantage of this design is the stacked residential units offer great simplicity and efficiency with continuous structural and wet walls. The retail space is proposed as a simple and continuous storefront glazing system offering wonderful natural light, great views and optimized flexibility. Note this presentation is very schematic and thus structural elements are not yet shown; as such window sizes and locations will likely have to be shifted and/or altered but will remain true to this design concept. Exterior hardscape and landscaping are to be developed. Lighting is also beyond the scope of this presentation but is envisioned to elegantly highlight the architectural forms and natural materials. Note this building is being designed in collaboration with Loveless Porter Architects.
