Photograph: Interiors by Olson Photographic; Exterior and headshot by Gus Cantavero Photography
Although Douglas VanderHorn’s latest award-winning home was built in 2013, it maintains the old-world charm of a Connecticut grande dame. Honored with the 2015 Alice Washburn House Award by the Connecticut chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the waterfront design was recognized for its marriage of form and function. In this case, the traditional style was informed with careful historical research while the home’s interior elements address twenty-first-century needs.
The timeless look recalls the classic late shingle style, a period roughly between 1905 and 1915, and VanderHorn focused on every detail to achieve the look. Stonework from an old farm wall revealed a weathered patina, and the inclusion of reclaimed decorative windows and an antique marble mantle add to the ageless aesthetic. As for modern enhancements, the home includes energy efficient LED lighting, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and a self-contained electricity generating system. All are connected and accessible via Savant smart house technology, along with control of all music, television, security and surveillance.
