Distinctive gable roofs and a refined color palette integrate the duplex seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood.
Since today is the first House of the Week for the new year, it is fitting that a new house rings in this new year. As an architect who has designed houses for several urban design projects, I know how important it is to infill older neighborhoods’ vacant lots with new housing that blends seamlessly with the architectural style of the older housing. Vacant lots at corners are especially vexing for they begin to erode two streetscapes; this stylish duplex infills its corner site by using the same floor plan for both units by flipping the original plan for the other unit.
Thoughtful design details, from deep eaves to interlocked paver parking, enhance the home’s modern functionality.
At each end of the duplex, gable roofs with deep eaves take their cue from the neighboring historic houses and a center gable breaks up the long side elevation facing another street. Shed roofs offer protection for the entry doors and a sidewalk wraps around the duplex to the streets at each end of the property. The combination of the luxury vinyl shake siding, parged concrete block foundations with an exterior color palette of the yellow siding white trim and the blue accent of the entry doors create great curb appeal. Instead of concrete pads for parking, both units have parking areas of individual interlocked pavers. Each parking area is outfitted with an electric car charger.
Fences with lattice detailing enclose private outdoor spaces, creating cozy yet open terrace areas.
One side yard has been transformed into private outdoor rooms for both units enclosed by high fences. I especially liked how the wood fence was detailed with bays of both lower solid panels for seated privacy, topped with lattice panels to soften the enclosure. The grass stops short of the fence so future plantings can add color and texture. Along with the same hardscape pavers used for the parking areas, the demising fence wall defines the terrace area for each unit.
A balustrade stair enhances the airy feel of the open plan living area accented by sleek vinyl plank flooring.
The entry door opens into an open plan living-kitchen-dining area. The stair has a balustrade on one side to expand the spatial volume of the living area. The white ceilings and off-white walls makes the space seem even larger than it is and accentuates the beautiful high-end luxury vinyl plank flooring.
The layout optimizes seating with ample natural light from multiple windows framing outdoor views.
The sitting area of the open plan layout easily accommodates a full size sofa and loveseat that are positioned across from both the TV and also the two front windows and one side window for views of the neighborhood.
Quartz countertops and modern pendant lighting provide a practical yet stylish kitchen workspace.
The “U” shaped kitchen’s quartz countertop’s overhang accommodates four bar stools for breakfast, informal meals or a surface for homework. The custom large pendant lights with their transparent globes adds task lighting and texture.
The cook-friendly kitchen offers spacious countertops and a bright window with scenic views.
The kitchen with white cabinets, appliances of stainless steel with black accents and the wide window for views would please any cook.
Clever floor plan offsets define an inviting dining space for gatherings of any size.
The stair’s location creates an offset in the floor plan to define the dining area’s ample space for a table and six chairs.
Sliding doors connect the dining area to the terrace, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.
The length of the dining area has space for an armoire for storage of china and glassware, serving pieces, placemats, napkins, etc. The pair of sliding doors expands the space for al-fresco dining on the adjacent terrace with its privacy fence.
A farmhouse sink, warm cabinetry tones, and bronze accents make this powder room polished yet functional.
The dining area blends into a short hall leading to this powder room and the laundry. The window, custom cabinet with the white farmhouse sink, the earth tones of the cabinetry and the large round mirror create a stylish powder room.
Smart shelving and workspace create a practical setup for laundry and storage needs.
The laundry’s stack washer dryer is next to a counter for folding clothes. Hampers on the open shelves below are handy for sorting clothes and storage of supplies.
The upper landing provides a functional yet elegant space for décor or practical use.
The stair leads to the second floor landing and hall with space for a shallow table. The second floor contains the primary ensuite, two other bedrooms and a hall bath.
Generous windows and tailored storage provide a serene retreat in the primary bedroom.
The spacious primary bedroom is located at one corner of each unit. The bedroom’s shape creates space for a chest of drawers next to the walk-in closet and a high chest next to the window for ample storage of clothes. The upholstered chair on the other side of the window creates a cozy spot for reading.
Crisp white finishes and black accents create a balanced backdrop ready for personal touches.
The primary bath’s white interior design with accents of black hardware is a pleasing backdrop for one’s color accents of towels, accessories or art.
A glass-enclosed shower with recessed shelving elevates the bath’s simple yet modern design.
The primary bath’s large shower has easy-care wall to wall solid surfaces with a recessed space for shampoo, etc. The shower’s glass front panel and door expands the space.
The flexible guest room offers the perfect balance of functionality and relaxation.
The middle guest bedroom is a flexible space that could also be an office with a daybed for guests.
Corner placement and triple windows flood this carpeted bedroom with natural light
Another guest bedroom is located at a corner of the unit so it has three windows on two walls for abundant daylight. All of the bedrooms are carpeted for quiet.
The hall bath’s design blends white cabinetry, bronze hardware, and a tub with glass doors for timeless appeal.
The compact hall bath’s interior design of white cabinets, warm bronze hardware and fittings creates an inviting space. The combination tub/shower has sliding glass doors with a deeper bronze frame to complete the sleek look.
This custom built duplex is brand new and move-in ready for either investors seeking turn-key rental property or homeowners who would live in one unit and rent the other unit; it is also available as a furnished rental. The architecture blends very well with the surrounding houses in the heart of Easton’s Historic District and close by the property is the Rails to Trails. The first floor plan layout combines the open plan living-dining-kitchen that today’s homeowners seek with the second floor’s primary ensuite, two other bedrooms and a hall bath. Contemporary materials and finishes give this duplex great style and I look forward to the Olde School Builders next project-Bravo!
For more information about this property, contact Jana Meredith, Associate Broker with Meredith Fine Properties at 410-522-4663 (o), 443-235-3404 (c), [email protected], “Equal Housing Opportunity”.
Design and Construction by Olde School Builders LLC, 410-690-3221, [email protected].
Photography by TruPlace, www.truplace.com , (301) 972-3201
Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.
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