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Pro Spotlight: Get an Outstanding Home That Fits Right In
A Berwyn architect explains how to build a house (or an addition) that’s historically appropriate for the area
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Who: Peter Zimmerman
Where: Berwyn, Pennsylvania
In his own words: “Architecture is a continuum. There’s an architectural condition that exists where you live. You must understand it to build appropriately.”
When building or adding on to a home, taking the cultural and historic environment into account might sound like being bogged down by the past. “Actually, it’s the homes that don’t take hints from history that lack creativity and variation,” Berwyn architect Peter Zimmerman says. “If you consider where you live and the multiple stylistic approaches you can take, you’ll find you have more options.”
Where: Berwyn, Pennsylvania
In his own words: “Architecture is a continuum. There’s an architectural condition that exists where you live. You must understand it to build appropriately.”
When building or adding on to a home, taking the cultural and historic environment into account might sound like being bogged down by the past. “Actually, it’s the homes that don’t take hints from history that lack creativity and variation,” Berwyn architect Peter Zimmerman says. “If you consider where you live and the multiple stylistic approaches you can take, you’ll find you have more options.”
The rest is history. Zimmerman grew up in an old stone farmhouse and spent one summer as a teenager doing stonework on old houses. “I’ve been surrounded by historic buildings all of my life,” he says. “I’ve always had a deep respect for them.”
The right fit. Zimmerman has worked on projects all over the country, including in New England, Wyoming and Florida, “and one thing remained the same,” he says. “You don’t want to build an albatross or a home that’s a monument unto itself. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck to a single style. It just means being respectful of your overall environment.”
See how to make your home fit your cultural setting by using Zimmerman’s tips below.
See how to make your home fit your cultural setting by using Zimmerman’s tips below.
1. Do Your Research
To get an understanding of the architectural context of your area, visit your local historical society. “This is no doubt the best way to start your project,” Zimmerman says. “It isn’t about limiting yourself to what’s already been done. It’s about seamlessly adding to your built environment so your home doesn’t seem jarring.”
Zimmerman researched the rich history of architecture in New England before building the home in Fairfield, Connecticut, seen here. “Rich with boatbuilding communities, homes in New England were typically built of wood,” he says. “Boatbuilders did the architectural millwork, and homes included intricate woodwork like dentil crown molding. I made sure to incorporate all of that into this home.”
See more of this project
To get an understanding of the architectural context of your area, visit your local historical society. “This is no doubt the best way to start your project,” Zimmerman says. “It isn’t about limiting yourself to what’s already been done. It’s about seamlessly adding to your built environment so your home doesn’t seem jarring.”
Zimmerman researched the rich history of architecture in New England before building the home in Fairfield, Connecticut, seen here. “Rich with boatbuilding communities, homes in New England were typically built of wood,” he says. “Boatbuilders did the architectural millwork, and homes included intricate woodwork like dentil crown molding. I made sure to incorporate all of that into this home.”
See more of this project
2. Consider Proportions
Make sure the size and scale of any additions are reasonable. “Often, people want an addition that’s larger than what would historically be appropriate,” Zimmerman says. “That’s the quickest way to stick out like a sore thumb. As you build outward, you don’t want additions that are wider than the masses in your existing home.”
When building an addition, seen in this photo on the right, for a Chester Springs home, Zimmerman emphasized the proper scale: “The wood addition is tastefully subordinate — smaller in height and width. However, it juts out farther onto the plot to give it some stature.”
See more of this project
Make sure the size and scale of any additions are reasonable. “Often, people want an addition that’s larger than what would historically be appropriate,” Zimmerman says. “That’s the quickest way to stick out like a sore thumb. As you build outward, you don’t want additions that are wider than the masses in your existing home.”
When building an addition, seen in this photo on the right, for a Chester Springs home, Zimmerman emphasized the proper scale: “The wood addition is tastefully subordinate — smaller in height and width. However, it juts out farther onto the plot to give it some stature.”
See more of this project
3. Keep Your Roof Simple
Avoid building a roof with corners where rain can collect. “When they built homes 100 years ago, they didn’t rely on intricate gutter systems or complex roofs,” Zimmerman says. “As you add volumes to your home, consider rainfall. Your home will look historically fitting if it allows for water to shed naturally and simply off the roof.”
Considering the rain and snow this Haverford Arts & Crafts home would endure throughout the year, Zimmerman was careful when adding on to the original structure: “Connecting two masses with a conventional roof will typically push water back onto one of the structures. Instead, I built a roof that would bring water down in between the two volumes due to the slope.”
See more of this project
More: For more information on Peter Zimmerman and examples of his work, visit Peter Zimmerman Architects’ Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Avoid building a roof with corners where rain can collect. “When they built homes 100 years ago, they didn’t rely on intricate gutter systems or complex roofs,” Zimmerman says. “As you add volumes to your home, consider rainfall. Your home will look historically fitting if it allows for water to shed naturally and simply off the roof.”
Considering the rain and snow this Haverford Arts & Crafts home would endure throughout the year, Zimmerman was careful when adding on to the original structure: “Connecting two masses with a conventional roof will typically push water back onto one of the structures. Instead, I built a roof that would bring water down in between the two volumes due to the slope.”
See more of this project
More: For more information on Peter Zimmerman and examples of his work, visit Peter Zimmerman Architects’ Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Peter Zimmerman Architects, an award winning firm, founded in 1982, is a full service residential design firm. ... Read More
Review by Deborah Hilzinger:
Peter Zimmerman and his team are not only consummate professionals, but incredibly creative and a joy to work with. They understand they are helping you create your home and are able to translate your...More