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todd verwers architects

Mid-century modern architecture in California embodied an authenticity unencumbered by historical kitsch and evoked an optimism for the future, while taking advantage of the unique light and climate of the region.  This extensive remodel of a 1962 tract house in San Francisco sought to maintain the mid-century spirit of the house, while adding a new level of refinement and grace. 

The layout and spatial flow through the existing house was already quite efficient.  Without reconfiguring the interior layout extensively, carefully articulated modifications of the existing spaces and new interventions provide an unexpected sense of sophistication and opulence to the house, enhancing the inherent poetics of the 1960's “box” and creating a very personal, unique, and elegant residence for Todd Verwers and his wife. 

To accentuate the experience of uninterrupted flow of space throughout the house, doors and wall openings were removed to provide uninterrupted ceiling planes.  Full height custom pocket doors retract, providing a sensation of spaces delineated by wall planes.  Shadow reveals and extensive custom detailing reinforce the feeling of lightness and spatial refinement in the house.

See http://toddverwers.com for a complete profile of this project.

Petersen Verwers Residence

This urban loft space for a single man occupies the entire top floor of a 1920’s concrete frame structure in San Francisco’s Soma neighborhood.  The space, essentially a “toolbox” for the owner’s urban lifestyle, is unique in its adaptation of commercial and institutional materials and components to residential functions.  Off the shelf laboratory cabinet modules form the kitchen, a customized computer floor forms the sleeping platform, and a precision aluminum framing system creates the enclosure and adaptable framework for an “electronics laboratory”.  In some cases, these modular components were customized to specific client requirements.

The client’s lifestyle is very utilitarian, blending professional, technology-based investigations with private activities and domestic functions.  The design draws heavily on the client’s desire for a space exuding a practical, modern simplicity, and was heavily influenced by the his sensitivities regarding aesthetics, adaptability and re-use, prefabrication, and modularity of components, etc..  Functional insertions into the existing concrete shell created an efficient, adaptable “armature” for his evolving needs and lifestyle.  In this respect, the space is a residential laboratory.

See http://toddverwers.com for a complete profile of this project.

Folsom Street Residential Laboratory

This house, designed for a Danish consul and his wife, was built as a weekend getaway and a venue for informal entertaining.  Sited on a sloping lot which opens to spectacular downslope views over the Pacific Ocean, the house gently backs into an existing grove of redwood trees, thus providing intimacy and a “deep woods” feeling toward the rear of the house.  The design embodies a Nordic sensibility to light, material, and lifestyle, while respecting the architectural forms and rustic materiality characteristic of the famed Sea Ranch design tradition.

The primary living areas of the house are oriented toward the coast, and the design maximizes panoramic views to the ocean by providing a clear span of glass along the ocean-facing façade.  The effect is profoundly ethereal, like that of “floating” above the water.  Other large windows are carefully positioned along the side and rear façade walls to provide focused views from both living and sleeping areas back into the forest canopy behind the house.  Panels of translucent glass provide privacy where needed while not limiting daylight.

See http://toddverwers.com for a complete profile of this project.

Sea Ranch Residence

This extensive remodel resulted in a refined update of an older apartment within a historical Copenhagen building from the 1800s.  The owners’ program was primarily focused on the reconfiguration of two existing spaces into a new master bathroom, along with the remodeling of a half bath into a new powder room / laundry room.  The latter space was nearly unusable before its transformation into a highly efficient, bright space with plenty of built-in storage cabinetry.

The design employed both direct and indirect lighting sources, creating uplifting and calming spaces.  All components and materials used in the project, including plumbing fixtures and lighting, are of the highest quality.  All casework, including the master bath vanity, has been custom-detailed.

See http://toddverwers.com for a complete profile of this project.

Copenhagen Apartment Remodel

This project for a complete renovation of a very large 1970’s home on the outskirts of Copenhagen features reconfiguration of much of the home’s primary living space to reflect the needs and modern lifestyle of the owners.  An older kitchen space was gutted and opened to include a new dining room.  Bathrooms were likewise completely transformed.

Several custom-designed elements were incorporated into the scheme, including a set of  large mahogany pivoting doors between the entry and dining room.

Todd Verwers Architects was subsequently commissioned to redesign the property’s pool and pool terrace for the same owners.

See http://toddverwers.com for a complete profile of this project.

Ordrup House Renovation

This extensive remodeling project resulted in a dramatic transformation of a 1970's single-story courtyard townhouse.  Unique to Palm Springs, the design is reflective of the owners' passion for 1940's Streamline Moderne interior design and Hollywood glamour, and provides a showcase for the owners' furnishings from that period.  The design features built-in furniture and cabinetry and extensive custom detailing, all tailored to specific functional requirements from the owners.

The material and finish pallet is minimal, resulting in an calm and elegant interior environment.  To enhance the psychological and physical connection between interior and courtyard spaces, existing door openings to the courtyard have been widened and fitted with frameless, stackable glass panels, enabling indoor-outdoor living and entertaining in the desert climate.  The design also features a small pool with outdoor shower, a built-in barbeque, and other desert living amenities.

This project represents the third successful collaboration with this client.

See http://toddverwers.com for a complete profile of this project.

Palm Springs Residence

john allegretti

This lakefront home is located on a small plateau in Forest Beach Estates high above the lake and beach.  The design of the home resulted from the Department of Environmental Qualities Critical Dunes Buildable area requirement. The resulting footprint created a flowing curved surface in plan and a curving perimeter that was covered by a curved roof. The views are spectacular from the three viewing levels of this home and allow the plan to provide multiple point panoramic vistas wherever you are in the spaces. 
The home was constructed on one of the last lake sites in Forest Beach in the state regulated dunes designated areas.  Within the DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality ) regulated sand dunes, construction is only allowed on level to slightly sloping property, and structures have to be set back from steep slopes or surrounded by 9 gauge steel sheet piling, which is what we did on this site. The larger square footage required on a small footprint created a need for multiple levels and increased height, which became a challenge with the Chikaming township thirty five feet (35’) height ordinance.  The septic permit was also challenging in as much as the previously secured permit had to be reissued under stricter guidelines.
The home is a private single family vacation residence for an out-of-state couple, who are both leaders in their own professions, intended to provide a place to spend time as a family outside the normal constraints of daily life.
We designed this home to be like a land ship with its ports of call the four seasons.  Immersed in the waves and the ever changing surrounding landscape of Forest Beach, the beauty and qualities of the outdoor life can quickly transform your view of life.


Contemporary Lake Michigan Lake Front

The renovation of a1920’s vintage three bedroom cottage, one bedroom detached guest house and the addition of a pool, pool house, and landscaping.
Renovation and addition to an existing three bedroom home, one bedroom detached guest house and addition of a four bedroom suite two-story addition.   The only location for the pool was in the existing front yard where pools are prohibited by the Chikaming Township Michigan zoning ordinance.
Solution: A wide side yard on the 100’x441’ lot allowed the pool house to be connected to the main house creating a new front yard providing space for the pool and pool house.  The pool house can view past the renovated main home, while overlook the pool and Lake Michigan.  The design mimicked the historic context of the existing and further reinforced it by establishing a sight line on the centerline of the original home. 
This home is naturally cooled and geothermally heated. R50 SIPs roof panels, R40 walls, coupled with low-E glazing, two inch rigid slab and foundation insulation was used. Four to six foot overhangs with high  galvanized steel roofing and sustainably harvested knotty pine form an energy efficient home.  LED lighting and no VOC natural finishes were used extensively throughout.


Union Pier Residence

Upon completion a fiber artist, her husband and their two college aged sons will have created a 2,400 square foot vacation getaway and fiber arts studio on a steeply sloping site in the Critical Dunes along the shores of Lake Michigan in Saugatuck, Michigan.
	A sincere interest in energy design and conservation has led these aspiring partners in setting a goal for a LEED for Homes Platinum designation.  Shepherding the owner through the evolving processes and organization of the newly emerging LEED for Homes requirements, our firm has explored the best methods to achieve an outstanding design as well as provide the 84 LEED points necessary to achieve the platinum rating.  Working with a Green Provider we have brought the home through design, contract documents bidding and negotiation and are at the contractor selection milestone with excavation, foundations and framing anticipated in the fall of 2009.
	The sense of a Swiss Family Robinson nature setting shaped the small footprint three level approach with a two story attached screen porch, nestled amongst the trees.  A park and walk site with a 24’x32’ main building and an attached 12’x20’ two level screen porch that sits tucked in a valley up the side of a hill, and angled to the side for views and ventilation, establishes the home amongst the forest of beech, oak and maple trees.  Seasonal views of Lake Michigan to the west are enhanced by the ascending high dune to the east.  Passive winter sun will filter through the forest’s bare branches, minimizing the warming needs for the home, and the rich canopy will shade the home from the harsh summer light.  Natural ventilation and a geothermal heat pump system provide temperature control.  Through a western dominated fenestration, the home will harness the prevailing winds off the lake for ventilation needs.  The master bedroom, bath and fiber studio are located on the upper level, the main level contains the kitchen, dining area, living room and a half bath.  The entry, stair, multi function office/den/bedroom, bath, storage, and laundry area are located on the lower level.  
	One enters the home from the parking area along a narrow wooden nature walk.  The exterior of the home is clad with flat and corrugated cement board panels and trim, and Designer Series windows with integral shades.  The roof is composed of douglas fir decking and glulam beams with a Galvalume roof over 12” thick speclam panels.  The screen porch and all other wood is FSC certified.  The interior consists of exposed wood floor trusses and greenboard decking with warm multi-color marmoleum flooring on the upper levels and finished and sealed concrete lower level floor.  The interior surface of the walls are clad in primed only cement board panels and the cabinets and wood shelves are minimalist and constructed from a combination of FSC certified wood, reclaimed wood, and FSC certified, urea-formaldehyde free stained MDF panels.  The stairs are formed by a series of thick planks of FSC certified ipea and reclaimed wood that protrude from the wall, and reigned in by a stainless steel cable railing.  Low flow water fixtures, energy efficient lighting, including LED strip fixtures, and Energy Star appliances are all incorporated into the home.  All surface finishes on walls, millwork, floors and trim will utilize low and no V.O.C. finished.  HERS energy modeling will be performed on the home, evaluating the structures mechanical system, building envelope, and ability to react and protect from the surrounding environment of sun, sand and wind.  The owners and our firm believe this will be a seminal home in the area and will have a positive environmental influence on the direction of local housing.



Laketown Residence

A modern three-level lake front home on a narrow lot (33’ x 132’) with beach erosion, extreme lot issues, and a very busy Washington D.C. political client.
Design Problem: This millennial modern home was challenged by 33’ wide by 132’ long lake-front lot. Restrictions included seven foot side, thirty foot rear, and ten foot front yards setback, along forty five (45%) percent lot coverage ratio, and thirty foot (30’) height maximum. Then, just as we were ready to begin construction, unprecedented beach erosion required a 3 to 5 ton boulder seawall. All this while our busy clients, seven hundred miles away, were stretched between their two toddlers, their jobs as consultants for a national election, and a new home construction project now with a compromised budget.
Design Solution: Our solution for this home was to lower the lower level 3’ below grade creating a beach access area, which would provide a storm surge plinth for the main and upper levels of the home. The lower level consists of a one car garage, beach bath, bedroom, laundry area, and a raised utility area.  The upper two levels design strategy consists of an internal progression of decks, covered terraces, and a main level which are focused on the street and lakeside views.  The interiors are simple and connected by stairs from the beach area to the west to the main level and to the upper level three bedrooms and two baths.  Keeping a simple eye enhanced the livability of the narrow lot and plan functionality.



Saint Joseph Residence

Rendered current project with a Lake Michigan view from a large window wall.  Winding staircase up to the upper level showcases the main level open concept.

Lake Michigan - Lakeview Residence

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment.

With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion.

The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site.



South Haven Residence

robert srote

This Tudor style custom home design exudes a distinct touch of heritage and is now nestled within the heart of Town and Country, Missouri. The client wanted a modern open floor plan layout for their family with the ability to entertain formally and informally. They also appreciate privacy and wanted to enjoy views of the rear yard and pool from different vantage points from within the home.

The shape of the house was designed to provide needed privacy for the family from neighboring homes, but also allows for an abundance of glass at the rear of the house; maintaining a connection between indoors and out. A combination of stone, brick and stucco completes the home’s exterior.

The kitchen and great room were designed to create an open yet warm invitation with cathedral ceiling and exposed beams. The living room is bright and clean with a coffered ceiling and fireplace eloquently situated between dual arched entries. This alluring room also steps out onto a courtyard, connecting the pool deck and covered porch.

The large covered porch has an eating area and lounge with TV to watch the game or to enjoy a relaxing fire from the outdoor fireplace. An outdoor bar / kitchen was placed at the far edge of the covered porch and provides a direct link to the pool and pool deck.

The home’s dining room was designed with a stone fireplace, large recessed wall niche and crown molding detail to add a feeling of warmth and serenity.

The master bedroom is a retreat from the main floor level and also has direct access to the pool and patio. A private study was also incorporated with a direct connection to the master bedroom suite.

Each secondary bedroom is a suite with walk in closets and private bathrooms. Over the living room, we placed the kids play room / hang-out space with TV.

The lower level has a 2500 bottle wine room, a guest bedroom suite, a bar / entertainment / game room area and an exercise room.

Ascott Manor

This luxurious estate boasts a striking stone and brick exterior with Flemish diagonal bond gable brickwork and cut limestone window and door surrounds. The stone wrapped turret and porte-cochère with custom iron gate are stand-outs in the design. Cut stone and wrought iron balcony railing, copper spires, and cross-hatch windows add to the character of the home. Inside, the custom stair railings and thoughtful ceiling treatments are complimented by the beautifully refined decor. 

Bridleview

This luxury French Country Estate is grand yet inviting. With over 5000 square feet of living space this home is the perfect retreat for its growing family. This home’s custom exterior stucco finish and native stone wainscot come together to beautify the structure. Wrought iron balconies, custom wood shutters and window planter boxes, copper spires, and subtle archways compliment the home's design.

Baker Street

This modern farmhouse features clean lines and classic forms. It boasts spacious covered porches for gathering, large doors, and a timeless mix of natural elements and modern décor, creating a fresh yet cozy atmosphere. 

Laurel Farmhouse

This modern prairie-style home features strong horizontal lines complimented by natural stone and stucco. Inside, the open floor plan and contemporary finishes create a warm and inviting space. The expansive outdoor living area is truly an extension of the interior space; perfect for lounging or entertaining.

Sackston Prairie

This Greek Revival inspired home was designed with the focus of everyday living functionality plus outdoor family activities and entertainment. The home's exterior consists primarily of stucco and features a front portico with balcony and balustrade covering the brick herringbone paver porch. Arched dormers project from the pitched front roof to accentuate the splendor and feel of Greek Revival style architecture.

A covered veranda was nested on the back side of the home, running parallel with pool deck and overlooking the natural landscape views to the south.

Old Colony

Design of a rooftop bar on the Moonrise Hotel in the City of St. Louis. The Moonrise Rooftop Bar has become a gathering place highlighting spectacular views of the City and an open air environment. 

Moonrise Rooftop Bar

This 19,000-square-foot Save-A-Lot grocery store building was designed for 205 E. Washington St. in Clinton, IL; a few blocks from their existing grocery store. After outgrowing the original store location, plans for a larger, more attractive facility were necessary. This newly designed supermarket is within one block of downtown Clinton and is one of the larger Save-A-Lot stores in the country. The new store design also incorporates 400 to 500 roof-mounted solar panels, producing nearly one-third of the energy required for the building.

Save-A-Lot Grocery Store

ben flatau

This project was a remodel and addition of an existing one-story ranch house. The clients came to us looking for a modern intervention to more closely suit their lifestyle. The design challenge was to reconfigure both the living and dining rooms to have views and access to the outside. In addition, we were asked to design a second story utility room to serve a multitude of functions. The result is a compact core of dining, eating, and play that all have connections and views towards the outdoors.

Palo Alto 1

This project was the remodel and expansion of one of the client’s childhood home as well as the conversion of an existing garage to a music studio. We took great care to preserve and celebrate the mid-century design, finishes, and aesthetics of the main home in bringing it up to modern standards in terms of building systems as well as appliances and fixtures.

Palo Alto 2

Set in Palo Alto’s Professorville Neighborhood, this project was a complete remodel of a historic home built in 1901. Leaving only the historic facade untouched, the entire interior of the home was reconsidered to match our clients’ lifestyle. True to the origins of the Professorville Neighborhood, the design merged our clients midwestern affinities, modern sensibilities, with nods to the original home and architecture throughout.

Palo Alto 3

This project was a teardown and remodel of an existing 900 sf home. Given a relatively tight corner lot, we worked to maximize the public space and indoor-outdoor connection of the home with a modern aesthetic. The resulting project provides a cozy California home that provides all of the amenities our clients need in a compact form with plenty of natural light and connections to the outside and neighborhood.

Menlo Park

This project included a new home and the remodel of an existing guest house and work barn. The clients came to us, understandably, expressing a strong desire to express and celebrate the panoramic views of the site. The design of the home featured a number of indoor-outdoor spaces that could be completely opened up depending on weather and time of year. The result is a home that blurs what is inside and outside all while keeping the views to the outdoors as the primary focus.

Portola Valley

The Neighborhood Story Project is a high school program in New Orleans that provides students from low-income neighborhoods the opportunity to write about their lives. Over the course of a year or so, each student produces a published book that gives the readers some perspective on what it is like to live and grow up in New Orleans. The NSP requested help from Tulane University in designing and constructing an interview pod to be used when carrying out interviews for the books. The project serves as both an interview pod and storage for the people who take part in the NSP.

NSP StoryPod

roland a arriaga architec

Renovation of an historic Eastlake Queen Anne Style Cottage in New Orleans, La.

Queen Anne Cottage Renovation and Addition

Design of a 10,000 sf Mediterranean Style Home in New Orleans, La.

Custom Mediterrenean Style Home

Design of a contemporary home in  the country of Panama for a private client.

Custom Contemporary Style Home

Design of a commercial retail center in Baton Rouge, La. USA

Retail Center

Large, 80,000 sf, retail center in Gretna, La. USA

Riverview Retail Center

Professional office building addition and whole building renovation project.

Professional Office Building

A medical clinic for a private medical group.

Medical Clinic

annilee b waterman

Rendering services for Architects, Designers, Builders & Owners

Architectural Design & Rendering

Kitchen Rendering

Interior Rendering

Bathroom Rendering

umang shah

 renovation to a 1910 Brownstone in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn, NY. The project was a complete interior renovation with careful consideration to re-purpose historical details. It included new layouts for the living, dining, kitchen, bathrooms, artist studio, laundry room and bedrooms. The project retained and restored existing millwork. The overall project is a mix of modernism and traditional.

393 Sterling - Brooklyn

Fractal  Analytics Inc. embarked on the creation of their world headquarters at the renowned address of 'One World Trade Center' in New  York City. Contextus has been assigned to provide design and project  management services for this project.

The  project entails a pre-built environment by The Durst Organization which  required a personalized design to reflect Fractal as a premier entity.  Contextus carefully designed an integrated, media in conjunction with  A/V consultants (Union Design/WarrenZ/Presentation Productions) to  create a seamless design with the general office occupancy. Fractal's  recent branding restructuring was integrated into the design via brand  colors and graphics. There is a clear line of material separation  between the "Experience Center" (used to display Fractal's capabilities)  and the open office area. In addition, the design allows for additional  breakout areas (flex space) apart from enclosed conference rooms. The  project maximizes use in terms of a transient work force and the ability  to accommodate future expansion for Fractal employees. 

FRACTAL ANALYTICS - 1 World Trade Center

A renovation to a 1912 Brownstone in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, NY. The residents included a writer with an extensive collection of books and a Lawyer who work from home on a regular basis. The design incorporates many of the original details and integrated clean lined modern elements. As avid entertainers the space needed to allow for large gatherings. This was solved through the use of large sliding doors which allowed "spill over" into circulation areas and an open plan concept. 

150 Sterling - Brooklyn

When one works on a Construction Management consulting firm’s office space, the seamless dichotomy of fitting in-between design and construction needs to be exhibited. Hence we approached the Gleeds’ project with a clean lined, minimalist and functional approach. A series of breakout spaces with “huddle” (aka collaboration areas) were introduced in order to provide privacy from the open office seating environment. A new reception lobby introduces clients and staff to rotating projects via monitors. This portrays the international reach of Gleeds and the various project types they work on. 

Gleeds - NYC

Cumin is an Indian Fusion restaurant whos concept is to create a twist on what is considered traditional Indian food and fuse it with other cuisines. This food concept inspired the design of the restaurant. Cumin diverts itself from the typical Indian restaurant archetype and introduces a twenty first century take on what an Indian restaurant should look and feel like.

The major attraction of the restaurant is the slat wall which divides the fine dining area from the bar/cafe area. The concept is derived from "Jalis" or screens. The slat wall acts as a filter between the two distict spaces. The dining side having a refined, clean feel and the bar/cafe having a fun feel.

Cumin Restaurant - Cincinnati

A selective renovation to the famed Structural Engineer, August Komendant's, former residence. Mr. Komendant was the Architect Louis Kahn's go to Structural Engineer for many of his iconic buildings.  This renovation entailed a thorough study of this mid century modern home which utilized a 12'x12' grid. The additions to the living and master bedroom utilized this grid system in an effort to maintain the home's design intent. This project included renovations to all bathrooms, kitchen with custom millwork, living room, dining room, bedrooms and finished basement with office, exercise space, family room and guest room. 

205 Highland Ave - NJ

A complete gut renovation to Pre-Civil war house in Jersey City, NJ. This three story home met its size constraint challenge by utilizing open floor plans and minimizing circulation spaces.The exterior is clad with black stained cedar panels and the interiors are finished with a clean modern look. The home boasts energy efficient HVAC, hot water heating and LED lighting throughout.

429 Monmouth - Jersey City

A gut renovation to a builder spec apartment/flat in the Indian city of Gurgaon. The project introduces a complete refresh to the dark and tired finishes that were part of the original design. The result are clean lines and a much brighter environment. 