RISSAY_ARCHITECTURE | CONSTRUCTION

Open Floor Plan Dilemma

While open floor plans are very popular (and rightfully so), they often leave a homeowner asking one question: How do I create different spaces within, that have a true purpose and function.  This client, a young couple in their 20’s, that reside in a lovely home in Society Hill had that exact question.  The space itself had the potential, and they had already choosen wonderful furniture for the space as well.  The inherit problem being there was no differentiation between the spaces.  They wished to have the first room upon entry to be the casual TV room, while the room beyond would function as the formal sitting room for entertaining by the warm fire.  The two rooms flowed together seamlessly with no variation in texture, design, or aesthetics.

The simplest, but possibly the largest impact on the space was the new cased opening.  It physically denotes the change from the casual to the formal space, while still visually connecting the two rooms.  Within the formal sitting room, we really wished to appeal to the homeowners’ transitional style.  Custom wainscot panels were installed throughout the room creating an air of elegance.  Above the wainscotting you will find a luxorious grass cloth wall covering.  As for the fireplace, it received a new, custom mantle, as well as a Calcutta Gold Marble surround and Black Absolute hearth.  To your left as you enter the space, you will notice their new one-of-a-kind drybar that we designed and built 100% in house.  It features LED lights inside, which provide plenty of light, while never heating the drinks within.  The center panel drops down to form a countertop on which you can serve your drinks.  It also features a soft close mechanism to ensure that there is no slamming of the doors and rattling of the contents within. 

The sitting room has also been integrated with a Sonos system and in-wall speakers.  Sonos is a multi-room audio system that allows you to "play the same song in every room with perfect synchronicity or simultaneously play different songs in different rooms."  Sonos can play your entire music library, as well as internet radio stations & other music services, such as Rhapsody and Pandora.  It is easily controlled with a Sonos controller, iPhone, iPad or computer.  Finally the upgrading of the lighting greatly enhanced the space.  We also updated the trim kits on the existing recessed lights, as well as adding additional fixtures.  The new chandelier and wall sconces provide the eloquent finishing touch.  This room no longer lacks a separate identity from its counterpart  and is a formal sitting room that anyone would be proud to have guests visit. 

 

Ask us how Rissay can help personalize your home to match not only your needs, but your lifestyle!

( Photo 1: Before,  Photo 2 & 3: After )

Furniture by Rissay

I apologize for it being a while since our last post.  We have been extremely busy with projects and our focus, as always, has been on keeping our projects going smoothly for our clients.  Today I decided to post a few pictures of a custom ottoman and mirror Scott has created for the owner of the Trinity.

I hope these pictures, as well as all of the other pictures on this blog and our website, show the full range of what Rissay can do for you and your home.  We try to analyze and design every detail to our clients' satisfaction, whether it is a full home renovation, kitchen, built-in, or a small furniture piece.  Rissay pushes to exceed our clients' expectations.  We strive to have every minute detail figured out before beginning a project to keep the entire project on budget and schedule.  We don't cut corners and strive for the utmost craftsmanship regardless of the size of the project, as you can see in today's photos.

Trinity- Completed Album

The Trinity- Completed Album is now up, and can be found on the right-hand side of the page.  There are some before & after photographs included in the album, but feel free to check out the Trinity- Existing Album to see how far the home has truly come.

Have a project of your own and wish to discuss it, feel free to call us at 215-713-0750 or e-mail us at [email protected]

Trinity Transformation Completed

The Trinity project that we spoke about in several previous posts is finally complete and has been photographed.  The only things remaining from the original home are the masonry walls, wood joists, and stairs.    The house had a very well built structure, but all of the interiors had been neglected for decades and needed a major overhaul, in both style and functionality.  Infrastructure wise, it received all new plumbing, electrical, lighting, doors, roof, drywall, windows, and insulation. 

The windows are all Low E II Argon filled to try to minimize heat loss/gain through the windows. The spray foam insulation could realize energy savings up to 60% greater than if traditional insulation was used.  The windows, entry door, and insulation all qualified for the federal tax credit.  It is important to check what qualifies when buying these materials.  As for the windows, by paying an extra $300 total to get the more energy efficient windows, the homeowner will get over a $1,000 credit on his taxes.

The home also received all new custom milled wood flooring, marble tile, counters, and fireplace surround, plumbing and lighting fixtures, furniture, tile, appliances, custom millwork, etc.  Scott and Jim built a custom entertainment center for first floor (1^st picture below), which also incorporates a coat closet, which the 1^st floor previously lacked. Since most full beds would not be able to get up the spiral stairs or 3^rd floor window, we asked Springhouse Woodshop to create a custom wood bed and nightstand for us.  The two pieces were expertly crafted, and most importantly the bed completely disassembled to get up stairs. 

As you can imagine, the small space and stairs was an issue throughout the project, but alas it is complete and the homeowner is enjoying his new home very much.  Below you can find a picture of the 1st floor custom entertainment center, as well as some before and after photos.  Check back soon for the “Trinity Completed” photo album to see the whole project!

Artist Loft Design

Although we are a design / build firm, we also take on work that is either just design services or just construction.  We are currently pricing several jobs for just the construction of built-ins designed by others.  Our design services can range greatly from quick sketches with design direction, to space planning, schematic drawings, cost estimating, 3D modeling, renderings, and finally to full construction documents.  You can enlist us for one or more of these services or for the full range of services.

For the project below, we were approached by a repeat client who is a painter.  Since it is for her art studio and loft, she wanted to keep it to a modest budget, but with high functionality and quality design in mind.  Since it is just her studio, with no rush, and a handy husband with weekends free, she just enlisted us for a quick design direction and simple renderings to show the vision for the space.  Below you can find a few of the simple images, but please keep in mind we also do much more intensive renderings as well.  Just can't picture how 2D drawings transfer to your actual space? 3D models are a great way to help you envision your future project.

 

Millwork- How Old and New Can Coexist

Our one client, who is a lawyer in Center City, already had an existing Mahogany closet that didn't offer enough storage.  He wished to add on to the existing character of the piece with a built-in next to it for storing his collection of books and display pieces.  There was also the issue of the existing radiator, which hampered anything he tried to do with the space previously.

As you can see from the sketch, we designed it so one bottom box houses the radiator, while the other offers more concealed storage.  Both will have a decorative laser cut wood panel to enhance the elegance of the piece without hampering the flow of heat from the radiator.  The radiator box will also be lined with a bubble foil insulation that reflects 97% of the heat out the opening, and not wasted by heating the built-in itself.

The style and proportion of the new piece plays well off the old piece, while offering a different purpose.  The existing piece will also get a face lift, sanding, new clear coat, and new hardware.  The old crown moulding and baseboard are being replaced to offer a better continuity with the new Mahogany built-in.  Below are a few pictures of a sketch and the beginning of construction.

 

 

Time to Prepare for Spring

Here are a few photos of two planter boxes we have just completed for a client in Society Hill on Delancey Street.  As we approach March and the coming of Spring, it is time to start preparing for warmer weather.  What better way to spruce up your curb appeal, but with custom planter boxes and some fresh vegetation!

These expertly handcrafted solid cedar windows box planters with a raised panel are built for years of carefree enjoyment.  They feature full bottoms with drainage holes for direct planting inside the box. Each planter is custom built to fit your window and painted in your choice of color.

Individual planters range from $400-$500 and includes installation and hardware. Price may vary depending on size. Save money when you buy 2 or more! Quality Workmanship and Parts Guaranteed 100% for a full year!  So act now to beat the Spring rush!

The Holidays Are Coming, Time To Show Off Your New Wet Bar!

So in the last entry we showcased a new fireplace and art centerpiece that we did for a client out in Phoenixville.  Our client wanted to spruce up their main living space not only with the warmth of the new fireplace, but with the addition of a new wet bar.  They are huge wine enthusiasts and their next project is a full wine cellar, which of course we are designing for them.  The wine cellar will be in the basement, so of course they would still love to have access to some of their collection on the main floor.

There was a perfect niche for the wet bar located in the dining room, which is in between the kitchen and living room in their semi-open floor plan.  We wanted to make it appear as if it was always there.  The cabinets were all custom built and stained with a special ebony blend to match their current Wenge furniture.  The upper cabinets feature sliding pocket doors to tuck out of the way when they are open.  These upper cabinets house all the stemware, as well as bottles that are to be stored at room temperature.  We added a floating soffit to make the entire piece look much more integrated.  We kept it slightly off the ceiling to give a nice shadow line.  The soffit also houses recessed lights on dimmers that accentuate the counter and glass shelves.

The stone we used is a gorgeous variety of CaesarStone called Misty Carrera.  This stone makes up the countertop, which then wraps around to cover the side as well.  The solid Misty Carrera backsplash between the dark upper cabinets contrasts perfectly.  The stone was also used to create an integrated sink.  The German made Dornbracht faucet's sleek lines, play well off the geometry of the overall wet bar.

Below the counter is where all the precious wines and beverages are stored and displayed.  We used top of the line Marvel, Chateau Collection appliances.  They feature custom wood frames to match the cabinetry with a full, insulated glass door.  It also features full extension glides for each shelf, interior lighting, and hidden controls within.  You can also adjust the temperature between 40F and 65F, depending on the beverages you are storing.  The one Marvel unit houses 54 wine bottles, while the other can store up to 14 wine bottles and 114 cans.

Below you can find a before picture and a few after the project was completed.  More photos of the wet bar, as well as the fireplace can be found in the "Phoenixville Living" album on the right.  If you would like Rissay to help prepare your home for better entertainment, feel free to call us at 215-713-0750 or e-mail [email protected]

Custom Millwork

For those that may not know, Rissay does custom millwork.  All of our millwork and built-ins are 100% custom designed for each client to fit any needs or space.  The built-in featured in this entry was for more than your average music enthusiast.  The client is a professor, music historian, and prize winning author of several music books and articles. 

He desired a built-in in his living room that would meet all his audio and video needs.  The counter and upper open cabinets were designed so he would have plenty of space for his record player, as well as his laptop if he wishes to sync it to the speakers.  The base cabinets were made with the depth and integration of all his audio and visual components in mind.  It features full extension drawers, so you get maximum use of the entire drawer.  Rissay also made custom CD trays that each hold approxiamately 100 CDs in custom sleeves.  The drawers alone in this one-of-a-kind built-in house 1,200 CDs with plenty of room to browse through them.

Although a music buff, he doesn't watch TV on a normal basis.  Sliding pocket doors conceal the TV when not in use, but easily tuck away when it is time for a movie.  The flat screen is mounted on a telescopic, swivel arm, allowing perfect viewing from any angle.  No unsightly cables can be seen either, as they are actually hidden within the telescopic arm and plugged into a recessed surge protector.

Below you will find a few pictures of this music extraordinaire's custom built-in, but make sure to look in the photo album on the right to see all of the photos.  Do you have different needs or requests for your built-in? It's not a problem, no matter what your needs, Rissay can design and build your 100% custom built-in.

 

AITA- Ladder Display

So Art in the Age approached us to make another feature display piece for their store.  Of course we were immediately interested.  This time they wanted a display that could showcase various textiles and accessories, such as quilts, scarves, belts, hats, etc.  We decided we didn't want to make a typical piece that the products would simply sit on.  It wanted to be something more.  Then we came up with the solution of creating a custom, handmade wood ladder.  The ladder would make the display extremely portable, so it could be relocated anywhere in the shop.  It would take up a minimal amount of floor space, while maximizing the area it could display goods.  Quilts,textiles, and belts could hang on and span the various rungs. 

     We made it using true Southern Yellow Pine 2x4s salvaged from a renovation of a 1920s Tudor located in East Falls that is slated for the Historical Registry in the near future.  First we made a mockup for the store to review and they loved the idea, so we got to work.  The frame of the ladder was mortised out to receive the rungs.  We routed the edges of the rungs to make a soft radius so the textiles wouldn't snag. The ladder could be held together entirely together with just friction (of course we had to try climbing it) and it worked beautifully.  Just to be safe though we added steel cut nails to ensure its strength and added rubber to the bottom so it wouldn't slide. Then the wood was sealed to protect it from moisture and to give it a nice little sheen.  This one-of-a-kind display piece can now be found at Art in the Age on N. 3rd Street.  The pictures below (and more!) can be found in the "AITA- Ladder Display" photo album.  It looked perfect in the store with the quilts and belts they had on it, but unfortunately I didn't have a camera on me, so pictures of it in the store are still to come.