AIA Honorable Mention Winner Connection- Family Compound
White stepping stones connect the main house to the “Court-House” Landscape design by others.
Now Guest House on the existing foot print/foundation.
Designed for Connection, Wellness & Legacy This family compound is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary. The architecture steps gently with the natural topography, creating moments of openness, retreat, and reflection. Whether used for weekend gatherings, seasonal escapes, or multi-generational living, the compound is designed for wellness, focus, and connection to nature.
Before Front Elevation
Before - Arcade
Sustainable Design for Generational Impact—From the outset, the design focused on sustainable building practices to protect both the environment and the long-term value of the estate. Highlights include: 1. Reused foundation to reduce embodied carbon and construction waste. 2. Passive solar design, natural ventilation, and energy-efficient systems. 3. Minimal grading to preserve natural drainage and the ecological integrity of the land. 4. Low-maintenance, high-performance materials for long-term resilience
After Arcade - serves as an outdoor viewing stand for the basketball court within.
Architectural Elegance with a Modern Edge The exterior is clad in crisp white brick and expansive glass, allowing the home to glow like a lantern in the forest—quiet, striking, and serene. Premium materials like glass, brick, and finely crafted millwork were selected for their timeless quality and long-term durability, perfectly suited for a legacy property.
Parking court between the main house and the guest house create a connection.
While white stepping stones create paths of connections between the houses and from front to back.
The site is set at the edge of a 25-acre nature preserve, this project transforms an adjacent lot and existing structure into a purposeful extension of the main home. When the neighboring property came on the market, the owners saw a rare opportunity to unify the two parcels into a cohesive family compound. Research revealed that zoning regulations would prohibit new construction if the original structure was demolished, turning preservation into both a constraint and a catalyst for innovation.
Once inside, the windows fill the spaces with natural light. Additionally, the skylights act as a sun dial. Interiors by others.
The result is a refined, light-filled architectural intervention that amplifies space, daylight, and connection while complimenting the site’s integrity. Working entirely within the existing foundation, the design introduces a layered, multifunctional program: two guest rooms, an office, basketball gym, media room, and entertaining kitchen. Each space flows into the next, supporting varied uses without feeling compartmentalized. Skylights above the stair, clerestory windows over the gym, and floor-to-ceiling glass draw daylight deep into the plan, transforming rooms into bright, engaging living spaces.
Indoor basketball court is one of the may highlights of this home. Interior fixtures, furniture and finishes selected by others.
Clerestory windows over the gym, and floor-to-ceiling glass draw daylight deep into the plan, transforming rooms into bright, engaging living spaces. Large windows allow you to connect with the landscape.
Entertaining kitchen and great room offers views to the pool and landscape and also offers a wonderful party space. Interior fixtures, furniture and finishes selected by others.
Kids game room and theater space off the court. Interior fixtures, furniture and finishes selected by others.
Floor to ceiling windows light the way past the guest rooms and culminate in the home office with stunning views into the landscape. Interior fixtures, furniture and finishes selected by others.
The space that makes everyone want to play ball has also inspired all to reference this house as “The Courthouse” . Interior fixtures, furniture and finishes selected by others.
Indoor half court with clearstory windows, padded walls and regulation key and hoops.
Home office with inspiring views, natural light and a reflection of the main house in the glass. Interior fixtures, furniture and finishes selected by others.
Designed for Connection, Wellness & Legacy — This family compound is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary. The architecture steps gently with the natural topography, creating moments of openness, retreat, and reflection. Whether used for weekend gatherings, seasonal escapes, or multi-generational living, the compound is designed for wellness, focus, and connection to nature and the existing home and pool.
New “Courthouse” in the landscape with a glimpse of the main house and pool glows in the landscape. Landscape design by others.
Though residential and private, the project reflects a broader ethic of environmental stewardship and site sensitivity. It steps down with the topography rather than resisting it, creating moments of openness, retreat, and quiet integration. Designed for focus, gathering, and wellness, the realized design addresses contemporary needs while remaining grounded in its place.
Sustainability was embedded from the start. Reusing the original foundation significantly reduced embodied carbon and construction waste. Passive strategies such as daylighting, Motorized shades, natural ventilation, and energy-efficient systems minimize energy use. Minimal grading preserves natural drainage and the ecological health of the surrounding preserve. Low-maintenance, high-performance materials ensure resilience with minimal intervention.
This project was recognized for Design Excellence by the American Institute of Architects Newark and Suburban Chapter. This award is given by a jury of peer architects in recognition for exceptional design. The submissions are blind and the Jury is made up of accomplished architects from outside of the chapter community.
Photos by Aimee Ryan Photography