Archive for June 2015

ZŪM House by Unity Homes Featured on Tour by Rick Reynolds For its 2015 home tours, Modern Atlanta, an organization dedicated to promoting modern design, branched out to include other southeast regions. On May 30 and 31, 2015, as part of their Modern Asheville tour, the ZŪM house by Unity Homes was opened to the…

by Rick Reynolds In real estate, “comparables” seem to rule initial home valuations as much as any other single factor. Similar size homes in the same or similar neighborhoods often serve as a benchmark before other, less tangible characteristics, like condition, craftsmanship, energy performance, indoor health, or charm, come into play. And while one house…

By Rick Reynolds In Hartford, Connecticut’s famed Bushnell Park, under a giant oak tree, 48 hand-carved wooden horses, two lovers’ chariots and a Wurlitzer band organ, whirl around under a 24-sided pavilion, to the delight of children, newlyweds, and nostalgia lovers throughout the region. To add to this historic wooden carousel attraction—originally carved out of…

by Rick Reynolds Whether one is an architect working with a client—or a client working with an architect—or a client looking to streamline the design/build process, there are distinct advantages to realizing projects with a Montage design/build firm. Consider the following: Architects deserve to have their designs faithfully realized, on-budget and on-time. And since their…

An Architect’s Vision Brings Us Back to the Future by Rick Reynolds When sister and brother owner/builders, Louise and Richard Brodman, bought land on Mt. Desert Island, Maine, they shared a grand artistic vision to develop the property. Louise, an architect, came to Bensonwood with Sketchup drawings for two highly unusual outbuildings: one, a striking,…

by Rick Reynolds Q: Chris, Engineering News Report recently announced their 2015 Regional Winners for New England. You were one of 10 winners judged top in their fields in four areas: for leadership within their organizations, for creating landmark projects, for giving back to the industry, and finally, for giving back to the community. Starting…