"This stately New England Dutch Colonial home sits perched high on a hillside. The sloped and underutilized back yard had been poorly developed with concrete pavers and retaining walls, creating an undesirable back yard and an inadequately placed single-car garage.

Part of the client’s program, beside a new kitchen and family room, was the need for an attached two-car garage. Clawson Architects saw this as a wonderful opportunity to maximize the unrealized potential of the back yard and engage the landscape to make a soft transition to the hillside. The completed design engages the landscape with a traditional barn-like structure attached to the home. The lower level is a two-car garage, the upper level a new recreation room with views and direct access to the upper yard.  The intentional placement of the new barn/garage created a patio and outdoor living space with a fire pit.

The details and material selection of the new two-car garage were very important. The garage became the focal point upon entering the homeowner’s back yard. The beautiful custom mahogany doors from Designer Doors, the stacked stone walls, cupola and custom millwork details tailored the structure to appear as if the garage addition had always belonged with the original home.  The end result reflects the concept of the house in relationship to the landscape with a stately, handsome addition that gives the sense of arrival to the homeowners and friends.

The Designer Doors Sales Representative’s knowledge of their products and traditional architectural styles available made the selection of the doors simple. The I-Frame  European-style doors paired with custom cedar brackets created an authenticity to the project.  The quality and craftsmanship of Designer Doors is superior and the installers were prompt and efficient.  Working with the Designer Doors team was effortless from design to installation."

Clawson Archtects is located in New Jersey. To see more of their work, visit their site here.