m | d | m collaborative | Allison Beer McKenzie, Kimberly Martin, Corey DiRutigliano | Retreat

Designer: Allison Beer McKenzie, Kimberly Martin, Corey DiRutigliano

Architecture is about response: response to the environment that surrounds us, response to the resources, both financial and physical, that are available to us, response to social conventions and response to the people who ultimately inhabit the built work. True response is not driven by attachment to a certain aesthetic or arbitrary constraints; instead it is the result of thorough, rigorous investigation into needs, desires, goals and context infused with a passion for problem solving, a drive toward innovation and a desire to create beauty in built form. Sustainability is a given, not a desire to be debated or compromised.

Certifications

AIA
LEED AP
Registered Architect

Services

Custom Architecture
Customizations
Green Consulting
Passive House Consulting
Interior Design

Interests and Research Papers

Portfolio

Entry: Retreat | Respond

views: 7147
votes: 155
comments: 11
profile: The Modernist Retreat

area: 1580 SF
bedrooms: 2
bathrooms: 2.5
garage stalls: 2 carport spaces
floor: 2
depth: 32'-0"
width: 46'-0

Comments on Retreat | Respond

1/26/2011

Kim: Thanks for the comments Andy, and we hear your worry about needing to entertain. We expect the view will be quite a draw for visitors. Since the program mandates an efficient floorplan, we designed all of the public the spaces to be multi-functional. The living room can easily convert to accommodate a dining table for company - and we see that the exterior patio and roof decking can both be used as entertainment spaces for large numbers of people. Instead of strictly designated rooms for dining, eating and working, in an open plan like this, one can use the space as the need arises. We expect that a home like this will have numerous configurations, and serve its users best through flexibility.
1/26/2011

Andy Z: I love the simplicity of this design, and the effective use of space within an easy-to-construct structure. It seems a very simple yet elegant solution to clients' needs. My only concern is there is no designated dining space for entertainment purposes.
1/22/2011

Allison Beer McKenzie: Thanks for the comments Alex- I can assure you that we are using glazing with a very low U value and a high SHGC to combat the cold Wisconsin climate and help heat the adjacent exposed concrete slab. The great thing about the design and thermal mass, though, is that by lowering the SHGC of the windows, adjusting the angle of the louvers in the window overhangs and running lake cooled water through the concrete slab this design can also be easily adapted for a warm climate as well!
1/19/2011

Alex Belkofer - P|C|S: Great mix of contemporary design with natural relationships to the great outdoors. Nice wide open design to enjoy the surrounding landscape. If this is in Wisconsin, I hope the glazing is double thick and the HVAC system is a good one!(Found one typo in the Building Detail image!) :) Nice work.
1/19/2011

Jane: Book me there for a week!!!
1/18/2011

Architrix Design Studio: I like it.
1/17/2011

Darcy: Tasteful and graceful spin on The Modernist; eco-design is well-thought out.
12/25/2010

Drew: Love the realistic renderings and the calculations for energy.
12/22/2010

Colleen Weisz: Love the relationship between the house and the lake!
12/22/2010

Avid fisherman: YES!! It has a boat dock!!
12/20/2010

Linda Woods: Incredible design; absolutely love the setting and the usage of natural resources.

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