Modern Times

Clean lines and craftsmanship capture the 15th annual Superior Interiors Design Awards.

by Jonathan Wander

"Some of these are so superior that they would have done well in competitions anywhere in the U.S., on national levels or otherwise."

That was one of the comments from the judges of this year's 15th annual Superior Interiors Design Awards, and when the title of your competition is "Superior Interiors," that kind of superior praise is noteworthy.

The judges were impressed with many facets of the entries, emphasizing terms like "craftsmanship," "restrained," "elegant" and "dramatic." One surprising note, perhaps, is that almost all the winners featured modern design, some quite minimalist, and all with clean lines free of much, if any, ornament. For an area where homeowners have a reputation for shunning modernism in favor of traditional style, this was quite a statement.

This year's competition was co-sponsored by the Pittsburgh chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and American Society of Interior Designers, and was judged by members of architectural and design firms from Washington, D.C. The judges appreciated the way the local designers were able to incorporate their new designs into older neighborhoods and structures. When reviewing submissions in each of the five categories, the judges took into account the design objective stated by each entrant, then carefully reviewed the photos to choose the winning designs. The identity of each of the competing architects was, of course, kept anonymous during the judging.

A special thank you to the D.C. architects for their time and careful attention to each entry. At times, especially in the categories with several entries, choosing a winner wasn't easy, and the architects carefully considered the merits of each, deliberating and comparing notes until the winners were chosen. For their indispensable help in organizing the competition, we also thank Anne Swager, executive director of AIA Pittsburgh; Becky Spevack, director of communications for AIA Pittsburgh; Mary Fitch, executive director of the Washington chapter of AIA; and, as always, Pittsburgh magazine's own Mary Louise Dattilo.

Industrial Resolution

Winner: Architectural Residence | New Construction

The treatment of materials is elegant and extraordinary," said the judges about the winner in the "New Construction" category, which recognized a project that created both a home and studio for two architects. The judges particularly liked the project's "interlocking spaces," the "consistent detailing" and the way the architects "handled the intersection of materials, particularly the wood and glass, and including the flooring." Washington architects who are no strangers to row houses, the judges also appreciated "the skillful execution of the front elevation" of this Pittsburgh row house.

The design's reflection of Pittsburgh's industrial heritage impressed the judges, and this was a primary goal of the architects, Gerard Damiani, Debbie Battistone and Edward Parker of studio d'ARC architects. In their design statement they said, "This small home and studio look toward the industrial origins of the site," adding that, "this live/work studio contains the needs of a modest studio space - living, dining, kitchen, bedroom, garage, basement and two gardens." One of the gardens, among the most dramatic elements of the home, is located on a roof terrace.

A terrace perfect for stargazing and rooftop gardening is one of the distinguishing features of the winner in the "New Construction" category. Although small, this home and studio provide many amenities for contemporary living, including a garage and a second garden space.

Architect: Gerard Damiani, principal-in-charge; Debbie Battistone, staff architect; Edward Parker, intern architect; of studio d'ARC architects, P.C.
Windows: Custom maple and mahogany windows by Duratherm Windows. Pilkington glass wall by Southwest Aluminum. Skylight by O'Keefe's Inc.
Window Treatments: Custom blinds by Caldwell's Windoware.
Flooring: Glass bridge fabricated and installed by Emerald Art Glass. Sisal rug by Crate & Barrel. Mullican "Moorish Castle": solid-maple pre-finished hardwood flooring by Prizant's. Living- and dining-area rugs and stair-tread runners by FLOR.
Lighting: Cooper Lighting, Tech Lighting, Pass & Seymour by Cardello Electric Supply. Clip lights by Artemide. Custom studio light cover by Keystone Metals.
Furniture: Willy Guhl fiber cement chairs by Greenform. Dining table, murphy bed, TV stand, sofa and bed storage unit by Kramer Kustom. Storage unit and Eames reproduction desk by Modern Wood Works. Prouve standard chair by Hive for Modern Living. Eames Aluminum Management group chairs and Eames elliptical table by Herman Miller from Continental Office Environment. Risom dining chairs from Knoll. Eames RAR rocker from Modernica Inc.
Millwork/Cabinetry: Bridge cabinets, upper kitchen cabinets and dining buffet by Kramer Kustom. Lower kitchen cabinets by Max Woodworking. Library wall unit by Chuck McPherson.
Fabrics: Maharam sofa upholstery by Continental Office Environments. Custom felted wool table runner by Felt Studio.
Laundry chute and window panel: Kramer Kustom.
Kitchen Island: Kramer Kustom and Keystone Metals.
Plantings: Rear garden by Kutchko Nursery. Green roof by Green Living Technologies.
Brick/Masonry: Masonry (CMU block) by Lane Angelo Blocks. Polished concrete floor in hall, poured-concrete foundation, floor and exposed aggregate sidewalk by W.A. Hoy Concrete Construction.
Wall covering: Pre-finished interior maple plywood panels by Allegheny Plywood.
Fireplace: Majestic by Vermont Castings from Ed's Woodshed.
Fireplace Enclosure: Corten by Keystone Metals.
Custom steel railing and grill counter: Keystone Metals.
Grill and Refrigerator: GE Monogram Series by Don's Appliances.
Hardware: Baldwin from A.G. Mauro Co. Garage-door hardware from Holmes & Haley.
Kitchen sink: Kindred from Home Depot. Chicago Faucet from Equiparts.

 

NEXT >