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| December 2010, Viva Tysons |
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| Before and After: A Dramatic Transformation |
2/14/11
Wentworth, Inc. in the News: A Small-Scale Estate in McLean, VA
2/11/11
Wentworth, Inc. Wins Two 2010 NARI Capital CotY Awards!
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| Wentworth, Inc.'s Steven Barnard, Accepts the Capital CotY Grand Prize Award |
The 2010 Capital CotY Grand Prize in Residential Exteriors went to a spectacular remodel of a 1960s home in Silver Spring, MD. The finished project is a stunning transformation of the home's front facade, resulting in a home that is sophisticated and modern.
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| 2010 Captial CotY Grand Prize Winner, Residential Exteriors |
The 2010 Capital CotY Finalist Prize in the high competitive Residential Interiors Category was awarded to Wentworth, Inc. for a dramatic reconfiguration of interior space. A 1980s Chevy Chase, MD home featuring an outdated and compartmentalized floor plan was given new life in this remodel of a kitchen, adjoining breakfast space, family room, and laundry room.
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| 2010 Capital CotY Finalist, Residential Interiors |
Award-winners spanned over 30 categories ranging from "Best Green Home Construction to Best Bathrooms under $30,000." Eighteen Maryland companies took home 30 CotY awards, and Wentworth, Inc. is honored to be included in a group as talented as the firms belonging to the NARI Metro DC Chapter.
1/31/11
Doing More with Less: A Townhouse Kitchen Remodel
A tiny and dark galley kitchen in an urban townhouse usually equals a variety of daily frustrations: cramped cooking space, difficulty entertaining guests while slicing and dicing, and the cliched, yet extremely common too-many-cooks-in-the-kitchen issue, among many others. Often the only solution is a smart and carefully executed remodel. That's where Wentworth came in.
When a couple downsized from a suburban home to a 1920s historic townhouse, the tiny kitchen had to fit their lifestyle. Working within the confines of a small space has its limitations, but our clients were willing to sacrifice their back porch for additional kitchen space. This sacrifice paid off: a sunny breakfast nook with a view of the garden now sits where the porch used to be. The space is cozy, warm (thanks in large part to the kitchen's energy-efficient radiant heated floors) and sure to be enjoyed year round.
Innovative design features maximize space elsewhere in the kitchen - from cabinets with roll-out shelving to turning unused space under a stair into a pantry. These features and the resulting open-plan kitchen fit the client's informal lifestyle, proving that you never have to sacrifice style for function or space. For more on this project, visit the Hill Rag's January Home & Gardens Feature, Making the Most of Townhouse Kitchen.
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| Space Sacrificed: An Unused Porch Before |
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| Space Gained: Sunny Kitchen Addition After |
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| Let the Sun Shine: The Finished Kitchen |
Innovative design features maximize space elsewhere in the kitchen - from cabinets with roll-out shelving to turning unused space under a stair into a pantry. These features and the resulting open-plan kitchen fit the client's informal lifestyle, proving that you never have to sacrifice style for function or space. For more on this project, visit the Hill Rag's January Home & Gardens Feature, Making the Most of Townhouse Kitchen.
1/28/11
The Stroke of a Feather: How Inspiration Meets Design for Wentworth’s Interior Designer Christopher Patrick, ASID
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| Christopher Patrick, ASID |
Wentworth, Inc.’s interior designer, Christopher Patrick, ASID, knew from an early age he’d be painting clients’ rooms in bright and bold colors with successful results. At the age of 10, when most parents are fretting about dirty handprints on walls and muddy footprints on freshly cleaned rugs, his parents already trusted him to paint his bedroom. It wasn’t long before he’d moved onto bigger, more important rooms.
Fortunately for Wentworth, Inc.'s clients, Christopher is involved in more than just paint choices. Because Wentworth, Inc. is uniquely able to offer architecture, interiors, and construction under one roof, Christopher’s aesthetic as a designer, which he defines as clean and streamlined, informs all aspects of a client’s home remodel.
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| The Stroke of a Feather |
Christopher says his design sense, a mix of the old and new, is often inspired by nature. A recent remodel of a client’s study/home office was transformed with the stroke of a peacock feather. Actually, says Christopher, the peacock feather was more of an inspiration, a way to convince a client who wasn’t afraid of color to paint her new study/home office bright teal and an adjacent bedroom pale olive. “This certainly wasn’t your traditional color pairing, but I convinced her through a series of images showing how pale green and teal make an excellent, albeit nontraditional, color combination.”
Christopher has a knack for working with Wentworth clients to make sure their vision is carried out, while simultaneously guiding them through the many nitty-gritty product and finish choices that come with a remodel. Even though clients often come to Christopher with an idea – pictures, samples, advertisements – of what they’d like their room to look like, Christopher works with them to find their way through a world of endless options.
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| Looking a Little Green |
As an interior designer, it’s Christopher’s job to keep abreast of the trends, from the newest in green innovations to the hottest paint colors. A recent kitchen remodel offered just the opportunity to utilize the latest green building products, and Christopher was more than happy to help the client navigate through the growing pool of eco-friendly building products. When the client decided on an Oceanside Glass backsplash comprised of a combination of pre-consumer, post-industrial, and post-consumer recycled material, Christopher suggested they also consider using Icestone for their island countertop. Made of recycled glass and concrete, Icestone is as beautiful as it is eco-friendly. Although the client was originally concerned with the durability and cost of a green product, Christopher knew it was the right choice. And it was. The client was thrilled with the finished look.
And that, Christopher says, is what it’s all about at Wentworth: “A client will usually tell you what they want, the givens - bed in the bedroom and table in the dining room - but how we style it and bring it all together, it’s a collaboration between us and the client. We take a vision and make it happen.”
11/3/10
Employee Profile: Gyan Manu, Associate AIA
By Daniel Dahlman
Gyan Manu is part of the team of architects and designers at Wentworth, Inc. and manages client projects through all stages; from initial conceptual sketches, to design development, and construction documents. At each step of the way, Gyan is there to ensure that every project meets Wentworth’s standards for quality, beauty, and attention to detail.
Gyan Manu is part of the team of architects and designers at Wentworth, Inc. and manages client projects through all stages; from initial conceptual sketches, to design development, and construction documents. At each step of the way, Gyan is there to ensure that every project meets Wentworth’s standards for quality, beauty, and attention to detail.
Gyan is involved with a client’s remodeling project from day one. A client will often discuss particular design issues they have with their home. In the early stages of a project the team measures and photographs the house to prepare “as-built plans”. When the as-built plans are ready the design team can commence the design phase, and Gyan, head architect Bruce Wentworth, AIA, and interior designer Chris Patrick, all sit down for a design meeting, or charrete, and develop three or four design solutions for each project.
The design process is one of Gyan’s favorite phases of a remodel.
“No two projects are alike,” says Gyan. “Each project involves learning as much as possible about the way clients live, and then designing creative solutions to make their homes more comfortable. Every single project has different challenges and it excites my intellect to find new solutions to these problems.”
Part of what makes the design through construction process so smooth and enjoyable is that Wentworth, Inc. is a design-build firm. Wentworth offers a unique service in that architecture, interior design, and construction professionals are collaborating together, in-house, toward a shared and clearly articulated design vision and budget.
“The fact that Wentworth provides design-build services is an important benefit,” says Gyan. “Traditionally, your architect, interior designer, and contractors are all separate, which can cause a lot of problems due to finger pointing and communication issues.”
Horror stories of projects that are delayed for weeks, or even months, due to poor planning and coordination among different contractors, architects, and designers are familiar to most clients. Gyan emphasizes the fact that, “the Wentworth design-build process brings all these professionals together, making it easier for everyone. Since we are skilled at managing the entire process, the remodel becomes hassle-free for the homeowner.”
Gyan, who grew up Ghana, has been interested in building and design from an early age. Although he was initially drawn to the idea of constructing ships and pursuing a career as a nautical engineer, Gyan’s father was a contractor in Ghana and he grew up surrounded by builders, craftsmen, and architects. A skilled illustrator, Gyan was attracted to the detailed design and construction documents his father used to build projects of varying sizes and dimensions.
Project Sketch
By the time he was 14 years old, Gyan knew he wanted to pursue architecture and found a mentor in an architect friend of his father’s named Mr. Taylor. After receiving his architecture degree from the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, he had the opportunity to work with his father on the construction side of the industry. The invaluable knowledge Gyan gained from his father still guides his design process today.
“Knowing how things are on the construction side influences the design decisions you make,” says Gyan. “When you are engaged in the design process, there is always the back and forth question of ‘Can this be built?’ Having been part of the construction process certainly helps with that mode of thinking.”
Final Result
Gyan’s extensive background-which includes working both in Ghana and the U.S. and designing both residential and commercial projects, gives him a wide breadth of experience and skills to draw from. Throughout all his experience, residential remodeling remains his true passion.
“I’ve done both commercial and residential work, but one of the reasons I prefer residential is the emotional involvement,” says Gyan. “Nothing is more beautiful than being part of a process that ultimately improves the quality of life for a family or individual.”
Gyan has been with the firm for nearly three years and his commitment to high quality, beautiful design is evident in every project he is a part of. “What we do here happens on a very personal level,” he says. “ We are on a first name basis with all our clients, we gather information on all the minute details of how clients live, and provide solutions based on that in-depth understanding- all of these things I find exciting and very satisfying.”
Gyan loves what he does, and has a great time doing it—the goal of every professional.
10/27/10
If These Walls Could Talk: A Recently Completed Remodel
By Bruce Wentworth, AIA
When meeting with new and potential clients, I’m often asked about past remodeling projects, recent design challenges, and the Wentworth process of remodeling a home. I thought a blog would be a great place to walk readers through a project from start to finish and shine some light on the detail, craftsmanship, and creativity involved in a Wentworth remodel.
A Home Office and Row House:
Recently, the Wentworth team completed a sophisticated home office remodel in a charming neighborhood of Northwest DC. Every adult needs a home office; a place to work on a computer, pay bills, do a craft project, and perhaps find a little solitude. Our client, Karin Lohman, a scientist with N.I.H., wanted to remodel her circa 1923 row house to add a home office that included an area for a variety of projects. Like many row houses, the master bedroom was created by enclosing a sleeping porch, and was linked to another bedroom for more space. The bedroom was sunny with a wall of windows overlooking the garden, but the adjoining internal room was dark and windowless—a common problem in a row house.
When meeting with new and potential clients, I’m often asked about past remodeling projects, recent design challenges, and the Wentworth process of remodeling a home. I thought a blog would be a great place to walk readers through a project from start to finish and shine some light on the detail, craftsmanship, and creativity involved in a Wentworth remodel.
A Home Office and Row House:
Recently, the Wentworth team completed a sophisticated home office remodel in a charming neighborhood of Northwest DC. Every adult needs a home office; a place to work on a computer, pay bills, do a craft project, and perhaps find a little solitude. Our client, Karin Lohman, a scientist with N.I.H., wanted to remodel her circa 1923 row house to add a home office that included an area for a variety of projects. Like many row houses, the master bedroom was created by enclosing a sleeping porch, and was linked to another bedroom for more space. The bedroom was sunny with a wall of windows overlooking the garden, but the adjoining internal room was dark and windowless—a common problem in a row house.
Before
After living in her home for seven years, she felt the windowless area of her master bedroom, with its limited storage, had deteriorated into a junk room, “a dark, messy cave” that she passed through to reach her bedroom. She had hoped to make improvements herself by adding bookcases and painting, but a busy work schedule, and a serious illness, prevented her from getting to it. While recuperating she decided it was time to invest in a home office with a project space that she could love and enjoy. She was tired of using her dining room table for projects. This is when she sought the Wentworth team of remodeling professionals to help her design and build it.
The first problem we needed to solve was getting more natural light into the interior space. This was accomplished with a new skylight and a new ceiling that sloped gently up to the skylight. The existing ceiling was cut out and reframed with a slope that increased the ceiling height by about 12” and admits more sun light because of its minimal skylight well. The office is now a bright transition from the second floor hall to the rear master bedroom.
After, Office Overview The room had a large boxed-out chimney flue from a fireplace on the first floor. The flue divided the wall in half where we planned to build the new bookcase. The design called for concealing the flue within paneling, embellished with a wall sconce, and flanked by bookcases. Closed storage in the bottom of the built-in, and adjustable shelving above provides ample storage. Even the narrow columnar ends of the bookcase provide extra shelves to maximize storage. At the desk area a cork board was integrated and plenty of electrical outlets were provided. Crown molding, applied panel molding, and painted woodwork finish the custom details.
After, Desk Area The former bulky old radiator was removed and a thin German designed, Runtal radiator unit was installed opposite the bookcase. An unnecessary second closet door was closed with drywall to free up wall space. Teal walls and white trim provide ample paint color contrast to the formerly dark space.
We even took care of an heirloom table built by the Ms. Lohman’s grandfather that she wanted to use for craft projects. A walnut table with turned walnut legs on casters had a worn out top and one of our exceptional carpenters fabricated a new walnut table top. Now it can be rolled out when needed for a project.
The client herself says it best when describing the project:
“My room has been transformed from an office/junk room to a gorgeous office with lots of light and plenty of storage space plus a project area (as in Martha Stewart crafty projects).”
10/18/10
Radiant Heat: A Supplementary Heating Option On the Rise
By Daniel Dahlman
Now that the heat and humidity of summer have given way to crisp fall air and cool temperatures, we are all reminded that winter is just around the corner. Homeowners are in the midst of transitioning from the summer preoccupation of how to get the most out of their cooling systems, to the winter concern of how to best keep their homes warm and inviting during the holiday season.
The topic of radiant heat floors is becoming an increasingly popular topic among our clients. As heated floor technology becomes more advanced and affordable, more homeowners are turning to radiant heat flooring systems to meet their supplementary heating needs. Not too long ago, heated flooring was a luxury only a few could afford. Today, most radiant heating floor systems are energy efficient, operate on just pennies a day, and with no moving parts or filters to change, require very little maintenance.
Now that the heat and humidity of summer have given way to crisp fall air and cool temperatures, we are all reminded that winter is just around the corner. Homeowners are in the midst of transitioning from the summer preoccupation of how to get the most out of their cooling systems, to the winter concern of how to best keep their homes warm and inviting during the holiday season.
The topic of radiant heat floors is becoming an increasingly popular topic among our clients. As heated floor technology becomes more advanced and affordable, more homeowners are turning to radiant heat flooring systems to meet their supplementary heating needs. Not too long ago, heated flooring was a luxury only a few could afford. Today, most radiant heating floor systems are energy efficient, operate on just pennies a day, and with no moving parts or filters to change, require very little maintenance.
Client enjoying her new radiant heat floor
Underfloor radiant heat is an ideal supplementary heating option because heat is supplied directly to the floor and travels to the ceiling, evenly heating the entire room and eliminating air drafts and heat loss in the process. Radiant heating works like an electric blanket, a thin matt made of tough fiberglass mesh is installed on an insulated floor (above a sturdy floor base) and connects to a programmable thermostat mounted on a wall. In most cases, radiant heat can be installed in less than a day. The systems are easy to use (most have a low, medium, high settings), reach operating temperature in 20 minutes, and save energy by giving you the option of heating only the rooms you need, when you need them. Unlike bulky radiators, radiant heat is quiet, clean, and doesn’t take up any wall or floor space. The system is compatible with all flooring surfaces, from wood to tile to stone, and is most popularly used in kitchens and bathrooms.
Fiberglass matt installation
We recently installed a Warmly Yours heating system for a remodeling project in an historic district in Northwest DC .The homeowners were tired of their cramped galley kitchen and wanted to increase their kitchen space to more comfortably cook and entertain. To give the clients the space they needed without changing too much of the property’s historical structure, a protruding rear addition was added to the kitchen. Given that an extension leaves more walls exposed to the elements, and that there was no heated space underneath the new addition, a radiant floor heating system was the perfect solution to ensure that the larger kitchen stays warm and inviting throughout the frigid winter season.
Clean, quiet, and efficient, underfloor radiant heating will be a continuing trend this winter season and beyond.
Rear kitchen addition
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