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Master bedroom.

As the architects were perfecting the plan, they thus creating a lively pattern of light and shadow on a
were also exploring ideas for the front façade, incorpo- sunny day. Around the entry area, the silvery vertical
rating a gracious porch and, initially, a carport—an panels are complemented by warm, horizontal cedar
idea that was later abandoned. The clients wanted “a siding. An area of brick remaining from the original
distinctive profile and a mix of materials and textures” façade is now painted gray, as is the new brick column
to enliven the exterior. “We did a lot of sketches,” that supports the center of the butterfly roof.
recalled Balodemas, “but soon latched onto the idea of The angle in plan generated by the zoning restrictions
a butterfly roof,” or inverted gable, over the new porch. proved to be a boon to the interior, adding interest to
Taking a cue from the exuberant architectural forms the main living and dining space, which is augmented
that were popular in the 1950s and ’60s, the roof design by a sloping ceiling that also allows for generous
makes the house seem both taller and wider. Angled windows. As with the butterfly roof over the porch,
struts supporting the corners of the roof add to the these angles recall popular motifs in post-World War II
jaunty aesthetic. Thanks to the addition on the right residential architecture, and provide an appropriate
side of the house, coupled with a slight move of the setting for the clients’ mid-20th-century furnishings.
front door to the left, the entry now occupies a more Some of those furnishings were purchased after the
balanced position within the front façade. renovation was already under way—the architects,
Balodemas had been interested in using metal ever flexible, responded as necessary to adjust
siding on a project for some time, but had not found dimensions and details in order to accommodate
willing clients until this one. The vertical steel strips, these last-minute additions.
in cross-section, have the same “V” shape as that of Even though both the homeowners and the
the butterfly roof—something no one is likely to notice, architects were eager to open up the living spaces,
admittedly, but the sort of thing that might well contribute Balodemas was surprised when the clients asked him
to a subconscious sense of compositional cohesion. The to remove the large masonry fireplace that originally
strips alternate between five-inch and seven-inch widths, separated the kitchen from the living/dining area. “I

46 TRY ANGLES