Blog entries

The Pool House

B&P — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 06:00:00 +0100

Clean lines and the gracefully curving roof combine with the use of Seneca sandstone for the foundation and cedar clad walls to nestle this Darnestown Md pool house into the landscape. The Seneca sandstone was reclaimed from demolished buildings.

Mud Room or Mud Zone

B&P — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:04:06 +0100

Few things will go further towards taming the chaos of family living than a well organized mud room or mud zone.

Here individual cubbies are provided for each member of the family with separate compartments for boots, shoes, and sports equipment. Nearby is a place to sort mail as well as a niche for the answering machine with cabinets above and below for phone books, take out menus and stationary sRead More...

Earth Tones Bring Outside In

B&P — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 06:00:00 +0100

Earth Tones Bring Outside In

In this Bethesda MD home remodel the use of natural wood and rough hewn stone creates a wonderful feeling of warmth. It also strengthens the connection with the landscape. The wood doesn’t create a contrast to interfere when looking out. The result brings the outside in.

A Rustic Basement

B&P — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:36:44 +0100

The key to attracting people to the basement is to create a space that tells a story and is unique to the rest of the house.
In this Darnestown MD remodel we wanted the feeling of a rustic lodge. To achieve this we wrapped the the beams and columns with rough pine and detailed it to make it look like massive columns complete with steel connecting straps. In the bathroom the walls are covered with horizontal planks. Both the fireplace and the bar make use of natural stonRead More...

Railings in contemporary Bethesda home

B&P — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Rethinking the stair railings for this contemporary Bethesda Home we decided to use a blend of wooden elements for the mahogany newels and top rails with stainless steel ¾ inch rods and a steel cable at the top. The cable creates tension while pulling it all together while the rods create compression which keeps it from collapsing or falling apart. In turn we celebrate the structural characteristics of each of these materials. Modern architecture is all about expressiRead More...

Curbside Appeal

B&P — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 05:00:00 +0100

So often garage doors dominate the front façade of houses. In this Bethesda, MD remodeling project we pushed themback behind an arcade deemphasizing the massiveness of the garage doors. At the same time we are creating an interesting architectural element while providing a covered path to the house.

The first home received a formal, classically-insRead More...

Testimonial from a customer: Joyce

B&P — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Testimonial from Joyce

Testimonial from a customer:Carol

B&P — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:13:44 +0100

Testimonial from a customer:Carol

Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays - Brenneman & Pagenstecher Architects

BRENNEMAN & PAGENSTECHER — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:54:12 +0100

September is “Holiday Prep Month!” Did you think spring cleaning was only a once-a-year event? With three major holidays approaching in just under three months, September is the logical month to ensure that your home is prepared for the onslaught of visitors, cold weather, and holiday paraphernalia. Here are a few things that should be on your fall home maintenance checklist:

Schedule a professional checkup Read More...

End of Summer Home Maintenance - Brenneman & Pagenstecher Architects

BRENNEMAN & PAGENSTECHER — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:54:07 +0100

August is a transitional month. Summer is winding down, and preparations have begun for the school year. Now is a great time to examine your home and take steps to get ready for colder weather.

Outside

Check the exterior of your home for problems that should be repaired before winter. Make sure the outside walls of your home are free of debris. Lumber,Read More...

Turn Your Home Into a Smart Home

BRENNEMAN & PAGENSTECHER — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:27:15 +0100

The term “smart” home refers to a living space that contains remotely controlled or preprogrammed “smart” devices. These devices can help a space function more efficiently and give occupants more direct control over their environment. Many “smart” devices have been introduced in recent years, and this trend will undoubtedly continue. Read More...

Outdoor Living - Brenneman-Pagenstecher

BRENNEMAN & PAGENSTECHER — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:54:53 +0100

Patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, special features—these can transform your outdoor area into a year-round, multifunctional living space that’s perfect for dining and entertaining. Even a small space can transform into an appealing outdoor retreat. WhRead More...

Focus on your Home's Curb Appeal

BRENNEMAN & PAGENSTECHER — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:59:38 +0100

Curb appeal is the overall attractiveness of the exterior of your home. The more attractive your home appears, the better the first impression. Whether you are preparing to sell or planning to stay in your home for years to come, ensuring your home has great curb appeal will always pay off.

If you are selling, curb appeal can be the difference between a potential buyer wanting to see the iRead More...

New regulations on Lead-Based Paint

BRENNEMAN & PAGENSTECHER — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:25:40 +0100

The use of lead-based paint in home application was banned in the U.S. in 1978. Prior to this, lead was commonly added to paint as it increased the durability of the paint, shortened drying time, and helped the paint resist moisture and corrosion. As of April 2010, all contractors that work in a potential lead-contaminated environment must be certified by the EPA to do so.

Making an impact with Tile

Michael Ullrich — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0100

A tile rug is a great way to add elegance to any bathroom. Traditional 6x6 white field tiles surround a polished Carrara Marble rug inlay in this master bath.