Entryway seating

Custom Home, Nov-Dec, 2002 by Shelley D. Hutchins

"There are patterns that relate to any entryway," says San Francisco-based architect Max Jacobson of Jacobson Silverstein Winslow Architects. "As you come toward the building, changes in direction of travel, in level, in view, and an increased sense of protection should lead you toward the entry with a feeling of refuge and prospect." The builders and architects represented below echo Jacobson's premise, explaining that built-in seating architecturally calls attention to an entrance and aesthetically draws people in. It's also a practical place to take off muddy boots, put down packages, or just sit and take a breath before coming or going.

Maine Attraction

This retirement home on one of Maine's less-populated coastal islands features an entryway that shelters guests and guards the interior from sloppy shoes. The main entrance also needed to visually stand out within the varied, single-story facade, especially since the front door is turned in for unhindered views.

Rosy-hued Spanish cedar lines a wide, welcoming, covered portico with a long bench where people can relax out of the weather and relish surrounding wildlife. A gentle eyebrow curve further identifies this alcove as someplace special. Architect Rock Caivano credits a group of local boat builders with producing the ceiling's subtle arc. Natural pink granite stepping stones lead to the porch, where the granite was flamed to make the color pop and add a slightly rough texture. Not one to do anything randomly, Caivano spaced the window muntins to mimic nearby dogwoods and red maples in scale and dimension. The painted red dividers match the color of the trees' stems. Caivano says, "The owners wanted something elegant, but still rustic enough to fit with the site." Builder: David Sweet Builders, Northeast Harbor, Maine; Architect: Rock Caivano Architects, Bar Harbor, Maine.

Asian Approach

From long, low redwood benches fanning out from the front entry, owners and guests can feed fish in the koi pond while taking in the tranquil Asian style courtyard. Eight-foot walls and abundant foliage mask two-story homes that flank the urban Piedmont, Calif., property. For this remodel, builder and designer Daryl Rush wanted to create an enclosed oasis that would welcome visitors with 25 feet by 45 feet of pure nature. His admiration for and professional training in Japanese joinery led Rush to choose rocks, water, and immaculate wood detailing for the courtyard. An expedition to the American River in Sacramento yielded 1,000 pounds of smooth stones used strategically in the space. A Douglas fir overhang boasts mortise-and-tenon joinery and rafters that match the beading of adjoining windows. A fir beam above fixed clerestory windows is a decoy; there was no room for a real header, so Rush put steel bolts inside the window muntins and attached them directly to a roof header. As in Japanese building, wood never touches the ground. Steel pins connect support columns and benches to rough stones. Copper ferrules prevent the wood from splitting. "Japan is a wood culture," explains Rush, "and they figured out long ago that rocks keep wood away from detrimental moisture and soil." Builder/designer: Daryl Rush Builders, Piedmont, Calif.

Fabled Gable

"I like to approach a house on the gable end because it stands up proudly," explains Dan Scully, who along with project architect Scott

Swanson designed this southwest New Hampshire remodel that included a new entryway. This amiable cubby reaches out toward the front yard and parking area while protecting inhabitants from dripping snow or rain. Mahogany benches with tall, angled cedar backs combine the comforting feeling of being enclosed with a sense of openness. A clipped gable roof finished with painted beadboard hints of interior details. A carved wooden tension rod appears to hold the whole thing together. Corner boards painted a shade darker than the moss-green cedar siding crisply outline the porch. "This entry is a real transition place," says Scully. "It encourages someone to relax and pause rather than rush along." Builder: James Cushnie Moore, Jaffrey, N.H.; Architect: Daniel V. Scully Architects, Keene, N.H.

Less Is More

Since the steep landscape of this hillside home precludes a yard, doorways on each of five levels were expanded to include large decks connected externally by a twisting stairway. The entrances are carved into the house for shelter, and 1-inch-by-6-inch cedar slats on the stair afford privacy for those relishing outdoor spaces. The concept for this lowest entry deck was to have double doors that are thrown open wide, merging hallway with decking for a substantial play area adjacent to kids' bedrooms. Wide, built-in landings provide enough room to spread out board games, homework, pillows, plants, or a train set. They also form the first treads of the multi-faceted stairwell. Architect Max Jacobson chose composite decking to combat temperamental California weather and cedar railings with a hint of green stain. An exposed I-beam reinforces the top seat, suggesting the steel framing for the stairs and cantilevered decks above. Aluminum windows surround the glass doors, so plenty of light makes its way inside. "The contrast of the complex railing against the solid stucco background adds depth and interest," says Jacobson. "It also screens those using the stairs and decks." Builder: Jim & John Rangle, Martinez, Calif.; Architect: Jacobson Silverstein Winslow Architects, Oakland, Calif.