Beauty and security in perfect symmetry

Residential Architect, Nov-Dec, 2002

Design Solution

Based on what Kupi describes as a blend of Classic Traditional and British Colonial styles, the home he designed near Jupiter, Florida features Weather Shield windows and French doors that bathe the rooms in warm sunlight throughout the day.

"In the two bedrooms flanking the front of the residence, the morning sun gives you a soothing wake-up call as it makes its way across these rooms," says Kupi. "Because of the use of a large porch and the locations of the windows in the master suite, the amount of evening sun allowed to enter this room radiates a warm glow which creates a very relaxed feeling."

Kupi, who scrutinizes every aspect of the homes he designs, was especially particular about the precise location of each window and door that was installed throughout this luxurious residence.

Contractor David Harvey believes this attention to detail was a key factor in making this home as attractive and dramatic as possible. "Kupi's design is very symmetrical," says Harvey. "It invites you to step through a doorway before you experience the full impact of each individual room."

"The living room is a great example of this," Harvey continues. "If the doors and the transoms above weren't exactly the right height, you'd have a totally different feeling. The room would feel much more closed in."

"I always like to keep things centered," says Kupi. "I prefer to align the windows and doors so that forms in a room are repeated. And their proportions have to fit the room without overwhelming it. I believe that everything on the doors should be taller than wider. That applies to each individual pane of glass, and it applies to the project overall."

"Inside and out, there should be a balance," Kupi concludes. "There should be continuity throughout the structure. For example, the arches on the porches outside complement the arches in the galleries that are adjacent to the grand foyer. Everything in this home ties together harmoniously."

Design Challenge

"I don't want to give away everything about the design of a home or room at a single glance," says architect Rustem Kupi. "I want people to have the desire to look for more." * "As you enter the front door of this home and step into the foyer, you can look straight ahead and get a glimpse of the grand salon, or down either of two flanking galleries located to the left and right of the foyer," Kupi explains. "At first, you only sense a hint of things to come. I want people to wonder what's around the corner." * However in this home, located just minutes from the Atlantic coast, one thing that people won't have to wonder about is how well the windows and doors will protect them, their family and most valued possessions. * If That's because by installing impact resistant LifeGuard[TM] Windows and Doors by Weather Shield, the design of the home was achieved while meeting some of the most stringent new building codes that have evolved throughout areas of the,country that are susceptible to hurricanes and damage caused by high winds. * "I specify impact resistant window and door packages for all of my commissions," Kupi continues, "and not only for aesthetic reasons. Rather than deal with all of the headaches that shutter systems cause, the owners of the homes I design can just lock the windows and doors and know that they're protected."

Architect Rustem Kupi, who specializes in designing luxury residences along the Southeast coast of Florida, is especially attentive about the quality of products that get installed in the homes he designs. "People expect that the materials used in these projects be of the best quality. The level of fit and finish of all of the materials used in these residences have to be commensurate with each other," Kupi says. "If they aren't, they will stick out."

Contractor David Harvey agrees, and says that's a big reason why he prefers installing LifeGuard Windows and Doors by Weather Shield in the homes he builds. "We like the ease that Weather Shield gives us in meeting the new impact codes in this market, while they provide all of the options you could ask for in a high quality window and door."

Product Options used for windows

White Aluminum Clad Exterior

Pine Interior

Single Glazed 7/16" Grey Heat Strengthened Glass with .090" Gauge PVB Interlayer

1 3/8" Simulated Divided Lite

Reinforced Sash Keeper, Snubber and Screws

White Screens

White Hardware

Product Options used for doors

White Aluminum Clad Exterior

Pine Interior

Single Glazed 7/16" Grey Heat Strengthened Glass with .090" Gauge PVB Interlayer

1 3/8" Simulated Divided Lite

Antique Brass Handle Sets

Multi-point Locking System

Center-activated Flush Bolt System