By Carolyn Weber, Christina B. Farnsworth, and Loretta Williams In the interest of creating new traditions for the new millennium, the Builder’s Choice judging was moved from the quaint town of Woodstock, Vt., to the backdrop of America’s Castles: Newport, R.I.
Although our judges’ panel of eight distinguished architects and builders appreciated the grandeur of the town’s historical structures–like Vanderbilt’s lavish summer home, The Breakers–they agreed that the theme of this year’s competition was simplicity.
As the judges studied the hundreds of entries, they were uninspired by gigantic houses with square footage for the sake of square footage and tricked-up exteriors with phony details. Rather, they opted to reward smaller projects with humble materials used in elegant and subtle forms with carefully crafted details.
The 46 winners are a diverse mix of single-family and multifamily projects in urban, rural, and suburban settings. What they have in common is an appropriate response to their context. Whether it’s an isolated custom home or a renovated city loft, the judges applauded sensitive site planning that incorporates open outdoor areas, separates the pedestrian from the automobile, and provides the right balance of public and private spaces.
Project of the Year Award: Pins Sur Mer
Grand Award: Davidson at Cielo–The Hilton Residence
Grand Award: Lakeside Residence
Grand Award: Ocean Walk, Plan 1
Grand Award: Cozzens Residence
Grand Award: Delmar-Lema Village
Grand Award: Misquamicut State Beach Facility
Merit Award: Vicki’s Creek House
Merit Award: Townhomes @ Center Commons
Merit Award: Watermark, Casa Pacifica
Merit Award: Columbia Communities at DC Ranch
Merit Award: Neskowin Beach House
Merit Award: The River Lofts at Tobacco Row
Merit Award: Chimney Corners, Wishing Well Model
Merit Award: Riverwalk at Belmont Bay
Merit Award: Village One at Newport Bluffs
Merit Award: Cordevalle Vineyard Estates, The Farmhouse
Merit Award: New Pennley Place
Merit Award: Skolos/Wedell Home and Studio
Merit Award: Cabot Bay at Bridgeport
Merit Award: The Colony at Bridgeport Plan 3
Merit Award: Private Residence
Merit Award: Echelon at Lakeside
Merit Award: The Golf Club of Purchase
Merit Award: Marston Point Place
Merit Award: Family Building Blocks Child Development Center
Affordable Award: Moon Ridge Village
Affordable Award: Pensione Esperanza Sro Hotel
Special Focus Award: Anderson-Pettitt Residence
Special Focus Award: Cathedral City Town Square and Fountain of Life
Special Focus Award: Residence on the Potomac at Little Falls
Special Focus Award: Estates at Cielo
Special Focus Award: The Christopher Collection, Davinci