Jeffrey Totaro
martin jay rosenblum, aia & associates, philadelphia
Designed in 1934 by architect William Lescaze, who is known for his work on the International Style Philadelphia Saving Fund Society Building in Philadelphia, this fragile studio was slated for demolition until a sympathetic patron came to its rescue. Martin Jay Rosenblum, AIA, painstakingly stabilized and restored the structure—over the years it had suffered ungainly additions and substantial water damage—and designed an adjoining house that keeps the iconic building front and center. “Our concept was to expose the entire studio 360 degrees, as it was meant to be seen,” Rosenblum says. “The house would be the bleachers from which to view the studio.”
The new house hugs the side of a hill, skinny side to the road in deference to the studio. A slender bridge connects the two, tucked behind the studio’s reconstructed fieldstone parapet.
Our judges appreciated the meticulous work on both buildings, calling the studio “a great artifact, skillfully done.”
Project Credits
principal in charge / project architect: Martin J. Rosenblum, AIA, Martin Jay Rosenblum, AIA & Associates, www.mjra-architects.com
general contractor: Robert Vermillion, Robert Vermillion Builders, Downingtown, Pa.
structural engineer: Leonid Chachkes, Cooke/Chachkes Associates, Ambler, Pa.
landscape architect: Peter R. Fernandez, RLA, ASLA, Carter van Dyke Associates, Doylestown, Pa.
pool designer: Branch McQueen, Pebble Pools, Royersford, Pa.
project size: 6,500 square feet
site size: 3.75 acres
construction cost: $577 per square foot
photography: Jeffrey Totaro
Product Details
bathroom cabinets: Robern www.robern.com; bathroom fittings: Dornbracht Americas www.dornbracht.com, GROHE America www.groheamerica.com; doors, windows: Hope’s Windows www.hopeswindows.com; flooring (ceramic tile/stone/concrete): Stone Source www.stonetechonline.com; garage doors: Clopay Building Products Co. www.clopay.com; garbage disposer: In-Sink-Erator www.insinkerator.com; hardware: Omnia Industries www.omniaindustries.com; hvac equipment: Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems www.bryant.com; kitchencabinets, kitchen fittings and fixtures: Restaurant Max Inc. www.restaurant-services.com; lighting fixtures: BEGA/US www.bega-us.com, Holtkötter International www.holtkoetter.com, Juno Lighting www.junolighting.com, LBL Lighting www.lbllighting.com, MP Lighting www.mplighting.com; oven/range: Wolf Appliance www.wolfappliance.com; paints/stains/wall finishes: M.A.B. Paints www.mabpaints.com; refrigerator: Sub-Zero www.subzero.com; skylights/roof windows: VELUX-America www.velux.com
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