Six winning projects announced for 2017 Marvin Architects Challenge

Six projects were recently revealed as the winners of the ninth annual Marvin Architects Challenge during the 2017 AIA Conference in Orlando late last month. Organized by Marvin Windows and Doors, the competition's 2017 winners ranged from a 380-square-foot guesthouse in Minneapolis to a renovated historic town hall in Westborough, Massachusetts, reflecting some of architecture's most popular trends. 

The independent jury selected the projects that best exhibited top-notch design in the categories of Contemporary, Best Transitional, Best Traditional New Construction, Best Remodel/Addition and Best Commercial, and one Best in Show honor.

The winning designers were flown out to the 2017 AIA Conference on Architecture and they also won a VIP trip to Marvin's headquarters based in Warroad, Minnesota, plus they got to earn AIA-CES credits during the visit.

Have a look at the 2017 winners below.

Best in Show: Shorefront Camp – Trenton, Maine
Architect: William M. Hanley, AIA, WMH Architects

Project summary: “A complete renovation and addition to an original 1962 Maine modern shorefront camp, the skillfully executed design created a dramatic form that is open, airy and inviting, along with the tour de force of a large glazing wall. Taking into consideration its coastal location, where wind load and seacoast performance are key, every inch of the house was reconditioned using Marvin high performance Direct Glaze, Ultimate Awning and Ultimate Casement windows and Contemporary doors.”

Best Contemporary: Compact Living – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Architect: Christopher Strom, Christopher Strom Architects 

Project summary: “Created as a separate accommodation for the client’s visiting family, friends and guests, the design of this transitional remodel/addition faced the unique challenge of just 380 square feet of functional space and tight budget constraints. The design is reminiscent of a traditional red barn in form and color, yet the strategic use of glass and volume creates a bright, dramatic space that belies its compact living. The large sizes of Marvin Ultimate Awning windows and Ultimate Sliding French doors make optimum use of light within this space, which would appeal to any tiny home aficionado.”

Best Commercial: McClellan Ranch Preserve Environmental Education Center – Cupertino, California
Architect: Henry Siegel, Siegel & Strain Architects 

Project summary: “The Center houses classrooms, exhibits, a library and offices, and is designed to work in concert with historic buildings that shape an outdoor activity area. The careful thought that went into designing it is evident in the choice of materials, colors and the building forms themselves. The wood rafter tails and patio cover construction are skillfully incorporated at the interior with complementary windows and doors. Marvin’s Tilt Turn, Ultimate Awning, Ultimate Casement and Ultimate Double Hung windows, paired with Marvin Bi-Fold and Commercial doors, provide maximum day light, natural ventilation, passive heating and cooling, and even bird-safe glass.”

Best Remodel/Addition: Westborough Town Hall – Westborough, Massachusetts
Architect: Brian Humes, Jacunski Humes Architects, LLC 

Project summary: “Nearly 100 years old, this town hall was restored to its original stature as a downtown landmark after the municipality authorized a major renovation to address aging conditions and bring new life to it. Given the building’s storied history and civic pride in the project, the design paid careful attention to the detail of the windows, shutters and classical wood trim to provide finishing touches. Marvin was chosen for its ability to match existing historic Ultimate Double Hung and Ultimate Awning windows with maintenance-free exteriors and wood interiors.”

Best Traditional New Construction: Little Camp – Coastal New England, Massachusetts
Architect: Jacob Albert, Albert, Righter & Tittman Architects 

Project summary: “The site is near an old, slightly ramshackle “camp” that the clients rented and loved for years. When they had a chance to build on the adjacent site, they wanted to capture some of the spirit of the old camp. Although it is new construction, the exposed rafter tails, wood interior, tree trunk porch posts and beautiful windows and doors create bright, inviting spaces with unexpected nooks and alcoves that give it a timeless charm. Marvin Ultimate Awning and Ultimate Double Hung windows and Ultimate Swinging French doors were chosen for their ability to withstand the coastal environment while complementing the house design.”

Best Transitional: Knoll House – Ferrisburgh, Vermont
Architect: Elizabeth Herrmann, Elizabeth Herrmann Architecture + Design

Project summary: “This contemporary house was designed as an outgrowth of the knoll on which it sits. A composition of two simple forms, the house is punctuated by large windows that allow the residence to settle itself into the wooded site, while taking advantage of the great views the location affords. A simple pop-up dormer adds a dramatic touch to the main living area and another view angle to the tops of the trees. With a cozy fireplace and warm textures and textiles, the Danish Hygge trend makes this home even more inviting. Marvin Tilt Turn, Ultimate Awning and Ultimate Casement windows and Ultimate Swinging French and Sliding Patio doors were selected with a focus on custom sizing.”

Photos and project text courtesy of Marvin Architects Challenge.