Residential

We provided architectural services for this unique modern design with a Norwegian feel.  We explored several designs and materials until the owners fell in love with this design.  The home is approximately 4,000 SF and features a conditioned 2-car garage, vaulted ceiling great room, large expansive windows and large rear porches to enjoy the 14-acre property with views to the stream.

Images from reSawn Timber

The Schuylkill House is an environmentally conscious residence constructed on a reclaimed site, specifically selected for its ability to revitalize the existing developed area. Contextual elements of the industrial, residential, railroad and Schuylkill River were incorporated into the design. This residence is intended to inspire an urban upscale lifestyle that is environmentally conscious by providing unique architectural finishes and materials that relate to the area. Designed to minimize circulation and maximize living space, this 2,000 SF home is both efficient and surprisingly spacious. Numerous operable windows, strategically placed to frame views, allow for both the sights and the sounds of the Schuylkill River to enter the home. Decks and patios surround the building on three sides, serving not only as supplementary areas for living and entertaining, but also as an additional interface with the site. At two and one-half stories, this three bedroom, two and one-half bathroom home includes Kitchen and Dining Areas, Living Room/Den, Family Room and Laundry. The existing foundation from the previous residence was also reinforced and reused, creating additional storage space. Located in Leesport Borough, the Schuylkill House is a conscientious alternative to development houses.

Photos by James R. Cutler, rendering by Joe Galentino

Nestled amongst the trees of a 23-acre Kutztown site, this 3,200 SF custom rustic contemporary home features natural stone construction and standing seam metal roofing. Designed to maximize views of the breathtaking surroundings, the spaces are accentuated by strategically placed windows, including 12′ tall picture windows in the great room and skylights in both the kitchen and master suite. Views of the existing logging trail are framed by the windows of the sitting, dining and great rooms. The expansive great room also boasts timber construction, a cathedral ceiling and a custom-built, solid-wood spiral staircase. Other spaces on the first floor include a gourmet kitchen with pantry, home theater, master suite, plant room, laundry and three-car garage. The second floor features his and her offices, an additional bedroom and a balcony overlooking the great room. The finished basement consists of a den, work room, sitting room and craft room, as well as a supplemental kitchen for entertainment purposes. Exterior living spaces further reinforce the coexistence of nature and the built environment.

Photos by James R. Cutler

This four-bedroom, 3,775 SF modern farmhouse is located on a prime corner lot in an upscale suburban community in Sinking Spring PA. The street side facades of the house were designed with a neighborhood mandated “farmstead” aesthetic, and incorporate traditional wooden railings, a wrap-around porch, stone and standing seam metal roofing. The private north side of the home is located adjacent to a beautiful quarry that has been converted to a lake. It features cascading patios with contemporary glass railings to provide unobstructed views. The uniquely shaped lot required the utilization of angled elements in the design in order to maximize the footprint and frame views, while maintaining a contextual “historical” appearance on the public facades. The hexagonal element contains a stand-alone gourmet kitchen, and the two-story great room features an extensive window wall to provide lake views to both the first and second stories of the house.

Photos by Patrick Neenan

We provided design work for this new 1,200 SF custom house for a client that was looking for a very small home, but one that was extremely unique and filled with lots of character. The home was designed to be very energy efficient and includes all natural materials and timber framing.

This spacious 7,975 SF 5 bedroom / 5 ½ bath custom designed residence features a 2-story foyer and staircase. The 1st floor provides an open concept design for the family room / kitchen / family dining room as well as a 2nd master suite, formal parlor & dining room, 20’x20’ screened-in porch and a 3-car garage. The 2nd floor provide a total of 4-bedroom suites including a 1,275 SF, 2nd floor master suite and a “Nanny” suite. 2nd floor laundry room and a 15’x41’ kids play room.

Photos by Patrick Neenan

Watkins provided design services to remove and transform an old outdated deck to a new fully modernized two story deck/ patio area with enough room to entertain guest for days. Features include an exterior spacious gas fire pit, lower level covered bar/ grill area, an in ground hot-tub, exterior fireplace and extravagant covered porch. This project included at 800 SF deck and a 1,800 SF patio.

Design of two additions and interior renovations to the existing home that is located in Oley PA. The 300 SF addition includes a foyer, elevator and laundry room. The 900 SF addition includes a large sun room on the first floor and a master suite on the second floor.

This urban architectural design project in the heart of Reading, PA on Penn Street called for the design of two four-unit buildings. Each unit includes a garage, rec room, kitchen, deck, living room, laundry, dining room, master suite, bedrooms and bathrooms. The exteriors feature historical features of the surrounding, existing homes.

Design of a total interior renovation and additions to an existing residence located in Mertztown, Berks County, PA including: a three-car upper level garage and two-car lower level garage, octagonal great room, custom kitchen/dining room, formal living room, music room, bedrooms, master suite and spacious patio area to maximize views of the property.

Conceptual design of a multi building apartment complex and Club house. The apartment buildings vary between 22 to 33 suites each, between 3 to 4 stories in height featuring a 1st floor parking garage for tenants. The suites vary between a 1 bed /1 bath (790 SF) layout and a 2 bed /2 bath (1,115 SF) layout. All suites include laundry and incorporates an open design, with the kitchen, living and dining areas blending together to provide an increased sense of space.

Design of interior renovations to the existing student housing apartment building. These renovations including dividing & reconfiguring select 3 person suites into two private suites. Both the 2 person suite & 1 person studio suite feature an open design, with living & kitchen areas blended together.

Design of a new custom 3,200 sf, 4-bed Residence that included a 3-car garage, finished 1600 sf basement, pool, patios and a detached in-law suite with 3-car garage. Our services included developing renderings with multiple color/material options.

Watkins Architect provided design service for duplexes and townhouses for a new residential community in Chester County, PA. In addition to the standard designs, we also created several options that included a basement, 2nd floor, and an additional 1st floor bedroom. These options allow owners to customize the new residences,while maintaining the architectural design of the community.