Springhouse Architects Honored with National Design Award
We’re excited to announce that Springhouse Architects recently won the silver award for One-of-a-kind Custom Home 3,001 - 4,000 Sq. Ft. in the 2020 Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The Best in American Living Awards are sponsored by Monogram Luxury Appliances.
Our award-winning project, Soaring Plains, located in South Charleston, Ohio, was designed by architect Sheri Scott, AIA NCARB; built by homeowner in conjunction with the architect; interiors by Springhouse Architects. The project wouldn’t have been possible without Glen Courtright, the builder, and Yellow Springs Design, the landscape architect/designer.
A Closer Look at Soaring Plains
In 2016, Glen and Sarah Courtright began a journey on 66 acres of family farmland located in South Charleston, Ohio. With a rich history on the western edge of the 1700 Virginia Military District, it had historically been grazing land, hosted an 1850s gravel pit for the Columbus/Xenia Railway, and was the site for multiple dump areas. All of that having been abandoned, the land went fallow in the 1960s.
Reclaiming the land began in 2016. 50 acres of farmland now produces 25 acres of hay and the remainder is managed wood lot. The addition of a new family home was a dream. Sarah and Glen knew it had to be just right to sit on the land with grace and respect.
The Courtrights approached us in the spring of 2018. Having already worked on a design for the site with another architect, it wasn’t feeling right. Our first step was to listen. After learning the history of the land and understanding the requirements and desires of our clients, our first sketch produced the guiding image that led us through the entire project.
A meandering drive approaches the home with views of the woods, planted fields and the adjacent civil war cemetery. The drive passes a clearing for visitors that leads to the front door and continues on to the attached garage. The house sits on a knoll to look over the reclaimed land, but is long and low to encourage the feeling of being grounded on the land.
Natural, locally sourced stone, black stained acacia wood siding, and high energy efficient materials are found throughout the home. The layout of the house is perfect for this empty nest couple who like to entertain indoors and out. The soaring wood ceiling defined by an overall butterfly roof is a strong element that connects the interior of the home with the outdoor space. The primary bedroom suite is secluded by a glass bridge that marks a transition from public to private space. The second glass bridge houses utility rooms and leads to two guest rooms on the opposite side of the house. The partial basement is the home of Sarah’s art studio. Private and public spaces are well defined to allow a more open living feel. The view from the primary bedroom suite at sunrise would make anyone happy to wake up early.
This is an important story of reclaiming fallow land, and designing a house that belongs there, sits on the land with dignity and respect. This estate will serve the owners for the rest of their years and generations to come. Homeowner, Glen Courtright says, “Our priority was to get the home designed and sited just right. We did it. It’s perfect.”
The Judges Weigh In
The judges praised the floor plan and the exteriors. They loved the wood ceilings. “The window wall is excellent; the stone wall on the inside looks great. The interior soars because of the two-story height.”
“This year’s BALA winners continue on the rich tradition of exceptional residential home design,” said David O’Sullivan, principal of O’Sullivan Architects in Reading, Mass., NAHB’s 2020 Judging Chair and 2020 Best in American Living Awards Subcommittee Chair. “These winners are truly forward-thinking and some of the most talented professionals in their respective fields.”
Best in American Living
Now in its 37th year, BALA recognizes outstanding achievement by builders and design professionals in all sectors of the residential housing industry including single-family production, custom, multifamily, affordable, remodeling, community and interiors. BALA is built on the principle that all great homes start with great design, no matter cost or size. We couldn’t be more grateful for this achievement.
Award winners were formally announced during an online ceremony on February 25, 2021.
Want to learn more? Read more about the project, as well as the other winners.
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