Peter Pennoyer

One of the great current traditional architects is Peter Pennoyer. Everyone might not be familiar with his name, but after his new book is released this month (a monograth of his work) his name will be on everyone's lips I predict! He already has the attention of the current dean of traditional architecture (in my book), the great Robert A. M. Stern who writes the forward to the book, his former teacher and mentor.

Everyone who reads any design magazine today will be familiar with Pennoyer's work, working with many of the biggest interior design stars today. This new book goes through many of his most fascinating projects in depth, including GORGEOUSLY rendered floorplans and sections for each project (my favorite thing ever!!). No amount of photography could help one understand a building better.

One of my favorite projects shown in the section on townhouses is this project on Lenox Hill completed in 2005. The French neoclassical facade was originally designed by Henry Pelton in 1917 (on an existing 1872 townhouse) but had fallen into disrepair; So bad in fact that only the facade remained and the entire house had to be completely rebuilt.

Pennoyer is a master preservationist and restored or rather recreated the exterior while the interior was designed to be sympathetic to the houses history while becoming liveable for a family in todays world. The stunning interiors were done by Victoria Hagan. You would never guess many of the details weren't originally to the 1917 renovation!An intellectual as well as an architect, Pennoyer is able to work in many different styles and formats given his broad range of study. Showing this versatility, this 'camp' cabin from the section on country houses is designed in an Adirondack style.Playing with traditional styles for this area of New York from architects such as Robert Robertson as well as utilizing traditional Norwegian and Russian styles, the house was designed to look like an assemblage of pavilions attached through a series of covered walkways.The amazing drawings continue; I especially appreciated this section showing the house's relationship with the neighboring lake. The details in the house are stunning, such as this stair below which is of reclaimed lumber using traditional building techniques. You must get your hands on a copy of this book to fully appreciate Pennoyer's work -this is only the tip of the iceberg! Christmas list anyone?

Many thanks to Vendome for sending me a copy of this book to preview.