p r e c e d e n t d e s i g n w o r k s

Introducing Precedent Designworks

2011-05-23T23:05:00.000-07:00

Design and construction of a house is one of life's greatest endeavors. It is emotional, personal,technical and exact all at one time. To be successful the process requires creativity, practical know-how and building expertise.

precedent designworks is a small, creative and highly motivated design firm committed to providing custom residential design services to the Coast of Maine. With nearly 20 years of experience in residential design we recognize that successful projects are realized through participation and collaboration. Unwavering enthusiasm and focus are dedicated to each and every project.

Offering five phases of design precedent designworks provides personal attention and hands-on oversight to clients throughout the design and building process.

Unlike other residential design firms, we excel in seeing a project through from initial sketches to move-in day. Our goal is integrating our services with those of the general contractor and the various trades. Once the set of construction documents are issued to the builder, we oversee construction every step of the way. Our attention to detail makes sure that the builder receives the support needed to carry the project through to completion. Our response to job-site generated questions is fast and decisive and, given the cost of building today, it's important to keep construction moving forward and on schedule.

precedent designworks, offering a unique and refreshing approach to residential design. Please take a look at our portfolio. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your project soon!

Sliding Glass Panel Closet Doors

2011-05-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to use oversized frosted glass on tracks on closets. The opportunity finally presented itself. These tempered glass doors are 6'x6'x 1/2" thick. Working with L Ryan Lighting and Design dimmable LED recessed lighting fixtures were chosen to backlight the glass and provide clean and brilliant illumination. I'm really looking forward to the ambient/nightlight effect so sometime in May we'll have a photography shoot to show you the finished Master Bath and Closet of this home.

Living Porch Anew

2011-04-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

What to do with a narrow seasonal living porch? Sometimes the best approach is to start over and that's exactly what Precedent Designworks did at this beautiful cottage in South Bristol. The living porch was redesigned to update the exterior and made larger to create a more versatile living space with bold ocean views. The wrap around porch was renovated and a new stone patio, steps and landscaping completed the exterior and allowed for an inside to outside entertainment/living space.

After Renovation - Waterside Elevation

Before - Original Living Porch before Removal

Flush Mount Shower Trays

2011-04-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

As a designer the shower floor is always problematic. Out with all the fuss with this flush shower tray. No curbs, no tile just clean, simple and contemporary. This product is made by Kaldewei based in Germany and with its extra-shallow design allows the pan to sit flush with the finished bathroom floor. The tray also features a square, enameled cover that furthers the unit's architectural look. Its available in 17 dimensions and three colors. Look for a finished installation by Precedent Designworks soon!

Custom Kitchen Design

2011-04-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

p r e c e d e n t d e s i g n w o r k s takes great pride in attention to detail. Perhaps there is no other single room in the home that requires more planning than the kitchen. Kitchens are used daily and ultimately become the focal point of any home. It should be an exciting, comfortable space to live and work. When it comes time to remodeling your existing kitchen or planning for a new one p r e c e d e n t d e s i g n w o r k s will make sure that it exceeds your expectations and becomes the kitchen to be proud of!

Portsmouth Precedent for a Boothbay Residence

2010-08-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

Precedent: Wentworth-Gardner House Portsmouth, NH Built c. 1760

Boothbay Residence - Nearing Completion

The history of the Wentworth-Gardner House is a fascinating study in historic preservation. It was built c. 1760 for Thomas Wentworth, brother of John Wentworth, the last royal governor of New Hampshire. Mark Hunking Wentworth, a prominent Portsmouth merchant built the house for his son as a wedding present. Major William Gardner purchased the house in 1793 which, with his renovations, now included extensive gardens, a barn, wharf utility buildings and store. In 1915 the house was purchased by Wallace Nutting, a former Congregational minister who played a leading role in the Colonial Revival movement. Nutting purchased four other historic houses to create his "Chain of Colonial Homes." Nutting made extensive restorations and used the house as a backdrop for a series of now famous photographs. In 1918, Nutting sold the house to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. "The Met" intended to either strip the best interiors from the house and install them in the Museum or remove the entire house to New York. Following local protest the house was saved and a nonprofit agency formed which has since restored much of the house.

p r e c e d e n t d e s i g n w o r k s, using the Wentworth-Gardner House as its historical precedent, began design of a Late Georgian style residence in Boothbay. Research and asbuilt drawings were key in understanding the scope of detail required in realizing such an ambitious project. The residence is a testament to the tremendously skilled craftsmen of Midcoast Maine and also to the design standards of
p r e c e d e n t d e s i g n w o r k s.

Check back soon to view recent photos of the completed project!

Proudly Integrating the Apple IPad

2010-08-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

p r e c e d e n t d e s i g n w o r k s understands that connecting ourselves to the world doesn't have to be expensive. Why spend thousands on media integration systems? Designing your home becomes simple, convenient and fun when you can wirelessly access music, books, videos, movies, email and all that latest apps available wherever you are. Enter one of the most impressive devices of our time.....Apple IPad and discover the possibilities in bringing the pulse of information home!

Off the Grid Island Cottage: Addition and Renovation

2010-08-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

Existing Cottage prior to New Addition

Screened Living Porch

Louds Island Off the Grid Renovation - Before and After

2010-08-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

Before

Proudly Designing with Toto

2010-08-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Toto.

EcoPower sensor faucets power themselves: The units’ chrome fittings make their own electricity when the flow of water spins their internal turbine; a lithium battery is a backup for periods of infrequent use. The three residential-design-friendly units include the modern Axiom, the contemporary Helix, and the traditional Fordham (shown). Their flow rate is 32% lower than the federal mandate. 800.350.8686. www.totousa.com.

Hardware - Foot Pedal by Pedal Valves

2010-08-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

One of the latest trend in kitchen design is foot operated faucet control. You might see them in hospitals but they are now available for residential applications. Set the temperature on the faucet and then use your foot for hands free operation. The manufacturer is Pedal Valves.

Spa Precedent - Custom Bathroom Design

2010-08-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

Fine Details

Material and Fixture Selection

Custom Cabinetry

Custom Shower Design

Custom Bathroom Design

Proudly Specifying Index D Hardware

2010-07-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

A Cooktop's 17th Century Companion

2010-07-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

South Bristol Waterfront Renovation & Addition

2010-06-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Marden Builders

Shingle Style Detailing

2010-02-06T14:26:00.000-08:00

General Contractor: Marden Builders

Xmas Cove Renovation

2010-02-05T07:13:00.000-08:00

Kitchen featured in New Old House Magazine

2010-02-04T06:33:00.000-08:00

Precedent Designworks is prominently featured in the Summer 2009 issue of New Old House Magazine. Designed by Precedent Designworks, built by Sheepscot Custom Woodworking/GC Marden Builders and inspired by Damariscotta Pottery and a 1933 MagicChef gas stove this local kitchen is just good ole' fun! Pickup a copy at your local bookstore and check it out!

Design of Outbuildings

2009-11-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

Attention to Details: Bathrooms

2009-11-10T03:47:00.001-08:00

Kitchen Floor Mats: Easy on the back

2009-06-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

Floor mats unlike any other. Ultra comfortable gel mats for those who spend a lot of time standing in the kitchen. You'll have to have one or two of these wherever you stand frequently.

Check out www.gelpro.com for sizes, colors, patterns and pricing

Check out the gallery

Cherry Kitchen

2009-06-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

Plateless Receptacles

2009-06-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

Designer Omer Arbel, well known for his chandeliers with glass globes, revealed his latest projects at ICFF in New York this year, including a series of wall receptacles that require no plates. The U.L. and C.S.A. listed plugs use a special key to insert or remove the receptacle. The model shown uses a double mounting plate with the receptacles placed off the vertical axis and a single mounting plate; the receptacle is covered over with plaster or set into millwork. Options include power outlets, ethernet and phone plugs, and switches and dimmers. See Bocci's page at http://bocci.ca/?#/22-standard/ for more information.

Unknown Fisherman finds Home

2009-06-16T10:06:00.000-07:00

Of my many interests and hobbies photography is something I can do anywhere. When Im not photographing my kids or taking photos of my built projects I enjoy capturing life around me. The Unknown Fishermen reminds me of my own father and grandfather and it now hangs on the wall of one of my recent projects. Its a great finishing touch and a great way to say thanks to clients.

Custom Wood Windows

2009-06-15T14:30:00.001-07:00

Windows by Sheepscot Custom Woodworking

General Contrator: Marden Builders

Pedal Valve: A closer snapshot

2009-06-15T11:07:00.001-07:00

I’m finally getting back to sharing the pedal valve install. This little piece of hardware allows hands free operation of the faucet. If you’re like me you getting tired of having to turn on and off and adjust temperature of the faucet. Pedal Valve lets you set the temperature at your faucet and use your foot when water flow is needed. I’ve had two separate installations and I now know why my clients love them so much. Simply convenient!

Check back with this post again. Ill update the where you can locate on the web and roughly the cost of the unit installed by a plumbing professional.

Island End Panel Design

2009-06-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Damariscotta Pottery shards were the inspiration for this island end panel. Supplied with removeable end panels and using shards of pottery the homeowner was able to put the finishing touch on her pottery inspired kitchen island.

Christmas Cove Living Porch

2009-06-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

Custom Fireplace Surround & Mantle

2009-06-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Contemporary Living

2009-06-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Composing Local Arhitectural Shapes/Forms

2009-06-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

2009-06-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

Whale's Tale Kitchen Renovated

2009-06-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

2009-06-08T10:13:00.001-07:00

View Blog

2009-06-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

Before and After

2009-05-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Shingle Style

2009-05-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Reversica Revealed

2009-05-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

Designing Green Roofs

2009-03-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Mod Sod: A green roof often involves complicated work, but this modular system streamlines the process. It consists of 2-foot-by-2-foot anodized aluminum modules containing drought-resistant sedum. Materials may be planted in up to 12 inches of engineered growing material and may weigh from 12 pounds to 51 pounds per square foot depending on the depth of soil. Green Roof Blocks. 314-972-8010. www.greenroofblocks.com.

Circa Home Living

2009-03-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

For my clients who have an appreciation for period living.
Check out www.circahomeliving.blogspot.com

Consider Cypress

2008-12-05T18:12:00.000-08:00

Bald Cypress

I've recently been working on a coastal residence that required use of a highly stable wood for wood ceilings. After much consideration I chose cypress, a wood that I have never worked with before. So far the application has worked beautifully. However, check back again soon where I'll have the general contractor provide feedback on installation and workability. In the meantime here's some information on cypress.

A deciduous conifer. Height 120 feet to 140 feet. Trunk diameter 4 feet to 5 feet. Distribution: as far north as the Pine Barrens of New Jersey south throughout the southeastern United States. Primarily found in the swamps and coastal tidewaters of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Mississippi. Related to the California redwood, bald cypress is a very big tree and exceedingly long lived. One in Mexico is estimated to be approximately 7,000 years old. Just when you think that you`ve got nature all compartmentalized and tidied-up, along comes a tree like the bald cypress. It is a conifer but loses its needles every winter, which makes it also deciduous! In the spring it produces new tender green needles that grow and darken all summer. In the fall they turn autumn colors and fall off, again.

The bald cypress thrives in swamp water and tidal flows preferring to be submerged at least part of the year. The huge trunks yield large quantities of moisture-resistant timber. It is a soft wood, not very strong but the lumber is very durable. It has a uniquely high resistance to insects, dampness and fungal decay. It is a reliable wood, stable with little shrinkage. Bald cypress machines well with proper tools. It finishes, stains and holds paint well and can be easily glued. It has an irregular but attractive grain Cypress wood is a beautiful warm brown color-more red from the coastal trees and more yellow from the inland trees. It is often described as salmon colored.

Because of its dampness tolerance, bald cypress is a more popular choice in the Southern states than in New England. As its durability is legendary, it is an excellent choice wherever insects and humidity are a consideration. Bald cypress is available in many grades. "Pecky cypress" and the better grades are sold for decorative and interior applications -molding, doors and other millwork. One grade known as "board and batten" grade is ideal for exterior siding. It is also suited for structural uses. It is readily available as lumber, limited as veneer. Its price range is average but the cost fluctuates depending on the season and the rainfall. Because it must be harvested in the swamps, it is easier and less expensive to cut in dry seasons. Correspondingly, in heavy wet-weather years, it is harder to get to the good supplies so the price goes up. Bald cypress is one of the most versatile woods grown in the United States. Because of its affordability, it is a good choice for both decorative and practical reasons. In wet climates, it is used principally for building construction: posts, beams, siding in warehouses, factories, docks, bridges, houses, porches, greenhouses, cooling towers and stadiums. It is also used for tanks, vats, refrigeration and cooperage. Because of its handsome color, the finer grades are used for interior applications such as flooring, paneling, trim, sash, doors and blinds. It also has a market for outdoor furniture and swings.

misLED: Facts and Fiction of LED Lighting

2008-11-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

Recommended reading by Lisa Ryan (LRyan Lighting and Design)
http://www.waclighting.com/USA/information/?infcategoryid=4&infarticleid=361

New Product - LED

2008-11-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

Philips
philips.com
7-watt Luxeon Rebel LED alternative to incandescent, halogen, or compact flourescent lamps; Life span up to 45,000 hours with an 80 percent energy savings over low-wattage halogen; Mercury-and lead-free; Instant start; Compatible with GU 10, NR63, or Edison E27 lamp bases

Reversica

2008-10-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

If you've looked high and low for hardware to make your flatscreen tv magically disappear and be replaced by your favorite painting?...Look no further. Reversica is here!
Check out www.reversica.com

Circa Home Living- Your Pathway to the American Country Home

2008-10-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

Circa 1820 is now Circa Home Living. With exciting new product lines including cookware, linens, herbal decorations, soaps and lighting all are made expressly with the American Country Home in mind. Visit www.CircaHomeLiving.com to see exciting new ideas and products for the home.