Floor Plans: Modular Interpretation Brings Colonial-Era Farmhouse Into 21st Century
May 30, 2011 - A modular version of a colonial-era home styled after a New England farmhouse stands its ground in Concord, Mass.
In historic Concord, Mass., not too far from where a handful of Minutemen loaded their muskets and fired upon 700 advancing British Army regulars during the opening salvo of the Revolutionary War, there stands a modern interpretation of a colonial-era home styled after a New England farmhouse.
The four-bedroom, 3,800-square-foot modular home - manufactured by Preferred Building Systems and built by Sterling Homes Development Corp. - features a farmer's front porch with painted balusters, a mudroom, crown molding, chair rails and hand-built cabinets - much like its 18th century predecessors. But that's where the similarities end.
Kitchen island with seating for three
Modern Conveniences Abound
The home, which earned a 2011 Excellence in Home Design: Modular award in the NAHB Building Systems Councils Excellence in Design & Marketing competition, also boasts many of the conveniences and sustainable amenities a young, environmentally conscious family of four would want in a modern home.
There's an attached two-car garage - with two mahogany, barn door-style garage doors - cement board pre-painted clapboard siding to endure harsh New England winters, random-length bamboo flooring, energy-efficient appliances, an on-demand water heater, a central vacuum system and all the modern advantages of modular construction, including a tight, energy-efficient building envelope, a shorter on-site construction time and reduced on-site waste.
Custom mahogany barn door-style garage doors
Design Cues From the Past, Built With an Eye to the Future
Although the owners chose to build their home in a style that would blend with its historic surroundings, they specified an open floor plan, with divided living spaces, that will meet their family's needs in the years ahead.
The kitchen, dining room and family room flow together and provide ample room for formal and informal entertaining. The kitchen features an island with seating for three, a floor-to-ceiling custom pantry, a desk, hand-built maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a "subway"-style tiled backsplash.
The family room features a gas fireplace with a custom stone surround.
Custom stone surround for fireplace in family room
Completing the first floor is a formal entry with a custom staircase, a study set off from the main entertainment area and, in the rear, a mudroom with stone tiling, custom bench seating, cubby holes and pegs to hang coats.
Master bedroom
Built and Occupied in Less Than Four Months
The master bedroom suite, three additional bedrooms, an additional full bath and the laundry area are on the second floor. The master suite features a dressing area, large walk-in closet with custom cherry cabinets and a spacious shower with a custom glass shower door enclosure.
Bonus room with ping-pong table and full bath
The home also boasts a bonus room and full bath over the garage that can be accessed from the mudroom. The family uses it as a media area and to play ping-pong, a game that originated in England more than a century after the Revolution.
Construction on the home began in late July 2009 and was completed in less than four months, avoiding much of the winter. An occupancy permit was granted in November 2009.
Mudroom
Dining room
A modern kitchen with stainless appliances and bamboo flooring
