Country Shingle Style

Riverside, Connecticut

Nestled in the heart of Riverside, Connecticut, this Country Shingle Style residence by Steven Mueller Architects is a timeless expression of classic New England architecture infused with modern luxury. Designed to harmonize with its lush, suburban surroundings, the home features the quintessential elements of Shingle Style design—sweeping rooflines, gabled dormers, and a textured palette of cedar shingles paired with crisp white trim. The exterior exudes both warmth and grandeur, with a welcoming front porch that reinforces the home's emphasis on hospitality and relaxed elegance.

Inside, the architecture transitions fluidly into a sophisticated yet approachable interior, where finely crafted millwork, coffered ceilings, and custom cabinetry reflect an exceptional level of detail and craftsmanship. The layout balances openness with intimacy, offering expansive gathering spaces for family living and entertaining, alongside quiet retreats tucked into the plan. Large divided-light windows flood the home with natural light and offer curated views of the surrounding landscape, creating a strong connection between indoors and out.

This residence is not only a celebration of traditional architectural language, but also a thoughtful response to contemporary living—combining timeless materials, refined proportions, and spatial richness in a home that feels both grounded and elevated. With its graceful presence and enduring style, it stands as a quintessential example of how classic architecture can be reimagined for the modern era.

Country Shingle Style

Greenwich, Connecticut

Coastal Shingle Style

Orienta Point, Mamaroneck, New York

The Coastal Shingle Style residence at Orienta Point in Mamaroneck, New York, exemplifies the timeless elegance of New England's architectural heritage. This home is characterized by its distinctive cedar shingle siding, which may be stained, painted, or left to weather naturally, evoking a nautical, sun-drenched feel. The design features large windows, masonry base and chimney masses, sweeping rooflines, turrets, and cupolas, embodying the quintessential elements of shingle-style architecture.

Situated in the exclusive Orienta Point area, the residence offers breathtaking views of Mamaroneck Harbor and the Long Island Sound. The property boasts private beaches, sprawling porches, and beautifully landscaped gardens, providing an idyllic setting for coastal living.

Inside, the home seamlessly blends traditional architectural details with contemporary furnishings and finishes, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Notably, the inclusion of a butler's pantry enhances the home's functionality, offering ample space for meal preparation, storage, and entertaining.

This residence stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of coastal shingle-style homes, combining classic design elements with modern amenities to create a timeless retreat by the sea.

Modern Farmhouse Style

Mid-Country, Greenwich, Connecticut

This new 12,000 square foot "Modern Farmhouse Style Residence" is located in an RA-2 Zone on 3.7 acres in mid-country Greenwich, Connecticut. The privacy and severity of the topography of the property provided the client with the opportunity to design and construct the Modern Farmhouse of their dreams. Central to the architectural design concept was to locate the new residence at the edge of the cliff providing for stunning views of the pool and lake below. As one approaches the entry courtyard of the house there is no suggestion that it is sited on the precipice. Entering the foyer you are on axis with the great room which lures you to the three sided two story glass windows. Equally important to the master design was to create three separate modules to the home. The center being the core of the house encompassing the great room, dining, kitchen/ informal dining, family room, office/ den and stair hall. The core is flanked on one side with the master bedroom suite and the other with mudroom, laundry and garage. A one story stone connector acknowledges separation between the three elements.

The exterior of the residence was designed incorporating traditional and transitional detailing including: slate gable roofs with 45 degree pitch, stone chimney masses, metal-seam gable dormers, and a combination of horizontal ship lap wood and stone siding. The interior of the home transitions into contemporary detailing with the use of minimal wood trim and the incorporation of a 1/2" stainless steel reveal at the base as well as around the doors and windows. The home transcends itself into a "Contemporary Design Style" with the merging of contemporary artwork, light fixtures, furniture, and an aggressive black and white color scheme.

Urban Shingle Style

Greenwich, Connecticut

This new 5,800 square foot "Transitional Shingle Residence" is located in an R-6 Zone on .1761 acres (7,672 sf) in downtown Greenwich, Connecticut within walking distance to stores, banks, restaurants and train station. This challenging but unique site allowed for an exclusive in town living opportunity and distinctive architectural design solution. Unlike similar adjacent sites that required the garage bays to be on the lower level, this property is accessible from an adjacent secondary side street providing a private driveway and courtyard. This matchless site allowed our client, who was downsizing to maintain a sense of privacy and security not found anywhere else in an urban setting.

The site presented many design challenges. The property sloped steeply from the rear to the street requiring retaining walls to step down the site. In addition, the entry to the residence was located at the rear / courtyard, presenting the challenge of how to create a strong entry and garage as well as providing a street presence. The architectural resolution was to design a detached garage connected with an open loggia. This allowed the main residence to stand independent of the garage structure and allowed for the front entry to be centered on the main residence and visually unobstructed from the courtyard. A sensitive but massive front exterior with a porch created a significant presence from the road.

This residence has a traditional shingle-style exterior with wood shingle siding / roof, masonry base, and chimney massing. However the interiors are transitional, blending classical elements with more contemporary detailing such as the glass stair railings and ceiling treatments.

Urban Shingle Style

Traditional Shingle Style

Traditional Shingle Style

Greenwich, Connecticut

This new 10,000 square foot mid-country "Traditional Shingle Style Residence" is located on a one-acre site in Greenwich, Connecticut. The current owners had a strong affection for their property, located on a private road, and decided that they would raze their 4,000 square foot garrison colonial house to build the home of their dreams. The site, which is nestled into the hillside, presented several challenges. The first was to define a first floor elevation that allowed access to an established rear terrace while creating an elegant terraced entry procession from the existing driveway elevation to the arched stone-front entry. The second was to make a strong design element on the uphill side of the property, which was created by establishing a gable roof with a large elliptical window flanked with custom wood brackets on the rake end. The main floor stone veneer allowed the residence to comfortably sit into the landscape while accommodating the sloping grades.

The exterior of the residence was designed incorporating traditional "Shingle Style" detailing including; gable roof with long slopes, stone chimney masses, hipped-roof dormers, shingle siding and multi-light sash windows. Traditional detailing transitions into the interior, with the use of flat panel wainscot, coffered ceilings, wood trim, and two-panel wood doors. The interior of this traditional home transcends itself into a "Transitional Design Style" with the merging of contemporary artwork, light fixtures, furniture, ceiling treatment, and the white oak floor with an ebony finish.

French Normandy Style

Greenwich, Connecticut

Inspired by the French Normandy Architectural Style, this new 11,000 square foot home is located on 15 plus acres in the gated community of Conyers Farm in Greenwich, Connecticut. As you approach the site from red gravel private road the elevation begins to descend with a change in topography of nearly 20'-0". This presented a difficulty in properly siting the new home while simultaneously establishing a presence. Additionally, the determination of the footprint and orientation of the home in order to maximize light and view plane required extensive rock removal. This was recycled into drainage material and bedding for foundation walls.

The design and width of the driveway softly absorbs the initial drop in elevation as it eases your approach to the main courtyard and front entry façade of the building. Rear retaining walls integrate the plantings, pool and terrace areas to establish tiered levels transitioning you from the main house down another 18'-0" to the back lawn.

The interior spaces create an open flow of lights, circulation, and visual awareness. Cool colors and textures of ceiling and wall treatments allow for an elevated experience while sitting or passing by each room.

Coastal Shingle Style

Coastal Shingle Style

Old Greenwich, Connecticut

This new 6,500 square foot "Coastal Shingle Style Residence" is located in an R-20 Zone on .4783 acres (20,834 sf) in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. Old Greenwich, the first organized community in Greenwich, was previously known as Sound Beach. This was a shoreline resort community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries consisting primarily of beachside cottages. Today this coastal neighborhood consists mostly of traditional turn-of-the-century-homes, many designed in the Shingle Style, creating a sense of scale and community.

Most important to the client, while making the most of the allowable square footage, was to design a new residence that respected the scale of the neighboring homes. In addition and equally important, they wanted to take advantage of their views of the Long Island Sound. Not being directly located on the water created the challenge of maximizing the water views. The property across the street had a 50'-0" view easement which became the central home design criteria. Having the main entry access on the side of the residence with a Porte Cochere limited the maximum number of rooms to face the water. Porches and balconies were integrated into the design to provide outdoor living space while reflecting the nautical and New England Shingle Style Architecture traditions. A rooftop balcony offered a third floor panoramic view of the Old Greenwich Shoreline, Greenwich Cove, and The Long Island Sound.

Central to the design of this residence is the core three story foyer / atrium. This space provides circulation to all floors, including the roof balcony while providing natural light to the center of the residence through a series of clerestory windows including an elliptical cupola.

Coastal Shingle Style

Coastal Shingle Style

Old Greenwich, Connecticut

This new 9,500 square foot "Coastal Shingle Residence" is nestled on one of the quieter streets of Old Greenwich, off of Shore Road. This symmetrically shingle styled home grounds the developing street architecture with strong matching light, filled hipped tower elements, and a raised eyebrow entryway. Designing around a shallow lot, and governing association bylaws, the orientation of the home spreads along the length of the lot allowing a generous front yard and ample rear yard.

An open floor plan and oversized windows with transoms allows a light-filled experience as you transition from room to room; while the ceiling coffers delineate the formality of each space. Interior 7" Wide Quarter Sawn White Oak Floors are installed on all three levels of the home. The kitchen incorporates a hidden walk-in pantry, while the upstairs hallway houses a series of 4 hidden linen closets incorporated into the paneling. An outdoor BBQ and fireplace off the rear terrace create a great sitting area under the ceiling flush-mounted heat lamps.

Coastal Shingle Style

Coastal English Manor Style

Riverside, Connecticut

This new 12,000 square foot "Coastal English Manor Style Residence" is located in an RA-1 Zone on 2.0 acres (87,120 sf) in Riverside, Connecticut. The oversized property allowed the client to construct the English Manor Estate that accommodated his program requirements in this prestigious shoreline community, while respecting the scale of the neighboring homes. Central to the architectural design concept was to create an entry courtyard that would house his impressive car collection. This was accomplished by creating two detached three bay garages with lifts separated from the main residence with two Porte Cocheres. One serving as a secondary entry and the other as additional covered parking. Equally important to the home design was to create a large outdoor area that was flanked by the living room on one side and the kitchen/ family room on the other. The resolution was to create a building footprint that resembled an H configuration.

The exterior of the residence was designed incorporating traditional "English Manor Style" detailing including: hipped roofs with long slopes, stone chimney masses, hipped dormers, and a combination of shingle and stone siding. Traditional detailing transitions into the interior with the use of flat panel wainscot, coffered ceilings, and wood trim. The interior of this traditional home transcends itself into a "Transitional Design Style" with the merging of contemporary artwork, light fixtures, furniture, ceiling treatment and aggressive paint colors.

Contemporary Federal Style

Contemporary Federal Style

Greenwich, Connecticut

This new 5300 square foot in-town "Contemporary Federalist Style Residence" is located on a .15 acre site in the heart of downtown Greenwich, Connecticut. Most important to the client, while maximizing the allowable square footage was to design a new residence that respected the scale and vintage neighboring homes. In addition, they wanted an authentic home design that reflected the imagery of a home located in an urban setting.

Located on a 50 by 120 foot lot, with only a 35 by 75 foot building envelope, presented many design challenges with respect to the client's program. The resolution required the street façade to include a strong entry, two-bay garage, and an architectural design feature. In addition, the interior room locations needed to be designed and planned to maximize the privacy to the adjacent homes as well as create a special private outdoor space. The client wanted to create as much exterior privacy as possible. This separation from the street was created with the construction of black wrought iron fencing atop low brick walls, and extensive landscaping, the rear terrace is walled, leading to an outdoor fireplace with a tall chimney in the center of a rock edged, gravel filled, circle.

Contemporary Georgian Style

Contemporary Georgian Style

Greenwich, Connecticut

This new 4,900 square foot in-town "Contemporary Georgian Style Residence" is located in an R-6 Zone on a .15 acre (6,250 sf) site in the heart of downtown Greenwich, Connecticut. Most important to the client, while maximizing the allowable square footage was to design a new residence that respected the scale and vintage neighboring homes. In addition, they wanted an authentic home design that reflected the imagery of a house located in an urban setting.

With a property of 50 by 120 feet and an allowable building envelope of only 35 by 75 feet, this presented many architectural design challenges with respect to the client's program. Many of the existing homes on this block have a front porch facing the street, a long driveway leading to a garage at the rear of the property, and limited to nonexistent rear yards. The design resolution was to provide a strong entry, and locate the garage at the front of the house. This would allow for more green space on the side of the residence, as well as providing a wonderful backyard area. The second floor porch mimics the feeling of the traditional homes in the neighborhood. Separation from the street was created with the construction of low brick walls, and extensive landscaping.

Country Shingle Style

Country Shingle Style

Greenwich, Connecticut

This new 7,500 square foot "Traditional Shingle Style Residence" is located on a half-acre site in downtown Greenwich, Connecticut. The interior of this shingle style home transcends itself into a "Transitional Design Style" with the merging of contemporary light fixtures, furniture, ceiling treatment and the white oak floor with an ebony finish.

At the heart of this home design; the kitchen opens into the family room and informal dining area with a large butler's pantry leading to the dining room. Inset flush kitchen drawers with large rail shaker style cabinet doors continue the uninterrupted lines of the kitchen space. The split-level island allows for a raised area for stool seating while providing a six-foot by six-foot workspace for prepping and washing. The island houses a microwave drawer, with additional wide drawer storage for pots and pans. Opposite the island the 48" Viking range is adorned with a stone and glass spilt mosaic backsplash, creating a natural art piece against the stainless-steel hood. Oil and spice pullouts flank the range top with large drawer storage below.

To the left, the large upper cabinets have transom hoppers with frosted glass inlayed panels. This frosting melds with the 4x12 stacked smoked glass backsplash. 2" white Quartz countertops finish the clean aesthetic and provide ample work area. On the right of the mosaic focal piece are a pair of Viking double ovens with storage above. The 48" side-by-side refrigerator / freezer sits behind the island seating with 48" of circulation between the refrigerator and the seating. Crowning the space is a recessed square coffer ceiling with grey washed wide plank oak boards. Each coffered beam is backlit to produce an upward glow over the island area. A square metal channel delineates the transition between the coffered space and the kitchen ceiling.

Interior Design: Amy Zeppelin, 12development.com

Traditional Shingle Style

Greenwich, Connecticut

This new 12,000 square foot mid-country "Traditional Shingle Style Residence" is located on a one-acre site in Greenwich, Connecticut. The site was part of a three parcel property that was recently subdivided by the family who has owned the land for generations. In the deed of the property it had a clause that legally recognized that the current FAR (Floor Area Ratio) requirements are not applicable and therefore unlimited square footage could be constructed on this property.

The design challenge of this residence was that the property faced south as you approached the house from the street. A south orientation is optimum for the primary interior spaces to face, as well as to locate exterior features like a pool and pool house. The home was sited facing south with a long driveway establishing an entry courtyard on the north. Extensive landscaping along the east side of the driveway provides the required privacy while offering a special and unanticipated experience as you arrive at the front entry. The owners entertain often and wanted an open floor plan to accommodate a large number of people at one time. The dining room, living room and game room create one large space that is separated with fireplace masses and doors.

The exterior of the residence was designed incorporating traditional "Shingle Style" detailing including; gable roof with long slopes, stone chimney masses, hipped-roof dormers, wood shingle siding, wood shingle roof and multi-light sash windows. The interior of this shingle style home transcends itself into a "Transitional Design Style" with the with the use of flat panel wainscot, coffered ceilings, wood trim, and two-panel wood doors as well as the merging of contemporary light fixtures, furniture, ceiling treatment and the white oak floor.