The second annual Home Excellence Awards program “honors exemplary builders, architects, designers, and professionals serving the greater Chesapeake Bay region.” Mueller Homes was honored to receive the award for waterfront and critical area construction by What’s Up Magazine. It is the second time that Mueller Homes has received recognition in the awards program.
The editors and judges had this to say about why they chose to award this project for the Waterfront & Critical Area Construction award:
“This gorgeous, coastal farmhouse-style residence wins big for meeting and exceeding the needs of the growing young family that now calls it home.This mission was accomplished with a floorplan that allows for ease of interaction and thoughtful touches like fine, millwork treatments throughout, and special spaces such as the various areas created for gathering, indoors and out, that are all visually connected to the water.”
The original home was situated on a parcel along the Magothy River, along Cattail Creek, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The original site location of the previous home just did not provide the views and access the client desired, so Mueller and Speight Architecture came up with an alternative plan. While the property was located in a designated critical area, it was not located in a flood zone. This was a huge advantage that the builder and architect could maximize to expand the footprint and create a more modern home, designed to suit the family’s needs. The decision was made to do a complete tear-down and rebuild on the site. As is the case with many critical areas on the Chesapeake Bay, they would be required to plant a variety of native vegetation, trees, and micro ponds for runoff, but these accoutrements would allow them to expand the footprint.
Building a home on the waterfront in Maryland, or in any critcal area of the Chesapeake Bay, requires a thoughtful process and a knowledgable team. Balancing critical area regulations with the client’s desired home and lifestyle choices can require compromises. In this case, every compromise was met with a better solution. This resulted in a beautiful home and a happy client. Thanks to What’s Up Magazine for the recognition and award!
