Author: Kevin Marsh

Our fifth reveal for the 2018 Clifton House Tour is the Alscher Hancock House built in 2013.

This imaginative exercise in residential infill integrates Twentieth Century Modernism with more recent contemporary architecture, while being distinct from, yet compatible with, the surrounding historically-inflected homes.

The basically box-like form of their residence is actually an “L” shape hat opens up an extra seven degrees. The roof appears deceptively flat but is also slightly angled toward the center in what is known as a “butterfly” form. The home is enlivened outside and in by intersecting shapes at narrow angles that provide deep overhangs above the front entry and rear deck, as well as oriel windows (hanging bays) that relieve the rectangular overall form. The theme of angularity continues with the double butterfly shape of the roof recalling Mid-Century Modern design, with its high sides dipping downward to a central valley that provides both interior drama and efficient drainage. For the home’s façades, a juxtaposition between materials is created; although its basic exterior surfaces have a smooth stucco finish, raised panels of concrete block masonry are openly treated as mere veneer in order to be structurally honest, since they are non-load- bearing yet establish a layered, textural contrast. Also, stone was selected to relate sensitively to the native stone found in the site and reused in the landscaping.

The Alscher Hancock House has achieved the highest level of LEED certification-
Platinum.

The above is just a small portion of what is written in the tour book. Learn more about this home on the Clifton House Tour. Buy your tickets in advance for $20 or on May 13 for $25.

Our fourth reveal for the 2018 Clifton House Tour is the Louis W. Kaiser House, built in 1909.

Evoking the spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright’s early Prairie Style, this relatively modest home also represents the reaction against the excesses of Late Victorian Period Eclecticism. It was designed in 1909 for an officer of the once-prominent John Van Range Co. (a later rival of the Resor Stove Company). With emphasis on horizontal elements, the façade utilizes wide eaves that cross the first-floor front, the projecting porch, and even more deeply the main roof line. Used as roof supports at the front porch, bold masonry piers encase the entrance
and simplified wooden balusters. Plain square windows punctuate the bare walls.

The above is just a small portion of what is written in the tour book. Learn more about this home on the Clifton House Tour. Buy your tickets in advance for $20 or on May 13 for $25.

Our third reveal for the 2018 Clifton House Tour is the John G. Japp House, built in 1905.

This splendid example of the American Four-Square architectural form (the cubical
two-story equivalent of a one-story “bungalow’) is elaborated by subtle period
references, while retaining its overall Arts & Crafts character. Each façade is almost
symmetrical with the centers emphasized by dormers that share the gentle “rake” or
outward slope of the hipped red-tiled roofs. One of the earth-tone orange-brick
home’s distinguishing features is the use of alternating brick quoins to accentuate
the corners including those of the flat bays on the front and angled bays on the sides.
Also remarkable are the imposing chimneys which flair at their tops for emphasis.

The above is just a small portion of what is written in the tour book. Learn more about this home on the Clifton House Tour. Buy your tickets in advance for $20 or on May 13 for $25.