Dracut Farmhouse-Style Home and Garage
"It became clear that the nature of the site, it's location, the backdrop of the meadow and surrounding woods, kept pushing towards the image of a farmhouse." - Luis Lobao, Applied Form and Space
For Applied Form & Space Architects, LLC, Andover, MA © Joseph Ferraro, 2019
Client: Applied Form & Space / Luis Lobao (Architect)
3 Dundee Park, Suite B02, Andover, MA 01810 / 978.474.1945
Shoot Date: October 14, 2019
Location: Dracut, Massachusetts
Site: 3,200 sq. ft. (Home); 1,320 sq. ft. (Garage)
Style: Farmhouse with Shop/Garage Barn Design
Featured Highlights: Shop/Garage, Breakfast ("Gathering") Room
Photo Assistant: Tony Degrazia
Click here for the extended Gallery.
"It became clear that the nature of the site, it's location, the backdrop of the meadow and surrounding woods, kept pushing towards the image of a farmhouse." - Luis Lobao, Applied Form and Space
Introduction
When a longtime client calls with an assignment, featuring a farmhouse-style home with a garage designed as a barn, and wants to have it photographed during some of the best foliage days in New England, it's hard not to want to grab my camera and get out there first thing. New England is known for its distinct seasons and vibrant autumns. Having the opportunity to use these scenes as a natural backdrop is only possible during a short time, a mere two to three weeks of bright color if we're lucky. It's not long before a predictable, yet unexpected storm inevitably rips through the northeast and tears the colorful leaves to the ground.
The home happened to be in Dracut, MA, a border town sitting just below the State of New Hampshire. The architect, Luis Lobao from Applied Form and Space, actually grew up with the homeowner. This project endured a couple of revisions as the family grew, and their priorities shifted. I spoke with Luis to gather some more details and backstory that would not only support the images in this article but give us all some perspective from the design-side and highlight the problem solving that takes place for architects every day.
Planning Stages
"Having grown up in the neighborhood with one of the owners and being a current neighbor, the owners approached me to help realize their vision on a plot of land they had recently purchased. While outwardly different from the completed work, even during the initial design process, the owners' aesthetic taste gravitated towards timeless, simple forms inherent to the New England lifestyle."
It must have been the season because while Luis and I were talking about the project and determining what our goals were, I couldn't help but dream up a visual wishlist of my own. There's something about autumn in New England that slows the mind's pace a little bit, and maybe it's in witnessing the natural world around us calmly approach its winter dormancy. A lot of New Englanders, northern ones especially, like to pick-on the leaf peepers that travel from near and far to see the change of seasons. I know that deep down, they enjoy that morning coffee on the front porch, or on the docks pinned to lakes throughout the region, donning their thick sweaters while watching the geese race south, set to a backdrop of auburn, bright yellows, and tones of golden brown and orange. No one is immune.
But, color alone wasn't enough to entertain my wishes. I wanted to see some fog. I needed a fog. I've become a bit more interested in the atmosphere I present in my work. Analyzing and predicting weather has become an obsession. Just a clear, bright day doesn't cut it for me anymore. And, it's not just fog I'm after, I want mood.
For Applied Form & Space Architects © Joseph Ferraro, 2019
With the warm days and cold nights that take over northern-New England mid-autumn, I was hopeful that we might start the day with some fog. It so happened that Franklin was on to something with his "early-to-rise" quip because it paid off in dividends. Arriving just as blue-hour began, around 6:10 am, there was enough light in the sky to illuminate the barn-style garage, but even the Moon stayed around long enough to make a guest appearance. I wish all assignments could start so well.
Exterior
Although the home sits on acreage that was once farmland, the function of the garage was a space for the homeowner to build and to create. Growing up, "the owner would make customized bicycles, some to sell, but his favorites to keep. Now those were replaced with fully custom motorcycles and customized cars." It was clear to Luis, the homeowner's "vision of a working shop where the mechanically inclined owner can have his space was fundamental to this project.
The detached barn is a vehicle hobbyist's dream. Separate from the attached garage for the daily drivers, and it accommodates interior storage lifts allowing for storage of up to 4 vehicles. It also includes a tall center bay with a working lift for building and repairing vehicles. An exterior parking bay for the motorcycle's transportation trailer is also provided."
Though the initial focus for me, photographically, was the barn-style garage, it wasn't the only plan for photography that day. The home featured design elements that took into account the family's desires, but also played in symphony with its surroundings. It wasn't until I read Luis' words below that I began to understand the cadence of his creative process and tonal range of his problem-solving facility. As you read his words below and reference the photography, I find a contemplative mindset and a well-curated playlist help to tie all of these ideas together.
"The front farmer's porch is low to the ground eliminating needs for railings. Instead of traditional porch posts, beefier columns were used to give the monochromatic design more visual weight. An asymmetrical main gable provided an anchor and a visual clue to the main entry. The gambrel form along the longitudinal axis allows for the necessary usable space for the second-floor bedrooms. The sweeping curved rake of the southeast gambrel allows for an elegant transition to the farmer's porch roof. It responds to the curving road's approach, with its arcing profile dramatically angled toward it. It anchors the simple rhythm of the windows that sweep up, implying the interior stair. On the rear, a simple screen porch nestled between the house and the attached garage allows for summer enjoyment of the meadow and hills beyond."
Interior
For Applied Form & Space Architects © Joseph Ferraro, 2019
The first thing you notice when walking into the home is a large room, filled with sun, with windows looking out onto undeveloped land, lit up with the changing colors of the season. With the idea of creating an open concept, they did not want to compromise on charm. And, while the dining space just off the kitchen is in-and-of-itself its own identifiable space, the high ceilings and large windows allow the area to breathe and maintain that well-intentioned feeling of home.
"Meeting the owners' desire to have spaces that feel open without losing the homey feel that fully open concept spaces sometimes can. The breakfast room is flooded with natural light throughout the day and has become the owner's favorite room – so much so the architect now uses the term "gathering room" to describe these types of spaces. Natural light is a priority, achieved by using nearly 6' tall 6/0 windows throughout the main living level."
The high ceilings continue into the family room, divided from the kitchen only by the warmth of a see-through fireplace.
Challenges
All building projects inherently come with their own baggage. From issues with permits to last-minute changes, and budgets, to name a few. This project, however, took on new ground by changing the topography of the site to prepare a place for the home to rest.
"The biggest challenge came from the topography of the site, which required importing over 3,000 cubic yards of soil. The construction duration was approximately 14 months, from excavation to completion. Another interesting note is how, in addition to the architect, several other folks who grew up together or were somehow otherwise tied to the "old neighborhood" worked to complete this home. Among them, plasterer, electrician, plumbers were neighbors or childhood friends of the owners."
And, where is there any more personal a home project when you can get your friends to help you?
My best wishes to this family and their home, and that it may stay in the family for generations to come.
- Joe
For Applied Form & Space Architects © Joseph Ferraro, 2019
More about:
Luis F. Lobao, Architect, NCARB
Applied Form and Space, LLC, Andover, MA
Luis Lobao is a founding Principal and is responsible for all phases of project delivery. He has extensive experience in multifamily, office, retail, custom residential, accessibility, adaptive reuse, historic restoration, and institutional projects. Mr. Lobao received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology, College of Design and Construction. Mr. Lobao is NCARB certified and is registered to practice architecture in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He serves as a member of the Green Building Commission in Lowell, MA. Several of his projects have received recognition from entities including the Boston Preservation Alliance and the Luxury Living Awards. (https://www.afsarch.com)
7 Steps of Inspiration
The beginning of 2020 started off with a bang. I spent the first half of January planning photoshoots and rolled into February with eight completed before Valentine's Day. And then… red light.
Blue Bottle, Newbury Street, Boston © Joseph Ferraro
The beginning of 2020 started with a bang. I spent the first half of January planning photoshoots and rolled into February with eight completed before Valentine’s Day. And then…
Red light.
Freelancers, independent contractors, and many small, small businesses know how important it is to prepare for an uncertain future. We all stress the importance of squirreling away a rainy-day fund and anticipating downtime between gigs.
Historically, downtime meant reaching out to clients, organizing my bookkeeping, archiving recent photoshoots, having coffee with colleagues, and researching architectural and product photography inspiration. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are still finding ways to virtually have coffee with each other. Nonetheless, I’m anticipating a slow down that could have lasting effects through the second half of 2020.
But, there is always work to be done. I thought I would share just how I’m weathering the storm and preparing to remain in business for my clients and the future of my work.
Step One • Getting all Marie Kondo up in this busnassss:
Tidying up and purging unnecessary things in our home has been all the rage in the Ferraro household for several years. It all started when my wife and I were preparing for the arrival of our daughter back in 2015. As I’ve become more confident as a photographer, I’ve been applying this same space-saving and mind-decluttering techniques to my business. Here are a few examples.
A) Keeping a clean desk and workspace. B) Filing paperwork and keeping physical copies of what I need and scanning and shredding the rest, keeping things in digital formats wherever possible. C) Streamlining my workflow by only using essential supplies and tools. D) Purging unnecessary gear from my kit and refraining from buying more equipment until something is obsolete, is beyond repair, or purchasing a new tool that will only provide a function that simplifies my workflow.
Step Two • Being a Strict Accountant:
Early on in the business, I had a lot of G.A.S. — nearly all photographers suffer from it. The manufacturers of photography gear and gizmos know our collective weakness and play to our insecurities in this business by making us think we need a new shiny piece of gear to get work… and we FALL for it! Talk about amateur hour. I thought having the equipment with the right name brand and all the accessories to go with it would make me who I am today, (Head-slap!). Photographers easily overlook their expenditures as being just another write-off or justify a purchase as a need over just another want. Photographers love their toys, and many literally subscribe to the idea that clients care about the brand of their gear they use and if we’re up on the latest version of a camera body. I’ve recently denounced this way of thinking because it is nonsense.
This past year, as a part of my tidying up process, I’ve prepared a streamlined budget spreadsheet and tracked spending month by month.
I’ve looked very strictly at my gear closet and assessed the quality, quantity, effectiveness of my gear — and, I’ve either gotten rid of things that no longer serve a function for me, or have stuck with things that could be replaced by something newer and shinier but wouldn’t do the work any differently or to any significant advantage. I am happy to say that this year, I have been operating on what looks like a shoestring budget. Still, in reality, I’ve only cut back in places that allow things to feel normal in my day-to-day but also remain lean enough to skate through downtimes without reaching for that big red button.
Breaking out necessary expenses helped me realize that even equipment and office supplies can take a backseat to what really matters in keeping things operational. (I’d be happy to share a copy of my worksheet with you if you’d like a blank one to start with).
Sample of Joseph Ferraro’s 2020 Budget Sheet
Step Three • Interact and Engage, more:
Many people not-so-secretly loathe social media. I hear it ALL the time from pretty much everyone I know, even from those whose job it is to promote their company’s business where they work. Still, we all know how valuable engagement is, and that timely update about new work or some behind the scenes action is a crowd-pleaser. And, maybe that’s true. I do love people and could hang out for hours finding new things to talk about. And, I’ll admit, I get sucked into flipping through people’s stories because I DO want to know how everyone is doing and what cool things you’re up to. Still, I just can’t get myself to like the idea of curating content to digitally brand myself as what I already consider myself to be: a fun-loving dad and husband, who loves all things bread and food, who’s also a lovable, friendly photographer.
Be that as it may, as a business owner, I know that these tools are here for me to help promote my business and stay fresh in the minds of my clients and future clients. So, I’ll be making a more concerted effort to join the community in this 21st Century sort of way.
Step Four • Educate and Expand My Mind:
I’ve been intrigued by edX — the free, online college with courses from Harvard and MIT (and now more) since it began over a decade ago. I’ve completed a course in contract law and have always wanted the time to enroll in more.
So, I did!
Just the other day, I enrolled in a course in an Intellectual Property Law course, and a Social Media Marketing course. I have no need for another degree beyond my bachelor’s, for now. If I plan on teaching someday, then I’ll explore a master’s program, but for now, I’ll happily enroll in some online classes and learn some valuable things to support my business.
Also, how popular have podcasts become again? Amirite??
Step Five • Finding Inspiration and Creating New Images:
Museum of Fine Arts, Contemporary Arts Wing © Joseph Ferraro
My bookshelf is full of great inspiration. Architectural photography books of works by Julius Shulman, Ezra Stoller, and Marcel Gautherot are anthologies I can dive into for hours. I’ve even begun looking more closely at the scene painters of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries — like Canaletto and Capriccio. And, if you haven’t been introduced to the renderings of Hatch Studio or MIR, please be prepared to clean your brains off of your desk.
Case Study House 22, Los Angeles, CA © Julius Shulman
Also, a subscription to one of the most beautiful magazines, Cereal, has been landing on my doorstep lately. If there’s ever been a time to experiment with lighting and designing an aesthetic that could uniquely be my own, it’s now. If we’re fortunate enough to use this time to expand our abilities, this could be the most valuable place we put our time.
Cereal Magazine https://www.readcereal.com/
Step Six • Self-Care:
Eating well, letting my mind wander during times of boredom, meditation, putting a few pencils and sketchbooks to use, reading a book or two, (or four), and keeping a regular schedule during the workweek, are all ways I’ll be taking care of myself. Because being mindful of my health and maintaining a sense of calm will allow me to focus on my goals and support my family in ways that we have more time to appreciate now.
Step Seven • Help Others:
And, that brings me to my final step. Taking care of loved ones and your neighbor. It doesn’t take much to notice when someone else might need a bit of help. And, if you’ve been taking care of yourself, then it should be easy to reach out and help others. But, given the circumstances surrounding this virus, I do find it difficult as we’re supposed to keep safe distances from each other to prevent the spread of this.
So, if all you feel safe doing is helping your own family, then that’s a start. But, as things return to normal, just know that not everyone may be able to bounce back as strongly as the rest, and people still may need help when it may seem like everything’s normal in your bubble.
I’m going to continue doing what I can to be here when things return to normal.
If, in the interim, there is anything I can do for you, please let me know!
Personal Passion: Sourdough Bread Baking @leotheleaven
I’ll also be sure to share more writings and some insights into the photography world and post new images as I create them during the inspiration-stage of my sheltering-in-place time at home.
Please be safe and take care. I look forward to being behind the camera again for my clients and showing the world just how amazing the creators are who design the places and spaces all around us.
- Joe