Spots are still open in Highfield Hall's upcoming Architects' House Tour. The event, featuring 10 of Falmouth's most exceptional architect-designed homes, is set for next Friday, July 20, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The fully tax-deductible $75 tickets are available by calling (508) 495-1878, or at http://www.highfieldhall.org/housetour.shtml.
Janet Totten, Highfield's deputy director in charge of programs and marketing, says the inspiration for the tour originated close to home. “The idea came from really looking at Highfield Hall.”
The Falmouth landmark, which has stood since 1878, sparked the desire to tour some of the town's newer architect-designed homes. The people who created some of those homes provided guidance as to which would best represent the unique range of styles present in Falmouth.
“We started by going to architects,” Totten says, in an effort to understand “what is going on with architecture on Cape Cod, and how does an architect work with clients to suit Cape Cod.”
The architects shared their thoughts and recommendations, and some even offered to be on hand at several of the houses, where they'll provide tour-goers with insights about the challenges and rewards of collaborating with clients to design unique structures.
The realities of summer on Cape Cod also came into play in selecting the itinerary.
“We wanted to spread it out to some extent,” Totten says, “but without making it impossible to drive to.”
When all the considerations had been weighed, and some tough choices made, the itinerary included houses in a wide range of styles, sizes, and situations. Several have custom-designed landscapes, which compliment the homes themselves, and will also be part of the tour.
Featured architects are Denise Bonoli (Denise Bonoli, Architect), John Dvorsack (John Dvorsack, Architect), Mark Hutker (Hutker Architects), Greg Jones (Wise Surma Jones Architects), Jill Neubauer (Jill Neubauer Architects), and Kit Wise (Wise Surma Jones Architects). Landscapes at several of the homes will also be on the tour and include designs by Mary LeBlanc (Mary LeBlanc Landscape Design) and Stephen Stimson (Stephen Stimson Associates).