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Architecture/home addition--existing brick--adding stone

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Expert: - 2/6/2011


Question
My ranch style home constructed in 1986--brick veneer.  Want to add on both ends--one for new garage/carport and other end for new den, master BR and Master Bath.  Any suggestion on using stone on the addition since I cannot match the brick?

Answer
Good morning Steve - thanks for your question.

Stone's certainly an option, but you can still use brick without worrying about a perfect match.

Typically when we add on to a home, we offset the addition(s) in some fashion so that old and new materials don't butt directly to each other.  An inside corner works well for this, as does a recessed offset to visually separate the old and new.

You might also consider a small area of a second material to separate the old and new brick - siding or stucco, perhaps.

Of course a completely different material for the additions is fine - just be sure you decide beforehand how you want the additions to relate to the house.  In other words, if the existing house is visually "strong", you'll want a subordinate material for the additions.  You don't want the additions to draw more attention to themselves than the centerpiece.

A less formal stone type and pattern would be appropriate in that case (ledgestone, rubble, river rock) rather than a trimmed or cut stone.

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.blogspot.com
www.rtastudio.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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