Upper Echelon Construction
For those who've Achieved Above & Beyond ...

       







 

 

The timeless elegance of this design is intensified with the lighting and formal landscaping silhouette.

The high waterline of the classic rectangular pool creates a polished surface in which the traditional Roman architectural details are mirrored.

Glass Doors in the five closely spaced arched openings of the loggia at the end of the pool can be lowered into the floor by means of hydraulic lifts.

A laundry room, service apartment, and a large garage are housed beneath the pool terrace level. Large sea grape trees, wall plants in stone planters, and a vine pergola soften the rather severe lines of the building.
This high ceiling living room at the heart of the house opens through tall glass doors to a columned loggia. A formal lawn panel leads the eye to the beach and the Atlantic Ocean.

The arched recesses in the plaster walls repeat the geometry of the loggia doors, one of which is reflected in the antique mirror above the fireplace. The coquina stone details and patterned oak flooring are quotes from various Palladian Villas in the Veneto.
The Florida cypress beamed ceiling strikes a warm domestic note amidst the monumental stone elements. The flooring is antique French limestone. Note how the underside of one of the stair treads rests on the stone overdoor leading to the living room.

A screen of native Florida coquina stone columns separates this very formal space for the stair hall without diminishing the airy spaciousness suitable to Palm Beach's nearly year-round tropical climate.

 
A rustic Tuscany style beamed ceiling in native cypress contrasts with the lush upholstered walls and half dome ceiling of the sitting bay, where French doors open to a private garden.

A discrete slot in the wood ceiling admits cooled air and the ceiling fan blades are matched to the ceiling, all contributing to the overall air of serenity in this spacious retreat.

 
Of English oak, this paneled Library was originally built in England, then shipped to Florida and re-assembled on site.

The classic Italian bolection moldings profile of the wood paneling is repeated in stone at the fireplace.

Instead of the usual Greek acanthus leaf, the cornice employs an abstraction of the palm leaves visible through the numerous full height openings to the gardens. The floor is of dark blue terracotta tile.

A small bar, paneled to match the main room, is visible through the carved door case to the right of the bookshelves.
Traditional Roman architecture is mirrored on the high waterline of a stunning rectangular pool.
The steps follow the curve of the circular motor court and lead to the entrance portal. The portal's inspiration is that of the Villa Lante in Bagnaia, Italy and sets the stage for a home that showcases Old World sophistication while drawing upon the elements of local flora and color. The circular theme is repeated in the domed vestibule just inside the metal door.

All metal work is aluminum to withstand the rigors of the oceanfront and includes a shell motif at the landing. The stucco wall below the stone treads will be covered in climbing fig vines so that the steps appear to float above the green hedge.
The high oval windows open to sky lit wells which light up at night. A cross-vaulted ceiling, based on Italian cloister originals, springs from coquina stone brackets with carved shells. Twin vestibules and antique French Chinoiserie panels add depth and detail to the ends of this dramatic hall.
The detail and drama of the south western vernacular accented by used brick, Mexican tile, hand hewn wood beams and distressed wood cabinetry tantalize the mind of all even the most discriminating gourmet chef.
Formal grandeur and stately opulence invites one to wash the day away in heavenly tranquility.

Faux finished walls and matching bath vanities, marble floors and a circular whirlpool create a perfect place for pampering and self-indulgence.

 
Old souls of Palm Beach are revisited in the living room, which is designed to be at the very center of the home and is symmetrical and axial in both directions.

French doors open on the ocean side of the room as well as on the more intimate entrance courtyard with fountain.

This delightful design allows the Atlantic breezes to caress and refresh residents and visitors alike.

 
Living the vision of Old Palm Beach becomes a reality here. The character and spirit of this special place lives on in a new generation of custom homes.

 
Your senses and sound will be immediately drawn to the gentle percolating of water from a 17th Century Moroccan Fountain purchased while on adventures abroad.
This beautiful romantic dining room has an Italian limestone floor, plaster walls, and a highly detailed Pecky cypress ceiling in a 'Starburst' pattern.
Inspired by a Newport, Rhode Island breakfast room by Ogden Codman and Edith Wharton, the owners wanted a finely detailed and very delicate lattice room. The view is through to the living room and rear loggia.
Palm Beach's rich architectural history has been one of seamlessly merging classic Old World elegance with a distinctive blend of New World Caribbean style and south Florida flair.
The southern Georgian architectural style defines the level of casual elegance for your viewing pleasure.

The rhythm of the architectural elements, the harmony of materials, and the proportion of the structure are of utmost importance when one creates and builds for the discerning client.

Southern hospitality invites one to stay.

 
The exterior is reminiscent of a French Chateau, with rich stained mahogany windows and doors that blend in with the lush tropical landscaping, framing the welcome arms of a sweeping entry staircase.
The symmetric elegance continues to the southwestern exposure of the home, with its leveled formal pool and stone terracing. Wide overhangs shield the western sun from the living areas below and on the second floor.

The second floor living area opens to a covered veranda that is the perfect setting to catch the distant views beyond.
The home owners wanted the approach and entry to the house to be a surprise for their guests. The guests enter onto the entrance arcade of hand-carved columns, patterned brick floor, and exposed Pecky cypress beams.

This entrance arcade serves as circulation between the guest suite and the main house, as well as, the west boundary of the entrance courtyard.

The roof is clay barrel tile and the niche to the right is hand-carved coquina stone.