Design Profile: Montrose Estates

The Montrose Estates project consists of four new, 3500 sf three-story single-family townhomes with two-car rear garages. The parcel is adjacent to a historic church (c 1906, ashlar & limestone, Gothic Revival) and a historic school building (c 1925, brick & tile, Art Deco). Discovering a way to humbly complement and respect these thoughtfully crafted neighbors remained a driving force throughout the design process, as did finding a masonry material that offered the sizes, colors, and finishes required that also fulfilled the project’s sustainability goals. As anticipated, the budget, lead time, and workability quickly became key challenges. Ultimately, a cement brick product (opposed to traditional brick) that checked all the boxes was selected. The product is finished on all four sides and contains recycled glass which catches the light and adds a subtle sparkle to the mix of standard grays in three different brick lengths. This feature ties in the stonework at the church while alluding to the scale and detail of the brickwork at the school. To assist the masons in successfully executing the complex pilasters and intricate inlays, a detailed plan, section, and elevation were provided along with three-D drawings at critical points throughout the facade, with tolerances down to 1/8”. Designers worked closely with the bricklayers during construction to ensure design elements such as split-level stoops and an additional cornice line at the third-floor level respected the scale of the modest-sized block. Recessed entryways with integrated planters and concealed access panels were used to successfully hide all incoming utilities. Overall, the façade pays homage to the timeless aesthetic and proportions of the classic, monumental Philadelphia brick façade by utilizing multi-layered pilasters and patterned inlays while also incorporating expansive, mulled windows with exposed steel headers that nod to the city’s Industrial legacy. 

Project: Montrose Estates  

Location: Philadelphia, PA    

Client: MLK Real Estate  

Project Size: 15,680 sf  

 
Project team:  
S2 Design (Architect)  

Space & Company (Designer)  

PFD Metal Fabrication Design Studio (Metal Fabrication) 

Domus Inc. (General Contractor) 

Photos: C. Stromberg