Monika Aleksandra

Location: San Francisco, CA

Type: New Tenant Build-out

Square Footage: 3,050 sqft

Open Date: 2019

Design Objectives: As the namesake to the new Warrior’s stadium, this flagship branch needed to be stunning. While still incorporating widely recognized brand standards, this project incorporated unique materials and design moments uniquely suited for the stadium setting. Recycled wood products from gymnasium floors and stadium seating were repurposed as wallcoverings, ceiling treatments and seating within the space. Specialty lighting defined spatial conditions and added a feeling of playfulness. A basketball hoop was even integrated into the design. The two biggest challenges faced while working on the construction administration for this project was developing details that embraced the imperfect nature of recycled materials and adapting to as-built shell conditions that did not align with the original design drawings we were provided. Flexibility and adaptation of a tenant project is crucial to the success of any project.

Location: Portland, OR

Type: New Construction*

Square Footage: 1,500 sqft

Open Date: 2021

Design Objectives: This project was a deviation from the brand standard at the time and was an opportunity to pioneer a more “Pacific Northwest” version of their standard design. We had the chance to play with novel materials such as Corium Brick Systems and shou-sugi-ban charred wood siding. This project presented a unique challenge due to jurisdictional constraints. The previous building on the property had a drive-thru which the client wished to reuse. However, current zoning regulations only allowed “grandfathered” drive-thrus. To qualify for this clause we were required to keep the identical footprint and the 16’-0” foot long portion of existing wall that had the original drive-thru opening. Integrating the existing wall into the new building structure was very important. *Technically our building was permitted as a commercial renovation despite the only portion of the building that remained was the one wall. We replaced the slab and all other structural elements. The lot itself was very small, and was required to conform to all other new zoning regulations so the planting, parking, and path of travel was very difficult to achieve and took many iterations with the planning department. The final product was a great example of how strong designs can be shaped by constraints. The overall result was a big win for the client and our team.

Location: Seattle, WA

Daily Journal of Commerce Article

Type: Renovation with Accessibility Upgrades and Significant Structural Modifications

Square Footage: 8,100 sqft

Open Date: 2021

Design Objectives:

The urban grids of the Westlake Shopping district and South Lake Union business center converge to form a uniquely triangular block of downtown Seattle. It is here that we transformed an existing fast-food restaurant into an iconic branding moment for our client. The existing structure mirrored the uniqueness of the site and sought to capitalize on the inherent geometries. Our intervention utilized the bold structure and sculptural mass of the building while transforming key elevations with transparent volumes. Key architectural lighting illuminates material transitions and draws your eye into the space. Within the building, the double height lobby features a monumental staircase visually linking the two main levels. The transparency of this atrium opens up views to the surrounding urban environment giving passersby glimpses of additional audio-visual branding experiences. With arterial streets on all sides, it was important to maintain a strong brand identity on every facade. Surrounded by high rises, our project stands out as an island amidst the surrounding urban forest, making it hard to miss. What we have achieved is an adaptation of a national brand identity that is able to adapt and respond to place and time.

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Type: Exterior Store

Square Footage: 3,648 sqft

Open Date: 12/08/2018

Design Objectives: Located on a highly visible corner, this store sought to optimize the area of display windows and storefront signage using metal canopies and illuminated transoms. The arched display windows posed a unique design opportunity for the glazing system. This store was an opportunity to use an infinity glazing system.

Location: Omaha, NE

Type: Interior Store

Square Footage: 3,610 sqft

Open Date: 09/28/2018

Design Objectives: The design for the sales area at this location was designed around an existing structural system that had columns in the center of the sales space. This store was an elevated design package with illuminated signage, high quality finishes, and publically accessed restrooms. This store utilized a remote stock area that involved additional coordination into the construction document set.

Location: Redlands, CA

Type: Exterior Store

Square Footage: 3,027 sqft

Open Date: 9/14/2018

Design Objectives: This storefront was designed to incorporate strict landlord requirements. However, augmentation of the existing exterior material pallet was allowed, as well as modification of the awnings. Structural modifications were also required due to the removal of a neutral pier. The unique geometry of the sales area required an atypical fixture layout that was very successful.

Location: Middleton, New York

Type: Interior

Square Footage: 3,024 sqft

Open Date: 10/19/2018

Design Objectives: We were able to change the location of the fold line in the storefront to increase the size of the opening and maximize the signage area. The sales area of the store was optimized by increasing the width to follow the geometry of the lease line. This also made for a more dynamic interior space.

Location: Edmond, OK

Type: Exterior Store

Square Footage: 3,233 sqft

Open Date: 07/27/2018

Design Objective: This store was a corner condition location with an exterior portico. Additional display windows allowed for more flexible merchandising and brand recognition.

Location: Mount Pleasant, SC

Type: Exterior Store

Square Footage: 2,905 sqft

Open Date: 11/10/2018

Design Objectives: The architectural review board imposed strict requirements on this storefront that forced deviation from the typical prototype. Illuminated signage was not allowed, which included the back-lit gingham panels in the transom windows. Therefore, gingham awnings were used as well as new, white, goose neck light fixtures to illuminate the storefront signage. The storefront was tilt-up concrete panel, so removal of the intermediate neutral piers was not possible. However, to maximize glazing size, removal of existing landscaping and brick knee-walls was permitted. This location also required hurricane rated glazing systems.

This camp had been in our client’s family for years and many elements of it held immeasurable sentimental value. However, their needs were beginning to outgrow the existing facilities. The property housed a small garage, a guest house, a main camp, and a new boathouse/guest house that Hanpeter Architects had designed and built several years earlier.

Phase one consisted of designing a large garage near the main camp with a multi-purpose space above. The garage itself had three bays, 12’-6” ceilings and sufficient space to incorporate several tool benches, and a car lift. A covered pedestrian access patio allowed for easy passage between the main camp, and the garage.

The upper level featured a beautiful covered porch along the front of the garage, a full bathroom, and plenty of space for couches, TV’s and a pool table. Rich wood finishes covered the floor, walls, and ceiling to make the space feel like anything but a garage. There is also the necessary plumbing in place to add a wet bar or small kitchen with an island.

Phase two of this project involved renovating the main camp. The interior spaces of the camp were oddly subdivided with excessive circulation space. The client wanted to preserve the Dining Room and iconic Great Room. Hanpeter Architects redesigned the Kitchen, Den, and Bedrooms to create a more cohesive design. A new porch was built off of the Den to create a rear entrance that could also be used to store firewood for the new fireplace. A new Master Bathroom was added, and the existing Powder Room and Guest Bath were remodeled. 

Construction administration of this project was overseen by the client, and built by client provided contractors. Hanpeter Architects fielded questions, handled permitting, and was available to answer questions and issue new drawing sets when required.

The Dew Drop Inn originally opened in 1947 and quickly became a local icon. After 40 years it shut down and slowly fell into disrepair. Overtime all the other businesses that had rented it left, and the apartments upstairs were condemned. 

Our client has strong ties to the area, and many memories of dining at the Dew Drop as a child. Returning to Saranac Lake after some time, they decided to purchase the forgotten building and commit to bringing it back to life. It has been an ambitious process and  much of the structure has had to be repaired or replaced, but the potential is exciting. 

There are three levels to the building: street level, upper level, and a lower level that is at river height. The main level will be the restaurant with a full kitchen, covered dining deck, and a curved statement bar. The upper level will have two fully outfitted apartments that will be rented out as AirBnB's. The lower level will have a full kitchen and large multipurpose space that can hold events or be rented out. The lower level is flexible to allow for possible future expansion of the restaurant. There is also the possibility of an exterior walkway running along the lower level that would complete the loop of Saranac Lake's downtown river walk. This would be an excellent way to give back to the community and encourage plenty of foot travel in and around the restaurant!

This project is currently under construction. The back half of the building was rebuilt due to fire damage, and the foundation walls were re-poured in sections. The roof also has undergone substantial repairs and re-weatherproofing.

Built into a steep embankment, with an extreme fluctuation in water level, the existing boathouse proved relatively useless for the actual storage of boats. Originally, the upper level had been used as a workshop, sacrificing the best view on the property. 

Working with our client, I designed a solution utilizing a multi-functional space that took advantage of every square inch of the small footprint. The upper level is subdivided into three sections: an open covered porch, and screen porch, and an interior space. The three levels of enclosure allow the views to be enjoyed no matter what the weather. The interior space was intended mostly as a shelter in poor weather, and an area to store porch furniture during the off season. 

The lower level of the boathouse functions as a storage space for kayaks, paddles, life vests etc. The workshop was relocated to the newly renovated garage. Future plans include installing a retractable ramp that will extend from the lower level into the water. This will make it possible to load and unload larger boats regardless of the water level.

We restored and expanded an existing garage that was once in real danger of collapsing. This camp had been in our client's family for generations. Maintaining the classic look of the original structures was very important to them.

Additional enclosed bays on either side of the original structure allow for ample storage space for their vehicles, while the center bay was designed to house all of their workshop equipment. The original garage door was restored and refinished to match the two new custom doors we had built. A new loft access door allows larger items to be hoisted into the attic using a pulley system.

Our clients own two neighboring plots of land. The first property has a residence and a boathouse, the second is vacant. Their master plan includes renovation of the existing residence and construction of a new residence on the vacant plot of land.

Step one was to completely demolish and replace the boathouse. It was too small and too run down to function properly. The new design sought to tie into the aesthetic of the residence and add more functionality and visual appeal. The wharf expanded to fit an additional boat and to allow for more exterior lounging space. Large barn doors on the side of the boathouse open to create an even larger space that spans from inside to outside. The roof deck offers beautiful views up the lake and has integrated electrical and lighting to allow for evening enjoyment. 

The construcction process for this project was fascinating because much of the work was one during the freezing cold Adirondack winter. At certain points the guys could set up work stations on the ice adjacent to the structure!

Hanpeter Architects had worked with these clients on a variety of renovation projects on their existing camp. However, they realized that additional storage and parking space was necessary. While this was their vacation property, their love of summer and winter sports allowed for three seasons of use and necessitated storage space for all of their gear.

A small, simple garage with storage space above will serve their purposes perfectly. Loft doors afford ample access to attic storage above the garage bays.

This renovation project is still in progress. Cedar Lodge is part of a historic club of seasonal camps. There are strict rules as to what can and cannot be done to a property. In this case, we were permitted to build a split level addition off of the main living space of the original camp. Blending the addition into the existing architecture was very important. Details such as finishes, slopes, fenestration, and materials were an extremely important aspect of this project.

The addition is focused on creating additional sleeping spaces for family members to stay. Two new guest rooms were built with private powder rooms. The main guest bath and exiting guest bedroom were also renovated a part of the process. Finally, a screened porch was being built off of the existing master bedroom on the other side of the house. 

This project features many unique built-in features such as custom linen cabinets and a bunk bed with a hidden access to a finished attic play space. 

Several complex structural considerations throughout this project required highly specified details. For example, underpinning was required to extend existing piers deeper underground to support the new lower level. This required manipulations to support the existing structure while the new one was being built. Some of that process is shown in the photographs.

This project is currently in substantial completion, awaiting the end of the summer season when the residents will vacate the property and work can resume.

A complicated series of previous additions and remodels had left our clients with a porch roof system that was overbuilt, over complicated, and covering several nonfunctional spaces. In the Adirondacks, the porch is arguably the most important part of the home, not the hearth.

Our design sought to capture all the existing spaces under one new spacious gable roof. This entire structure would be screened in to allow for comfortable outdoor enjoyment without the threat of bugs. New outdoor decks were built to facilitate grilling, sunbathing, and enjoying the bug free months of summer.

Circulation between these spaces was also crucial. The original porch had an awkwardly sized screened-in dining area that wasn't able to properly access the other outdoor spaces. Our new design doesn't isolate the eating space, and has two separate doors out onto the two separate deck platforms, with stairs between.

The existing Maple Lodge floor plan was a simple "H" shape with the main living area in the center with two wings to either side. The first wing contained the master bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen/dining. The other wing had two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a screen porch. 

Our renovation consisted on expanding the first wing. A new kitchen was built and the existing kitchen/dining was converted to a large dining space with room for the custom table and bench we designed. The master bedroom was expanded and turned into a suite with it's own private bathroom. The existing bathroom was relocated into the expansion and in it's place, a laundry room and sauna were built.

The exterior of the addition was finished in the same way as the existing camp in order to create a seamless overall appearance. Further improvements included a stone walkway up toward the front entrance of the camp.

The existing Kiwassa Boathouse nestled in to a beautiful shoreline with some of the most spectacular views across the lake. Unfortunately, the widely fluctuating water levels frequently flooded the lower level and made it impossible to store their larger pontoon boat.

Our solution centered on retaining as much of the existing boathouse as possible. Unfortunately, the walls of the lower level had sustained too much water damage to be viable. Instead, the entire upper level was lifted up on very tall cribbing structures while a new wharf was built below at a new, higher level. 

The renovation also included an extended wharf and covered upper deck on the west side of the boathouse. 

Our clients bought a waterfront property with an existing small cabin. Hanpeter Architects designed and built a full septic system that would accommodate a much larger residence in the future. The new residence would feature four bedrooms, 4.5 baths, office, den, chef’s kitchen, and massive great room. An attached two-stall garage would house a full sized squash court, additional bathroom, and plenty of additional storage space.

The site for the project occupied a waterfront lot that juts out into Lake George. In order to navigate the set-back requirements while optimizing views, the residence is comprised of two wings that rotate around a circular center. The main entrance brings you into the crux of the house. This center space houses the kitchen and entry space, on the main level, and the master suite above. The southern wing includes the great room and den, with a guest suite above. The northern wing houses the children’s bedrooms, the powder room, and the live-in nanny quarters. Continuing on through the north wing brings you to the garage.

The exterior of the residence was designed to be a classic take on the common Lake George Shingle style. Light grays and blues with scattered usage of naturally occurring stone. Wide porches with classic Doric columns would maximize opportunities to utilize outdoor space. A wrap around porch on both the front and back of the house gives a variety of spaces, while each bedroom has their own private outdoor access. Even the squash court has its own porch.

Construction documents on this project have yet to begin. The project is currently in the design development phase.

This project consisted of redesigning and rebuilding an existing Maid’s Quarters in a larger complex of camp buildings. The camp itself is historic, and the design had to respect the existing style of the camp while preserving its own autonomy.

A tree had fallen on the roof of the Maid’s Quarters, necessitating the repair of the roof and front of the building. The client saw this as an opportunity to renovate and expand the entire building to better suit the needs of their growing family. The original building had six tiny bedrooms and one bathroom.

The updated design featured two bedrooms and a bathroom on the main floor along with a kitchen, living, and dining area. An added second level would allow for a third bedroom, knee-wall storage space, an additional bathroom, and a balcony overlooking the living area below. This project was never completed due to budgetary restraints.

A very busy family with year-round outdoor interests were quickly out growing the storage capacity of their lakefront camp in Indian Lake. Our Carriage House design featured a roomy main level garage with an attached stair tower leading down to a basement workshop and upstairs storage area.

The storage area was built with the necessary hook-ups and infrastructure to accommodate a future guest retreat. The basement workshop was completely underground and therefore had specific drainage requirements as well as the necessary structural design to support the concrete slab above. Steel pipe columns supported an I-Beam that ran the length of the slab. On top of that, rested slab form decking that the garage floor slab would be poured on. Slight slopes in the concrete would allow for proper drainage across the slab surface. A complex imbedded rebar system reinforced the strength of the slab.

The exterior of the Carriage House was reminiscent of the rustic treatment of the interior of the existing residence. The gable ends feature carved shingle designs by a local craftsman. The idea was to eventually redo the exterior of the existing residence to make it match the updated look of the new Carriage House.

This project was completed in 2015.

The North Elba Carriage House is going to be an additional structure built on an existing property recently purchased by our client. The exterior design and color palett emulate the existing residence and barn.

Three garage bays allow for ample storage of vehicles and gear for outdoor activities. An entrance vestibule houses a new mechanical room and a stair tower to reach the upper level. Above the garage is a new guest apartment with beautiful views across the High Peaks and the bobsled run on Mt. Van Hoevenberg.

The Lakeview Deli Project consisted of renovating and expanding a local, family owned business. The Deli had begun a catering business that was quickly overwhelming the Deli’s facilities. The building neighboring the Deli was owned by the same client.

The design intent was to combine the two buildings with a connecting structure. The Deli would remain in the same location, on the main floor of the existing building, but with an entirely redesigned prep space and its own designated kitchen. The main floor of the connecting structure would allow for circulation between the two buildings, and house the new handicap accessible bathrooms. The main floor of the second building would have a new, professional catering kitchen that was open to the public space. This public space would have seating for patrons of the deli, and cold storage for selling prepared diners and craft beer.

A new storage facility in the rear of the two buildings would have plenty of dry and cold storage space along with the necessary dish washing equipment. The rear of the new connecting structure would incorporate a redesigned stair tower to allow people to access the two apartments on the upper level. These apartments would either be rented out, or provide housing for the client’s family. This project was put on hold indefinitely due to an illness in the family.

Our clients bought a beautiful piece of property with excellent lake views and natural stone outcroppings that afforded us with interesting design criteria. The project included a main residence, a guest annex, a garage with space to incorporate a guest suite and a covered boat port. 

The first phase of the project will be building the access road and driveway, the garage, and the guest annex. The annex will serve as a temporary residence for the clients while work is being completed on the main residence the following year.

Each of the three buildings with have their own unique setting and views. The garage sits up farther on the property and has the ability to catch glimpses of the nearby mountains. The annex nestles within a natural dip in the landscape with large windows looking out onto neighboring marshland. Finally, the main residence will be built backing into an existing rock outcropping and have open views to the lake.

As you approach the main residence, the massing of the building is diminished by the rock ridge behind it. The entrance vestibules extend towards you, cutting their way through the ledge. After passing through the entryway, one enters a large, vaulted, double-height space that houses the living, dining, and kitchen areas. The line of site immediately extends through the space and out to the lake. A large terraced deck blends with the landscape, blending the house into the natural terrain. 

This project is still in the design development phase.