The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1408472
D R E A M P R O J E C TS With different backgrounds, it's little surprise that the two have slightly different ideas of what an ideal project would be, but that's what makes them such a compatible and effective team. For Hanrahan, his love is the classic and timeless construction found on the coast. Condatore prefers larger mixed-use projects where he is excited by seeing the steel and concrete rise from the ground. But he also admitted to a soft spot for coastal architecture. Both are starting to see a change along the Jersey shore as more people split their time between NY and FL and bring design cues from places like Miami back north. They feel the two distinct looks mix well. Overall, the pair prefer clean design and shun the idea of constantly adding new layers to the original bones. Condatore said that Instead of modifying, some architects just layer over what is there, and they lose sight of what they're trying to achieve. "You have to pull back the layers to get to what's clean. We feel the forms, spaces, and simple detail is what makes our architecture work". Simple lines, lots of windows, and a classic style are reflected in their work at a home on Lake Como-- a site that also proves their skill at coastal dwellings extends beyond the oceanfront. It really comes down to capturing the water views both from the inside and outside. Walls of windows, high ceilings, and a muted color palette help bring the outdoors in. That merging is taken a bit further through sliding glass panels that, when opened, simply expand the living space to encompass the outdoor patio. When the weather is fine, the outdoors becomes the perfect spot for entertaining complete with a large pass-through from the kitchen that serves as a bar but also eases the transfer of food and drinks. As day turns to night, guests can gather around the firepit and capture the moonlight reflecting off the lake. Discovering how to create amazing spaces and looking towards how people would interact with those spaces is what Jason said inspired him to be an architect. As their portfolio of projects attests, the clients of MODE reap the benefits of that inspiration. Photo Credit: RARE Photography mode-arch.com info@mode-arch.com | (732) 800-1958 @mode_architects V U E N J .C O M 70