HGH Review

Welcome to our architectural review newsletter.  This up-close look behind the scenes and the mind of Harry Gandy Howle reflects how each finished home is a project of energy and enthusiasm that represents an intense level of attention to details.

Featured Home:

Provencal Proper

Harry Howle positioned this French Provencal home so the Gallaghers, both avid golfers, can enjoy a wide-angle view of the John's Island 16th fairway. In order to ensure the French overtones the homeowners wanted would be reflected in the overall design, the couple met with multiple architects. “Harry really captured our vision,” Janet Gallagher said. Read how Harry Gandy Howle & Associates wrote a new chapter for this family's history.

Upon approach, an arched granite headstone embedded in indigenous mountain rock announces your arrival to “Gothic Relief.” It’s appropriately a place of rest.
Though the original oak cabinets remained, the new interior is now a composition of art and animal. The cozy banquette draws guests in to sit a spell.
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What moved you to design this French-inspired home?
a:

I’ve always adhered to the rule that domestic architecture should fulfill the homeowner’s dreams, but it must also respect the purest precepts of its chosen vernacular. We admired how the owners of this property shared our philosophy for their new, custom home. Each architectural detail of this home reflects a strong French influence, which beautifully complements the community of John’s Island and our coastal area.

q:
We’re noticing fundamentals in this home that have likely become your trademark. Is that by design?
a:

I utilize French provincial characteristics when I think it’s appropriate. For example, you probably noticed the balanced symmetrical proportions of the steeply pitched belvedere structures between the garage and front entrance. The juxtaposition of these create a dramatic punctuation that breaks up the otherwise long roof lines. It’s functional as well as architecturally beautiful. I have adopted this detail as one of my trademarks!

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What are your favorite design elements?
a:

One of my favorite features is the 48’ radius arched transom windows above the French doors, leading from the living room to the pool terrace. Transoms are traditionally contained singularly over each pair of doors, but we utilized these unique arched transoms over the entire width of multiple French doors. We also repeated the arch effect in the living room’s ceiling beams, entry and doorways. Dramatic arches are synonymous with French provincial architecture and quite challenging to engineer. The coved tray with arch radius in the Master Bedroom is another favorite, strong French detail.

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How was the collaboration with the homeowner and your design partners?
a:

The original home was built in 1985 and was left to one of the owners by their parents with the blessing to demolish the home and build a new one. The couple agreed with our assessment that this in fact would be more practical than renovating the old structure and would maintain a greater value for many years to come. So, we embarked on a project to create a new home that would best fit their lifestyle. The collaboration of the team that we assembled worked flawlessly. From the initial planning, through architectural design, construction, and the interior design installation it took us approximately 24 months to complete. The homeowners now intend to make this their primary residence.

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