Good Question, Bauwerk!
Recently I got to partake in a Q&A hosted by Bauwerk, a Charlotte company providing top-of-the-line windows and doors.
They had sat down with Buddy Edwards of Lynn Luxury Homes and yours truly to discuss a modern home we have been collaborating on.
~ Toby
Here is an excerpt:
Q+A With Two Of Charlotte's Premier Modern Home Experts, Buddy Edwards & Toby Witte
Gerendák, a Lake Wylie Residence
What do you love about your work?
Toby: I’m just a kid in a candy store, really. I love designing inspiring spaces for people that transform their lives and turns it into something better. For me, it’s exciting to make these spaces fit both the environment, and the clients’ needs and desires. Each time, I find a new solution for whatever the situation brings.
Buddy: I love building unique and personalized homes for my clients, something that resembles their personality and is molded to their lifestyle. Building has always been a passion of mine; whether it’s a little free library house for my kid’s school or a 20,000SF home, I find joy in building anything. I also have a strong interest in architecture and design; a lot of builders don’t care about that piece as much as I do. I am passionate about it, so I’m even more excited when it’s beautiful architecture that I’m working on.
How does your mutual interest in design and architecture strengthen this project?
Buddy: Projects like Gerendák are perfect for me, because I enjoy the camaraderie that develops between the builder, the designer, and the client. It’s really rewarding. I'm inspired by good architecture, so I have a passion for working with the design team to execute that final work of art.
Toby: It’s a really fruitful partnership for both of us. Most builders seem to like to do what’s familiar. Buddy is just wide-open to new ideas, always seeming to say “Yes, we can do that. Let’s do this right.” Working with Buddy is an absolute joy for me.
Buddy Edwards, Lynn Luxury Homes
Toby Witte, Wittehaus
Do you consider the environmental impact in your designs and builds, and if so, how?
Toby: From my perspective, it starts with a good design. A lot of energy efficiency can be had just by designing well. It’s a question of addressing the sun in the right way, to consider the construction of the house and its materials.
On top of that, a lot of new models of energy efficiency are absolutely available here in North Carolina. It’s actually a no-brainer to install solar panels in a new build. It’s easy, and it’s not even a problem from a financial perspective. Energy efficiency doesn’t have to cost any extra. It’s just a question of designing well. That translates, of course, to the build.
Buddy: I think the most important thing when you’re trying to incorporate a project into the environment is the design. If you don’t have a good design to start with, you can’t have good construction. It’s important to me to have a good design partner on every one of our homes, because otherwise I’m just banging my head against the wall.
The most environmentally conscious homes integrate with the landscape and the topography. The views from the inside out, and the outside in, are important. When you’re moving between spaces, whether just inside the house or to the outside, it needs to feel seamless. You should feel at home on your whole piece of property, not just inside your home.
I can use the best building materials in the world, the best technology, the best construction techniques, but if you don’t have good design, then you don’t have anything valuable.
Who are the clients that are interested in modern architecture?
Buddy: Clients that like modern architecture tend to have very unique personalities and lead an adventurous lifestyle. They prioritize efficiency and quality, and tend to think in abstract ways. They’re often drawn to modern architecture’s combination of simplicity and boldness.
There are many native Charlotteans here, but even more transplants. As Toby said, a huge amount of people move here every day. While modern architecture is a well-known trend nationally, it’s gaining significant popularity in the Charlotte area.
There are a lot of great companies here, and a lot of entrepreneurs. The market is really strong, from starter homes all the way through multi-million dollar homes. Many of those high net-worth clients are ones that are interested in modern architecture. A lot of sports professionals in Charlotte also have a keen interest in modern architecture. So, I feel that there is definitely a lot of growth opportunity for modern design.
What kind of project do you want to work on next?
Buddy: We’re grateful to have a few other amazing projects in the pipeline now. If we could work on another dramatic, modern waterfront home like this one with Toby, I would be thrilled. I gravitate towards more complex projects, and enjoy that integration of the home and the natural landscape - particularly when it involves water. But as we said earlier, it all starts with a great client like we have on this project.
Toby: I have my own personal interests in architecture that I’m eager to explore, and so I certainly hope that some of my clients desires and wishes will align with some of the ideas I want to play with. Charlotte needs more great architecture, and if Buddy and I have the chance to increase the canon of this city in some way, that would be wonderful. <<
Bauwerk
Bauwerk has been providing high performing windows, doors, and sliders for my projects here in Charlotte. Among other products they offer German engineered tilt-and-turn windows for the American market.
With competitive pricing their product line excels in energy efficiency, quality of manufacturing, handling and a modern aesthetic.
To read the entire interview go here: Q+A With Two Of Charlotte's Premier Modern Home Experts, Buddy Edwards & Toby Witte