Princeton, N.J.-Based Firm Earns Prestigious Distinction for Sleek Guest House Design in Rustic Upstate N.Y. Town

The New Jersey chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA-NJ) has awarded Princeton, N.J. architectural design firm ikon.5 architects with an Honor Award in the Built Residential category for its visually stunning, yet simple, design of a quaint guest house in Ithaca, N.Y.

“ikon.5’s Ithaca Guest House is a true display of the sophisticated design aesthetic and functionality possible in today’s architectural world,” said Kurt Kalafsky, AIA, president of AIA-NJ. “We’re impressed by the firm’s unyielding desire to continue to push the envelope and create new, exciting residential buildings.”

The 720-square-foot guest house is nestled across from an elegant whitewashed brick main house, complemented by a steel and wood pergola along its west edge, creating an intimate setting for an outdoor stone-terraced swimming pool court. With a simple zinc and mahogany-clad exterior, the house creates a dazzling glow exposed to the abundance of natural sunlight.

Completed in 2013, the guest house offers visitors remarkable views of nearby Lake Cayuga. With minimalist amenities and black granite floors, the building juxtaposes design modernity with its natural surroundings.

“We’re extremely grateful to receive this grand recognition for an otherwise diminutive and unassuming building,” said Joseph G. Tattoni, AIA, principal at ikon.5 architecture. “I’m proud of our team of talented designers for their progressive vision in this project, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to create new, imaginative places to live.”

The AIA-NJ Annual Design Awards program recognizes architectural projects that exhibit design excellence in one of four categories: Open (meant for any building type), Residential, Historic Preservation and Interior Architecture. Projects are further designated as either Built or Un-built. To be eligible, projects must be either located in New Jersey or designed by an AIA-NJ architect. Submitted projects are evaluated during the organization’s annual Design Conference by a group of distinguished architects from throughout the country.

 About AIA and AIA New Jersey

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the professional organization that helps architects serve the public’s needs and builds awareness of the role of architects and architecture in American society. The organization, which was founded in 1857, recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., its 300 plus local chapters represent 86,000 licensed architects and associated professionals. AIA New Jersey, based in Trenton, is the local chapter of AIA. In 2000, it celebrated its 100th anniversary. AIA New Jersey has about 2,000 members in six regional sections. For more information, please visit www.aia-nj.org.