EXTERIOR FEATURES & CHARACTERISTICS

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Flat lots were for the mass builders.  Irregularity brought the challenge of how to work the home into the surrounding landscape. Sloped lots meant multiple levels, which in turn created varying levels of roofline.   

10811 Scotspring

Trees were important, and the rule was nothing over 4" got cut down.  Design around it. Woodgrove is maybe the best example with its now 150 year-old American Elm surrounded by the home.  

10029 Woodgrove

The generous use of natural materials abounds in Ju-Nel exteriors.  Examples are rough cedar siding, Mexican adobe brick, stone and T-111 siding.  

10226 Vinemont

Placement of street-facing windows was kept to a minimum to create ultra-private interior spaces where street and sidewalk noise are kept low.  

10905 Fernald

The family unit was top of mind when designing multiple outdoor spaces for entertaining, gathering and seclusion.  

11540 Rockcraft

Often with exposed rafters.  This design feature helps the home blend in seamlessly with its surroundings – while also suggesting a futuristic aesthetic.  

9021 Guildhall

This design feature helps block the sun while creating dramatic features and shadows.  Cut outs for existing trees honors the natural aspects of the environment.  

7115 Brookshire

In a brick facade, it was typical for Ju-Nel to leave a floor to ceiling opening for the window, then use a wood frame above and below to fill the space and cover with vertical cedar siding.  

9772 Maplehill

The use of stone was yet another method of incorporating natural material into the facade of the home.   

8939 Capri

Many Ju-Nel homes feature their original raised panel entry doors.  Not a commonly known attribute, but found in numerous examples.  

9033 Guildhall

An estimated 80%+ of the known body of work features adobe brick.  Presumed inspiration is Howard Meyer and his use of adobe brick at Temple EmanuEl.  

6834 Dalhart

Wood screens for privacy for front facing windows and brick screens near entry door areas were incorporated into a number of homes.  

9432 Angleridge

The Modernist movement brought open floor plans that promoted more interaction among its occupants.  Many critics believe Wright was one of the earliest and most prominent advocates of the open plan design in residential architecture.  

9111 Shoreview

Exposed beams are one of the most prolific hallmarks in Ju-Nel homes.  Often painted dark brown, almost black provide depth and definition for open ceiling spaces.  

10811 Fernald

Rowley & Wilson considered the fireplace to be the most important gathering space in the home and designed theirs to be like no others.  Two-way and circular with large brick surrounds and the use of brass and copper in a few homes.  

9019 Mercer

One of the most significant Ju-Nel homes features, terrazzo floors, copper fireplace, brick, wood panel wall and wood beams in the main living area and exemplify Rowley and Wilson's dedication to the use of natural materials.  

10476 Silverock

Another Ju-Nel hallmark, typically on the back of the home.  Large expanses of glass create an abundance of light and shadows during golden hours, as well as enabling views of the surrounding natural features.  

11540 Rockcraft

Screens were used inside, as well as outside for privacy and spactial delineation.  In this example, the same screen style is used on both the interior and exterior of the home.  It is presumed most homes' original screening have been removed.  

10449 Vinemont

Another common hallmark of the best Ju-Nel homes, brick pavers are both warm and inviting.  Pavers appear in Nelson and Wright's 1945 Tomorrow's House, and was a likely inspiration.  

8939 Capri

High ceilings help create wide open spaces, complementing open floor plans.  With high ceilings, we see the opportunity to add more glazing, which Rowley and Wilson do a terrific job of incorporating to create dramatic spaces.  

3215 Sperry

An additional method of bringing materials commonly used on the exterior, to the inside.  The use of stone and brick on vertical surfaces create warmth and interest.  

9741 Bellewood