
SILVERIO – ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN is a small architectural and residential design
practice in Lincolnville, Maine. It was established in 1979 as a private practice of
John Silverio – Architect. John’s work is highly creative and designed to the specific needs
of client and site. Matthew and John incorporated the business in 2005 and most recently
changed the name from John Silverio – Architect to SILVERIO – ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN.
The Silverio's
shingled style cottages explore the themes of the coastal tradition and regional designs along
the waters of Maine. Cues are drawn from turn of the century cottages, as well as lodges, Grange
Halls, and work buildings. Designs explore the multifaceted aspects of complex
progressions of dormers and hip roofs. There is typically a focus on the centers of the designs,
such as hearths, light wells, cupolas, and chimneys which establishes a hierarchy of form and
space that radiate outward and upward. The base of the designs is often expanded into the
surrounding landscape through decks, terraces, and broad steps. Although most of the work is
residential, there is also a specific interest and involvement in the design of Waldorf School
Buildings.
Be it an old
farmhouse, a grand shingle style home, or something in between, John and Matthew work together
to bring a sense of inviting comfort to the project. Even when one is the point
person, the other is close at hand and there is almost a constant exchange between the two in
the open space of their one room studio/office.
Upon arriving at the
office in Lincolnville, clients often find themselves taking a deep breath and relaxing a few
notches. The small shingled studio is part of a family compound at the end of a quiet
road. The sound of children can often be heard playing outside as John’s wife, Susan, runs
Spindlewood Kindergarten, a
Waldorf School, nearby. John and Matthew’s family homes and outbuildings dot the
forested landscape. The two work hard to maintain a calming sense of place for their work and
lives. That sense seems to rub off on their projects and can be found in their sensitivity for a
client’s own location. John Silverio Background
John Silverio grew up in Connecticut and
studied architecture at Rhode Island School of Design (1962-1967). He was a
recipient of a European Honors Program and studied in Rome,
Italy. He also studied with Louis Kahn at the
University of Pennsylvania (1968) and taught drawing at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a studio critic at the Boston Architectural
Center and served as an adjunct faculty
member at the College of the Atlantic and
the University of Maine.
His work has appeared in numerous books and magazine. His work
has also been featured in exhibitions of architectural work and paintings at the University of
Maine, The Farnsworth Art Museum, The Pine Tree
Gallery, The Maine Festival and Open Space Gallery.
Most recently John and Matthew
designed a table that was part of a group show at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship and the
Portland Museum of Art.
Since 1979,
he has practiced architecture at his Lincolnville studio with the help of co-workers,
students and Matthew.
John has also authored 3 books which are
being released in 2011:
-
The Book of the Hut which explores the origins of architecture.
-
Hearthspire which explores design around central hearths
-
Radiance Indwelling which examines the philosophical foundations of John's
architecture.
Matthew
Silverio Background
Residential
Designer Matthew Silverio began his building career as a carpenters helper at the age of 15 and
worked his way through school as a carpenter. After graduating from Alfred University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Fine
Arts focusing in ceramics and woodworking, he continued to build custom homes on the Maine
coast. He worked as a foreman for a small high end contractor until 1999 when he took time
to build his own home on the family property in Lincolnville. During this time, he
started working with his father as a draftsman. He quickly started designing and taking on
a larger role in the family business. Matthew likes to say he is used to being on both
sides of the drawings. “When I do a set of construction drawings I know what the guys on
the job site have to go through to make it a reality.”
Matthew’s artistic
background and years of intimate experience with custom home building bring a special eye to the
design process. His sensitivity to existing structures makes his additions and renovations fit
seamlessly between the old and new.
Both John and Matthew express their
creativity through other outlets as well. John can often be found playing his mandolin in a
local band or painting watercolor landscapes. Matthew enjoys working in his clay
studio on pottery or tile projects for friends and family or teaching the occasional Adult
Pottery Class. Both have a soft spot for small wooden boats and John would be happy to
sign you up for an adventure with the local chapter of the Traditional Small Craft
Association.
How We Work
We welcome the opportunity to design small homes and cottages, as well as
additions, renovations and furniture. A limited number of plans are available for resale.
We are artistically involved in the creative process through traditional hand
drawn plans, perspective drawings, and cardboard models. We are interested in energy efficient
and green design principles in our work and have worked with alternative energy systems such as
solar, wind, and wood heat. We have a particular interest in using masonry heaters at the core
of a design.
Call or email us to discuss your project today and thank you for visiting our
site.
Regards, John and
Matthew Silverio
LINKS
Brian Vanden Brink
Photography Maine Cottage Furniture
Waldorf Schools
Skydials.com
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