Masonry Magazine January 1978 Page.24
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He builds 'em like they used to-Virginia builder Eugene Cullinane
applies 18th century craftsmanship to new homes in historic
Alexandria, Va. Flemish bond gives the exterior walls a distinctive
look, along with details such as a raised brick "belt course" and
brick jack arches over windows. The antique "mud brick" is a mod-
ern reproduction.
In Virginia: 18th Century Brick
Designs for 20th Century Homes
It's easy for tourists to mistake The Summit for yet another pocket of historic homes in the pre-Revolution era city of Alexandria, Virginia. Only the discreet hum of air conditioners hints that the handsome brick federal houses are anything but superbly preserved specimens of early American architecture.
That's the way builder Eugene Cullinane intended it. A third-generation builder, he is also a history buff who bases his home designs on construction techniques and details gleaned from antique books and etchings. The result: spacious, comfortable homes with the elegant stamp of one of America's most architecturally distinguished eras.
Reminders of the Federal Period-the years following the American Revolution abound. High ceilings, Flemish bond brick facades, Palladian windows and carved mold-ings are a few of the distinctive design elements incorpo-rated into the fifteen houses at The Summit.
Even the mortar for the brick is colored to resemble oys-ter shell mortar used during the early days of the city.
The Early American mood is enhanced by the simple, restrained designs. Like early Virginia builders. Cullinane has used brick extensively, in walls, paving, and entrance stairs. Subtle details such as special brick patterns, colors and shapes add authenticity and visual interest to the houses.
Flemish bond, a type of brick bond in which "stretch-ers" (long face) and "headers" (ends) alternate, is used for the facades of the houses. Flat arches over windows are formed from a special narrow brick in a warm vermillion color that contrasts with the antique reproduction "mud brick."
Additional details include a "belt course" of raised brick around the first floor level of one exterior. For another house, rounded, specially-molded brick were used to create a formal entrance.
Terri Miller, an executive with Cullinane's company. pointed out the generous dimensions of a hip roof. "The added height helps to balance the broad front of the house," she said. "It's one of the details that makes eighteenth century architecture still so pleasing today."
Many of the original homes that inspired Cullinane's projects are a short distance away in Alexandria's historic "Old Town" district. The bustling riverfront area, a mecca for tourists, boasts more than 1,000 restored homes in the area's gracious, cobble-stoned streets.