The Garden of Wood and Windows
Overlooking the Ogee-chee River near Sa-vannah, Ga., is a new development that is taking great pains to remain true to its architectural roots. Ford Plantation is an 1800-acre estate located where automobile legend Henry Ford and his wife Clara used to find solace when they weren’t revolutionizing the manufacturing process.
"This plantation has an historical pedigree, one which emphasizes the timelessness of the natural beauty of the area -- and of classic architectural design," says Donald Rattner, architect for Ford Plantation.
The Fords used to use this property as a winter retreat, and now approximately 450 properties will be developed from it -- 300 of which will be custom homes. These homes are intended to marry the splendor of the Old South with the comforts of the 21st century, which made material and product selections of paramount importance.
Ford Plantation developers have specified Pozzi Wood Windows to be used in these homes for their classic styling and modern quality. Pozzi was selected also for their involvement with historical renovations that include the Atlanta Biltmore, The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. and the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
As with most traditional architecture, the homes in Ford Plantation incorporate many divided lite window patterns as well as double-hungs, custom geometric shapes and unique bay window combinations. Pozzi devotes more than 40% of its product line to custom windows and patio doors. That, along with their production lines, made them a good fit.
"By choosing to design in a traditional framework, the managing partners have affirmed the relationship between architecture and community, the triumph of endearing values, and most of all, an image of home and sense of place that most people look for when building a house," says Rattner. "Windows are integral in complementing the architecture of these magnificent homes."
Rattner has held teaching positions at NYU, the University of Illinois in Chicago, and Parsons School of design in New York. As Town Architect for Ford Plantation, he will oversee the design and development of several of the plantation’s features, while consulting on future development of the site.