"For the past year and a half, I have watched as this house evolved from a gutted frame to a beautiful and livable family home. All of this was the responsibility of Petra Construction. I would not hesitate to recommend your company and efficient skilled crew to anyone seeking quality, integrity and dedication in any type of construction."
Carol Feinberg, Owner
Branford Residence
Branford, Connecticut
Architect: Wayne Garrick Architects
This custom residence sits atop a rock outcrop overlooking Branford Harbor. The second floor was added to provide additional space. All the interior spaces were renovated, including custom interior woodwork, arched ceiling in living room, special decorative features throughout and radiant heating.
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Branford Residence
Guilford Residence
Guilford, Connecticut
Architect: Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC
Petra recently completed construction of this new three-story residence, custom built for a family of six. The house was built on an old quarry requiring minor blasting for rock removal after demolition of the existing residence. Many unique features can be found throughout the residence including space for a future wine cellar in the basement with exposed natural rock on one side. Giving the exterior its unique look, the roof is a mix of red cedar shingles and standing seam metal and the siding is a mix of white board & batten and red cedar shingles. Custom millwork fabricated and installed by Petra’s in-house millshop includes the cabinetry throughout, kitchen pantry, built-in mudroom lockers, and built-in entry wall unit. Work also included framing and installation of all windows, exterior and interior doors, and exterior and interior trim.
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Guilford Residence
Guilford Waterfront Residence
Guilford, Connecticut
Architect: Jo Machinist Architect
This new residence was constructed on a 1.26 acre lot that was once part of a granite quarry in the early part of the 1900’s. This, along with other sensitive environmental factors, resulted in wide-ranging requirements. As required by FEMA guidelines, the house is elevated eight to twelve feet above the existing grade. The home features a reverse osmosis water purification system to convert salt water to fresh potable water. A variety of flooring materials were used, as well as a hydronic radiant heat/chiller system.
Project featured in Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, September 2011. Click here to read article.
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Guilford Waterfront Residence
Guilford Waterfront Residence
Guilford, Connecticut
Architect: Duo Dickinson Architect
The owners of this residence dreamed of building a new home, blending attributes of their London home together with the summer house that once occupied this space. The result was a magnificent residence that is truly their own. Construction efforts were coordinated with the owners and their interior decorator, both across the Atlantic. The product of this cross-continental collaboration is a custom home unrivaled in its reflection of the owners’ individuality.
Award:
2005 Home Builders & Remodelers Association of CT Best Custom Home 3,000-4,000 SF
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Guilford Waterfront Residence
Guilford, Connecticut
Architect: SMOOK Architecture & Urban Design, Inc.
Poised on a granite escarpment above Long Island Sound, this new residence enhances the Guilford shoreline, already known for its architectural abundance. Upon entrance into the grand gallery, extending toward the spacious windows facing the coast, visitors are greeted with a high level of architectural finishes and custom molding, detailed by Petra’s skilled craftsmen. The design centered on maximizing the views of Long Island Sound, while maintaining a high degree of privacy and functionality.
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Guilford Waterfront Residence
Guilford, Connecticut
Architect: Nelson Denny Architecture
An existing house was demolished and a new custom waterfront residence was constructed with a stunning 180 degree view of Long Island Sound and the surrounding coastline. This hurricane resistant home has concealed, automated hurricane shutters and a steel wind frame sub-structure to provide protection against New England’s worst weather conditions. Energy efficiency was a key consideration in the design of the automated lighting controls and automated heating and air conditioning control system. The home’s extensive custom millwork was fabricated by Petra’s in-house millshop.
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Guilford Waterfront Residence
Guilford Waterfront Residence
Guilford Waterfront Residence
Guilford Waterfront Residence and Boat House
Guilford, Connecticut
Architect: Felhandler/Steeneken Architects
Completed in multiple phases to very exacting standards, two new buildings were strategically located on fourteen acres of waterfront in Guilford with approximately 1,000 feet of frontage on Long Island Sound. The property was first cleared, underground utilities were installed, and the 500 foot long driveway was established. An 855 sf boat/guest house was constructed near the water’s edge with a breathtaking 180 degree view of Long Island through two walls of custom designed mahogany French doors. The granite veneer installed on the foundation was excavated from the site and carefully crafted to create a random ashlar pattern. The interior’s extensive millwork, kitchen cabinets, bath vanity, doors, wall paneling and hidden closets were fabricated by Petra’s own millwork shop, and the random width flooring was manufactured from reclaimed chestnut planks. Finally, the 13,000 sf shingle style residence, which boasts an energy saving geothermal system, was completed, adding the “crown jewel” to this exquisite property.
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Guilford Waterfront Residence and Dock
Guilford, Connecticut
Architect: Lyme Design
This unique project involved the complete restoration of a 10,000 sf 1920’s granite mansion as well as 3,000 sf of new construction to match the existing stone structure. Granite was quarried from the site to ensure a proper color match. Extensive custom stone and millwork were utilized throughout the interior and exterior. The project involved multiple structures, putting green, tennis court, pool, seawall construction and boat dock. The new dock construction involved the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Environmental Protection, as well as local jurisdictional authorities. Work included pile driving and underwater concrete.
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Guilford Waterfront Residence
Guilford, Connecticut
Architect: Kenneth R. Nadler Architects
Connected to the mainland via a bridge, this project involved the demolition of an existing home and the construction of a new home with custom millwork throughout both the interior and exterior. The island site for this spectacular waterfront home, complete with seawalls, required extensive stonework and flood-zone construction. A desalinization water treatment system is one of the many unique and unseen features of the property.
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Guilford Waterfront Residence and Boat House
Guilford Waterfront Residence and Dock
Guilford Waterfront Residence
Guilford Waterfront Residence
Guilford, Connecticut
Architect: Keenan/Riley Architects
Restoration of this house built in 1953 by Tony Smith, a world famous sculptor, included removal of some later additions, restoration of original finishes, a sod roof, and a complete mechanical and electrical upgrade. This particular house is an excellent example of the international style of architecture.
Project featured in the New York Times, Sitegeist, October 2005. Click here to read article.
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Guilford Waterfront Residence
Guilford, Connecticut
The client decided to take advantage of the exterior of their beautiful Guilford waterfront home and create exterior living space for the family to enjoy. This pool project consisted of a new, raised coping pool with integrated spa encompassed by a new pool deck containing an open-air pergola and wet bar. Transition from the primary dwelling to the pool area is through a new gathering area with integrated hammered copper fire pit and dining area.
Award:
2019 Home Builders & Remodelers Association of CT Best Outdoor Feature
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Hadlyme Residence and Pool House
Hadlyme, Connecticut
Architect: Wayne Garrick Architects
This existing home received a complete renovation and a major addition which was colonial in design. Historic aspects included 20” wide “old growth” pine flooring, soapstone countertops and a fireplace surround consisting of hand painted Delft tiles. Additional features consisted of a hand carved mahogany fireplace mantle and surround, a curved grand staircase with custom wainscoting, custom turned “corkscrew” balusters, hand carved mahogany railings and extensive historically accurate custom exterior millwork. A barn-style structure was subsequently designed and constructed to accommodate an indoor pool for year-round use. The project was completed utilizing a design-build project delivery system to expedite an aggressive project schedule.
Award:
2005 Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut, Best Pool House
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Guilford Waterfront Residence
Guilford Waterfront Residence Pool
Hadlyme Residence and Pool House
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Madison Residence
Madison, Connecticut
Architect: Duo Dickinson Architect
Originally built in the 1940’s, this 900 square foot cottage was transformed into a new 5,500 square foot home on the same footprint. Unique features include the office as an exact replica of the cottage’s living space, ceiling to floor custom millwork, and the exterior design that matches the old shingle style of the neighborhood. The grand staircase includes five built-in bookshelves as well as wine storage in the basement, all custom by Petra’s millshop. The ceilings are natural pine, the floors are all reclaimed oak, and the walls are a mix of painted bead board and pine.
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Middle Haddam Riverfront Residence
Middle Haddam, Connecticut
Architect: Centerbrook Architects and Planners
After the original 1732 historic house was tragically lost to a devastating fire, the owner wanted build a new home on the same footprint. This new 5,000 square foot house, located along the Connecticut River, was designed keeping the historic neighborhood and new variances in mind. Having to be constructed five feet higher than the original due to the flood plains, retaining walls and fill were added as to minimize its tall appearance. Inside, the entryway boasts a central stair that flows from the lowest level to the second floor. Another story above the stairwell sits a cupola that is lit from above with clear story windows. Consideration for unique and design sensitive materials used include antique oak flooring and local-made colonial light fixtures, as well as one timber that was salvaged from the previous house and incorporated into the stairwell.
Historic Designation:
U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Middle Haddam Historic District
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New Haven Historic Residence
New Haven, Connecticut
Architect: J.P. Franzen Associates Architects, PC
The renovation and new exterior additions of this historic home, constructed in the early 1900's, mimicked the existing structure without overwhelming the original structure in size and detail. It was also imperative that the original ornate interior woodwork be saved and restored as required. All of the newly crafted custom woodwork was fabricated in Petra's millshop including kitchen cabinets, a custom built library with raised cherry wall panels, a fireplace surrounded by cherry bookcases, and numerous pantry cabinets.
Historic Designation:
U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Prospect Hill Historic District
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Madison Residence
Middle Haddam Riverfront Residence
New Haven Historic Residence
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Niantic Residence
Niantic, Connecticut
Architect: Nelson Denny Architecture
This project’s architect created a commendable design, bringing a languishing residence in various states of disrepair up to luxurious current standards. The design included a resort-like pool courtyard, extensive bluestone loggia spaces, an inviting exterior fireplace, two strategic additions that achieved the unification of the existing structures and the complete renovation of all interior and exterior architectural elements.
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Stony Creek Waterfront Residence
Stony Creek, Connecticut
Architect: Nelson Denny Architecture
This project included an addition and renovation of an approximately 150-year old home overlooking the Thimble Islands. The design was intended to maximize space and modernize the home. Work consisted of reconstructing nearly the entire original historic structure due to its aged condition, coffered ceilings, custom moldings and hand carved details, all of which give the home a functional yet elegant atmosphere. The landscaping was completely renovated and incorporates a pink granite faced pool and beautiful flowering gardens.
Historic Designation:
U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Stony Creek/Thimble Islands Historic District
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Thimble Island Residence Deck
Branford, Connecticut
In 1982, the solution to adding more living space to the granite slope on this Thimble Island property was to install a unique 2,000 square foot deck that wraps around the entire house. Thirty-seven years later the redwood deck was in poor shape, prompting the owner to hire Petra Construction to replace it. The unique shape and angles of this multi-level deck tailor to the curves of the rocks and trees all around. The deck was secured to prevent uplifting from hurricanes and heavy winds.
Historic Designation:
U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Stony Creek/Thimble Islands Historic District
Award:
2020 Home Builders & Remodelers Association of CT Best Outdoor Feature
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Niantic Residence
Stony Creek Waterfront Residence
Thimble Islands Residence
The projects highlighted above are a sampling of Petra Construction Corporation's residential projects experience. To obtain a full list of experience, relevant brochure, or additional information on any of these projects, please contact Diane Petra.