This couple purchased a second home as a respite from city living. Living primarily in downtown Chicago the couple desired a place to connect with nature. The home is located on 80 acres and is situated far back on a wooded lot with a pond, pool and a detached rec room. The home includes four bedrooms and one bunkroom along with five full baths. The home was stripped down to the studs, a total gut. Linc modified the exterior and created a modern look by removing the balconies on the exterior, removing the roof overhang, adding vertical siding and painting the structure black. The garage was converted into a detached rec room and a new pool was added complete with outdoor shower, concrete pavers, ipe wood wall and a limestone surround. Details: Finishes throughout are minimal Hardware and plumbing fixtures, wrought iron White shiplap ceiling with white oak beams Flooring is rough wide plank white oak and distressed

This couple purchased a second home as a respite from city living. Living primarily in downtown Chicago the couple desired a place to connect with nature. The home is located on 80 acres and is situated far back on a wooded lot with a pond, pool and a detached rec room. The home includes four bedrooms and one bunkroom along with five full baths. The home was stripped down to the studs, a total gut. Linc modified the exterior and created a modern look by removing the balconies on the exterior, removing the roof overhang, adding vertical siding and painting the structure black. The garage was converted into a detached rec room and a new pool was added complete with outdoor shower, concrete pavers, ipe wood wall and a limestone surround. Details: Finishes throughout are minimal Hardware and plumbing fixtures, wrought iron White shiplap ceiling with white oak beams Flooring is rough wide plank white oak and distressed

Karuna Passive House designed by Holst Architecture and built by Hammer & Hand. This high performance home meets the world's most demanding green building certifications. Photo by Jeremy Bittermann.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Photo: Aaron Leitz
Inspiration for a contemporary staircase remodel in Seattle

Ann Lowengart Interiors collaborated with Field Architecture and Dowbuilt on this dramatic Sonoma residence featuring three copper-clad pavilions connected by glass breezeways. The copper and red cedar siding echo the red bark of the Madrone trees, blending the built world with the natural world of the ridge-top compound. Retractable walls and limestone floors that extend outside to limestone pavers merge the interiors with the landscape. To complement the modernist architecture and the client's contemporary art collection, we selected and installed modern and artisanal furnishings in organic textures and an earthy color palette.

Ann Lowengart Interiors collaborated with Field Architecture and Dowbuilt on this dramatic Sonoma residence featuring three copper-clad pavilions connected by glass breezeways. The copper and red cedar siding echo the red bark of the Madrone trees, blending the built world with the natural world of the ridge-top compound. Retractable walls and limestone floors that extend outside to limestone pavers merge the interiors with the landscape. To complement the modernist architecture and the client's contemporary art collection, we selected and installed modern and artisanal furnishings in organic textures and an earthy color palette.

Upon entering, what immediately differentiates this property from others you may see at Kukio are grand columns found throughout the home. Each column is intricately engraved with soft botanical patterns, a unique design feature that gives you a glimpse of Hawaii’s architectural history. The columns are said to be reminiscent of the late 1800’s historic Hawaiian architecture found in palaces occupied by Hawaii’s Royalty.

Blume Photo
Trendy staircase photo in San Francisco

Affordable Hardscapes of Virginia - (Virginia Beach, VA) Our client had recently constructed a new custom waterfront home in Virginia Beach, VA. The homes main property is elevated almost 30' above the water, boat lift and dock. The natural hillside leading from backyard is steep, experiencing erosion, and difficult to trek up and down. To access the main property from the dock you would need to climb the steep embankment and to get to the dock below it was a definite test of will. After meeting the client to discuss options it was clear to us that a innovative blend of science and art would be needed to achieve their goals and expectations. Affordable Hardscapes of Virginia submitted an initial design utilizing Eagle Bay's Dublin wall stone as the primary material to construct the 18 individual steps necessary. At the clients request to utilize material left over from the homes construction (2" thick limestone) and incorporate wood to match homes elements the final design was approved. Planning for the project included submittals and approvals by way of a Joint Permit Application administered by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). Do to access limitations and the desire to have minimal environmental impact all excavation and installation was done using only hand tools. Each of the (18) steps was individually built in place on solid footings with subsurface drainage. The steps risers are built with 12" x 8" x 4" (tall) Eagle Bay Dublin Freestanding Wall block in Tan. The limestone step treads are from recycled material left over from the construction of the new home. The wood used to frame around the limestone treads is clear Spanish Cedar cut and planned to 2" x 6". Patrick McGrath

San Antonio Spanish colonial. View to Dining Room. Stone frame around the windows is faux painted. Limestone flooring random laid. Design by Karla Trincanello, CID Copyright San Antonio Board of Realtors

This magical manor seamlessly blends with our exclusive ORIJIN STONE Tupelo limestone patterned paving & Cortona sandstone custom thermal treads & steps. Landscape Architecture & installation by Topo, LLC. Stonwerk Masonry, Chelsea Eul Photography.

Stone Steps Detial in specialty Stone Project creating a limestone grotto with naturalistic cascading stone fountain, stone benches & tiered planting beds for high ceiling basement walkout. Installed 2013 by Elemental Design - Landscape Concept by Client in collaboration with Wade Lehmann of Elemental Design. Photos by Jeeheon Cho

This Minnesota Artisan Tour showcase home graces the shores of Lake Minnetonka. The home features an impressive amount of natural stone, which accentuates its traditional coastal aesthetic. ORIJIN STONE Percheron™ Travertine is used for the expansive pool deck, raised patios, as well as for the interior tile. Nantucket™ Limestone is used for the custom wall caps, stair treads and pool coping. Wolfeboro™ Granite wall stone is also featured. DESIGN & INSTALL: Yardscapes, Inc. MASONRY: Blackburn Masonry BUILDER: Stonewood, LLC This Minnesota Artisan Tour showcase home graces the shores of Lake Minnetonka. The home features an impressive amount of natural stone, which accentuates its traditional coastal aesthetic. ORIJIN STONE Percheron™ Travertine is used for the expansive pool deck, raised patios, as well as for the interior tile. Nantucket™ Limestone is used for the custom wall caps, stair treads and pool coping. Wolfeboro™ Granite wall stone is also featured. DESIGN & INSTALL: Yardscapes, Inc. MASONRY: Blackburn Masonry BUILDER: Stonewood, LLC PHOTOGRAPHY: Landmark Photography

This project is an extraordinary example of successful synergy between architecture and landscape design. Every detail is brilliantly executed to compliment the estate in both aesthetic and function. The patio and pool paving is ORIJIN STONE's Laurel Sandstone Sawn Edge. Pool coping, spa surround, pool cover framing, wall caps and stair treads are ORIJIN STONE Hudson Sandstone. Also featured is our exclusive Alder™ Limestone wall stone and our Pewter Limestone thermal steps. Designed & Installed by Keenan & Sveiven, Inc.

Scott Roberts 908-451-6256
Inspiration for a timeless staircase remodel in New York

Antique Kronos Limestone Staircase installed on the exterior patio and stairs.
Cottage staircase photo in Los Angeles

Antique Kronos Limestone Staircase installed on the exterior patio and stairs.
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Example of a staircase design in Los Angeles