Peter A. Sellar
Example of a mid-sized classic l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen pantry design in Toronto with white cabinets, wood countertops and open cabinets

Located near Seattle’s Burke Gilman bike trail, this project is a design for a new house for an active Seattle couple. The design takes advantage of the width of a double lot and views of the lake, city and mountains toward the southwest. Primary living and sleeping areas are located on the ground floor, allowing for the owners to stay in the house as their mobility decreases. The upper level is loft like, and has space for guests and an office. The building form is high and open at the front, and steps down toward the back, making the backyard quiet, private space. An angular roof form specifically responds to the interior space, while subtly referencing the conventional gable forms of neighboring houses. A design collaboration with Stettler Design Photo by Dale Christopher Lang

AquaTerra took advantage of every inch this backyard offered and created a minimalist zero edge artistic pool environment. The backyard includes a zero-edge finished in glass tile, spa, water lounge, multiple benches, ipe decks, automated linear fire feature, water feature wall, hand sanded leuders limestone decking, LED lighting, landscaping, and landscape lighting. The surge basin is cohesively constructed with the pool structure and is located under the lower ipe deck in front of the linear fire feature. If you notice the spa wall is the same level as the perimeter zero edge beams, when in spa mode the entire pool automatically lowers 2.5” into the surge basin. In addition, if the kids want to have fun in the pool, with one touch of a button the entire body of water lowers 2.5” to decrease water loss and bather splash out. Successful contemporary or modern architecture is created in the details; no detail was overlooked in this awesome elegant backyard retreat. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky Photography

Immersion in the warm bubbling waters of a hot tub are said to decrease blood pressure which is a good thing. Setting a portable hot tub, such as this Bullfrog Spa, into or against a deck or patio can make it convenient to take advantage of the health benefits. www.longislandhottub.com

This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house. George Mendel

AquaTerra took advantage of every inch this backyard offered and created a minimalist zero edge artistic pool environment. The backyard includes a zero-edge finished in glass tile, spa, water lounge, multiple benches, ipe decks, automated linear fire feature, water feature wall, hand sanded leuders limestone decking, LED lighting, landscaping, and landscape lighting. The surge basin is cohesively constructed with the pool structure and is located under the lower ipe deck in front of the linear fire feature. If you notice the spa wall is the same level as the perimeter zero edge beams, when in spa mode the entire pool automatically lowers 2.5” into the surge basin. In addition, if the kids want to have fun in the pool, with one touch of a button the entire body of water lowers 2.5” to decrease water loss and bather splash out. Successful contemporary or modern architecture is created in the details; no detail was overlooked in this awesome elegant backyard retreat. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky Photography

AquaTerra took advantage of every inch this backyard offered and created a minimalist zero edge artistic pool environment. The backyard includes a zero-edge finished in glass tile, spa, water lounge, multiple benches, ipe decks, automated linear fire feature, water feature wall, hand sanded leuders limestone decking, LED lighting, landscaping, and landscape lighting. The surge basin is cohesively constructed with the pool structure and is located under the lower ipe deck in front of the linear fire feature. If you notice the spa wall is the same level as the perimeter zero edge beams, when in spa mode the entire pool automatically lowers 2.5” into the surge basin. In addition, if the kids want to have fun in the pool, with one touch of a button the entire body of water lowers 2.5” to decrease water loss and bather splash out. Successful contemporary or modern architecture is created in the details; no detail was overlooked in this awesome elegant backyard retreat. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky Photography

AquaTerra took advantage of every inch this backyard offered and created a minimalist zero edge artistic pool environment. The backyard includes a zero-edge finished in glass tile, spa, water lounge, multiple benches, ipe decks, automated linear fire feature, water feature wall, hand sanded leuders limestone decking, LED lighting, landscaping, and landscape lighting. The surge basin is cohesively constructed with the pool structure and is located under the lower ipe deck in front of the linear fire feature. If you notice the spa wall is the same level as the perimeter zero edge beams, when in spa mode the entire pool automatically lowers 2.5” into the surge basin. In addition, if the kids want to have fun in the pool, with one touch of a button the entire body of water lowers 2.5” to decrease water loss and bather splash out. Successful contemporary or modern architecture is created in the details; no detail was overlooked in this awesome elegant backyard retreat. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky Photography

AquaTerra took advantage of every inch this backyard offered and created a minimalist zero edge artistic pool environment. The backyard includes a zero-edge finished in glass tile, spa, water lounge, multiple benches, ipe decks, automated linear fire feature, water feature wall, hand sanded leuders limestone decking, LED lighting, landscaping, and landscape lighting. The surge basin is cohesively constructed with the pool structure and is located under the lower ipe deck in front of the linear fire feature. If you notice the spa wall is the same level as the perimeter zero edge beams, when in spa mode the entire pool automatically lowers 2.5” into the surge basin. In addition, if the kids want to have fun in the pool, with one touch of a button the entire body of water lowers 2.5” to decrease water loss and bather splash out. Successful contemporary or modern architecture is created in the details; no detail was overlooked in this awesome elegant backyard retreat. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky Photography

Located near Seattle’s Burke Gilman bike trail, this project is a design for a new house for an active Seattle couple. The design takes advantage of the width of a double lot and views of the lake, city and mountains toward the southwest. Primary living and sleeping areas are located on the ground floor, allowing for the owners to stay in the house as their mobility decreases. The upper level is loft like, and has space for guests and an office. The building form is high and open at the front, and steps down toward the back, making the backyard quiet, private space. An angular roof form specifically responds to the interior space, while subtly referencing the conventional gable forms of neighboring houses. A design collaboration with Stettler Design Photo by Dale Christopher Lang

AquaTerra took advantage of every inch this backyard offered and created a minimalist zero edge artistic pool environment. The backyard includes a zero-edge finished in glass tile, spa, water lounge, multiple benches, ipe decks, automated linear fire feature, water feature wall, hand sanded leuders limestone decking, LED lighting, landscaping, and landscape lighting. The surge basin is cohesively constructed with the pool structure and is located under the lower ipe deck in front of the linear fire feature. If you notice the spa wall is the same level as the perimeter zero edge beams, when in spa mode the entire pool automatically lowers 2.5” into the surge basin. In addition, if the kids want to have fun in the pool, with one touch of a button the entire body of water lowers 2.5” to decrease water loss and bather splash out. Successful contemporary or modern architecture is created in the details; no detail was overlooked in this awesome elegant backyard retreat. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky Photography

AquaTerra took advantage of every inch this backyard offered and created a minimalist zero edge artistic pool environment. The backyard includes a zero-edge finished in glass tile, spa, water lounge, multiple benches, ipe decks, automated linear fire feature, water feature wall, hand sanded leuders limestone decking, LED lighting, landscaping, and landscape lighting. The surge basin is cohesively constructed with the pool structure and is located under the lower ipe deck in front of the linear fire feature. If you notice the spa wall is the same level as the perimeter zero edge beams, when in spa mode the entire pool automatically lowers 2.5” into the surge basin. In addition, if the kids want to have fun in the pool, with one touch of a button the entire body of water lowers 2.5” to decrease water loss and bather splash out. Successful contemporary or modern architecture is created in the details; no detail was overlooked in this awesome elegant backyard retreat. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky Photography

AquaTerra took advantage of every inch this backyard offered and created a minimalist zero edge artistic pool environment. The backyard includes a zero-edge finished in glass tile, spa, water lounge, multiple benches, ipe decks, automated linear fire feature, water feature wall, hand sanded leuders limestone decking, LED lighting, landscaping, and landscape lighting. The surge basin is cohesively constructed with the pool structure and is located under the lower ipe deck in front of the linear fire feature. If you notice the spa wall is the same level as the perimeter zero edge beams, when in spa mode the entire pool automatically lowers 2.5” into the surge basin. In addition, if the kids want to have fun in the pool, with one touch of a button the entire body of water lowers 2.5” to decrease water loss and bather splash out. Successful contemporary or modern architecture is created in the details; no detail was overlooked in this awesome elegant backyard retreat. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky Photography

AquaTerra took advantage of every inch this backyard offered and created a minimalist zero edge artistic pool environment. The backyard includes a zero-edge finished in glass tile, spa, water lounge, multiple benches, ipe decks, automated linear fire feature, water feature wall, hand sanded leuders limestone decking, LED lighting, landscaping, and landscape lighting. The surge basin is cohesively constructed with the pool structure and is located under the lower ipe deck in front of the linear fire feature. If you notice the spa wall is the same level as the perimeter zero edge beams, when in spa mode the entire pool automatically lowers 2.5” into the surge basin. In addition, if the kids want to have fun in the pool, with one touch of a button the entire body of water lowers 2.5” to decrease water loss and bather splash out. Successful contemporary or modern architecture is created in the details; no detail was overlooked in this awesome elegant backyard retreat. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky Photography

AquaTerra took advantage of every inch this backyard offered and created a minimalist zero edge artistic pool environment. The backyard includes a zero-edge finished in glass tile, spa, water lounge, multiple benches, ipe decks, automated linear fire feature, water feature wall, hand sanded leuders limestone decking, LED lighting, landscaping, and landscape lighting. The surge basin is cohesively constructed with the pool structure and is located under the lower ipe deck in front of the linear fire feature. If you notice the spa wall is the same level as the perimeter zero edge beams, when in spa mode the entire pool automatically lowers 2.5” into the surge basin. In addition, if the kids want to have fun in the pool, with one touch of a button the entire body of water lowers 2.5” to decrease water loss and bather splash out. Successful contemporary or modern architecture is created in the details; no detail was overlooked in this awesome elegant backyard retreat. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky Photography

Alan Barley, AIA This soft hill country contemporary family home is nestled in a surrounding live oak sanctuary in Spicewood, Texas. A screened-in porch creates a relaxing and welcoming environment while the large windows flood the house with natural lighting. The large overhangs keep the hot Texas heat at bay. Energy efficient appliances and site specific open house plan allows for a spacious home while taking advantage of the prevailing breezes which decreases energy consumption. screened in porch, austin luxury home, austin custom home, barleypfeiffer architecture, barleypfeiffer, wood floors, sustainable design, soft hill contemporary, sleek design, pro work, modern, low voc paint, live oaks sanctuary, live oaks, interiors and consulting, house ideas, home planning, 5 star energy, hill country, high performance homes, green building, fun design, 5 star applance, find a pro, family home, elegance, efficient, custom-made, comprehensive sustainable architects, barley & pfeiffer architects,

AquaTerra took advantage of every inch this backyard offered and created a minimalist zero edge artistic pool environment. The backyard includes a zero-edge finished in glass tile, spa, water lounge, multiple benches, ipe decks, automated linear fire feature, water feature wall, hand sanded leuders limestone decking, LED lighting, landscaping, and landscape lighting. The surge basin is cohesively constructed with the pool structure and is located under the lower ipe deck in front of the linear fire feature. If you notice the spa wall is the same level as the perimeter zero edge beams, when in spa mode the entire pool automatically lowers 2.5” into the surge basin. In addition, if the kids want to have fun in the pool, with one touch of a button the entire body of water lowers 2.5” to decrease water loss and bather splash out. Successful contemporary or modern architecture is created in the details; no detail was overlooked in this awesome elegant backyard retreat. Photo Credit: Daniel Driensky Photography

This 2017 Project begins with a wonderful Palo Alto family of four wanted to get more use of their backyard. Their existing backyard had served its purpose for many years when their children were young. Now their children in college, it was underused and in desperate need of an update. Having lived in their home for 19 years, my clients communicated clearly with goals to take advantage of the reason they moved to Palo Alto in the first place. Both desire spending more time for themselves enjoying our year round climate in Northern California. By initially addressing the specific request to decrease the water usage and the accompanying utility bills, objective for addition of a fire pit to the existing spa destination; both sharing their spaces for also a new destination of the turf for the husband, and avid golfer. John had always wanted to practice in his own backyard. Viola! The perfect place to entertain, dine, relax and play! NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! A very comfortable, attractive and inviting new outdoor living room has been created! Welcome Home!

This 2017 Project begins with a wonderful Palo Alto family of four wanted to get more use of their backyard. Their existing backyard had served its purpose for many years when their children were young. Now their children in college, it was underused and in desperate need of an update. Having lived in their home for 19 years, my clients communicated clearly with goals to take advantage of the reason they moved to Palo Alto in the first place. Both desire spending more time for themselves enjoying our year round climate in Northern California. By initially addressing the specific request to decrease the water usage and the accompanying utility bills, objective for addition of a fire pit to the existing spa destination; both sharing their spaces for also a new destination of the turf for the husband, and avid golfer. John had always wanted to practice in his own backyard. Viola! The perfect place to entertain, dine, relax and play! NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! A very comfortable, attractive and inviting new outdoor living room has been created! Welcome Home!