For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

jeremy bittermann
Contemporary exterior home idea in Portland

Designed for an active family, this exceptional, welcoming Lake Minnetonka home features main level living with lower-level walkout for easy access to the lake, firepit, and sand beach. Amazing views are captured from nearly every main level space, including a unique center kitchen with built-in banquet. The main level opens fully to a screen porch for dining, grilling, and relaxing by the fireplace.

Designed for an active family, this exceptional, welcoming Lake Minnetonka home features main level living with lower-level walkout for easy access to the lake, firepit, and sand beach. Amazing views are captured from nearly every main level space, including a unique center kitchen with built-in banquet. The main level opens fully to a screen porch for dining, grilling, and relaxing by the fireplace.

Barn Renovation. The client was living on a farm that had been in his family since the late 1800’s. The lower level housed a milking parlor, cow stalls, mangers and a garage for tractors and equipment. The upper level was a 25’-30’ high hay loft. The barn had been used as an active dairy until 1951. We decided that while a new home would be easier, it would be a unique opportunity to restore a classic structure and maintain family history by reworking the barn.

Split level garden.: Upper level sitting area and lower level kids activities with monkey bars and a climbing wall
Inspiration for a small modern gender-neutral carpeted and wood wall playroom remodel in New York

Split level garden.: Upper level sitting area and lower level kids activities with monkey bars and a climbing wall
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard landscaping in New York.

Designed for an active family, this exceptional, welcoming Lake Minnetonka home features main level living with lower-level walkout for easy access to the lake, firepit, and sand beach. Amazing views are captured from nearly every main level space, including a unique center kitchen with built-in banquet. The main level opens fully to a screen porch for dining, grilling, and relaxing by the fireplace.

Oasis in the Desert You can find a whole lot of fun ready for the kids in this fun contemporary play-yard in the dessert. Theme: The overall theme of the play-yard is a blend of creative and active outdoor play that blends with the contemporary styling of this beautiful home. Focus: The overall focus for the design of this amazing play-yard was to provide this family with an outdoor space that would foster an active and creative playtime for their children of various ages. The visual focus of this space is the 15-foot tree placed in the middle of the turf yard. This fantastic structure beacons the children to climb the mini stumps and enjoy the slide or swing happily from the branches all the while creating a touch of whimsical nature not typically found in the desert. Surrounding the tree the play-yard offers an array of activities for these lucky children from the chalkboard walls to create amazing pictures to the custom ball wall to practice their skills, the custom myWall system provides endless options for the kids and parents to keep the space exciting and new. Rock holds easily clip into the wall offering ever changing climbing routes, custom water toys and games can also be adapted to the wall to fit the fun of the day. Storage: The myWall system offers various storage options including shelving, closed cases or hanging baskets all of which can be moved to alternate locations on the wall as the homeowners want to customize the play-yard. Growth: The myWall system is built to grow with the users whether it is with changing taste, updating design or growing children, all the accessories can be moved or replaced while leaving the main frame in place. The materials used throughout the space were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions for many years. The tree also includes 3 levels of swings offering children of varied ages the chance to swing from the branches. Safety: Safety is of critical concern with any play-yard and a space in the harsh conditions of the desert presented specific concerns which were addressed with light colored materials to reflect the sun and reduce heat buildup and stainless steel hardware was used to avoid rusting. The myWall accessories all use a locking mechanism which allows for easy adjustments but also securely locks the pieces into place once set. The flooring in the treehouse was also textured to eliminate skidding.

Elegant guest bathroom with stone tile walls and floor. Double vanity with underlit cabinet. Warming drawer for towels. Drop in soaking tub with slab marble tub deck, underlit. Tub deck extends into shower to become shower bench. Project designed by Susie Hersker’s Scottsdale interior design firm Design Directives. Design Directives is active in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, Sedona, and beyond. For more about Design Directives, click here: https://susanherskerasid.com/

Split level garden.: Upper level sitting area and lower level kids activities with monkey bars and a climbing wall
Example of a small minimalist gender-neutral carpeted and wood wall playroom design in New York

Looking for a hardwood floor that offers unmatched durability alongside bold, distinct character? This residential renovation showcases the incredible strength and organic beauty of natural hickory floors. Known for its prominent grain structure and outstanding wear resistance, hickory is the ideal flooring solution for high-traffic main levels, active families, and pet owners

The Nestled Neighbor house straddles the seam between the Dakota Ridge new urbanist neighborhood and Boulder Open Space. This unique location afforded opportunities to play to the natural western vistas while supporting a walkable street with neighborly interactions. Given the tight lot, there was a conscious effort to wrap the ground level living spaces around a courtyard that fronts the street, while stacking active family spaces vertically. The upper floors open to a porch enjoying the view of the foothills, while the couple’s realm is a private nest on the third level, sheltered by the vaulted roof. Photos by Daniel O'Connor Photography

Inspired by the majesty of the Northern Lights and this family's everlasting love for Disney, this home plays host to enlighteningly open vistas and playful activity. Like its namesake, the beloved Sleeping Beauty, this home embodies family, fantasy and adventure in their truest form. Visions are seldom what they seem, but this home did begin 'Once Upon a Dream'. Welcome, to The Aurora.

Mark Meissner
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master porcelain tile walk-in shower remodel with gray walls

This lovely space was an awkward, step-down family room in its' previous incarnation. Today the floors are level, the kitchen can stretch into the family room space and there are plenty of seats at the 2 sided peninsula. Built in storage, and mudroom bench, allows for boot and jacket removal for this active young family as they come in from the backyard play spaces and deck. By raising the floor, the crawl-space below, became a full room, for the homeowner's floral business.

Split level garden.: Upper level sitting area and lower level kids activities with monkey bars and a climbing wall
This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard landscaping in New York.

The kitchen is located across from the living room, offering spectacular views to the trees and lake beyond. Although it's difficult to tell from a photo, the experience of being in this kitchen is a bit like being at the helm of a boat. It's definitely the primary activity place, and is connected to all other spaces on the main level. Architect: Sarah Susanka, FAIA; Photo courtesy of Bob Parish

Inspiration for a contemporary gender-neutral carpeted playroom remodel in Phoenix with beige walls