uilt by CopperStone Homes with a design by timber frame specialist Cheryl Link of Mountain Modern Studio, this collaborative effort encouraged an organic growth that left the original structure intact. Capturing an additional 1,800 square feet of open concept living, a spacious great room and dining room that host eighteen-foot vaulted ceilings (with an additional full basement beneath) engage a view-laden retreat that eloquently blends with its tranquil setting.

uilt by CopperStone Homes with a design by timber frame specialist Cheryl Link of Mountain Modern Studio, this collaborative effort encouraged an organic growth that left the original structure intact. Capturing an additional 1,800 square feet of open concept living, a spacious great room and dining room that host eighteen-foot vaulted ceilings (with an additional full basement beneath) engage a view-laden retreat that eloquently blends with its tranquil setting.

New England Ranch Remodel This rambling mid-century house in Andover, MA was designed in 1952 by William Hajjar. Hajjar graduated from MIT in 1942, 40 years before Flavin Architects' founding principal, Colin Flavin enrolled there. In addition to his focus on designing houses, Hajjar was also active in research and developed double glass curtain walls, an early innovation in making buildings more energy-efficient. Our client had outgrown the original single-story house, and our challenge was to add a second floor without losing the low-slung character of the original massing. Our addition is set discretely at the rear of the house away from the street. We extended a rectangular bay window up to the new second floor, linking the new to the existing. To reach the second floor, we designed a new steel stair that wraps around the home’s original massive bluestone fireplace The second floor includes a master bedroom suite and study. The exterior color scheme is a striking contrast of charcoal siding and white painted concrete masonry units. In keeping with the spirit of Hajjar’s vision of energy-efficient housing, the home features a generous number of south-facing windows to maximize passive solar light and heat.

The Owners approached me to redesign their existing home and transform it from what they considered a “4” to an “8 or 9” on a scale of 1 to 10 in terms of the quality of design. This transformation included the spatial volumes, the natural light, the views, the details, the finishes & materials, the fixtures & equipment and the basic layout. The entrance to the home has a new covered porch with articulated steel columns and a wood beamed ceiling and a new oak and bronze front door. An interior entry hall links the Family Room, Kitchen and a new glass enclosed Dining Room on one end and the Master Bedroom suite at the other end. Behind the wall of the Entry Hallis a Living Room and a glass walled Wine Room that has a common wall with Entry Hall. A new dormer window over the Entry Hall providesa tall ceiling and natural light to this entry. The existing stair that extended down into an awkward central living room was reoriented to serve the house better. The new stair is a switch back stair that does not impact the area of the living room. This stair has a new dormer window above the landing to bring natural light into the stair hall. The kitchen, pantry and Family Room were completely redesignedwith new cabinets, appliances, and finishes. A new steel moment frame was installed in the end wall of the Family Room allowing this wall to open up to a new glass enclosed Dining Room. This room has large four panel bi-parting sliding glass doors that open up to an existing pool and views the vineyards beyond Part of this redesign included moving the master bedroom from the second floor down to the ground floor. The master bedroom was relocated at the end of the house along with a new master bathroom and master closet. A new outdoor spa with a shaded trellis above is accessed from the bathroom. Sliding panels can provide privacy for this spa when desired. A covered outdoor shower is accessed from the indoor shower. The outdoor shower also connects to the spa area. A new stone walled sitting area links directly to the Master Bedroom and is covered with a new trellis with woven willow panels. The second floor consists of two bedrooms each with their own bathroom. One bedroom has a small kitchenette and an exterior entry stair that can serve as a separate unit for a housekeeper or visitor. A large terrace that serves both bedrooms has a trellis with woven willow above. This terrace is located above the Dining Room. The existing stone veneer had its mortar set way back that emphasized each individual stone and not the whole stone wall as one entity. To make it more wall like the mortar was pulled out to be face flush with the stone. This change transformed the overall look of the house. The existing house had been renovated house in several stages over the years. First a one story with flat roofs, later new sloped roofs built directly on top of the flat roof without removing the old roof. A second story addition was later added with sloping roofs. During the renovation, all of the roofs over the one story portion were removed to create all new volumes within the major rooms. Skylights were added over the Living Room, the laundry Room and the Master Bathroom. A new dormer was added over the entry hall to bring in natural light and create more dramatic Entry Hall. All interior walls removed, exterior doors and windows were removed leaving only openings. Precast door and window surrounds and quoins at the corners were removed and replaced with stone corners and precast concrete lintels. A new rectilinear opening into the second floor bathroom was added in place of a round window. All plumbing, fixtures, lighting fixtures, HVAC units were replaced. A new audio/visual system and a new central vacuum system were installed throughout the house. Schmitt + Company, General Contractors Eric Martinez, Photographer

Trex Transcend Porch is available in three colors – Gravel Path (pristine grey), Fire Pit (spicy red) and Spiced Rum (warm, earthy umber with the streaked look of tropical hardwoods), Transcend Porch features both floor boards and coordinated post and railing options. It’s also low maintenance – resisting fading, staining, scratching and mold, and will not rot, warp, crack or splinter. Upkeep is hassle free, so you’ll spend more time relaxing and less time maintaining.

New England Ranch Remodel This rambling mid-century house in Andover, MA was designed in 1952 by William Hajjar. Hajjar graduated from MIT in 1942, 40 years before Flavin Architects' founding principal, Colin Flavin enrolled there. In addition to his focus on designing houses, Hajjar was also active in research, and developed double glass curtain walls, an early innovation in making buildings more energy efficient. Our client had outgrown the original single-story house, and our challenge was to add a second floor without losing the low-slung character of the original massing. Our addition is set discretely at the rear of the house away from the street. We extended a rectangular bay window up to the new second floor, linking the new to the existing. To reach the second floor, we designed a new steel stair that wraps around the home’s original massive bluestone fireplace The second floor includes a master bedroom suite and study. The exterior color scheme is a striking contrast of charcoal siding and white painted concrete masonry units. In keeping with the spirit of Hajjar’s vision of energy efficient housing, the home features a generous number of south-facing windows to maximize passive solar light and heat.

This home originally had an ugly chain link fence and gate along the sidewalk, no front or side porch. The brick was a blotchy red brick. A flagstone cap and this beautiful custom iron railing was added to the top of the wall and the brick was painted white. All new Sierra Pacific windows and Thermatru front door in addition to a flagstone walkway and front porch.

Renovation of this remarkable 1936 Monte Copper Tudor demonstrates how we sensitively transform historic homes to beautifully perform in contemporary life. The challenge was to connect first floor spaces, including the kitchen; dining room; and a lower family room added in a previous addition. The family room received thoughtful and appropriate detailing along with a graceful and functional two-sided bar element linking it with the kitchen. The kitchen was expanded and reimagined with a seamless addition. Diagonal views and openings allow all the rooms to function as a connected whole.

During the construction of the addition to this centuries old San Francisco home, our firm was brought in to create a design for the upper and lower outdoor decks, and surrounding garden space. The spiral staircase was the link that allowed for maximum deck space below. The bottom deck was brought lower by taking two broad steps down from the house thus eliminating the need for railing. This was very important to the owners’ desire to feel connected to the surrounding garden. A fire pit, placed off of center, created the focal point for the seating area. A cobalt blue water feature was placed close to the house so it could be enjoyed both from within the house and while sitting on the deck. The many vibrant colored pots placed along the deck edges were planted with a small Meyer Lemon tree, herbs for cooking, and mint for tea, as well as some colorful ornamental grasses and perennials. On the upper rooftop deck, we installed numerous skylights to allow light to the lower addition, and added appropriate native plants and succulents. In the front of the house, we cut in two large street planters and added matching Olive trees, under planted with colorful Mexican Salvia and orange New Zealand Wind Grass.

uilt by CopperStone Homes with a design by timber frame specialist Cheryl Link of Mountain Modern Studio, this collaborative effort encouraged an organic growth that left the original structure intact. Capturing an additional 1,800 square feet of open concept living, a spacious great room and dining room that host eighteen-foot vaulted ceilings (with an additional full basement beneath) engage a view-laden retreat that eloquently blends with its tranquil setting.

Renovation of this remarkable 1936 Monte Copper Tudor demonstrates how we sensitively transform historic homes to beautifully perform in contemporary life. The challenge was to connect first floor spaces, including the kitchen; dining room; and a lower family room added in a previous addition. The family room received thoughtful and appropriate detailing along with a graceful and functional two-sided bar element linking it with the kitchen. The kitchen was expanded and reimagined with a seamless addition. Diagonal views and openings allow all the rooms to function as a connected whole.

uilt by CopperStone Homes with a design by timber frame specialist Cheryl Link of Mountain Modern Studio, this collaborative effort encouraged an organic growth that left the original structure intact. Capturing an additional 1,800 square feet of open concept living, a spacious great room and dining room that host eighteen-foot vaulted ceilings (with an additional full basement beneath) engage a view-laden retreat that eloquently blends with its tranquil setting.

uilt by CopperStone Homes with a design by timber frame specialist Cheryl Link of Mountain Modern Studio, this collaborative effort encouraged an organic growth that left the original structure intact. Capturing an additional 1,800 square feet of open concept living, a spacious great room and dining room that host eighteen-foot vaulted ceilings (with an additional full basement beneath) engage a view-laden retreat that eloquently blends with its tranquil setting.

uilt by CopperStone Homes with a design by timber frame specialist Cheryl Link of Mountain Modern Studio, this collaborative effort encouraged an organic growth that left the original structure intact. Capturing an additional 1,800 square feet of open concept living, a spacious great room and dining room that host eighteen-foot vaulted ceilings (with an additional full basement beneath) engage a view-laden retreat that eloquently blends with its tranquil setting.

New England Ranch Remodel This rambling mid-century house in Andover, MA was designed in 1952 by William Hajjar. Hajjar graduated from MIT in 1942, 40 years before Flavin Architects' founding principal, Colin Flavin enrolled there. In addition to his focus on designing houses, Hajjar was also active in research, and developed double glass curtain walls, an early innovation in making buildings more energy efficient. Our client had outgrown the original single-story house, and our challenge was to add a second floor without losing the low-slung character of the original massing. Our addition is set discretely at the rear of the house away from the street. We extended a rectangular bay window up to the new second floor, linking the new to the existing. To reach the second floor, we designed a new steel stair that wraps around the home’s original massive bluestone fireplace The second floor includes a master bedroom suite and study. The exterior color scheme is a striking contrast of charcoal siding and white painted concrete masonry units. In keeping with the spirit of Hajjar’s vision of energy efficient housing, the home features a generous number of south-facing windows to maximize passive solar light and heat.

uilt by CopperStone Homes with a design by timber frame specialist Cheryl Link of Mountain Modern Studio, this collaborative effort encouraged an organic growth that left the original structure intact. Capturing an additional 1,800 square feet of open concept living, a spacious great room and dining room that host eighteen-foot vaulted ceilings (with an additional full basement beneath) engage a view-laden retreat that eloquently blends with its tranquil setting.

Spacious kitchen and breakfast room flooded with natural light and soaring cathedral ceilings. Large hipped ridge skylight providing light and views of the natural surroundings. Breakfast room with bay window and door leading out the cedar deck. In addition this space links directly to the new family and existing formal dining room. Designed and Built by Howard Katz Architects LLC.

Can a home be both spacious and cozy? This contemporary residence renovation and addition can host large parties with its multi-level entertainment areas linked to the outdoor decks, yet it is also intimate and comfortable for a party of two. The secret lies in visually linking many functionally distinct areas together, from the great room to the dedicated bar area to the gourmet kitchen, to the music loft and more.

The architect and designer Guy Derwent was approached by his client with a clear and compelling brief: to completely transform a grand Victorian terrace house they were planning to renovate. The client envisioned something far beyond a standard renovation – this was to be a bold and dramatic reimagining of a family home that could grow with them over time. With the property having remained largely untouched for more than fifty years, the architects saw an opportunity to unlock its potential and deliver a contemporary design that would contrast beautifully with its Victorian heritage. The existing layout consisted of a series of small, disconnected rooms to the rear of the house. To respond to the client’s need for openness and flexibility, the architect proposed a radical restructuring of the ground floor: The rear rooms were completely removed Suspended timber floors were lowered by up to two metres to align with the garden Two bold extensions were added The first extension filled in the side return with a London stock brick facade and a glazed roof, while the second – a striking black steel and glass pavilion was glazed on three sides and placed along the garden elevation. This new pavilion redefined the building’s relationship with the garden. Its steel-framed glazing created a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior, offering a sense of immersion in the surrounding landscape. At the heart of the plan sits a dramatic, five-metre-tall dining space that acts as a transition from the original entrance hall into the new addition. A large, circular cast-glass window, framed in steel, provides a visual and spatial link between old and new, allowing light and movement to travel through the depth of the home. Throughout the project, a series of black metal elements were introduced as sculptural interventions – each marking moments of transformation within the house. These included the bespoke steel framed circular window, a custom metal staircase, a cylindrical support column, and the striking steel and glass garden pavilion. Together, they formed a coherent architectural language that underscored the project’s bold intent. Our steel windows and doors played a vital role in delivering the project’s vision. The architects chose steel for its refined sight lines and distinctive material character, which helped bridge the gap between the historical context of the building and the bold new additions. The black steel frames provided a crisp contrast to the pale London stock brick and added definition to the glazed pavilion, reinforcing the sense of architectural precision. In particular, the fine steel profiles of the garden room allowed the extension to feel both lightweight and immersive, blurring the boundary between the house and its garden. The architect drew inspiration from the Bauhaus Movement, particularly the work of Walter Gropius, whose approach to functional beauty and industrial materials informed the design of the garden pavilion. Here, our glazing system was used not just for transparency, but as an expressive architectural element. The carefully proportioned panels help to conceal the roof thickness and reinforce the pavilion’s industrial yet abstract character – a deliberate nod to product design and modernist detailing. Sustainability was an important factor in the selection of materials. Our steel systems, made from 99% recycled content and 100% recyclable, aligned with the project’s broader environmental goals. The architects noted that this commitment to material longevity and circularity was central to their decision to use steel. The durability and recyclability of the windows and doors ensured the project met both aesthetic and ethical criteria. This London terrace house now stands as a celebration of contrast – between heritage and innovation, solidity and transparency, tradition and transformation. Our steel windows and doors were not simply components; they were essential tools in crafting a home that is as bold and expressive as it is functional. The result is a home designed for modern family life, where light, space, and materiality come together in perfect harmony.