Additions, renovations, and restorations on established Boston-suburb streets. Winchester is where a lot of my Boston-area work has lived for years. The town has a residential character built on early 20th-century stock: Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Shingle style, the occasional Federal, on tree-lined streets where what you do to one house is visible to the rest of the block. The projects below are additions, renovations, and restorations. The brief is almost always the same: keep what's working, fix what isn't, and make the new work look like it belongs to the original house. Done well, an addition is invisible from the street and the family lives in a house that looks like it was always that way. Done poorly, the work announces itself, and the house ends up reading as two houses: the original, and the one the architect tried to add. When a project falls under Winchester's Historic Districts Commission, I work closely with the commission. When it doesn't, I still pay attention to the neighbors. The town has a strong sense of its own architectural fabric. The work that lasts here is the work that doesn't fight it.

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

Additions, renovations, and restorations on established Boston-suburb streets. Winchester is where a lot of my Boston-area work has lived for years. The town has a residential character built on early 20th-century stock: Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Shingle style, the occasional Federal, on tree-lined streets where what you do to one house is visible to the rest of the block. The projects below are additions, renovations, and restorations. The brief is almost always the same: keep what's working, fix what isn't, and make the new work look like it belongs to the original house. Done well, an addition is invisible from the street and the family lives in a house that looks like it was always that way. Done poorly, the work announces itself, and the house ends up reading as two houses: the original, and the one the architect tried to add. When a project falls under Winchester's Historic Districts Commission, I work closely with the commission. When it doesn't, I still pay attention to the neighbors. The town has a strong sense of its own architectural fabric. The work that lasts here is the work that doesn't fight it.

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

Additions, renovations, and restorations on established Boston-suburb streets. Winchester is where a lot of my Boston-area work has lived for years. The town has a residential character built on early 20th-century stock: Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Shingle style, the occasional Federal, on tree-lined streets where what you do to one house is visible to the rest of the block. The projects below are additions, renovations, and restorations. The brief is almost always the same: keep what's working, fix what isn't, and make the new work look like it belongs to the original house. Done well, an addition is invisible from the street and the family lives in a house that looks like it was always that way. Done poorly, the work announces itself, and the house ends up reading as two houses: the original, and the one the architect tried to add. When a project falls under Winchester's Historic Districts Commission, I work closely with the commission. When it doesn't, I still pay attention to the neighbors. The town has a strong sense of its own architectural fabric. The work that lasts here is the work that doesn't fight it.

The Sweet Residence is a full residential remodel and addition to an existing estate-style home in La Cañada, California. The project reimagines an older residence through expanded square footage and a comprehensive architectural renovation, while preserving the established character, proportion, and presence of the original property. The home is defined by traditional architectural elements including stucco walls, wood shutters, divided-light windows, and hipped roof forms. Rather than replacing that character, the design builds on it—shaping a more complete and updated residence that remains aligned with the scale of the existing structure while supporting a more functional contemporary layout. Set within a mature landscape setting, the project reflects a residential design approach grounded in continuity, livability, and architectural restraint. The result is a substantial renovation that respects the original home while creating a more cohesive residence for modern living.

Pinnacle wood clad windows with Dove Gray and Charcoal Gray exteriors. The project utilizes direct sets, casements, narrow sliding patio doors, all with factory finished clear coat pine interiors Established in 1946, Windsor Windows & Doors offers quality windows and doors for builders, architects and homeowners, with a solution for nearly every application: Pinnacle Wood, Legend Cellular PVC, Next Dimension Vinyl, Bi-fold doors, and WinPac sash replacement kit. Our Pinnacle, Legend, and Next Dimension products are all custom-built. Each product is designed to meet your specific needs, depending on architectural style, regional preference and price point. Windsor is an Energy Star® Partner and our products are NFRC rated, meaning that they meet exacting standards for energy efficiency and durability. You can find Windsor products at select dealers throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. To find a Windsor dealer near you, please visit the Dealer Locator on our website at http://windsorwindows.com/DealerLocator.page

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

This client’s vision for their kitchen/hearth room remodel was to create a harmonious space for gathering and socializing with family and friends. Without the before and after photos, you would scarcely believe this was the same home. This huge home renovation perfectly illustrates that Dimensions In Wood’s expert team can handle every aspect of your remodeling project. Plumbing, flooring, electrical wiring, custom cabinets, structural engineering, appliances, windows, interior and exterior doors, entertainment and more. Contact us today to discuss Translating Your Visions into Reality The client was interested in new appliance technology, cabinetry to the ceiling, and an Island large enough to seat 3. They also wanted a built-in breakfast nook, improved pantry space, more functional storage on either side of their fireplace, and a built-in appearance for the TV above the mantel. The original built-in desk was not used, and they preferred for that space to serve as a small bar area with refrigeration and a place to store their printer. We designed several plans for the space before selecting the final layout. The new design required the removal of the soffit over the old sink, as well as a small wall beside the old refrigerator. The wall beside the stairwell had to be shortened 13 inches and a new beam installed to carry the load of the home’s 2nd story to gain enough space for the large central island. The existing closet pantry walls were also reconfigured as per the new plan. This serves as a great reminder that Dimensions In Wood is much more than just custom cabinets. Central to the entire custom kitchen is an 8-foot Walnut island. The huge island, which comfortably seats three, is topped with Essenza Blue quartzite. The stone’s natural striations are beautiful. Quartzite is harder than granite, and less likely to stain than other stones because of its density. The couple had to look through multiple slabs to find a piece they LOVED. The island’s custom Walnut cabinetry, built to resemble a piece of custom furniture, was stained Bronzed Walnut by Sherwin Williams. The 4-foot Galley Workstation in the island, handles all the kitchen’s prep, serving, and cleanup needs. The Galley’s culinary tools include an upper tier cutting board, upper tier drying rack, 2 lower tier platforms, 11″ colander with non-slip handles, and 11” mixing bowl with lid and non-slip bottom. Learn more about the amazing Galley Workstation here. A Waterstone gantry faucet in a pewter finish combines a pull-down sprayer for maximum mobility and a articulated swivel spout. A water tap with reverse osmosis filter provides the highest quality drinking water. To keep a clean and sleek counter we installed a raised air switch for the garbage disposal and integrated soap dispenser. The island also houses the Thermador Sapphire 7-Program Dishwasher with a hidden touch control panel and a custom Walnut wood front. The cabinetry under the Galley Workstation features a trash roll out, as well as storage for the culinary tools. Shortening the stairwell wall, and reframing around the stairs, which included shortening the handrail, also made room for a bi-fold door walk-in pantry with extra roll out storage and space for a small microwave. Above the panty doors is a remote controlled, electric motor powered, lift up cabinet door which hides a flat screen TV, used while the family is cooking. To the right of the walk-in pantry is cold food storage. The Thermador, 30-inch Freedom Collection refrigerator and 24-inch built-in freezer column with internal ice maker are covered with matching cabinetry fronts. An open display space was designed above the units, creating an aesthetically beautiful wall. To the right of the refrigerator & freezer columns is a tall cabinet designed for the built-in Thermador steam and convection oven. The convention steam oven is a relatively new technology for homes, but its versatility and food quality is amazing. To the right of this is a pull-out appliance pantry which provides easy access and storage for a stand mixer, blender, and any other appliance you do not want to clutter the counter. The most visible wall of the kitchen features the 36-inch Thermador Professional Series Harmony Gas Range with Griddle. Between the range and custom designed wood hood, a framed mosaic tile accent in the backsplash, creates a focal point. To clear the air, the Professional Series Thermador 42-inch ventilation insert provides excellent exhaust capabilities, as well as providing multi-level, vivid LED lights for beautiful illumination. The wall cabinetry symmetrically flanks the custom hood, utilizing deeper wall cabinetry on each end, allowing for storage of oversized dishware. The base cabinetry on this wall is made up of drawers, except for the corner, which is a Kesseböhmer LeMans II. This specially designed shelf system allows ease of access in underutilized blind corners. The dual action articulation system with soft close mechanism ensures a smooth open and close. Rounding the corner to the outside wall, the base cabinetry was built to a narrower depth, providing additional space for the island, as well as easier access to the new larger pass-thru window which serves the screen porch. The client selected Black Vermont granite countertops with an ogee edge to contrast the Linen White painted cabinetry. The door to the screen porch was replaced with a Marvin Exterior Door with a raised panel at the bottom of the 3⁄4 glass door. Marvin Windows replaced the other windows in the space increasing the energy efficiency and value of the home. To establish the breakfast nook, a bench with drawers and an upholstered seat was built into the bay area of the room. Custom bookshelves were built with open shelves, cabinet doors, and drawers on either side of the fireplace. A new stone hearth and fireplace surround were installed. Above the existing mantel we built a recessed space for the flat screen television hiding all wiring inside the walls for a completely clean look. The space that was once a desk was transformed into a bar area. The glass shelves and glass cabinet front liquor cabinet stand out. But this bar area has hidden secrets. Tucked beneath the black granite is a Thermador under-counter double drawer refrigerator with matching wood front panels. They blend in perfectly with the cabinets. A wireless printer is easily accessed on a slide out drawer. Plus, what looks like merely wooden panels on the wall are concealing recessed storage for more bottles and glasses! Overhead recessed lighting and speaker system provide illumination and entertainment through the entire space. This luxury home had original, solid oak flooring through most of the first floor which the homeowner obviously wanted to keep but were in desperate need of repair and refinishing. Our master craftsmen wove in new wood flooring to match the old where needed, particularly where walls had been changed and where the floor was damaged. We sanded the floors, smoothing away years of wear and tear. The entire wood floor was then uniformly stained, making it impossible to differentiate where any repairs were made. If this renovation has inspired you, then contact us today! There is no limit to our Dimensions.

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

Nestled amidst a neighborhood of single story bungalows in Venice, California, the Solar Umbrella Residence boldly establishes a precedent for the next generation of California modernist architecture. Located on a 41’ wide x 100’-0” long through lot, the Solar Umbrella addition transforms the architects’ existing 650 square foot bungalow into a 1900 square foot residence equipped for responsible living in the twenty-first century. Inspired by Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House of 1953, the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures. In establishing the program for their residence, which accommodates the couple and their one child chose to integrate into the design, principles of sustainability that they strive to achieve in their own practice. The architects carefully considered the entire site, taking advantage of as many opportunities for sustainable living as possible. Passive and active solar design strategies render the residence 100% energy neutral. Recycled, renewable, and high performance materials and products are specified throughout. Hardscape and landscape treatments are considered for their aesthetic and actual impact on the land. The Brooks Scarpa Residence elegantly crafts each of these strategies and materials, exploiting the potential for performance and sensibility while achieving a rich and interesting sensory and aesthetic experience.

The Sweet Residence is a full residential remodel and addition to an existing estate-style home in La Cañada, California. The project reimagines an older residence through expanded square footage and a comprehensive architectural renovation, while preserving the established character, proportion, and presence of the original property. The home is defined by traditional architectural elements including stucco walls, wood shutters, divided-light windows, and hipped roof forms. Rather than replacing that character, the design builds on it—shaping a more complete and updated residence that remains aligned with the scale of the existing structure while supporting a more functional contemporary layout. Set within a mature landscape setting, the project reflects a residential design approach grounded in continuity, livability, and architectural restraint. The result is a substantial renovation that respects the original home while creating a more cohesive residence for modern living.

Additions, renovations, and restorations on established Boston-suburb streets. Winchester is where a lot of my Boston-area work has lived for years. The town has a residential character built on early 20th-century stock: Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Shingle style, the occasional Federal, on tree-lined streets where what you do to one house is visible to the rest of the block. The projects below are additions, renovations, and restorations. The brief is almost always the same: keep what's working, fix what isn't, and make the new work look like it belongs to the original house. Done well, an addition is invisible from the street and the family lives in a house that looks like it was always that way. Done poorly, the work announces itself, and the house ends up reading as two houses: the original, and the one the architect tried to add. When a project falls under Winchester's Historic Districts Commission, I work closely with the commission. When it doesn't, I still pay attention to the neighbors. The town has a strong sense of its own architectural fabric. The work that lasts here is the work that doesn't fight it.

Succulents, grasses and low-water shrubs with vivid foliage give this coastal garden a rich, textured look with minimal maintenance. Exterior colors and furniture selection by Julie McMahon. Photos by Daniel Bosler

The original French poster served as the artistic inspiration for the room’s curated color palette, establishing a refined foundation for the interior design scheme. An elegant extension table offers flexible dining and additional seating, while a hand-blown glass pendant light adds artisanal craftsmanship, ambient illumination, and a sophisticated focal point ideal for leisurely Sunday reading. Design: Carol Lombardo Weil Photo: Alain Jaramillo

At the center of the home is a newly expanded kitchen—its design is rooted in practicality and visual appeal. Previously enclosed and limited in functionality, the kitchen was opened up with the addition of a peninsula that extends into the living room. This peninsula serves multiple roles: casual dining space, food prep area, storage solution, and visual anchor. Custom cabinetry was designed to fit the galley-style layout efficiently. Pale grey cabinets establish a soft and calming foundation punctuated by sophisticated brass hardware that adds warmth and subtle contrast. A full-height pantry maximizes storage without overwhelming the space. Photography by Francis Augustine

The client fell in love with this site in the wooded hills of northwest Portland. They desired a single-story, Pacific Northwest Modern home with a grand central space that captures views into the valley. The home would include four bedrooms; a large central space with kitchen; dining and entertainment areas; a small theatre; a large, covered deck; and a three-car garage. Part of the allure of the site was the dramatic slope, which in some areas was as steep as 20%. The layout works the 4,300 sf structure into the site, by following the swails of the hillside. In addition to establishing a comfortable lay in the land, this strategy limits excavation and fill. The drive reveals the dramatic forms of the home through its arching approach.