Search results for "Advanced level" in Home Design Ideas

Photo by Jody Dole
John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation.
We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

This previously unused attic space is now a sauna/yoga room. The left sauna wall follows the attic rafters down diagonally to allow a wider space for leg room on the twin sauna benches.

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.
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This French/English country-style stone house and two timber-framed barns sit on a 100-acres with views of Mount Mansfield and the neighboring pastures. The shape and arrangement of the buildings develop a theme of embracing outdoor rooms and creating vistas. The stone house features solid stone window and door surrounds and a slate roof. A vaulted 2-story great room sits between the master suite wing and the south bedroom wing. The family room-kitchen area opens to a glass conservatory with a stone fireplace soaring above. A round breakfast nook nestles inside a turret. On the lower level is an indoor pool capped by a sky-filled conservatory. The house features advanced low-voltage controls and mechanical systems. An English style timber-framed car barn and woodshop comprise the inner driving court. The house features a super-insulated shell and high tech heating system. 17,500sf/1625m - 7 bdrm/double suite living + 4000sf/371 Car Barn + 3200sf/300m Wood Shop

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home.
The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living.
The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home.
The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play.
The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
Energy Efficient features include:
• The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade
• 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques
• Foil covered roof sheathing
• Extensive use of blown in cellulous
• All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass
• Tank-less water heaters
• Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV.
Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency.
These items include:
• 2x6 walls with staggered studs
• Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting
• Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows
• ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls.
The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Example of a mid-sized classic u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This French/English country-style stone house and two timber-framed barns sit on a 100-acres with views of Mount Mansfield and the neighboring pastures. The shape and arrangement of the buildings develop a theme of embracing outdoor rooms and creating vistas. The stone house features solid stone window and door surrounds and a slate roof. A vaulted 2-story great room sits between the master suite wing and the south bedroom wing. The family room-kitchen area opens to a glass conservatory with a stone fireplace soaring above. A round breakfast nook nestles inside a turret. On the lower level is an indoor pool capped by a sky-filled conservatory. The house features advanced low-voltage controls and mechanical systems. An English style timber-framed car barn and woodshop comprise the inner driving court. The house features a super-insulated shell and high tech heating system. 17,500sf/1625m - 7 bdrm/double suite living + 4000sf/371 Car Barn + 3200sf/300m Wood Shop

This French/English country-style stone house and two timber-framed barns sit on a 100-acres with views of Mount Mansfield and the neighboring pastures. The shape and arrangement of the buildings develop a theme of embracing outdoor rooms and creating vistas. The stone house features solid stone window and door surrounds and a slate roof. A vaulted 2-story great room sits between the master suite wing and the south bedroom wing. The family room-kitchen area opens to a glass conservatory with a stone fireplace soaring above. A round breakfast nook nestles inside a turret. On the lower level is an indoor pool capped by a sky-filled conservatory. The house features advanced low-voltage controls and mechanical systems. An English style timber-framed car barn and woodshop comprise the inner driving court. The house features a super-insulated shell and high tech heating system. 17,500sf/1625m - 7 bdrm/double suite living + 4000sf/371 Car Barn + 3200sf/300m Wood Shop

This French/English country-style stone house and two timber-framed barns sit on a 100-acres with views of Mount Mansfield and the neighboring pastures. The shape and arrangement of the buildings develop a theme of embracing outdoor rooms and creating vistas. The stone house features solid stone window and door surrounds and a slate roof. A vaulted 2-story great room sits between the master suite wing and the south bedroom wing. The family room-kitchen area opens to a glass conservatory with a stone fireplace soaring above. A round breakfast nook nestles inside a turret. On the lower level is an indoor pool capped by a sky-filled conservatory. The house features advanced low-voltage controls and mechanical systems. An English style timber-framed car barn and woodshop comprise the inner driving court. The house features a super-insulated shell and high tech heating system. 17,500sf/1625m - 7 bdrm/double suite living + 4000sf/371 Car Barn + 3200sf/300m Wood Shop

The steep hillside lot had been developed with a single-family residence (1965), which was at the maximum area for local zoning; therefore, the only way to enlarge the residence was to add a basement. During the cost analysis process, it became clear that supporting the house while creating a basement – and then substantially remodeling the remaining structure – would require far more effort and treasure than to replace the house entirely.
Located just over one mile from the San Andreas Fault, the Owners tasked the design team to find a superior solution to the “Life Safety” standard required by Code. The team combined advances in seismic analysis and building technology to create for the owners one of the most seismically resilient houses built in the US.
The newly designed house takes full advantage of the potential of this beautiful site. The home centers on large public rooms opening to outdoor spaces and the use of natural light. On the top level, the kitchen and family room sit side-by-side creating a shared space, with an expansive floor-to-ceiling folding door system allowing the rooms to open completely to the south-facing upper terrace and garage roof deck. An outdoor cooking area supports both family dinners as well as large gatherings of friends and family. Also on the top level, a living room and lounge area open to a large deck cantilevered high above the ground and oriented to the northern views. The feeling of being “in the trees” enhances the connection to the impressive landscape.

This French/English country-style stone house and two timber-framed barns sit on a 100-acres with views of Mount Mansfield and the neighboring pastures. The shape and arrangement of the buildings develop a theme of embracing outdoor rooms and creating vistas. The stone house features solid stone window and door surrounds and a slate roof. A vaulted 2-story great room sits between the master suite wing and the south bedroom wing. The family room-kitchen area opens to a glass conservatory with a stone fireplace soaring above. A round breakfast nook nestles inside a turret. On the lower level is an indoor pool capped by a sky-filled conservatory. The house features advanced low-voltage controls and mechanical systems. An English style timber-framed car barn and woodshop comprise the inner driving court. The house features a super-insulated shell and high tech heating system. 17,500sf/1625m - 7 bdrm/double suite living + 4000sf/371 Car Barn + 3200sf/300m Wood Shop

The steep hillside lot had been developed with a single-family residence (1965), which was at the maximum area for local zoning; therefore, the only way to enlarge the residence was to add a basement. During the cost analysis process, it became clear that supporting the house while creating a basement – and then substantially remodeling the remaining structure – would require far more effort and treasure than to replace the house entirely.
Located just over one mile from the San Andreas Fault, the Owners tasked the design team to find a superior solution to the “Life Safety” standard required by Code. The team combined advances in seismic analysis and building technology to create for the owners one of the most seismically resilient houses built in the US.
The newly designed house takes full advantage of the potential of this beautiful site. The home centers on large public rooms opening to outdoor spaces and the use of natural light. On the top level, the kitchen and family room sit side-by-side creating a shared space, with an expansive floor-to-ceiling folding door system allowing the rooms to open completely to the south-facing upper terrace and garage roof deck. An outdoor cooking area supports both family dinners as well as large gatherings of friends and family. Also on the top level, a living room and lounge area open to a large deck cantilevered high above the ground and oriented to the northern views. The feeling of being “in the trees” enhances the connection to the impressive landscape.

The steep hillside lot had been developed with a single-family residence (1965), which was at the maximum area for local zoning; therefore, the only way to enlarge the residence was to add a basement. During the cost analysis process, it became clear that supporting the house while creating a basement – and then substantially remodeling the remaining structure – would require far more effort and treasure than to replace the house entirely.
Located just over one mile from the San Andreas Fault, the Owners tasked the design team to find a superior solution to the “Life Safety” standard required by Code. The team combined advances in seismic analysis and building technology to create for the owners one of the most seismically resilient houses built in the US.
The newly designed house takes full advantage of the potential of this beautiful site. The home centers on large public rooms opening to outdoor spaces and the use of natural light. On the top level, the kitchen and family room sit side-by-side creating a shared space, with an expansive floor-to-ceiling folding door system allowing the rooms to open completely to the south-facing upper terrace and garage roof deck. An outdoor cooking area supports both family dinners as well as large gatherings of friends and family. Also on the top level, a living room and lounge area open to a large deck cantilevered high above the ground and oriented to the northern views. The feeling of being “in the trees” enhances the connection to the impressive landscape.

The steep hillside lot had been developed with a single-family residence (1965), which was at the maximum area for local zoning; therefore, the only way to enlarge the residence was to add a basement. During the cost analysis process, it became clear that supporting the house while creating a basement – and then substantially remodeling the remaining structure – would require far more effort and treasure than to replace the house entirely.
Located just over one mile from the San Andreas Fault, the Owners tasked the design team to find a superior solution to the “Life Safety” standard required by Code. The team combined advances in seismic analysis and building technology to create for the owners one of the most seismically resilient houses built in the US.
The newly designed house takes full advantage of the potential of this beautiful site. The home centers on large public rooms opening to outdoor spaces and the use of natural light. On the top level, the kitchen and family room sit side-by-side creating a shared space, with an expansive floor-to-ceiling folding door system allowing the rooms to open completely to the south-facing upper terrace and garage roof deck. An outdoor cooking area supports both family dinners as well as large gatherings of friends and family. Also on the top level, a living room and lounge area open to a large deck cantilevered high above the ground and oriented to the northern views. The feeling of being “in the trees” enhances the connection to the impressive landscape.

The steep hillside lot had been developed with a single-family residence (1965), which was at the maximum area for local zoning; therefore, the only way to enlarge the residence was to add a basement. During the cost analysis process, it became clear that supporting the house while creating a basement – and then substantially remodeling the remaining structure – would require far more effort and treasure than to replace the house entirely.
Located just over one mile from the San Andreas Fault, the Owners tasked the design team to find a superior solution to the “Life Safety” standard required by Code. The team combined advances in seismic analysis and building technology to create for the owners one of the most seismically resilient houses built in the US.
The newly designed house takes full advantage of the potential of this beautiful site. The home centers on large public rooms opening to outdoor spaces and the use of natural light. On the top level, the kitchen and family room sit side-by-side creating a shared space, with an expansive floor-to-ceiling folding door system allowing the rooms to open completely to the south-facing upper terrace and garage roof deck. An outdoor cooking area supports both family dinners as well as large gatherings of friends and family. Also on the top level, a living room and lounge area open to a large deck cantilevered high above the ground and oriented to the northern views. The feeling of being “in the trees” enhances the connection to the impressive landscape.

This French/English country-style stone house and two timber-framed barns sit on a 100-acres with views of Mount Mansfield and the neighboring pastures. The shape and arrangement of the buildings develop a theme of embracing outdoor rooms and creating vistas. The stone house features solid stone window and door surrounds and a slate roof. A vaulted 2-story great room sits between the master suite wing and the south bedroom wing. The family room-kitchen area opens to a glass conservatory with a stone fireplace soaring above. A round breakfast nook nestles inside a turret. On the lower level is an indoor pool capped by a sky-filled conservatory. The house features advanced low-voltage controls and mechanical systems. An English style timber-framed car barn and woodshop comprise the inner driving court. The house features a super-insulated shell and high tech heating system. 17,500sf/1625m - 7 bdrm/double suite living + 4000sf/371 Car Barn + 3200sf/300m Wood Shop

The steep hillside lot had been developed with a single-family residence (1965), which was at the maximum area for local zoning; therefore, the only way to enlarge the residence was to add a basement. During the cost analysis process, it became clear that supporting the house while creating a basement – and then substantially remodeling the remaining structure – would require far more effort and treasure than to replace the house entirely.
Located just over one mile from the San Andreas Fault, the Owners tasked the design team to find a superior solution to the “Life Safety” standard required by Code. The team combined advances in seismic analysis and building technology to create for the owners one of the most seismically resilient houses built in the US.
The newly designed house takes full advantage of the potential of this beautiful site. The home centers on large public rooms opening to outdoor spaces and the use of natural light. On the top level, the kitchen and family room sit side-by-side creating a shared space, with an expansive floor-to-ceiling folding door system allowing the rooms to open completely to the south-facing upper terrace and garage roof deck. An outdoor cooking area supports both family dinners as well as large gatherings of friends and family. Also on the top level, a living room and lounge area open to a large deck cantilevered high above the ground and oriented to the northern views. The feeling of being “in the trees” enhances the connection to the impressive landscape.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

This custom steam shower features exotic Calacatta Gold marble slabs, expertly book-matched to create a continuous vein flow across every wall. Designed and fabricated in-house by Power Marble & Granite, this project demonstrates our specialization in large-format marble and porcelain slab installations, advanced CAD planning, and precise CNC fabrication.
The space includes a fully contoured custom marble bench, wrapped with seamless transitions and detailed mosaic work. Gold luxury fixtures enhance the stone’s warm tones, while recessed niches and overhead lighting emphasize the depth and movement of the marble.
Every slab was laser-templated, CAD-mapped, and cut on CNC equipment to ensure flawless symmetry and alignment. Our team handled all substrate preparation, leveling, waterproofing, slab installation, and finishing—delivering a true spa-like retreat with museum-level craftsmanship.

The steep hillside lot had been developed with a single-family residence (1965), which was at the maximum area for local zoning; therefore, the only way to enlarge the residence was to add a basement. During the cost analysis process, it became clear that supporting the house while creating a basement – and then substantially remodeling the remaining structure – would require far more effort and treasure than to replace the house entirely.
Located just over one mile from the San Andreas Fault, the Owners tasked the design team to find a superior solution to the “Life Safety” standard required by Code. The team combined advances in seismic analysis and building technology to create for the owners one of the most seismically resilient houses built in the US.
The newly designed house takes full advantage of the potential of this beautiful site. The home centers on large public rooms opening to outdoor spaces and the use of natural light. On the top level, the kitchen and family room sit side-by-side creating a shared space, with an expansive floor-to-ceiling folding door system allowing the rooms to open completely to the south-facing upper terrace and garage roof deck. An outdoor cooking area supports both family dinners as well as large gatherings of friends and family. Also on the top level, a living room and lounge area open to a large deck cantilevered high above the ground and oriented to the northern views. The feeling of being “in the trees” enhances the connection to the impressive landscape.

The steep hillside lot had been developed with a single-family residence (1965), which was at the maximum area for local zoning; therefore, the only way to enlarge the residence was to add a basement. During the cost analysis process, it became clear that supporting the house while creating a basement – and then substantially remodeling the remaining structure – would require far more effort and treasure than to replace the house entirely.
Located just over one mile from the San Andreas Fault, the Owners tasked the design team to find a superior solution to the “Life Safety” standard required by Code. The team combined advances in seismic analysis and building technology to create for the owners one of the most seismically resilient houses built in the US.
The newly designed house takes full advantage of the potential of this beautiful site. The home centers on large public rooms opening to outdoor spaces and the use of natural light. On the top level, the kitchen and family room sit side-by-side creating a shared space, with an expansive floor-to-ceiling folding door system allowing the rooms to open completely to the south-facing upper terrace and garage roof deck. An outdoor cooking area supports both family dinners as well as large gatherings of friends and family. Also on the top level, a living room and lounge area open to a large deck cantilevered high above the ground and oriented to the northern views. The feeling of being “in the trees” enhances the connection to the impressive landscape.
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