This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

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

The home is able to take full advantage of views with the use of Glo’s A7 triple pane windows and doors. The energy-efficient series boasts triple pane glazing, a larger thermal break, high-performance spacers, and multiple air-seals. The large picture windows frame the landscape while maintaining comfortable interior temperatures year-round. The strategically placed operable windows throughout the residence offer cross-ventilation and a visual connection to the sweeping views of Utah. The modern hardware and color selection of the windows are not only aesthetically exceptional, but remain true to the mid-century modern design.

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

At Archadeck of Nova Scotia we love any size project big or small. But, that being said, we have a soft spot for the projects that let us show off our talents! This Halifax house was no exception. The owners wanted a space to suit their outdoor lifestyle with materials to last far into the future. The choices were quite simple: stone veneer, Timbertech composite decking and glass railing. What better way to create that stability than with a solid foundation, concrete columns and decorative stone veneer? The posts were all wrapped with stone and match the retaining wall which was installed to help with soil retention and give the backyard more definition (it’s not too hard on the eyes either). A set of well-lit steps will guide you up the multi-level deck. The built-in planters soften the hardness of the Timbertech composite deck and provide a little visual relief. The two-tone aesthetic of the deck and railing are a stunning feature which plays up contrasting tones. From there it’s a game of musical chairs; we recommend the big round one on a September evening with a glass of wine and cozy blanket. We haven’t gotten there quite yet, but this property has an amazing view (you will see soon enough!). As to not spoil the view, we installed TImbertech composite railing with glass panels. This allows you to take in the surrounding sights while relaxing and not have those pesky balusters in the way. In any Canadian backyard, there is always the dilemma of dealing with mosquitoes and black flies! Our solution to this itchy problem is to incorporate a screen room as part of your design. This screen room in particular has space for dining and lounging around a fireplace, perfect for the colder evenings! Ahhh…there’s the view! From the top level of the deck you can really get an appreciation for Nova Scotia. Life looks pretty good from the top of a multi-level deck. Once again, we installed a composite and glass railing on the new composite deck to capture the scenery. What puts the cherry on top of this project is the balcony! One of the greatest benefits of composite decking and railing is that it can be curved to create beautiful soft edges. Imagine sipping your morning coffee and watching the sunrise over the water. If you want to know more about composite decking, railing or anything else you’ve seen that sparks your interest; give us a call! We’d love to hear from you.

The home is able to achieve passive house standards and take full advantage of the views with the use of Glo’s A7 triple pane windows and doors. The PHIUS (Passive House Institute US) certified series boasts triple pane glazing, a larger thermal break, high-performance spacers, and multiple air-seals. The large picture windows frame the landscape while maintaining comfortable interior temperatures year-round. The strategically placed operable windows throughout the residence offer cross-ventilation and a visual connection to the sweeping views of Utah. The modern hardware and color selection of the windows are not only aesthetically exceptional, but remain true to the mid-century modern design.

Together with our client, the project goal was to creatively transform an under-utilized rear garden using architectural cues and personal detailing to develop a cohesive material enriched design with multiple focal points and uniquely placed vegetation. Taking advantage of the mature vegetation, bamboo fencing and existing hot tub, we had the opportunity to design and create integrated lounging and seating. We enhanced the garden's multiple focal points by importing hand-selected rockery, specimen trees, cascading evergreens, and groups of perennials. Each rock was rotated numerous times to expose the best face and right pitch to ensure the stones' sun, shade, and patterns were all highlighted. With the addition of an open-sided pergola and raised deck along with side projections, we were able to integrate the limbs of an existing majestic Japanese Maple creating the perfect location to lounge, drink a morning coffee or entertain while gazing back at unique architecture and at-grade hot tub. The hot tub buried in the ground is surrounded by dark oiled cedar decking and edged by a concrete patio, large stepping slabs and raised planter. The mixture of wood, concrete and greenery was a great contrast of natural finishes seamlessly blended by elongated trim boards and intentional lines. Staining the fence framing black and oiling the bamboo added the final fresh touches this garden needed connecting these new spaces from the entrance gate to the BBQ and dining patio.

This once unused bonus room was transformed into a wonderful new bedroom for a boy with lots of room to grow, play and have sleepovers. We took advantage of the attic space either side of the room by recessing the TV / storage area and also on the opposite side with the double desk unit. The room was separated by the sets of drawers that have custom headboards at the back of them, this helping with the great length of this room. Custom bookcase shelving was made for the window wall to also create not only depth but display as well. The clients as well as their son are enjoying the room!

Our poster project for The Three P's, this small midcentury home south of campus has great bones but lacked vibrancy - a je ne sais quoi that the clients were searching to savoir once and for all. SYI worked with them to nail down a design direction and furniture plan, and they decided to invest in the big-impact items first: built-ins and lighting and a fresh paint job that included a beautiful deep blue-green line around the windows. The vintage rug was an Etsy score at an awesome price, but only after the client spent months scouring options and sources online that matched the vision and dimensions of the plan. A good year later, the West Elm sofa went on sale, so the client took advantage; some time after that, they painted the kitchen, created the drop zone / bench area, and rounded out the room with occasional tables and accessories. Their lesson: in patience, and details, there is beauty. Photography by Gina Rogers Photography

Like many properties in Northern Michigan, the lake views and general setting were of major importance in laying out this cottage. The resulting views out of the home are wonderful. The cottage is designed as a family destination with room for three adult children, their spouses, and future grand kids. Multiple bedroom arrangements and future unfinished spaces increase the ability to entertain large family gatherings, while keeping things cozy for a couple on a quiet weekend. Playful colors inside and the yellow exterior brings a casual relaxed atmosphere to the home without fussy detailing. The home owner purchased garage sale furniture and painted it whimsical colors making it fit the casual character. This project was done on a very careful budget, for clients who were very involved in the construction process in order to take advantage of every value oriented option. At the end they were able to get a lot into the cottage for a rather restricted budget.

This once unused bonus room was transformed into a wonderful new bedroom for a boy with lots of room to grow, play and have sleepovers. We took advantage of the attic space either side of the room by recessing the TV / storage area and also on the opposite side with the double desk unit. The room was separated by the sets of drawers that have custom headboards at the back of them, this helping with the great length of this room. Custom bookcase shelving was made for the window wall to also create not only depth but display as well. The clients as well as their son are enjoying the room!

This West Asheville small house is on an ⅛ acre infill lot just 1 block from the Haywood Road commercial district. With only 840 square feet, space optimization is key. Each room houses multiple functions, and storage space is integrated into every possible location. The owners strongly emphasized using available outdoor space to its fullest. A large screened porch takes advantage of the our climate, and is an adjunct dining room and living space for three seasons of the year. A simple form and tonal grey palette unify and lend a modern aesthetic to the exterior of the small house, while light colors and high ceilings give the interior an airy feel. Photography by Todd Crawford

This once unused bonus room was transformed into a wonderful new bedroom for a boy with lots of room to grow, play and have sleepovers. We took advantage of the attic space either side of the room by recessing the TV / storage area and also on the opposite side with the double desk unit. The room was separated by the sets of drawers that have custom headboards at the back of them, this helping with the great length of this room. Custom bookcase shelving was made for the window wall to also create not only depth but display as well. The clients as well as their son are enjoying the room!

This once unused bonus room was transformed into a wonderful new bedroom for a boy with lots of room to grow, play and have sleepovers. We took advantage of the attic space either side of the room by recessing the TV / storage area and also on the opposite side with the double desk unit. The room was separated by the sets of drawers that have custom headboards at the back of them, this helping with the great length of this room. Custom bookcase shelving was made for the window wall to also create not only depth but display as well. The clients as well as their son are enjoying the room!

The home is able to take full advantage of views with the use of Glo’s A7 triple pane windows and doors. The energy-efficient series boasts triple pane glazing, a larger thermal break, high-performance spacers, and multiple air-seals. The large picture windows frame the landscape while maintaining comfortable interior temperatures year-round. The strategically placed operable windows throughout the residence offer cross-ventilation and a visual connection to the sweeping views of Utah. The modern hardware and color selection of the windows are not only aesthetically exceptional, but remain true to the mid-century modern design.

This once unused bonus room was transformed into a wonderful new bedroom for a boy with lots of room to grow, play and have sleepovers. We took advantage of the attic space either side of the room by recessing the TV / storage area and also on the opposite side with the double desk unit. The room was separated by the sets of drawers that have custom headboards at the back of them, this helping with the great length of this room. Custom bookcase shelving was made for the window wall to also create not only depth but display as well. The clients as well as their son are enjoying the room!

This once unused bonus room was transformed into a wonderful new bedroom for a boy with lots of room to grow, play and have sleepovers. We took advantage of the attic space either side of the room by recessing the TV / storage area and also on the opposite side with the double desk unit. The room was separated by the sets of drawers that have custom headboards at the back of them, this helping with the great length of this room. Custom bookcase shelving was made for the window wall to also create not only depth but display as well. The clients as well as their son are enjoying the room!

These clients worked with Jeff Genter, RLA and Brody Little, MLA to design a covered porch and waterfall to replace the existing deck and complement the existing patio. We removed the existing deck and constructed brick piers to support a new trex deck and porch roof to match the house. The porch was designed to compliment the house. It includes a skylight, ceiling fan, and finished pine ceiling. A staircase, with lights in the risers, leads to the patio below. Perennials were added around the patio and multiple plantings were placed to blend the waterfall into the landscape. The naturalistic waterfall takes advantage of the slope to the fire pit, and a foot path from the side deck allows access over the stream.

Together with our client, the project goal was to creatively transform an under-utilized rear garden using architectural cues and personal detailing to develop a cohesive material enriched design with multiple focal points and uniquely placed vegetation. Taking advantage of the mature vegetation, bamboo fencing and existing hot tub, we had the opportunity to design and create integrated lounging and seating. We enhanced the garden's multiple focal points by importing hand-selected rockery, specimen trees, cascading evergreens, and groups of perennials. Each rock was rotated numerous times to expose the best face and right pitch to ensure the stones' sun, shade, and patterns were all highlighted. With the addition of an open-sided pergola and raised deck along with side projections, we were able to integrate the limbs of an existing majestic Japanese Maple creating the perfect location to lounge, drink a morning coffee or entertain while gazing back at unique architecture and at-grade hot tub. The hot tub buried in the ground is surrounded by dark oiled cedar decking and edged by a concrete patio, large stepping slabs and raised planter. The mixture of wood, concrete and greenery was a great contrast of natural finishes seamlessly blended by elongated trim boards and intentional lines. Staining the fence framing black and oiling the bamboo added the final fresh touches this garden needed connecting these new spaces from the entrance gate to the BBQ and dining patio.