This fabulous kitchen is open to other rooms on three sides, yet purposely feels enclosed. The intricately fitted series of cabinet panels creates the sense of enclosed space. Two different paint colors, Benjamin Moore's Stonington Gray and Prevo's Snow, were used on the cabinets, while the crown moulding is finished in natural to draw the eye upward to the unusual, reverse tray ceiling. Prevo's Shaker door style is used to advantage in creating a modern vibe. The simple flat panel in overlay styling contrasts with the complicated fitting required of the multiple panels and cabinets in this room design. Chrome hardware pairs nicely with the soft gray painted cabinets and adds yet another element to the room's contemporary styling. These cabinets do more than look good; there's lots and lots of built in storage, including a docking drawer, numerous roll outs, spice tray, a step stool built into the toe space, double cutlery trays and trash pull-outs, built in, concealed TV. Tilt down drawer fronts conceal electrical outlets.

Residential architecture must always have a connection with its landscape: physically and visually. The previous home, despite being located on a beautiful waterfront site, was derelict and not fit for purpose anymore. There was little connection to the water and beach, thus not taking advantage of its waterfront location. A true connection to the water was achieved through adaptable glazing covering the majority of the rear facade and a roof line that is set outwards. Furthermore, the protruding massing orients and aligns itself toward the waterfront, bringing the interior spaces and beach together. Despite the small plot, two accessory dwelling units were erected on the east end, providing additional affordable housing near the city centre. Knowing the clients personally, I was fortunate enough to be trusted with leading the design of this project from its inception. 3D models and plans helped the clients and myself come to design decisions in the context of the site. My plans were signed off by a local drafting company with very minimal changes. The residence has won multiple awards including a first place in the “Residential Infill “ category from the Canadian Homebuilders Association.

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

Forget just one room with a view—Lochley has almost an entire house dedicated to capturing nature’s best views and vistas. Make the most of a waterside or lakefront lot in this economical yet elegant floor plan, which was tailored to fit a narrow lot and has more than 1,600 square feet of main floor living space as well as almost as much on its upper and lower levels. A dovecote over the garage, multiple peaks and interesting roof lines greet guests at the street side, where a pergola over the front door provides a warm welcome and fitting intro to the interesting design. Other exterior features include trusses and transoms over multiple windows, siding, shutters and stone accents throughout the home’s three stories. The water side includes a lower-level walkout, a lower patio, an upper enclosed porch and walls of windows, all designed to take full advantage of the sun-filled site. The floor plan is all about relaxation – the kitchen includes an oversized island designed for gathering family and friends, a u-shaped butler’s pantry with a convenient second sink, while the nearby great room has built-ins and a central natural fireplace. Distinctive details include decorative wood beams in the living and kitchen areas, a dining area with sloped ceiling and decorative trusses and built-in window seat, and another window seat with built-in storage in the den, perfect for relaxing or using as a home office. A first-floor laundry and space for future elevator make it as convenient as attractive. Upstairs, an additional 1,200 square feet of living space include a master bedroom suite with a sloped 13-foot ceiling with decorative trusses and a corner natural fireplace, a master bath with two sinks and a large walk-in closet with built-in bench near the window. Also included is are two additional bedrooms and access to a third-floor loft, which could functions as a third bedroom if needed. Two more bedrooms with walk-in closets and a bath are found in the 1,300-square foot lower level, which also includes a secondary kitchen with bar, a fitness room overlooking the lake, a recreation/family room with built-in TV and a wine bar perfect for toasting the beautiful view beyond.

This client had this gorgeous deck and patio installed and wanted to them designed to provide her family with a lot of usable options. She wanted a space that her large family could enjoy on a daily basis during warm weather months. She also wanted a space elegant and functional enough to allow her husband to host get-togethers for colleagues and clients. The main challenges were the two columns that were incorporated into the deck in order to hold up the pergola and the long narrow space that is lower patio. We used the columns on the deck to our advantage, placing an outdoor sectional against it to create formal division between the lounging and dining area. We also created multiple small conversations areas by adding four stools/accent tables that could be moved around and adding the ottoman to create a bench style sectional facing an additional sofa to the side of the deck. On the patio we created one large seating area but added ottomans and a bench as coffee tables for larger gatherings and additional seating for smaller conversation areas. The client wanted to take full advantage of the beautiful new fire-pit so we found three rounded sofas to accentuate the shape of the fire-pit and the patio area. We added console tables and accessorized them the way we would accessorize any indoor room. Durable but sophisticated indoor/outdoor art on the walls, vases, plants, outdoor lamps and additional accessories give this space a very finished, living space feel. Photography by Tinius Photography

Aspect 221 is a multi-experiential home designed for a multi-generational family. Set on a sloping corner property in a 1960's Golden Valley neighborhood, this home offers a variety of ways to connect to the immediate landscapes and distant views. The house itself is divided vertically with interaction between families occurring through the centrally located sculptural stair. Horizontal movement in each direction leads to distinct environments provided for the families; multiple habitats offering variety of space, light, and privacy. Expanding towards the west, the property takes advantage of the sweeping views and provides a perfect opportunity for a walk-out lower level and tuck under garage. The young family occupies the middle and upper floors, while the parents occupy the lower level. Each family has their own private entry and dedicated outdoor space. The home has 4 distinct outdoor spaces; a north shade deck and south sun deck, as well as an upper east lawn and lower west lawn. These spaces provide multiple habitats for the families to come together or move apart, offering variety and privacy. We designed Aspect 221 with a nod to the various “aspects” offered by the site and its natural context. The base of the house is a black monolithic plinth anchored into the hillside, containing the garage and older parent’s home. This allows the upper two floors, enclosed in a fractured white and wood box, to remain humanly scaled and to move and gesture freely by twisting the middle floor off axis, and then twisting the upper floor off axis again. Each level offers views in varied directions revealing the site in different ways as you rise in elevation. Location: Golden Valley, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

The 2024 Southern Living Idea House is a new build that fits perfectly into the lush countryside. Designer and architect Kirsten Schoettelkotte’s design was inspired by the historic farmsteads and traditional architectural styles of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The home has a wide front porch, brick stairway, copper gutters, and a standalone carriage house. The house’s design blended the indoor and outdoor spaces to take full advantage of the surrounding natural environment. “[Nearly] every room in the house has a window, and that was intentional,” said Schoettelkotte. Multiple Marvin products from the Ultimate and Elevate collections were selected for the home. Their durability and customization ability were a perfect fit for the project. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Ultimate Inswing French Door Marvin Ultimate Multi-Slide Door Marvin Elevate Direct Glaze Windows Marvin Elevate Casement Windows Elevate Awning Windows Architecture Firm: MHK Architecture Builder: Dillard-Jones Interior Designer: Allison Elebash Interior Design Landscape: DesignWorks Photos: 22 Waves Creative

Wide sweeping windows up to 13’ and full-lite doors were installed throughout the home preserving the unobstructed views from the home. Additionally, four 12’ wide Lift and Slide doors were installed in the living room and dining room. Increased natural light, fewer framing members, and the ability to open the door wide for indoor/outdoor living are just a few of the benefits of such large sliding doors. The rear of the home takes full advantage of the expansive marine landscape with full height windows and doors. Glo A5h and A5s Series were selected with concealed hinges. The Glo A5h, hidden sash, ensures that operational windows share the same profile thickness as fixed units. A uniform and cohesive look adds simplicity to the overall aesthetic, supporting the minimalist design. The A5s is Glo’s slimmest profile, allowing for more glass, less frame, and wider sight lines. The concealed hinge creates a clean interior look while also providing a more energy efficient air-tight window. The increased performance is also seen in the triple pane glazing used in both series. The windows and doors alike provide a larger continuous thermal break, multiple air seals, high performance spacers, low-e glass, and argon filled glazing, with U-values as low as 0.20. Energy efficiency and effortless minimalism creates a breathtaking Scandinavian-style remodel.

This client had this gorgeous deck and patio installed and wanted to them designed to provide her family with a lot of usable options. She wanted a space that her large family could enjoy on a daily basis during warm weather months. She also wanted a space elegant and functional enough to allow her husband to host get-togethers for colleagues and clients. The main challenges were the two columns that were incorporated into the deck in order to hold up the pergola and the long narrow space that is lower patio. We used the columns on the deck to our advantage, placing an outdoor sectional against it to create formal division between the lounging and dining area. We also created multiple small conversations areas by adding four stools/accent tables that could be moved around and adding the ottoman to create a bench style sectional facing an additional sofa to the side of the deck. On the patio we created one large seating area but added ottomans and a bench as coffee tables for larger gatherings and additional seating for smaller conversation areas. The client wanted to take full advantage of the beautiful new fire-pit so we found three rounded sofas to accentuate the shape of the fire-pit and the patio area. We added console tables and accessorized them the way we would accessorize any indoor room. Durable but sophisticated indoor/outdoor art on the walls, vases, plants, outdoor lamps and additional accessories give this space a very finished, living space feel. Photography by Tinius Photography

Canyon Oak Pools designed and built this custom pool and outdoor living project in Blue Ridge, Texas, creating a clean, contemporary backyard retreat that takes full advantage of the home's spacious country setting. The geometric gunite pool features crisp modern lines, a large tanning ledge with multiple in-pool loungers, and light neutral finishes that complement the home and surrounding landscape. An expanded covered patio provides generous shaded space for dining, lounging, and entertaining while maintaining an open connection to the pool. With wide-open views and a beautiful Texas sunset as the backdrop, this project combines modern pool design, outdoor living, and relaxed country living in one inviting space.

Canyon Oak Pools designed and built this custom pool and outdoor living project in Blue Ridge, Texas, creating a clean, contemporary backyard retreat that takes full advantage of the home's spacious country setting. The geometric gunite pool features crisp modern lines, a large tanning ledge with multiple in-pool loungers, and light neutral finishes that complement the home and surrounding landscape. An expanded covered patio provides generous shaded space for dining, lounging, and entertaining while maintaining an open connection to the pool. With wide-open views and a beautiful Texas sunset as the backdrop, this project combines modern pool design, outdoor living, and relaxed country living in one inviting space.

Aspect 221 is a multi-experiential home designed for a multi-generational family. Set on a sloping corner property in a 1960's Golden Valley neighborhood, this home offers a variety of ways to connect to the immediate landscapes and distant views. The house itself is divided vertically with interaction between families occurring through the centrally located sculptural stair. Horizontal movement in each direction leads to distinct environments provided for the families; multiple habitats offering variety of space, light, and privacy. Expanding towards the west, the property takes advantage of the sweeping views and provides a perfect opportunity for a walk-out lower level and tuck under garage. The young family occupies the middle and upper floors, while the parents occupy the lower level. Each family has their own private entry and dedicated outdoor space. The home has 4 distinct outdoor spaces; a north shade deck and south sun deck, as well as an upper east lawn and lower west lawn. These spaces provide multiple habitats for the families to come together or move apart, offering variety and privacy. We designed Aspect 221 with a nod to the various “aspects” offered by the site and its natural context. The base of the house is a black monolithic plinth anchored into the hillside, containing the garage and older parent’s home. This allows the upper two floors, enclosed in a fractured white and wood box, to remain humanly scaled and to move and gesture freely by twisting the middle floor off axis, and then twisting the upper floor off axis again. Each level offers views in varied directions revealing the site in different ways as you rise in elevation. Location: Golden Valley, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

This client had this gorgeous deck and patio installed and wanted to them designed to provide her family with a lot of usable options. She wanted a space that her large family could enjoy on a daily basis during warm weather months. She also wanted a space elegant and functional enough to allow her husband to host get-togethers for colleagues and clients. The main challenges were the two columns that were incorporated into the deck in order to hold up the pergola and the long narrow space that is lower patio. We used the columns on the deck to our advantage, placing an outdoor sectional against it to create formal division between the lounging and dining area. We also created multiple small conversations areas by adding four stools/accent tables that could be moved around and adding the ottoman to create a bench style sectional facing an additional sofa to the side of the deck. On the patio we created one large seating area but added ottomans and a bench as coffee tables for larger gatherings and additional seating for smaller conversation areas. The client wanted to take full advantage of the beautiful new fire-pit so we found three rounded sofas to accentuate the shape of the fire-pit and the patio area. We added console tables and accessorized them the way we would accessorize any indoor room. Durable but sophisticated indoor/outdoor art on the walls, vases, plants, outdoor lamps and additional accessories give this space a very finished, living space feel. Photography by Tinius Photography

This fabulous kitchen is open to other rooms on three sides, yet purposely feels enclosed. The intricately fitted series of cabinet panels creates the sense of enclosed space. Two different paint colors, Benjamin Moore's Stonington Gray and Prevo's Snow, were used on the cabinets, while the crown moulding is finished in natural to draw the eye upward to the unusual, reverse tray ceiling. Prevo's Shaker door style is used to advantage in creating a modern vibe. The simple flat panel in overlay styling contrasts with the complicated fitting required of the multiple panels and cabinets in this room design. Chrome hardware pairs nicely with the soft gray painted cabinets and adds yet another element to the room's contemporary styling. These cabinets do more than look good; there's lots and lots of built in storage, including a docking drawer, numerous roll outs, spice tray, a step stool built into the toe space, double cutlery trays and trash pull-outs, built in, concealed TV. Tilt down drawer fronts conceal electrical outlets.

A stunning contemporary new mountain styled home in Truckee, California in the prestigious Martis Camp community. Designed with the homeowners in mind along with embracing the beautiful natural surroundings. Tim Stone

Aspect 221 is a multi-experiential home designed for a multi-generational family. Set on a sloping corner property in a 1960's Golden Valley neighborhood, this home offers a variety of ways to connect to the immediate landscapes and distant views. The house itself is divided vertically with interaction between families occurring through the centrally located sculptural stair. Horizontal movement in each direction leads to distinct environments provided for the families; multiple habitats offering variety of space, light, and privacy. Expanding towards the west, the property takes advantage of the sweeping views and provides a perfect opportunity for a walk-out lower level and tuck under garage. The young family occupies the middle and upper floors, while the parents occupy the lower level. Each family has their own private entry and dedicated outdoor space. The home has 4 distinct outdoor spaces; a north shade deck and south sun deck, as well as an upper east lawn and lower west lawn. These spaces provide multiple habitats for the families to come together or move apart, offering variety and privacy. We designed Aspect 221 with a nod to the various “aspects” offered by the site and its natural context. The base of the house is a black monolithic plinth anchored into the hillside, containing the garage and older parent’s home. This allows the upper two floors, enclosed in a fractured white and wood box, to remain humanly scaled and to move and gesture freely by twisting the middle floor off axis, and then twisting the upper floor off axis again. Each level offers views in varied directions revealing the site in different ways as you rise in elevation. Location: Golden Valley, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

This client had this gorgeous deck and patio installed and wanted to them designed to provide her family with a lot of usable options. She wanted a space that her large family could enjoy on a daily basis during warm weather months. She also wanted a space elegant and functional enough to allow her husband to host get-togethers for colleagues and clients. The main challenges were the two columns that were incorporated into the deck in order to hold up the pergola and the long narrow space that is lower patio. We used the columns on the deck to our advantage, placing an outdoor sectional against it to create formal division between the lounging and dining area. We also created multiple small conversations areas by adding four stools/accent tables that could be moved around and adding the ottoman to create a bench style sectional facing an additional sofa to the side of the deck. On the patio we created one large seating area but added ottomans and a bench as coffee tables for larger gatherings and additional seating for smaller conversation areas. The client wanted to take full advantage of the beautiful new fire-pit so we found three rounded sofas to accentuate the shape of the fire-pit and the patio area. We added console tables and accessorized them the way we would accessorize any indoor room. Durable but sophisticated indoor/outdoor art on the walls, vases, plants, outdoor lamps and additional accessories give this space a very finished, living space feel. Photography by Tinius Photography

Aspect 221 is a multi-experiential home designed for a multi-generational family. Set on a sloping corner property in a 1960's Golden Valley neighborhood, this home offers a variety of ways to connect to the immediate landscapes and distant views. The house itself is divided vertically with interaction between families occurring through the centrally located sculptural stair. Horizontal movement in each direction leads to distinct environments provided for the families; multiple habitats offering variety of space, light, and privacy. Expanding towards the west, the property takes advantage of the sweeping views and provides a perfect opportunity for a walk-out lower level and tuck under garage. The young family occupies the middle and upper floors, while the parents occupy the lower level. Each family has their own private entry and dedicated outdoor space. The home has 4 distinct outdoor spaces; a north shade deck and south sun deck, as well as an upper east lawn and lower west lawn. These spaces provide multiple habitats for the families to come together or move apart, offering variety and privacy. We designed Aspect 221 with a nod to the various “aspects” offered by the site and its natural context. The base of the house is a black monolithic plinth anchored into the hillside, containing the garage and older parent’s home. This allows the upper two floors, enclosed in a fractured white and wood box, to remain humanly scaled and to move and gesture freely by twisting the middle floor off axis, and then twisting the upper floor off axis again. Each level offers views in varied directions revealing the site in different ways as you rise in elevation. Location: Golden Valley, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Aspect 221 is a multi-experiential home designed for a multi-generational family. Set on a sloping corner property in a 1960's Golden Valley neighborhood, this home offers a variety of ways to connect to the immediate landscapes and distant views. The house itself is divided vertically with interaction between families occurring through the centrally located sculptural stair. Horizontal movement in each direction leads to distinct environments provided for the families; multiple habitats offering variety of space, light, and privacy. Expanding towards the west, the property takes advantage of the sweeping views and provides a perfect opportunity for a walk-out lower level and tuck under garage. The young family occupies the middle and upper floors, while the parents occupy the lower level. Each family has their own private entry and dedicated outdoor space. The home has 4 distinct outdoor spaces; a north shade deck and south sun deck, as well as an upper east lawn and lower west lawn. These spaces provide multiple habitats for the families to come together or move apart, offering variety and privacy. We designed Aspect 221 with a nod to the various “aspects” offered by the site and its natural context. The base of the house is a black monolithic plinth anchored into the hillside, containing the garage and older parent’s home. This allows the upper two floors, enclosed in a fractured white and wood box, to remain humanly scaled and to move and gesture freely by twisting the middle floor off axis, and then twisting the upper floor off axis again. Each level offers views in varied directions revealing the site in different ways as you rise in elevation. Location: Golden Valley, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge