The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Notice the keypad on the right side of the vanity. With Lutron lighting controls, multiple lights can be controlled from a single, low-profile keypad that is backlit and custom engraved. Screwless faceplates add the finishing touch.

Sustainable Home Design & Technology Welcome to LEED Platinum Certified efficiency combined with luxury living. Built around the historic 1815 studio of architectural photographer Balthazar Korab, this unique home marries unparalleled aesthetics with the latest in green technology, all of which is fully integrated to provide a seamless user experience. Lutron RadioRA 2 lighting control and Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades work in harmony with solar panels and light harvesting techniques to create a sustainable, efficient lifestyle. A Savant control system not only choreographs all this, but monitors all energy both used and generated by the home. Photo Credit: McKee Creations

Color control chandelier in “Sea Foam” scene.
Mid-sized elegant medium tone wood floor and brown floor front door photo with white walls and a dark wood front door

Hallway controlled by 2 Vantage Keypads

Sustainable Home Design & Technology Welcome to LEED Platinum Certified efficiency combined with luxury living. Built around the historic 1815 studio of architectural photographer Balthazar Korab, this unique home marries unparalleled aesthetics with the latest in green technology, all of which is fully integrated to provide a seamless user experience. Lutron RadioRA 2 lighting control and Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades work in harmony with solar panels and light harvesting techniques to create a sustainable, efficient lifestyle. A Savant control system not only choreographs all this, but monitors all energy both used and generated by the home. Photo Credit: McKee Creations

Living Room with 9 lighting loads (switches) controlled by 2 Vantage Keypads

Make your poolside days and nights memorable with Evolution 360 Fire and Water by Hearth Product Controls. These innovative fire and water effects add the sound of soothing water and beautiful blue LED lights to the warmth and romance of fire. They arrive fully assembled with a self-contained filtrated water system and wall switch control of fire, water, and lights. Just level the basin and connect the water, electric, and optional gas. Then cover the structure with stone, veneer, stucco, or our easy-to-install enclosure.

Living Room with 9 lighting loads (switches) controlled by 2 Vantage Keypads

This outdoor media system uses a weather proof Samsung Terrace flat panel. The TV was flush mounted with the hardware recessed into teh wall so you don't see any brackets or wiring. Paired with the TV is wall mounted outdoor speakers and in-ground subwoofer from Origin Acoustics. There is an additional audio zone for the main deck entertaining area. Both media zones can operate independantly or as a single zone. This is great for entertaining kids outside while the parents enjoy music. The outdoor lighting extended from any existing Lutron Radio Ra2 control system. User has a keypad to activate wall sconces, under rail lights, landscape lights, and up lights mounted in the canopy the large oak tree. All systems (TV, audio, lighting, cameras) are controlled from a single app by Elan. Users can use a remote or their phone to operate the TV, lights and audio. We also integrated the backyard irriation within the same app.

This is an example of a mosquito control system installation with the nozzles installed for mosquito harborage areas.

Sustainable Home Design & Technology Welcome to LEED Platinum Certified efficiency combined with luxury living. Built around the historic 1815 studio of architectural photographer Balthazar Korab, this unique home marries unparalleled aesthetics with the latest in green technology, all of which is fully integrated to provide a seamless user experience. Lutron RadioRA 2 lighting control and Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades work in harmony with solar panels and light harvesting techniques to create a sustainable, efficient lifestyle. A Savant control system not only choreographs all this, but monitors all energy both used and generated by the home. Photo Credit: McKee Creations

This unwanted grass species growing near the edge of a lawn was lessened the next year by use of pre-emergent weed control.
Photo of a small traditional partial sun landscaping for winter.

Home design - traditional home design idea in Denver

Inspiration for a timeless home theater remodel in DC Metro

Inspiration for a timeless home design remodel in DC Metro

Dedicated media room with JBL Synthesis and Control4.
Home theater - 1960s home theater idea

We turn our sauna on via iPhone on the way back from a day's skiing. 40 minutes later, once we're home, nothing stands in the way of us having a cosy sauna. Temperature, humidity, lighting and music are set just the way we want them. You can also set the temperature, humidity and sauna mode with the app.

A white rectangular bathtub contrasts with matte-black shower fittings and round wall controls. Pale wall tile gives the dark fixtures a clean backdrop, while the handheld shower provides an additional bathing option. The compact arrangement repeats the bathroom’s restrained black, white and light-grey palette. Inspired Interiors is a downtown Toronto condo renovation by Cedarstone Group Inc. Custom wall detailing, refreshed stairs, coordinated bathrooms and an open kitchen, dining and living area create a distinctive interior with natural wood and bold accents. Explore Toronto condo renovations, kitchen and bathroom remodels, custom millwork and interior transformations at cedarstonereno.com.