A clean, transitional home design. This home focuses on ample and open living spaces for the family, as well as impressive areas for hosting family and friends. The quality of materials chosen, combined with simple and understated lines throughout, creates a perfect canvas for this family’s life. Contrasting whites, blacks, and greys create a dramatic backdrop for an active and loving lifestyle.

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy for both kids and parents, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Designed and constructed by The Artisans Group out of Olympia, Washington - a small but mighty firm co-owned by Randy Foster and Tessa Smith. Fun, funky and innovative, The Artisans Group has designed and built more Passive Houses than any other firm on the West Coast. Known for their striking, award winning, and sensible work, they provide solutions for projects of any size and budget. Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

The Monolith Features: 1. SPACIOUS SHALLOW END BENCH SEAT Want to take a break from the action and hang out with some friends? This seating area is properly sized to accommodate the whole family. 2. LARGE SHALLOW END FOR SOCIALIZING AND PLAY The problem with most deep end pools is the tiny shallow end, which is where most people gather. 3. OPEN POOL INTERIOR Want plenty of room to float and frolic? The rectangular design of the Monolith provides ample room for all of your pool activities. 4. DEEP END SEATS / EXIT POINTS When using deep end pools, people love to jump in, exit and repeat. The deep end seats of the Monolith provide a place to get in and out, as well as take a rest. 5. MASSIVE 8' 6" DEEP END Looking for lots of water? The Monolith is 6" deeper than most of the fiberglass deep end pools on the market. 6. AUTOMATIC COVER FRIENDLY The rectangular design of the Monolith allows cover tracks to be hidden beneath the pool coping, protecting them.

This project is an example of lake living at its finest! This landscape remodel project at a home situation on an inland lake reimagined a backyard that had been a mashup of various decking projects into a cohesive, sophisticated yet relaxed look. The flagstone patio provides ample room for outdoor furniture and activities. The round fire pit at the water's edge accented with a knee wall that also serves as permanent seating for the family and their guests. We handled all design, demolition, and construction work on this project. Photo Credit: View 366 LLC

home that caters to an outdoor, active lifestyle, with all the amenities that complete a space made for entertaining. Shingle shakes, board and batten, and stone come together on the exterior, exuding a casual elegance. This rustic cottage is part of a golf course community and was designed to allow homeowners to get the most out of their surroundings. The living space, with its vaulted ceiling, maximizes sweeping views of the fairway, and the garage includes space for the family’s personal golf cart. A spacious patio and screened porch connected to the dining area make outdoor living convenient and comfortable. The open kitchen includes island seating and a walk-in pantry. The main floor master suite is easily accessible and boasts lovely views of the surrounding flora. The upper level of the home makes a family-oriented lifestyle easy with two guest suites. Each bedroom has private access to its own bathroom and includes ample closet space for children or guests. Whether for a family, entertaining or simply relaxing, the Stockton is a home that accommodates with style. Photographer: Visbeen Architects, Inc. Builder: Falcon Custom Homes

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Project Designed & Built by: artisansgroup Certifications: Energy Star & Built Green Lvl 4 Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy for both kids and parents, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Designed and constructed by The Artisans Group out of Olympia, Washington - a small but mighty firm co-owned by Randy Foster and Tessa Smith. Fun, funky and innovative, The Artisans Group has designed and built more Passive Houses than any other firm on the West Coast. Known for their striking, award winning, and sensible work, they provide solutions for projects of any size and budget. Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

A project collaboration with Mekastin Interiors, this project transforms a modest brick bungalow into a modern, family-oriented home that embraces both style and function. Designed for a rural property in Madawaska Valley, our clients requested a sleek, low-maintenance exterior that reflects the rural surroundings, which include a pine forest behind the house and a scenic duck pond. To honour these natural elements, the design incorporates wood timber and lattice accents, creating a balance of modern and organic materials. The layout is crafted with the family’s dynamic lifestyle in mind, offering ample spaces for both active living and quiet moments. The home features a spacious open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen with high ceilings and large windows, designed to promote family gatherings and entertaining. The new kitchen, equipped with an island and stool seating, flows effortlessly into the great room, which includes a fireplace with a concrete slab surround and a timber mantel, tying together modern and natural design elements. The home expansion includes a larger master ensuite, an additional bedroom, and a new study for a quiet space. Practical additions such as a powder room, mudroom, large pantry, and a modern kitchen further enhance the home’s functionality. A large screened porch off the dining room and kitchen offers an extended area for entertaining guests, while a wrap-around deck with a covered section provides protection from the summer sun. The design also includes a new oversized, attached two-car garage, perfect for storing sports equipment and ensuring easy access to the home. This thoughtful renovation successfully transforms the bungalow into a stylish, functional family home that reflects both the clients’ vision and the beauty of their rural setting.

In this captivating kitchen and dining room design by Buffie Architect, the space showcases a harmonious blend of modern elegance and functional aesthetics. The kitchen area features sleek cabinetry that seamlessly integrates into the overall design, creating a clean and contemporary look. The countertops, clad in a luxurious marble, add a touch of opulence and timeless beauty to the space. The subtle veining of the marble adds texture and visual interest. A central island, adorned with the same elegant marble countertop, stands as a focal point in the room. Its expansive surface provides ample space for food preparation and casual dining, making it a versatile hub for culinary activities and social gatherings. The dining area, adjacent to the kitchen, boasts a stunning table that exudes elegance and sophistication. Its design features clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, allowing it to seamlessly blend with the overall modern theme of the space. The table is accompanied by a set of chic dining chairs, providing comfort without compromising on style. One notable element in the design is the kul grilles vent covers, which are subtly integrated into the space. These vent covers serve a dual purpose of ensuring efficient air circulation while adding a touch of refinement to the room. Their sleek and understated design complements the overall aesthetic, seamlessly blending into the surrounding surfaces. Overall, this kitchen and dining room design by Buffie Architect embodies a sense of modern elegance and functionality. The combination of clean lines, luxurious materials, and thoughtful details creates a space that is visually captivating and inviting. It showcases the architect's skill in balancing artistry with practicality, resulting in a harmonious and sophisticated environment for culinary delights and memorable dining experiences.

This Victorian-style duplex house is an ideal choice for a single-family residence, boasting ample green space for family activities and two-car parking for added convenience. Stepping through the covered front porch, you're welcomed into a spacious formal dining area, perfect for hosting gatherings. Adjacent to this is the inviting great room, complete with a cozy fireplace, offering a perfect spot for relaxation. The master bedroom is a luxurious retreat, featuring modern amenities, a walk-in closet, and a spacious master bath for ultimate comfort. Upstairs, the family room provides additional living space, catering to the needs of the whole family. The split bedroom floor plan ensures privacy, while the monolithic slab foundation ensures durability and stability. These Victorian houses seamlessly combine elegance with practicality, offering residents a comfortable and stylish living experience.

Pool elevation This modern farmhouse exudes elegance with its steel-clad exterior, Rocky Mountain Castlestone accents, and a charming cupola. Floor-to-ceiling Marvin windows flood the living spaces with natural light and offer stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside. A stamped concrete patio overlooks the in-ground pool, gazebo, and outdoor kitchen, creating a luxurious outdoor retreat The property features a built-in trampoline, a putting green for active recreation, and a five-stall garage for ample storage. Accessed through a gated entrance with a long, scenic drive, a stone-covered bridge welcomes you to this idyllic retreat, seamlessly blending contemporary luxury with rustic charm. Martin Bros. Contracting, Inc., General Contractor; Helman Sechrist Architecture, Architect; JJ Osterloo Design, Designer; Photography by Marie Kinney & Amanda McMahon

A project collaboration with Mekastin Interiors, this project transforms a modest brick bungalow into a modern, family-oriented home that embraces both style and function. Designed for a rural property in Madawaska Valley, our clients requested a sleek, low-maintenance exterior that reflects the rural surroundings, which include a pine forest behind the house and a scenic duck pond. To honour these natural elements, the design incorporates wood timber and lattice accents, creating a balance of modern and organic materials. The layout is crafted with the family’s dynamic lifestyle in mind, offering ample spaces for both active living and quiet moments. The home features a spacious open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen with high ceilings and large windows, designed to promote family gatherings and entertaining. The new kitchen, equipped with an island and stool seating, flows effortlessly into the great room, which includes a fireplace with a concrete slab surround and a timber mantel, tying together modern and natural design elements. The home expansion includes a larger master ensuite, an additional bedroom, and a new study for a quiet space. Practical additions such as a powder room, mudroom, large pantry, and a modern kitchen further enhance the home’s functionality. A large screened porch off the dining room and kitchen offers an extended area for entertaining guests, while a wrap-around deck with a covered section provides protection from the summer sun. The design also includes a new oversized, attached two-car garage, perfect for storing sports equipment and ensuring easy access to the home. This thoughtful renovation successfully transforms the bungalow into a stylish, functional family home that reflects both the clients’ vision and the beauty of their rural setting.

A clean, transitional home design. This home focuses on ample and open living spaces for the family, as well as impressive areas for hosting family and friends. The quality of materials chosen, combined with simple and understated lines throughout, creates a perfect canvas for this family’s life. Contrasting whites, blacks, and greys create a dramatic backdrop for an active and loving lifestyle.

The T40 Features: 1. SPACIOUS SHALLOW END BENCH SEAT Want to take a break from the action and hang out with some friends? This seating area is properly sized to accommodate the whole family. 2. LARGE SHALLOW END FOR SOCIALIZING AND PLAY The problem with most deep end pools is the tiny shallow end, which is where most people gather. The T40 shallow end is 30% larger than the industry standard deep end pool. 3. OPEN POOL INTERIOR Want plenty of room to float and frolic? The rectangular design of the T40 provides ample room for all of your pool activities. 4. DEEP END SEATS / EXIT POINTS When using deep end pools, people love to jump in, exit, and repeat. The deep end seats of the T40 provide a place to get in and out, as well as take a rest. 5. MASSIVE 8' 6" DEEP END Looking for lots of water? The T40 is 6" deeper than most of the fiberglass deep end pools on the market. 6. AUTOMATIC COVER FRIENDLY The rectangular design of the T40 allows cover tracks to be hidden beneath the pool coping, protecting them and keeping them out of sight. This customer has their Backyard Oasis furnished with both patio furniture, tables and loungers in addition to the shrubbery that ascetically hides the Equipment Pad. Their Pool is trimmed with Marmiro Stone Travertine Coping. It has a Slide, Basketball Hoop, Ledge Lounger Jets, and a Handicap Accessible entry point.

In the heart of Harpenden, a family sought to create a kitchen that was more than a cooking space; they wanted a multifunctional area tailored to their busy lifestyle. The goal was to combine functionality with a welcoming atmosphere for family and work-related activities. For this project, the chosen range was Nobilia 945 Easytouch combined with 966 Lacquered Laminate in a stunning Fjord Blue Ultra Matt finish. The worktops, supplied by Algarve Granite, were 12mm CRL Nero Natural CER104N ceramic with a Grey mirror finish, adding a sleek and contemporary edge to the kitchen. The inclusion of Siemens, Bora, Blanco, and Quooker appliances ensured the kitchen was equipped with the latest in kitchen technology, blending functionality and style seamlessly. The kitchen was designed with dedicated areas to cater to their lifestyle - a walk-in larder and large utility area were essential elements, providing ample storage and workspace. The final result is a Fjord Blue Kitchen that encapsulates the essence of modern living. The combination of Nobilia’s sleek design with practical features like the walk-in larder and high-quality appliances has created a space that meets the family’s needs and enhances their daily life.

Spanning a generous footprint, this terraced outdoor living space offers the perfect setting for the entire family to effortlessly bring their indoor activities outside. A fully equipped outdoor kitchen and spacious dining area provide ample room for leisurely meals to be enjoyed throughout long summer days. Above the oversized fireplace, an all-weather TV creates an ideal spot for watching the big game and cheering on their favorite teams. For those seeking a quieter retreat, just a few steps down leads to a cozy firepit, where conversations flow freely amidst the warmth of the fire and the beauty of surrounding pollinator gardens

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

A clean, transitional home design. This home focuses on ample and open living spaces for the family, as well as impressive areas for hosting family and friends. The quality of materials chosen, combined with simple and understated lines throughout, creates a perfect canvas for this family’s life. Contrasting whites, blacks, and greys create a dramatic backdrop for an active and loving lifestyle.