Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form.

Winding stairs entice curiosity as they ascend and wind, and they are complemented by windows that climb up the stairway.
Staircase - large mediterranean wooden curved staircase idea in Phoenix with metal risers

These impressive double curved staircases create a grand entrance worthy of this exquisite custom home. Black-painted oak treads and handrail, which match the upstairs hardwood flooring, are paired with crisp white risers, establishing a bold foundation for the design, while a custom wrought-iron balustrade brings Old World craftsmanship to the space. Rounded bullnose starting steps on each staircase provide an elegant invitation to ascend, softening the grand scale with graceful curves. Rising symmetrically on either side of the foyer, these staircases transform the entrance into an architectural statement that sets the tone for the entire residence. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

These impressive double curved staircases create a grand entrance worthy of this exquisite custom home. Black-painted oak treads and handrail, which match the upstairs hardwood flooring, are paired with crisp white risers, establishing a bold foundation for the design, while a custom wrought-iron balustrade brings Old World craftsmanship to the space. Rounded bullnose starting steps on each staircase provide an elegant invitation to ascend, softening the grand scale with graceful curves. Rising symmetrically on either side of the foyer, these staircases transform the entrance into an architectural statement that sets the tone for the entire residence. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Situated within the exclusive enclave of Tuhaye, this magnificent guest home stands as a testament to bespoke luxury and innovative design. This cozy hideaway home exudes understated luxury in an efficient layout that maximizes the functionality and elevates the property into an estate home. Upon entry, one is immediately struck by a custom metal inlaid staircase, not merely a means of transit but a work of art that marries form with function. This staircase, with its intricate metalwork, ascends through the home, guiding one's gaze across the bespoke details that define each space. The architectural journey continues into the salon with soaring high, tongue and groove clad ceilings that amplify the sense of space and luxury, drawing the eye out to the commanding views of the majestic surrounding mountains. The interior exudes a refined elegance, where every element has been custom-crafted to perfection. Custom vanities in each bathroom are not just functional but art pieces, showcasing the finest materials and craftsmanship. The secret speakeasy-style golf suite is a luxurious retreat hidden behind an unassuming space in the home, where guests can enjoy a personalized golfing experience after a morning on the slopes. This unique feature is complemented by a compact kitchen, tailored to the highest standards with state-of-the-art appliances and finishes that cater to the most discerning tastes. The seamless indoor-outdoor living experience is enhanced by the thoughtful design that allows the natural beauty of the landscape to become an integral part of the home’s ambiance. The use of natural materials, combined with the panoramic views, fosters an environment where luxury and nature harmoniously coexist, providing a tranquil escape from the everyday.

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

© Ascendant Imaging
Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel in Charlotte

A home for two artists and their young daughter, this project sought to imbue a Brooklyn townhouse with the memory of the owner's former soho loft. To this end, the parlor floor was entirely opened up to create a floor-through space culminating in new full height glass doors. The client's extensive collection of art books line the entire west wall, with sliding panels providing space for the hanging of art. The shelves are spaced in an ascending gradient from small to large such that books can be organized by size. A series of existing light shafts were uncovered and put to new use as vitrines for sculpture, introducing surprising moments of daylight to the interior of the building. The existing three family residence was converted into a triplex with a new basement apartment.Location: Park Slope, Brooklyn Completion: Fall 2005Size: 3200 s.f.Photography: Seong Kwon

In this kitchen, Medallion Gold Potters Mill Dusk in the color of the base cabinets with Eternia Brampton Quartz countertop. A Blanco Diamond Metal Gray sink with Delta Addison Pull-Out faucet. The backsplash is Urban Canvas in Light Smoke matte tile and American Olean Ascend Hex Mosaic tile behind the range. The flooring is Newport Matte tile.

Welcome to the Azure model at Delta Coves - a waterfront haven nestled in the heart of the California Delta. This home is designed with a great room concept on the first floor, seamlessly connecting the dining room and outdoor living space for a fluid living experience. The kitchen, equipped with a walk-in pantry and a large island featuring a sink and dishwasher, makes preparing your daily catch a breeze. The first-floor bedroom offers flexibility and can be converted into a den, perfect for those who work from home. The three-car tandem garage, with optional French doors, provides easy access to your boating gear. As you ascend to the second floor, you're greeted by breathtaking views from the master suite deck. Both second-floor bedrooms come with walk-in closets, offering ample storage space. The convenience of an upstairs laundry room, complete with an optional sink, minimizes the need for frequent trips up and down the stairs. The Azure model at Delta Coves combines functionality and luxury, creating an idyllic retreat on the water.

© Ascendant Imaging
Inspiration for a large mid-century modern green two-story wood house exterior remodel in Charlotte with a shed roof, a shingle roof and a black roof

© Ascendant Imaging
Open concept kitchen - large 1960s l-shaped medium tone wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam open concept kitchen idea in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, turquoise cabinets, quartz countertops, black backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Our ambition for Bodega Bauer was to create an architecture that was informed by the same particularities of the earth which are embodied in the wine of the region. Siting and materiality are guided by the subtleties of sun and wind exposure, climate, the unexpected nuances of each season, and the presence and absence of water and shade. The Incan irrigation technology that made the region habitable since pre-Columbian times by channeling snow melt from the Andes, was a powerful source of inspiration. Extending this system of ancient waterways, a central channel connects the house to the winery, and becomes a collector for water harvested from the building’s rooftops for irrigation. The new channel guides visitors along a sensuous journey through which one encounters the elements – sun, wind, soil, and water – which make the wine unique. What emerges is an architecture that accentuates its environment, and is at one with the raw, bold spirit of Mendoza. Along the irrigation channel, two linear forms – one descending, the other rising out of the ground – evoke the correspondence of architecture and wine. The descending structure is the wine-making facility which follows the gravity fed wine making process into the barrel aging vault below. The ascending structure allows the visitor to see how the wine is made, and culminates with a tasting room overlooking the vineyards and landscape. The forms of the winery create a playful interplay of sloping planes that allow the subtle topography of the ground to be perceived.

© Ascendant Imaging ReVisionCharlotte.com
Small trendy black one-story wood tiny house photo in Charlotte with a shed roof, a shingle roof and a black roof

View of staircase ascending to the second floor.
Staircase - mid-sized modern wooden floating glass railing staircase idea in Tampa with wooden risers

These impressive double curved staircases create a grand entrance worthy of this exquisite custom home. Black-painted oak treads and handrail, which match the upstairs hardwood flooring, are paired with crisp white risers, establishing a bold foundation for the design, while a custom wrought-iron balustrade brings Old World craftsmanship to the space. Rounded bullnose starting steps on each staircase provide an elegant invitation to ascend, softening the grand scale with graceful curves. Rising symmetrically on either side of the foyer, these staircases transform the entrance into an architectural statement that sets the tone for the entire residence. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

© Ascendant Imaging
Dry bar - small transitional single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor dry bar idea in Charlotte with quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, white countertops, no sink and shaker cabinets

Welcome to the Azure model at Delta Coves - a waterfront haven nestled in the heart of the California Delta. This home is designed with a great room concept on the first floor, seamlessly connecting the dining room and outdoor living space for a fluid living experience. The kitchen, equipped with a walk-in pantry and a large island featuring a sink and dishwasher, makes preparing your daily catch a breeze. The first-floor bedroom offers flexibility and can be converted into a den, perfect for those who work from home. The three-car tandem garage, with optional French doors, provides easy access to your boating gear. As you ascend to the second floor, you're greeted by breathtaking views from the master suite deck. Both second-floor bedrooms come with walk-in closets, offering ample storage space. The convenience of an upstairs laundry room, complete with an optional sink, minimizes the need for frequent trips up and down the stairs. The Azure model at Delta Coves combines functionality and luxury, creating an idyllic retreat on the water.

© Ascendant Imaging
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Charlotte