Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Photo: Caela McKeever © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a bathroom remodel in Seattle

It’s always a blessing when your clients become friends - and that’s exactly what blossomed out of this two-phase remodel (along with three transformed spaces!). These clients were such a joy to work with and made what, at times, was a challenging job feel seamless. This project consisted of two phases, the first being a reconfiguration and update of their master bathroom, guest bathroom, and hallway closets, and the second a kitchen remodel. In keeping with the style of the home, we decided to run with what we called “traditional with farmhouse charm” – warm wood tones, cement tile, traditional patterns, and you can’t forget the pops of color! The master bathroom airs on the masculine side with a mostly black, white, and wood color palette, while the powder room is very feminine with pastel colors. When the bathroom projects were wrapped, it didn’t take long before we moved on to the kitchen. The kitchen already had a nice flow, so we didn’t need to move any plumbing or appliances. Instead, we just gave it the facelift it deserved! We wanted to continue the farmhouse charm and landed on a gorgeous terracotta and ceramic hand-painted tile for the backsplash, concrete look-alike quartz countertops, and two-toned cabinets while keeping the existing hardwood floors. We also removed some upper cabinets that blocked the view from the kitchen into the dining and living room area, resulting in a coveted open concept floor plan. Our clients have always loved to entertain, but now with the remodel complete, they are hosting more than ever, enjoying every second they have in their home.

Steve Hall Hedrich Blessing
Example of a minimalist concrete exterior home design in Denver

Photo © Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing Architect: Wheeler Kearns Architects Interiors: Sherry Koppel Design
Kitchen - mid-sized modern single-wall kitchen idea in Chicago

Cool & Contemporary is the vibe our clients were seeking out. Phase 1 complete for this El Paso Westside project. Consistent with the homes architecture and lifestyle creates a space to handle all occasions. Early morning coffee on the patio or around the firepit, smores, drinks, relaxing, reading & maybe a little dancing. Cedar planks set on raw steel post create a cozy atmosphere. Sitting or laying down on cushions and pillows atop the smooth buff leuders limestone bench with your feet popped up on the custom gas firepit. Raw steel veneer, limestone cap and stainless steel fire fixtures complete the sleek contemporary feels. Concrete steps & path lights beam up and accentuates the focal setting. To prep for phase 2, ground cover pathways and areas are ready for the new outdoor movie projector, more privacy, picnic area, permanent seating, landscape and lighting to come.

Designed and built in conjunction with Freemont #2, this home pays homage to surrounding architecture, including that of St. James Lutheran Church. The home is comprised of stately, well-proportioned rooms; significant architectural detailing; appropriate spaces for today's active family; and sophisticated wiring to service any HD video, audio, lighting, HVAC and / or security needs. The focal point of the first floor is the sweeping curved staircase, ascending through all three floors of the home and topped with skylights. Surrounding this staircase on the main floor are the formal living and dining rooms, as well as the beautifully-detailed Butler's Pantry. A gourmet kitchen and great room, designed to receive considerable eastern light, is at the rear of the house, connected to the lower level family room by a rear staircase. Four bedrooms (two en-suite) make up the second floor, with a fifth bedroom on the third floor and a sixth bedroom in the lower level. A third floor recreation room is at the top of the staircase, adjacent to the 400SF roof deck. A connected, heated garage is accessible from the rear staircase of the home, as well as the rear yard and garage roof deck. This home went under contract after being on the MLS for one day. Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing

Large mountain style open concept medium tone wood floor living room photo in Houston with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Huge southwestern brown one-story stucco exterior home idea in Phoenix

Steve Hall Hedrich Blessing
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard concrete and rectangular pool house remodel in Denver

©Brett Bulthuis 2014
Example of a mid-sized trendy entryway design in Chicago

What a beautiful color for dining room chairs! With the perfect set up for entertaining, our clients were thrilled with the fun, colorful end result!
Small minimalist dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in Nashville with white walls

Creating spaces that make connections between the indoors and out, while making the most of the panoramic lake views and lush landscape that surround were two key goals of this seasonal home’s design. Central entrance into the residence brings you to an open dining and lounge space, with natural light flooding in through rooftop skylights. Soaring ceilings and subdued color palettes give the adjacent kitchen and living room an airy and expansive feeling, while the large, sliding glass doors and picture windows bring the warmth of the outdoors in. The family room, located in one of the two zinc-clad connector spaces, offers a more intimate lounge area and leads into the master suite wing, complete with vaulted ceilings and sleek lines. Three additional guest suites can be found in the opposite wing of the home, providing ideally separate living spaces for a multi-generational family. Photographer: Steve Hall © Hedrich Blessing Architect: Booth Hansen

Photo: Dave Burk, Hedrich Blessing Interiors: James Thomas LLC
Example of a large classic formal and open concept dark wood floor living room design in Chicago with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Photo: Dave Burk Hedrich Blessing Interior furnishings: James Thomas Chicago LLC
Family room - large transitional open concept travertine floor family room idea in Chicago with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a media wall

We built 24" deep boxes to really showcase the beauty of this walk-in closet. Taller hanging was installed for longer jackets and dusters, and short hanging for scarves. Custom-designed jewelry trays were added. Valet rods were mounted to help organize outfits and simplify packing for trips. A pair of antique benches makes the space inviting.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary white tile and porcelain tile powder room remodel in Los Angeles with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, a one-piece toilet and white walls

These clients needed a first-floor shower for their medically-compromised children, so extended the existing powder room into the adjacent mudroom to gain space for the shower. The 3/4 bath is fully accessible, and easy to clean - with a roll-in shower, wall-mounted toilet, and fully tiled floor, chair-rail and shower. The gray wall paint above the white subway tile is both contemporary and calming. Multiple shower heads and wands in the 3'x6' shower provided ample access for assisting their children in the shower. The white furniture-style vanity can be seen from the kitchen area, and ties in with the design style of the rest of the home. The bath is both beautiful and functional. We were honored and blessed to work on this project for our dear friends. Please see NoahsHope.com for additional information about this wonderful family.

Photographer: William J. Hebert • The best of both traditional and transitional design meet in this residence distinguished by its rustic yet luxurious feel. Carefully positioned on a site blessed with spacious surrounding acreage, the home was carefully positioned on a tree-filled hilltop and tailored to fit the natural contours of the land. The house sits on the crest of the peak, which allows it to spotlight and enjoy the best vistas of the valley and pond below. Inside, the home’s welcoming style continues, featuring a Midwestern take on perennially popular Western style and rooms that were also situated to take full advantage of the site. From the central foyer that leads into a large living room with a fireplace, the home manages to have an open and functional floor plan while still feeling warm and intimate enough for smaller gatherings and family living. The extensive use of wood and timbering throughout brings that sense of the outdoors inside, with an open floor plan, including a kitchen that spans the length of the house and an overall level of craftsmanship and details uncommon in today’s architecture. •