A tea pot, being a vessel, is defined by the space it contains, it is not the tea pot that is important, but the space. Crispin Sartwell Located on a lake outside of Milwaukee, the Vessel House is the culmination of an intense 5 year collaboration with our client and multiple local craftsmen focused on the creation of a modern analogue to the Usonian Home. As with most residential work, this home is a direct reflection of it’s owner, a highly educated art collector with a passion for music, fine furniture, and architecture. His interest in authenticity drove the material selections such as masonry, copper, and white oak, as well as the need for traditional methods of construction. The initial diagram of the house involved a collection of embedded walls that emerge from the site and create spaces between them, which are covered with a series of floating rooves. The windows provide natural light on three sides of the house as a band of clerestories, transforming to a floor to ceiling ribbon of glass on the lakeside. The Vessel House functions as a gallery for the owner’s art, motorcycles, Tiffany lamps, and vintage musical instruments – offering spaces to exhibit, store, and listen. These gallery nodes overlap with the typical house program of kitchen, dining, living, and bedroom, creating dynamic zones of transition and rooms that serve dual purposes allowing guests to relax in a museum setting. Through it’s materiality, connection to nature, and open planning, the Vessel House continues many of the Usonian principles Wright advocated for. Overview Oconomowoc, WI Completion Date August 2015 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

Although this home appears to be a renovated farm house, it is actually new construction. The design concept behind this home was to capture the character and charm of a turn of the century home while providing the client with all the amenities of a modern home. The materials were selected to be period correct for an early 19th century farm house featuring 1/2 round gutters, actual field stone and board on board batten at the garage to create the authentic character of this home. A Grand ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Studer Residential Designs, Inc. Designer: Paul Studer From: Cold Spring, Kentucky

Although this home appears to be a renovated farm house, it is actually new construction. The design concept behind this home was to capture the character and charm of a turn of the century home while providing the client with all the amenities of a modern home. The materials were selected to be period correct for an early 19th century farm house featuring 1/2 round gutters, actual field stone and board on board batten at the garage to create the authentic character of this home. A Grand ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Studer Residential Designs, Inc. Designer: Paul Studer From: Cold Spring, Kentucky

Project Overview: The project was a highly designed energy efficient residential new build in Colchester, Vermont by Red HouseBuilding and architect Elizabeth Herrmann using our Shou Sugi Ban – Gendai that was oiled with a Light Gray prefinish. “Nestled into a steep Vermont hillside, this home was carefully designed and positioned to efficiently and thoughtfully take advantage of the challenging terrain and stunning mountain views. The house is characterized by a series of connected wedge-shaped volumes. Roof lines lift toward views and sunlight and provide airy, varied-height spaces within. Designed to make single-floor living possible, the home has all major living spaces including a bedroom suite and garage on the main level, with a dual-purpose guest room/office, bathroom, and dual-purpose art studio/exercise room below. Totaling just 2,200 square feet of finished area (with additional mechanical space and an unfinished garage), the house is small, though expansive in feel. A dramatically angled porch juts out over the hillside, expanding the living space by over 200 square feet in the warmer months. This home is also a high-performance, energy-efficient home that takes advantage of solar exposure. Solar panels located just above the house generate power. The home is heated and cooled by just two air source heat pumps. A natural, low-maintenance palette extends from interior to exterior including Shou Sugi Ban siding charred and stained a light gray, local maple wood flooring and cabinetry, and stone accents.” Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Light Gray Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 2400SF Designer: Elizabeth Herrmann Architecture + Design Builder: Red House Building Date: November 2018 Location: Colchester, VT

From SinglePoint Design Build: “This project consisted of a full exterior removal and replacement of the siding, windows, doors, and roof. In so, the Architects OXB Studio, re-imagined the look of the home by changing the siding materials, creating privacy for the clients at their front entry, and making the expansive decks more usable. We added some beautiful cedar ceiling cladding on the interior as well as a full home solar with Tesla batteries. The Shou-sugi-ban siding is our favorite detail. While the modern details were extremely important, waterproofing this home was of upmost importance given its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the winds in this location. We used top of the line waterproofing professionals, consultants, techniques, and materials throughout this project. This project was also unique because the interior of the home was mostly finished so we had to build scaffolding with shrink wrap plastic around the entire 4 story home prior to pulling off all the exterior finishes. We are extremely proud of how this project came out!”

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

The location and placement of the Japanese Tea House is very specific and was based on mathematical, metaphysical and spiritual principles. This Tea House is an artistic version of an authentic style Tea House. It is meant to be a one of a kind art piece and yet has the functional capability of holding a traditional Tea ceremony. Photo credits: Dan Drobnick

Color:Castle-Combe-Artisans-Walworth
Living room - small eclectic enclosed medium tone wood floor living room idea in Chicago with brown walls and no fireplace

This client wanted their Terrace Level to be comprised of the warm finishes and colors found in a true Tuscan home. Basement was completely unfinished so once we space planned for all necessary areas including pre-teen media area and game room, adult media area, home bar and wine cellar guest suite and bathroom; we started selecting materials that were authentic and yet low maintenance since the entire space opens to an outdoor living area with pool. The wood like porcelain tile used to create interest on floors was complimented by custom distressed beams on the ceilings. Real stucco walls and brick floors lit by a wrought iron lantern create a true wine cellar mood. A sloped fireplace designed with brick, stone and stucco was enhanced with the rustic wood beam mantle to resemble a fireplace seen in Italy while adding a perfect and unexpected rustic charm and coziness to the bar area. Finally decorative finishes were applied to columns for a layered and worn appearance. Tumbled stone backsplash behind the bar was hand painted for another one of a kind focal point. Some other important features are the double sided iron railed staircase designed to make the space feel more unified and open and the barrel ceiling in the wine cellar. Carefully selected furniture and accessories complete the look.

Todd Tyler really exterior stucco for interior walls. Go authentic!
Mid-sized cottage guest bedroom photo in Los Angeles

Color:Castle-Combe-Artisans-Rookwood
Mid-sized mountain style l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Chicago with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, black backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Color: Castle-Combe-Originals-Trowbridge
Example of a mid-sized danish open concept medium tone wood floor living room design in Chicago with white walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround

Project Overview: This modern ADU build was designed by Wittman Estes Architecture + Landscape and pre-fab tech builder NODE. Our Gendai siding with an Amber oil finish clads the exterior. Featured in Dwell, Designmilk and other online architectural publications, this tiny project packs a punch with affordable design and a focus on sustainability. This modern ADU build was designed by Wittman Estes Architecture + Landscape and pre-fab tech builder NODE. Our shou sugi ban Gendai siding with a clear alkyd finish clads the exterior. Featured in Dwell, Designmilk and other online architectural publications, this tiny project packs a punch with affordable design and a focus on sustainability. “A Seattle homeowner hired Wittman Estes to design an affordable, eco-friendly unit to live in her backyard as a way to generate rental income. The modern structure is outfitted with a solar roof that provides all of the energy needed to power the unit and the main house. To make it happen, the firm partnered with NODE, known for their design-focused, carbon negative, non-toxic homes, resulting in Seattle’s first DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) with the International Living Future Institute’s (IFLI) zero energy certification.” Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Amber Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 350SF Designer: Wittman Estes, NODE Builder: NODE, Don Bunnell Date: November 2018 Location: Seattle, WA Photos courtesy of: Andrew Pogue

When re-purposing authentic antique gates it is important to take a few things into consideration as some of these projects can get costly and you'll want to make sure your results justify your investment. One of the details you'll want to consider if you're planning or have already purchased an antique gate is to make sure it can be modified to fit the opening you would like to use it in. In this case, the door was larger so a cut-down was easily done. Because the gate came with the original rustic iron hinges we opted to keep those as decorative features wile we retrofitted the gate with new operational hinges which will carry the weight of the gate for at least another century. Preserving the authentic characteristics of antique gates is of essence so you'll want to make sure you keep as much of the original elements when the retrofitting project is planned out. The challenge you'll have when pairing an antique gate with functional locking hardware is making sure the hardware will complement your gate's original character. This architectural gate was graciously fitted with a surface mounted mortise and lever box which allows the gate to be used conveniently as any other door in the house while having the option to lock it safely at night or while the homeowners are away on vacation. We opted for a rustic surface mounted lever and mortise lock system because the gate's thickness wasn't enough to install a regular inset roller catch and mortise box as in the gates we build from scratch. Check out the tag on the image to see what this antique gate looks like from inside when it's open. Although Dynamic Garage Door specializes in recreating antique European garden gates we also enjoy working on retrofits that make us part of a historic preservation that will carry our name for many decades more! Get project pricing and/or design consultations by calling us at: (855) 343-3667 (855) 343-DOOR

LINEA Design Build Remodel won this job over several other design/build firms with an innovative design that moved the powder room to the other side of the house, freeing up just enough space to allow two passageways into the kitchen, a design feature that was very important to this young family with 3 kids, 2 dogs, and lots of traffic! LINEA performed a major remodel of this property, including replacement of the flooring throughout the house with authentic heart pine.

Project Overview: The project was a highly designed energy efficient residential new build in Colchester, Vermont by Red HouseBuilding and architect Elizabeth Herrmann using our Shou Sugi Ban – Gendai that was oiled with a Light Gray prefinish. “Nestled into a steep Vermont hillside, this home was carefully designed and positioned to efficiently and thoughtfully take advantage of the challenging terrain and stunning mountain views. The house is characterized by a series of connected wedge-shaped volumes. Roof lines lift toward views and sunlight and provide airy, varied-height spaces within. Designed to make single-floor living possible, the home has all major living spaces including a bedroom suite and garage on the main level, with a dual-purpose guest room/office, bathroom, and dual-purpose art studio/exercise room below. Totaling just 2,200 square feet of finished area (with additional mechanical space and an unfinished garage), the house is small, though expansive in feel. A dramatically angled porch juts out over the hillside, expanding the living space by over 200 square feet in the warmer months. This home is also a high-performance, energy-efficient home that takes advantage of solar exposure. Solar panels located just above the house generate power. The home is heated and cooled by just two air source heat pumps. A natural, low-maintenance palette extends from interior to exterior including Shou Sugi Ban siding charred and stained a light gray, local maple wood flooring and cabinetry, and stone accents.” Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Light Gray Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 2400SF Designer: Elizabeth Herrmann Architecture + Design Builder: Red House Building Date: November 2018 Location: Colchester, VT

Project Overview: This exterior cladding project was a single-family new construction using our Gendai with 6″ shiplap led by Jonathan Cahoon of Bace Build in Rochester, New York. Photos courtesy of Method Architecture Studio. Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Black Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 3400SF Designer: Peter Heintzelman at Method Architecture Studio and Bace Build Builder: Bace Build Date: September 2017 Location: South Bristol, NY

Color:Castle-Combe-Originals-Bristol
Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts enclosed dark wood floor living room library design in Chicago with beige walls and no fireplace

Progressive Design Build was determined to provide this family with a special place that fits their unique lifestyle, complete with an authentic looking Tiki Bar. And, who wouldn’t want this perfect, instant escape on their own lanai? We created this bar to look like it was a permanent piece of furniture, but it is actually entirely removable! This custom outdoor Tiki Bar was built using Cypress wood in a dark walnut stain. Aesthetically defined by tiki culture décor, the interiors and exteriors were also built with bamboo and real palm thatch. Functionally, this bar is fully powered with built-in electrical and also includes an under-counter mini refrigerator to keep drinks cold and flowing.