A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint. Photo: Sergiu Stoian

Photography by John Gibbons This project is designed as a family retreat for a client that has been visiting the southern Colorado area for decades. The cabin consists of two bedrooms and two bathrooms – with guest quarters accessed from exterior deck. Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). The project is assembled with the structural and weather tight use of shipping containers. The cabin uses one 40’ container and six 20′ containers. The ends will be structurally reinforced and enclosed with additional site built walls and custom fitted high-performance glazing assemblies.

1960s formal and enclosed concrete floor living room photo in San Francisco with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Dave Burk Hedrich Blessing
Inspiration for a large timeless master white tile mosaic tile floor bathroom remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and marble countertops

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Photography: Landmark Photography
Example of a small minimalist gray two-story mixed siding flat roof design in Minneapolis

Photo by Langdon Clay
Small mountain style detached shed photo in San Francisco

This simple, classic reach in closet includes space for long and medium hang clothes, accessories, shoes and more. On average, a custom designed storage system from California Closets will double or triple the storage capacity thru thoughtful design, like the double-hang shown on the right.

Example of a mid-sized farmhouse 3/4 white tile and subway tile blue floor claw-foot bathtub design in Austin with white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door, gray countertops and recessed-panel cabinets

photos by Spacecrafting
Example of a large trendy master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and white floor freestanding bathtub design in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

Example of a huge classic multicolored two-story mixed siding gable roof design in New York with a shingle roof

Dan Armstrong
Mountain style one-story wood exterior home photo with a shed roof

Photo by Ross Anania
Living room - mid-sized industrial open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in Seattle with yellow walls, a wood stove and a tv stand

Walk-in shower - traditional white tile mosaic tile floor walk-in shower idea in Sacramento with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets and white cabinets

Custom build xCustom Home xcustom kitchen xmarble backsplash xNashville xpot filler xThermador xwhite kitchen xstainless steel hood xcustom hood xinset cabinetry x

Renovated Kitchen in the heart of Harvard Sq. Cambridge, MA. The young couple was looking for a kitchen renovation with lots of style. Loving the look of marble counters but not the upkeep Pinney Designs recommended and designed a kitchen with a marble backsplash and durable honed black granite countertops. The Island was custom designed and utilized an Ikea butcher block surface for the island counter. Photography: Ben Gebo

Tessa Neustadt http://tessaneustadt.com
Kitchen/dining room combo - eclectic kitchen/dining room combo idea in Los Angeles

Example of a large transitional l-shaped beige floor kitchen design in Miami with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a transitional freestanding desk light wood floor home office remodel in Salt Lake City with gray walls

In the dining room we installed 3-D wall tiles that mimic the shapes found on the tracery ceiling in the adjacent family room. We used a lighter shade of blue from the music room so as not to overpower the deep tone in the music room beyond. A crystal light fixture adds that sparkle the clients love. Photo: Eric Roth