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The knock down & rebuild revolution is here to stay. This new modern family home replaces a tired old house that was not designed to capitalise on its location, whereas this new contemporary modern building has been designed to capitalise on the natural environment – natural sunlight, sea breezes & sea views, to create a very liveable coastal family home. This new residence with its contemporary coastal styling utilises the natural finishes of modern materials to ground this family home’s context into this locations evolving executive seaside neighbourhood. This buildings design is a balance of form & function with a deliberate consideration of passive solar liveable design techniques, designed to capture the natural sunlight, sea breezes & sea views that this property offers. This new residence has been designed with a variety of indoor & outdoor living areas to capitalise on the natural environment & climate of this property’s location. This house incorporates design elements to allow the house to be comfortable all year round, providing a variety of areas for occupants to utilise, whether it be capturing natural sunlight & warmth in winter, creating cooling cross ventilation from sea breezes in summer & then there is the direct access to a beautifully natural landscaped garden, this new house will provide the occupants with a low maintenance, healthy living environment for years to come.

This home was originally built in 1950 and was renovated and redesigned to capture its traditional Woodland roots, while also capturing a sense of a clean and contemporary design.
Photos by: Farrell Scott

Voids between the pavers are filled with crushed stone; when rain passes through the pavers’ joint spaces, it flows down into an underneath layer of bluestone gravel and about an inch of crushed stone which filters the water. Under all that, a liner captures the rainwater, and it is pitched so it pushes water towards the underground reservoir. www.deckandpatio.com
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The Home
The Elbert, named after a Colorado fourteener, is designed in the modern farmhouse style with an open concept that creates a
welcoming feeling. The two-story entry light compliments the incredible view of Pikes Peak. The main level includes a gourmet kitchen
open to the great room, dining room and study. The master suite is an owner’s delight with a separate seating area that opens to a
spa-like master bathroom.
Moving up a level will reveal one of JS Homes’ specialties. Utilizing often overlooked space, we bring our East Coast influences to the
Colorado Springs market by using the attic for additional living space without adding another floor. This results in higher roof lines and a majestic appearance. Two bedrooms, a bathroom and a bonus room will be a delight for the kids in the family.
The ten-foot ceiling in the lower-level was designed with entertaining in mind. Two bedrooms, a shared bath and an exercise room complete the ensemble. Building within Flying Horse North, we were able to incorporate unique materials including stucco, barnwood, stone and pre-finished western red cedar.
JS Homes is proud to present The Elbert.
The Builder
Building homes for over 10 years, Jeff and Sonja Cole have been gifted to create a company that listens to our clients’ needs and desires and strives to capture those visions in their creations. Before becoming a home builder, Jeff was an interior trim carpenter specializing in new custom homes in the Denver and East Coast markets. This gave him a unique perspective on space and design. Jeff stays current with the changing plans and movements in home design by attending national shows and following contemporary design trends.
Sonja takes the lead on interior design, plan review and draw coordination, in addition to being the REALTOR® who makes all our transactions possible.
We are blessed to have an incredible staff of trade partners and vendors who are willing to spend time on our projects. Without them we would not be JS Homes Inc.
The Interior Design
This Flying Horse North lot was a perfect setting for The Elbert, a modern farmhouse. From the moment you walk through the front door, your sightline is drawn to the incredible Pikes Peak view. We sought to capture the large space by blending a mix of different materials and textures. Superior craftsmanship incorporates a mixture of materials, from knotty alder and walnut on the main level, to hickory and quarter-sawn oak elsewhere, creating a rich and rewarding feel. Luxe granites complimented by beautiful tile work add depth and movement in many areas of the house — creating a refined feeling. Working with Jessica Brown of La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, we designed a palette of colors, patterns and rich textures to enhance and compliment the interior finishes. A mixture of grays, blues and whites provides a timeless, fresh and family friendly environment that makes The Elbert a sanctuary for entertaining and relaxing.

After returning from a winter trip to discover his house had been flooded by a burst second-floor pipe, this homeowner was ready to address the renovations and additions that he had been pondering for about a decade. It was important to him to respect the original character of the c. +/- 1910 two-bedroom small home that had been in his family for years, while re-imagining the kitchen and flow.
In response, KHS proposed a one-story addition, recalling an enclosed porch, which springs from the front roof line and then wraps the house to the north. An informal front dining space, complete with built-in banquette, occupies the east end of the addition behind large double-hung windows sized to match those on the original house, and a new kitchen occupies the west end of the addition behind smaller casement windows at counter height. New French doors to the rear allow the owner greater access to an outdoor room edged by the house to the east, the existing one-car garage to the south, and a rear rock wall to the west. Much of the lot to the north was left open for the owner’s annual summer volley ball party.
The first-floor was then reconfigured, capturing additional interior space from a recessed porch on the rear, to create a rear mudroom entrance hall, full bath, and den, which could someday function as a third bedroom if needed. Upstairs, a rear shed dormer was extended to the north and east so that head room could be increased, rendering more of the owner’s office/second bedroom usable. Windows and doors were relocated as necessary to better serve the new plan and to capture more daylight.
Having expanded from its original 1100 square feet to approximately 1700 square feet, it’s still a small, sweet house – only freshly updated, and with a hint of porchiness.
Photos by Katie Hutchison

MEDITERRANEAN, TRADITIONAL, CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES, MALIBU, CALABASAS, SANTA MONICA, THOUSAND OAKS, SHERMAN OAKS, WEST HILLS, PACIFIC PALISADES, NORTH RANCH, AGOURA, AGOURA HILLS, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, SUCCULENTS, ECLECTIC, OAK PARK, DECOMPOSED GRANITE, AUSTRALIAN PLANTS, CALIFORNIA NATIVE, CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTS, SUSTAINABLE, RAIN CAPTURE, SOIL HEALTH, RUSTIC, ENGLISH GARDEN, DROUGHT TOLERANT, DROUGHT RESISTANT, LAWN REMOVAL, WATER CONSERVATION, WATER CONSERVING, WATERWISE, LOW MAINTENANCE, CLIMATE, FRONT YARD, BACK YARD, BACKYARD, PATIO, POOL, SOUTHWESTERN, ASIAN, WALKWAY, SUCCULENT POTS, GRAVEL, EDIBLE, LANDSCAPE, POOL, GARDEN, GARDEN DESIGN, SUCCULENT GARDEN, SUCCULENT POTS, REBATE, SUCCULENT WALL, LIVING WALL, DRAFTING, HARDSCAPE, HARDSCAPING, LIGHTING, FOUNTAIN, WATER FEATURE, LOW WATER, DRIP IRRIGATION, FIRE PIT, SANTA BARBARA, OXNARD, VENTURA,

This North Shore residence captures commanding views of the ocean, while maintaining a sense of privacy for the homeowners. Their priorities focused on thoughtful design, evolving from a restoration of a small summer cottage into a new home, well sited on a narrow lot. SV Design worked within the constraints of conservation and a flood zone to create a masterpiece of charm and appeal. The home reflects the tastes of the owners, who remained involved through every step of the process. Natural light is well utilized, the open layout provides ease in entertaining and in day to day living, and the views are captured from assorted vantage points. Personalized accents abound throughout the property--- warm wood flooring, stone accents--- both inside and outside of the home, a kitchen with clean lines and efficient storage space, and a butler’s pantry. The design of the property is aesthetically pleasing, creative, and functional; most of all, it fulfilled the visions of the clients.

MEDITERRANEAN, TRADITIONAL, CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES, MALIBU, CALABASAS, SANTA MONICA, THOUSAND OAKS, SHERMAN OAKS, WEST HILLS, PACIFIC PALISADES, NORTH RANCH, AGOURA, AGOURA HILLS, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, SUCCULENTS, ECLECTIC, OAK PARK, DECOMPOSED GRANITE, AUSTRALIAN PLANTS, CALIFORNIA NATIVE, CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTS, SUSTAINABLE, RAIN CAPTURE, SOIL HEALTH, RUSTIC, ENGLISH GARDEN, DROUGHT TOLERANT, DROUGHT RESISTANT, LAWN REMOVAL, WATER CONSERVATION, WATER CONSERVING, WATERWISE, LOW MAINTENANCE, CLIMATE, FRONT YARD, BACK YARD, BACKYARD, PATIO, POOL, SOUTHWESTERN, ASIAN, WALKWAY, SUCCULENT POTS, GRAVEL, EDIBLE, LANDSCAPE, POOL, GARDEN, GARDEN DESIGN, SUCCULENT GARDEN, SUCCULENT POTS, REBATE, SUCCULENT WALL, LIVING WALL, DRAFTING, HARDSCAPE, HARDSCAPING, LIGHTING, FOUNTAIN, WATER FEATURE, LOW WATER, DRIP IRRIGATION, FIRE PIT, SANTA BARBARA, OXNARD, VENTURA,

Mark Hoyle
2008 SC HBA Pinnacle Award Winner. home features a main and lower level symmetrical plan featuring outdoor living area with desires of capturing lake views. Upon entering this 6800 square foot residence a wall of glass shelves displaying pottery and sculpture greets guests as it visually separates the foyer from the dining room. Beyond you will notice the dual sided stone fireplace that extends 22 feet to the ceiling. It is intended to be the centerpiece to the home’s symmetrical form as it draws your eye to the clerestory windows that allow natural light to flood the grand living and dining space. The home also features a large screened porch that extends across the lakeside of the home. This porch is utilized for entertaining as well as acting as exterior connector for the interior spaces. The lower level, although spacious, creates a cozy atmosphere with stacked stone archways, stained concrete flooring, and a sunken media room. The views of the lake are captured from almost every room in the home with its unique form and layout.

The Home
The Elbert, named after a Colorado fourteener, is designed in the modern farmhouse style with an open concept that creates a
welcoming feeling. The two-story entry light compliments the incredible view of Pikes Peak. The main level includes a gourmet kitchen
open to the great room, dining room and study. The master suite is an owner’s delight with a separate seating area that opens to a
spa-like master bathroom.
Moving up a level will reveal one of JS Homes’ specialties. Utilizing often overlooked space, we bring our East Coast influences to the
Colorado Springs market by using the attic for additional living space without adding another floor. This results in higher roof lines and a majestic appearance. Two bedrooms, a bathroom and a bonus room will be a delight for the kids in the family.
The ten-foot ceiling in the lower-level was designed with entertaining in mind. Two bedrooms, a shared bath and an exercise room complete the ensemble. Building within Flying Horse North, we were able to incorporate unique materials including stucco, barnwood, stone and pre-finished western red cedar.
JS Homes is proud to present The Elbert.
The Builder
Building homes for over 10 years, Jeff and Sonja Cole have been gifted to create a company that listens to our clients’ needs and desires and strives to capture those visions in their creations. Before becoming a home builder, Jeff was an interior trim carpenter specializing in new custom homes in the Denver and East Coast markets. This gave him a unique perspective on space and design. Jeff stays current with the changing plans and movements in home design by attending national shows and following contemporary design trends.
Sonja takes the lead on interior design, plan review and draw coordination, in addition to being the REALTOR® who makes all our transactions possible.
We are blessed to have an incredible staff of trade partners and vendors who are willing to spend time on our projects. Without them we would not be JS Homes Inc.
The Interior Design
This Flying Horse North lot was a perfect setting for The Elbert, a modern farmhouse. From the moment you walk through the front door, your sightline is drawn to the incredible Pikes Peak view. We sought to capture the large space by blending a mix of different materials and textures. Superior craftsmanship incorporates a mixture of materials, from knotty alder and walnut on the main level, to hickory and quarter-sawn oak elsewhere, creating a rich and rewarding feel. Luxe granites complimented by beautiful tile work add depth and movement in many areas of the house — creating a refined feeling. Working with Jessica Brown of La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, we designed a palette of colors, patterns and rich textures to enhance and compliment the interior finishes. A mixture of grays, blues and whites provides a timeless, fresh and family friendly environment that makes The Elbert a sanctuary for entertaining and relaxing.

The Home
The Elbert, named after a Colorado fourteener, is designed in the modern farmhouse style with an open concept that creates a
welcoming feeling. The two-story entry light compliments the incredible view of Pikes Peak. The main level includes a gourmet kitchen
open to the great room, dining room and study. The master suite is an owner’s delight with a separate seating area that opens to a
spa-like master bathroom.
Moving up a level will reveal one of JS Homes’ specialties. Utilizing often overlooked space, we bring our East Coast influences to the
Colorado Springs market by using the attic for additional living space without adding another floor. This results in higher roof lines and a majestic appearance. Two bedrooms, a bathroom and a bonus room will be a delight for the kids in the family.
The ten-foot ceiling in the lower-level was designed with entertaining in mind. Two bedrooms, a shared bath and an exercise room complete the ensemble. Building within Flying Horse North, we were able to incorporate unique materials including stucco, barnwood, stone and pre-finished western red cedar.
JS Homes is proud to present The Elbert.
The Builder
Building homes for over 10 years, Jeff and Sonja Cole have been gifted to create a company that listens to our clients’ needs and desires and strives to capture those visions in their creations. Before becoming a home builder, Jeff was an interior trim carpenter specializing in new custom homes in the Denver and East Coast markets. This gave him a unique perspective on space and design. Jeff stays current with the changing plans and movements in home design by attending national shows and following contemporary design trends.
Sonja takes the lead on interior design, plan review and draw coordination, in addition to being the REALTOR® who makes all our transactions possible.
We are blessed to have an incredible staff of trade partners and vendors who are willing to spend time on our projects. Without them we would not be JS Homes Inc.
The Interior Design
This Flying Horse North lot was a perfect setting for The Elbert, a modern farmhouse. From the moment you walk through the front door, your sightline is drawn to the incredible Pikes Peak view. We sought to capture the large space by blending a mix of different materials and textures. Superior craftsmanship incorporates a mixture of materials, from knotty alder and walnut on the main level, to hickory and quarter-sawn oak elsewhere, creating a rich and rewarding feel. Luxe granites complimented by beautiful tile work add depth and movement in many areas of the house — creating a refined feeling. Working with Jessica Brown of La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, we designed a palette of colors, patterns and rich textures to enhance and compliment the interior finishes. A mixture of grays, blues and whites provides a timeless, fresh and family friendly environment that makes The Elbert a sanctuary for entertaining and relaxing.

Willie & Leslie of Barrington Hills loved the location of their home. Its breathtaking views overlooked a wooded backyard and a captivating lake. They didn’t want to move, but they needed more space. But the house was missing that big family room where everyone could gather, relax and converse, and the house was completely cut off visually from the beautiful outdoor view right outside!
They knew what they wanted meant building an addition to their home. They began searching the internet and came across Advance Design Studio, and after browsing through project after project and reading one outstanding client review after another, they were sold on Advance Design. Additionally, they loved Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” process and felt confident that it would allow the Design/Build company to easily coordinate the multiple projects they wanted to complete all at one time. Willie and Leslie immediately set up a meeting with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Claudia Pop. When the meeting ended, they were sure that Advance Design were the right people and the right approach for their project.
"Establishing a direction and a budget is always key in project of this size," Todd said. "This house was screaming for a family room and it didn't have one. Ultimately, it's about working together towards the same goal of a beautiful functional addition."
The project consisted of a significant family room addition with an extraordinary vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling fireplace, a guest suite renovation with a luxury bath, a garage addition, and an adjoining outdoor patio renovation complete with a fantastic built in grilling station. The main goal was to add comfort and space to the existing home that would last their lifetime, and finally allow them to capture the amazing view of the backyard and lake that they never could really enjoy previously.
Willie, Leslie and Claudia paid special attention to designing the space to make sure that the footprint of the room did not interfere with the views. Floor to ceiling Pella windows were incorporated into a spectacular window wall to provide plenty of natural light.
Vaulted ceilings gave the room a bigger feel and the stunning floor to ceiling masonry fireplace was designed giving the room a rustic, comfortable feel of a Colorado Lodge. Barnwood doors and exposed wooden beams accentuate the crackling fireplace and family gathering space. An oversized statement chandelier bathes the space in soft light once the sun sets and compliments the exposed wood and fireplace perfectly.
“It simple elegant and beautiful,” Designer Claudia Pop said. “It is a great family room that captures the views perfectly. They love the fireplace, the barndoors and the openness of the space we designed for the whole family now to enjoy.”
And when warm weather beckons, the outdoor patio is a terrific place to spend an evening. The family now enjoys fall nights in front of their outdoor fireplace overlooking the quiet lake. Dekton Trillium Quartz counters tops adorn an amazing grilling bar. Nearly indestructible, they are the only manufactured stone product designed exclusively to withstand high heat in summer and extreme cold temperatures in winter.
The guest bath renovation makes Willie and Leslie’s friends and family feel like they are staying at a 5-star hotel. Carlisle colored Maple cabinets from Medallion make a roomy dual vanity more than adequate with plenty of space to get ready for the day after a peaceful night’s sleep. Cambria Quartz countertops are durable and elegant, while contrasting the neutral cabinets flawlessly. Heated flooring from Warmly Yours is the cherry on top for this cozy guest bath.
All the projects turned out better than they even imagined. Willie and Leslie now have a spacious family room with even better views of the lake and woods, a much larger garage, a fantastic relaxing outdoor patio, and a guest bath that makes it almost impossible to get the guest to leave after their stay.
Are you thinking about a remodeling project? Talk to the experts at Advance Design about the renovation of your dreams. Now is the perfect time to renovate. Check out other amazing projects here. With “Common Sense Remodeling”, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about your kitchen remodeling project, or any other home renovation you are planning. Our talented team can help you design and build the new space you’ve been dreaming about.

A modern spa-like basement bathroom captures all of the amenities within a smaller scaled space. Designed to capture all of the features found in a spa, the steam shower, sauna, floor warming, and lighting sets the mood for a relaxing journey right a home.

The Home
The Elbert, named after a Colorado fourteener, is designed in the modern farmhouse style with an open concept that creates a
welcoming feeling. The two-story entry light compliments the incredible view of Pikes Peak. The main level includes a gourmet kitchen
open to the great room, dining room and study. The master suite is an owner’s delight with a separate seating area that opens to a
spa-like master bathroom.
Moving up a level will reveal one of JS Homes’ specialties. Utilizing often overlooked space, we bring our East Coast influences to the
Colorado Springs market by using the attic for additional living space without adding another floor. This results in higher roof lines and a majestic appearance. Two bedrooms, a bathroom and a bonus room will be a delight for the kids in the family.
The ten-foot ceiling in the lower-level was designed with entertaining in mind. Two bedrooms, a shared bath and an exercise room complete the ensemble. Building within Flying Horse North, we were able to incorporate unique materials including stucco, barnwood, stone and pre-finished western red cedar.
JS Homes is proud to present The Elbert.
The Builder
Building homes for over 10 years, Jeff and Sonja Cole have been gifted to create a company that listens to our clients’ needs and desires and strives to capture those visions in their creations. Before becoming a home builder, Jeff was an interior trim carpenter specializing in new custom homes in the Denver and East Coast markets. This gave him a unique perspective on space and design. Jeff stays current with the changing plans and movements in home design by attending national shows and following contemporary design trends.
Sonja takes the lead on interior design, plan review and draw coordination, in addition to being the REALTOR® who makes all our transactions possible.
We are blessed to have an incredible staff of trade partners and vendors who are willing to spend time on our projects. Without them we would not be JS Homes Inc.
The Interior Design
This Flying Horse North lot was a perfect setting for The Elbert, a modern farmhouse. From the moment you walk through the front door, your sightline is drawn to the incredible Pikes Peak view. We sought to capture the large space by blending a mix of different materials and textures. Superior craftsmanship incorporates a mixture of materials, from knotty alder and walnut on the main level, to hickory and quarter-sawn oak elsewhere, creating a rich and rewarding feel. Luxe granites complimented by beautiful tile work add depth and movement in many areas of the house — creating a refined feeling. Working with Jessica Brown of La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, we designed a palette of colors, patterns and rich textures to enhance and compliment the interior finishes. A mixture of grays, blues and whites provides a timeless, fresh and family friendly environment that makes The Elbert a sanctuary for entertaining and relaxing.

This elegant seating nook within the master bedroom creates a private retreat for relaxation and conversation. Two upholstered chairs with warm wood frames offer comfortable seating around a sculptural stone side table, perfect for morning coffee or evening reading. Custom built-in shelving flanks the window, providing both storage and display space for personal items and coastal accessories. The large window and French doors open directly to the pool area, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor recreation. Soft coastal artwork and brass sconce lighting complete this intimate corner, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the tranquil waterfront setting while maintaining the bedroom's serene atmosphere."
This captures the intimate seating arrangement, built-in storage, direct pool access, lighting, and how it functions as a private retreat within the larger bedroom space while connecting to the outdoor amenities.
This elegant seating nook within the master bedroom creates a private retreat for relaxation and conversation. Two upholstered chairs with warm wood frames offer comfortable seating around a sculptural stone side table, perfect for morning coffee or evening reading. Custom built-in shelving flanks the window, providing both storage and display space for personal items and coastal accessories. The large window and French doors open directly to the pool area, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor recreation. Soft coastal artwork and brass sconce lighting complete this intimate corner, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the tranquil waterfront setting while maintaining the bedroom's serene atmosphere."
This captures the intimate seating arrangement, built-in storage, direct pool access, lighting, and how it functions as a private retreat within the larger bedroom space while connecting to the outdoor amenities.

Mark Hoyle
2008 SC HBA Pinnacle Award Winner. home features a main and lower level symmetrical plan featuring outdoor living area with desires of capturing lake views. Upon entering this 6800 square foot residence a wall of glass shelves displaying pottery and sculpture greets guests as it visually separates the foyer from the dining room. Beyond you will notice the dual sided stone fireplace that extends 22 feet to the ceiling. It is intended to be the centerpiece to the home’s symmetrical form as it draws your eye to the clerestory windows that allow natural light to flood the grand living and dining space. The home also features a large screened porch that extends across the lakeside of the home. This porch is utilized for entertaining as well as acting as exterior connector for the interior spaces. The lower level, although spacious, creates a cozy atmosphere with stacked stone archways, stained concrete flooring, and a sunken media room. The views of the lake are captured from almost every room in the home with its unique form and layout.

The core focus of the interior design photography for this property was its custom furniture and statement light fixtures. This spacious home showcased a luxurious collection of Italian sofas and décor, making it a standout project for us to capture in rich detail.
The main challenge was to convey both the royal elegance of the space and its warm, inviting atmosphere. To achieve this, we photographed each area with a mix of wide, immersive shots and intimate captures of cozy corners and design details, highlighting both the grandeur and the charm of the interior.

The family purchased the 1950s ranch on Mullet Lake because their daughter dreamed of being married on its shores. The home would be used for the wedding venue and then as a wedding gift to the young couple. We were originally hired in August 2014 to help with a simple renovation of the home that was to be completed well in advance of the August 2015 wedding date. However, thorough investigation revealed significant issues with the original foundation, floor framing and other critical elements of the home’s structure that made that impossible. Based on this information, the family decided to tear down and build again. So now we were tasked with designing a new home that would embody their daughter’s vision of a storybook home – a vision inspired by another one of our projects that she had toured. To capture this aesthetic, traditional cottage materials such as stone and cedar shakes are accentuated by more materials such as reclaimed barn wood siding and corrugated CORTEN steel accent roofs. Inside, interior finishes include hand-hewn timber accents that frame openings and highlight features like the entrance reading nook. Natural materials shine against white walls and simply furnished rooms. While the house has nods to vintage style throughout, the open-plan kitchen and living area allows for both contemporary living and entertaining. We were able to capture their daughter’s vision and the home was completed on time for her big day.
- Jacqueline Southby Photography

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com
Project Entry: Pembrooke Estate Rain Garden
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Sustainable Landscape &60,000-$120,000
Award Level: Silver
Project Description:
The client contracted our company to solve multiple existing drainage problems. In a heavy rain event the existing French drain system would overflow, causing water to pool in the driveway. After investigating the system we found that the capacity of the French drain was undersized for the amount of storm water from the large rain events received in recent years. As a result of our findings and at the request of the homeowner, we designed a storm water management system to capture all storm water from the structures on the property and regenerate the underground aquifers for the volume of a 5.8” rainstorm. In addition to the new drain system, the homeowners wanted a rain garden to provide a backdrop for an existing formal garden, provide a habitat for wildlife, and provide screening from an adjacent neighbor.
Throughout the design process many challenges were presented, including an existing gas line, which ran directly through the area that best suited the bioswale. The existence of the gas line caused us to alter the shape and depth of the bioswale in some areas. We also inspected the existing downspouts to make sure there were no obstructions that would impede the system’s efficiency, and then conducted a test pit dig to make sure we had sufficient percolation rates for disposal of storm water.
To effectively capture the storm water runoff, the existing downspouts were piped from the main house and the large detached garage to a large catch basin located at the low point in the driveway. The driveway catch basin contains two outlet pipes at different elevations within the basin allowing water from smaller rain events to enter the bioswale and rain garden area to percolate into the soil before excess water overflows into a sediment trap which filters out any debris and is then piped to an underground StormTech® pit to slowly percolate into the ground. The other outlet pipe in the driveway catch basin is used for larger storm water events, taking the water directly to the StormTech® pit.
Accepting and slowing the velocity of the storm water, mitigation of erosion, and filtering out pollutants contained in the “first flush” of rainfall are the primary functions of the bioswale and rain garden. Planting these areas with mostly native plant species helps carry out these functions while attracting and providing shelter for wildlife.
The ‘Niobe’ weeping willow is the centerpiece of the rain garden, connecting with the axis of the existing formal garden. To screen the neighboring property we chose Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ for its graceful evergreen habit and tolerance of wet sites. ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood and Panicum ‘Cloud Nine’ were used for screening as well as winter interest. To provide deciduous structure to the garden Taxodium distichum and Magnolia virginiana were used in conjunction with witch hazel. Mostly native wetland perennials were used due to their tolerance of wet conditions and occasional drought.
The area above the StormTech® pit provides space for the client’s family to relax. The rain garden and bioswale provide screening, storm water management, a habitat for wildlife, and plants that enhance the adjacent formal garden.
Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

The transformation of this home was extensive. We removed walls, creating connectivity between rooms and an updated open concept floor plan. We did a complete redesign the layout of the kitchen, tripling the size, storage, and counter space for the whole family to enjoy. We created a built-in bar in the dining room and separate media room, opening up the entertaining options for both kids and adults. For the finishes throughout, the family was able to capture their love of Spanish and old-world design. We used warm neutral colors for the pallet, antique and worn textures throughout the surfaces, and pops of color and personality to make it uniquely theirs. Touches of brass and wrought iron in the lighting and railings continued the theme. The enlarged glass door systems and windows all increased the natural light and opened up the viewing area to capture the panoramic ocean view.
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