The cabin typology redux came out of the owner’s desire to have a house that is warm and familiar, but also “feels like you are on vacation.” The basis of the “Hewn House” design starts with a cabin’s simple form and materiality: a gable roof, a wood-clad body, a prominent fireplace that acts as the hearth, and integrated indoor-outdoor spaces. However, rather than a rustic style, the scheme proposes a clean-lined and “hewned” form, sculpted, to best fit on its urban infill lot. The plan and elevation geometries are responsive to the unique site conditions. Existing prominent trees determined the faceted shape of the main house, while providing shade that projecting eaves of a traditional log cabin would otherwise offer. Deferring to the trees also allows the house to more readily tuck into its leafy East Austin neighborhood, and is therefore more quiet and secluded. Natural light and coziness are key inside the home. Both the common zone and the private quarters extend to sheltered outdoor spaces of varying scales: the front porch, the private patios, and the back porch which acts as a transition to the backyard. Similar to the front of the house, a large cedar elm was preserved in the center of the yard. Sliding glass doors open up the interior living zone to the backyard life while clerestory windows bring in additional ambient light and tree canopy views. The wood ceiling adds warmth and connection to the exterior knotted cedar tongue & groove. The iron spot bricks with an earthy, reddish tone around the fireplace cast a new material interest both inside and outside. The gable roof is clad with standing seam to reinforced the clean-lined and faceted form. Furthermore, a dark gray shade of stucco contrasts and complements the warmth of the cedar with its coolness. A freestanding guest house both separates from and connects to the main house through a small, private patio with a tall steel planter bed. Photo by Charles Davis Smith

Example of a large 1960s black three-story metal gable roof design with a shingle roof and a gray roof

Our design for the expansion and gut renovation of a small 1200 square foot house in a residential neighborhood triples is size, and reworks the living arrangement. The rear addition takes advantage of southern exposure with a "greenhouse" room that provides solar heat gain in winter, shading in summer, and a vast connection to the rear yard. Architecturally, we used an approach we call "willful practicality." The new soaring ceiling ties together first and second floors in a dramatic volumetric expansion of space, while providing increased ventilation and daylighting from greenhouse to operable windows and skylights at the peak. Exterior pockets of space are created from curved forces pushing in from outside to form cedar clad porch and stoop. Sustainable design is employed throughout all materials, energy systems and insulation. Masonry exterior walls and concrete floors provide thermal mass for the interior by insulating the exterior. An ERV system facilitates increased air changes and minimizes changes to the interior air temperature. Energy and water saving features and renewable, non-toxic materal selections are important aspects of the house design. Environmental community issues are addressed with a drywell in the side yard to mitigate rain runoff into the town sewer system. The long sloping south facing roof is in anticipation of future solar panels, with the standing seam metal roof providing anchoring opportunities for the panels. The exterior walls are clad in stucco, cedar, and cement-fiber panels defining different areas of the house. Closed cell spray insulation is applied to exterior walls and roof, giving the house an "air-tight" seal against air infiltration and a high R-value. The ERV system provides the ventilation needed with this tight envelope. The interior comfort level and economizing are the beneficial results of the building methods and systems employed in the house. Photographer: Peter Kubilus

This spec build was designed and executed By Thomas and Tristan Martin, high-end niche residential developers in Los Angeles. Stunning curb appeal, gauged interior volumes, emancipating exterior areas, fabulous appliance and finish selection, convenient location–this house has it all. The design embraces a contrasting Japanese black/white aesthetic and all details are flourishes of unrepentant modernity.

This project was a successful challenge combining passive design, high-end natural materials, and a limited budget. The owners had an explicit vision and worked with Chris Vlcek at Little Wolf Architecture to bring it to reality. They were lucky enough to have found Lukas Schwartz and bring him on to build it for them. This house is modest yet divine. It is truly Blessed by the Woods.

Silicon Valley ADU: modern kitchen with plain sawn white oak flat-panel custom cabinets, matte black fixtures and drawer pulls. Island offers counter seating and extra large drawers with built-in outlets. Discreet floor-to-ceiling white cabinets house a pantry. Glass slides open to a narrow strip of greenery. building Lab is a design build firm specialized in modern architecture.

• Steep, rocky, view lot required increased site prep • Low profile passive solar design optimizes topography, view corridors, outdoor living • Contemporary simple architecture, cedar and Hardie siding, black trim and railings • Indigenous plantings edged with natural stone, pathway to rear • Wood cladding at entrance carries through into mudroom • Transom windows create visual appeal & increase natural light

Alabama's first National Association Of Home Builders "Green Certified"home, designed by Bob Chatham and built by Jeremy Friedman. The cottage includes exposed rafter tails, Cypress board and batten siding with Cedar shake details. This home has 5 spacious bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a Gourmet Thermador Kitchen, Luxury master suite, Keeping room, Outdoor kitchen and Detached garage with a covered breeze way. Some of the Green Features include Waterfurnace Geothermal heating and Cooling with Desuperheater to heat Hot Water, Icynene Spray Foam Insulation, Integrity Wood Clad Windows, Reclaimed Heart Pine Flooring, McPhillips Reclaimed Cypress Entry, Reclaimed Pecan Mantle and Beams, Whole House Electrostatic air filter and remote timed ventilation, Vacuflo Central Vacuum, Distributed Audio, Dual Flush Toilets and low flow fixtures, Zip System wall sheathing and roof decking, Advanced Framing Techniques, Native draught tolerant landscaping, and much more.

This beautiful, light-filled home radiates timeless elegance with a neutral palette and subtle blue accents. Thoughtful interior layouts optimize flow and visibility, prioritizing guest comfort for entertaining. The living room exudes modern coziness with plush furnishings, a stunning stone-clad fireplace, and ample comfortable seating. The sleek center table adds a touch of elegance, creating the perfect space for relaxation and social gatherings.

Built in a contemporary, yet distinctly Pacific Northwest style, the Orcas House sits just steps away from the Salish Sea. With special attention given to existing trees, solar exposure and views from the house, this house was built to coexist harmoniously with its surroundings

The cabin typology redux came out of the owner’s desire to have a house that is warm and familiar, but also “feels like you are on vacation.” The basis of the “Hewn House” design starts with a cabin’s simple form and materiality: a gable roof, a wood-clad body, a prominent fireplace that acts as the hearth, and integrated indoor-outdoor spaces. However, rather than a rustic style, the scheme proposes a clean-lined and “hewned” form, sculpted, to best fit on its urban infill lot. The plan and elevation geometries are responsive to the unique site conditions. Existing prominent trees determined the faceted shape of the main house, while providing shade that projecting eaves of a traditional log cabin would otherwise offer. Deferring to the trees also allows the house to more readily tuck into its leafy East Austin neighborhood, and is therefore more quiet and secluded. Natural light and coziness are key inside the home. Both the common zone and the private quarters extend to sheltered outdoor spaces of varying scales: the front porch, the private patios, and the back porch which acts as a transition to the backyard. Similar to the front of the house, a large cedar elm was preserved in the center of the yard. Sliding glass doors open up the interior living zone to the backyard life while clerestory windows bring in additional ambient light and tree canopy views. The wood ceiling adds warmth and connection to the exterior knotted cedar tongue & groove. The iron spot bricks with an earthy, reddish tone around the fireplace cast a new material interest both inside and outside. The gable roof is clad with standing seam to reinforced the clean-lined and faceted form. Furthermore, a dark gray shade of stucco contrasts and complements the warmth of the cedar with its coolness. A freestanding guest house both separates from and connects to the main house through a small, private patio with a tall steel planter bed. Photo by Charles Davis Smith

This year round two-family cottage is comprised of seven modules which required just 25 days to construct in an off-site facility. When assembled, these prefabricated units form a building that is 38 metres long but less than 5 metres wide. The length offers a variety of living spaces while the constricted width maintains a level of intimacy and affords views of the lake from every room. Sited along a north-south axis, the cottage sits obliquely on a ridge. Each of the three levels has a point of access at grade. The shared living spaces are entered from the top of the ridge with the sleeping spaces a level below. Facing the lake, the east elevation consists entirely of sliding glass doors and provides every room with access to the forest or balconies. Materials fall into two categories: reflective surfaces – glazing and mirror, and those with a muted colouration – unfinished cedar, zinc cladding, and galvanized steel. The objective is to visually push the structure into the background. Photos by Tom Arban

Working with repeat clients is always a dream! The had perfect timing right before the pandemic for their vacation home to get out city and relax in the mountains. This modern mountain home is stunning. Check out every custom detail we did throughout the home to make it a unique experience!

This grand and historic home renovation transformed the structure from the ground up, creating a versatile, multifunctional space. Meticulous planning and creative design brought the client's vision to life, optimizing functionality throughout. In the grand carriage house design, massive original wooden doors seamlessly lead to the outdoor space. The well-planned layout offers various seating options, while a stone-clad fireplace stands as a striking focal point.

This beautiful, light-filled home radiates timeless elegance with a neutral palette and subtle blue accents. Thoughtful interior layouts optimize flow and visibility, prioritizing guest comfort for entertaining. The living room exudes modern coziness with plush furnishings, a stunning stone-clad fireplace, and ample comfortable seating. The sleek center table adds a touch of elegance, creating the perfect space for relaxation and social gatherings.

The cabin typology redux came out of the owner’s desire to have a house that is warm and familiar, but also “feels like you are on vacation.” The basis of the “Hewn House” design starts with a cabin’s simple form and materiality: a gable roof, a wood-clad body, a prominent fireplace that acts as the hearth, and integrated indoor-outdoor spaces. However, rather than a rustic style, the scheme proposes a clean-lined and “hewned” form, sculpted, to best fit on its urban infill lot. The plan and elevation geometries are responsive to the unique site conditions. Existing prominent trees determined the faceted shape of the main house, while providing shade that projecting eaves of a traditional log cabin would otherwise offer. Deferring to the trees also allows the house to more readily tuck into its leafy East Austin neighborhood, and is therefore more quiet and secluded. Natural light and coziness are key inside the home. Both the common zone and the private quarters extend to sheltered outdoor spaces of varying scales: the front porch, the private patios, and the back porch which acts as a transition to the backyard. Similar to the front of the house, a large cedar elm was preserved in the center of the yard. Sliding glass doors open up the interior living zone to the backyard life while clerestory windows bring in additional ambient light and tree canopy views. The wood ceiling adds warmth and connection to the exterior knotted cedar tongue & groove. The iron spot bricks with an earthy, reddish tone around the fireplace cast a new material interest both inside and outside. The gable roof is clad with standing seam to reinforced the clean-lined and faceted form. Furthermore, a dark gray shade of stucco contrasts and complements the warmth of the cedar with its coolness. A freestanding guest house both separates from and connects to the main house through a small, private patio with a tall steel planter bed. Photo by Charles Davis Smith

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

The cozy living room off the great room is designed in a warm rustic style that reflects the home’s lakeside setting. A stone-clad fireplace serves as the focal point, featuring a wood mantel and stone hearth that add texture and authenticity. Large doors open to a covered patio overlooking the beach of Lake Washington, creating a seamless connection between the intimate interior and the peaceful waterfront beyond. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com + Interior Design: Collaborative interior design with homeowner and H2D Architecture + Design + Builder: Carlisle Classic Homes + Photography: Christopher Nelson Photography

Luxurious Zen best decribes this Asian inspired master bath suite. Custom shoji screen panels line the hallway as you enter flanked by his and hers walkin closets. A foating vanity with lift up LED mirror sits center stage, with a generous free standing soking tub on the left, and an oversized custom shower on the right. Walnut wood floors and a cedar clad ceiling give warmth and ground the space.