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.

The "dine-in" kitchen is a big hit. This custom home home was built by Silverton Custom Homes and designed by Design Visions. This home was built on the North Shore of lake Travis for two very creative, fantastic individuals that were a pleasure to partner with to turn their vision into reality. photos by Tre Dunham

A Vancouver new build pops in a neighborhood full of post-war homes. This custom home was designed in a modern esthetic to reflect a young couple’s happening lifestyle. The working duo plan to start a family so will have little time for home maintenance. At the top of their list of wants were durable, quality materials that perform. Clad in James Hardie with cedar accents, a metal roof and fibreglass powder coating windows this home is set for exceptional longevity.

Roofing, Siding, gutters & gutter guards. Replace existing roofing shingles with GAF HD Timberline Architectural Shingles Color- Oyster Gray Replace existing wood siding with Everlast polymeric composite siding by Norandex

The master bath has plenty of custom cabinet space to stay organized. This custom home home was built by Silverton Custom Homes and designed by Design Visions. This home was built on the North Shore of lake Travis for two very creative, fantastic individuals that were a pleasure to partner with to turn their vision into reality. photos by Tre Dunham

This extension to a very distinctive timber clad house set in a prominent hilltop position in the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire was an exciting project with many contextual constraints. The clients had a large family and needed to provide more bed space for visiting grandchildren, so we created a new large en-suite bedroom for them at first floor level, which freed up other areas of the house for guest accommodation. The extension is designed to sensitively integrate with the existing house whilst having its own distinct character. The existing palette of materials is reinterpreted in a thoroughly modern way. A rigorous design process had to be adopted in order to secure planning approval for this contemporary design from the notoriously difficult Peak District National Park. The existing rough grit-stone side wall is treated as a ‘ruined’ solid base from which the lighter weight construction of the timber and glass facades spring from. Much thought went into the multi layered timber cladding which imbue the extension with its own unique character, and the carefully positioned areas of clean, frameless glazing which focus and frame the amazing views out to the surrounding countryside. A large frameless corner window provides a sun-drenched corner with seating, perfect for quiet contemplation. Beautifully finished in elegant birch faced plywood panelling the interior exudes a minimalist serenity which makes a pleasing contrast to the rugged exterior finishes.

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

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.

The private quart yard entry is a special feature of this home and creates additional living space that is very private and relaxing. This custom home home was built by Silverton Custom Homes and designed by Design Visions. This home was built on the North Shore of lake Travis for two very creative, fantastic individuals that were a pleasure to partner with to turn their vision into reality. photos by Tre Dunham

Our clients already had the beautiful lot on Burt Lake, all they needed was the home. We were hired to create an inviting home that had a "craftsman" style of the exterior and a "cottage" style for the interior. They desired to capture a casual, warm, and inviting feeling. The home was to have as much natural light and to take advantage of the amazing lake views. The open concept plan was desired to facilitate lots of family and visitors. The finished design and home is exactly what they hoped for. To quote the owner "Thanks to the expertise and creativity of the design team at Edgewater, we were able to get exactly what we wanted." -Jacqueline Southby Photography

This extension to a very distinctive timber clad house set in a prominent hilltop position in the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire was an exciting project with many contextual constraints. The clients had a large family and needed to provide more bed space for visiting grandchildren, so we created a new large en-suite bedroom for them at first floor level, which freed up other areas of the house for guest accommodation. The extension is designed to sensitively integrate with the existing house whilst having its own distinct character. The existing palette of materials is reinterpreted in a thoroughly modern way. A rigorous design process had to be adopted in order to secure planning approval for this contemporary design from the notoriously difficult Peak District National Park. The existing rough grit-stone side wall is treated as a ‘ruined’ solid base from which the lighter weight construction of the timber and glass facades spring from. Much thought went into the multi layered timber cladding which imbue the extension with its own unique character, and the carefully positioned areas of clean, frameless glazing which focus and frame the amazing views out to the surrounding countryside. A large frameless corner window provides a sun-drenched corner with seating, perfect for quiet contemplation. Beautifully finished in elegant birch faced plywood panelling the interior exudes a minimalist serenity which makes a pleasing contrast to the rugged exterior finishes.

The "dine-in" kitchen is a big hit. This custom home home was built by Silverton Custom Homes and designed by Design Visions. This home was built on the North Shore of lake Travis for two very creative, fantastic individuals that were a pleasure to partner with to turn their vision into reality. photos by Tre Dunham

A welcoming front entry porch with bluestone walk and retaining walls. Photos by: Philip Jensen Carter
Example of a large beach style gray split-level concrete fiberboard exterior home design in New York

Clopay Canyon Ridge Collection Limited Edition Series faux wood garage doors are featured on the This Old House 2017 Idea House, a one-of-a-kind coastal home in South Kingstown, RI. Design 35, custom painted to match the Watercolor Blue window cladding. Photo credit: Nat Rea.

This extension to a very distinctive timber clad house set in a prominent hilltop position in the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire was an exciting project with many contextual constraints. The clients had a large family and needed to provide more bed space for visiting grandchildren, so we created a new large en-suite bedroom for them at first floor level, which freed up other areas of the house for guest accommodation. The extension is designed to sensitively integrate with the existing house whilst having its own distinct character. The existing palette of materials is reinterpreted in a thoroughly modern way. A rigorous design process had to be adopted in order to secure planning approval for this contemporary design from the notoriously difficult Peak District National Park. The existing rough grit-stone side wall is treated as a ‘ruined’ solid base from which the lighter weight construction of the timber and glass facades spring from. Much thought went into the multi layered timber cladding which imbue the extension with its own unique character, and the carefully positioned areas of clean, frameless glazing which focus and frame the amazing views out to the surrounding countryside. A large frameless corner window provides a sun-drenched corner with seating, perfect for quiet contemplation. Beautifully finished in elegant birch faced plywood panelling the interior exudes a minimalist serenity which makes a pleasing contrast to the rugged exterior finishes.

This extension to a very distinctive timber clad house set in a prominent hilltop position in the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire was an exciting project with many contextual constraints. The clients had a large family and needed to provide more bed space for visiting grandchildren, so we created a new large en-suite bedroom for them at first floor level, which freed up other areas of the house for guest accommodation. The extension is designed to sensitively integrate with the existing house whilst having its own distinct character. The existing palette of materials is reinterpreted in a thoroughly modern way. A rigorous design process had to be adopted in order to secure planning approval for this contemporary design from the notoriously difficult Peak District National Park. The existing rough grit-stone side wall is treated as a ‘ruined’ solid base from which the lighter weight construction of the timber and glass facades spring from. Much thought went into the multi layered timber cladding which imbue the extension with its own unique character, and the carefully positioned areas of clean, frameless glazing which focus and frame the amazing views out to the surrounding countryside. A large frameless corner window provides a sun-drenched corner with seating, perfect for quiet contemplation. Beautifully finished in elegant birch faced plywood panelling the interior exudes a minimalist serenity which makes a pleasing contrast to the rugged exterior finishes.

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

Mark Hoyle
Inspiration for a large rustic brown two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof remodel