A rustic cabin set on a 5.9 acre wooded property on Little Boy Lake in Longville, MN, the design takes advantage of its secluded setting and stunning lake views. Covered porches on the forest-side and lake-side offer protection from the elements while allowing one to enjoy the fresh open air and unobstructed views. Once inside, one is greeted by a series of custom closet and bench built-ins hidden behind a pair of sliding wood barn doors. Ahead is a dramatic open great room with vaulted ceilings exposing the wood trusses and large circular chandeliers. Anchoring the space is a natural river-rock stone fireplace with windows on all sides capturing views of the forest and lake. A spacious kitchen with custom hickory cabinetry and cobalt blue appliances opens up the the great room creating a warm and inviting setting. The unassuming exterior is adorned in circle sawn cedar siding with red windows. The inside surfaces are clad in circle sawn wood boards adding to the rustic feel of the cabin.

Believe it or not, this beautiful Roncesvalles home was once carved into three separate apartments. As a result, central to this renovation was the need to create a floor plan with a staircase to access all floors, space for a master bedroom and spacious ensuite on the second floor. The kitchen was also repositioned from the back of the house to the front. It features a curved leather banquette nestled in the bay window, floor to ceiling millwork with a full pantry, integrated appliances, panel ready Sub Zero and expansive storage. Custom fir windows and an oversized lift and slide glass door were used across the back of the house to bring in the light, call attention to the lush surroundings and provide access to the massive deck clad in thermally modified ash. Now reclaimed as a single family home, the dwelling includes 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a main floor mud room and an open, airy yoga retreat on the third floor with walkout deck and sweeping views of the backyard.

Project Overview: This new build was designed by architect Jay Fulkerson and features both interior and exterior applications of our Pika-Pika siding with a traditional white oil stain prefinish. General Contractor was Jeff Hopper of Hopper Construction of Hillsborough, NC, with support from McLendon Building. Project Details: Product: Shou Sugi Ban – Pika-Pika 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Penofin Verde MIST Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 3600 SF Designer: Jay Fulkerson Builder: Jeff Hopper at Hopper Construction Date: August 2018

Builder: Artisan Custom Homes Photography by: Jim Schmid Photography Interior Design by: Homestyles Interior Design
Large beach style gray three-story concrete fiberboard gable roof photo in Charlotte with a mixed material roof

From DesignBoom: “When viewed from above, Octothorpe House by Mork-Ulnes Architects takes the form of the versatile symbol after which it was named. Set in the wild landscape of a high plateau in the Oregon desert, the home is designed for flexible, nature-based living and is heavily influenced by the shapes, colors, and textures of its surroundings in both its design and materiality. The structure is built to be environmentally friendly and is constructed of locally manufactured cross-laminated timber (CLT), while the charred wood matches the color palette of the arid landscape.”

A 1920s Dutch Colonial / Tudor style mashup is reimagined for a family with a penchant for combining period details with modern flair. The orthogonal volume of the addition stands as a detached extension to the original gambrel-roofed home. Situated on a private wooded lot, the addition is clad in cedar, juxtaposed with white ship-lap siding on the existing structure. The addition and extensive interior renovations maximize usable space while keeping original trim, woodwork and built-in casework details where possible. On the main level, the entry was reworked with built-ins in the existing foyer and new garage of the addition. A new kitchen adds storage while increasing views to the exterior and adjacent dining room. Features of the upper level include a gym and office in the new square footage and an enlarged primary suite and bathrooms. On the lower-level, the owner’s woodshop was separated from a new guest suite with a private entrance and widows were added for daylight.

From DesignBoom: “When viewed from above, Octothorpe House by Mork-Ulnes Architects takes the form of the versatile symbol after which it was named. Set in the wild landscape of a high plateau in the Oregon desert, the home is designed for flexible, nature-based living and is heavily influenced by the shapes, colors, and textures of its surroundings in both its design and materiality. The structure is built to be environmentally friendly and is constructed of locally manufactured cross-laminated timber (CLT), while the charred wood matches the color palette of the arid landscape.”

A 1920s Dutch Colonial / Tudor style mashup is reimagined for a family with a penchant for combining period details with modern flair. The orthogonal volume of the addition stands as a detached extension to the original gambrel-roofed home. Situated on a private wooded lot, the addition is clad in cedar, juxtaposed with white ship-lap siding on the existing structure. The addition and extensive interior renovations maximize usable space while keeping original trim, woodwork and built-in casework details where possible. On the main level, the entry was reworked with built-ins in the existing foyer and new garage of the addition. A new kitchen adds storage while increasing views to the exterior and adjacent dining room. Features of the upper level include a gym and office in the new square footage and an enlarged primary suite and bathrooms. On the lower-level, the owner’s woodshop was separated from a new guest suite with a private entrance and widows were added for daylight.

The East West House, designed by Elizabeth Herrmann and built by Red House Building, is a blend of Japanese and traditional Vermont architecture. The home is sited on a steep hill, the property is long and skinny with a stunning southern view. Each room was thoughtfully designed to have a unique relationship with the view; it’s intentionally different depending on which room you’re standing in. Space in the house is utilized to the fullest capacity; it’s all about connected rooms so that every space is occupiable. In that sense, it’s more a series of connected spaces.

Transform your backyard into a year-round outdoor living space with a custom patio cover, TimberTech decking, an outdoor kitchen, and a stone-clad fireplace. The covered structure features a gable roof with four skylights, pine soffit, Doug fir beams, and cedar-wrapped posts, creating a warm, inviting space with natural light and architectural detail. The TimberTech Terrain decking in Coconut Husk provides a cohesive finish across the deck, fascia, picture-framed stairs, and matching borders. Black surface-mounted picket railings complement the decking and tie together the overall design. The outdoor kitchen is designed to accommodate a refrigerator, with plans for updated gas and water connections. A custom fireplace featuring Koryak Ridge stacked stone, blue stone accents, and a black fireplace insert creates a natural focal point for relaxing and entertaining. Finished with recessed lighting, black Bromic heaters, coordinated roofing, and integrated gutter and drainage connections, this custom outdoor living space combines comfort, functionality, and timeless style for enjoying the backyard in every season.

A rustic cabin set on a 5.9 acre wooded property on Little Boy Lake in Longville, MN, the design takes advantage of its secluded setting and stunning lake views. Covered porches on the forest-side and lake-side offer protection from the elements while allowing one to enjoy the fresh open air and unobstructed views. Once inside, one is greeted by a series of custom closet and bench built-ins hidden behind a pair of sliding wood barn doors. Ahead is a dramatic open great room with vaulted ceilings exposing the wood trusses and large circular chandeliers. Anchoring the space is a natural river-rock stone fireplace with windows on all sides capturing views of the forest and lake. A spacious kitchen with custom hickory cabinetry and cobalt blue appliances opens up the the great room creating a warm and inviting setting. The unassuming exterior is adorned in circle sawn cedar siding with red windows. The inside surfaces are clad in circle sawn wood boards adding to the rustic feel of the cabin.

This residential single-family home was remodeled from the ground up and used our Shou Sugi Ban Gendai 1×6 shiplap exterior siding. Designed and built by Rick Milburn and the PassivWorks team, based out of Vineburg, CA. Photos courtesy of the homeowners, PassivWorks, and Kassidy Love Photography. Product: Gendai 1×6 Shiplap Finish: Amber Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 3000SF Designer: Rick Milburn Builder: PassivWorks Date: September 2017 Location: Calistoga, CA

Located in the Las Ventanas community of Arroyo Grande, this single family residence was designed and built for a couple who desired a contemporary home that fit into the natural landscape. The design solution features multiple decks, including a large rear deck that is cantilevered out from the house and nestled among the trees. Three corners of the house are mitered and built of glass, offering more views of the wooded lot. Organic materials bring warmth and texture to the space. A large natural stone “spine” wall runs from the front of the house through the main living space. Shower floors are clad in pebbles, which are both attractive and slipresistant. Mount Moriah stone, a type of quartzite, brings texture to the entry, kitchen and sunroom floors. The same stone was used for the front walkway and driveway, emphasizing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

We used a stainless steel firebox for the outdoor gas fireplace and then clad in rock to match the house. We built it all on top of the new deck that we constructed using pressure treated sub structure with composite decking and cedar skirting. We had a custom made stainless steel heat shield (as per building code) to protect the timber mantle that our client wanted to have. This fireplace serves as a great, cozy addition to the family yard while also providing a perfect "privacy screen" to the street and neighbours.

We used a stainless steel firebox for the outdoor gas fireplace and then clad in rock to match the house. We built it all on top of the new deck that we constructed using pressure treated sub structure with composite decking and cedar skirting. We had a custom made stainless steel heat shield (as per building code) to protect the timber mantle that our client wanted to have. This fireplace serves as a great, cozy addition to the family yard while also providing a perfect "privacy screen" to the street and neighbours.

Example of a 1960s side yard second story wood railing deck design in New York with no cover

The East West House, designed by Elizabeth Herrmann and built by Red House Building, is a blend of Japanese and traditional Vermont architecture. The home is sited on a steep hill, the property is long and skinny with a stunning southern view. Each room was thoughtfully designed to have a unique relationship with the view; it’s intentionally different depending on which room you’re standing in. Space in the house is utilized to the fullest capacity; it’s all about connected rooms so that every space is occupiable. In that sense, it’s more a series of connected spaces.

From DesignBoom: “When viewed from above, Octothorpe House by Mork-Ulnes Architects takes the form of the versatile symbol after which it was named. Set in the wild landscape of a high plateau in the Oregon desert, the home is designed for flexible, nature-based living and is heavily influenced by the shapes, colors, and textures of its surroundings in both its design and materiality. The structure is built to be environmentally friendly and is constructed of locally manufactured cross-laminated timber (CLT), while the charred wood matches the color palette of the arid landscape.”

Adding an 2nd story to an existing ranch bungalow from the 50's can certainly dish out some challenges and surprises. With this project we were working with a boring rectangle design, so we added two bump outs at the front and one at the back to create some definition/curb appeal, giving the main floor a better flow, extending the existing two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchen, large pantry and a mudroom. The 2nd story was added to create a Master bedroom retreat featuring a spa-like bath, massive walk-in closet, loft area with bar and guest suite with a Murphy bed. Then there was the decisions with what to do with the space above the garage - the clients did not want cold floors, or any living space above non heated areas, so we designed this incredible covered porch with Tongue & Groove Cedar, a waterproof floor, and an exterior Fireplace clad in matching stone. Its become a true 3 season room for the family to enjoy outdoor movie nights by the fire, entertaining guests (after the kids go to sleep) and giving that option of outdoor living even in the event of rain. The clients built the home in a very unique neighbourhood. They wanted to design something unique, so the super modern exterior cladding, the 3rd dimension features, and the 2 covered porches gives the home a modern look in what they feel will be a timeless design for many decades to come.