At our first meeting, my clients’ insisted that whenever possible, the materials selected be renewable, Earth friendly and ideally, locally sourced. But to get to that end, they did not want to sacrifice a beautiful, cohesive design. For flooring, we selected a Teragren strand bamboo that set the tone for the entire space. The soaring ceilings and beams in the main living space were clad entirely in FSC certified VG fir. No or low VOC paint was used throughout the home and the majority of the tile is porcelain with a minimum recycled content of 80%. The custom LED lighting fixtures were created by an artisan in Oregon and truly capture the style and scale of the home. Photos courtesy of Harrison Homes www.harrhomes.com

DURING Photo #2 - This Mount Prospect, IL Colonial Style Home was remodeled by Siding & Windows Group. We replaced existing Aluminum Siding and installed James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap Siding in ColorPlus Technology Color Sail Cloth and Traditional HardieTrim, HardieSoffit & Fascia in ColorPlus Technology Color Arctic White. Remodeled the entire second floor Balcony with New Cedar Railing Systems, First Floor Column Posts with Roof removed and installed new modified Bitumen Roofing. Replaced Windows throughout Home with Premium Quality Marvin Ultimate Clad Windows and installed Fypon Shutters in White with Hardie Crown Moldings. Replaced Gutters/Downspouts with Alside Gutters and installed GutterDome Screens.

From Karen Delucas: “This newly constructed home was designed for an active family who wanted a comfortable place to recharge. Nestled into the hill, the garage/studio space opens to an active playcourt and is set apart from the house. The covered entry allows for a protected walk from the garage to the house. The Grand Ridge house uses two types yakisugi (more commonly known as shou sugi ban) from Nakamoto Forestry out of Oregon. Yakisugi translates to charred cypress in Japanese and it’s a process of preserving the wood siding through a heat process. The colors and textures are a beautiful backdrop to our lush greens of the Pacific Northwest.”

Buju Architects was instructed to design 6 new holiday homes in the coastal village of Rhosneigr. Now four years later, construction nears completion. Consisting of a combination of 3 townhouses and 3 detached houses, each home is designed carefully to maximise sea views and sit comfortably in context. With just a short walk to the beachfront, it was quickly established early on that we wanted to take full advantage of these stunning coastal views. To achieve this, we decided to flip the floor layouts around and created an “upside-down home”. By positioning all of the bedrooms at ground level and the living spaces to the top floor meant that the amazing views could be fully appreciated from the high vaulted living spaces throughout the day. These views are also maximised by utilising large feature glazed gables each with their own spacious balconies. The feature gable on the detached houses were also carefully designed and specifically orientated at a 45-degree angle towards these views for maximum effect. A similar palette of materials was used as those of surrounding buildings and a strong design theme was created across the site. Local stone, cedar cladding and white render clad these fantastic properties. The density of development was carefully considered to allow enough space for access and amenity, whilst respecting local residents. Services: Buju Architects were appointed for RIBA Stages 1-6 as Architect and Principal Designer. From developing the concept design, through planning, tender and construction. Buju Architects coordinated the design process and managed correspondence with the local Council. “..Buju Architects produced three alternative schemes and once the preferred scheme had been chosen they very quickly produced several visualisation models which proved extremely helpful in view of the gradient and context of this development. Modelling at this early stage is often not provided and with a difficult site such as this can be vital in obtaining the correct interaction between buildings.” – Rockview Developments

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.

We were hired to design a Northern Michigan home for our clients to retire. They wanted an inviting “Mountain Rustic” style that would offer a casual, warm and inviting feeling while also taking advantage of the view of nearby Deer Lake. Most people downsize in retirement, but for our clients more space was a virtue. The main level provides a large kitchen that flows into open concept dining and living. With all their family and visitors, ample entertaining and gathering space was necessary. A cozy three-season room which also opens onto a large deck provide even more space. The bonus room above the attached four car garage was a perfect spot for a bunk room. A finished lower level provided even more space for the grandkids to claim as their own, while the main level master suite allows grandma and grandpa to have their own retreat. Rustic details like a reclaimed lumber wall that includes six different varieties of wood, large fireplace, exposed beams and antler chandelier lend to the rustic feel our client’s desired. Ultimately, we were able to capture and take advantage of as many views as possible while also maintaining the cozy and warm atmosphere on the interior. This gorgeous home with abundant space makes it easy for our clients to enjoy the company of their five children and seven grandchildren who come from near and far to enjoy the home. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

“The Shelburne Pond Home sits on a knoll with westerly views of the pond. A covered porch and west facing patio make the most of these views. The wooded site creates a private oasis for this four-bedroom home. Wood tones are echoed in the [shou sugi ban] siding in contrasting colors. Designed for the grandparents with four children and twelve grandchildren, the house provides the first-floor living for its occupants with additional living space on the lower level and second floor for visiting children and grandchildren. Other spaces include a home office above a two-car garage, a playroom and a fitness room.”

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.

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgement as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Architect Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Seattle,WA Stone Installers Gallegos Corporation, Basalt, CO Stone Supplier Quarra Stone Company, Madison, WI Stone Quarry Bertozzi Felice di Rovai G & C Srl, Pietrasanta (LU), Italy Truffer AG, Vals, Switzerland The Independence Pass Residence is sited at the edge of a nature preserve in Aspen, Colorado with views of an alpine meadow, forests of evergreen and aspen trees, the Roaring Fork River and the Rocky Mountains. The owners requested something very different from large, ostentatious heavy-timber homes that appear throughout the Aspen slopes: a home that would reach out to nature, not to gird against it; one that would feel light and modern, yet not on display. Approached from the north, a driveway leads from the main road to a private parking court, sheltered from wind and weather. The house stretches between two existing hills on the site; forming a threshold to the views of the meandering river and nature preserve beyond. The lower level is expressed as a series of stone-clad walls that extend the building into the landscape. The upper level is a sleek box with a metal roof that floats on slender columns. Pre-weathered wood siding is used to clad the upper level of the buildings and will continue to weather to a silver grey. All exterior cladding materials are intended to weather naturally with little maintenance to a palette of soft grays. A wall of black-stained cedar boards marks the main entry and extends through the house into a double-height space with a floating stair. Cantilevered wood stair treads lead to the upper level and main living pavilion where full-height walls of glass reveal panoramic views of the nature preserve and New York peak. The living room, dining room and kitchen occupy the center of the linear floor plan, with a master bedroom suite to the west and a family room and outdoor courtyard to the east. A fireplace clad in Vals quartzite forms the western edge of the living room with a large skylight above. A reading alcove with a bench of wood slats is lined with Douglas fir panels and stainless steel shelves for display of the owner’s photography collection. Sliding panels of glass open to an outdoor deck, further blurring the boundary between interior and exterior. A second stair connecting all levels of the house is crafted of a one-inch thick steel plate that is both structure and guardrail, slicing through the vertical space. Ground level spaces include three bedrooms with individual baths, a guest suite, mudroom and exercise room.

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgement as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Architect Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Seattle,WA Stone Installers Gallegos Corporation, Basalt, CO Stone Supplier Quarra Stone Company, Madison, WI Stone Quarry Bertozzi Felice di Rovai G & C Srl, Pietrasanta (LU), Italy Truffer AG, Vals, Switzerland The Independence Pass Residence is sited at the edge of a nature preserve in Aspen, Colorado with views of an alpine meadow, forests of evergreen and aspen trees, the Roaring Fork River and the Rocky Mountains. The owners requested something very different from large, ostentatious heavy-timber homes that appear throughout the Aspen slopes: a home that would reach out to nature, not to gird against it; one that would feel light and modern, yet not on display. Approached from the north, a driveway leads from the main road to a private parking court, sheltered from wind and weather. The house stretches between two existing hills on the site; forming a threshold to the views of the meandering river and nature preserve beyond. The lower level is expressed as a series of stone-clad walls that extend the building into the landscape. The upper level is a sleek box with a metal roof that floats on slender columns. Pre-weathered wood siding is used to clad the upper level of the buildings and will continue to weather to a silver grey. All exterior cladding materials are intended to weather naturally with little maintenance to a palette of soft grays. A wall of black-stained cedar boards marks the main entry and extends through the house into a double-height space with a floating stair. Cantilevered wood stair treads lead to the upper level and main living pavilion where full-height walls of glass reveal panoramic views of the nature preserve and New York peak. The living room, dining room and kitchen occupy the center of the linear floor plan, with a master bedroom suite to the west and a family room and outdoor courtyard to the east. A fireplace clad in Vals quartzite forms the western edge of the living room with a large skylight above. A reading alcove with a bench of wood slats is lined with Douglas fir panels and stainless steel shelves for display of the owner’s photography collection. Sliding panels of glass open to an outdoor deck, further blurring the boundary between interior and exterior. A second stair connecting all levels of the house is crafted of a one-inch thick steel plate that is both structure and guardrail, slicing through the vertical space. Ground level spaces include three bedrooms with individual baths, a guest suite, mudroom and exercise room.

From Karen Delucas: “This newly constructed home was designed for an active family who wanted a comfortable place to recharge. Nestled into the hill, the garage/studio space opens to an active playcourt and is set apart from the house. The covered entry allows for a protected walk from the garage to the house. The Grand Ridge house uses two types yakisugi (more commonly known as shou sugi ban) from Nakamoto Forestry out of Oregon. Yakisugi translates to charred cypress in Japanese and it’s a process of preserving the wood siding through a heat process. The colors and textures are a beautiful backdrop to our lush greens of the Pacific Northwest.”

“The Shelburne Pond Home sits on a knoll with westerly views of the pond. A covered porch and west facing patio make the most of these views. The wooded site creates a private oasis for this four-bedroom home. Wood tones are echoed in the [shou sugi ban] siding in contrasting colors. Designed for the grandparents with four children and twelve grandchildren, the house provides the first-floor living for its occupants with additional living space on the lower level and second floor for visiting children and grandchildren. Other spaces include a home office above a two-car garage, a playroom and a fitness room.”

At our first meeting, my clients’ insisted that whenever possible, the materials selected be renewable, Earth friendly and ideally, locally sourced. But to get to that end, they did not want to sacrifice a beautiful, cohesive design. For flooring, we selected a Teragren strand bamboo that set the tone for the entire space. The soaring ceilings and beams in the main living space were clad entirely in FSC certified VG fir. No or low VOC paint was used throughout the home and the majority of the tile is porcelain with a minimum recycled content of 80%. The custom LED lighting fixtures were created by an artisan in Oregon and truly capture the style and scale of the home. Photos courtesy of Harrison Homes www.harrhomes.com

Situated on a heavily wooded site at the edge of the Housatonic river, this 3,000 square foot house is conceived as a fragment of a New England village. While each room is connected to the rest of the house through interior hallways, the house appears from the outside to be a cluster of small buildings. Clad in weathered wood, the house seems to emerge naturally from the landscape. Shaded by a simple cedar pergola, a path runs along the front of the house, connecting the garage to the entry. A second pergola defines the edge of a formal parterre garden, creating a courtyard that seems to have been carved from the surrounding forest. Through the woods it is possible to catch glimpses of the river below.

From Karen Delucas: “This newly constructed home was designed for an active family who wanted a comfortable place to recharge. Nestled into the hill, the garage/studio space opens to an active playcourt and is set apart from the house. The covered entry allows for a protected walk from the garage to the house. The Grand Ridge house uses two types yakisugi (more commonly known as shou sugi ban) from Nakamoto Forestry out of Oregon. Yakisugi translates to charred cypress in Japanese and it’s a process of preserving the wood siding through a heat process. The colors and textures are a beautiful backdrop to our lush greens of the Pacific Northwest.”

“The Shelburne Pond Home sits on a knoll with westerly views of the pond. A covered porch and west facing patio make the most of these views. The wooded site creates a private oasis for this four-bedroom home. Wood tones are echoed in the [shou sugi ban] siding in contrasting colors. Designed for the grandparents with four children and twelve grandchildren, the house provides the first-floor living for its occupants with additional living space on the lower level and second floor for visiting children and grandchildren. Other spaces include a home office above a two-car garage, a playroom and a fitness room.”

“The Shelburne Pond Home sits on a knoll with westerly views of the pond. A covered porch and west facing patio make the most of these views. The wooded site creates a private oasis for this four-bedroom home. Wood tones are echoed in the [shou sugi ban] siding in contrasting colors. Designed for the grandparents with four children and twelve grandchildren, the house provides the first-floor living for its occupants with additional living space on the lower level and second floor for visiting children and grandchildren. Other spaces include a home office above a two-car garage, a playroom and a fitness room.”

From Karen Delucas: “This newly constructed home was designed for an active family who wanted a comfortable place to recharge. Nestled into the hill, the garage/studio space opens to an active playcourt and is set apart from the house. The covered entry allows for a protected walk from the garage to the house. The Grand Ridge house uses two types yakisugi (more commonly known as shou sugi ban) from Nakamoto Forestry out of Oregon. Yakisugi translates to charred cypress in Japanese and it’s a process of preserving the wood siding through a heat process. The colors and textures are a beautiful backdrop to our lush greens of the Pacific Northwest.”

“The Shelburne Pond Home sits on a knoll with westerly views of the pond. A covered porch and west facing patio make the most of these views. The wooded site creates a private oasis for this four-bedroom home. Wood tones are echoed in the [shou sugi ban] siding in contrasting colors. Designed for the grandparents with four children and twelve grandchildren, the house provides the first-floor living for its occupants with additional living space on the lower level and second floor for visiting children and grandchildren. Other spaces include a home office above a two-car garage, a playroom and a fitness room.”