This project began with a sketch from our client that they'd received from a friend. It gave us a general idea of what they wanted but adjustments needed to be made for us to keep the renovation within budget. There were plenty of challenges in the designing and building stages. Early on, we learned the main structure of this 1940s house was encroaching the building restriction line. To remain within zoning limits, we needed to have two corners of the new addition slightly out of square. The new structure, cantilevered on both sides, required a heavy 45-degree angle beam to carry the load of the second floor and the roof. We equipped the house with central AC and expanded the existing hydronic heating system into the new space. The completed addition resulted in a shared music room and in-law suite with a bathroom on the first floor, and a master bedroom, bath, and hall bath on the second floor.

Located at the top of Flagstaff Rd., this new 4,700sf. mountain modern home embodies all there is to enjoy about Colorado. The owners love animals – and their bustling foothills ranch includes horses, dogs, cats and a couple of two footed little ones. Staying connected to nature was paramount to the owners. The home sits on a magnificent, private 35 acre property adjacent to Open Space, and covered in Doug Fir, beautiful rock outcroppings and open pastures. The house gracefully steps down the challenging terrain, stitching it into the hillside. This passive solar home is oriented to the epic views to the south. The soaring Great room, dining room and kitchen open out onto a giant covered porch for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living. The open floor plan allows sunlight and views from every direction. The gourmet kitchen can accommodate the whole family and is filled with custom details. Making life a little easier and more organized for the owners, they enter from the garage through a hard-working mud room/laundry with dog wash. The family dogs are a central part of their lives and the owner asked that we design bespoke kennels built-into the live-edge, Doug Fir slab casework in the dining room, so that the dogs could be with the family during meals, without giant plastic crates dominating the room. The home is filled with custom details like built-in art niches in the Great Room, a unique front entry porch, and cozy window seats in the kid’s bedrooms. Below a unique Aspen leaf chandelier, follow the stone walled stairwell down to the walk-out basement. The lower level includes a guest room, exercise room, a rec room/media room with wet-bar, and opens to a hot tub and a mountain lion-safe outdoor dog run. The house is divided into three parts: the detached garage, the main social spaces + guest & kids bedrooms, and the Primary bedroom suite. From the Great Room, the owners cross a dramatic glass bridge to reach the primary suite, giving a sense of privacy to this special retreat. The primary bedroom has a window seat, magical views, vaulted ceilings, its own private covered patio, and a barn door to the bathroom. The primary bathroom has a striking slot window between the floating vanities, again connecting the owners to nature at every turn. The sculptural soaking tub sits on an elevated plinth in a recessed nook – ideal for watching the deer, elk, moose, coyotes, raptors, turkeys, foxes, bears and mountain lions walk by. The property also boasts a detached horse barn and hay barn, and an outdoor riding ring. The near-Net-Zero (HERS 10) home’s green features include a ground source heat pump, 10KwH of solar photovoltaics, an ERV, foam insulation, and Energy Star windows. The native landscaping conserves water and minimized disruption to the idyllic site.

A fully renovated semi-detached home on Chaplin Estates. Exceptional modern finishes and details. Open concept on the main floor with a thoughtfully designed space for a living, dining, family rooms and a kitchen with a big island. New appliances, new mechanics all over the house, heated floors, central vac, high efficiency furnace, finished basement with high ceiling, spacious cedar front porch, a big deck and garden shed. Front pad parking and a walk to Yonge and Eglinton.

Our introduction to the Tahoe site was in late winter, on a clear sunny day with filtered light and long shadows through snow-laden fir and pine bows. It made a strong impression, stored for future consideration but the impetus for the design came soon after the spring snow melt. A powerful sense of horizontal layering of vegetation and various stages of decomposing downed timber on the two-acre site, juxtaposed with pine and fir trees and the dense canopy of the surrounding forest. The site is located near the historic 1960 Olympic Nordic track, situated on the edge of wetlands and seasonal streams. The homeowners were previous clients and dreamt of having a retreat in the Sierras away from their home base in Berkeley, CA. Among skiers, bike riders, hikers, and boaters, they found the ideal central location for their home base near Lake Tahoe. The home is organized as a series of linked spaces, each providing a unique sensory experience and connection to different parts of the site, both vertically and horizontally. The design includes extensive use of glass to create a true indoor/outdoor connection and maximize natural light. At the center of the site are two large fir trees, which the building respectfully wraps around in an L shape to create a focal point in the landscaped courtyard. A refined, context-driven palette of natural materials including cedar, oak, fir, and steel is used to harmoniously blend in among the surroundings. The construction includes advanced details such as thermally broken steel beams supporting layered roof planes engineered to hold snow rather than shed it. Designed to resist significant load, we exposed the steel structure as a recurring element in the interior spaces. The resulting columns and support beams contribute to the familiar design aspects of each room and provide a better understanding of how the building was constructed. The second floor features cantilevered volumes that reach out into the nearby evergreen limbs, likening the experience to being in a tree house. The house incorporates features such as radiant heating, solar panels, and operable windows for passive cooling. Fire safety measures include the use of naturally fire-resistant materials, a Class A roof construction, sprinklers, and drought-tolerant landscaping beyond the defensible space.

Studio Terrain recreated this outdoor entertaining after a major home extension. Taking advantage of sweeping 180 degree views of the Puget sound, Orca Pods, Humpback whales and the Olympic mountains, the design allows for maximum view corridors from the inside while still providing space for 40+ guests. Utilizing a louvered roof system and overhead heat for four seasons entertaining, the wood fired pizza oven provides a central gathering point year round. The lawn was engineered to the same specs as world class soccer fields providing fast draining lawn use in the wettest seasons. A clean concrete lawn edge is actually a hidden structural retaining wall with pin piles to stabilize the slope edge.

Located at the top of Flagstaff Rd., this new 4,700sf. mountain modern home embodies all there is to enjoy about Colorado. The owners love animals – and their bustling foothills ranch includes horses, dogs, cats and a couple of two footed little ones. Staying connected to nature was paramount to the owners. The home sits on a magnificent, private 35 acre property adjacent to Open Space, and covered in Doug Fir, beautiful rock outcroppings and open pastures. The house gracefully steps down the challenging terrain, stitching it into the hillside. This passive solar home is oriented to the epic views to the south. The soaring Great room, dining room and kitchen open out onto a giant covered porch for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living. The open floor plan allows sunlight and views from every direction. The gourmet kitchen can accommodate the whole family and is filled with custom details. Making life a little easier and more organized for the owners, they enter from the garage through a hard-working mud room/laundry with dog wash. The family dogs are a central part of their lives and the owner asked that we design bespoke kennels built-into the live-edge, Doug Fir slab casework in the dining room, so that the dogs could be with the family during meals, without giant plastic crates dominating the room. The home is filled with custom details like built-in art niches in the Great Room, a unique front entry porch, and cozy window seats in the kid’s bedrooms. Below a unique Aspen leaf chandelier, follow the stone walled stairwell down to the walk-out basement. The lower level includes a guest room, exercise room, a rec room/media room with wet-bar, and opens to a hot tub and a mountain lion-safe outdoor dog run. The house is divided into three parts: the detached garage, the main social spaces + guest & kids bedrooms, and the Primary bedroom suite. From the Great Room, the owners cross a dramatic glass bridge to reach the primary suite, giving a sense of privacy to this special retreat. The primary bedroom has a window seat, magical views, vaulted ceilings, its own private covered patio, and a barn door to the bathroom. The primary bathroom has a striking slot window between the floating vanities, again connecting the owners to nature at every turn. The sculptural soaking tub sits on an elevated plinth in a recessed nook – ideal for watching the deer, elk, moose, coyotes, raptors, turkeys, foxes, bears and mountain lions walk by. The property also boasts a detached horse barn and hay barn, and an outdoor riding ring. The near-Net-Zero (HERS 10) home’s green features include a ground source heat pump, 10KwH of solar photovoltaics, an ERV, foam insulation, and Energy Star windows. The native landscaping conserves water and minimized disruption to the idyllic site.

Photo by Spacecrafting.com Built in 2011. Arts and Crafts inspired 4 bed, 3 bath walk out rambler situated on 0.58 acre, cul-du-sac, pond lot, with boulder wall and wooded rear yard privacy. Rustic alder doors and cabinets, white enamel trim, Screen porch, theatre room, central vacuum, 7 zone sound, largest garage footprint allowed in Maple Grove, heated garage with floor drain, furnace rated gas fireplaces, hand scraped Asian walnut wood floors, master with walk in shower and free standing soaking tub.

This expansive outdoor deck and garden is the ultimate in luxury entertaining, lounging, dining and includes amenities for shade, a vegetable garden, outdoor seating, outdoor dining, grilling and a glass enclosure with heaters to get the most enjoyment and extended use year round. Rooftopia incorporated multiple customized Renson pergolas into the central dining and lounge areas. Each of three Renson pergola systems and their unique features are controlled with the touch of a button. The motorized overhead louvers can be enjoyed open or fully closed to provide shade and a waterproof cover. Each pergola has integrated dimmable LED lighting in the roof blades or louvers. The seating and lounge area was designed with gorgeous modern furnishings and a luxurious fire table. The lounge area can be fully enclosed by sliding glass panels around its walls, to capture the heat from the fire table and integrated Renson heaters. A privacy and shade screen can also be retractable at the west to offer another layer of protection from the intensity of the setting sun. The lounges also feature an integrated sound system and mobile TV cabinet so the space can be used year round to stay warm and cozy while watching a movie or a football game. The outdoor kitchen and dining area features appliances by Hestan and highly customized concrete countertops with matching shelves mounted on the wall. The aluminum cabinets are custom made by Urban Bonfire and feature accessories for storing kitchen items like dishes, appliances, beverages, an ice maker and receptacles for recycling and refuse. The Renson pergola over the dining area also integrates a set of sliding loggia panels to offer a modern backdrop, add privacy and block the sun. Rooftopia partnered with the talented Derek Lerner for original artwork that was transformed into a large-scale mural, and with the help of Chicago Sign Systems, the artwork was enlarged, printed and installed as one full wall of the penthouse. This artwork is truly a special part of the design. Rooftopia customized the design of the planter boxes in partnership with ORE Designs to streamline the look and finish of the metal planter containers. Many of the planter boxes also have toe kick lighting to improve the evening ambiance. Several large planters are home to birch trees, ornamental grasses, annual flowers and the design incorporates containers for seasonal vegetables and an herb garden. Our teams partnered with Architects, Structural engineers, electricians, plumbers and sound engineers to upgrade the roof to support the pergola systems, integrate lighting and appliances, an automatic watering system and outdoor sound systems. This large residential roof deck required a multi year development, permitting and installation timeline, proving that the best things are worth the wait.

Popular Tanner Ridge location in Central Saanich with well maintained 2 level family home on a nicely landscaped & level 1/4 acre lot.(over 11,000 sq/ft). Built in 1970 with lots of updates. 2000 sq/ft, 4 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths, updated kitchen with quartz counters, stainless appliances & eating bar. Separate dining area leads to wrap around deck with access to the rear yard. Large living room with wood burning f/p insert. 3 beds up, Master bdrm has walk-in closet & 2 pce ensuite. Main bath has heated floor. Oak floors on main. Lower level features a large family/rec room, 3 pce bath & 4th bedroom. Laundry room. Potential for additional accommodation. Yard has in-ground sprinklers, large entertaining deck & above ground pool. Storage shed. Single car garage plus large side parking for RV/boat. 200 amp service, 2013 H/W tank. Newer roof, newer windows thru-out. Quiet location, easy access to the Highway, 20 minutes to Victoria, 10 min to Airport, 15 min to ferries. Close to bus route.

Tom Biondi
Example of a huge ornate home design design in New York

This expansive outdoor deck and garden is the ultimate in luxury entertaining, lounging, dining and includes amenities for shade, a vegetable garden, outdoor seating, outdoor dining, grilling and a glass enclosure with heaters to get the most enjoyment and extended use year round. Rooftopia incorporated multiple customized Renson pergolas into the central dining and lounge areas. Each of three Renson pergola systems and their unique features are controlled with the touch of a button. The motorized overhead louvers can be enjoyed open or fully closed to provide shade and a waterproof cover. Each pergola has integrated dimmable LED lighting in the roof blades or louvers. The seating and lounge area was designed with gorgeous modern furnishings and a luxurious fire table. The lounge area can be fully enclosed by sliding glass panels around its walls, to capture the heat from the fire table and integrated Renson heaters. A privacy and shade screen can also be retractable at the west to offer another layer of protection from the intensity of the setting sun. The lounges also feature an integrated sound system and mobile TV cabinet so the space can be used year round to stay warm and cozy while watching a movie or a football game. The outdoor kitchen and dining area features appliances by Hestan and highly customized concrete countertops with matching shelves mounted on the wall. The aluminum cabinets are custom made by Urban Bonfire and feature accessories for storing kitchen items like dishes, appliances, beverages, an ice maker and receptacles for recycling and refuse. The Renson pergola over the dining area also integrates a set of sliding loggia panels to offer a modern backdrop, add privacy and block the sun. Rooftopia partnered with the talented Derek Lerner for original artwork that was transformed into a large-scale mural, and with the help of Chicago Sign Systems, the artwork was enlarged, printed and installed as one full wall of the penthouse. This artwork is truly a special part of the design. Rooftopia customized the design of the planter boxes in partnership with ORE Designs to streamline the look and finish of the metal planter containers. Many of the planter boxes also have toe kick lighting to improve the evening ambiance. Several large planters are home to birch trees, ornamental grasses, annual flowers and the design incorporates containers for seasonal vegetables and an herb garden. Our teams partnered with Architects, Structural engineers, electricians, plumbers and sound engineers to upgrade the roof to support the pergola systems, integrate lighting and appliances, an automatic watering system and outdoor sound systems. This large residential roof deck required a multi year development, permitting and installation timeline, proving that the best things are worth the wait.

A fully renovated semi-detached home on Chaplin Estates. Exceptional modern finishes and details. Open concept on the main floor with a thoughtfully designed space for a living, dining, family rooms and a kitchen with a big island. New appliances, new mechanics all over the house, heated floors, central vac, high efficiency furnace, finished basement with high ceiling, spacious cedar front porch, a big deck and garden shed. Front pad parking and a walk to Yonge and Eglinton.

Late 1800s Victorian Bungalow i Central Denver was updated creating an entirely different experience to a young couple who loved to cook and entertain. By opening up two load bearing wall, replacing and refinishing new wood floors with radiant heating, exposing brick and ultimately painting the brick.. the space transformed in a huge open yet warm entertaining haven. Bold color was at the heart of this palette and the homeowners personal essence.

Mercer Island Full-Scale Remodel — Case Study This full-home transformation on Mercer Island, WA, was completed for a tech couple from California who envisioned turning an outdated property into a functional, high-value residence — and later sold it as a successful investment.
Added Square Footage: 1,283 sq ft Project Scope - Full interior reconfiguration — removed existing walls and beams, installed new structural support
- Created an expansive open-concept living room and a massive kitchen with custom built-in cabinetry
- Enlarged the primary bedroom and added a luxury en-suite with oversized shower, walk-in closet, and high-end finishes
- Added a dedicated laundry room, full main-floor bathroom, and a guest half-bathroom
- Installed a brand-new heating system
- Installed a brand-new central cooling (AC) system Second Floor Addition - The home originally had no second floor — only an attic
- We built a full second level with a large bedroom, bathroom, hallway, and a walk-in storage closet
- Designed a cozy reading nook with a window seat overlooking the street Exterior & Garage - Installed panoramic patio doors opening to a redesigned backyard
- Completed full landscaping and upgraded the garage

From Fuller / Overby: “The site for the Nebo House is a long, narrow plot in the Appalachian foothills that slopes downward to Lake James. The main floor is embedded into the hillside, like a hunter’s blind, with a central courtyard splitting the primary program into two wings. To the east of the courtyard are social areas and to the west is a private sleeping and bathing suite—day and night. A hall which acts as a mechanical and structural spine along the rear retaining wall connects the private and public spaces. The larger, public zones of the interior radiate outward from the courtyard and gradually break up into more intimate niches around the periphery that provide semi-private moments within the open living areas. Views are focused outward to the lake, while southern light filters in from clerestory windows above. A sculpted cantilever staircase slices upward to the entry and guest rooms, forming a continuous three dimensional void capped by a skylight at its peak. Above grade, the house appears as a cluster of small pavilions along the hillside, framing the lake and mountains beyond.”

This custom design-built gated stone-exterior European mansion is nearly 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor luxury living. Featuring a 19” foyer with spectacular Swarovski crystal chandelier, 7 bedrooms (all ensuite), 8 1/2 bathrooms, high-end designer’s main floor, and wok/fry kitchen with mother of pearl mosaic backsplash, Subzero/Wolf appliances, open-concept design including a huge formal dining room and home office. Radiant heating throughout the house with central air conditioning and HRV systems. The master suite consists of the master bedroom with individual balcony, Hollywood style walk-in closet, ensuite with 2-person jetted tub, and steam shower unit with rain head and double-sided body jets. Also includes a fully finished basement suite with separate entrance, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, and living room.

Welcome to Mosaic Walk, modern and energy efficient living in the heart of Orange County, very close to the 5, 22, and 57 freeways. This beautiful end-unit townhome was built in 2011 and features 3 levels and 1,347 sf of living space. The main level is located on the 2nd floor with powder room, large living room and adjacent dining area, private balcony and modern kitchen with large pantry and lots of cabinet space, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops. The bedrooms and laundry closet are located on the third floor. The private master suite has a spacious master bathroom with walk-in closet, marble dual vanity and rainshower. The 2nd bedroom also has a private full bathroom. Cut down your utility bills in this LEED Certified home with tank-less water heater, dual glazed windows with low e glass, auto shut-off motion sensors in all baths, water efficient toilets, ceiling fans, and LEED certified construction. The downstairs area has a 2 car tandem garage attached to a large and inviting entry area w/coat closet. Other features include a security system and central air conditioning and heating. Mosaic Walk has fantastic amenities including a private pool and spa with sun deck and cabanas as well as courtyards with relaxing water features.

The project «Romantic Classics» (classic interior design of S-Studio, Kyiv) apartments in the heart of Kiev. Apartments were designed as a harmonious whole space in the classical style, decorated with qualitative materials and fitted out with modern equipment: system of «Smart Light», home cinema, house appliances, central air conditioning, heated floor, etc. Replanning of the apartment was done in accordance with the wishes of customers: combined kitchen and living room have been turned into studio, and a dressing room and a niche have been created for a spacious hallway closet. The style of design project is a romantic classic. The interior was made in soft pastel colors with elegant decorative ornaments and floral patterns. The traditional stucco elements were applied in the decoration of the classical apartments: cornices, moldings, ceiling rosettes, caissons and a dome decorative motives of which are repeated in the elements of furniture, which are very popular in the classical interior design. Natural walling materials of Lincrusta were used in decorative panels of the bedroom and hall, a wood-panels office were used in the individual design of the study, textile wallpaper of trendy European manufacturers were selected, matching the overall design of the apartment were chosen for the living room and other rooms. Besides, there were elaborated massive parquet floor design and the floor in the living room was decorated with a panno- vignette which was specially created for the classical interior. The dressing table seperates the bedroom area, which creates a cozy place for a mistress. Daughter’s room was decorated in the style of glamor, selected by her request. Repair work was supervised by Nadiya Samokhina. The following materials were used in the project: Roberto Cavalli, Lincrusta,Versace, Ceracasa,Piemme, Teuco, Eurolegno, Karol Orac Décor, Eijffinger, Monti Napoleone, Sangiordgio

Home design - mid-sized traditional home design idea in Toronto