The La Calandria residence is a custom home situated in the heart of Los Angeles with views spanning all the way to Pasadena. The 2,234 square foot home has modern aesthetics including spanning views of the skyline below and consists of 4 spacious bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Our client proposed two adjacent homes on a downslope lot which required various civil and structural engineering services. Our structural design team designed the hillside home on piles which included permanent shoring techniques that saved the client a substantial amount of money by not resorting to temporary shoring which can add time and cost to the project pipeline. The stormwater on the site was managed and directed to Low Impact Development flow-thru planters which are required in the city of Los Angeles whenever you are adding or proposing over 500 sqft of construction. The planters serve as a filter for contaminants in the stormwater and are beneficial for recharging the ground water system. Whether you are entertaining a group of friends on the roof top deck or below in the garden, the La Calandria residence is a perfect fit for those wanting the peace of a hillside home while catching any of the major freeways within minutes.

Windows, doors, siding, and roof were all replaced. A new front deck/public walk was constructed to help access the street parking.
Small transitional gray three-story vinyl exterior home idea in Other with a shingle roof

Blau-Thompson Residence This Civil War era, 1680-square-foot three-story row house is located in the Italian Market section of Philadelphia. The BluPath Design principals and their young child were the clients. The project goal was to upgrade a traditional housing type to meet a contemporary lifestyle, applying both sustainable criteria and clean, modern yet sensual aesthetics. The challenge of the property (only 830 square feet in lot size) was to create a design that was small, but smart. The structure formerly housed a luncheonette with two apartments above. The interior was gutted and renovated into a single family home. The construction of a small rear addition added a new kitchen on the first floor and new bathrooms on the second and third levels. The east-west orientation of the home was ideal for the roof-mounted solar collectors, which were installed to provide domestic hot water and supplement the new radiant floor heating system. Exterior sensors improve the efficiency of the heating system's response to fluctuations in outside temperature. A new white-coated, rubber membrane roof reduced the structure's heat gain by 20 percent. A water catch system collects rainwater and air conditioner condensation to water the home's small rear garden. Large windows and skylights bring light deep into the row house and reduce the use of light fixtures. The rear yard garden features ipe decking (a dense, water-repellent hardwood) on permeable compacted gravel to minimize storm water runoff. BluPath Design’s principals used the project to demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated with beauty and function, with sensual materials and colors, well-proportioned and light-filled rooms, economic use of space, and thoughtful details. Cherry flooring and custom stairs complement the Indian slate tile in the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen features custom walnut cabinets with blue granite counters and backsplashes. The first floor dining area is illuminated by a BluPath-designed fiber-optic chandelier. Ipe hardwood is also used for the master bath tub-surround and shower floor. Sliding frosted glass panels separating the master bath from other living areas allows light from the corner windows to naturally illuminate the adjacent room. Awards Honorable Mention for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency IIDA Philadelphia City Center Chapter 3rd Annual Interior Design Awards, June 2007 Bronze 2006 Commonwealth Design Award 10,000 Friends of PA, May 2006 Media HGTV ‘What You Get for the Money’ February 2007 Philadelphia Style Magazine March/April 2007 Philadelphia Inquirer June 11, 2006 Philadelphia CityPaper September 25-October 2, 2003 Photography by Barry Halkin

See It Now in Carluke by Shaw Floors. In studying centuries of design styles, the classic greek key has been omnipresent, found both in classic civilizations as well as updated interpretations. “See it Now” is just the perfect scale and color offering for the homeowner who loves a modern “classic”.

JDBG is wrapping up work on an expansive 2-story sunroom addition that also included modifications to the existing home’s interior and significant exterior improvements as well. The original project brief was to provide a conditioned 4-season sunroom addition where the homeowners could relax and enjoy their wooded views. As we delved deeper into our client’s overall objectives, it became clear that this would be no ordinary sunroom addition. The resulting 16’x25’ sunroom is a showstopper with 10’ high ceilings and wall to wall windows offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape. As we recommend with most addition projects, the process started with our Preliminary Design Study to determine project goals, design concepts, project feasibility and associated budget estimates. During this process, our design team worked to ensure that both interior and exterior were fully integrated. We conducted in-depth programming to identify key goals and needs which would inform the design and performed a field survey and zoning analysis to identify any constraints that could impact the plans. The next step was to develop conceptual designs that addressed the program requirements. Using a combination of 3-D massing, interior/exterior renderings, precedent imaging and space planning, the design concept was revised and refined. At the end of the study we had an approved schematic design and comprehensive budget estimates for the 2-story addition and were ready to move into design development, construction documentation, trade coordination, and final pricing. A complex project such as this involves architectural and interior design, structural and civil engineering, landscape design and environmental considerations. Multiple trades and subs are engaged during construction, from HVAC to electrical and plumbing, framers, carpenters and masons, roofers and painters just to name a few. JDBG was there every step of the way to ensure quality construction. Other notable features of the renovation included expanding the home’s existing dining room, incorporating a custom ‘dish room,’ and providing fully conditioned storage and his & her workrooms on the lower level. A new front portico will visually connect the old and new structures and a brand new roof, shutters and paint will further transform the exterior. Thoughtful planning was also given to the landscape, including a back deck, stone patio and walkways, plantings and exterior lighting. Stay tuned for more photos as this sunroom addition nears completion.

This house was built around a Pre-Civil War Barn frame home.
Large mountain style open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Houston with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a media wall

Built in the pre Civil War era (est. 1830's), this historic barn's addition was built to match with its notably beautiful characteristics and to maintain its integrity. It was custom built with rough sawn eastern Hemlock fibers and cladding. The walls were poured concrete walls with a stucco finish to give it a strong, durable, and rustic feel. Each custom door and window was designed to have a specific purpose for the barn's functionality and client's needs. As a full working barn that includes horses, the cutest donkey, chickens, and ducks, a standing seam roof was installed with solar panels to give daily power to these amazing animals. Coinciding with its history, the barn's floor bricks were repurposed from Second Chance in Baltimore, Maryland.

Stunning mountain side home overlooking McCall and Payette Lake. This home is 5000 SF on three levels with spacious outdoor living to take in the views. A hybrid timber frame home with hammer post trusses and copper clad windows. Super clients, a stellar lot, along with HOA and civil challenges all come together in the end to create some wonderful spaces. Joshua Roper Photography

Built in the pre Civil War era (est. 1830's), this historic barn's addition was built to match with its notably beautiful characteristics and to maintain its integrity. It was custom built with rough sawn eastern Hemlock fibers and cladding. The walls were poured concrete walls with a stucco finish to give it a strong, durable, and rustic feel. Each custom door and window was designed to have a specific purpose for the barn's functionality and client's needs. As a full working barn that includes horses, the cutest donkey, chickens, and ducks, a standing seam roof was installed with solar panels to give daily power to these amazing animals. Coinciding with its history, the barn's floor bricks were repurposed from Second Chance in Baltimore, Maryland.

Ashley Muir, Intelativity
Example of a cottage kitchen design in Philadelphia

Dakin has been working with the owners of this site realize their dream of cultivating a rich and meaningful landscape around their home. Because of their deep engagement with their land and garden, the landscape has guided the entire design process, from architecture to civil engineering to landscape design. All architecture on site is oriented toward the garden, a park-like, multi-use environment that includes a walking labyrinth, restored prairie, a Japanese garden, an orchard, vegetable beds, berry brambles, a croquet lawn and a charred wood outdoor shower. Dakin pays special attention to materials at every turn, selecting an antique sugar bowl for the outdoor fire pit, antique Japanese roof tiles to create blue edging, and stepping stones imported from India. In addition to its diversity of garden types, this permacultural paradise is home to chickens, ducks, and bees. A complex irrigation system was designed to draw alternately from wells and cisterns. Dakin has also had the privilege of creating an arboretum of diverse and rare trees that she based on Olmsted’s design for Central Park. Trees were selected to display a variety of seasonally shifting delights: spring blooms, fall berries, winter branch structure. Mature trees onsite were preserved and sometimes moved to new locations.

This is truly a magazine cover worthy Master Bathroom. The home is pre-civil war and this space was originally a spare bedroom that we converted into a master bathroom. The flooring was originally heart pine which is so rare we carefully removed it to re-use it in another pat of the home. Customer wanted a modern bathroom that still had a lot of the charm of the original style of the home. Back in the day a bathroom like this would have been all marble, we chose to go with a marble looking porcelain tile so that the maintenance is minimal. We tiled the entire floor in a herringbone pattern and did a vertical staggered stack on the walls using all 12x24 large format tile. The vanities are a sleek modern European style with a traditional sit down vanity for the lady of the house. The countertops are Quartz. We custom made the shower with a wall niche and built in seat with a custom made shower door and half wall panel. Attention to detail in everything including the brass light fixtures and brass mirrors. This is a work of art that incorporated modern with a time long gone all the while making it a low maintenance bathroom that never go out of style.

Built in the pre Civil War era (est. 1830's), this historic barn's addition was built to match with its notably beautiful characteristics and to maintain its integrity. It was custom built with rough sawn eastern Hemlock fibers and cladding. The walls were poured concrete walls with a stucco finish to give it a strong, durable, and rustic feel. Each custom door and window was designed to have a specific purpose for the barn's functionality and client's needs. As a full working barn that includes horses, the cutest donkey, chickens, and ducks, a standing seam roof was installed with solar panels to give daily power to these amazing animals. Coinciding with its history, the barn's floor bricks were repurposed from Second Chance in Baltimore, Maryland.

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2017 Houzz
Photo of a mid-century modern landscaping in New York.

Built in the pre Civil War era (est. 1830's), this historic barn's addition was built to match with its notably beautiful characteristics and to maintain its integrity. It was custom built with rough sawn eastern Hemlock fibers and cladding. The walls were poured concrete walls with a stucco finish to give it a strong, durable, and rustic feel. Each custom door and window was designed to have a specific purpose for the barn's functionality and client's needs. As a full working barn that includes horses, the cutest donkey, chickens, and ducks, a standing seam roof was installed with solar panels to give daily power to these amazing animals. Coinciding with its history, the barn's floor bricks were repurposed from Second Chance in Baltimore, Maryland.

Built in the pre Civil War era (est. 1830's), this historic barn's addition was built to match with its notably beautiful characteristics and to maintain its integrity. It was custom built with rough sawn eastern Hemlock fibers and cladding. The walls were poured concrete walls with a stucco finish to give it a strong, durable, and rustic feel. Each custom door and window was designed to have a specific purpose for the barn's functionality and client's needs. As a full working barn that includes horses, the cutest donkey, chickens, and ducks, a standing seam roof was installed with solar panels to give daily power to these amazing animals. Coinciding with its history, the barn's floor bricks were repurposed from Second Chance in Baltimore, Maryland.

JDBG is wrapping up work on an expansive 2-story sunroom addition that also included modifications to the existing home’s interior and significant exterior improvements as well. The original project brief was to provide a conditioned 4-season sunroom addition where the homeowners could relax and enjoy their wooded views. As we delved deeper into our client’s overall objectives, it became clear that this would be no ordinary sunroom addition. The resulting 16’x25’ sunroom is a showstopper with 10’ high ceilings and wall to wall windows offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape. As we recommend with most addition projects, the process started with our Preliminary Design Study to determine project goals, design concepts, project feasibility and associated budget estimates. During this process, our design team worked to ensure that both interior and exterior were fully integrated. We conducted in-depth programming to identify key goals and needs which would inform the design and performed a field survey and zoning analysis to identify any constraints that could impact the plans. The next step was to develop conceptual designs that addressed the program requirements. Using a combination of 3-D massing, interior/exterior renderings, precedent imaging and space planning, the design concept was revised and refined. At the end of the study we had an approved schematic design and comprehensive budget estimates for the 2-story addition and were ready to move into design development, construction documentation, trade coordination, and final pricing. A complex project such as this involves architectural and interior design, structural and civil engineering, landscape design and environmental considerations. Multiple trades and subs are engaged during construction, from HVAC to electrical and plumbing, framers, carpenters and masons, roofers and painters just to name a few. JDBG was there every step of the way to ensure quality construction. Other notable features of the renovation included expanding the home’s existing dining room, incorporating a custom ‘dish room,’ and providing fully conditioned storage and his & her workrooms on the lower level. A new front portico will visually connect the old and new structures and a brand new roof, shutters and paint will further transform the exterior. Thoughtful planning was also given to the landscape, including a back deck, stone patio and walkways, plantings and exterior lighting. Stay tuned for more photos as this sunroom addition nears completion.

Built in the pre Civil War era (est. 1830's), this historic barn's addition was built to match with its notably beautiful characteristics and to maintain its integrity. It was custom built with rough sawn eastern Hemlock fibers and cladding. The walls were poured concrete walls with a stucco finish to give it a strong, durable, and rustic feel. Each custom door and window was designed to have a specific purpose for the barn's functionality and client's needs. As a full working barn that includes horses, the cutest donkey, chickens, and ducks, a standing seam roof was installed with solar panels to give daily power to these amazing animals. Coinciding with its history, the barn's floor bricks were repurposed from Second Chance in Baltimore, Maryland.

ENGINEERING + SCIENCE: Award of Excellence PROJECT: Chatham University Eden Hall Campus CLIENT: Chatham University ENGINEERS: Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.; Biohabitats; Interface Engineering ARCHITECTURE FIRM: Mithūn CONTRACTORS: SOTA Construction Services, Inc. PHOTOGRAPHER: Annie O’Neill Photography DESCRIPTION: The Eden Hall Campus’ stormwater and wastewater management systems employ a number of proven strategies and technologies in combination and with a unique decentralized approach. A “treat it where it falls” approach utilizes a series of rain gardens around the site to manage small drainage areas while roof runoff is directed to a 50,000 gallon retention tank and is repurposed for site irrigation needs. The wastewater treatment system includes individual building primary treatment tanks and two sub-surface constructed wetland cells. Site design and landscape not only performs a functional purpose for stormwater and wastewater but also provides an aesthetic bridge between the architecture and the site. JURY COMMENTS: This building reminds us of the importance of water, and also basic and natural technologies that are highly effective. The complete built project functions as an efficient machine while never giving the appearance of being a machine. As a first phase of a proposed new campus, the standards are already set impressively high.