This growing family needed more living space in their 1926 St. Paul, MN Bungalow, and had great potential in their unfinished attic for a new master suite. Castle began working with the city to grandfather some existing conditions in, like the steeper stairs and lower ceiling height to comply with building codes. New insulation, interior walls, electrical, heating, and a full interior finish was planned. The finished space incorporates traditional millwork matching the lower level of the home, a custom built-in bookshelf, new white doors, and pre-finished white oak hardwood floors in a rich Licorice stain. The dark floors and oil-bronze accents throughout the space really anchors the room and completes an overall bright color pallet with high contrast. In the new bathroom, a cement tile floor was selected to tie in the homeowner’s classy flair. Switching the finishes to polished brass inside the bathroom really brings a lux and regal feel to the space. Paired with traditional subway tile, white vanity, refurbished vintage medicine cabinet, and neutral walls, the new bathroom is elegant, yet understated. One of our favorite features is the use of the two existing dormers. One dormer was converted into a new walk-in closet with custom glass closet doors, so the light can still shine into the bedroom. The 2nd dormer, we left open for a quaint sitting and reading nook. See full details (including before photos) at http://www.castlebri.com/attics/project-3299-1/ Designed by: Emily Blonigen

Entering an apartment in London can be quite different from what you might be used to in other parts of the world. Many apartment buildings in London have a shared entrance or lobby area, where you may need to buzz the relevant apartment to gain access. Some apartments have a door code or key fob system, which will grant you entry to the building and the apartment itself. Once inside the apartment, you may find that space is at a premium, particularly in older buildings. It's not uncommon for apartments to have a narrow hallway or a steep staircase leading up to the living area. However, modern apartments in London tend to be more spacious and may have a more open-plan layout. Another thing to keep in mind when entering an apartment in London is that many buildings have strict security measures in place. Some buildings have a concierge or security guard on duty 24/7, while others may have CCTV cameras or key card access. Finally, it's worth noting that apartments in London are often located in multi-storey buildings, which can mean navigating stairs or lifts to reach your destination. This can be particularly challenging if you have heavy luggage or mobility issues, so it's always worth checking in advance what the access options are for your specific building.

This fast pace second level addition in Lakeview has received a lot of attention in this quite neighborhood by neighbors and house visitors. Ana Borden designed the second level addition on this previous one story residence and drew from her experience completing complicated multi-million dollar institutional projects. The overall project, including designing the second level addition included tieing into the existing conditions in order to preserve the remaining exterior lot for a new pool. The Architect constructed a three dimensional model in Revit to convey to the Clients the design intent while adhering to all required building codes. The challenge also included providing roof slopes within the allowable existing chimney distances, stair clearances, desired room sizes and working with the structural engineer to design connections and structural member sizes to fit the constraints listed above. Also, extensive coordination was required for the second addition, including supports designed by the structural engineer in conjunction with the existing pre and post tensioned slab. The Architect’s intent was also to create a seamless addition that appears to have been part of the existing residence while not impacting the remaining lot. Overall, the final construction fulfilled the Client’s goals of adding a bedroom and bathroom as well as additional storage space within their time frame and, of course, budget. Smart Media

This fast pace second level addition in Lakeview has received a lot of attention in this quite neighborhood by neighbors and house visitors. Ana Borden designed the second level addition on this previous one story residence and drew from her experience completing complicated multi-million dollar institutional projects. The overall project, including designing the second level addition included tieing into the existing conditions in order to preserve the remaining exterior lot for a new pool. The Architect constructed a three dimensional model in Revit to convey to the Clients the design intent while adhering to all required building codes. The challenge also included providing roof slopes within the allowable existing chimney distances, stair clearances, desired room sizes and working with the structural engineer to design connections and structural member sizes to fit the constraints listed above. Also, extensive coordination was required for the second addition, including supports designed by the structural engineer in conjunction with the existing pre and post tensioned slab. The Architect’s intent was also to create a seamless addition that appears to have been part of the existing residence while not impacting the remaining lot. Overall, the final construction fulfilled the Client’s goals of adding a bedroom and bathroom as well as additional storage space within their time frame and, of course, budget. Smart Media

Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States Set at the base of one of south Boulder’s most beautiful open space hiking trails, this new home takes full advantage of its site. The west face of the house opens up with a soaring shed roof to capture the foothills view. Over-sized sliding glass doors, west facing decks, patios and gardens create breathtaking opportunities for indoor/outdoor living. We clad the home in cedar, stucco and stone to blend into the neighborhood palette and reflect the warm modern style that has become Boulder’s signature style. Despite all the western glass, the home still clocked in at a respectable HERS 39 (61% better energy performance than code) through a combination of solar PV, a ground source heat pump, foam insulation and excellent tuned windows. Inside the sunny, airy 6,100 s.f. home, every room has clean, modern lines and beautiful finishes. A dramatic metal and wood floating stair connects the three stories. The open floor plan connects the gourmet Kitchen, Dining Room, Great Room and Music Room with a simple palette of white walls, warm wood floors, a see-through fireplace and minimalist details.

The owners of this beautiful 1908 NE Portland home wanted to breathe new life into their unfinished basement and dysfunctional main-floor bathroom and mudroom. Our goal was to create comfortable and practical spaces, while staying true to the preferences of the homeowners and age of the home. The existing half bathroom and mudroom were situated in what was originally an enclosed back porch. The homeowners wanted to create a full bathroom on the main floor, along with a functional mudroom off the back entrance. Our team completely gutted the space, reframed the walls, leveled the flooring, and installed upgraded amenities, including a solid surface shower, custom cabinetry, blue tile and marmoleum flooring, and Marvin wood windows. In the basement, we created a laundry room, designated workshop and utility space, and a comfortable family area to shoot pool. The renovated spaces are now up-to-code with insulated and finished walls, heating & cooling, epoxy flooring, and refurbished windows. The newly remodeled spaces achieve the homeowner's desire for function, comfort, and to preserve the unique quality & character of their 1908 residence.

This growing family needed more living space in their 1926 St. Paul, MN Bungalow, and had great potential in their unfinished attic for a new master suite. Castle began working with the city to grandfather some existing conditions in, like the steeper stairs and lower ceiling height to comply with building codes. New insulation, interior walls, electrical, heating, and a full interior finish was planned. The finished space incorporates traditional millwork matching the lower level of the home, a custom built-in bookshelf, new white doors, and pre-finished white oak hardwood floors in a rich Licorice stain. The dark floors and oil-bronze accents throughout the space really anchors the room and completes an overall bright color pallet with high contrast. In the new bathroom, a cement tile floor was selected to tie in the homeowner’s classy flair. Switching the finishes to polished brass inside the bathroom really brings a lux and regal feel to the space. Paired with traditional subway tile, white vanity, refurbished vintage medicine cabinet, and neutral walls, the new bathroom is elegant, yet understated. One of our favorite features is the use of the two existing dormers. One dormer was converted into a new walk-in closet with custom glass closet doors, so the light can still shine into the bedroom. The 2nd dormer, we left open for a quaint sitting and reading nook. See full details (including before photos) at http://www.castlebri.com/attics/project-3299-1/ Designed by: Emily Blonigen

This growing family needed more living space in their 1926 St. Paul, MN Bungalow, and had great potential in their unfinished attic for a new master suite. Castle began working with the city to grandfather some existing conditions in, like the steeper stairs and lower ceiling height to comply with building codes. New insulation, interior walls, electrical, heating, and a full interior finish was planned. The finished space incorporates traditional millwork matching the lower level of the home, a custom built-in bookshelf, new white doors, and pre-finished white oak hardwood floors in a rich Licorice stain. The dark floors and oil-bronze accents throughout the space really anchors the room and completes an overall bright color pallet with high contrast. In the new bathroom, a cement tile floor was selected to tie in the homeowner’s classy flair. Switching the finishes to polished brass inside the bathroom really brings a lux and regal feel to the space. Paired with traditional subway tile, white vanity, refurbished vintage medicine cabinet, and neutral walls, the new bathroom is elegant, yet understated. One of our favorite features is the use of the two existing dormers. One dormer was converted into a new walk-in closet with custom glass closet doors, so the light can still shine into the bedroom. The 2nd dormer, we left open for a quaint sitting and reading nook. See full details (including before photos) at http://www.castlebri.com/attics/project-3299-1/ Designed by: Emily Blonigen

The Elliott Bay House is located on an urban site facing Puget Sound in Washington State. The architectural massing of the house has been wrapped around a south-facing, courtyard dominated by a large reflecting pool with two “floating” basalt boulders. The main living space has sweeping westerly views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The east side of the living space is the courtyard with reflecting pool, providing a sense of intimacy and quiet in contrast to the dramatic views on the west side. Similar to other FINNE projects, a strong sense of “crafted modernism” is present in the house. A water jet-cut steel fence and gate leads to the house entry. Stainless steel stands elevate the basalt boulders in the pool so they hover slightly above the water’s surface. Roof drainage from the living space drops onto the basalt boulder in a 10-ft. waterfall. Exterior siding is custom stained red cedar with two different patterns and colors. The striking steel and wood stairs have water jet-cut steel railings with a pattern based on hand-drawn ink brush strokes. The beech interior cabinets have a custom topographic milled pattern called “imaginary landscape.” Freeform steel lighting bars in the ceiling tie together the kitchen and dining spaces. The house is highly energy efficient and sustainable. All roof drainage is directed to the reflecting pool for collection. The house is insulated 30% higher than code. Radiant heating is used throughout; generous glass areas provide natural lighting and ventilation; large overhangs are used for sun and snow protection; interior wood is FSC certified. The house has been pre-wired for photovoltaic roof panels, and an electric vehicle charging station has been installed in the garage.

You can read more about these Iron Spiral Stairs with LED Lighting or start at the Great Lakes Metal Fabrication Steel Stairs page.

A bright and cheery home in North Park. This homeowner was all about color & prints. Most of her furniture was existing, so it was mostly about pulling everything together and styling it. We began by selecting a white wall color that would accentuate the light provided by the living room's clerestory windows. An awkward angled wall was made into a feature gallery wall. Draperies with a bright, mid-century modern print were added to give the space some flair.

The owners of this beautiful 1908 NE Portland home wanted to breathe new life into their unfinished basement and dysfunctional main-floor bathroom and mudroom. Our goal was to create comfortable and practical spaces, while staying true to the preferences of the homeowners and age of the home. The existing half bathroom and mudroom were situated in what was originally an enclosed back porch. The homeowners wanted to create a full bathroom on the main floor, along with a functional mudroom off the back entrance. Our team completely gutted the space, reframed the walls, leveled the flooring, and installed upgraded amenities, including a solid surface shower, custom cabinetry, blue tile and marmoleum flooring, and Marvin wood windows. In the basement, we created a laundry room, designated workshop and utility space, and a comfortable family area to shoot pool. The renovated spaces are now up-to-code with insulated and finished walls, heating & cooling, epoxy flooring, and refurbished windows. The newly remodeled spaces achieve the homeowner's desire for function, comfort, and to preserve the unique quality & character of their 1908 residence.

This growing family needed more living space in their 1926 St. Paul, MN Bungalow, and had great potential in their unfinished attic for a new master suite. Castle began working with the city to grandfather some existing conditions in, like the steeper stairs and lower ceiling height to comply with building codes. New insulation, interior walls, electrical, heating, and a full interior finish was planned. The finished space incorporates traditional millwork matching the lower level of the home, a custom built-in bookshelf, new white doors, and pre-finished white oak hardwood floors in a rich Licorice stain. The dark floors and oil-bronze accents throughout the space really anchors the room and completes an overall bright color pallet with high contrast. In the new bathroom, a cement tile floor was selected to tie in the homeowner’s classy flair. Switching the finishes to polished brass inside the bathroom really brings a lux and regal feel to the space. Paired with traditional subway tile, white vanity, refurbished vintage medicine cabinet, and neutral walls, the new bathroom is elegant, yet understated. One of our favorite features is the use of the two existing dormers. One dormer was converted into a new walk-in closet with custom glass closet doors, so the light can still shine into the bedroom. The 2nd dormer, we left open for a quaint sitting and reading nook. See full details (including before photos) at http://www.castlebri.com/attics/project-3299-1/ Designed by: Emily Blonigen

The owners of this beautiful 1908 NE Portland home wanted to breathe new life into their unfinished basement and dysfunctional main-floor bathroom and mudroom. Our goal was to create comfortable and practical spaces, while staying true to the preferences of the homeowners and age of the home. The existing half bathroom and mudroom were situated in what was originally an enclosed back porch. The homeowners wanted to create a full bathroom on the main floor, along with a functional mudroom off the back entrance. Our team completely gutted the space, reframed the walls, leveled the flooring, and installed upgraded amenities, including a solid surface shower, custom cabinetry, blue tile and marmoleum flooring, and Marvin wood windows. In the basement, we created a laundry room, designated workshop and utility space, and a comfortable family area to shoot pool. The renovated spaces are now up-to-code with insulated and finished walls, heating & cooling, epoxy flooring, and refurbished windows. The newly remodeled spaces achieve the homeowner's desire for function, comfort, and to preserve the unique quality & character of their 1908 residence.

New construction residential project from the ground up.
Example of a large trendy three-story wood exterior home design in Los Angeles

This Columbia home had one deck which descended directly into their backyard. Rather than tuck their seven person hot tub on the concrete patio below their deck, we constructed a new tier. Their new deck was built with composite decking, making it completely maintenance free. Constructed with three feet concrete piers and post bases attaching each support according to code, this new deck can easily withstand the weight of hundreds of gallons of water and a dozen or more people. Aluminum rails line the stairs and surround the entire deck for aesthetics as well as safety. Taller aluminum supports form a privacy screen with horizontal cedar wood slats. The cedar wall also sports four clothes hooks for robes. The family now has a private place to relax and entertain in their own backyard. Dimensions In Wood is more than 40 years of custom cabinets. We always have been, but we want YOU to know just how many more Dimensions we have. Whatever home renovation or new construction projects you want to tackle, we can Translate Your Visions into Reality. Zero Maintenance Composite Decking, Cedar Privacy Screen and Aluminum Safety Rails:

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

The owners of this beautiful 1908 NE Portland home wanted to breathe new life into their unfinished basement and dysfunctional main-floor bathroom and mudroom. Our goal was to create comfortable and practical spaces, while staying true to the preferences of the homeowners and age of the home. The existing half bathroom and mudroom were situated in what was originally an enclosed back porch. The homeowners wanted to create a full bathroom on the main floor, along with a functional mudroom off the back entrance. Our team completely gutted the space, reframed the walls, leveled the flooring, and installed upgraded amenities, including a solid surface shower, custom cabinetry, blue tile and marmoleum flooring, and Marvin wood windows. In the basement, we created a laundry room, designated workshop and utility space, and a comfortable family area to shoot pool. The renovated spaces are now up-to-code with insulated and finished walls, heating & cooling, epoxy flooring, and refurbished windows. The newly remodeled spaces achieve the homeowner's desire for function, comfort, and to preserve the unique quality & character of their 1908 residence.

The owners of this beautiful 1908 NE Portland home wanted to breathe new life into their unfinished basement and dysfunctional main-floor bathroom and mudroom. Our goal was to create comfortable and practical spaces, while staying true to the preferences of the homeowners and age of the home. The existing half bathroom and mudroom were situated in what was originally an enclosed back porch. The homeowners wanted to create a full bathroom on the main floor, along with a functional mudroom off the back entrance. Our team completely gutted the space, reframed the walls, leveled the flooring, and installed upgraded amenities, including a solid surface shower, custom cabinetry, blue tile and marmoleum flooring, and Marvin wood windows. In the basement, we created a laundry room, designated workshop and utility space, and a comfortable family area to shoot pool. The renovated spaces are now up-to-code with insulated and finished walls, heating & cooling, epoxy flooring, and refurbished windows. The newly remodeled spaces achieve the homeowner's desire for function, comfort, and to preserve the unique quality & character of their 1908 residence.