As a long abandoned structure, this historic late 1800's Shingle style house was a detriment to Cuero's residential historic district. The local preservationist owner commissioned Fisher Heck to restore the house to its original roots, reaffirming its place in the storied neighborhood. Almost everything down to the studs had to be rebuilt or refinished. All new lighting and mechanical systems are installed throughout the house and a 670sf addition was added to the rear of property that adds another bedroom suite to the home. Apart from the house, a new carport and driveway were designed as a modern convenience for the owner. All work was done in conjunction with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Historic Restoration. Photo by Alfredo Mora.

These stunning, high end bespoke wall to wall display and storage cabinets were custom-made and installed for a residence in Wimbledon, London. Our clients wanted to create a large informal study room with a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. We tailored the built-in display and storage units to meet their exact specifications and the impressive design has brought incredible style and structure to the study room. The deep colour and wraparound shelving exude comfort and have created an inviting space to read, converse and relax. Made to measure for display and storage Our bespoke commissions begin by discussing and exploring ideas with our clients so we can fully understand and realise their vision. For this fitted furniture, our clients wanted to maximise the storage and shelving space for their library and artworks, while also minimising the floor footprint. To achieve this we created a run of cabinets with plenty of open shelving above for books. This shelving then wraps around the room, as wall mounted, high level open shelving. These sizes were tailored specifically to match the designer corner sofa. The resulting design is highly versatile and makes a striking statement in this sitting room study while also feeling like a seamless part of the room. Rattan weave doors The shaker style doors on the lower cabinets feature inset rattan weave panels. They allow our clients to house and hide media equipment and routers without the worry of overheating and needing to open the door to let signal and sound through. These gives a vintage, bohemian look to the furniture and add extra interest and natural texture to the room. Each unit divider is finished with a reeded cap accent matching the shaker doors and moulded timber cornice. The impact of colour and lighting The units have been finished in Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball, a premium quality, eco-friendly paint which matches the walls. The deep inky blue colour gives the room a cohesive look and creates a dramatic, yet cosy atmosphere. The open shelving features integrated warm white LED lighting which while being functional also brings an attractive glow to the room. Lighting adds dimension and decoration, as well as illumination. You can view more of our tailored lighting designs here.

This newly built home, nestled in Wellesley Hills was commissioned by an active and busy young family. A flowing balustrade invites visitors into the formal entry. The interior trim and custom cabinetwork are elegantly detailed throughout. A collaborative design effort allowed the children to help with the design of their own spaces. Payne/Bouchier also employed green building materials and techniques, including a geothermal heating system and an exterior envelope that features a Structural Insulated Panel Systems. Design: Will Truslow, Keith Brown, Gerald Pomeroy Interiors, Payne | Bouchier Design Department Photography: Mike Fein

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. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Architect Poss Architecture, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Supplier/Installer Gallegos Corporation, Wolcott, CO Stone Quarry Arkins Park Stone, Loveland, CO Within walled boundaries, Woody Creek Garden embraces its high alpine environment through explorations of stone and water that serve as unifying elements of form in the design of the various outdoor spaces. Through striking and distinctively detailed stonework, water is portrayed in its various states and forms – atmospheric mist, single rivulets, cascades, and still pools. Two courtyards interlink the residence allowing each room to enjoy the visual landscape. In the entrance courtyard, the sound from a carved 24”x 24” cut-granite fountain reverberates throughout the walled space. Placed for gathering and quiet contemplation, a pin-wheel arrangement of sculptural, granite slabs provide a honed surface for sitting while providing year-round interest. Each stone was individually specified with intentionally spaced core fractures, utilizing the extraction method to serve as sculpted details. Large sandstone pavers, set in sand and cut in an irregular, but geometric fashion bring a sense of modernity to the space. Throughout the property, stone detailing seek to heighten one’s experience of the landscape and views. Upon the home’s entry, an 18” rectilinear cut in the freestanding stone wall frames a distant peak, creating a singular reference to the outside world in this encased space. Emerging from the center of an organically-shaped carved sandstone slab, water is carried along a narrow 2” runnel sandstone cap, disappearing into the framed horizon. This glimpse to the west is the only opening in the tightly enclosed courtyard. From its opposite aspect, the feature creates a welcoming gesture at the home’s front entrance. The slender rivulet of water trickles from the sandstone slab above onto a honed granite plane, set within a sandstone terrace In contrast, a second promontory courtyard commands a strong presence over its alpine setting, leaving the steeply sloping site undisturbed. A 12’x 40’ reflecting pool – a thin sheet of water over honed black granite – captures the form and silence of the everchanging natural environment on its taut surface. Along its edge, water flows over a ½” radius edge, disappearing into a recirculating slot. Commissioned by Italian artist Bruno Romeda, a bronze sculpture rests upon an elevated granite plinth. Along its western edge, designers crafted a two-tiered, infinity edge detail. In the first vertical drop, water flows between the pool and perimeter stone walls, landing onto an intermediate bench, while the second drop introduces a chamfered edge, allowing water to embrace the vertical relief without splashing. Sandstone terraces provide continuous access to the various landscape features of the garden. At the base of the battered perimeter walls, a sandstone path leads to a fire pit, encircled by lichen-covered boulders. Along the courtyard’s eastern perimeter, water appears to emerge from the hillside, fracturing and falling against the irregular vertical stone wall, melting in a curtain-like formation behind the spa. The colors, distinctive detailing and striking stonework were selected based on their appropriateness to the context. From above, a rectilinear pool lies behind the wall, silently mirroring the sky above and offering no ostensible connection to the structure or to its source.

This client of ours loves to entertain. We were commissioned to completely redesign his backyard space to include a Pavilion, an outdoor kitchen, and a fire pit area. Preparation for this work included demolishing existing deteriorated concrete and a non-functioning Koi pond. We decided on a 12′ x 14′ layout for the Cedar Pavilion. Sconce lighting, infrared heating, and a ceiling fan were added to the scope of the Pavilion project to maximize the space’s usability. For the outdoor kitchen, we chose a 38″ Delta Heat unit for the grill with matching access doors, a 20K BTU Hestan Side Burner, and a Hestan Refrigerator. We chose soapstone for the countertop and backsplash, and we veneered the kitchen structure with natural San Miguel cobblestone. The construction of the fire pit area required engineering measures to prevent damage to the nearby pine trees’ root systems from the planned improvements. This was accomplished by designing a sophisticated ventilation system installed under the patio and seat wall to allow the tree roots to continue breathing. The firepit and surrounding seat wall were constructed of CMU block and veneered with natural San Miguel stone from Telluride. Light fixtures from Unique Lighting were discreetly tucked under the seat wall cap to enhance the area’s nighttime ambiance. Large decorative mossback landscape boulders were imported to create visual interest in the setting. The plant selection for the project included ‘Panchito’ Manzanita, Dwarf Burning Bush, ‘Isanti’ Dogwood, ‘White Bud’ Mugo Pine, Japanese Astilbe, ‘Blue Giant’ Hosta, and Variegated Iris.

It was foretold to both client and architect that they would find in each other the ideal client and the ideal architect. And, so it came to pass that this collector of American folk art commissioned Morpurgo Architects to design a contemporary residence that would encompass her historic Dutch Colonial barn. The barn frame was disassembled, the 200-year-old chestnut beams were restored and the barn was reconstructed in the same configuration on new pier footings on the adjoining property. The open living space rises 35 feet, exposing multiple levels of timber framing and braces. The loft spaces and floating staircases intertwine with the barn structure, uniting the modern and the historic. Two main galleries overlook the soaring frame, creating a sense of immediacy to the monumental timbers and their joinery. This contemporary house is infused with the spirit of the old barn, and the barn framing, freestanding and self-supporting, has become the most prominent piece in our client’s noteworthy collection.

Situated in Houston, TX, this award winning landscape design was inspired by the nautilus shell. The owners of this property are enthusiastic hosts, and this backyard was designed to blend beauty and practicality for backyard bbq’s and cocktail hours. A cobblestone path extends out from the nautilus and enriches the space with an organic touch, adding texture and dimension. The structure of the path is intended to encourage exploration and conversation. Purpleheart flows harmoniously throughout the garden like a river, complementing the succulent garden and dwarf mondo grass that forms lush pockets between the flagstones. The focal point of this design is the custom water feature, comprised of upcycled musical instruments, that was commissioned by the owners. A custom hammock stand and deck were crafted as a place to lounge and enjoy the Houston sunshine.

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. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Architect Poss Architecture, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Supplier/Installer Gallegos Corporation, Wolcott, CO Stone Quarry Arkins Park Stone, Loveland, CO Within walled boundaries, Woody Creek Garden embraces its high alpine environment through explorations of stone and water that serve as unifying elements of form in the design of the various outdoor spaces. Through striking and distinctively detailed stonework, water is portrayed in its various states and forms – atmospheric mist, single rivulets, cascades, and still pools. Two courtyards interlink the residence allowing each room to enjoy the visual landscape. In the entrance courtyard, the sound from a carved 24”x 24” cut-granite fountain reverberates throughout the walled space. Placed for gathering and quiet contemplation, a pin-wheel arrangement of sculptural, granite slabs provide a honed surface for sitting while providing year-round interest. Each stone was individually specified with intentionally spaced core fractures, utilizing the extraction method to serve as sculpted details. Large sandstone pavers, set in sand and cut in an irregular, but geometric fashion bring a sense of modernity to the space. Throughout the property, stone detailing seek to heighten one’s experience of the landscape and views. Upon the home’s entry, an 18” rectilinear cut in the freestanding stone wall frames a distant peak, creating a singular reference to the outside world in this encased space. Emerging from the center of an organically-shaped carved sandstone slab, water is carried along a narrow 2” runnel sandstone cap, disappearing into the framed horizon. This glimpse to the west is the only opening in the tightly enclosed courtyard. From its opposite aspect, the feature creates a welcoming gesture at the home’s front entrance. The slender rivulet of water trickles from the sandstone slab above onto a honed granite plane, set within a sandstone terrace In contrast, a second promontory courtyard commands a strong presence over its alpine setting, leaving the steeply sloping site undisturbed. A 12’x 40’ reflecting pool – a thin sheet of water over honed black granite – captures the form and silence of the everchanging natural environment on its taut surface. Along its edge, water flows over a ½” radius edge, disappearing into a recirculating slot. Commissioned by Italian artist Bruno Romeda, a bronze sculpture rests upon an elevated granite plinth. Along its western edge, designers crafted a two-tiered, infinity edge detail. In the first vertical drop, water flows between the pool and perimeter stone walls, landing onto an intermediate bench, while the second drop introduces a chamfered edge, allowing water to embrace the vertical relief without splashing. Sandstone terraces provide continuous access to the various landscape features of the garden. At the base of the battered perimeter walls, a sandstone path leads to a fire pit, encircled by lichen-covered boulders. Along the courtyard’s eastern perimeter, water appears to emerge from the hillside, fracturing and falling against the irregular vertical stone wall, melting in a curtain-like formation behind the spa. The colors, distinctive detailing and striking stonework were selected based on their appropriateness to the context. From above, a rectilinear pool lies behind the wall, silently mirroring the sky above and offering no ostensible connection to the structure or to its source.

Completed in two phases, the kitchen in this home was first overhauled and the wall separating it from the dining room was torn down. The structure, hidden in the boxed ceiling, compliments the original details as they were woven into this new great room. New sliding doors replacing the relocated bathroom at the rear beckon one to the garden. This created the palette for the owner to tailor the finishes exquisitely. The resplendent marble counter top is the heart of their tasteful new living space, ideal for entertaining. For phase two, the owner commissioned ONE Design to flood the upper level of the home with light. The owner, inspired by her rural upbringing in Humboldt, wished to draw inspiration from this and her Eichler-like grandparent’s home. ONE Design vaulted the ceilings to create an open soaring roof and provide a clean three dimensional canvass. Adding skylights which bathe the clean walls in an ever changing light show was the centerpiece of this transformation. Transom windows over the bedroom doors offer additional light to the interior circulation space. Enlarged windows combine the owner’s desire to live in a “glass house,” while paying respect to the Edwardian heritage of the home and providing expansive views of the meadow-like garden oasis. The cherry on top is the attic retreat, adding a north facing dormer that peeks at the Golden Gate Bridge offers a serene perch — perfect escapism for a creative writer!

“A deep purple river joins two 14 ft live edge Winnipeg Elm slabs on this one of a kind table. The angular design of the leg offers visual qualities much like a kite in the sky. Shifting your perspective to the tables angles you really get a sense of visual and physical mass! From its side profile you’ll see thin lines of angular connections.” We were commissioned to build this one of a kind table for a customer residing in another province. As with all of our custom pieces we worked closely with the customer (much through emails) understanding the emotion they wanted the table to invoke in their space. Details: 14’ long x 5’ wide x 1.5” thick reclaimed Elm table with central live edge “river” coloured resin, squared outer edges, black powder coated steel leg (“w”leg design) with black powder coated steel table under structure. First image credit: Customer supplied image. 2016 © Ray Chan Photo, All Rights Reserved

As a long abandoned structure, this historic late 1800's Shingle style house was a detriment to Cuero's residential historic district. The local preservationist owner commissioned Fisher Heck to restore the house to its original roots, reaffirming its place in the storied neighborhood. Almost everything down to the studs had to be rebuilt or refinished. All new lighting and mechanical systems are installed throughout the house and a 670sf addition was added to the rear of property that adds another bedroom suite to the home. Apart from the house, a new carport and driveway were designed as a modern convenience for the owner. All work was done in conjunction with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Historic Restoration. Photo by Alfredo Mora.

As a long abandoned structure, this historic late 1800's Shingle style house was a detriment to Cuero's residential historic district. The local preservationist owner commissioned Fisher Heck to restore the house to its original roots, reaffirming its place in the storied neighborhood. Almost everything down to the studs had to be rebuilt or refinished. All new lighting and mechanical systems are installed throughout the house and a 670sf addition was added to the rear of property that adds another bedroom suite to the home. Apart from the house, a new carport and driveway were designed as a modern convenience for the owner. All work was done in conjunction with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Historic Restoration. Photo by Alfredo Mora.

Within Dubai's exclusive villa enclaves, a breathtaking grand entrance foyer is setting new standards for opulent first impressions. This architectural masterpiece, recently completed by a leading fitout company Dubai homeowners trust for exceptional craftsmanship, combines dramatic water elements with artistic lighting to create an unforgettable welcome experience. The centerpiece of this extraordinary space is a monumental customized aquarium that spans two stories, creating a living wall of shimmering azure brilliance. Unlike conventional aquariums, this installation features a carefully curated ecosystem of exotic marine life swimming among custom-designed coral formations that echo the villa's architectural motifs. "Integrating such a substantial aquatic feature required precision engineering and flawless execution," explains the project director. "The structural requirements alone presented significant challenges, not to mention the advanced filtration systems concealed within the architectural elements." Complementing the aquarium are sophisticated water features designed to create a multisensory arrival experience. Subtle water channels embedded in the marble flooring guide visitors along the entrance path, while a sculptural water wall creates gentle acoustic ambiance that masks external noise. The landscape company Dubai residents recognize for innovative water integration collaborated closely with interior specialists to ensure seamless transitions between outdoor and indoor water elements. This partnership enabled the creation of a reflecting pool that begins in the exterior arrival court and continues into the foyer, visually connecting the spaces while maintaining environmental separation. Illuminating this aquatic wonderland is a constellation of customized chandeliers that cascade from the vaulted ceiling. Each fixture represents a bespoke artistic commission, featuring hand-blown glass elements and programmable LED technology that can transform the atmosphere from vibrant daytime brilliance to subtle evening ambiance.