This outdoor living project was a full outdoor kitchen and landscape design-build commission focused on creating a more intentional, connected landscape around a home with strong architectural character. Terraces, outdoor rooms, circulation, and planting were redesigned to feel cohesive from arrival through the rear garden. Hardscape, grading, drainage, and planting were planned as one composition, resulting in a quieter, more settled outdoor environment aligned with the architecture. Stonework, restrained detailing, and a calm planting palette give the space permanence, while improved site logic and planting structure create clearer movement, better function, and a refined outdoor living experience.

This outdoor living project was a full outdoor kitchen and landscape design-build commission focused on creating a more intentional, connected landscape around a home with strong architectural character. Terraces, outdoor rooms, circulation, and planting were redesigned to feel cohesive from arrival through the rear garden. Hardscape, grading, drainage, and planting were planned as one composition, resulting in a quieter, more settled outdoor environment aligned with the architecture. Stonework, restrained detailing, and a calm planting palette give the space permanence, while improved site logic and planting structure create clearer movement, better function, and a refined outdoor living experience.

For this Victorian-era home in the Albany historic district, it was essential for us to maintain historic design guidelines. This required a historic design review and approval by the Historic Landmarks Commission before we could start the project. Once approved, we replicated the existing porch design while removing the poor framing details supporting the porch. Almost everything out of view was in dangerous disrepair and required complete reconstruction. In addition to restoring the porch in accordance with historic design guidelines, we repaired the wood windows and installed matching storm windows. Our clients now enjoy the stunning curb appeal of their historic home and peace of mind knowing the structure is solid. Funny Story: Halfway through this project, someone lost control of their vehicle as it headed in the direction of the home. Luckily, they regained control of their vehicle 4 feet from the project, avoiding a huge disaster!

This contemporary conservatory is located just off of historic Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The stately home featured many classic exterior details and was located in the heart of the famous district, so Sunspace worked closely with the owners and their architect to design a space that would blend with the existing home and ultimately be approved for construction by the Cambridge Historical Commission. The project began with the removal of an old greenhouse structure which had outlived its usefulness. The removal of the greenhouse gave the owners the perfect opportunity substantially upgrade the space. Sunspace opened the wall between the conservatory and the existing home to allow natural light to penetrate the building. We used Marvin windows and doors to help create the look we needed for the exterior, thereby creating a seamless blend between the existing and new construction. The clients requested a space that would be comfortable year-round, so the use of energy efficient doors and windows as well as high performance roof glass was critically important. We chose a PPG Solar Ban 70 XL treatment and added Argon glass. The efficiency of the roof glass and the Marvin windows allowed us to provide an economical approach to the client’s heating and air conditioning needs. The final result saw the transformation of an outdated space and into a historically appropriate custom glass space which allows for beautiful, natural light to enter the home. The clients now use this space every day.

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

For this Victorian-era home in the Albany historic district, it was essential for us to maintain historic design guidelines. This required a historic design review and approval by the Historic Landmarks Commission before we could start the project. Once approved, we replicated the existing porch design while removing the poor framing details supporting the porch. Almost everything out of view was in dangerous disrepair and required complete reconstruction. In addition to restoring the porch in accordance with historic design guidelines, we repaired the wood windows and installed matching storm windows. Our clients now enjoy the stunning curb appeal of their historic home and peace of mind knowing the structure is solid. Funny Story: Halfway through this project, someone lost control of their vehicle as it headed in the direction of the home. Luckily, they regained control of their vehicle 4 feet from the project, avoiding a huge disaster!

For this Victorian-era home in the Albany historic district, it was essential for us to maintain historic design guidelines. This required a historic design review and approval by the Historic Landmarks Commission before we could start the project. Once approved, we replicated the existing porch design while removing the poor framing details supporting the porch. Almost everything out of view was in dangerous disrepair and required complete reconstruction. In addition to restoring the porch in accordance with historic design guidelines, we repaired the wood windows and installed matching storm windows. Our clients now enjoy the stunning curb appeal of their historic home and peace of mind knowing the structure is solid. Funny Story: Halfway through this project, someone lost control of their vehicle as it headed in the direction of the home. Luckily, they regained control of their vehicle 4 feet from the project, avoiding a huge disaster!

The approach to Edge House, a walk through verdant woodland abundant with ferns and moss, is a lesson in arrival. What appears is a woodsy yet contemporary dwelling divided into two volumes, framing an ocean view. Located on an island off Midcoast, Maine, Edge House is a low-slung cabin that hugs the rocky coast. The client commissioned Charles Rose Architects to design a simple cottage retreat that could take full advantage of the view, while also remaining inconspicuously nestled in the trees. The solution was a simple wood-shingled structure that features large glass windows, connecting both structure and inhabitant to the site. From the water’s edge, only a few hundred meters away, the house is barely visible. The selection of contextual materials, specifically cedar shingles, was meant to embed the structure in the landscape. For the interior, bedrooms are purposefully small, and beds were positioned close to the full-height windows, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the view. Clerestory windows under the roof further amplify the quality of natural light and create a weightless effect on the roof from the outside. The stone fireplace, located in the living room, was crafted with stones gathered from the site as another way to bring the outdoors in.

For this Victorian-era home in the Albany historic district, it was essential for us to maintain historic design guidelines. This required a historic design review and approval by the Historic Landmarks Commission before we could start the project. Once approved, we replicated the existing porch design while removing the poor framing details supporting the porch. Almost everything out of view was in dangerous disrepair and required complete reconstruction. In addition to restoring the porch in accordance with historic design guidelines, we repaired the wood windows and installed matching storm windows. Our clients now enjoy the stunning curb appeal of their historic home and peace of mind knowing the structure is solid. Funny Story: Halfway through this project, someone lost control of their vehicle as it headed in the direction of the home. Luckily, they regained control of their vehicle 4 feet from the project, avoiding a huge disaster!

The approach to Edge House, a walk through verdant woodland abundant with ferns and moss, is a lesson in arrival. What appears is a woodsy yet contemporary dwelling divided into two volumes, framing an ocean view. Located on an island off Midcoast, Maine, Edge House is a low-slung cabin that hugs the rocky coast. The client commissioned Charles Rose Architects to design a simple cottage retreat that could take full advantage of the view, while also remaining inconspicuously nestled in the trees. The solution was a simple wood-shingled structure that features large glass windows, connecting both structure and inhabitant to the site. From the water’s edge, only a few hundred meters away, the house is barely visible. The selection of contextual materials, specifically cedar shingles, was meant to embed the structure in the landscape. For the interior, bedrooms are purposefully small, and beds were positioned close to the full-height windows, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the view. Clerestory windows under the roof further amplify the quality of natural light and create a weightless effect on the roof from the outside. The stone fireplace, located in the living room, was crafted with stones gathered from the site as another way to bring the outdoors in.

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

The approach to Edge House, a walk through verdant woodland abundant with ferns and moss, is a lesson in arrival. What appears is a woodsy yet contemporary dwelling divided into two volumes, framing an ocean view. Located on an island off Midcoast, Maine, Edge House is a low-slung cabin that hugs the rocky coast. The client commissioned Charles Rose Architects to design a simple cottage retreat that could take full advantage of the view, while also remaining inconspicuously nestled in the trees. The solution was a simple wood-shingled structure that features large glass windows, connecting both structure and inhabitant to the site. From the water’s edge, only a few hundred meters away, the house is barely visible. The selection of contextual materials, specifically cedar shingles, was meant to embed the structure in the landscape. For the interior, bedrooms are purposefully small, and beds were positioned close to the full-height windows, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the view. Clerestory windows under the roof further amplify the quality of natural light and create a weightless effect on the roof from the outside. The stone fireplace, located in the living room, was crafted with stones gathered from the site as another way to bring the outdoors in.

The approach to Edge House, a walk through verdant woodland abundant with ferns and moss, is a lesson in arrival. What appears is a woodsy yet contemporary dwelling divided into two volumes, framing an ocean view. Located on an island off Midcoast, Maine, Edge House is a low-slung cabin that hugs the rocky coast. The client commissioned Charles Rose Architects to design a simple cottage retreat that could take full advantage of the view, while also remaining inconspicuously nestled in the trees. The solution was a simple wood-shingled structure that features large glass windows, connecting both structure and inhabitant to the site. From the water’s edge, only a few hundred meters away, the house is barely visible. The selection of contextual materials, specifically cedar shingles, was meant to embed the structure in the landscape. For the interior, bedrooms are purposefully small, and beds were positioned close to the full-height windows, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the view. Clerestory windows under the roof further amplify the quality of natural light and create a weightless effect on the roof from the outside. The stone fireplace, located in the living room, was crafted with stones gathered from the site as another way to bring the outdoors in.

The approach to Edge House, a walk through verdant woodland abundant with ferns and moss, is a lesson in arrival. What appears is a woodsy yet contemporary dwelling divided into two volumes, framing an ocean view. Located on an island off Midcoast, Maine, Edge House is a low-slung cabin that hugs the rocky coast. The client commissioned Charles Rose Architects to design a simple cottage retreat that could take full advantage of the view, while also remaining inconspicuously nestled in the trees. The solution was a simple wood-shingled structure that features large glass windows, connecting both structure and inhabitant to the site. From the water’s edge, only a few hundred meters away, the house is barely visible. The selection of contextual materials, specifically cedar shingles, was meant to embed the structure in the landscape. For the interior, bedrooms are purposefully small, and beds were positioned close to the full-height windows, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the view. Clerestory windows under the roof further amplify the quality of natural light and create a weightless effect on the roof from the outside. The stone fireplace, located in the living room, was crafted with stones gathered from the site as another way to bring the outdoors in.

The approach to Edge House, a walk through verdant woodland abundant with ferns and moss, is a lesson in arrival. What appears is a woodsy yet contemporary dwelling divided into two volumes, framing an ocean view. Located on an island off Midcoast, Maine, Edge House is a low-slung cabin that hugs the rocky coast. The client commissioned Charles Rose Architects to design a simple cottage retreat that could take full advantage of the view, while also remaining inconspicuously nestled in the trees. The solution was a simple wood-shingled structure that features large glass windows, connecting both structure and inhabitant to the site. From the water’s edge, only a few hundred meters away, the house is barely visible. The selection of contextual materials, specifically cedar shingles, was meant to embed the structure in the landscape. For the interior, bedrooms are purposefully small, and beds were positioned close to the full-height windows, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the view. Clerestory windows under the roof further amplify the quality of natural light and create a weightless effect on the roof from the outside. The stone fireplace, located in the living room, was crafted with stones gathered from the site as another way to bring the outdoors in.

This new contemporary home was commissioned by a design-loving family in Boulder, Colorado who had just purchased a house on a corner lot and wanted to build something new and contemporary with views of the Flatiron mountain range beyond. Working over a distance was easy with extensive 3D modeling leading the way. Though not on a super-busy corner, limited openings to the street were utilized counter-balanced by extensive glass and access to the side and rear yards. A detached garage was necessary because of off-street parking access from an existing alley that ran behind the house, so a breezeway connecting roof was designed to join the structures visually and provide cover in snow and rain. Hydronic radiant heated floors run throughout and large windows reveal selective views to the neighborhood. Exposed steel beams and wood framing tell the story of structure inside. White-white kitchen and baths provide clean neutral environments for food and bathing. Upstairs high ceilings allow clerestory windows inviting light but not view. The master bedroom is aimed at the Flatiron Mountains as is the large wraparound walking deck with flying roof overhead, all clad in red cedar. Much was learned about the local Colorado building environment along the way, guided by nearby structural engineers and contractor. Boulder has strict sun-shadow rules where 3D modeling was critical to show compliance. Energy and heat-loss concerns limited glazing at certain exposures but allowed us to open things up elsewhere. This home is a great example of working within a strict budget and achieve high design quality results. Built by Morningstar Homes with photos by Patterson Architecture + Interior Photography.

The approach to Edge House, a walk through verdant woodland abundant with ferns and moss, is a lesson in arrival. What appears is a woodsy yet contemporary dwelling divided into two volumes, framing an ocean view. Located on an island off Midcoast, Maine, Edge House is a low-slung cabin that hugs the rocky coast. The client commissioned Charles Rose Architects to design a simple cottage retreat that could take full advantage of the view, while also remaining inconspicuously nestled in the trees. The solution was a simple wood-shingled structure that features large glass windows, connecting both structure and inhabitant to the site. From the water’s edge, only a few hundred meters away, the house is barely visible. The selection of contextual materials, specifically cedar shingles, was meant to embed the structure in the landscape. For the interior, bedrooms are purposefully small, and beds were positioned close to the full-height windows, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the view. Clerestory windows under the roof further amplify the quality of natural light and create a weightless effect on the roof from the outside. The stone fireplace, located in the living room, was crafted with stones gathered from the site as another way to bring the outdoors in.

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.