Studio Saxe was commissioned to design a beachfront house in the beautiful town of Santa Teresa in Costa Rica. We decided to integrate the jungle experience into the house and also frame the views of the ocean whilst blending with nature. Concept Studio Saxe decomposed the mass of the building into a series of pavilions with overlapping roofs that create interesting circulation spaces between the volumes. By dematerializing the volumes, we integrated the home into its lush surroundings. Design Studio Saxe used the decomposition of volumes to house the different programs of the project. Pavilions are divided into bedrooms, living spaces, service areas, and together they create a harmony that is weaved together through the circulation of indoor/outdoor spaces. This in turn allows the inhabitant to experience the intense natural surrounding every time they have to move from one place to the other. Sustainability The project was conceived as a decomposition of the volumes and this allowed for cross-ventilation due to the exposure of every space to at least 2 or 3 walls to the outside. The extended rooflines are carefully placed to protect from the sun and the rain through a process of bioclimatic design which analyzes the sun patterns, winds, and precipitation to create comfort without the use of energy. An array of sustainable systems such as rainwater catchment, water recycling systems, energy generation, and clever design makes this project a pioneer in sustainable tropical architecture that has passive design at its core. Construction Studio Saxe was interested in creating the sensation of floating rooflines, thus a series of thin columns support the roof planes in a way that they seem as they are floating A combination of steel and wood construction with concrete foundations allowed for the lightness of space, and this bleeding of boundaries between the structure and the outside.

Build Iconic Inc. specializes in kitchen renovations for Brooklyn’s historic homes — brownstones, pre-war buildings, and landmarked properties where getting it right means respecting the original character while bringing the space fully up to modern standards. As a licensed NYC general contractor (DCA #2107844), we understand the unique challenges of working within older structures: uneven floors, outdated wiring, plaster walls, and, in some cases, Landmarks Preservation Commission requirements. We blend historical sensitivity with modern function, preserving original details like moldings, exposed brick, and period-appropriate finishes while updating the kitchen for how people actually cook and live today. Our historical kitchen remodeling includes: • Structural and layout updates that respect original building bones • Electrical and plumbing upgrades brought fully up to current code • Custom cabinetry and finishes that complement a home’s original era and style • Careful integration of modern appliances and smart home technology without disrupting historic character • Coordination with Landmarks requirements where applicable

Build Iconic Inc. specializes in kitchen renovations for Brooklyn’s historic homes — brownstones, pre-war buildings, and landmarked properties where getting it right means respecting the original character while bringing the space fully up to modern standards. As a licensed NYC general contractor (DCA #2107844), we understand the unique challenges of working within older structures: uneven floors, outdated wiring, plaster walls, and, in some cases, Landmarks Preservation Commission requirements. We blend historical sensitivity with modern function, preserving original details like moldings, exposed brick, and period-appropriate finishes while updating the kitchen for how people actually cook and live today. Our historical kitchen remodeling includes: • Structural and layout updates that respect original building bones • Electrical and plumbing upgrades brought fully up to current code • Custom cabinetry and finishes that complement a home’s original era and style • Careful integration of modern appliances and smart home technology without disrupting historic character • Coordination with Landmarks requirements where applicable

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.

Build Iconic Inc. specializes in kitchen renovations for Brooklyn’s historic homes — brownstones, pre-war buildings, and landmarked properties where getting it right means respecting the original character while bringing the space fully up to modern standards. As a licensed NYC general contractor (DCA #2107844), we understand the unique challenges of working within older structures: uneven floors, outdated wiring, plaster walls, and, in some cases, Landmarks Preservation Commission requirements. We blend historical sensitivity with modern function, preserving original details like moldings, exposed brick, and period-appropriate finishes while updating the kitchen for how people actually cook and live today. Our historical kitchen remodeling includes: • Structural and layout updates that respect original building bones • Electrical and plumbing upgrades brought fully up to current code • Custom cabinetry and finishes that complement a home’s original era and style • Careful integration of modern appliances and smart home technology without disrupting historic character • Coordination with Landmarks requirements where applicable

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

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.

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.

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!

Set among the open grasslands of northern Boulder County, Vermillion Studio was designed to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and Colorado’s breathtaking landscape. From its vantage point, the studio captures panoramic views of Longs Peak and Boulder’s Flatirons — a daily reminder of the land that shapes both life and design in this region. Commissioned in 2019, the project reflects F9 Productions’ belief that architecture should not only serve function, but also stir emotion. The result is a place where art and environment coexist — open, grounded, and alive with light. The Vision The client came to F9 with a clear purpose: create a workspace that feels as inspiring as the art produced within it. They wanted a building that honors the land — not one that competes with it. Our team responded with a design that blurs the boundary between indoors and out. Expansive glass facades bring the mountains inside. The softly arched steel roof follows the rhythm of the rolling hills. And the entire structure rests gently within the terrain, becoming part of the landscape rather than imposing upon it. Design and Craft The form of the building reflects the strength and subtlety of the creative process itself — solid, simple, and expressive. Walls and floors made from Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) provide exceptional energy efficiency and durability, while steel arched beams add structure and grace. Select windows are fitted with perforated panels that filter sunlight, reduce heat gain, and cast delicate shadows that change with the time of day — turning natural light into living art. Inside the Studio Step inside, and the building opens up to a world of focus and inspiration. The main level houses large studio spaces, flexible galleries, and a welcoming kitchenette — all designed to support the rhythm of making. Above, a lofted mezzanine offers quiet offices and a glass-framed conference room overlooking the plains and peaks beyond. From every angle, the view reminds occupants why they build, paint, or sculpt: to create something timeless and true. Built for Sustainability Every system and material decision reflects long-term thinking. Ground-source air-to-water heat pumps and radiant in-floor heating keep the space comfortable in every season. The use of ICF and steel ensures resilience with minimal energy loss. Together, these strategies make Vermillion Studio both efficient and enduring — a structure as sustainable as it is inspiring. The Result Vermillion Studio is more than a workspace; it’s a living dialogue between design and nature. It’s where creativity meets clarity, and where the beauty of Colorado becomes part of everyday life. Rooted in the land and open to the sky, it stands as a quiet statement of what F9 Productions believes architecture should be — functional, sustainable, and profoundly human.

A contemporary Polynesian hut: that was the idea our clients brought us when they asked Charles Rose Architects to do a second project on their expansive property on the Charles River, southwest of Boston. All agreed that the new pool house should be wood construction—in part, to create a similar look and feel to the first project we designed there, a “play barn” with two large rooms, separated by an outdoor space that frames views of an adjacent pond. Our clients had won approval from a local conservation commission for a rectangular structure. We started by carving out a corner, creating a spacious covered outdoor sitting area. The heavy timber frame supports a modified gabled roof; the peak is pulled off-center so that the pool house subtly connects with the geometry of the play barn. Red cedar was used throughout, creating rich, warm hues from exposed beams, custom doors and millwork. Photo Credit: John Linden

This piece was commissioned for an outdoor location, a large and extensively landscaped property with abundant and varied plant life. It was our challenge to design a piece that not only fit this remarkable environment, but also echoed and complemented it. The actual installation was to be placed inside an existing fire pit, ringed with stone, thereby tying the piece to the other stone and boulder shapes around it. Taking shapes from the cactus garden and trees around the site, as well as colors from the flowering plants visible nearby, we designed a spiral structure that could be seen from any vantage point on the property, inside or out. The design provides a completely different look from every angle. Simply moving around the piece, even slightly, changes perspectives in such a way that the very character of the piece changes. The design of the ceramic pieces suggests movement even more with their finlike shapes cutting through the air around them. Even the spiral structure imbues the piece with a rising, turning energy as the eye traces the relationships of the forms up and around. Photo by Michael Linsley

Awarded 2023 Honorable Mention Award by the American Institute of Architects Central MA Chapter Passion project of our Dendochronologist client and his family, this addition shelters a set of spaces meant to feel both indoors and outdoors. Conditioned only by sun, wind, and the woodstove, the room functions as a multi-purpose glazed porch. ​Surrounding the 1950 house of a style so common in the New England Landscape, our client has worked for a decade to “re-wild” the suburban yard with plantings gathered on fieldtrips around the region. Turning its back to the house, this addition treads lightly into this rich and textured landscape. As the largest room in the house, it will host Thanksgiving dinner as well as it shelters quiet reading by the fire and cocktail parties in the gallery space and cookouts on the back porch. Aligned to extend our addition as close to the property line as bylaws permit, a diagonal wall also expresses the inside-outside connection’s incremental expansion to the North. Structure, shelter, enclosure, and fenestration act and and react to each other to modulate inhabitants’ relative senses of prospect and refuge. The Donna Dodson sculpture Redwing Rose was commissioned for the space.

Set among the open grasslands of northern Boulder County, Vermillion Studio was designed to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and Colorado’s breathtaking landscape. From its vantage point, the studio captures panoramic views of Longs Peak and Boulder’s Flatirons — a daily reminder of the land that shapes both life and design in this region. Commissioned in 2019, the project reflects F9 Productions’ belief that architecture should not only serve function, but also stir emotion. The result is a place where art and environment coexist — open, grounded, and alive with light. The Vision The client came to F9 with a clear purpose: create a workspace that feels as inspiring as the art produced within it. They wanted a building that honors the land — not one that competes with it. Our team responded with a design that blurs the boundary between indoors and out. Expansive glass facades bring the mountains inside. The softly arched steel roof follows the rhythm of the rolling hills. And the entire structure rests gently within the terrain, becoming part of the landscape rather than imposing upon it. Design and Craft The form of the building reflects the strength and subtlety of the creative process itself — solid, simple, and expressive. Walls and floors made from Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) provide exceptional energy efficiency and durability, while steel arched beams add structure and grace. Select windows are fitted with perforated panels that filter sunlight, reduce heat gain, and cast delicate shadows that change with the time of day — turning natural light into living art. Inside the Studio Step inside, and the building opens up to a world of focus and inspiration. The main level houses large studio spaces, flexible galleries, and a welcoming kitchenette — all designed to support the rhythm of making. Above, a lofted mezzanine offers quiet offices and a glass-framed conference room overlooking the plains and peaks beyond. From every angle, the view reminds occupants why they build, paint, or sculpt: to create something timeless and true. Built for Sustainability Every system and material decision reflects long-term thinking. Ground-source air-to-water heat pumps and radiant in-floor heating keep the space comfortable in every season. The use of ICF and steel ensures resilience with minimal energy loss. Together, these strategies make Vermillion Studio both efficient and enduring — a structure as sustainable as it is inspiring. The Result Vermillion Studio is more than a workspace; it’s a living dialogue between design and nature. It’s where creativity meets clarity, and where the beauty of Colorado becomes part of everyday life. Rooted in the land and open to the sky, it stands as a quiet statement of what F9 Productions believes architecture should be — functional, sustainable, and profoundly human.

Our client’s foremost design priority was to create a space that is both glamorous and highly functional—equally suited to everyday living and to serve as a true stage for entertainment. At the core of the project was the restoration of the loft’s authentic character, thoughtfully reimagined to complement a refined industrial-chic aesthetic. The apartment’s previous incarnation leaned toward traditional design, with wainscoting, dropped ceilings, crown moldings, and concealed structural elements. In contrast, the new vision embraces the building’s industrial roots. Ceilings were opened to reveal the original structure, steel columns were exposed, and historic brick walls were uncovered, reintroducing a sense of honesty and architectural depth to the space. From the outset, the project involved close collaboration with a lighting specialist to transform what had been notably dark interiors: a layered lighting strategy was implemented, combining concealed architectural illumination with focused overhead accents. In the kitchen, salvaged industrial “X-Ray Shade” mercury-glass fixtures—originally designed for maximum reflectivity—introduce both character and warmth. Artist Cimone Berman was commissioned to create a series of bespoke mirrors for the space to further enhance the play of light. Each one-of-a-kind piece blends historical influences (reminiscent of aged material,) with contemporary artistic expression futher enhancing the sense of openness and luminosity throughout the loft while reinforcing the project’s balance between industrial authenticity and refined sophistication. Whole House Renovation: Society Hill - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 2026. Philadelphia Interior Design, Philadelphia Kitchen and Bath Design, Lighting Design, Space Planning, Loft Design, Custom Window Treatment, Custom Millwork

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.

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

30’ X 80” slice of ocean front sand. This site resides at an urban edge in transition, where a dense fabric of older, unremarkable structures must coexist with more contemporary dwellings. The Clients, a married couple, required a house for themselves and occasional family guests. The house is organized to allow for a visual connection with a very public Strand and Beach, while providing more private domains for entertaining and personal habitation. Purposefully Orchestrated Experience Opening the house to the sky and the ocean is the principal way that this house reveals its inner spatial experience. A composition of articulated shapes organized over a solid base. Exterior elevations are a composition of solid, rectilinear stucco elements that are strategically subtracted to reveal a contrasting, inner layer of sloping, cedar siding, glazed window walls and cantilevered deck platforms; all organized over a base of porcelain tile. Single Family Beach Residence: 3400 sf Completed: 2011 Commissioned by private clients Located in Hermosa Beach, California

Build Iconic Inc. specializes in kitchen renovations for Brooklyn’s historic homes — brownstones, pre-war buildings, and landmarked properties where getting it right means respecting the original character while bringing the space fully up to modern standards. As a licensed NYC general contractor (DCA #2107844), we understand the unique challenges of working within older structures: uneven floors, outdated wiring, plaster walls, and, in some cases, Landmarks Preservation Commission requirements. We blend historical sensitivity with modern function, preserving original details like moldings, exposed brick, and period-appropriate finishes while updating the kitchen for how people actually cook and live today. Our historical kitchen remodeling includes: • Structural and layout updates that respect original building bones • Electrical and plumbing upgrades brought fully up to current code • Custom cabinetry and finishes that complement a home’s original era and style • Careful integration of modern appliances and smart home technology without disrupting historic character • Coordination with Landmarks requirements where applicable