Tod Brown
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard stamped concrete and custom-shaped hot tub remodel in Orlando

Bathroom - bathroom idea in Austin

Benches and steps in the shallow end create a sophisticated entry to the pool, as well as gather spaces for those who prefer just getting their feet wet to jumping in! Photo by Tim Schoon

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the building was erected on a shallow commercial lot between two 120 year old masonry buildings and a new residential rental building. 330 Grand Street is a mix of 725 SF 1BRs and 1050 SF 2BR apartments. It also contains a 1100 SF two story duplex as well as private and public rooftop space, large private balconies for most units and two large private terraces for the ground floor units. 330 Grand Street was originally designed and approved at the NYC DOB as a prefabricated modular building. During the pandemic, as shipping costs skyrocketed putting the project at risk, we suggested redesigning the building as a reinforced cast-in-place concrete structure. Concrete was readily available and prices had not been affected by the demand increase that many other materials suffered in the pandemic. We took this opportunity to raise floor to ceiling heights, enlarge high performance windows and redistribute the buildings MEPFS and Structural Systems to create very open floor plans. The challenge was to create a luxurious sensorial living experience with very limited means. In a city with very high construction costs, low cost residential buildings in the area are usually devoid of good quality, design and character. Our approach was to aim high for the end user, prioritizing natural light, open space with long visual perspectives, high ceilings and as always, rejecting the use of predefined building templates. Our biggest challenge was to ensure that the small spaces feel as clean cut, large and bright as possible. Several unique design decisions were made to ensure low cost and high quality; Floor plans were laid out so that spaces were wide open and free of clutter from mechanical or structural interruptions. Therefore all infrastructure was placed in lateral demising walls, which in turn act as the unit’s storage and kitchen. The apartments feel wide open, are super quiet and have more storage space than any other comparable apartment in the city. To solve the problem of the site’s shallow commercial lot which is typically prone to dark interior spaces we focused our attention on the building’s envelope. Instead of the usual small punched window openings, oversized high performance windows were designed to ensure that light penetrated as far as possible into the units. In the smaller 1BR units, the full 50’ depth of the lot is perceived by partitioning spaces with sliding pocket doors that can be retracted to allow deep visual perspectives, making the sight lines in the space feel longer, larger, more ample than normal. In addition to the full height glazing, each unit above the 2nd floor receives a 7 foot covered balcony, adding 120 to 240 sf to each apartment, something unusual in New York City buildings. The space is large enough for a full size dining table, when the weather permits being outside. We also worked hard to ensure modularity. For example, all kitchen units are all identical throughout the building. The idea of modularity and the economy of the repetitive unit is exercised to the maximum through the building. Hardware, appliances, flooring, wall coverings and material finishes are all carefully selected to feel bespoke, high quality and unique. It was important to KURV that the result of this work manifest into something that would deeply connect with the end user and sustain relationships with the consumers of this space. All images by KURV Architecture ©

Franco
Minimalist pool photo in Orange County

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 966-8296. This project shows a small master bathroom on the 3rd floor of a condo. Shower tile is 16" x 32" gray with white. Shower floor is same color hexagon tile. Shower floor / drain is a custom cut Schluter pan and drain. Schluter 3cm Cambria Carrick quartz vanity countertops and shower curb cap. Delta Trinsic Brushed Stainless shower and vanity plumbing fixtures and accessories. Three shelf shower box using Schluter Shelf-N shelves.

Hand sanding stair railing to prep it up for staining and refinishing. Attention to details and hands on Photo by: Uri Vaknin
Inspiration for a timeless staircase remodel in Los Angeles

Example of a tuscan dining room design in Dallas

Nita Turnage
Family room - contemporary family room idea in St Louis

The following Photos are presented as a suggestion for a swimming pool Photo ceiling. These are stock photo samples and should you decide to use one for your ceiling it must be purchased from the appropriate photo bank and down loaded at the highest resolution possible. For maximum impact we always recommend back lighting the picture with low voltage LED lighting..

Home design - coastal home design idea in Houston

detail from an exterior mural from a grotto project for the St. Edwards Catholic church in Athens, Tx.
Example of a classic home design design in Dallas