Part mirage, part miracle - this masterful modern evocation is in the best Louisiana vernacular tradition. It was conceived by architect Kevin Gossen (Gossen Architects Lafayette, Louisiana) for an unusual piece of property in Metairie whose cheated landscape gives the illusion of open country spaces. He has created a “cottage” that already looks as if it might be a survivor from a couple of centuries ago. Using reclaimed building materials, magnificent beams, beautiful old flooring with classically scaled rooms, it was a perfect project for Decorations Lucullus. Both architect and interior designers admit the real magic rested with the client whose highly developed aesthetic and extensive experience in design gave the process amazing vitality. Conceived as a “résidence secondaire” to be near grandchildren, she wanted something more snug than her large primary house out of town but without sacrificing the qualities of charm or elegance. While the project is still evolving, she can’t repress a smile when some passer-by stops to chat over the rose-heavy iron fence, perhaps peering into the gracious side hall, asking how this old house has managed to survive all the changes in the neighborhood. Photography by Sara Essex Bradly

This cedar-wrapped poolhouse sits within the zoning footprint of an existing, dilapidated garden shed. It was conceived as an indoor/outdoor room, with three large barn doors sliding open to seamlessly connect the interior to an adjacent cedar deck and elevated 25-meter swimming pool. The space contains open showers, a toilet room and kitchenette and functions equally well as a spa in winter, with a Japanese soaking tub and sauna.

Conceived as an exterior extension of the interior living and entertaining spaces, the pool garden is fun and dynamic - especially in the evening. White pool tile and blocky granite give subtle reference to the building’s history as an ice collection and storage facility.

The pool pavilion was constructed as a wood frame structure sheathed and roofed with cedar shake shingles. It was conceived as a new outbuilding to complement the existing structures on the property. Formal design cues were derived from a variety of sources; the existing New England shingle style main house, a Caribbean hut and the ubiquitous Connecticut tobacco barn.

Located in the Barton Creek Country Club Neighborhood. Arrowhead (affectionately named at one found at the site) sits high on a cliff giving a stunning birds eye view of the beautiful Barton Creek and hill country at only 20 min from downtown. Meticulously Designed and Built by NY/Austin Architect principal of Collaborated Works, this ludder stone house was conceived as a retreat to blend with the natural vernacular, yet was carve out a spectacular interior filled with light.

At the heart of 3Walls, the kitchen was conceived as both a social anchor and functional workspace. The homeowners passion for cooking plays a central role in the spatial organization of the house which required a layout that would support professional-level cooking and entertaining, and to do so without compromising accessibility.

Conceived of as a vertical light box, Cleft House features walls made of translucent panels as well as massive sliding window walls. Located on an extremely narrow lot, the clients required contemporary design, waterfront views without loss of privacy, sustainability, and maximizing space within stringent cost control. A modular structural steel frame was used to eliminate the high cost of custom steel.

Was fortunate to work with Nathan Web and Kevin Walker of Reader & Swartz Architects on lighting this unique residential project. "The project involved working with an 1801 log cabin in rural West Virginia. The new additions were conceived of as a series of cabin and shed forms which interconnected to make modern open spaces, as well as to embrace the West Virginia fields, forests, and mountains" Reader & Swartz Architects, P.C.

A residence designed for informal gathering and relaxation on a quiet cove near Acadia National Park. Conceived of as a compound of connected gathering spaces with adjacent private retreat spaces. The "village" of structures is designed to open and close seasonally with large sliding barn doors. These also modulate light, air and views into and out of the cottages. Carefully positioned to take advantage of the rich variety of views and sloping topography, the cottages have integral terraces and retaining walls to negotiate the undulating land-form. One arrives at the high point of the site and the long barn axis and navigates between the cottages to the main entrance. Once inside, the home deliberately reveals unique views to the ocean, mountains and surrounding spruce forest.

SDH Studio - Architecture and Design Location: Golden Beach, Florida, USA The Architecture is conceived as an ensemble of vertical and horizontal planes that guide the user through a sequence of spatial and visual experiences. Our clients’ passion for the outdoors is embedded in the entire project. Also, the use of color is an important feature that highlights certain accents along the design.

Upstairs, in what may be the X-factor for this home, the men’s clubroom is revealed. Conceived as the ultimate “man cave” game room, this level is complete with a pub-style bar, a pool table, three televisions, and access to a gorgeous sun deck. Furnishings remain true to its masculine theme with fully tufted, Thom Filicia, crocodile leather couches, a chunky, cocktail table of reclaimed timbers, and an oversized, ribbed rug in slate blue silk.

This cedar-wrapped poolhouse sits within the zoning footprint of an existing, dilapidated garden shed. It was conceived as an indoor/outdoor room, with three large barn doors sliding open to seamlessly connect the interior to an adjacent cedar deck and elevated 25-meter swimming pool. The space contains open showers, a toilet room and kitchenette and functions equally well as a spa in winter, with a Japanese soaking tub and sauna.

This four floor 3 bedroom house was conceived as a light filled in-town fortress for a global journalist adventurer. Its rugged vocabulary consists of custom details in wood, metal, stained plaster, concrete and masonry. At its heart is a soaring 2-story living room library, framed by massive structural beams, and housing exotic trophies, maps, cameras equipment and firearms. The articulated open riser stair leads up to rooftop study mounted on a ship-like deck, reaching to distant views.

Part mirage, part miracle - this masterful modern evocation is in the best Louisiana vernacular tradition. It was conceived by architect Kevin Gossen (Gossen Architects Lafayette, Louisiana) for an unusual piece of property in Metairie whose cheated landscape gives the illusion of open country spaces. He has created a “cottage” that already looks as if it might be a survivor from a couple of centuries ago. Using reclaimed building materials, magnificent beams, beautiful old flooring with classically scaled rooms, it was a perfect project for Decorations Lucullus. Both architect and interior designers admit the real magic rested with the client whose highly developed aesthetic and extensive experience in design gave the process amazing vitality. Conceived as a “résidence secondaire” to be near grandchildren, she wanted something more snug than her large primary house out of town but without sacrificing the qualities of charm or elegance. While the project is still evolving, she can’t repress a smile when some passer-by stops to chat over the rose-heavy iron fence, perhaps peering into the gracious side hall, asking how this old house has managed to survive all the changes in the neighborhood. Photography by Sara Essex Bradly

SDH Studio - Architecture and Design Location: Golden Beach, Florida, USA The Architecture is conceived as an ensemble of vertical and horizontal planes that guide the user through a sequence of spatial and visual experiences. Our clients’ passion for the outdoors is embedded in the entire project. Also, the use of color is an important feature that highlights certain accents along the design.

Every inch of the inside and outside living areas are re-conceived in this full house and guest-house renovation in Berkeley. In the main house the entire floor plan is flipped to re-orient public and private areas, with the formerly small, chopped up spaces opened and integrated with their surroundings. The studio, previously a deteriorating garage, is transformed into a clean and cozy space with an outdoor area of its own. A palette of screen walls, Corten steel, stucco and concrete connect the materiality and forms of the two spaces. What was a drab, dysfunctional bungalow is now an inspiring and livable home for a young family. Architecture by Tierney Conner Design Studio Photo by David Duncan Livingston.

SDH Studio - Architecture and Design Location: Golden Beach, Florida, USA The Architecture is conceived as an ensemble of vertical and horizontal planes that guide the user through a sequence of spatial and visual experiences. Our clients’ passion for the outdoors is embedded in the entire project. Also, the use of color is an important feature that highlights certain accents along the design.

This four floor 3 bedroom house was conceived as a light filled in-town fortress for a global journalist adventurer. Its rugged vocabulary consists of custom details in wood, metal, stained plaster, concrete and masonry. At its heart is a soaring 2-story living room library, framed by massive structural beams, and housing exotic trophies, maps, cameras equipment and firearms. The articulated open riser stair leads up to rooftop study mounted on a ship-like deck, reaching to distant views.

This beautifully conceived residence sits high on the hillside overlooking the Vail Valley. Designed by Kyle H. Webb Architects, this home features vertical grain hemlock in Vintage Woods grey. Coupled with stone and steel the palette is really wonderful. ©Kimberly Gavin Photography 2016 www.vintagewoodsinc.net 970-524-4041