“Indulge in Unparalleled Pool Opulence with Babcock Custom Pools and the Beverly Hills All Tile Pool” If you are in pursuit of the pinnacle of pool extravagance, your quest ends here with the Beverly Hills All Tile Pool project by Babcock Custom Pools. The swimming pool boasts top-notch tile work and a personalized mosaic artwork by Joseph & Sons, but the true highlight is the breathtaking acrylic window that elevates the pool experience to another level. At Babcock Custom Pools, they comprehend that your pool should be a mirror of your personal style and necessities. That’s why they go above and beyond to comprehend your vision for a pool and craft a design that surpasses your expectations. They utilize only the finest materials, from the tile work to the acrylic window, to ensure that your pool is a lasting symbol of luxury. The Beverly Hills All Tile Pool exemplifies Babcock Custom Pools’ devotion to excellence. The tile work is not just visually striking but also robust, and the personal touch of the custom mosaic art piece by Joseph & Sons makes your pool a true original. The acrylic window serves as the cherry on top, offering breathtaking views and a one-of-a-kind pool experience that you’ll treasure forever. For those seeking a pool that is not only beautiful but also practical, look no further than Babcock Custom Pools. The Beverly Hills All Tile Pool project embodies their commitment to creating an unforgettable pool experience, complete with attention to detail and premium materials. Your pool will be a source of serenity and delight for years to come. In conclusion, the Beverly Hills All Tile Pool project by Babcock Custom Pools represents the epitome of pool luxury. With its all-tile construction, custom mosaic art piece, and acrylic window, it offers an unmatched pool experience. Don’t wait any longer, elevate your pool game with Babcock Custom Pools and the Beverly Hills All Tile Pool.

This project aims to create a modern and minimalistic interior design for a 120-square-meter space in Montréal, Canada. The design will feature a light and natural theme, enhancing the living room and open kitchen areas to create a cohesive and inviting environment. Design Goals: Modern Minimalism: Emphasize clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a minimalist aesthetic. Utilize a neutral color palette with pops of natural tones to create a serene and sophisticated ambiance. Light and Airy: Maximize natural light with large windows and light-reflecting surfaces. Incorporate light-colored materials and finishes to enhance the sense of openness and brightness. Natural Elements: Integrate natural materials such as wood, stone, and plants to bring warmth and texture to the space. Use sustainable and eco-friendly materials where possible. Functional Layout: Design an open-concept layout that seamlessly connects the living room and kitchen. Optimize the flow of movement and ensure efficient use of space for both everyday living and entertaining. Comfort and Style: Combine modern furniture pieces with comfortable and inviting elements. Select high-quality furnishings that offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Living Room Design: Color Palette: Soft whites, light grays, and natural wood tones. Furniture: Sleek, low-profile sofa in a neutral fabric, a minimalist coffee table, and accent chairs with natural textures. Lighting: Statement pendant lights, recessed lighting, and floor lamps to create a layered lighting effect. Accessories: Minimalistic artwork, textured rugs, and a few carefully selected decorative items to add personality without cluttering the space. Open Kitchen Design: Color Palette: Light wood cabinetry, white countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Layout: An island with seating to create a social hub, enhancing the connection between the kitchen and living room. Lighting: Under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights over the island, and ample natural light. Materials: Durable and easy-to-clean surfaces such as quartz countertops and tile backsplashes. Additional Features: Storage Solutions: Built-in shelving and concealed storage options to maintain a clean and uncluttered look. Smart Home Integration: Incorporate smart home technology for lighting, temperature control, and security to enhance convenience and efficiency. Sustainability: Use energy-efficient appliances and sustainable materials to support environmental responsibility. Conclusion: This modern and minimal interior design project aims to create a harmonious and stylish living space that reflects a light and natural theme. By combining functional design with aesthetic appeal, the project will transform the living room and open kitchen into a cohesive and inviting environment suitable for modern living in Montréal, Canada.

Ever been out in a park, forest, or even just in your backyard and wanted to see just a small side of the picture? Beauty is in the midst of us, but we are not doing enough to see it—we see only at a superficial level. The reality is that there is an entire universe on a scale that is so miniscule yet all around us, waiting to be discovered. Put the digital microscope camera on the scope, and that little quantum universe you never knew was there awaits your gaze. Makes everyday outdoor activities exciting adventures and learning experiences with leaves, rocks, and bugs that are all interesting. It used to look just the same, and now it's vibrant with patterns, textures, and stories you didn't know before!
What is a Digital Microscope Camera?
A digital microscope camera is a compact device that magnifies very small objects and can display its real-time image on the screen. This new type of microscope can be taken outside and is much easier to transport than a conventional microscope. It is based on three important technologies: the magnification lenses, digital imaging, and As the name implies, snapping up shots of the objects when you bring them close and displaying them clearly on your smartphone, tablet, or its built-in display. This gives you the power to see details of a microworld anywhere you go, with no special equipment.
How a Digital Microscope Camera Works in Real Life
It is easy and yet powerful to operate a digital microscope camera. It brings very small objects closer by employing a system of lenses, and through a digital sensor, it turns the image into a compelling display. After focusing, the image becomes so big that it displays details that the human eye isn't able to see. Whereas, in an actual setting, an individual can simply place the gadget over an object, such as a leaf, insect, or soil surface. This is then performed to get a focus on the details, clear and sharp. In the blink of an eye, you will be exploring a hidden reality with patterns and structures.
Why Nature Looks Completely Different at the Micro Level
If you watch nature with an unbiased eye, it's all straightforward. Leaves are green; insects are tiny and land on a mere brown earth. However, things look so different through the microscope camera's zoom-in. A leaf is more than a leaf: it is a complex system of veins and cells! However, the insect is not merely a tiny insect anymore, but it gradually turns into an object with wings, eyes, and patterns, all of which seem almost like art. From soils a combination of small particles of rock, organic material, and unseen creatures.
Gaining appreciation for the details in leaves and plants.
Plant life is one of the most interesting objects to be examined under the microscope. The details on the leaves, stems, and petals are amazing and would get lost in the details otherwise. By using a digital microscope camera, the vein network that transports water and nutrients can be readily observed. These veins are naturally occurring and run in patterns that resemble roads and/or rivers in the landscape. Every leaf grows differently and is as individual as a fingerprint.
Discovering the Hidden World of Insects
There is no better thing to see under the microscope than one of the many interesting insects. They may appear at first glance to be quite unassuming and tiny, but magnified, they let one in on the whole other universe. They feature fine patterns in their wings – like those found on glass artworks – that are often difficult to see. They have eyes comprised of multiple repeating units. Even their legs and segments of their bodies have special textures.
The Secret Life Inside Soil and Sand
A microscope camera reveals a soil in which activity is taking place in a lively world in the seemingly lifeless soil. The very small particles of rock, decayed plant material, and micro-living organisms are interacting. Sand grains look similar to miniature crystals; all of them are distinctively shaped and structured. As organic matter decomposes, it forms patterns that illustrate how nature continually recycles itself.
Tree Bark: A Natural Storybook
Another interesting area of interest for micro-focusing is the bark of trees. Apparently, this appears to be rough and simple, but under magnification, it is seen as a highly detailed landscape of cracks, lines, and textures. The bark patterns that can be observed on each branch offer a glimpse of the branch's years of growth, weather, and environmental stresses. It's as if someone wrote the history of a tree on its trunk!
Tips for Getting the Best Microscopic Results Outdoors
A few simple techniques can make a big difference in the variety of images you get before getting clear and detailed images. Always make sure that the hands are stable or have a resting surface so that there is no shaking. Moving, even slightly, can cause the picture to become blurry. Lighting is one of the other important ones. This is because natural soft lighting is best suited, as it doesn't create strong reflections and it does show detail. Minimize exposure to strong sunlight/deep shade when possible.
Conclusion:
The digital microscope camera isn't just a camera; it's a new way of viewing life. Makes routine walks outdoors into thrilling explorations of the scientific world and how minute details make a difference. It can teach us something about living by the rules of nature! It is something that we can contemplate, clarify, and enjoy more.

The clients called me on the recommendation from a neighbor of mine who had met them at a conference and learned of their need for an architect. They contacted me and after meeting to discuss their project they invited me to visit their site, not far from White Salmon in Washington State. Initially, the couple discussed building a ‘Weekend’ retreat on their 20± acres of land. Their site was in the foothills of a range of mountains that offered views of both Mt. Adams to the North and Mt. Hood to the South. They wanted to develop a place that was ‘cabin-like’ but with a degree of refinement to it and take advantage of the primary views to the north, south and west. They also wanted to have a strong connection to their immediate outdoors. Before long my clients came to the conclusion that they no longer perceived this as simply a weekend retreat but were now interested in making this their primary residence. With this new focus we concentrated on keeping the refined cabin approach but needed to add some additional functions and square feet to the original program. They wanted to downsize from their current 3,500± SF city residence to a more modest 2,000 – 2,500 SF space. They desired a singular open Living, Dining and Kitchen area but needed to have a separate room for their television and upright piano. They were empty nesters and wanted only two bedrooms and decided that they would have two ‘Master’ bedrooms, one on the lower floor and the other on the upper floor (they planned to build additional ‘Guest’ cabins to accommodate others in the near future). The original scheme for the weekend retreat was only one floor with the second bedroom tucked away on the north side of the house next to the breezeway opposite of the carport. Another consideration that we had to resolve was that the particular location that was deemed the best building site had diametrically opposed advantages and disadvantages. The views and primary solar orientations were also the source of the prevailing winds, out of the Southwest. The resolve was to provide a semi-circular low-profile earth berm on the south/southwest side of the structure to serve as a wind-foil directing the strongest breezes up and over the structure. Because our selected site was in a saddle of land that then sloped off to the south/southwest the combination of the earth berm and the sloping hill would effectively created a ‘nestled’ form allowing the winds rushing up the hillside to shoot over most of the house. This allowed me to keep the favorable orientation to both the views and sun without being completely compromised by the winds.

360 Improvements is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking to build a new deck or renovate an existing one. There are many reasons why you should consider hiring them for your next deck project. Expertise and Experience: 360 Improvements has a team of experienced professionals who specialize in deck construction. They have been building decks for many years and have the expertise to handle any type of deck project, big or small. Quality Materials: 360 Improvements uses only the highest quality materials for their deck builds. They know that using quality materials ensures a deck that will last for many years and withstand the elements. Custom Design: Every deck that 360 Improvements builds is customized to meet the client's specific needs and preferences. They take into consideration factors such as the size of the deck, the layout, and the style, to create a unique and functional space that complements the existing property. Competitive Pricing: 360 Improvements offers competitive pricing for their deck builds without compromising on quality. They strive to provide their clients with the best value for their money. Customer Satisfaction: 360 Improvements is committed to providing excellent customer service and ensuring that their clients are completely satisfied with their deck build. They work closely with their clients to ensure that their vision is brought to life and that the finished product exceeds their expectations. In conclusion, hiring 360 Improvements for your next deck build is a smart decision. With their expertise, quality materials, custom design, competitive pricing, and commitment to customer satisfaction, they are a reliable and trustworthy choice for any deck project.

Historic Swiss Avenue Kitchen Renovation Located in the heart of East Dallas, Swiss Avenue is renowned for its stately, historic homes that embody timeless elegance. Our recent kitchen renovation project at 5901 Swiss Avenue is a testament to preserving this charm while integrating modern functionality and style. Design Philosophy This kitchen embodies a transitional style with a strong nod to traditional elements, meticulously crafted to harmonize with the historical character of the home. The goal was to create a space that feels both contemporary and timeless, blending seamlessly with the home’s architectural heritage. Key Features and Materials • Countertops: The centerpiece of this kitchen is the stunning Cambria Portrush quartz countertops. With their luxurious marble-like veining, they provide a durable yet elegant surface that complements the overall aesthetic. • Sink and Faucet: At the heart of the prep area is the Kohler Whitehaven sink, known for its durability and classic appeal. Paired with a Newport Brass faucet, this combination ensures both functionality and a touch of sophistication. • Appliances: The kitchen is outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances that marry modern convenience with sleek design. The range top from Wolf offers professional-grade cooking capabilities, while the Sub-Zero refrigerator and Cove dishwasher ensure seamless, efficient kitchen operations. Design Elements • Cabinetry: Custom cabinetry, finished in a crisp white, offers ample storage and maintains a clean, cohesive look. The brass hardware adds a touch of warmth and vintage appeal, tying in beautifully with the historic nature of the home. • Lighting: A striking chandelier over the island serves as both a focal point and a functional element, casting a warm glow that enhances the kitchen’s welcoming atmosphere. • Backsplash: The herringbone tile backsplash adds texture and visual interest, providing a modern twist on a classic design. Functionality and Flow The layout of the kitchen was carefully planned to optimize space and functionality. The central island not only serves as a workspace and gathering spot but also anchors the kitchen, creating a natural flow for cooking and socializing. Ample natural light streams in from the large windows, enhancing the bright and airy feel of the space. Preserving History Special attention was given to ensuring that the renovation respects the home’s historical roots. Elements like the detailed cabinetry and the choice of classic materials were selected to honor the traditional craftsmanship and aesthetic of Swiss Avenue’s historic homes. Conclusion This kitchen on Swiss Avenue is more than just a cooking space; it’s a blend of past and present, a tribute to the home’s storied past with all the conveniences of modern living. Whether for intimate family meals or entertaining guests, this kitchen stands ready as the heart of the home, a place where history and contemporary life beautifully coexist.

A modern home with an eclectic mix My clients in this space were divided. They were split by competing aesthetics. There were Vietnamese art pieces with modern motifs and bold colours mixed with hand-crafted rustic tables and antique Canadiana. I quickly identified a lack of cohesion and an uncomfortable conversation area as the primary issues that were causing my clients stress. A change was in order. We partitioned their large connected dining room, living and entryway areas using the existing furniture and floor covering. We were able to create several distinct and cohesive areas that each brought out the best of their contents. Each grouping now seemed natural and harmonious. Smooth international contemporary style and rustic heritage pieces now coexisted in the same space without causing my clients decorating headaches. To organize future projects and to summarize personalized decorating tips, Redecorating Vancouver provided them with a written Design Plan at the conclusion of the consultation. Family is important to me. I recognize that items in my clients' homes have unseen significance. In this instance, I was able to gather items to create a grand-parents nook to honour the couple's family. We took advantage of an heirloom antique radio that belonged to the client's grandfather and a meaningful handmade table. It is both pleasing to the eye and a daily reminder to the couple of who really matters in a home: the family that lives in it.

The mixed metal of polished nickel and brushed brass adds a touch of glamour to the space. The polished nickel hardware on the cabinets and appliances caters to the contemporary tastes, while the brushed brass light fixtures above the island lend a sense of warmth and charm. These two finishes complement each other beautifully, creating a perfect balance between the cooler and warmer tones in the kitchen. The combination of these metals adds a unique touch that sets this clean line kitchen apart from others. In conclusion, this kitchen is the perfect blend of style and functionality, creating an atmosphere of modern luxury that will inspire anyone to cook and entertain.

Historic Swiss Avenue Kitchen Renovation Located in the heart of East Dallas, Swiss Avenue is renowned for its stately, historic homes that embody timeless elegance. Our recent kitchen renovation project at 5901 Swiss Avenue is a testament to preserving this charm while integrating modern functionality and style. Design Philosophy This kitchen embodies a transitional style with a strong nod to traditional elements, meticulously crafted to harmonize with the historical character of the home. The goal was to create a space that feels both contemporary and timeless, blending seamlessly with the home’s architectural heritage. Key Features and Materials • Countertops: The centerpiece of this kitchen is the stunning Cambria Portrush quartz countertops. With their luxurious marble-like veining, they provide a durable yet elegant surface that complements the overall aesthetic. • Sink and Faucet: At the heart of the prep area is the Kohler Whitehaven sink, known for its durability and classic appeal. Paired with a Newport Brass faucet, this combination ensures both functionality and a touch of sophistication. • Appliances: The kitchen is outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances that marry modern convenience with sleek design. The range top from Wolf offers professional-grade cooking capabilities, while the Sub-Zero refrigerator and Cove dishwasher ensure seamless, efficient kitchen operations. Design Elements • Cabinetry: Custom cabinetry, finished in a crisp white, offers ample storage and maintains a clean, cohesive look. The brass hardware adds a touch of warmth and vintage appeal, tying in beautifully with the historic nature of the home. • Lighting: A striking chandelier over the island serves as both a focal point and a functional element, casting a warm glow that enhances the kitchen’s welcoming atmosphere. • Backsplash: The herringbone tile backsplash adds texture and visual interest, providing a modern twist on a classic design. Functionality and Flow The layout of the kitchen was carefully planned to optimize space and functionality. The central island not only serves as a workspace and gathering spot but also anchors the kitchen, creating a natural flow for cooking and socializing. Ample natural light streams in from the large windows, enhancing the bright and airy feel of the space. Preserving History Special attention was given to ensuring that the renovation respects the home’s historical roots. Elements like the detailed cabinetry and the choice of classic materials were selected to honor the traditional craftsmanship and aesthetic of Swiss Avenue’s historic homes. Conclusion This kitchen on Swiss Avenue is more than just a cooking space; it’s a blend of past and present, a tribute to the home’s storied past with all the conveniences of modern living. Whether for intimate family meals or entertaining guests, this kitchen stands ready as the heart of the home, a place where history and contemporary life beautifully coexist.

a clean conclusion...
Example of an arts and crafts home design design in Other

This charming french cottage by the sea was the theme when designing and building this two story outdoor fireplace coupled by an intimate outdoor dining space. Perched up high off the living room and kitchen with patio doors enabling a fabulous outdoor setting. Outdoor living design and build by Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE making it conclusive that there is a difference between outdoor living and living outdoors fabulously and thats by DESIGN. www.OutdoorKitchenDesigner.com

Urban Family Retreat at Gampaha | A Vision of Seamless Flow In the heart of Gampaha, an extraordinary residential project has emerged—a refined family retreat that balances modern design with comfort and functionality. The "Pass By Spaces" concept, central to this architectural vision, ensures that each area of the home flows seamlessly into the next. This thoughtful design approach creates a sense of unity and connection throughout the home, offering a sophisticated yet tranquil living experience for its residents. The Design Concept: "Pass By Spaces" The underlying philosophy of the project centers on the concept of “Pass By Spaces”—a circulation strategy that serves as the spine of the home. By utilizing this continuous circulation, the design allows the different spaces to interact with one another naturally. From the family living room to the study, guest areas, and private bedrooms, each function flows into the next through this unified circulation, creating a harmonious journey through the home. This approach not only enhances spatial connectivity but also fosters a sense of movement, encouraging ease and fluidity in daily living. Architectural Team & Project Details • Principal Architect | Archt. Tharanga Hewage contact | 076 869 0315 • Junior Architects | Sewwandi Nayanathara / Isuri Hettiarachchi • Structural Engineer | Mr. Mahinda Rathnasiri • Contractor | Mr. Lal Anura | Lal Construction • Interior Architecture | Tharanga Hewage Chartered Architect • Interior design and Contractor | Monara Creations • Furniture | Singhe Furniture • Window Fashion | Dilshan Drapers • Wall Arts | Chakad Creation • Land Extent | 25.01 perches • Total Floor Area | 5059 sqft • Ground Floor | 2802 sqft • First Floor | 1878 sqft • Roof Slab & Terraces | 379 sqft • Photography | Ganidu Balasuriya photography • Videography | Neyomal Rangeeth Key Features of the Residence Exterior and Car Porch: The home’s exterior is marked by a sleek, modern design that complements its surroundings. A two-vehicle car porch provides ample space and easy access, while maintaining an elegant, minimalistic aesthetic. Main Circulation: The hallmark of this design is its single-spine circulation, which connects all key areas of the home. This circulation serves as the backbone of the house, facilitating smooth transitions between private and social spaces. The careful placement of rooms ensures that the flow is intuitive and unobtrusive, allowing each space to remain distinct while still being interconnected. Interior Layout: • Bedrooms: The home features five generously sized bedrooms, each designed to offer privacy and comfort. Some bedrooms include private terraces, providing residents with an intimate outdoor space. • Family & Guest Areas: The expansive family living room is a central gathering space, complemented by a mini pantry for convenience. A dedicated guest living and dining area ensures that visitors enjoy a separate, comfortable space. • Work & Study: A tranquil study room offers a quiet area for focus and reflection, while a flexible meeting room is perfect for professional engagements or personal gatherings. • Private Spaces: In addition to the main living areas, the home includes a maid’s room, a laundry room, and four well-appointed bathrooms, including a powder room for guests. • Storage & Utility: Thoughtful planning includes a generator room and ample storage space to meet the needs of modern living. Design Considerations A primary focus of the design is to maximize natural light and ventilation throughout the home. The strategic placement of windows, terraces, and open spaces ensures that every room benefits from an abundance of daylight and fresh air, creating an airy and welcoming environment. Sustainability also plays a key role in this design. Eco-friendly materials are incorporated to ensure energy efficiency, while landscaping is carefully integrated to maintain harmony between the indoors and the surrounding environment. These design elements allow the home to feel like a serene retreat amidst the urban landscape of Gampaha. Conclusion The “Pass By Spaces” design concept not only elevates the architectural experience but also fosters a sense of connection and tranquility for the residents of this urban family retreat. With a seamless flow between spaces, thoughtful use of materials, and an emphasis on sustainability, this home exemplifies a modern approach to residential design that prioritizes both style and functionality. For prospective homeowners looking to create a space that embodies both beauty and practicality, this project serves as a testament to what can be achieved through innovative design and meticulous attention to detail. Principal Architect | Archt. Tharanga Hewage contact | 076 869 0315 Website | Design portfolio https://www.tharangahewage.com/ https://www.behance.net/tharangaon71a4 Facebook Page | Instagram https://www.facebook.com/Archt.tharangahewage https://www.instagram.com/architect_tharanga_hewage/ YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZLpclw5H62sOfvBz94XFOA Linkedin http://www.linkedin.com/.../archt-tharanga-hewage-aia-sl... Copyright © 2025 | Archt. Tharanga Sandaruwan Hewage, B.Arch. (Hons), AIA(SL). All Rights Reserved.

Timber frame homes offer unique challenges during a remodel. What often makes them beautiful and attractive to most homeowners, also makes them challenging for space requirements. Context: The lovely couple that owned this home were struggling with some interesting floor plan challenges that just didn't work for their family. The loved the beautiful timbers and woodwork of their home, but the dramatically sloping ceilings on the second floor, particularly in the bathroom, just didn't work for this 1 1/2 bath home. Needing to use the skylight to approach the toilet was a less then ideal scenario. Although the bathroom footprint was more then adequate, the sloped ceiling only made half of the space useable. Check out the Before/After post on our blog to see the photos of the house pre-renovation. As much as they loved all the wood features in their home, another challenge they had was light. The wood ceiling made everything inside the house darker, even with a fantastic array of south facing windows, there were spaces in the home that felt dark and small. When they contacted us they wanted to know how could they make their brighter and more inviting, were there solutions to the 2nd floor sloped ceiling issues, and if they were going to do all of this work, how could they make their home more comfortable and efficient. A nagging water leak in the upstairs bathroom spurred them into action and here is how we solved their dilemma. Conclusion: First, we added a little dormer to the rear of the house so we could get full headroom in nearly all of the upstairs bathroom! Then we decided to extend that dormer one more timber bay over to create a walk in closet with natural light and plenty of space. Since we were contemplating energy efficiency, we resolved a nagging issue that is present in a lot of timber frame construction, air tightness. Commonly found in timber frame construction, fiberglass insulation is installed in the rafter bays and board ceilings are installed over top. Unfortunately, board ceilings are anything but air tight, and fiberglass insulation needs to be in an airtight cavity for maximum effectiveness. So we were able to solve two issues at the same time for this homeowner. We removed the board ceiling and fiberglass insulation, we dense packed the rafter bays with cellulose insulation, and installed sheetrock in place of the boards. The boards were salvaged for re-use by the homeowner, and the space and light quality was dramatically improved. Some may think that losing the board ceiling took something away from the space, but what you'll see in the pictures is that it highly accentuates the heavy timbers and really makes them stand out in a beautiful way. Now with this added airtightness, better insulation, and brighter space, the homeowner hardly runs their wood stove, and it's so quiet in the space, an added bonus from changing the insulation. It became necessary to also add a sheetrock ceiling to the living room to hide the plumbing from the new bathroom layout above. Changing this ceiling gave the homeowner some real quality lighting that was lacking in the living room before. The brighter ceiling and new lighting layout completely transforms the living room into a space you want to hang out, even though the layout didn't change at all. When the homeowner saw the finished spaces she said "I can't believe this is my house, I want to live in this house" Energy Efficiency: I touched a little on the efficiency above, but like all projects done with Mottram Architecture, we always want to leave you with a little extra. Timber frame construction with board ceilings and fiberglass insulation are notoriously leaky! If you want to know what we think about fiberglass insulation, check our our blog post on Why Fiberglass Insulation Sucks. By installing cellulose insulation and covering it with sheetrock we were able to greatly reduce the heat flowing out of this home. It not only improves cashflow it improves the comfort level in the space. Who wants to sit in their living room and feel a draft? Let us remind you, we are not saying cellulose insulation is an air barrier, we use the sheetrock to help with that, but it does significantly reduce the air flow over fiberglass insulation. And when we reduce the airflow, we reduce the heat flow. And when we reduce the heat flow, we reduce the need to re-heat that drafty air from outside. When it comes to energy efficiency the first and best place to start is air infiltration. We greatly reduced the air infiltration with the new insulation, but we also added a hat and warm boots. What I mean by that is, we improved the insulation in the roof, and we installed insulation in the basement. Maybe it's a silly analogy, but when you think about keeping warm, we always start with the hat and boots! With sustainability in mind, the next project will be to add a deck to the front of this house with rain catchment barrels from the metal roof. They are planning to plant a garden in the spring and the rain catchment system will help to irrigate the new garden. Builder: East Shore Builders Photographer: Michael Eric Berube

Global Garden is a workplace that minimizes the impact on the environment and considers the needs of its co-workers. The concept is formal garden layouts, and the main focus is easily accessible and convenient for co-workers. The office is fair use for individuals of all abilities in terms of the use of wayfinding and a variety of work settings. This Interior focuses on staying close to nature in various aspects to boost the level of well-being and increase employees' performance throughout the office. These crucial aspects of design will help flexibility, socialization, and productivity between individuals to contribute to the process of growth, learning, and transition. The collaborative design of the facility will inspire people to collaborate both in the office and with others globally. In Conclusion, the design for this specific space will be developed to create an atmosphere that encourages the inclusiveness of co-workers' safety and well-being. Designer Credit: https://www.instagram.com/mahsa_intd/

The clients called me on the recommendation from a neighbor of mine who had met them at a conference and learned of their need for an architect. They contacted me and after meeting to discuss their project they invited me to visit their site, not far from White Salmon in Washington State. Initially, the couple discussed building a ‘Weekend’ retreat on their 20± acres of land. Their site was in the foothills of a range of mountains that offered views of both Mt. Adams to the North and Mt. Hood to the South. They wanted to develop a place that was ‘cabin-like’ but with a degree of refinement to it and take advantage of the primary views to the north, south and west. They also wanted to have a strong connection to their immediate outdoors. Before long my clients came to the conclusion that they no longer perceived this as simply a weekend retreat but were now interested in making this their primary residence. With this new focus we concentrated on keeping the refined cabin approach but needed to add some additional functions and square feet to the original program. They wanted to downsize from their current 3,500± SF city residence to a more modest 2,000 – 2,500 SF space. They desired a singular open Living, Dining and Kitchen area but needed to have a separate room for their television and upright piano. They were empty nesters and wanted only two bedrooms and decided that they would have two ‘Master’ bedrooms, one on the lower floor and the other on the upper floor (they planned to build additional ‘Guest’ cabins to accommodate others in the near future). The original scheme for the weekend retreat was only one floor with the second bedroom tucked away on the north side of the house next to the breezeway opposite of the carport. Another consideration that we had to resolve was that the particular location that was deemed the best building site had diametrically opposed advantages and disadvantages. The views and primary solar orientations were also the source of the prevailing winds, out of the Southwest. The resolve was to provide a semi-circular low-profile earth berm on the south/southwest side of the structure to serve as a wind-foil directing the strongest breezes up and over the structure. Because our selected site was in a saddle of land that then sloped off to the south/southwest the combination of the earth berm and the sloping hill would effectively created a ‘nestled’ form allowing the winds rushing up the hillside to shoot over most of the house. This allowed me to keep the favorable orientation to both the views and sun without being completely compromised by the winds.

Anne Mathias
Example of a large transitional ceramic tile sunroom design in St Louis with a standard ceiling

360 Improvements is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking to build a new deck or renovate an existing one. There are many reasons why you should consider hiring them for your next deck project. Expertise and Experience: 360 Improvements has a team of experienced professionals who specialize in deck construction. They have been building decks for many years and have the expertise to handle any type of deck project, big or small. Quality Materials: 360 Improvements uses only the highest quality materials for their deck builds. They know that using quality materials ensures a deck that will last for many years and withstand the elements. Custom Design: Every deck that 360 Improvements builds is customized to meet the client's specific needs and preferences. They take into consideration factors such as the size of the deck, the layout, and the style, to create a unique and functional space that complements the existing property. Competitive Pricing: 360 Improvements offers competitive pricing for their deck builds without compromising on quality. They strive to provide their clients with the best value for their money. Customer Satisfaction: 360 Improvements is committed to providing excellent customer service and ensuring that their clients are completely satisfied with their deck build. They work closely with their clients to ensure that their vision is brought to life and that the finished product exceeds their expectations. In conclusion, hiring 360 Improvements for your next deck build is a smart decision. With their expertise, quality materials, custom design, competitive pricing, and commitment to customer satisfaction, they are a reliable and trustworthy choice for any deck project.

This Poolside Patio Kitchen & Living Area project consisted of a large multiple tier Techo-Bloc Patio surrounding the inground swimming pool complete with pergola, outdoor kitchen, and landscape lighting. The project began with the installation of the upper patio at the back entrance to the home. Following installation of this patio the pool was then installed. an outdoor entrqace from the basement was installed with poured concrete sidewalls and steps. After main installation of the pool was complete we installed a large redi-rock retaining wall around the perimeter of the property to bring it up to grade. We then began with surrounding techo bloc patio around the pool with additional walkway from the backyard to the driveway at the side of the home. Planting beds with landscaping and landscape lighting were installed around the patio and backyard area. The top patio was outfitted with a challenger outdoor kitchen Including a 32” grill with rotisserie and sear burner, grill cover, built-in trash can drawer, sink and faucet, multiple cabinets for added storage and a beautiful granite counter top. A large cedar pergola was installed over the raised patio area. The pergola is attached to house and includes down lights installed in pergola rafters. The landscape lighting system is installed using FX Luminaire system, with zoning, dimming, and color changing capabilities. This is the first Phase of a two phase project to also include outdoor audio, lower patio area, pavilion, and fire feature. Stay tuned for the epic conclusion.

Welcome to the epitome of modern elegance - a contemporary guest home remodel that seamlessly blends luxury, style, and functionality. Our latest project showcases a masterful transformation, featuring a captivating palette of design elements that redefine sophistication. The walls of the bathroom have been adorned with turquoise fish scale wall tiles, creating a visually stunning focal point. The intricate pattern and vibrant hue of the tiles evoke a sense of underwater tranquility, transforming the space into a sanctuary of relaxation. **Drop-In Tub:** A centerpiece of indulgence, the drop-in tub invites you to immerse yourself in a world of serenity. Its sleek design and comfortable contours redefine the bathing experience, offering a perfect balance between modern aesthetics and timeless comfort. Get ready to unwind in the embrace of luxury. **Brass Fixtures:** Elevating the entire space are the exquisite brass fixtures that add a touch of opulence to every corner. The fixtures, with their warm and lustrous finish, complement the turquoise tiles beautifully, creating a harmonious symphony of colors and textures. The choice of brass introduces a timeless and sophisticated element to the contemporary design. **Retail Vanity:** Completing the ensemble is a meticulously selected retail vanity that seamlessly combines functionality with style. The vanity not only serves as a practical storage solution but also contributes to the overall aesthetic with its clean lines and modern design. Its contrasting elements add depth to the space, creating a perfect balance of form and function. In conclusion, this contemporary guest home remodel is a testament to the art of thoughtful design. The turquoise fish scale wall tile, drop-in tub, brass fixtures, and retail vanity come together to create an oasis of luxury and sophistication. Step into a world where every detail has been carefully curated to provide a truly exceptional and memorable experience. Welcome to a space where modernity meets indulgence, and comfort meets style.