Returning home after more than a decade living and working in Taiwan, our client envisioned something entirely different from the French Colonial aesthetic of his early-1990s Beaverton home. Through a comprehensive design-build renovation, this Portland metro whole-house remodel transformed a conventional suburban residence into a richly layered retreat inspired by global travel, natural materials, and timeless craftsmanship. The result is a warm, sophisticated home designed to showcase treasured artifacts and collectibles gathered from years abroad while providing modern functionality for everyday living. From the moment you enter, the home's new character unfolds through a carefully curated palette of wood, stone, and metal. Rich ebony-stained knotty alder millwork draws the eye through the entry, where a newly created mudroom replaces the former office space. Beyond a set of dramatic barn doors, a striking stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, anchored by a reclaimed wood mantel and rustic ceiling beams that add warmth and architectural depth. Nearby, the sunroom was completely refreshed through thoughtful window modifications and custom trim detailing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The kitchen serves as the heart of the renovation, blending rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship. Custom alder cabinetry is paired with layered metal finishes, allowing subtle copper and bronze undertones to emerge from creamy quartz countertops. A textured slate backsplash echoes the flagstone-inspired flooring, while a newly created butler's pantry provides both beauty and functionality. Each material was selected to evoke the authenticity of old-world craftsmanship while supporting the practical needs of modern living. One of the home's most dramatic architectural transformations is the custom floating staircase. Designed as both a sculptural centerpiece and a solution to circulation challenges, the staircase opens previously constricted pathways and enhances the home's flow. Hand-tooled hickory wraps each tread while weathered metal accents provide subtle industrial character. Upstairs, creative space planning allowed for the addition of a discreet laundry nook within an underutilized hallway area, improving convenience without sacrificing valuable living space. The primary suite continues the home's story of understated luxury and global influence. Rustic ceiling beams mirror those seen throughout the main level, creating visual continuity and warmth. An antique carved door serves as a distinctive feature within the reconfigured closet layout, while the primary bathroom embraces a calming combination of stone, concrete, and matte black finishes. Large-format tile arranged in a custom Versailles-inspired pattern guides the eye through the spa-like retreat, where natural textures and abundant daylight create a serene atmosphere. While the main and upper levels celebrate warmth and global influence, the basement renovation introduces an entirely different layer of the home's personality. To create the ultimate entertainment destination, the basement footprint was extended approximately seven feet beyond the original foundation, transforming previously underutilized space into a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering environment. Inspired by cultured industrial design, the newly expanded lower level was envisioned as a place where family and friends could relax, connect, and enjoy the home's resort-like backyard amenities. At the heart of the basement renovation is a custom entertainment bar featuring reclaimed rustic cabinetry and chiseled-edge granite countertops that emphasize the natural character of the materials. Accordion-style serving windows create a direct connection between the interior bar and the outdoor living spaces, allowing drinks, food, and conversation to flow effortlessly between the entertainment room and the backyard pool, hot tub, and professionally landscaped grounds. The result is a true indoor-outdoor living experience designed for year-round enjoyment. The expansive recreation area accommodates a variety of activities while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. A shuffleboard table, billiards area, and casual bar dining space provide multiple destinations for gathering, all unified by a sophisticated palette of brick, concrete, wood, and metal. Slim-profile brick walls introduce texture and authenticity, while custom decorative painting techniques create the appearance of cast concrete accent walls, reinforcing the basement's refined industrial character without overwhelming the space. Supporting spaces throughout the lower level were equally transformed. An outdated bathroom was fully renovated to reflect the home's dark and moody aesthetic, incorporating a curbless shower, rustic vanity, and layered finishes that balance comfort with style. Two underutilized bedrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to better support the homeowner's lifestyle, with one becoming a dedicated home office and the other opening into a flexible music room designed for creativity and relaxation. Additional unfinished crawlspace and storage areas were reclaimed to create a private home gym, maximizing every square foot of the home's footprint. The renovation extended beyond the interior walls of the home. A newly rebuilt two-story deck strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing multiple vantage points overlooking the backyard retreat. On the upper level, adjacent to the primary suite, a new enclosed sunroom addition creates a peaceful sanctuary elevated among the trees. Together, these exterior improvements complement the home's interior transformation, enhancing both livability and year-round enjoyment while creating a true extension of the living space outdoors. Behind the finished spaces, this Beaverton full home remodel required significant structural and technical expertise. Replacing the original staircase involved extensive modifications to the upper-floor framing system, including the installation of concealed supports for the floating treads and the creation of a new landing structure. Throughout the home, natural materials presented unique installation challenges. The dimensional variation of the slate backsplash required each stone to be precisely shaped around electrical devices and surrounding elements, while reclaimed wood beams demanded extensive preparation before they could be securely installed. Careful coordination among multiple trades ensured every custom detail performed as beautifully as it appeared. Because the homeowner remained in Taiwan for much of the renovation, collaboration relied on a highly organized design-build process and frequent communication across a fourteen-hour time difference. Detailed design presentations, material selections, and construction updates allowed key decisions to be made efficiently, even from across the globe. This partnership enabled the project team to successfully execute a highly customized vision despite logistical complexities and construction delays outside of the project's control. Strategic planning also played a crucial role in maintaining the project budget. While the homeowner initially envisioned reclaimed wood flooring and natural flagstone throughout the home, carefully selected engineered hardwood and porcelain tile provided a similar aesthetic with improved performance and cost efficiency. Authenticity was preserved through the use of genuine stone at key focal points, including the fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, as well as reclaimed wood incorporated into architectural beam details. Existing high-quality windows were retained and transformed through selective replacement, custom trim work, and thoughtful refinishing, delivering the desired look while avoiding unnecessary expense. Additional savings came from a creative exterior repair solution that replicated the home's original stucco detailing without requiring a complete façade replacement. This luxury Beaverton whole-house renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can completely reimagine an existing home. Through strategic space planning, custom craftsmanship, and budget-conscious decision making, a dated suburban residence was transformed into a distinctive rustic contemporary retreat that reflects its owner's global experiences, personal story, and vision for home.

The owners of a Bethesda home purchased the property next door with the intent to combine the two lots and build an addition to their existing house. They wanted a swimming pool with an outdoor living area, a two-car garage, family room, kitchenette, and guest suite. The client wanted a place to park two sports cars. The new garage is 625 sq.ft. We installed a heavy-duty elastomeric-coated floor that has a high polish. Our team reviewed the site and what it would look like once the neighboring house was demolished. One of the crucial goals of the designers was to locate the pool behind the addition and keep the massing of the addition down to retain sunlight to the pool in the summer without the new structure or existing house shading the pool. Framing. We ordered pre-built trusses for the roof of the addition. Pre-built trusses are more common in new house construction, but it was the most efficient way to frame the structure. The trusses were delivered to the jobsite and we hired a crane and operator to lift them onto the structure where our crew fit them in place. Though there is currently no connection between the second floor of the main house and the second floor of the addition, the trusses were designed to allow for a future connection, should the clients want. For the two openings that connect the main floor of the house to the main floor of the addition, we waited until we had almost completed the framing before we cut through the back wall of the house. Exterior Finishes. For the siding, we used real stucco to match the stucco on the existing home. We added Hardipanel with a stucco pattern as an accent. We also matched the existing home’s roofing for the addition. Upper level. The second floor of the addition is 632 sq.f.t and has a sitting area/exercise space, a full bath, bedroom and a storage closet. The trusses were designed so the clients can eventually connect the addition through the second floor of the main house. The railings on the stairs to this level match the railing in the main house. Michael K. Wilkinson

The updated mudroom created a space that seamlessly connects to the kitchen, laundry room, walk-in closet, and powder bath while also serving as a comfortable haven for the family’s furry friends when they are away. To maximize functionality, we included open spaces under the bench for dog bowls and storage baskets for shoes, hats, and mittens. A myriad of hooks lines the walls, ensuring that there is a dedicated place for every coat and school bag. One of the most heartwarming features of this project is the wood bench top, lovingly handcrafted by the homeowner’s dad. It adds a personal and rustic touch to the space, making it truly unique. For added durability, we incorporated shiplap on the walls. Not only does it add a chic and contemporary aesthetic, but it’s also designed to withstand the wear and tear of a high-traffic area. Tying the mudroom and connected laundry room together is a beautiful wood-look tile floor, combining the timeless appeal of wood with the durability of tile. The vertical grain laminate textured melamine cabinets also tie the spaces together which were designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use. The laundry room quadrupled in size, and this expansion allowed us to introduce a range of practical and stylish features, perfect for this large family. Stacking the full-size washer and dryer was a game-changer, as it opened up valuable space for additional counter space, a sink, and ample storage. The project didn’t stop at the laundry room. A wall of 15″ deep pantries was added, along with an extra refrigerator. This provides ample storage space for small appliances and extra food, which is especially useful for a family with growing boys. A frosted glass door connects the laundry room to the wet bar area of the kitchen/dining room, facilitating easy access when entertaining. Furthermore, there is an exterior door leading to the backyard, ensuring that the space is not only practical but also connected to the outdoor living area. This project showcases our commitment to marrying functionality, elegance, and innovation. If you have a unique vision for your kitchen, our team at Crystal Kitchen is here to turn it into a reality. Contact us today and let’s create your dream space together!

An expressive family home in Clapham. The Brief The brief was to create a new ground floor. It needed to be a flexible home capable of accommodating guests of all ages whilst maintaining purpose and separation between spaces. The Solution We proposed re-routing the hallway to become a central corridor through the ground floor plan. This would connect the rear and front halves of the property across a series of staggered level changes. We also wanted to create an enlarged rear space for entertainment that linked to the garden space. The removal of an existing courtyard allowed for the insertion of a boot room and relocated WC central to the plan. Separating the distinctly classical detailing of the front reception and dining room, which emphasises our clients’ favoured style and family backgrounds, from the sleek contemporary rear kitchen and entertainment space was successfully enhanced by the varied format of the timber flooring from Trunk. Maintaining visual connectivity was achieved by way of two sizeable glazed pocket doors that enable the two halves of the plan to be differentiated from each other. At the same time, the use of internal glazing supports views through the property to the remodelled rear garden. The bespoke designed kitchen from Eclectic Interiors introduces the user to the modernised rear extension, which features sharp detailing and a splash of colour from the feature media unit designed by our interiors team. The symmetrical rear elevation carries through to the garden making for an interconnected, seamless transition through the property. The Result The combination of classical and contemporary elements marry together well to support flexible family living and entertaining. Our clients are delighted with the outcome and feel that it meets their brief and design aspirations.

Elevated Living in Highland Park ​Blairsville, Georgia — Located in the Highland Park community of North Georgia, “Winding Ridge,” designed by James Knight, combines natural materials with clean, contemporary design for a home that is both functional and well-suited to its mountain setting. ​ Home Details ​ The home includes 5,808 heated square feet, organized to support both everyday living and hosting guests. The exterior features white board-and-batten siding, dark roofing, and warm wood accents for a balanced, modern mountain aesthetic. ​ Main Level: Three bedrooms and three bathrooms provide convenient, stair-free living. Upper Level: The primary suite occupies the entire top floor, offering added privacy and access to a balcony with views of the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains. Lower Level: Two additional bedrooms and two bathrooms create flexible space for guests, extended family, or recreation Practical Connections The layout prioritizes efficiency and organization. A mudroom and laundry room connect the two-car garage to the main living areas, creating a practical transition space. Above the garage, a semi-attached in-law suite offers a private living area that remains connected to the main home while allowing for independence.​ Outdoor Living Outdoor spaces are designed to function as an extension of the interior. The covered entertaining area includes: ​ A kitchenette for outdoor meals A stone fireplace with seating beneath a timber-frame ceiling Expansive decking overlooking the North Georgia mountain ​ Winding Ridge is a thoughtfully planned custom home that balances scale, comfort, and connection to its surroundings.

Elevated Living in Highland Park ​Blairsville, Georgia — Located in the Highland Park community of North Georgia, “Winding Ridge,” designed by James Knight, combines natural materials with clean, contemporary design for a home that is both functional and well-suited to its mountain setting. ​ Home Details ​ The home includes 5,808 heated square feet, organized to support both everyday living and hosting guests. The exterior features white board-and-batten siding, dark roofing, and warm wood accents for a balanced, modern mountain aesthetic. ​ Main Level: Three bedrooms and three bathrooms provide convenient, stair-free living. Upper Level: The primary suite occupies the entire top floor, offering added privacy and access to a balcony with views of the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains. Lower Level: Two additional bedrooms and two bathrooms create flexible space for guests, extended family, or recreation Practical Connections The layout prioritizes efficiency and organization. A mudroom and laundry room connect the two-car garage to the main living areas, creating a practical transition space. Above the garage, a semi-attached in-law suite offers a private living area that remains connected to the main home while allowing for independence.​ Outdoor Living Outdoor spaces are designed to function as an extension of the interior. The covered entertaining area includes: ​ A kitchenette for outdoor meals A stone fireplace with seating beneath a timber-frame ceiling Expansive decking overlooking the North Georgia mountain ​ Winding Ridge is a thoughtfully planned custom home that balances scale, comfort, and connection to its surroundings.

Technology and function. While a TV is the centerpiece of a traditional family room, Ferrer eschewed the eyesore of a wall-mounted TV and tucked it away in a custom-built Cabinet Tronix television cabinet. With a touch of a button, the TV emerges, neatly and discretely, connected to half a dozen media peripherals, including a Blu-Ray player and X-Box, which are also hidden away, enclosed in a compartment at the bottom of the unit. Inside the cabinet, the family’s former tiny TV was upsized and upgraded with a 43" TCL Roku TV. Since streaming is the new cable, the family cut the cord, and cost, and now uses a TERK Trinity Indoor Amplified HDTV antenna to get basic channels sans subscription. Atop the cabinet, a stylish Sonos Playbar connects to the TV via optical cable and lends rich AV sound. The app-controlled system connects with other Sonos speakers in the house to stream free and paid playlists from sites like Pandora, Amazon Music, and Spotify. To amplify Wi-Fi throughout the house, a TP-Link VR900 modem/router is paired with the eero extender system to boost bufferless audio and video streaming. Above the lift cabinet, Ferrer used the wall space as a projection screen for a ZTE Spro2 projector. The palm-sized tablet-like projector transforms the living room into a cinema, streaming directly from the device or connecting to other devices via USB or HDMI cable. After some research, Ferrer learned that the best color wall for projection was not white, as one might expect, but grey. She chose Sherwin-Williams Passive Gray to make the colors pop and show vividly on the wall.

Returning home after more than a decade living and working in Taiwan, our client envisioned something entirely different from the French Colonial aesthetic of his early-1990s Beaverton home. Through a comprehensive design-build renovation, this Portland metro whole-house remodel transformed a conventional suburban residence into a richly layered retreat inspired by global travel, natural materials, and timeless craftsmanship. The result is a warm, sophisticated home designed to showcase treasured artifacts and collectibles gathered from years abroad while providing modern functionality for everyday living. From the moment you enter, the home's new character unfolds through a carefully curated palette of wood, stone, and metal. Rich ebony-stained knotty alder millwork draws the eye through the entry, where a newly created mudroom replaces the former office space. Beyond a set of dramatic barn doors, a striking stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, anchored by a reclaimed wood mantel and rustic ceiling beams that add warmth and architectural depth. Nearby, the sunroom was completely refreshed through thoughtful window modifications and custom trim detailing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The kitchen serves as the heart of the renovation, blending rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship. Custom alder cabinetry is paired with layered metal finishes, allowing subtle copper and bronze undertones to emerge from creamy quartz countertops. A textured slate backsplash echoes the flagstone-inspired flooring, while a newly created butler's pantry provides both beauty and functionality. Each material was selected to evoke the authenticity of old-world craftsmanship while supporting the practical needs of modern living. One of the home's most dramatic architectural transformations is the custom floating staircase. Designed as both a sculptural centerpiece and a solution to circulation challenges, the staircase opens previously constricted pathways and enhances the home's flow. Hand-tooled hickory wraps each tread while weathered metal accents provide subtle industrial character. Upstairs, creative space planning allowed for the addition of a discreet laundry nook within an underutilized hallway area, improving convenience without sacrificing valuable living space. The primary suite continues the home's story of understated luxury and global influence. Rustic ceiling beams mirror those seen throughout the main level, creating visual continuity and warmth. An antique carved door serves as a distinctive feature within the reconfigured closet layout, while the primary bathroom embraces a calming combination of stone, concrete, and matte black finishes. Large-format tile arranged in a custom Versailles-inspired pattern guides the eye through the spa-like retreat, where natural textures and abundant daylight create a serene atmosphere. While the main and upper levels celebrate warmth and global influence, the basement renovation introduces an entirely different layer of the home's personality. To create the ultimate entertainment destination, the basement footprint was extended approximately seven feet beyond the original foundation, transforming previously underutilized space into a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering environment. Inspired by cultured industrial design, the newly expanded lower level was envisioned as a place where family and friends could relax, connect, and enjoy the home's resort-like backyard amenities. At the heart of the basement renovation is a custom entertainment bar featuring reclaimed rustic cabinetry and chiseled-edge granite countertops that emphasize the natural character of the materials. Accordion-style serving windows create a direct connection between the interior bar and the outdoor living spaces, allowing drinks, food, and conversation to flow effortlessly between the entertainment room and the backyard pool, hot tub, and professionally landscaped grounds. The result is a true indoor-outdoor living experience designed for year-round enjoyment. The expansive recreation area accommodates a variety of activities while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. A shuffleboard table, billiards area, and casual bar dining space provide multiple destinations for gathering, all unified by a sophisticated palette of brick, concrete, wood, and metal. Slim-profile brick walls introduce texture and authenticity, while custom decorative painting techniques create the appearance of cast concrete accent walls, reinforcing the basement's refined industrial character without overwhelming the space. Supporting spaces throughout the lower level were equally transformed. An outdated bathroom was fully renovated to reflect the home's dark and moody aesthetic, incorporating a curbless shower, rustic vanity, and layered finishes that balance comfort with style. Two underutilized bedrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to better support the homeowner's lifestyle, with one becoming a dedicated home office and the other opening into a flexible music room designed for creativity and relaxation. Additional unfinished crawlspace and storage areas were reclaimed to create a private home gym, maximizing every square foot of the home's footprint. The renovation extended beyond the interior walls of the home. A newly rebuilt two-story deck strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing multiple vantage points overlooking the backyard retreat. On the upper level, adjacent to the primary suite, a new enclosed sunroom addition creates a peaceful sanctuary elevated among the trees. Together, these exterior improvements complement the home's interior transformation, enhancing both livability and year-round enjoyment while creating a true extension of the living space outdoors. Behind the finished spaces, this Beaverton full home remodel required significant structural and technical expertise. Replacing the original staircase involved extensive modifications to the upper-floor framing system, including the installation of concealed supports for the floating treads and the creation of a new landing structure. Throughout the home, natural materials presented unique installation challenges. The dimensional variation of the slate backsplash required each stone to be precisely shaped around electrical devices and surrounding elements, while reclaimed wood beams demanded extensive preparation before they could be securely installed. Careful coordination among multiple trades ensured every custom detail performed as beautifully as it appeared. Because the homeowner remained in Taiwan for much of the renovation, collaboration relied on a highly organized design-build process and frequent communication across a fourteen-hour time difference. Detailed design presentations, material selections, and construction updates allowed key decisions to be made efficiently, even from across the globe. This partnership enabled the project team to successfully execute a highly customized vision despite logistical complexities and construction delays outside of the project's control. Strategic planning also played a crucial role in maintaining the project budget. While the homeowner initially envisioned reclaimed wood flooring and natural flagstone throughout the home, carefully selected engineered hardwood and porcelain tile provided a similar aesthetic with improved performance and cost efficiency. Authenticity was preserved through the use of genuine stone at key focal points, including the fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, as well as reclaimed wood incorporated into architectural beam details. Existing high-quality windows were retained and transformed through selective replacement, custom trim work, and thoughtful refinishing, delivering the desired look while avoiding unnecessary expense. Additional savings came from a creative exterior repair solution that replicated the home's original stucco detailing without requiring a complete façade replacement. This luxury Beaverton whole-house renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can completely reimagine an existing home. Through strategic space planning, custom craftsmanship, and budget-conscious decision making, a dated suburban residence was transformed into a distinctive rustic contemporary retreat that reflects its owner's global experiences, personal story, and vision for home.

Elevated Living in Highland Park ​Blairsville, Georgia — Located in the Highland Park community of North Georgia, “Winding Ridge,” designed by James Knight, combines natural materials with clean, contemporary design for a home that is both functional and well-suited to its mountain setting. ​ Home Details ​ The home includes 5,808 heated square feet, organized to support both everyday living and hosting guests. The exterior features white board-and-batten siding, dark roofing, and warm wood accents for a balanced, modern mountain aesthetic. ​ Main Level: Three bedrooms and three bathrooms provide convenient, stair-free living. Upper Level: The primary suite occupies the entire top floor, offering added privacy and access to a balcony with views of the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains. Lower Level: Two additional bedrooms and two bathrooms create flexible space for guests, extended family, or recreation Practical Connections The layout prioritizes efficiency and organization. A mudroom and laundry room connect the two-car garage to the main living areas, creating a practical transition space. Above the garage, a semi-attached in-law suite offers a private living area that remains connected to the main home while allowing for independence.​ Outdoor Living Outdoor spaces are designed to function as an extension of the interior. The covered entertaining area includes: ​ A kitchenette for outdoor meals A stone fireplace with seating beneath a timber-frame ceiling Expansive decking overlooking the North Georgia mountain ​ Winding Ridge is a thoughtfully planned custom home that balances scale, comfort, and connection to its surroundings.

This Virginia couple recently moved into a five-acre lot in Haymarket, VA with the expectation of adding an in-law suite to the right side of their home. The addition provides complete independence, with its own garage, secondary garage/storage space with built-in ramp, workshop, a master suite and closet, an aging-in-place bathroom, kitchen, and a main living area, along with a front porch overlooking the front of the home. This couple wanted to maintain the exterior integrity with a seamless connection between the interior and exterior of the home. Matching the front gables, stone and siding fronts, replicating the fascia, windows and doors, garage doors and other details. The front porch leads to the front door of the main living and kitchen area towards the rear portion. A side door leads into the mudroom and existing home. The rear side includes a master bedroom suite which leads towards twelve feet of French doors on the back deck of the existing home, connecting the new deck to the existing porch. A large closet space with built-ins is placed just off the bedroom and connects to the master bathroom suite. This bathroom is equipped with large walk-in shower, frameless glass door, a soaking tub, beautiful tile setting, and double vanity space giving the luxury one needs. The lead staircase connects the upstairs level to the basement level, which includes one multipurpose room, second garage, storage and a workshop. Lots of windows and doors allow plenty of daylight to enter this addition. Outside of the French doors, one can walk onto the basketball court and soccer. Every element of the existing home was replicated for this addition such as, matching cabinetry, trim work, 10 foot ceiling, wide size wood plank, granite countertops and much more. The front garage provides direct access from driveway and the interior ramp serves as a walkway. This family is delighted to have their loved one living just few steps away from them.

HAWTHORNE HAMPTONS The Hawthorne House is a fusion between the Classic Queenslander and Hampton style home. The Harmony between the 2-style work well together and we had to be sympathetic to the existing pre-1946 character home. The street scape had to be fused together between old and new so the house read as one and would stand the test of time. The clients brief was to make the house more functional for the family with more space and usable areas that connected all spaces to the outdoors. The lower rooms still had to capture natural light and breeze but have a connection to the outdoor courtyard area. The current house lacked views of the Brisbane city so the key for the design was to enhance the city views from the upstairs living areas with large doors and windows that framed the city. The client particular wanted WOW features in the house. Upon arriving at the entrance, a large void/Entrance carries your attention up through the house with the stunning coffered ceilings and wainscoting drawings your eyes to the upper floors. The 1st floor was all about connecting the living areas together while enjoying the amazing Brisbane city views. The heart of the house is the Kitchen that connects the indoors and outdoors together. Outdoors is where the family can enjoy their summer days around the pool area.Hawthorne House is a truly stunning house with Hampton details that make this house a truly enjoyable house to live in.

An expressive family home in Clapham. The Brief The brief was to create a new ground floor. It needed to be a flexible home capable of accommodating guests of all ages whilst maintaining purpose and separation between spaces. The Solution We proposed re-routing the hallway to become a central corridor through the ground floor plan. This would connect the rear and front halves of the property across a series of staggered level changes. We also wanted to create an enlarged rear space for entertainment that linked to the garden space. The removal of an existing courtyard allowed for the insertion of a boot room and relocated WC central to the plan. Separating the distinctly classical detailing of the front reception and dining room, which emphasises our clients’ favoured style and family backgrounds, from the sleek contemporary rear kitchen and entertainment space was successfully enhanced by the varied format of the timber flooring from Trunk. Maintaining visual connectivity was achieved by way of two sizeable glazed pocket doors that enable the two halves of the plan to be differentiated from each other. At the same time, the use of internal glazing supports views through the property to the remodelled rear garden. The bespoke designed kitchen from Eclectic Interiors introduces the user to the modernised rear extension, which features sharp detailing and a splash of colour from the feature media unit designed by our interiors team. The symmetrical rear elevation carries through to the garden making for an interconnected, seamless transition through the property. The Result The combination of classical and contemporary elements marry together well to support flexible family living and entertaining. Our clients are delighted with the outcome and feel that it meets their brief and design aspirations.

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.

Returning home after more than a decade living and working in Taiwan, our client envisioned something entirely different from the French Colonial aesthetic of his early-1990s Beaverton home. Through a comprehensive design-build renovation, this Portland metro whole-house remodel transformed a conventional suburban residence into a richly layered retreat inspired by global travel, natural materials, and timeless craftsmanship. The result is a warm, sophisticated home designed to showcase treasured artifacts and collectibles gathered from years abroad while providing modern functionality for everyday living. From the moment you enter, the home's new character unfolds through a carefully curated palette of wood, stone, and metal. Rich ebony-stained knotty alder millwork draws the eye through the entry, where a newly created mudroom replaces the former office space. Beyond a set of dramatic barn doors, a striking stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, anchored by a reclaimed wood mantel and rustic ceiling beams that add warmth and architectural depth. Nearby, the sunroom was completely refreshed through thoughtful window modifications and custom trim detailing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The kitchen serves as the heart of the renovation, blending rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship. Custom alder cabinetry is paired with layered metal finishes, allowing subtle copper and bronze undertones to emerge from creamy quartz countertops. A textured slate backsplash echoes the flagstone-inspired flooring, while a newly created butler's pantry provides both beauty and functionality. Each material was selected to evoke the authenticity of old-world craftsmanship while supporting the practical needs of modern living. One of the home's most dramatic architectural transformations is the custom floating staircase. Designed as both a sculptural centerpiece and a solution to circulation challenges, the staircase opens previously constricted pathways and enhances the home's flow. Hand-tooled hickory wraps each tread while weathered metal accents provide subtle industrial character. Upstairs, creative space planning allowed for the addition of a discreet laundry nook within an underutilized hallway area, improving convenience without sacrificing valuable living space. The primary suite continues the home's story of understated luxury and global influence. Rustic ceiling beams mirror those seen throughout the main level, creating visual continuity and warmth. An antique carved door serves as a distinctive feature within the reconfigured closet layout, while the primary bathroom embraces a calming combination of stone, concrete, and matte black finishes. Large-format tile arranged in a custom Versailles-inspired pattern guides the eye through the spa-like retreat, where natural textures and abundant daylight create a serene atmosphere. While the main and upper levels celebrate warmth and global influence, the basement renovation introduces an entirely different layer of the home's personality. To create the ultimate entertainment destination, the basement footprint was extended approximately seven feet beyond the original foundation, transforming previously underutilized space into a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering environment. Inspired by cultured industrial design, the newly expanded lower level was envisioned as a place where family and friends could relax, connect, and enjoy the home's resort-like backyard amenities. At the heart of the basement renovation is a custom entertainment bar featuring reclaimed rustic cabinetry and chiseled-edge granite countertops that emphasize the natural character of the materials. Accordion-style serving windows create a direct connection between the interior bar and the outdoor living spaces, allowing drinks, food, and conversation to flow effortlessly between the entertainment room and the backyard pool, hot tub, and professionally landscaped grounds. The result is a true indoor-outdoor living experience designed for year-round enjoyment. The expansive recreation area accommodates a variety of activities while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. A shuffleboard table, billiards area, and casual bar dining space provide multiple destinations for gathering, all unified by a sophisticated palette of brick, concrete, wood, and metal. Slim-profile brick walls introduce texture and authenticity, while custom decorative painting techniques create the appearance of cast concrete accent walls, reinforcing the basement's refined industrial character without overwhelming the space. Supporting spaces throughout the lower level were equally transformed. An outdated bathroom was fully renovated to reflect the home's dark and moody aesthetic, incorporating a curbless shower, rustic vanity, and layered finishes that balance comfort with style. Two underutilized bedrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to better support the homeowner's lifestyle, with one becoming a dedicated home office and the other opening into a flexible music room designed for creativity and relaxation. Additional unfinished crawlspace and storage areas were reclaimed to create a private home gym, maximizing every square foot of the home's footprint. The renovation extended beyond the interior walls of the home. A newly rebuilt two-story deck strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing multiple vantage points overlooking the backyard retreat. On the upper level, adjacent to the primary suite, a new enclosed sunroom addition creates a peaceful sanctuary elevated among the trees. Together, these exterior improvements complement the home's interior transformation, enhancing both livability and year-round enjoyment while creating a true extension of the living space outdoors. Behind the finished spaces, this Beaverton full home remodel required significant structural and technical expertise. Replacing the original staircase involved extensive modifications to the upper-floor framing system, including the installation of concealed supports for the floating treads and the creation of a new landing structure. Throughout the home, natural materials presented unique installation challenges. The dimensional variation of the slate backsplash required each stone to be precisely shaped around electrical devices and surrounding elements, while reclaimed wood beams demanded extensive preparation before they could be securely installed. Careful coordination among multiple trades ensured every custom detail performed as beautifully as it appeared. Because the homeowner remained in Taiwan for much of the renovation, collaboration relied on a highly organized design-build process and frequent communication across a fourteen-hour time difference. Detailed design presentations, material selections, and construction updates allowed key decisions to be made efficiently, even from across the globe. This partnership enabled the project team to successfully execute a highly customized vision despite logistical complexities and construction delays outside of the project's control. Strategic planning also played a crucial role in maintaining the project budget. While the homeowner initially envisioned reclaimed wood flooring and natural flagstone throughout the home, carefully selected engineered hardwood and porcelain tile provided a similar aesthetic with improved performance and cost efficiency. Authenticity was preserved through the use of genuine stone at key focal points, including the fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, as well as reclaimed wood incorporated into architectural beam details. Existing high-quality windows were retained and transformed through selective replacement, custom trim work, and thoughtful refinishing, delivering the desired look while avoiding unnecessary expense. Additional savings came from a creative exterior repair solution that replicated the home's original stucco detailing without requiring a complete façade replacement. This luxury Beaverton whole-house renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can completely reimagine an existing home. Through strategic space planning, custom craftsmanship, and budget-conscious decision making, a dated suburban residence was transformed into a distinctive rustic contemporary retreat that reflects its owner's global experiences, personal story, and vision for home.

An expressive family home in Clapham. The Brief The brief was to create a new ground floor. It needed to be a flexible home capable of accommodating guests of all ages whilst maintaining purpose and separation between spaces. The Solution We proposed re-routing the hallway to become a central corridor through the ground floor plan. This would connect the rear and front halves of the property across a series of staggered level changes. We also wanted to create an enlarged rear space for entertainment that linked to the garden space. The removal of an existing courtyard allowed for the insertion of a boot room and relocated WC central to the plan. Separating the distinctly classical detailing of the front reception and dining room, which emphasises our clients’ favoured style and family backgrounds, from the sleek contemporary rear kitchen and entertainment space was successfully enhanced by the varied format of the timber flooring from Trunk. Maintaining visual connectivity was achieved by way of two sizeable glazed pocket doors that enable the two halves of the plan to be differentiated from each other. At the same time, the use of internal glazing supports views through the property to the remodelled rear garden. The bespoke designed kitchen from Eclectic Interiors introduces the user to the modernised rear extension, which features sharp detailing and a splash of colour from the feature media unit designed by our interiors team. The symmetrical rear elevation carries through to the garden making for an interconnected, seamless transition through the property. The Result The combination of classical and contemporary elements marry together well to support flexible family living and entertaining. Our clients are delighted with the outcome and feel that it meets their brief and design aspirations.

HAWTHORNE HAMPTONS The Hawthorne House is a fusion between the Classic Queenslander and Hampton style home. The Harmony between the 2-style work well together and we had to be sympathetic to the existing pre-1946 character home. The street scape had to be fused together between old and new so the house read as one and would stand the test of time. The clients brief was to make the house more functional for the family with more space and usable areas that connected all spaces to the outdoors. The lower rooms still had to capture natural light and breeze but have a connection to the outdoor courtyard area. The current house lacked views of the Brisbane city so the key for the design was to enhance the city views from the upstairs living areas with large doors and windows that framed the city. The client particular wanted WOW features in the house. Upon arriving at the entrance, a large void/Entrance carries your attention up through the house with the stunning coffered ceilings and wainscoting drawings your eyes to the upper floors. The 1st floor was all about connecting the living areas together while enjoying the amazing Brisbane city views. The heart of the house is the Kitchen that connects the indoors and outdoors together. Outdoors is where the family can enjoy their summer days around the pool area.Hawthorne House is a truly stunning house with Hampton details that make this house a truly enjoyable house to live in.

River Homes Civic, Pedestrian, and Personal Scale Our urban design strategy to create a modern, traditional neighborhood centered around three distinct yet connected levels of scale – civic, pedestrian, and personal. The civic connection with the city, the Milwaukee River and the adjacent Kilbourn Park was addressed via the main thoroughfare, street extensions and the River Walk. The relationship to pedestrian scale was achieved by fronting each building to its corresponding street or river edge. Utilizing elevated entries and main living levels provides a non-intimidating distinction between public and private. The open, loft-like qualities of each individual living unit, coupled with the historical context of the tract supports the personal scale of the design. The Beerline “mini-block” – patterned after a typical city block - is configured to allow for each individual building to address its respective street or river edge while creating an internal alley or “auto court”. The river-facing units, each with four levels of living space, incorporate rooftop garden terraces which serve as natural, sunlit pavilions in an urban setting. In an effort to integrate our typical urban neighborhood with the context of an industrial corridor, we relied upon thoughtful connections to materials such as brick, stucco, and fine woods, thus creating a feeling of refined elegance in balance with the “sculpture” of the historic warehouses across the Milwaukee River. Urban Diversity The Beerline River Homes provide a walkable connection to the city, the beautiful Milwaukee River, and the surrounding environs. The diversity of these custom homes is evident not only in the unique association of the units to the specific “edges” each one addresses, but also in the diverse range of pricing from the accessible to the high-end. This project has elevated a typically developer-driven market into a striking urban design product.

This Virginia couple recently moved into a five-acre lot in Haymarket, VA with the expectation of adding an in-law suite to the right side of their home. The addition provides complete independence, with its own garage, secondary garage/storage space with built-in ramp, workshop, a master suite and closet, an aging-in-place bathroom, kitchen, and a main living area, along with a front porch overlooking the front of the home. This couple wanted to maintain the exterior integrity with a seamless connection between the interior and exterior of the home. Matching the front gables, stone and siding fronts, replicating the fascia, windows and doors, garage doors and other details. The front porch leads to the front door of the main living and kitchen area towards the rear portion. A side door leads into the mudroom and existing home. The rear side includes a master bedroom suite which leads towards twelve feet of French doors on the back deck of the existing home, connecting the new deck to the existing porch. A large closet space with built-ins is placed just off the bedroom and connects to the master bathroom suite. This bathroom is equipped with large walk-in shower, frameless glass door, a soaking tub, beautiful tile setting, and double vanity space giving the luxury one needs. The lead staircase connects the upstairs level to the basement level, which includes one multipurpose room, second garage, storage and a workshop. Lots of windows and doors allow plenty of daylight to enter this addition. Outside of the French doors, one can walk onto the basketball court and soccer. Every element of the existing home was replicated for this addition such as, matching cabinetry, trim work, 10 foot ceiling, wide size wood plank, granite countertops and much more. The front garage provides direct access from driveway and the interior ramp serves as a walkway. This family is delighted to have their loved one living just few steps away from them.

Elevated Living in Highland Park ​Blairsville, Georgia — Located in the Highland Park community of North Georgia, “Winding Ridge,” designed by James Knight, combines natural materials with clean, contemporary design for a home that is both functional and well-suited to its mountain setting. ​ Home Details ​ The home includes 5,808 heated square feet, organized to support both everyday living and hosting guests. The exterior features white board-and-batten siding, dark roofing, and warm wood accents for a balanced, modern mountain aesthetic. ​ Main Level: Three bedrooms and three bathrooms provide convenient, stair-free living. Upper Level: The primary suite occupies the entire top floor, offering added privacy and access to a balcony with views of the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains. Lower Level: Two additional bedrooms and two bathrooms create flexible space for guests, extended family, or recreation Practical Connections The layout prioritizes efficiency and organization. A mudroom and laundry room connect the two-car garage to the main living areas, creating a practical transition space. Above the garage, a semi-attached in-law suite offers a private living area that remains connected to the main home while allowing for independence.​ Outdoor Living Outdoor spaces are designed to function as an extension of the interior. The covered entertaining area includes: ​ A kitchenette for outdoor meals A stone fireplace with seating beneath a timber-frame ceiling Expansive decking overlooking the North Georgia mountain ​ Winding Ridge is a thoughtfully planned custom home that balances scale, comfort, and connection to its surroundings.