Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Boston.

This native landscape attracts many nesting song birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.
This is an example of a huge traditional full sun backyard landscaping in Boston for summer.

Spike Mafford Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary concrete exterior home remodel in Seattle

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

Design ideas for a large southwestern drought-tolerant, full sun and desert hillside concrete paver landscaping in Austin.

Inspiration for a transitional playroom remodel in San Francisco

A recently completed country French estate in Dallas, Texas. This home features expansive gardens, stone walls, antique limestone paving, a raised pool, a putting green, fire pit and lush gardens with relaxing shade and blooming shrubs.

Photo of a mediterranean landscaping in Austin.

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Seattle with subway tile backsplash

This is an example of an eclectic landscaping in Dallas.

The Rosedale Estate dates back to the earliest settlement of Washington DC. The original house, still located on a hilltop overlooking the National Cathedral, is now part of the Rosedale Land Conservancy in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of Washington, DC. The home pictured here was constructed in the early 20th century as a guest house for the estate, and is also part of the Conservancy. The project called for a historically sensitive addition that significantly increased the size and layout of the public areas, as well as transforming bedrooms and bathrooms. The primary interiors were gutted and restored to their original historic context, while modern amenities in the kitchen and other areas were allowed to contrast for a contemporary balance of styles. This project won the 2011 Gold Award from MNCBIA for best addition under 2000 square feet. Stu Estler

Example of a trendy pool design in Dallas with decking

This side yard was converted into a private oasis for this residence in Dallas, Texas. The addition of a pool with a privacy water wall at the end creates a dramatic and inviting space in the garden. The limestone terrace features Conservation Grass joints and landscape lighting.

Rain water is channeled through a perforated pipe to create a waterfall. The water then is channeled into rain water reserve tanks under ground. Photo: Aaron Leitz

Design ideas for a transitional backyard water fountain landscape in Dallas.

Example of an eclectic pool design in Dallas

Example of a trendy family room library design in Seattle

This outdoor seating and grill area is a converted garage driveway and features outdoor dining and a large BBQ grill and counter for cooking and entertaining. The driveway features grass joints using Conservation Grass in the joints to soften the paving and add some green to tie into the surrounding landscaping and adjacent pool.