Located in San Francisco’s Noe Valley neighborhood, the Switchback House is a new construction, ground-up home. The new home consists of two separate residential units arranged over three, split-level floor plates. The primary residential unit occupies the upper two floors while the secondary unit is located on the ground floor with direct access to the rear yard. Designed to be as sensitive as possible to the surrounding neighborhood, the new architecture is unapologetically modern while still referencing the broader Victorian context beyond. Generous amounts of glazing immerse the interior living spaces with natural light. Multi-slide glass doors recess into wall pockets to further erode the barriers between interior and exterior and provide direct access to the outdoor spaces and the views of the city beyond. A simple material pallet of white, gallery-like walls and white oak flooring run continuously throughout the home making a calm and serene interior environment. Photo by Joe Fletcher

The front yard upgrade itself, whether it is the walkway paving that directs visitors or the landscaping that defines the space, was planned to improve access and clarity at the entry. This project in Sherman Oaks focuses on a practical layout with well-placed paths that guide movement toward the correct door. Retaining walls organize elevation and create structure, while natural finishes keep the look consistent. Lush lawn and garden beds soften the space, and garden lighting improves visibility at night, resulting in a durable and well-executed outdoor solution that meets the client’s needs

The front yard upgrade itself, whether it is the walkway paving that directs visitors or the landscaping that defines the space, was planned to improve access and clarity at the entry. This project in Sherman Oaks focuses on a practical layout with well-placed paths that guide movement toward the correct door. Retaining walls organize elevation and create structure, while natural finishes keep the look consistent. Lush lawn and garden beds soften the space, and garden lighting improves visibility at night, resulting in a durable and well-executed outdoor solution that meets the client’s needs

Our client requested a design that reflected their need to renovate their dated bathroom into a transitional floor plan that would provide accessibility and function. The new shower design consists of a pony wall with a glass enclosure that has beautiful details of brushed nickel square glass clamps. The interior shower fittings entail geometric lines that lend a contemporary finish. A curbless shower and linear drain added an extra dimension of accessibility to the plan. In addition, a balance bar above the accessory niche was affixed to the wall for extra stability. The shower area also includes a folding teak wood bench seat that also adds to the comfort of the bathroom as well as to the accessibility factors. Improved lighting was created with LED Damp-location rated recessed lighting. LED sconces were also used to flank the Robern medicine cabinet which created realistic and flattering light. Designer: Marie Cairns Contractor: Charles Cairns Photographer: Michael Andrew

The front yard upgrade itself, whether it is the walkway paving that directs visitors or the landscaping that defines the space, was planned to improve access and clarity at the entry. This project in Sherman Oaks focuses on a practical layout with well-placed paths that guide movement toward the correct door. Retaining walls organize elevation and create structure, while natural finishes keep the look consistent. Lush lawn and garden beds soften the space, and garden lighting improves visibility at night, resulting in a durable and well-executed outdoor solution that meets the client’s needs

The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. The shape of structure was also dictated by the stairs below. The new stairs had to be angled over the stairs from the first to the second floor such that the lower set of stairs provided head clearance. That set the L-shape and angles of the roof access structure. We used a 3D modeling program called Revit to review four critical height locations. This assured us the design provided the necessary stair clearance without making structure on roof visible from the street. The clients wanted a contemporary look for the stairs, and selected stainless steel cable rail. This material also allows natural light to pass through. We also rebuilt the stairs from the first floor to the second floor, so all the stairs have a consistent look. HDBros

This remodel consisted of a whole house transformation. We took this 3 bedroom dated home and turned it into a 5 bedroom award winning showpiece, all without an addition. By reworking the awkward floor plan and lowering the living room floor to be level with the rest of the house we were able to create additional space within the existing footprint of the home. What was once the small lack-luster master suite, is now 2 kids bedrooms that share a jack and jill bath. The master suite was relocated to the first floor, and the kitchen that was located right at the front door, is now located in the back of the home with great access to the patio overlooking the golf course. View more about this project and our company at our website: www.davefox.com

This is a fully custom, made-to-order, fire table. The frame was made to taper down to the bottom of the fireplace. The finishing materials consist of stacked stone and quartzite. This unit run off of propane which is accommodated by an access door on the side along with a horizontal propane tank.

This is a fully custom, made-to-order, fire table. The frame was made to taper down to the bottom of the fireplace. The finishing materials consist of stacked stone and quartzite. This unit run off of propane which is accommodated by an access door on the side along with a horizontal propane tank.

USI Remodeling recently completed a luxury master bath design in Colleyville, showcasing how thoughtful planning and craftsmanship can feature function and style. This master design was geared to the creation of a zero entry, doorless and glass free shower enclosure. The transitional master bath style feels indulgent yet completely masks the practical quality of life support systems integrated throughout the suite. • Dressing room • Vanity docking drawer • Jewelry cabinet • Mirrored recessed medicine cabinet collection • En-suite laundry Proudly part of our bathroom remodeling Dallas-Fort Worth portfolio, this project reflects why USI Remodeling bathroom projects consistently balance luxury with livability.

2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER Project Scope The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases. While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones. The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors. Challenges Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex. Solutions The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight. Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights. The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room. The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry. One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing. Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.

A very rare opportunity presents itself in the offering of this Mill Valley estate covering 1.86 acres in the Redwoods. The property, formerly known as the Swiss Hiking Club lodge, has now been transformed. It has been exquisitely remodeled throughout, down to the very last detail. The property consists of five buildings: The Main House; the Cottage/Office; a Studio/Office; a Chalet Guest House; and an Accessory, two-room building for food and glassware storage. There are also two double-car garages. Nestled amongst the redwoods this elevated property offers privacy and serves as a sanctuary for friends and family. The old world charm of the entire estate combines with luxurious modern comforts to create a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. The property contains the perfect combination of inside and outside spaces with gardens, sunny lawns, a fire pit, and wraparound decks on the Main House complete with a redwood hot tub. After you ride up the state of the art tram from the street and enter the front door you are struck by the voluminous ceilings and spacious floor plans which offer relaxing and impressive entertaining spaces. The impeccably renovated estate has elegance and charm which creates a quality of life that stands apart in this lovely Mill Valley community. The Dipsea Stairs are easily accessed from the house affording a romantic walk to downtown Mill Valley. You can enjoy the myriad hiking and biking trails of Mt. Tamalpais literally from your doorstep.

Our client requested a design that reflected their need to renovate their dated bathroom into a transitional floor plan that would provide accessibility and function. The new shower design consists of a pony wall with a glass enclosure that has beautiful details of brushed nickel square glass clamps. The interior shower fittings entail geometric lines that lend a contemporary finish. A curbless shower and linear drain added an extra dimension of accessibility to the plan. In addition, a balance bar above the accessory niche was affixed to the wall for extra stability. The shower area also includes a folding teak wood bench seat that also adds to the comfort of the bathroom as well as to the accessibility factors. Improved lighting was created with LED Damp-location rated recessed lighting. LED sconces were also used to flank the Robern medicine cabinet which created realistic and flattering light. Designer: Marie Cairns Contractor: Charles Cairns Photographer: Michael Andrew

This brownstone, located in Harlem, consists of five stories which had been duplexed to create a two story rental unit and a 3 story home for the owners. The owner hired us to do a modern renovation of their home and rear garden. The garden was under utilized, barely visible from the interior and could only be accessed via a small steel stair at the rear of the second floor. We enlarged the owner’s home to include the rear third of the floor below which had walk out access to the garden. The additional square footage became a new family room connected to the living room and kitchen on the floor above via a double height space and a new sculptural stair. The rear facade was completely restructured to allow us to install a wall to wall two story window and door system within the new double height space creating a connection not only between the two floors but with the outside. The garden itself was terraced into two levels, the bottom level of which is directly accessed from the new family room space, the upper level accessed via a few stone clad steps. The upper level of the garden features a playful interplay of stone pavers with wood decking adjacent to a large seating area and a new planting bed. Wet bar cabinetry at the family room level is mirrored by an outside cabinetry/grill configuration as another way to visually tie inside to out. The second floor features the dining room, kitchen and living room in a large open space. Wall to wall builtins from the front to the rear transition from storage to dining display to kitchen; ending at an open shelf display with a fireplace feature in the base. The third floor serves as the children’s floor with two bedrooms and two ensuite baths. The fourth floor is a master suite with a large bedroom and a large bathroom bridged by a walnut clad hall that conceals a closet system and features a built in desk. The master bath consists of a tiled partition wall dividing the space to create a large walkthrough shower for two on one side and showcasing a free standing tub on the other. The house is full of custom modern details such as the recessed, lit handrail at the house’s main stair, floor to ceiling glass partitions separating the halls from the stairs and a whimsical builtin bench in the entry.

The Ranch Pass Project consisted of architectural design services for a new home of around 3,400 square feet. The design of the new house includes four bedrooms, one office, a living room, dining room, kitchen, scullery, laundry/mud room, upstairs children’s playroom and a three-car garage, including the design of built-in cabinets throughout. The design style is traditional with Northeast turn-of-the-century architectural elements and a white brick exterior. Design challenges encountered with this project included working with a flood plain encroachment in the property as well as situating the house appropriately in relation to the street and everyday use of the site. The design solution was to site the home to the east of the property, to allow easy vehicle access, views of the site and minimal tree disturbance while accommodating the flood plain accordingly.

Our client requested a design that reflected their need to renovate their dated bathroom into a transitional floor plan that would provide accessibility and function. The new shower design consists of a pony wall with a glass enclosure that has beautiful details of brushed nickel square glass clamps. The interior shower fittings entail geometric lines that lend a contemporary finish. A curbless shower and linear drain added an extra dimension of accessibility to the plan. In addition, a balance bar above the accessory niche was affixed to the wall for extra stability. The shower area also includes a folding teak wood bench seat that also adds to the comfort of the bathroom as well as to the accessibility factors. Improved lighting was created with LED Damp-location rated recessed lighting. LED sconces were also used to flank the Robern medicine cabinet which created realistic and flattering light. Designer: Marie Cairns Contractor: Charles Cairns Photographer: Michael Andrew

The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. The shape of structure was also dictated by the stairs below. The new stairs had to be angled over the stairs from the first to the second floor such that the lower set of stairs provided head clearance. That set the L-shape and angles of the roof access structure. We used a 3D modeling program called Revit to review four critical height locations. This assured us the design provided the necessary stair clearance without making structure on roof visible from the street. The clients wanted a contemporary look for the stairs, and selected stainless steel cable rail. This material also allows natural light to pass through. We also rebuilt the stairs from the first floor to the second floor, so all the stairs have a consistent look. HDBros

This is a fully custom, made-to-order, fire table. The frame was made to taper down to the bottom of the fireplace. The finishing materials consist of stacked stone and quartzite. This unit run off of propane which is accommodated by an access door on the side along with a horizontal propane tank.

Deep Rock Barn is a six-stall horse barn located on a hillside overlooking the farm property. The barn, covered in reclaimed cypress boards, has an immediate patina of age and blends with the existing farm structures scattered on the farm. The mass of the barn is reduced with an open walk on one side with shed roof that gives direct access to the farm manager’s office. Tack room and wash stall complete the main level with the upper level being used for hay storage. The clients’ desire to maintain the high degree of detail prevalent in the other farm buildings was achieved with cooperation of the designer with the barn builder. Train also worked with the manufacturer of the doors and stalls to ensure design detail consistency.