DHD Crosby Street Loft in SOHO, NYC The Crosby Street Loft building is located on a cobblestone block in the Soho Cast Iron Historic District. Built in 1882, it was formerly a department store, and converted in 2001 to a 10-unit loft condominium. Our renovation of a second floor loft retains and celebrates many of the original details, including generous, open spaces, 14 foot plus ceiling heights, Corinthian-style columns, and a continuous 120 foot exposed brick wall with integrated archways. The design was a collaborative process, integrating elements discovered on the client’s world travels. Design features include a 12 foot tall glass lounge, two fireplaces, Control4 smart home system, a stone, cold-rolled steel and custom walnut cabinet kitchen and living room, and a luxurious master suite reminiscent of a 5-star hotel. http://www.dhd.nyc Architect: David Howell, R.A. Project Manager: Jill Diamant Interior Design: Melissa Pinto MEP Engineer: TSF Engineering, PC Structural Engineer: Gilsanz, Murray, Steficek LLP A/V Consultant: Smart Spaces Lighting Designer: Alina Ainza General Contractor: Interior Alterations, Inc Photo by Andrea Brizzi

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

DHD Crosby Street Loft in SOHO, NYC The Crosby Street Loft building is located on a cobblestone block in the Soho Cast Iron Historic District. Built in 1882, it was formerly a department store, and converted in 2001 to a 10-unit loft condominium. Our renovation of a second floor loft retains and celebrates many of the original details, including generous, open spaces, 14 foot plus ceiling heights, Corinthian-style columns, and a continuous 120 foot exposed brick wall with integrated archways. The design was a collaborative process, integrating elements discovered on the client’s world travels. Design features include a 12 foot tall glass lounge, two fireplaces, Control4 smart home system, a stone, cold-rolled steel and custom walnut cabinet kitchen and living room, and a luxurious master suite reminiscent of a 5-star hotel. http://www.dhd.nyc Architect: David Howell, R.A. Project Manager: Jill Diamant Interior Design: Melissa Pinto MEP Engineer: TSF Engineering, PC Structural Engineer: Gilsanz, Murray, Steficek LLP A/V Consultant: Smart Spaces Lighting Designer: Alina Ainza General Contractor: Interior Alterations, Inc Photo by Andrea Brizzi

Accoya was selected as the ideal material for this breathtaking home in West Vancouver. Accoya was used for the railing, siding, fencing and soffits throughout the property. In addition, an Accoya handrail was specifically custom designed by Upper Canada Forest Products. Design Duo Matt McLeod and Lisa Bovell of McLeod Bovell Modern houses switched between fluidity, plasticity, malleability and even volumetric design to try capture their process of space-making. Unlike anything surrounding it, this home’s irregular shape and atypical residential building materials are more akin to modern-day South American projects that stem from their surroundings to showcase concrete’s versatility. This is why the Accoya was left in its rough state, to accentuate the minimalist and harmonious aesthetics of its natural environment. Photo Credit: Martin Tessler

DHD Crosby Street Loft in SOHO, NYC The Crosby Street Loft building is located on a cobblestone block in the Soho Cast Iron Historic District. Built in 1882, it was formerly a department store, and converted in 2001 to a 10-unit loft condominium. Our renovation of a second floor loft retains and celebrates many of the original details, including generous, open spaces, 14 foot plus ceiling heights, Corinthian-style columns, and a continuous 120 foot exposed brick wall with integrated archways. The design was a collaborative process, integrating elements discovered on the client’s world travels. Design features include a 12 foot tall glass lounge, two fireplaces, Control4 smart home system, a stone, cold-rolled steel and custom walnut cabinet kitchen and living room, and a luxurious master suite reminiscent of a 5-star hotel. http://www.dhd.nyc Architect: David Howell, R.A. Project Manager: Jill Diamant Interior Design: Melissa Pinto MEP Engineer: TSF Engineering, PC Structural Engineer: Gilsanz, Murray, Steficek LLP A/V Consultant: Smart Spaces Lighting Designer: Alina Ainza General Contractor: Interior Alterations, Inc Photo by Andrea Brizzi

DHD Crosby Street Loft in SOHO, NYC The Crosby Street Loft building is located on a cobblestone block in the Soho Cast Iron Historic District. Built in 1882, it was formerly a department store, and converted in 2001 to a 10-unit loft condominium. Our renovation of a second floor loft retains and celebrates many of the original details, including generous, open spaces, 14 foot plus ceiling heights, Corinthian-style columns, and a continuous 120 foot exposed brick wall with integrated archways. The design was a collaborative process, integrating elements discovered on the client’s world travels. Design features include a 12 foot tall glass lounge, two fireplaces, Control4 smart home system, a stone, cold-rolled steel and custom walnut cabinet kitchen and living room, and a luxurious master suite reminiscent of a 5-star hotel. http://www.dhd.nyc Architect: David Howell, R.A. Project Manager: Jill Diamant Interior Design: Melissa Pinto MEP Engineer: TSF Engineering, PC Structural Engineer: Gilsanz, Murray, Steficek LLP A/V Consultant: Smart Spaces Lighting Designer: Alina Ainza General Contractor: Interior Alterations, Inc Photo by Brooke McGowan

DHD Crosby Street Loft in SOHO, NYC The Crosby Street Loft building is located on a cobblestone block in the Soho Cast Iron Historic District. Built in 1882, it was formerly a department store, and converted in 2001 to a 10-unit loft condominium. Our renovation of a second floor loft retains and celebrates many of the original details, including generous, open spaces, 14 foot plus ceiling heights, Corinthian-style columns, and a continuous 120 foot exposed brick wall with integrated archways. The design was a collaborative process, integrating elements discovered on the client’s world travels. Design features include a 12 foot tall glass lounge, two fireplaces, Control4 smart home system, a stone, cold-rolled steel and custom walnut cabinet kitchen and living room, and a luxurious master suite reminiscent of a 5-star hotel. http://www.dhd.nyc Architect: David Howell, R.A. Project Manager: Jill Diamant Interior Design: Melissa Pinto MEP Engineer: TSF Engineering, PC Structural Engineer: Gilsanz, Murray, Steficek LLP A/V Consultant: Smart Spaces Lighting Designer: Alina Ainza General Contractor: Interior Alterations, Inc Photo by Andrea Brizzi

Keyes Road is a two-storey, semi-detached red brick house dating to around 1890-1910. The focus of our work was on the ground floor where we were asked to improve the layout and use of the main living areas of the house, for an active family of four. Important to the design was to maximise the quality and amount of light as well as connection to the garden and flow to the rest of the house. Our proposal introduces three single storey extensions, comprising a central, large space that extends the main outrigger of the house. To each side are smaller volumes, affording a full width kitchen. While defining a series of discrete volumes, it was important for us to ensure that the kitchen, living, family and dining rooms that are interconnecting and continuous. The result is a big space punctuated by a series of differently sized arches, defining spaces to ensure their intimacy. It was important for our client to have a sense of warmth and comfort - perhaps not dissimilar to the qualities of a hotel lobby. The colour scheme of the rooms are warm white painted plaster, natural wood flooring with black, bronze and brass accents. Indirect and carefully placed light fittings pulls together the atmosphere of the rooms - particularly in the evenings. Externally, we felt it important to differentiate the extensions from the main house by using a dark, charcoal grey brick. This sets up a contrasting yet complimentary relationship to the rich red coloured brick house. The facets of the brick play with light and depth as do the graduated brick arches. During the design process, we grappled with floor levels, the direction of sunlight, and care to not encroach on the neighbouring properties. As the house is in a conservation area, we worked closely with our trusted planning advisor. Throughout, we pursued a sensitive design strategy, using pitched roofs, matching materials and careful detailing. Internally, many of the original details are intact. This has enabled us to create an eclectic ensemble of elements, colours and materials varying in age and period.

Our clients in Tower Lakes, IL, needed more storage and functionality from their kitchen. They were primarily focused on finding the right combination of cabinets, shelves, and drawers that fit all their cookware, flatware, and appliances. They wanted a brighter, bigger space with a natural cooking flow and plenty of storage. Soffits and crown molding needed to be removed to make the kitchen feel larger. Redesign elements included: relocating the fridge, adding a baking station and coffee bar, and placing the microwave in the kitchen island. Advance Design Studio’s Claudia Pop offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to the homeowners’ problems. Our clients wanted a unique kitchen that was not completely white, a balance of design and function. Claudia offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to Chad and Karen’s kitchen design challenges. The first thing to go was soffits. Today, most kitchens can benefit from the added height and space; removing soffits is nearly always step one. Steely gray-blue was the color of choice for a freshly unique look bringing a sophisticated-looking space to wrap around the fresh new kitchen. Cherry cabinetry in a true brown stain compliments the stormy accents with sharp contrasting white Cambria quartz top balancing out the space with a dramatic flair. “We wanted something unique and special in this space, something none of the neighbors would have,” said Claudia. The dramatic veined Cambria countertops continue upward into a backsplash behind three complimentary open shelves. These countertops provide visual texture and movement in the kitchen. The kitchen includes two larder cabinets for both the coffee bar and baking station. The kitchen is now functional and unique in design. “When we design a new kitchen space, as designers, we are always looking for ways to balance interesting design elements with practical functionality,” Claudia said. “This kitchen’s new design is not only way more functional but is stunning in a way a piece of art can catch one’s attention.” Decorative mullions with mirrored inserts sit atop dual sentinel pantries flanking the new refrigerator, while a 48″ dual fuel Wolf range replaced the island cooktop and double oven. The new microwave is cleverly hidden within the island, eliminating the cluttered counter and attention-grabbing wall of stainless steel from the previous space. The family room was completely renovated, including a beautifully functional entertainment bar with the same combination of woods and stone as the kitchen and coffee bar. Mesh inserts instead of plain glass add visual texture while revealing pristine glassware. Handcrafted built-ins surround the fireplace. The beautiful and efficient design created by designer Claudia transitioned directly to the installation team seamlessly, much like the basement project experience Chad and Karen enjoyed previously. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a project small or large,” Karen said. “Everything that was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to its full potential,” Karen said. Our award-winning design team would love to create a beautiful, functional, and spacious place for you and your family. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-665-1711 or schedule an appointment.

DHD Crosby Street Loft in SOHO, NYC The Crosby Street Loft building is located on a cobblestone block in the Soho Cast Iron Historic District. Built in 1882, it was formerly a department store, and converted in 2001 to a 10-unit loft condominium. Our renovation of a second floor loft retains and celebrates many of the original details, including generous, open spaces, 14 foot plus ceiling heights, Corinthian-style columns, and a continuous 120 foot exposed brick wall with integrated archways. The design was a collaborative process, integrating elements discovered on the client’s world travels. Design features include a 12 foot tall glass lounge, two fireplaces, Control4 smart home system, a stone, cold-rolled steel and custom walnut cabinet kitchen and living room, and a luxurious master suite reminiscent of a 5-star hotel. http://www.dhd.nyc Architect: David Howell, R.A. Project Manager: Jill Diamant Interior Design: Melissa Pinto MEP Engineer: TSF Engineering, PC Structural Engineer: Gilsanz, Murray, Steficek LLP A/V Consultant: Smart Spaces Lighting Designer: Alina Ainza General Contractor: Interior Alterations, Inc Photo by Andrea Brizzi

DHD Crosby Street Loft in SOHO, NYC The Crosby Street Loft building is located on a cobblestone block in the Soho Cast Iron Historic District. Built in 1882, it was formerly a department store, and converted in 2001 to a 10-unit loft condominium. Our renovation of a second floor loft retains and celebrates many of the original details, including generous, open spaces, 14 foot plus ceiling heights, Corinthian-style columns, and a continuous 120 foot exposed brick wall with integrated archways. The design was a collaborative process, integrating elements discovered on the client’s world travels. Design features include a 12 foot tall glass lounge, two fireplaces, Control4 smart home system, a stone, cold-rolled steel and custom walnut cabinet kitchen and living room, and a luxurious master suite reminiscent of a 5-star hotel. http://www.dhd.nyc Architect: David Howell, R.A. Project Manager: Jill Diamant Interior Design: Melissa Pinto MEP Engineer: TSF Engineering, PC Structural Engineer: Gilsanz, Murray, Steficek LLP A/V Consultant: Smart Spaces Lighting Designer: Alina Ainza General Contractor: Interior Alterations, Inc Photo by Andrea Brizzi

DHD Crosby Street Loft in SOHO, NYC The Crosby Street Loft building is located on a cobblestone block in the Soho Cast Iron Historic District. Built in 1882, it was formerly a department store, and converted in 2001 to a 10-unit loft condominium. Our renovation of a second floor loft retains and celebrates many of the original details, including generous, open spaces, 14 foot plus ceiling heights, Corinthian-style columns, and a continuous 120 foot exposed brick wall with integrated archways. The design was a collaborative process, integrating elements discovered on the client’s world travels. Design features include a 12 foot tall glass lounge, two fireplaces, Control4 smart home system, a stone, cold-rolled steel and custom walnut cabinet kitchen and living room, and a luxurious master suite reminiscent of a 5-star hotel. http://www.dhd.nyc Architect: David Howell, R.A. Project Manager: Jill Diamant Interior Design: Melissa Pinto MEP Engineer: TSF Engineering, PC Structural Engineer: Gilsanz, Murray, Steficek LLP A/V Consultant: Smart Spaces Lighting Designer: Alina Ainza General Contractor: Interior Alterations, Inc Photo by Andrea Brizzi

New Urban Luxury Private Residence – Alys Beach, Florida Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects Builder: BRW Builders of Destin E. F. San Juan supplied all the interior and exterior wood millwork for this expertly designed residence adjacent to the snow-white dunes found in the serene New Urban townscape of Alys Beach, Florida. Challenges: The most significant design challenge of this project was to engineer a processing method to fabricate the complex millwork components in mass for the outdoor lounge. Khoury & Vogt Architects created a custom design for an inspiring and elegant outdoor living space. Fortunately, this house had a resourceful and creative team ensuring the vision of the design stayed intact. Solution: The intricate design required a creative approach which entailed high-level fabricating skills. “This project stands out in my mind because it required that I personally design and build numerous jigs,” says Edward San Juan. Taking on the challenge, San Juan designed and handcrafted each jig to the exact specification required for the exterior design. The team at E. F. San Juan continued with the creative approach, integrating and assembling the custom jigs to produce a work of art. The millwork beautifully complements the sleek white design on the deep indoor-outdoor decks, allowing the feel of the surrounding nature to flow inside. The result is a breathtaking and inspiring New Urban home in a luxurious beach town along Scenic Highway 30-A. --- Photography by Jack Gardner

This bright transitional kitchen opens to a dining nook framed by walls of sliding glass doors overlooking the lake, with furniture style island cabinetry and clean white perimeter cabinets throughout. Reclaimed Wood Timbers span the vaulted ceiling above the island and dining area, and Reclaimed Wood Flooring runs continuously from the kitchen into the adjoining rooms, bringing natural texture and warmth into this light filled, water view space. Every piece of reclaimed wood at Manomin Resawn Timbers is salvaged from 19th and early 20th century barns, factories, and warehouses, structures built during the Industrial Revolution from old growth hardwoods that grew slower and denser than the trees available today. Through our detailed process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling, that history is preserved and prepared for a new life in modern homes. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, a homeowner, or a designer planning a space like this one, Manomin Resawn Timbers has reclaimed wood timbers and flooring to fit your vision. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood.

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

Homearama 2016: An Introduction Welcome to Homearama 2016: An Introduction where we will take you into the process for creating a showcase home – a phenomenal 12 month long project filled with plenty of blood, sweat and tears. Mostly sweat with the actual even held in middle of a regular Kentucky July – consistently high 90s and a humidity that can steam any pair of glasses. Our Team Nevertheless, we are so proud of all those who helped contribute to creating a beautiful home for our ever-patient homeowners. This gorgeous “Southern Belle” took home 3 of the 6 awards given by the Building Industry Association at the River Crest Development: Best Kitchen Cabinetry (M&H Cabinetry), Best Closet Design (Closets by Design), and Best Lighting (Ferguson). Also cheers to our builder, Chad Stoyell of Stoyell Built Homes for winning 3rd place in the popular vote for Best Builder! He, of course, is at the top of our list as Stoyell Built Homes pride themselves in custom homes built with impeccable craftsmanship. Our Southern Belle did not detour from his reputation! Beautifully executed detail can be found everywhere from the hot/cold exterior hose hookup to the wooden dormer over the front porch. In addition, the house is a looker – a home you can’t find in just any neighborhood. Notice the bold symmetry with the stone walls flanking the large front porch. Windows placed high on either side of the front facade provide plenty of light while maintaining privacy. Our landscaper, Chad Rodgers, complemented the symmetry with matching Japanese Maples that in due time will grow up to be perfectly positioned. Concrete planters anchor the front door, while bold blue rocking chairs brighten up the facade two by two. Natural Wood Elements Chad Stoyell, the builder, used real material throughout the house and the front door is no exception. This beauty is made of solid wood. The natural beauty of wood is continued in this wooden open dormer. The lighting fixture keeps that southern charm going with lantern accents – also seen in the fixtures flanking the garage door. Hydrangeas line the driveway along the side of the house. Great craftsmanship on the shake siding and stone application. View of the back porch, including two seating areas-a cozy fireplace and a patio for those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer! And on a final note, we just love the accessibility of the patio from the garage! The door to the right of the table and chairs leads directly into the garage! Stay tuned for what door #2 leads to…. Stay Tuned for More Hope you liked our introduction on this great project – Homearama 2016! Please stay tuned for more insight on the design process of each space. I can’t wait to show you the inside of this Southern Belle. Enjoy!

New Urban Luxury Private Residence – Alys Beach, Florida Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects Builder: BRW Builders of Destin E. F. San Juan supplied all the interior and exterior wood millwork for this expertly designed residence adjacent to the snow-white dunes found in the serene New Urban townscape of Alys Beach, Florida. Challenges: The most significant design challenge of this project was to engineer a processing method to fabricate the complex millwork components in mass for the outdoor lounge. Khoury & Vogt Architects created a custom design for an inspiring and elegant outdoor living space. Fortunately, this house had a resourceful and creative team ensuring the vision of the design stayed intact. Solution: The intricate design required a creative approach which entailed high-level fabricating skills. “This project stands out in my mind because it required that I personally design and build numerous jigs,” says Edward San Juan. Taking on the challenge, San Juan designed and handcrafted each jig to the exact specification required for the exterior design. The team at E. F. San Juan continued with the creative approach, integrating and assembling the custom jigs to produce a work of art. The millwork beautifully complements the sleek white design on the deep indoor-outdoor decks, allowing the feel of the surrounding nature to flow inside. The result is a breathtaking and inspiring New Urban home in a luxurious beach town along Scenic Highway 30-A. --- Photography by Jack Gardner

Weathered Antique Flooring and Weathered Antique Box Beams bring warm honey and reddish brown tones into this cozy den, layering reclaimed wood from the floor to the ceiling for a rich, lived-in feel that continues up the staircase throughout the home. Each piece carries the same natural patina that only comes from decades of aging, tying the whole space together. Sourced directly from a 19th or early 20th century barn, this Weathered Antique wood retains its unique sawn faces and naturally aged character even after more than a hundred years. At Manomin Resawn Timbers, every board and beam goes through a detailed process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling, preserving that antique charm while preparing the wood for a beautiful, functional place in a modern home. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner looking to bring reclaimed wood flooring or box beams into your den, staircase, or any living space, Manomin Resawn Timbers has been helping people discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood since 2002. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to get started.

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.