This exclusive guest home features excellent and easy to use technology throughout. The idea and purpose of this guesthouse is to host multiple charity events, sporting event parties, and family gatherings. The roughly 90-acre site has impressive views and is a one of a kind property in Colorado. The project features incredible sounding audio and 4k video distributed throughout (inside and outside). There is centralized lighting control both indoors and outdoors, an enterprise Wi-Fi network, HD surveillance, and a state of the art Crestron control system utilizing iPads and in-wall touch panels. Some of the special features of the facility is a powerful and sophisticated QSC Line Array audio system in the Great Hall, Sony and Crestron 4k Video throughout, a large outdoor audio system featuring in ground hidden subwoofers by Sonance surrounding the pool, and smart LED lighting inside the gorgeous infinity pool. J Gramling Photos

Our clients requested an energy-efficient escape home on a 16-acre site in rural Elgin that would be maintenance friendly, age-in-place adaptable, and whose sculptural quality could harbor for their expressive family. With its dominant east-west axis, the maximizes control of solar gain control; its placement was carefully adjusted to allow all of the nearby trees to thrive. The standing seam roof’s pitch and azimuth provide optimal solar PV and fills a 20,000-gallon rainwater cistern. The age-in-place, step-less interior provides an expansive view at the south terrace. The cantilever of the board-formed foundation is a structurally expressive solution resolving an otherwise imposing mass. The curved prow of the north-pointing entry is a nod to local Elgin brick. A bowed and formally jubilant thermal chimney faces south for efficient passive ventilation. Photo credit: Chris Diaz General Contractor: Native (buildnative.com)

Modular prefab construction offers great advantages in quality control and speed of delivery. Our challenge was to get the most done in the factory while providing an airtight, thermal-bridge-free enclosure and owner-approved finishes. By working with a custom prefabricator, we were able to collaboratively arrive at solutions for air sealing, insulation, structure, and site-finishing. The local GC poured the foundation, applied exterior insulation, and installed fixtures, finishes, decks, and cabinetry.

Roof drains from the residence and french drains in the lawn terrace are exposed in the top of the stone retaining walls. Rain water moves within a native rock filled stainless steel rill near a small herb garden. Our clients expressed an interest in water elements, yet challenged us to be imaginative, as they were concerned with the potential maintenance of traditional water features. Photo Credit :Rebecca A O'Neal

The site is located on the Mitchell House preparatory school campus in Polokwane. The client's brief called for an early childhood development centre which would accommodate 122 learners and requested that the building be evident of it's young and playful users. Curiosity, wonder and intrigue would become defining criteria in an attempt to create a conducive learning environment for young learners to grow, a building where children would be encouraged to interact with their environment. The construction methodology of the building would remain apparent, allowing its users to analyse the assembly of components. Due to the age group of the users, the building would need to function semi-autonomously from the rest of the school, while allowing for controlled interaction and inclusivity as is the norm for Mitchell House. A linear plan which coincides with the developmental progress of the learners was identified as the appropriate building typology. The spatial constraints of the site required this plan to be moulded into the available space between the existing infrastructure, however the linear process was maintained. From the access-controlled reception and administration area one would move past the creative arts and exhibition space towards the Northern wing where the youngest learners are taught. These would share connected ablutions and storerooms between classes to enable fluid movement and assistance throughout the teaching and service spaces. The East wing of the centre would house the elder learners who would be in the process of being integrated with the fabric of the main school campus. These classrooms include storage areas, however, have separate ablution facilities. The two wings of the building surround a courtyard where play and interaction are in abundance.

The site is located on the Mitchell House preparatory school campus in Polokwane. The client's brief called for an early childhood development centre which would accommodate 122 learners and requested that the building be evident of it's young and playful users. Curiosity, wonder and intrigue would become defining criteria in an attempt to create a conducive learning environment for young learners to grow, a building where children would be encouraged to interact with their environment. The construction methodology of the building would remain apparent, allowing its users to analyse the assembly of components. Due to the age group of the users, the building would need to function semi-autonomously from the rest of the school, while allowing for controlled interaction and inclusivity as is the norm for Mitchell House. A linear plan which coincides with the developmental progress of the learners was identified as the appropriate building typology. The spatial constraints of the site required this plan to be moulded into the available space between the existing infrastructure, however the linear process was maintained. From the access-controlled reception and administration area one would move past the creative arts and exhibition space towards the Northern wing where the youngest learners are taught. These would share connected ablutions and storerooms between classes to enable fluid movement and assistance throughout the teaching and service spaces. The East wing of the centre would house the elder learners who would be in the process of being integrated with the fabric of the main school campus. These classrooms include storage areas, however, have separate ablution facilities. The two wings of the building surround a courtyard where play and interaction are in abundance.

This wine cellar holds 500 bottles in the 100 square foot climate controlled enclosure. It is fitted with its own HVAC system which holds a constant temperature and humidity level year round. The display panels were all custom fabricated for the space and assembled on site. You have a great view of the stunning display from the 12 foot solid slab bar. The bar houses a dishwasher, a 2-drawer refrigerator /freezer combo with ice maker, as well as some storage cabinets. The waterfall top is an absolute black granite with a honed finish. All of the cabinetry as well as the display panels were sprayed onsite. This is the conversation piece of the party!

The site is located on the Mitchell House preparatory school campus in Polokwane. The client's brief called for an early childhood development centre which would accommodate 122 learners and requested that the building be evident of it's young and playful users. Curiosity, wonder and intrigue would become defining criteria in an attempt to create a conducive learning environment for young learners to grow, a building where children would be encouraged to interact with their environment. The construction methodology of the building would remain apparent, allowing its users to analyse the assembly of components. Due to the age group of the users, the building would need to function semi-autonomously from the rest of the school, while allowing for controlled interaction and inclusivity as is the norm for Mitchell House. A linear plan which coincides with the developmental progress of the learners was identified as the appropriate building typology. The spatial constraints of the site required this plan to be moulded into the available space between the existing infrastructure, however the linear process was maintained. From the access-controlled reception and administration area one would move past the creative arts and exhibition space towards the Northern wing where the youngest learners are taught. These would share connected ablutions and storerooms between classes to enable fluid movement and assistance throughout the teaching and service spaces. The East wing of the centre would house the elder learners who would be in the process of being integrated with the fabric of the main school campus. These classrooms include storage areas, however, have separate ablution facilities. The two wings of the building surround a courtyard where play and interaction are in abundance.

The comfortable elegance of this French-Country inspired home belies the challenges faced during its conception. The beautiful, wooded site was steeply sloped requiring study of the location, grading, approach, yard and views from and to the rolling Pennsylvania countryside. The client desired an old world look and feel, requiring a sensitive approach to the extensive program. Large, modern spaces could not add bulk to the interior or exterior. Furthermore, it was critical to balance voluminous spaces designed for entertainment with more intimate settings for daily living while maintaining harmonic flow throughout. The result home is wide, approached by a winding drive terminating at a prominent facade embracing the motor court. Stone walls feather grade to the front façade, beginning the masonry theme dressing the structure. A second theme of true Pennsylvania timber-framing is also introduced on the exterior and is subsequently revealed in the formal Great and Dining rooms. Timber-framing adds drama, scales down volume, and adds the warmth of natural hand-wrought materials. The Great Room is literal and figurative center of this master down home, separating casual living areas from the elaborate master suite. The lower level accommodates casual entertaining and an office suite with compelling views. The rear yard, cut from the hillside, is a composition of natural and architectural elements with timber framed porches and terraces accessed from nearly every interior space flowing to a hillside of boulders and waterfalls. The result is a naturally set, livable, truly harmonious, new home radiating old world elegance. This home is powered by a geothermal heating and cooling system and state of the art electronic controls and monitoring systems. The roof is simulated slate made from recycled materials. The company for this home is no longer in business but today we specify Inspire by Boral https://www.boralroof.com/product-profile/composite/classic-slate/4IFUE5205/

The site is located on the Mitchell House preparatory school campus in Polokwane. The client's brief called for an early childhood development centre which would accommodate 122 learners and requested that the building be evident of it's young and playful users. Curiosity, wonder and intrigue would become defining criteria in an attempt to create a conducive learning environment for young learners to grow, a building where children would be encouraged to interact with their environment. The construction methodology of the building would remain apparent, allowing its users to analyse the assembly of components. Due to the age group of the users, the building would need to function semi-autonomously from the rest of the school, while allowing for controlled interaction and inclusivity as is the norm for Mitchell House. A linear plan which coincides with the developmental progress of the learners was identified as the appropriate building typology. The spatial constraints of the site required this plan to be moulded into the available space between the existing infrastructure, however the linear process was maintained. From the access-controlled reception and administration area one would move past the creative arts and exhibition space towards the Northern wing where the youngest learners are taught. These would share connected ablutions and storerooms between classes to enable fluid movement and assistance throughout the teaching and service spaces. The East wing of the centre would house the elder learners who would be in the process of being integrated with the fabric of the main school campus. These classrooms include storage areas, however, have separate ablution facilities. The two wings of the building surround a courtyard where play and interaction are in abundance.

Living room - traditional formal dark wood floor living room idea in Phoenix with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a media wall

This custom built Nantucket style shingle waterfront home is located on Long Island Sound in the Greenwich area. The home's elevation on a low site was seamlessly integrated with the 2013 FEMA flood standards, with a first floor elevation of 16 feet. This home was built with a state of the art Savant Control System, with iPad integration. The home has geothermal heating and cooling with electrical co-generation. Builder: Davenport Contracting.

Nestled into a sloping site, Aman 10 uses the hill’s natural grade to its advantage to capture views, create a daylight basement and control water runoff. A series of sod roofs cascade down the hill, blending the residence into the hillside. Slatted doors and walls create transparency, contrasted by a solid material palette of sandstone, redwood and bronze. Shed roofs define primary interior space joined by flat sod roofs capping transitional spaces. Photo Credit: Roger Wade

Our clients requested an energy-efficient escape home on a 16-acre site in rural Elgin that would be maintenance friendly, age-in-place adaptable, and whose sculptural quality could harbor for their expressive family. With its dominant east-west axis, the maximizes control of solar gain control; its placement was carefully adjusted to allow all of the nearby trees to thrive. The standing seam roof’s pitch and azimuth provide optimal solar PV and fills a 20,000-gallon rainwater cistern. The age-in-place, step-less interior provides an expansive view at the south terrace. The cantilever of the board-formed foundation is a structurally expressive solution resolving an otherwise imposing mass. The curved prow of the north-pointing entry is a nod to local Elgin brick. A bowed and formally jubilant thermal chimney faces south for efficient passive ventilation. Photo credit: Chris Diaz General Contractor: Native (buildnative.com)

The Owners of this luxurious waterfront estate acquired this property after the previous owners defaulted on their loan and stopped construction. We were initially engaged to inspect and assess the structural integrity of the building shell and work with a geo-technical engineer to evaluate the condition of the site’s soil. Tests determined that the site’s previous use as a sawmill and Native American fishing ground rendered the soil unfit for construction activity. In response to the lack of soil bearing capacity, our solution employs expansive footings supported by hundreds of piles throughout the entire project site. After completing our inspection of the structure, we were engaged to completely redesigned this home to accommodate our clients’ growing family and extensive art collection. Stylistically, this highly detailed structure borrows from the grand bungalows of the Greene brothers in Pasadena, California while employing sophisticated climate, lighting, AV and security systems. To ensure our clients’ art collection was properly displayed and protected, we worked with specialists from the Seattle Art Museum to develop appropriate lighting and climate control systems. Finally, we engaged the best craftsman we know – general contractor, interior designer, landscape architect, cabinet maker, blacksmith, custom woodworker and stone mason – to execute what ultimately became our clients’ very personal and unique statement for their home.

Embedded in a Colorado ski resort and accessible only via snowmobile during the winter season, this 1,000 square foot cabin rejects anything ostentatious and oversized, instead opting for a cozy and sustainable retreat from the elements. Michael Shopenn Photography This zero-energy grid-independent home relies greatly on passive solar siting and thermal mass to maintain a welcoming temperature even on the coldest days. The Wee Ski Chalet was recognized as the Sustainability winner in the 2008 AIA Colorado Design Awards, and was featured in Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine’s Sustainability Issue.

Nestled into a sloping site, Aman 10 uses the hill’s natural grade to its advantage to capture views, create a daylight basement and control water runoff. A series of sod roofs cascade down the hill, blending the residence into the hillside. Slatted doors and walls create transparency, contrasted by a solid material palette of sandstone, redwood and bronze. Shed roofs define primary interior space joined by flat sod roofs capping transitional spaces. Photo Credit: Roger Wade

This wine cellar holds 500 bottles in the 100 square foot climate controlled enclosure. It is fitted with its own HVAC system which holds a constant temperature and humidity level year round. The display panels were all custom fabricated for the space and assembled on site. You have a great view of the stunning display from the 12 foot solid slab bar. The bar houses a dishwasher, a 2-drawer refrigerator /freezer combo with ice maker, as well as some storage cabinets. The waterfall top is an absolute black granite with a honed finish. All of the cabinetry as well as the display panels were sprayed onsite. This is the conversation piece of the party!

Our clients requested an energy-efficient escape home on a 16-acre site in rural Elgin that would be maintenance friendly, age-in-place adaptable, and whose sculptural quality could harbor for their expressive family. With its dominant east-west axis, the maximizes control of solar gain control; its placement was carefully adjusted to allow all of the nearby trees to thrive. The standing seam roof’s pitch and azimuth provide optimal solar PV and fills a 20,000-gallon rainwater cistern. The age-in-place, step-less interior provides an expansive view at the south terrace. The cantilever of the board-formed foundation is a structurally expressive solution resolving an otherwise imposing mass. The curved prow of the north-pointing entry is a nod to local Elgin brick. A bowed and formally jubilant thermal chimney faces south for efficient passive ventilation. Photo credit: Chris Diaz General Contractor: Native (buildnative.com)