Photo Credit: Robert C. Lautman (Originally published in Architectural Digest 2012)
Large trendy formal and open concept dark wood floor living room photo in DC Metro with white walls and a stone fireplace

The wall cabinets designed in Kemper, maple, Cotter Door Style, color is Forest Floor, The Island designed in Kemper< Maple, Whitman Doorstyle, color is Dover w/ Greystone Glaze. The counter(s) are quartz – Hanstone Aspen and the Island top is also quartz – Caeserstone Piatra Grey Design: Jon McGill, Jolene Amico Photo Credit: Jon Woodbury

Global Garden is a workplace that minimizes the impact on the environment and considers the needs of its co-workers. The concept is formal garden layouts, and the main focus is easily accessible and convenient for co-workers. The office is fair use for individuals of all abilities in terms of the use of wayfinding and a variety of work settings. This Interior focuses on staying close to nature in various aspects to boost the level of well-being and increase employees' performance throughout the office. These crucial aspects of design will help flexibility, socialization, and productivity between individuals to contribute to the process of growth, learning, and transition. The collaborative design of the facility will inspire people to collaborate both in the office and with others globally. In Conclusion, the design for this specific space will be developed to create an atmosphere that encourages the inclusiveness of co-workers' safety and well-being. Designer Credit: https://www.instagram.com/mahsa_intd/

Carolyn & Peter were looking brighten their kitchen space, expand its ocean view, and update their cabinetry. To begin their kitchen renovation, we created a 3D rendering that addressed all their goals. During the design process, Carolyn & Peter selected Decora cabinetry for their kitchen; Prescott Maple Extra White cabinetry with a Prescott Maple Retreat painted island. They were happy with original footprint, so we updated that very little. Instead, we focused on ways to increase their storage and functionality all while, lightening the room to make it appear larger and blending the color palette into their home and their beautiful ocean view. Photo credit: Nicola Richard

FLOATING HOUSE Project No:043 Date: 2018 Type: Concept Size: SMALL Client: Location: Function: Villa Designed Area: 280sqm Processed: @ArshazArchitects WWW.ARSHAZ.CO WWW.ArshazArchitects.houzz.com Architect: Faramarz Darabi Photo Credits: Faramarz Darabi

This photo shows the installation process. As shown here, at Paradise Slides we recommend dry bolting the slide to ensure proper placement prior to pouring any piers. Photo credit M. Smith

Terran Landscapes http://www.terranlandscapes.com Project Entry: Fishers Woodland Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Theme Garden $15,000-$30,000 Award Level: Bronze Photo Description: We were contracted by the client to design a calming space for their staff to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a leisurely lunch as well as to provide their grandchildren a place to run and pick flowers. The space was originally dominated by large trees and had been overgrown with ivy, sumac and aggressive vines, providing an unwelcome, dark space with little color or visual appeal. The client requested a colorful blend of shrubs and perennials that would provide interest throughout the seasons, as well as provide privacy by screening the street traffic along Carisbrooke Road. Our goal was to create the privacy screen along the road by layering plants from the ground to the tree canopy. The theme was to let nature inspire the landscape, allowing a space that was originally woodland to become an enhanced version of itself, creating a beautiful habitat for birds and butterflies to excite the senses and satisfy all who enjoy the beauty of nature. We began by clearing the brush and removing all aggressive vines and ivy that jeopardized the health of the trees. We kept and transplanted all non- invasive or native plant material in the area to various locations throughout the property. Several yards of compost were then tilled into the soil and the existing trees fertilized to provide a rich growing environment. A few challenges occurred during the design process. It was decided that a new generator was to be installed in the woodland and due to a future addition to the house, we were forced to eliminate planned additional impervious pathway surfaces. We provided screening to hide the generator and buffer the noise, and created a meandering path and sitting area out of natural woodchips instead of the proposed bluestone to solve the impervious space issue. The woodchips add a sense of informality and invite the viewer to walk slowly through the space. The reduced noise from the additional screening of the generator allows for quiet reflection as chipmunks scurry and hummingbirds dart about between the flowers. Our plant palette consists of shady understory plants that thrive and flower vigorously from spring through fall. A tall, lush, evergreen backdrop of Ilex opaca and Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ provides the screening and blends into a middle layer of ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood, hydrangeas and winterberry hollies. Beautiful perennials and groundcovers bloom along the woodland path, providing a low visual layer of color and texture. Movement throughout the garden is provided by the graceful Calamagrostis brachytricha and Hakenchloa that soften the nearby hardscaping. The woodland floor is full of shade-loving Solomon’s seal, hosta, astilbe, ferns, bleeding heart, Tiarella and Aconitum. The street side of this woodland required plants with a preference for a little more sun and drought tolerance. A palette of oakleaf hydrangea, Agastache, Liatris and Rudbeckia softens the fence line and provides the desired color. As designed and installed, the woodland garden successfully provides the client’s family and office staff a quiet space where they can take a peaceful moment and enjoy nature. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Photo Credit: Willett Photography http://www.willettphoto.com The home is located in Atlanta, GA and was a complete ground up project. We worked with the very talented architect Rodolfo Castro. We worked closely with him and the clients to achieve the right interior layout as well as the furniture plan. As far as the interior design, we helped with the selections of the various finishes (flooring, bathroom tiles, paint colors for both interior and exterior, hardware, furniture and light fixtures). Working with great vendors such as Francois & Co. for the kitchen hood and the fireplace, Specialty Tile, Circa Lighting, Century Furniture, and many other wonderful local vendors. This helped us achieve the perfect atmosphere and architectural detail in the space. The clients were very involved in the selection process and so it helped that they had great taste! It was a great project from concept to the finished design.

This backyard renovation in one of Calgary's exclusive lake communities demanded the expertise of a skilled team of contractors. The pool originally constructed in the 70's needed refinishing and while many contractors said they could not complete the project without demolishing the existing pool, VisionScapes managed to salvage the existing structure, replace the mechanical, install an new delifol liner and ultimately save the clients from a lengthy and costly permitting process due to multiple regulation changes. This yard now has all the amenities necessary to provide this growing Calgary family years of future enjoyment. Photo Credit: Jamen Rhodes

The Dashed Lights are studiously developed by Dutch designer Léon de Lange for the Vij5 collection. The lamps are designed to be laser cut from a thin stainless steel plate and folded afterwards by hand into a three dimensional shape using the ‘dashed line’ (a dotted line which is widely used in design processes). Small pop rivets are used at the corner points to make sure everything stays fixed into place. When the light source is on, the lamp ‘leaks’ light through the same dashed line, creating a special pattern. design by Léon de Lange photo credits by Vij5

Using a dip-dye technique, this table runner showcases the unique effects of hand-dyed fabrics. Embellished with our signature block print design. Color scheme: dyed in light grey. Block print design is black ink with a gold overlay. Made to order. Processing time 7 - 14 business days. Photo credit: AM Media Group NY

This backyard renovation in one of Calgary's exclusive lake communities demanded the expertise of a skilled team of contractors. The pool originally constructed in the 70's needed refinishing and while many contractors said they could not complete the project without demolishing the existing pool, VisionScapes managed to salvage the existing structure, replace the mechanical, install an new delifol liner and ultimately save the clients from a lengthy and costly permitting process due to multiple regulation changes. This yard now has all the amenities necessary to provide this growing Calgary family years of future enjoyment. Photo Credit: Jamen Rhodes

Situated in the heart of Charlotte, this contemporary home is part of the ReAlta neighborhood. ReAlta is the first solar community in Charlotte, NC. This ReCharge plan boasts an expansive rooftop deck, a lovely covered rear porch, a private first-floor master suite at the back of the home, a light and airy front office and more windows than we can count. What the homeowners love: Huge energy savings from the solar & energy saving build process Super quiet interior rooms (from the insulated interior walls) Large windows placed for optimal sunlight and privacy from the neighbors Smart home system that's part of the house Low, low utility bills (resulting from the solar and the home's thermal envelope) ReCharge is a 4 bed, 4.5 bath home and is 2,825 square feet. With ReAlta, we are introducing for the first time in Charlotte a fully solar community. Each beautifully detailed home will incorporate low profile solar panels that will collect the sun’s rays to significantly offset the home’s energy usage. Combined with our industry-leading Home Efficiency Ratings (HERS), these solar systems will save a ReAlta homeowner thousands over the life of the home. Credit: Brendan Kahm

Architect: M3 Architecture Inc.
Interior Design: Mocoro Studio
We recently completed a development project in the Pemberton Heights area of North Vancouver. These 2 houses were built to benefit the long-term durability through the selection of efficient materials and process which will give a longer lifespan with lower maintenance and energy costs. This project was a perfect fit for us to assist in the design and execute the construction while working with some outstanding clients and consultants. A win for all of us! 
The original home was recycled hitting our target goals of 90%, leading way to a couple of stealth looking homes with performance levels right there with the best of them. Our mechanical engineer designed the mechanical systems to achieve maximum efficiency and hit our internal target goals that we have set for ourselves in accordance with our Vision here at Naikoon. These homes came in at EnerGuide score of 85% which can also be referenced in GJ with a score of 54GJ. To give you an idea of how this rating relates to an average home of this size, these 2 beauties on Mackay are about 80% more efficient. The main components in the design and equipment selection that leads to this are:
1) Space heating and Cooling
2) Water Heating
3) Lights and Appliances
4) Wall assemblies and insulation

Like all of our projects, we take pride in looking at the small details of the house. Things like, insulated water lines, domestic hot water heat recovery units, electric car plug-ins, solar power ready, extensive use of environmentally friendly materials, hot water heat pumps and stringent testing and inspection point along the way, led to a successful completion of 2 certified high-performance homes with Built Green Platinum and EnergyStar certifications. Photo credits: vopenhouse.ca

Architect: M3 Architecture Inc.
Interior Design: Mocoro Studio
We recently completed a development project in the Pemberton Heights area of North Vancouver. These 2 houses were built to benefit the long-term durability through the selection of efficient materials and process which will give a longer lifespan with lower maintenance and energy costs. This project was a perfect fit for us to assist in the design and execute the construction while working with some outstanding clients and consultants. A win for all of us! 
The original home was recycled hitting our target goals of 90%, leading way to a couple of stealth looking homes with performance levels right there with the best of them. Our mechanical engineer designed the mechanical systems to achieve maximum efficiency and hit our internal target goals that we have set for ourselves in accordance with our Vision here at Naikoon. These homes came in at EnerGuide score of 85% which can also be referenced in GJ with a score of 54GJ. To give you an idea of how this rating relates to an average home of this size, these 2 beauties on Mackay are about 80% more efficient. The main components in the design and equipment selection that leads to this are:
1) Space heating and Cooling
2) Water Heating
3) Lights and Appliances
4) Wall assemblies and insulation

Like all of our projects, we take pride in looking at the small details of the house. Things like, insulated water lines, domestic hot water heat recovery units, electric car plug-ins, solar power ready, extensive use of environmentally friendly materials, hot water heat pumps and stringent testing and inspection point along the way, led to a successful completion of 2 certified high-performance homes with Built Green Platinum and EnergyStar certifications. Photo credits: vopenhouse.ca

The single greatest difficulty found in the design of low cost homes is that this process mandates the repetitive use of a few house plan prototypes. Simple house prototypes must be given some unique design features to create a long lasting neighborhood where the residents feel a sense of ownership (these are all built with low-income housing tax credits, and thus are rental for 15 years). Color, texture, material, porch configuration and detail, window locations, bays, roof shape - all are elements that can be changed to make a single house type look different.

We were approached with a request to design the furnishings for an existing ‘finished’ apartment. The intention was to move in relatively fast, and the property already had an existing marble floor, kitchen and bathrooms which had to be kept. The property also boasted a fantastic 270 degree view, seen from most of the apartment. The clients had a very important role in the completion of the project. They were very involved during the design process and through various decoration choices. The final design was kept as a rigid guideline when faced with picking out all the different elements. Once clear of all previous furniture, the space felt cold and bare; so we immediately felt the need for warmth, and raw, natural elements and textures to complement the cold marble floor while visually tying in the design of the whole apartment together. Since the existing kitchen had a touch of dark walnut stain, we felt this material was one we should add to the palette of materials to contest the stark materials. A raw cement finish was another material we felt would add an interesting contrast and could be used in a variety of ways, from cabinets to walls and ceilings, to tie up the design of various areas of the apartment. To warm up the living/dining area, keeping the existing marble floor but visually creating zones within the large living/dining area without hindering the flow, a dark timber custom-made soffit, continuous with a floor-to-ceiling drinks cabinet zones the dining area, giving it a degree of much-needed warmth. The various windows with a stupendous 270 degree view needed to be visually tied together. This was done by introducing a continuous sheer [drape] which also doubled up as a sound-absorbing material along 2 of the 4 walls of the space. A very large sofa was required to fill up the space correctly, also required for the size of the young family. Services were integrated within the units and soffits, while a customized design in the corner between the kitchen and the living room took into consideration the viewpoints from the main areas to create a pantry without hindering the flow or views. A strategically placed floor-to-ceiling mirror doubles up the space and extends the view to the inner parts of the apartment. The daughter’s bedroom was a small challenge in itself, and a fun task, where we wanted to achieve the perception of a cozy niche with its own enclosed reading nook [for reading fairy tales], behind see-through curtains and a custom-ordered wall print sporting the girl’s favorite colors. The sons’ bedroom had double the requirements in terms of space needed: more wardrobe, more homework desk space, a tv/play station area… “We combined a raised platform area between the boys’ beds to become an area with cushions where the kids can lay down and play, and face a hidden screen behind the homework desk’s sliding back panel for their play station”. The color of the homework desk was chosen in relation to the boys’ ages. A more masculine material palette was chosen for this room, in contrast to the light pastel palette of the girl’s bedroom. Again, this colour can easily be changed over time for a more mature look. PROJECT DATA: St. Paul’s Bay, Malta DESIGN TEAM: Perit Rebecca Zammit, Perit Daniel Scerri, Elyse Tonna OTHER CREDITS: Photography: Tonio Lombardi Styling : TKS

This backyard renovation in one of Calgary's exclusive lake communities demanded the expertise of a skilled team of contractors. The pool originally constructed in the 70's needed refinishing and while many contractors said they could not complete the project without demolishing the existing pool, VisionScapes managed to salvage the existing structure, replace the mechanical, install an new delifol liner and ultimately save the clients from a lengthy and costly permitting process due to multiple regulation changes. This yard now has all the amenities necessary to provide this growing Calgary family years of future enjoyment. Photo Credit: Jamen Rhodes

Weathered Antique Flooring brings warm brown tones and rich grain into this open entryway, flowing seamlessly into the adjoining kitchen and living space for a cohesive, lived-in feel throughout the home. Sourced from joists, roof boards, decking, and walls of late 19th and early 20th century structures, this reclaimed wood flooring carries a natural patina that only comes from a century of weathering and aging. At Manomin Resawn Timbers, every board goes through a detailed process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling, so the antique character is preserved while the flooring performs beautifully in a modern home. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner looking to bring reclaimed wood flooring into an entryway, kitchen, or any room in your home, 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. Highmark Builders Home Photo Credit: Spacecrafting Photography