Harbor View is a modern-day interpretation of the shingled vacation houses of its seaside community. The gambrel roof, horizontal, ground-hugging emphasis, and feeling of simplicity, are all part of the character of the place. While fitting in with local traditions, Harbor View is meant for modern living. The kitchen is a central gathering spot, open to the main combined living/dining room and to the waterside porch. One easily moves between indoors and outdoors. The house is designed for an active family, a couple with three grown children and a growing number of grandchildren. It is zoned so that the whole family can be there together but retain privacy. Living, dining, kitchen, library, and porch occupy the center of the main floor. One-story wings on each side house two bedrooms and bathrooms apiece, and two more bedrooms and bathrooms and a study occupy the second floor of the central block. The house is mostly one room deep, allowing cross breezes and light from both sides. The porch, a third of which is screened, is a main dining and living space, with a stone fireplace offering a cozy place to gather on summer evenings. A barn with a loft provides storage for a car or boat off-season and serves as a big space for projects or parties in summer.

Harbor View is a modern-day interpretation of the shingled vacation houses of its seaside community. The gambrel roof, horizontal, ground-hugging emphasis, and feeling of simplicity, are all part of the character of the place. While fitting in with local traditions, Harbor View is meant for modern living. The kitchen is a central gathering spot, open to the main combined living/dining room and to the waterside porch. One easily moves between indoors and outdoors. The house is designed for an active family, a couple with three grown children and a growing number of grandchildren. It is zoned so that the whole family can be there together but retain privacy. Living, dining, kitchen, library, and porch occupy the center of the main floor. One-story wings on each side house two bedrooms and bathrooms apiece, and two more bedrooms and bathrooms and a study occupy the second floor of the central block. The house is mostly one room deep, allowing cross breezes and light from both sides. The porch, a third of which is screened, is a main dining and living space, with a stone fireplace offering a cozy place to gather on summer evenings. A barn with a loft provides storage for a car or boat off-season and serves as a big space for projects or parties in summer.

Harbor View is a modern-day interpretation of the shingled vacation houses of its seaside community. The gambrel roof, horizontal, ground-hugging emphasis, and feeling of simplicity, are all part of the character of the place. While fitting in with local traditions, Harbor View is meant for modern living. The kitchen is a central gathering spot, open to the main combined living/dining room and to the waterside porch. One easily moves between indoors and outdoors. The house is designed for an active family, a couple with three grown children and a growing number of grandchildren. It is zoned so that the whole family can be there together but retain privacy. Living, dining, kitchen, library, and porch occupy the center of the main floor. One-story wings on each side house two bedrooms and bathrooms apiece, and two more bedrooms and bathrooms and a study occupy the second floor of the central block. The house is mostly one room deep, allowing cross breezes and light from both sides. The porch, a third of which is screened, is a main dining and living space, with a stone fireplace offering a cozy place to gather on summer evenings. A barn with a loft provides storage for a car or boat off-season and serves as a big space for projects or parties in summer.

Harbor View is a modern-day interpretation of the shingled vacation houses of its seaside community. The gambrel roof, horizontal, ground-hugging emphasis, and feeling of simplicity, are all part of the character of the place. While fitting in with local traditions, Harbor View is meant for modern living. The kitchen is a central gathering spot, open to the main combined living/dining room and to the waterside porch. One easily moves between indoors and outdoors. The house is designed for an active family, a couple with three grown children and a growing number of grandchildren. It is zoned so that the whole family can be there together but retain privacy. Living, dining, kitchen, library, and porch occupy the center of the main floor. One-story wings on each side house two bedrooms and bathrooms apiece, and two more bedrooms and bathrooms and a study occupy the second floor of the central block. The house is mostly one room deep, allowing cross breezes and light from both sides. The porch, a third of which is screened, is a main dining and living space, with a stone fireplace offering a cozy place to gather on summer evenings. A barn with a loft provides storage for a car or boat off-season and serves as a big space for projects or parties in summer.

SLDarch: The shaded Main Entry, tucked deep into the shadows, is approached from a rising stepped garden path, leading up to a gentle, quiet water feature and custom stainless steel, glass and wood pivot entry door...open this and venture in to the Central Foyer space, shrouded by curved concrete & stainless steel structure and orienting the visitor to the central core of this curvaceous home. From this central orientation point, one begins to perceive the magic and mystery yet to be revealed in the undulating spatial volumes, spiraling out in several directions. Ahead is the kitchen and breakfast room, to the right are the Children's Bedroom Wing and the 'ocotillo stairs' to Master Bedroom upstairs. Venture left down the gentle ramp that follows along the gurgling water stream and meander past the bar and billiards, or on towards the main living room. The entire ceiling areas are a brilliant series of overlapping smoothly curved plaster and steel framed layers, separated by translucent poly-carbonate panels. This combats the intense summer heat and light, but carefully allows indirect natural daylight to gently sift through the deep interior of this unique desert home. Wandering through the organic curves of this home eventually leads you to another gentle ramp leading to the very private and secluded Meditation Room, entered through a double shoji door and sporting a supple leather floor radiating around a large circular glass Floor Window. Here is the ideal place to sit and meditate while seeming to hover over the colorful reflecting koi pool just below. The glass meditation room walls slide open, revealing a special desert garden, while at night the gurgling water reflects dancing lights up through the glass floor into this lovely Zen Zone. "Blocking the intense summer sun was a prime objective here and was accomplished by clever site orientation, massive roof overhangs, super insulated exterior walls and roof, ultra high-efficiency water cooled A/C system and ample earth contact and below grade areas." There is a shady garden path with foot bridge crossing over a natural desert wash, leading to the detached Desert Office, actually set below the xeriscape desert garden by 30" while hidden below, completely underground and naturally cooled sits another six car garage. The main residence also has a 4 car below grade garage and lovely swimming pool with party patio in the backyard. This property falls withing the City Of Scottsdale Natural Area Open Space area so special attention was required for this sensitive desert land project.

Gate to daughter's secret garden. Perfect for tea parties
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic exterior home remodel in Denver

A kitchen traditional for today. This beautiful, bright kitchen is nestled within a colonial style home located in Manchester, NH. Created to blend the traditional style of the home with the contemporary entertaining style of the home’s newest owners, transforming the kitchen into a functional cooking and entertaining space did not come without a few challenges. The dated kitchen lacked counter, storage and pantry space. As with many older homes, there were sloping floors, chimney chases, and a lack of wall space. Rising to the challenge, I created three unique designs, each one designed to manage these challenges while offering the homeowners their choice of WOW factors. Indeed, the final design includes plenty of necessary counter space, amazing deep drawer storage, and wonderful pantry space. To make cooking easier and far more efficient, I accessorized with complements of oil pullouts, tray dividers, dual waste pull outs, and utensil dividers. The layout is also perfect for two cooking at the same time, and the additional counter seating makes this island the hot spot for all gatherings. To keep the “HOT” out of the hotspot however, guests remain comfortable with the pop up down draft installed alongside the 6 burner range efficiently drawing in that heat. Additionally, the raised bar behind the range top not only covers the down draft when in its raised position, but shields guests from any cooking splatter. 
AND, it’s the perfect bar height for leaning on or standing around those trays of yummy appetizers set upon it during a party! The final transformation of space into the perfect entertaining spot is the bar. The kitchen is open to the dining room so placing a small bar between the two spaces creates an easy bridge for guests to grab a drink without crossing the entire kitchen to the fridge. Lighting from the bar’s mullion wall cabinet softly cascades into the kitchen/seating area, illuminating the homeowner’s fine crystal wine and champagne glasses as it reflects the warmth and style of the new kitchen. Next to the bar is the creative addition of an oversized but streamlined chalk board where the signature drink of the night can be whimsically showcased restaurant style. Or, if they choose, guests may leave a note… White painted cabinets wrap around the perimeter of the kitchen while grey glazed cabinets ground the island. A traditional raised panel door and drawer style suit the home perfectly. Both are topped with polished black pearl granite countertops. The stainless steel double ovens, refrigerator, and dishwasher coordinate beautifully with the grey glazed island and rustic iron cabinet hardware. Large windows on two walls open to scenic views and let in lots of natural light. Smokey glass pendants and recessed lighting strategically light work stations while artfully illuminating the entire kitchen. Day and night, this now organized, streamlined kitchen embraces the home with a sense of light and warmth; an inviting space perfect for cooking or enjoying time with friends and family. Photography by Scott Sherman

SLDarch: The shaded Main Entry, tucked deep into the shadows, is approached from a rising stepped garden path, leading up to a gentle, quiet water feature and custom stainless steel, glass and wood pivot entry door...open this and venture in to the Central Foyer space, shrouded by curved concrete & stainless steel structure and orienting the visitor to the central core of this curvaceous home. From this central orientation point, one begins to perceive the magic and mystery yet to be revealed in the undulating spatial volumes, spiraling out in several directions. Ahead is the kitchen and breakfast room, to the right are the Children's Bedroom Wing and the 'ocotillo stairs' to Master Bedroom upstairs. Venture left down the gentle ramp that follows along the gurgling water stream and meander past the bar and billiards, or on towards the main living room. The entire ceiling areas are a brilliant series of overlapping smoothly curved plaster and steel framed layers, separated by translucent poly-carbonate panels. This combats the intense summer heat and light, but carefully allows indirect natural daylight to gently sift through the deep interior of this unique desert home. Wandering through the organic curves of this home eventually leads you to another gentle ramp leading to the very private and secluded Meditation Room, entered through a double shoji door and sporting a supple leather floor radiating around a large circular glass Floor Window. Here is the ideal place to sit and meditate while seeming to hover over the colorful reflecting koi pool just below. The glass meditation room walls slide open, revealing a special desert garden, while at night the gurgling water reflects dancing lights up through the glass floor into this lovely Zen Zone. "Blocking the intense summer sun was a prime objective here and was accomplished by clever site orientation, massive roof overhangs, super insulated exterior walls and roof, ultra high-efficiency water cooled A/C system and ample earth contact and below grade areas." There is a shady garden path with foot bridge crossing over a natural desert wash, leading to the detached Desert Office, actually set below the xeriscape desert garden by 30" while hidden below, completely underground and naturally cooled sits another six car garage. The main residence also has a 4 car below grade garage and lovely swimming pool with party patio in the backyard. This property falls withing the City Of Scottsdale Natural Area Open Space area so special attention was required for this sensitive desert land project.

SLDarch: The shaded Main Entry, tucked deep into the shadows, is approached from a rising stepped garden path, leading up to a gentle, quiet water feature and custom stainless steel, glass and wood pivot entry door...open this and venture in to the Central Foyer space, shrouded by curved concrete & stainless steel structure and orienting the visitor to the central core of this curvaceous home. From this central orientation point, one begins to perceive the magic and mystery yet to be revealed in the undulating spatial volumes, spiraling out in several directions. Ahead is the kitchen and breakfast room, to the right are the Children's Bedroom Wing and the 'ocotillo stairs' to Master Bedroom upstairs. Venture left down the gentle ramp that follows along the gurgling water stream and meander past the bar and billiards, or on towards the main living room. The entire ceiling areas are a brilliant series of overlapping smoothly curved plaster and steel framed layers, separated by translucent poly-carbonate panels. This combats the intense summer heat and light, but carefully allows indirect natural daylight to gently sift through the deep interior of this unique desert home. Wandering through the organic curves of this home eventually leads you to another gentle ramp leading to the very private and secluded Meditation Room, entered through a double shoji door and sporting a supple leather floor radiating around a large circular glass Floor Window. Here is the ideal place to sit and meditate while seeming to hover over the colorful reflecting koi pool just below. The glass meditation room walls slide open, revealing a special desert garden, while at night the gurgling water reflects dancing lights up through the glass floor into this lovely Zen Zone. "Blocking the intense summer sun was a prime objective here and was accomplished by clever site orientation, massive roof overhangs, super insulated exterior walls and roof, ultra high-efficiency water cooled A/C system and ample earth contact and below grade areas." There is a shady garden path with foot bridge crossing over a natural desert wash, leading to the detached Desert Office, actually set below the xeriscape desert garden by 30" while hidden below, completely underground and naturally cooled sits another six car garage. The main residence also has a 4 car below grade garage and lovely swimming pool with party patio in the backyard. This property falls withing the City Of Scottsdale Natural Area Open Space area so special attention was required for this sensitive desert land project.

SLDarch: The shaded Main Entry, tucked deep into the shadows, is approached from a rising stepped garden path, leading up to a gentle, quiet water feature and custom stainless steel, glass and wood pivot entry door...open this and venture in to the Central Foyer space, shrouded by curved concrete & stainless steel structure and orienting the visitor to the central core of this curvaceous home. From this central orientation point, one begins to perceive the magic and mystery yet to be revealed in the undulating spatial volumes, spiraling out in several directions. Ahead is the kitchen and breakfast room, to the right are the Children's Bedroom Wing and the 'ocotillo stairs' to Master Bedroom upstairs. Venture left down the gentle ramp that follows along the gurgling water stream and meander past the bar and billiards, or on towards the main living room. The entire ceiling areas are a brilliant series of overlapping smoothly curved plaster and steel framed layers, separated by translucent poly-carbonate panels. This combats the intense summer heat and light, but carefully allows indirect natural daylight to gently sift through the deep interior of this unique desert home. Wandering through the organic curves of this home eventually leads you to another gentle ramp leading to the very private and secluded Meditation Room, entered through a double shoji door and sporting a supple leather floor radiating around a large circular glass Floor Window. Here is the ideal place to sit and meditate while seeming to hover over the colorful reflecting koi pool just below. The glass meditation room walls slide open, revealing a special desert garden, while at night the gurgling water reflects dancing lights up through the glass floor into this lovely Zen Zone. "Blocking the intense summer sun was a prime objective here and was accomplished by clever site orientation, massive roof overhangs, super insulated exterior walls and roof, ultra high-efficiency water cooled A/C system and ample earth contact and below grade areas." There is a shady garden path with foot bridge crossing over a natural desert wash, leading to the detached Desert Office, actually set below the xeriscape desert garden by 30" while hidden below, completely underground and naturally cooled sits another six car garage. The main residence also has a 4 car below grade garage and lovely swimming pool with party patio in the backyard. This property falls withing the City Of Scottsdale Natural Area Open Space area so special attention was required for this sensitive desert land project.

Wine with friends almost always guarantees a good time. If you've ever considered a tasting room, let us show you how it's done! Combining a variety of wine cubbies with a criss-cross wine rack keeps your vintage close at hand. Rustic Alder cabinets with open shelving and glass doors give easy access to serveware and other necessities for pulling off the perfect party. You're ready to send the invitations - the raised bar stands ready for folks to gather round! Chanley door from Schrock in Natural finish

SLDarch: The shaded Main Entry, tucked deep into the shadows, is approached from a rising stepped garden path, leading up to a gentle, quiet water feature and custom stainless steel, glass and wood pivot entry door...open this and venture in to the Central Foyer space, shrouded by curved concrete & stainless steel structure and orienting the visitor to the central core of this curvaceous home. From this central orientation point, one begins to perceive the magic and mystery yet to be revealed in the undulating spatial volumes, spiraling out in several directions. Ahead is the kitchen and breakfast room, to the right are the Children's Bedroom Wing and the 'ocotillo stairs' to Master Bedroom upstairs. Venture left down the gentle ramp that follows along the gurgling water stream and meander past the bar and billiards, or on towards the main living room. The entire ceiling areas are a brilliant series of overlapping smoothly curved plaster and steel framed layers, separated by translucent poly-carbonate panels. This combats the intense summer heat and light, but carefully allows indirect natural daylight to gently sift through the deep interior of this unique desert home. Wandering through the organic curves of this home eventually leads you to another gentle ramp leading to the very private and secluded Meditation Room, entered through a double shoji door and sporting a supple leather floor radiating around a large circular glass Floor Window. Here is the ideal place to sit and meditate while seeming to hover over the colorful reflecting koi pool just below. The glass meditation room walls slide open, revealing a special desert garden, while at night the gurgling water reflects dancing lights up through the glass floor into this lovely Zen Zone. "Blocking the intense summer sun was a prime objective here and was accomplished by clever site orientation, massive roof overhangs, super insulated exterior walls and roof, ultra high-efficiency water cooled A/C system and ample earth contact and below grade areas." There is a shady garden path with foot bridge crossing over a natural desert wash, leading to the detached Desert Office, actually set below the xeriscape desert garden by 30" while hidden below, completely underground and naturally cooled sits another six car garage. The main residence also has a 4 car below grade garage and lovely swimming pool with party patio in the backyard. This property falls withing the City Of Scottsdale Natural Area Open Space area so special attention was required for this sensitive desert land project.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form Functionality of floor plan Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths pay homage to site’s heritage as historic family farm replaced by socially-aware, urban-chic residence. Columns framing front-door appear to be decorative, but actually provided cross-venting. Basement includes 3-bedroom/2-bath legal suite with its own hot-water heating and mechanical system. Easily converted to a strata unit in the future if desired. Mortgage-helper for now, retirement planning for the future. Natural-stone siding (3x-3-inch square) is labour intensive to install but meets clients’ desire for high-end, castle-inspired look. Extra-wide baseboards and wainscot throughout balance high-profile crown-molding. Entertainment style kitchen is ready to greet guests with expansive island featuring casual eating-bar on two sides, plenty of space to spread out a buffet of appies when guests come calling, and funky Olympic-inspired, five-ring chandeliers. After all, you know it, the best parties still end up in the kitchen. Two-tone grey-on-white colour palette on gloss cabinets is eye-catching combination of modern minimalism and timeless tradition...and easy-to-clean. 3x3-foot marble-look porcelain floor-tile throughout main-floor adds modern elegance Master suite with cleverly-designed, generously-sized sleeping/bathing space, full-width east-facing balcony away from busy traffic, plus an efficiently-designed walk-in closet. Ensuite includes a two-person shower with warm, soft-touch porcelain tile (dramatic in dark texture with vertical racing-stripe of glass-mosaic tile), both rain-head and handheld shower options, and body sprays. Plenty of room for a retreat for one or an efficient rush out the door for two. W/D intelligently located on bedroom-level: convenient for every generation. Soundproof windows. Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout. Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water. EV-charger for two vehicles.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form Functionality of floor plan Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths pay homage to site’s heritage as historic family farm replaced by socially-aware, urban-chic residence. Columns framing front-door appear to be decorative, but actually provided cross-venting. Basement includes 3-bedroom/2-bath legal suite with its own hot-water heating and mechanical system. Easily converted to a strata unit in the future if desired. Mortgage-helper for now, retirement planning for the future. Natural-stone siding (3x-3-inch square) is labour intensive to install but meets clients’ desire for high-end, castle-inspired look. Extra-wide baseboards and wainscot throughout balance high-profile crown-molding. Entertainment style kitchen is ready to greet guests with expansive island featuring casual eating-bar on two sides, plenty of space to spread out a buffet of appies when guests come calling, and funky Olympic-inspired, five-ring chandeliers. After all, you know it, the best parties still end up in the kitchen. Two-tone grey-on-white colour palette on gloss cabinets is eye-catching combination of modern minimalism and timeless tradition...and easy-to-clean. 3x3-foot marble-look porcelain floor-tile throughout main-floor adds modern elegance Master suite with cleverly-designed, generously-sized sleeping/bathing space, full-width east-facing balcony away from busy traffic, plus an efficiently-designed walk-in closet. Ensuite includes a two-person shower with warm, soft-touch porcelain tile (dramatic in dark texture with vertical racing-stripe of glass-mosaic tile), both rain-head and handheld shower options, and body sprays. Plenty of room for a retreat for one or an efficient rush out the door for two. W/D intelligently located on bedroom-level: convenient for every generation. Soundproof windows. Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout. Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water. EV-charger for two vehicles.