Carefully orientated and sited on the edge of small plateau this house looks out across the rolling countryside of North Canterbury. The 3-bedroom rural family home is an exemplar of simplicity done with care and precision. Tucked in alongside a private limestone quarry with cows grazing in the distance the choice of materials are intuitively natural and implemented with bare authenticity. Oiled random width cedar weatherboards are contemporary and rustic, the polished concrete floors with exposed aggregate tie in wonderfully to the adjacent limestone cliffs, and the clean folded wall to roof, envelopes the building from the sheltered south to the amazing views to the north. Designed to portray purity of form the outer metal surface provides enclosure and shelter from the elements, while its inner face is a continuous skin of hoop pine timber from inside to out. The hoop pine linings bend up the inner walls to form the ceiling and then soar continuous outward past the full height glazing to become the outside soffit. The bold vertical lines of the panel joins are strongly expressed aligning with windows and jambs, they guild the eye up and out so as you step in through the sheltered Southern entrances the landscape flows out in front of you. Every detail required careful thought in design and craft in construction. As two simple boxes joined by a glass link, a house that sits so beautifully in the landscape was deceptively challenging, and stands as a credit to our client passion for their new home & the builders craftsmanship to see it though, it is a end result we are all very proud to have been a part of.

The color scheme is deceptively simple, making the rooms feel harmonious and beautiful. Tripp Smith
Example of a large classic open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room design in Charleston with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

This project is a story of how buildings and relationships evolve over time, and how the two are intertwined in the making of architecture. The client, a single man, had just purchased a classic Edwardian flat on San Francisco’s Liberty Street, known for its historic homes and famous neighbors like Tracy Chapman, when his realtor connected him with LLA. The initial brief was to integrate a modern, minimalist kitchen and bathroom with the apartment's traditional aesthetic. The existing condition was a series of cramped rooms and a long hallway that divided the apartment into many separate spaces, some without natural light. The solution was to remove most of the walls in the middle of the flat, with extensive structural work hidden from view. This created an open connection between the living, dining and kitchen areas that flooded the formerly dark core of the apartment with light. Midway through the design process, the client and his partner, and avid cook, decided it was time to move in together. The project evolved further and LLA found inventive ways to pack more features and amenities into a design that was fundamentally about simplicity. The result of this creative tension is a large open kitchen with deceptively simple forms- a long back counter with three rows of drawers below, an island with a central cooktop and double cantilevers for seating, and a slightly mysterious wood box at the back. The box conceals the refrigerator, storage, linens, and laundry, and through a secret door, a large walk-in pantry. The bathroom evolved into a mini-spa, with a walk-through shower and Japanese-style soaking tub. The space shares light with the kitchen through a floor-to-ceiling translucent glass panel. Each client has a large dog, and so a small sliver of space under the upstairs neighbor's stair was turned into the perfect doggie den, complete with period correct doorway. The newly blended family moved in together when the project was completed. A poignant footnote, Maverick, the blonder, fluffier dog in the photos, was very old and sadly passed away shortly after they moved in. It made the photoshoot feel like a special event that honored and preserved his memory in pictures. Like all families, theirs continues to evolve and change, just as their home has over its 90 year life.

This Mini powder room located under the stairs is deceptively small. The cloud wallpaper creates an illusion of space. Ideal for this lake house retreat

Photo Credits: ©️ Maxwell MacKenzie This custom home is situated on a typical, tight Arlington lot, but we were still able to fit a spacious house along with a pool, outdoor kitchen, and trampoline area in the backyard. The main floor consists of an in-law/guest suite, the kitchen, great room, dining room, and bi-fold sliding doors and pocket sliding doors that allow the main floor to be completely open and seamlessly transition to the outdoors. The floor to ceiling windows in the owner’s suite is another signature design choice for AV. With smart home features and all-around home speakers as well as many other small details, the home is deceptively simple and incredibly easy to use and maintain. Solar power fits right in because the system lasts for decades, and it requires almost no maintenance, consistent with our standard choices of low-hassle, high-quality exterior building materials.

Architect: Michael Morrow, Kinneymorrow Architecture Builder: Galvas Construction For this contemporary beach escape in the affluent resort community of Alys Beach, Florida, the team at E. F. San Juan constructed a series of unique Satina™ tropical hardwood screens that form parts of the home’s facade, railings, courtyard gate, and more. “Architect Michael Morrow of Kinneymorrow Architecture came to us with his design inspiration, and I have to say that we knocked it out of the park,” says E. F. San Juan’s president, Edward San Juan. Challenges: The seeming simplicity of this exterior facade is deceptively complex. The horizontal lines and spacing that Michael wanted to carry through the facade encompassed gates, shutters, screens, balcony rails, and rain shields had to be incredibly precise to fit seamlessly and remain intact through the years. “It’s always a challenge to execute contemporary details, as there is nowhere to hide imperfections,” says Michael. “The reality of being in a seaside climate compounded on top of that, especially working with wood.” Solution: The E. F. San Juan engineering department worked out the complex fabrication details required to make Michael’s design inspiration come together, and the team at Galvas Construction did an excellent job of installing all pieces to bring the plan to fruition. We used our trademarked Satina™ tropical hardwood to fabricate the facade and engineered tertiary attachment methods into the components to ensure longevity. “This was one of the most complex exteriors we have engineered, and, as always, we loved the challenge,” Edward says. Michael adds, “The exterior woodwork on this project is the project, and so this one would not have been possible without E. F. San Juan. Collaborating was a joy, from working out the details to the exquisite realization. These folks have forgotten more about wood than most people will ever know in the first place!” Thank you to Michael, Kinneymorrow, and the team at Galvas Construction for choosing E. F. San Juan. --- Photography courtesy of Alys Beach

Photo Credits: ©️ Maxwell MacKenzie This custom home is situated on a typical, tight Arlington lot, but we were still able to fit a spacious house along with a pool, outdoor kitchen, and trampoline area in the backyard. The main floor consists of an in-law/guest suite, the kitchen, great room, dining room, and bi-fold sliding doors and pocket sliding doors that allow the main floor to be completely open and seamlessly transition to the outdoors. The floor to ceiling windows in the owner’s suite is another signature design choice for AV. With smart home features and all-around home speakers as well as many other small details, the home is deceptively simple and incredibly easy to use and maintain. Solar power fits right in because the system lasts for decades, and it requires almost no maintenance, consistent with our standard choices of low-hassle, high-quality exterior building materials.

Photo Credits: ©️ Maxwell MacKenzie This custom home is situated on a typical, tight Arlington lot, but we were still able to fit a spacious house along with a pool, outdoor kitchen, and trampoline area in the backyard. The main floor consists of an in-law/guest suite, the kitchen, great room, dining room, and bi-fold sliding doors and pocket sliding doors that allow the main floor to be completely open and seamlessly transition to the outdoors. The floor to ceiling windows in the owner’s suite is another signature design choice for AV. With smart home features and all-around home speakers as well as many other small details, the home is deceptively simple and incredibly easy to use and maintain. Solar power fits right in because the system lasts for decades, and it requires almost no maintenance, consistent with our standard choices of low-hassle, high-quality exterior building materials.

This project is a story of how buildings and relationships evolve over time, and how the two are intertwined in the making of architecture. The client, a single man, had just purchased a classic Edwardian flat on San Francisco’s Liberty Street, known for its historic homes and famous neighbors like Tracy Chapman, when his realtor connected him with LLA. The initial brief was to integrate a modern, minimalist kitchen and bathroom with the apartment's traditional aesthetic. The existing condition was a series of cramped rooms and a long hallway that divided the apartment into many separate spaces, some without natural light. The solution was to remove most of the walls in the middle of the flat, with extensive structural work hidden from view. This created an open connection between the living, dining and kitchen areas that flooded the formerly dark core of the apartment with light. Midway through the design process, the client and his partner, and avid cook, decided it was time to move in together. The project evolved further and LLA found inventive ways to pack more features and amenities into a design that was fundamentally about simplicity. The result of this creative tension is a large open kitchen with deceptively simple forms- a long back counter with three rows of drawers below, an island with a central cooktop and double cantilevers for seating, and a slightly mysterious wood box at the back. The box conceals the refrigerator, storage, linens, and laundry, and through a secret door, a large walk-in pantry. The bathroom evolved into a mini-spa, with a walk-through shower and Japanese-style soaking tub. The space shares light with the kitchen through a floor-to-ceiling translucent glass panel. Each client has a large dog, and so a small sliver of space under the upstairs neighbor's stair was turned into the perfect doggie den, complete with period correct doorway. The newly blended family moved in together when the project was completed. A poignant footnote, Maverick, the blonder, fluffier dog in the photos, was very old and sadly passed away shortly after they moved in. It made the photoshoot feel like a special event that honored and preserved his memory in pictures. Like all families, theirs continues to evolve and change, just as their home has over its 90 year life.

A stunningly original and cutting-edge furniture set which will make a dramatic statement in any bathroom. Again, the inspiration is organic, the stacked cubist shapes redolent of the layered strata of a cliff edge or mountain face. This set is completed by a frameless rectangular mirror (900w x 700h mm / 35.5 x 27.5 in) with an overhead LED light, for makeup, shaving, and other vital bathroom functions. Attractive ceramic composite top The worktop and built-in lavatory has been crafted from superb Black Oxide composite. This innovative ceramic composite is made from a mixture of crushed clay, granite, rock and ceramic pigments that is combined under extreme temperature and pressure. The result is a state of the art material that is incredibly tough, with homogeneous color throughout. Here, the elemental black tones are the perfect choice for the deep, hard edged, angular design of this urban inspired top, with its large, rectangular built-in basin. Staggered cabinetry The design is deceptive in its simplicity. Wall-mounted, it creates a dynamic paradox between the solid, staggered shapes of the basin console and cabinetry which at the same time appear to float. The basin is ‘supported’ below by staggered cabinetry that features complementary dark brown veneer drawer fronts, beautifully offset by the blue grey lacquered top and side panels. The clip handles feature a slim, metallic, contrast top strip. ark brown veneer drawer cabinets is a new, elegant finish with a vintage twist, which gives a new interpretation of the typical veneers of sandblasted spruce wood in a wide range of colours. A pleasantly evocative solution, which maintains the the distinctive Cleaf style in the most traditional aesthetic modules, in a perfectly contemporary vision.

The challenge with this design was to address three different doors that lead from the house to the backyard. They all exit at different levels, and the existing grade of the backyard was higher than one of these door sills. In order to make sure to provide proper drainage from all these points, the design solution was to create a sunken courtyard with long curving stone steps that lift you up to the rest of the backyard. Materials were repeated for a remote fire pit patio and new front walk, stairs and architectural pillars. The deceptively simple design creates a quiet, elegant connection with the unique cottage architecture of the home.

The street side view of this custom Shrock Premier cottage is pleasantly deceptive. Upon entering the spacious two story foyer, you immediately notice the fresh, open concept, airy high ceilings, and magnetic lake views which are framed across the back expanse of this lovely home. The custom trim details, paint color, furnishings, and soft textures are refreshing and crisp. This charmer is perfect for just two, with a main level master suite adjoined to a private sitting area and the home is also an ideal destination for family gatherings and festivities with friends. There is not only a bright, beautiful well- appointed kitchen on the main level, but there is also a full kitchen in the basement walk-out level as well. Friends and family will stay in comfort with 4 extra bedrooms, and 4 additional baths. Outside you’ll find a lake view upper deck and a lower walk out patio leading to a cozy fire pit. This serene beach inspired home also features a pool and private dock. The total experience of this Shrock Premier haven is one which brings harmony to the soul. This custom home provides a peaceful place for relaxing, enjoying friends and family, and celebrating the blessings of life. Fred Hansen Photography

Versailles patterned patios are composed of four different sized pavers. This distinctive French pattern creates visual rhythm yet can seem nearly random. A subtle change in scale and material from the upper patio to the lower one is just one more example of the high level of detail in this deceptively simple backyard landscape in Edina. And if you didn’t get the message from the meditating frog or the ornamental snail – this backyard is designed to be a peaceful place for rest, conversation, and contemplation

The deceptively simple shape of the Aqua table hides the incredible craftsmanship that is used to achieve the impressive challenge of designer Fabrice Berrux - making an marble base shaped like a drop of liquid. With the white Carrara or black Marquina marble bases, Aqua can either be monochrome with a colour coordinated Fénix®-coated top, or contrasting with a black or white top. The Bardiglio gray version is monochromatic but plays on the beautiful warm grey tones of this unique marble.

The street side view of this custom Shrock Premier cottage is pleasantly deceptive. Upon entering the spacious two story foyer, you immediately notice the fresh, open concept, airy high ceilings, and magnetic lake views which are framed across the back expanse of this lovely home. The custom trim details, paint color, furnishings, and soft textures are refreshing and crisp. This charmer is perfect for just two, with a main level master suite adjoined to a private sitting area and the home is also an ideal destination for family gatherings and festivities with friends. There is not only a bright, beautiful well- appointed kitchen on the main level, but there is also a full kitchen in the basement walk-out level as well. Friends and family will stay in comfort with 4 extra bedrooms, and 4 additional baths. Outside you’ll find a lake view upper deck and a lower walk out patio leading to a cozy fire pit. This serene beach inspired home also features a pool and private dock. The total experience of this Shrock Premier haven is one which brings harmony to the soul. This custom home provides a peaceful place for relaxing, enjoying friends and family, and celebrating the blessings of life. Fred Hansen Photography

This project is a story of how buildings and relationships evolve over time, and how the two are intertwined in the making of architecture. The client, a single man, had just purchased a classic Edwardian flat on San Francisco’s Liberty Street, known for its historic homes and famous neighbors like Tracy Chapman, when his realtor connected him with LLA. The initial brief was to integrate a modern, minimalist kitchen and bathroom with the apartment's traditional aesthetic. The existing condition was a series of cramped rooms and a long hallway that divided the apartment into many separate spaces, some without natural light. The solution was to remove most of the walls in the middle of the flat, with extensive structural work hidden from view. This created an open connection between the living, dining and kitchen areas that flooded the formerly dark core of the apartment with light. Midway through the design process, the client and his partner, and avid cook, decided it was time to move in together. The project evolved further and LLA found inventive ways to pack more features and amenities into a design that was fundamentally about simplicity. The result of this creative tension is a large open kitchen with deceptively simple forms- a long back counter with three rows of drawers below, an island with a central cooktop and double cantilevers for seating, and a slightly mysterious wood box at the back. The box conceals the refrigerator, storage, linens, and laundry, and through a secret door, a large walk-in pantry. The bathroom evolved into a mini-spa, with a walk-through shower and Japanese-style soaking tub. The space shares light with the kitchen through a floor-to-ceiling translucent glass panel. Each client has a large dog, and so a small sliver of space under the upstairs neighbor's stair was turned into the perfect doggie den, complete with period correct doorway. The newly blended family moved in together when the project was completed. A poignant footnote, Maverick, the blonder, fluffier dog in the photos, was very old and sadly passed away shortly after they moved in. It made the photoshoot feel like a special event that honored and preserved his memory in pictures. Like all families, theirs continues to evolve and change, just as their home has over its 90 year life.

This large living room is deceptive as the very large scale furniture makes it appear smaller than actually is. The existing large sofa is 12 ft wide. The client bought the existing furniture with the home, and they were all custom built. But she had no idea how to arrange the room and how to update the existing grey and mauve color scheme from the early 1980's. We suggested to keep the grey, but add in green and aqua based on our discussions of what colors she liked. We arranged the space into two separate seating areas and helped her select new art and accessories. We suggested she reinvent the french side chair in a blue and green color scheme with a greek key accent. And we helped our client select new fabric for the vintage acrylic chairs. The new look feels fresh and eclectic and fun. We also guided the client to the right upholsterer and seamstress and framing shop. Our client was thrilled.

The street side view of this custom Shrock Premier cottage is pleasantly deceptive. Upon entering the spacious two story foyer, you immediately notice the fresh, open concept, airy high ceilings, and magnetic lake views which are framed across the back expanse of this lovely home. The custom trim details, paint color, furnishings, and soft textures are refreshing and crisp. This charmer is perfect for just two, with a main level master suite adjoined to a private sitting area and the home is also an ideal destination for family gatherings and festivities with friends. There is not only a bright, beautiful well- appointed kitchen on the main level, but there is also a full kitchen in the basement walk-out level as well. Friends and family will stay in comfort with 4 extra bedrooms, and 4 additional baths. Outside you’ll find a lake view upper deck and a lower walk out patio leading to a cozy fire pit. This serene beach inspired home also features a pool and private dock. The total experience of this Shrock Premier haven is one which brings harmony to the soul. This custom home provides a peaceful place for relaxing, enjoying friends and family, and celebrating the blessings of life. Fred Hansen Photography

The street side view of this custom Shrock Premier cottage is pleasantly deceptive. Upon entering the spacious two story foyer, you immediately notice the fresh, open concept, airy high ceilings, and magnetic lake views which are framed across the back expanse of this lovely home. The custom trim details, paint color, furnishings, and soft textures are refreshing and crisp. This charmer is perfect for just two, with a main level master suite adjoined to a private sitting area and the home is also an ideal destination for family gatherings and festivities with friends. There is not only a bright, beautiful well- appointed kitchen on the main level, but there is also a full kitchen in the basement walk-out level as well. Friends and family will stay in comfort with 4 extra bedrooms, and 4 additional baths. Outside you’ll find a lake view upper deck and a lower walk out patio leading to a cozy fire pit. This serene beach inspired home also features a pool and private dock. The total experience of this Shrock Premier haven is one which brings harmony to the soul. This custom home provides a peaceful place for relaxing, enjoying friends and family, and celebrating the blessings of life. Fred Hansen Photography