Search results for "Develop consciousness" in Home Design Ideas
![Boerum Hill Greek Revival](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/living-rooms/boerum-hill-greek-revival-fearins-welch-interior-design-img~4d6147f20e304b2b_8464-1-dafa6d6-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![User](http://www.houzz.com/res/28698993/pic/user_0.png?v=28698993)
This Greek Revival row house in Boerum Hill was previously owned by a local architect who renovated it several times, including the addition of a two-story steel and glass extension at the rear. The new owners came to us seeking to restore the house and its original formality, while adapting it to the modern needs of a family of five. The detailing of the 25 x 36 foot structure had been lost and required some sleuthing into the history of Greek Revival style in historic Brooklyn neighborhoods.
In addition to completely re-framing the interior, the house also required a new south-facing brick façade due to significant deterioration. The modern extension was replaced with a more traditionally detailed wood and copper- clad bay, still open to natural light and the garden view without sacrificing comfort. The kitchen was relocated from the first floor to the garden level with an adjacent formal dining room. Both rooms were enlarged from their previous iterations to accommodate weekly dinners with extended family. The kitchen includes a home office and breakfast nook that doubles as a homework station. The cellar level was further excavated to accommodate finished storage space and a playroom where activity can be monitored from the kitchen workspaces.
The parlor floor is now reserved for entertaining. New pocket doors can be closed to separate the formal front parlor from the more relaxed back portion, where the family plays games or watches TV together. At the end of the hall, a powder room with brass details, and a luxe bar with antique mirrored backsplash and stone tile flooring, leads to the deck and direct garden access. Because of the property width, the house is able to provide ample space for the interior program within a shorter footprint. This allows the garden to remain expansive, with a small lawn for play, an outdoor food preparation area with a cast-in-place concrete bench, and a place for entertaining towards the rear. The newly designed landscaping will continue to develop, further enhancing the yard’s feeling of escape, and filling-in the views from the kitchen and back parlor above. A less visible, but equally as conscious, addition is a rooftop PV solar array that provides nearly 100% of the daily electrical usage, with the exception of the AC system on hot summer days.
The well-appointed interiors connect the traditional backdrop of the home to a youthful take on classic design and functionality. The materials are elegant without being precious, accommodating a young, growing family. Unique colors and patterns provide a feeling of luxury while inviting inhabitants and guests to relax and enjoy this classic Brooklyn brownstone.
This project won runner-up in the architecture category for the 2017 NYC&G Innovation in Design Awards and was featured in The American House: 100 Contemporary Homes.
Photography by Francis Dzikowski / OTTO
![Boerum Hill Greek Revival](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/family-rooms/boerum-hill-greek-revival-fearins-welch-interior-design-img~cc719f400e304b24_1272-1-36993d0-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![User](http://www.houzz.com/res/28698993/pic/user_0.png?v=28698993)
This Greek Revival row house in Boerum Hill was previously owned by a local architect who renovated it several times, including the addition of a two-story steel and glass extension at the rear. The new owners came to us seeking to restore the house and its original formality, while adapting it to the modern needs of a family of five. The detailing of the 25 x 36 foot structure had been lost and required some sleuthing into the history of Greek Revival style in historic Brooklyn neighborhoods.
In addition to completely re-framing the interior, the house also required a new south-facing brick façade due to significant deterioration. The modern extension was replaced with a more traditionally detailed wood and copper- clad bay, still open to natural light and the garden view without sacrificing comfort. The kitchen was relocated from the first floor to the garden level with an adjacent formal dining room. Both rooms were enlarged from their previous iterations to accommodate weekly dinners with extended family. The kitchen includes a home office and breakfast nook that doubles as a homework station. The cellar level was further excavated to accommodate finished storage space and a playroom where activity can be monitored from the kitchen workspaces.
The parlor floor is now reserved for entertaining. New pocket doors can be closed to separate the formal front parlor from the more relaxed back portion, where the family plays games or watches TV together. At the end of the hall, a powder room with brass details, and a luxe bar with antique mirrored backsplash and stone tile flooring, leads to the deck and direct garden access. Because of the property width, the house is able to provide ample space for the interior program within a shorter footprint. This allows the garden to remain expansive, with a small lawn for play, an outdoor food preparation area with a cast-in-place concrete bench, and a place for entertaining towards the rear. The newly designed landscaping will continue to develop, further enhancing the yard’s feeling of escape, and filling-in the views from the kitchen and back parlor above. A less visible, but equally as conscious, addition is a rooftop PV solar array that provides nearly 100% of the daily electrical usage, with the exception of the AC system on hot summer days.
The well-appointed interiors connect the traditional backdrop of the home to a youthful take on classic design and functionality. The materials are elegant without being precious, accommodating a young, growing family. Unique colors and patterns provide a feeling of luxury while inviting inhabitants and guests to relax and enjoy this classic Brooklyn brownstone.
This project won runner-up in the architecture category for the 2017 NYC&G Innovation in Design Awards and was featured in The American House: 100 Contemporary Homes.
Photography by Francis Dzikowski / OTTO
Find the right local pro for your project
![Hudson Woods](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/bedrooms/hudson-woods-allegheny-mountain-hardwood-flooring-img~46b106f8046ccd00_7434-1-8de1837-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/761374790008661e_6177-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
www.hudsonwoods.com
This is a great project from Lang Architect in the Catskill Mountains of NY. Each home is this development uses materials which are design-conscious to the local community & environment, which is why they found us. They used lumber & flooring from Hickman Lumber & Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring for all the hardwood aspects of the home - walls, ceiling, doors, & floors.
R&Q natural white oak. 3" & 4". Various Widths and lengths. Turned out Beautifully!
![Mike's Hammock](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/exteriors/mike-s-hammock-josh-wynne-construction-img~a031c341099f3b46_1592-1-0a28b94-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Josh Wynne Construction](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/8913ed120f4e9a54_4186-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
I built this on my property for my aging father who has some health issues. Handicap accessibility was a factor in design. His dream has always been to try retire to a cabin in the woods. This is what he got.
It is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath with a great room. It is 600 sqft of AC space. The footprint is 40' x 26' overall.
The site was the former home of our pig pen. I only had to take 1 tree to make this work and I planted 3 in its place. The axis is set from root ball to root ball. The rear center is aligned with mean sunset and is visible across a wetland.
The goal was to make the home feel like it was floating in the palms. The geometry had to simple and I didn't want it feeling heavy on the land so I cantilevered the structure beyond exposed foundation walls. My barn is nearby and it features old 1950's "S" corrugated metal panel walls. I used the same panel profile for my siding. I ran it vertical to math the barn, but also to balance the length of the structure and stretch the high point into the canopy, visually. The wood is all Southern Yellow Pine. This material came from clearing at the Babcock Ranch Development site. I ran it through the structure, end to end and horizontally, to create a seamless feel and to stretch the space. It worked. It feels MUCH bigger than it is.
I milled the material to specific sizes in specific areas to create precise alignments. Floor starters align with base. Wall tops adjoin ceiling starters to create the illusion of a seamless board. All light fixtures, HVAC supports, cabinets, switches, outlets, are set specifically to wood joints. The front and rear porch wood has three different milling profiles so the hypotenuse on the ceilings, align with the walls, and yield an aligned deck board below. Yes, I over did it. It is spectacular in its detailing. That's the benefit of small spaces.
Concrete counters and IKEA cabinets round out the conversation.
For those who could not live in a tiny house, I offer the Tiny-ish House.
Photos by Ryan Gamma
Staging by iStage Homes
Design assistance by Jimmy Thornton
![Dyna - Portage Bay](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/dining-rooms/dyna-portage-bay-dyna-contracting-img~28410d880048c170_8549-1-3b3a340-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Dyna Builders](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0e43f1840eb435f1_9974-w32-h32-b1-p10--.jpg)
Clean and simple define this 1200 square foot Portage Bay floating home. After living on the water for 10 years, the owner was familiar with the area’s history and concerned with environmental issues. With that in mind, she worked with Architect Ryan Mankoski of Ninebark Studios and Dyna to create a functional dwelling that honored its surroundings. The original 19th century log float was maintained as the foundation for the new home and some of the historic logs were salvaged and custom milled to create the distinctive interior wood paneling. The atrium space celebrates light and water with open and connected kitchen, living and dining areas. The bedroom, office and bathroom have a more intimate feel, like a waterside retreat. The rooftop and water-level decks extend and maximize the main living space. The materials for the home’s exterior include a mixture of structural steel and glass, and salvaged cedar blended with Cor ten steel panels. Locally milled reclaimed untreated cedar creates an environmentally sound rain and privacy screen.
![Boerum Hill Greek Revival](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/powder-rooms/boerum-hill-greek-revival-fearins-welch-interior-design-img~c61111580e304b28_1272-1-d842ce3-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![User](http://www.houzz.com/res/28698993/pic/user_0.png?v=28698993)
This Greek Revival row house in Boerum Hill was previously owned by a local architect who renovated it several times, including the addition of a two-story steel and glass extension at the rear. The new owners came to us seeking to restore the house and its original formality, while adapting it to the modern needs of a family of five. The detailing of the 25 x 36 foot structure had been lost and required some sleuthing into the history of Greek Revival style in historic Brooklyn neighborhoods.
In addition to completely re-framing the interior, the house also required a new south-facing brick façade due to significant deterioration. The modern extension was replaced with a more traditionally detailed wood and copper- clad bay, still open to natural light and the garden view without sacrificing comfort. The kitchen was relocated from the first floor to the garden level with an adjacent formal dining room. Both rooms were enlarged from their previous iterations to accommodate weekly dinners with extended family. The kitchen includes a home office and breakfast nook that doubles as a homework station. The cellar level was further excavated to accommodate finished storage space and a playroom where activity can be monitored from the kitchen workspaces.
The parlor floor is now reserved for entertaining. New pocket doors can be closed to separate the formal front parlor from the more relaxed back portion, where the family plays games or watches TV together. At the end of the hall, a powder room with brass details, and a luxe bar with antique mirrored backsplash and stone tile flooring, leads to the deck and direct garden access. Because of the property width, the house is able to provide ample space for the interior program within a shorter footprint. This allows the garden to remain expansive, with a small lawn for play, an outdoor food preparation area with a cast-in-place concrete bench, and a place for entertaining towards the rear. The newly designed landscaping will continue to develop, further enhancing the yard’s feeling of escape, and filling-in the views from the kitchen and back parlor above. A less visible, but equally as conscious, addition is a rooftop PV solar array that provides nearly 100% of the daily electrical usage, with the exception of the AC system on hot summer days.
The well-appointed interiors connect the traditional backdrop of the home to a youthful take on classic design and functionality. The materials are elegant without being precious, accommodating a young, growing family. Unique colors and patterns provide a feeling of luxury while inviting inhabitants and guests to relax and enjoy this classic Brooklyn brownstone.
This project won runner-up in the architecture category for the 2017 NYC&G Innovation in Design Awards and was featured in The American House: 100 Contemporary Homes.
Photography by Francis Dzikowski / OTTO
![Mike's Hammock](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/exteriors/mike-s-hammock-josh-wynne-construction-img~38f1eff6099f3b4b_1592-1-ed5a66f-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Josh Wynne Construction](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/8913ed120f4e9a54_4186-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
I built this on my property for my aging father who has some health issues. Handicap accessibility was a factor in design. His dream has always been to try retire to a cabin in the woods. This is what he got.
It is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath with a great room. It is 600 sqft of AC space. The footprint is 40' x 26' overall.
The site was the former home of our pig pen. I only had to take 1 tree to make this work and I planted 3 in its place. The axis is set from root ball to root ball. The rear center is aligned with mean sunset and is visible across a wetland.
The goal was to make the home feel like it was floating in the palms. The geometry had to simple and I didn't want it feeling heavy on the land so I cantilevered the structure beyond exposed foundation walls. My barn is nearby and it features old 1950's "S" corrugated metal panel walls. I used the same panel profile for my siding. I ran it vertical to math the barn, but also to balance the length of the structure and stretch the high point into the canopy, visually. The wood is all Southern Yellow Pine. This material came from clearing at the Babcock Ranch Development site. I ran it through the structure, end to end and horizontally, to create a seamless feel and to stretch the space. It worked. It feels MUCH bigger than it is.
I milled the material to specific sizes in specific areas to create precise alignments. Floor starters align with base. Wall tops adjoin ceiling starters to create the illusion of a seamless board. All light fixtures, HVAC supports, cabinets, switches, outlets, are set specifically to wood joints. The front and rear porch wood has three different milling profiles so the hypotenuse on the ceilings, align with the walls, and yield an aligned deck board below. Yes, I over did it. It is spectacular in its detailing. That's the benefit of small spaces.
Concrete counters and IKEA cabinets round out the conversation.
For those who could not live in a tiny house, I offer the Tiny-ish House.
Photos by Ryan Gamma
Staging by iStage Homes
Design assistance by Jimmy Thornton
![Cutchogue Waterfront Residence](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/home-offices/cutchogue-waterfront-residence-foley-fiore-architecture-img~11010a5700f5c86b_8477-1-67e0f28-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Foley Fiore Architecture](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/fc63940b00bd05fc_1552-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
Elizabeth Glasgow Photography
Inspiration for a timeless built-in desk home office remodel in New York
Inspiration for a timeless built-in desk home office remodel in New York
![Hudson Woods](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/kitchens/hudson-woods-allegheny-mountain-hardwood-flooring-img~8e51c48d046ccd21_0530-1-998622f-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/761374790008661e_6177-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
www.hudsonwoods.com
This is a great project from Lang Architect in the Catskill Mountains of NY. Each home is this development uses materials which are design-conscious to the local community & environment, which is why they found us. They used lumber & flooring from Hickman Lumber & Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring for all the hardwood aspects of the home - walls, ceiling, doors, & floors.
R&Q natural white oak. 3" & 4". Various Widths and lengths. Turned out Beautifully!
![912 N Mitchell](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/family-rooms/912-n-mitchell-hamilton-developers-img~55e136860b4cbfaf_5105-1-e67d599-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Hamilton Developers](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d4e3248c095f9b2b_4426-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
Family room - mid-sized transitional open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room idea in Chicago with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv
![Carver](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/bathrooms/carver-barker-o-donoghue-master-builders-img~3681831b0e7b9dd6_3847-1-6e5757b-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Barker O'Donoghue Master Builders](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ac93014c0e7b783d_4557-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
A Platinum LEED Certified home, this 2,400 sq. ft. ground-up house features environmentally-conscious materials and systems throughout including photovoltaic panels, finishes and radiant heating. Features of the comfortable family home include a skylight oculus, glass stair-rail panels, wood ceilings and room dividers, a soaking tub, and a roof deck with panoramic views.
The project development process was collaborative, during which the team worked closely with the architect to design and execute custom construction detailing.
Architect: Daren Joy Design
![Emerson Street - Denver](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/bedrooms/emerson-street-denver-root-architecture-and-development-llc-img~7e91a7ea0a736ca2_4886-1-366470d-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Root Architecture and Development, LLC](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/70d32b3c01b117e4_2023-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
Another view of this white master bedroom in this Denver modern home that shows the closet doors and the entrances to the room and the master bathroom.
![](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5721e8940536d5a6_7698-w360-h360-b0-p0--.jpg)
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
We Design, Build and Renovate
![](https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/ff539d6b03e27ac3_1-2294/_.jpg)
CHC & Family Developments
Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, Ohio
![Mike's Hammock](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/porches/mike-s-hammock-josh-wynne-construction-img~e7813317099f3b3e_1592-1-061d010-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Josh Wynne Construction](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/8913ed120f4e9a54_4186-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
I built this on my property for my aging father who has some health issues. Handicap accessibility was a factor in design. His dream has always been to try retire to a cabin in the woods. This is what he got.
It is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath with a great room. It is 600 sqft of AC space. The footprint is 40' x 26' overall.
The site was the former home of our pig pen. I only had to take 1 tree to make this work and I planted 3 in its place. The axis is set from root ball to root ball. The rear center is aligned with mean sunset and is visible across a wetland.
The goal was to make the home feel like it was floating in the palms. The geometry had to simple and I didn't want it feeling heavy on the land so I cantilevered the structure beyond exposed foundation walls. My barn is nearby and it features old 1950's "S" corrugated metal panel walls. I used the same panel profile for my siding. I ran it vertical to math the barn, but also to balance the length of the structure and stretch the high point into the canopy, visually. The wood is all Southern Yellow Pine. This material came from clearing at the Babcock Ranch Development site. I ran it through the structure, end to end and horizontally, to create a seamless feel and to stretch the space. It worked. It feels MUCH bigger than it is.
I milled the material to specific sizes in specific areas to create precise alignments. Floor starters align with base. Wall tops adjoin ceiling starters to create the illusion of a seamless board. All light fixtures, HVAC supports, cabinets, switches, outlets, are set specifically to wood joints. The front and rear porch wood has three different milling profiles so the hypotenuse on the ceilings, align with the walls, and yield an aligned deck board below. Yes, I over did it. It is spectacular in its detailing. That's the benefit of small spaces.
Concrete counters and IKEA cabinets round out the conversation.
For those who could not live in a tiny house, I offer the Tiny-ish House.
Photos by Ryan Gamma
Staging by iStage Homes
Design assistance by Jimmy Thornton
![Venetian Plasters](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/46f1fdcd018141fc_4177-w360-h360-b0-p0--.jpg)
![Interior Art](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d653cf33014cf364_7542-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
Billabong Men's Suite 206
Casa Surf Project - Casa de la Camino Hotel, Laguna Beach, CA.
10 Surf Companies were paired with 10 designers to create Casa Surf. The historic boutique hotel in the heart of Laguna has become part of the Riviera Magazine Design series to create the Casa Surf Project. One truly unique project. Visit the Casa Surf website for views of these 10 incredibly rich and exciting rooms. www.casasurfproject.com.
Interior Art was assigned 6 rooms, six different designers, 6 surf companies to help create ambience through the backdrop details for each space in this historical property in Laguna Beach.
In Billabong Men's Suite, we designed, developed and performed a hybrid mix of Venetian Plasters in the bathroom & on the headboard wall in the bedroom to create this finish we call "Concrete Plaster" as an organic, contemporary wall treatment strong enough in look & feel to hold up to the look and feel of the esteemed brand of Billabong Men's coupled with Grace Blu Design's ecclectic mix of organic, contemporary, retro feel to the design of this room. The lead designer of Billabong International walked through, approached our walls and declared, "That's the coolest wall finish I've seen". This was a very cool project! We loved being a part of Casa Surf!
Please visit Jacqueline Coburn's Interior Art project files for a glimpse into the world of specialty paints & faux finishes. We'll share with you a peek at the multitudes of award-winning specialty venetian plasters, faux finishes and custom art we have performed in the backdrops of extraordinary interiors over the years. We hope to inspire you through conscious design!
Interior Designer, Rona Graf and Stephanie Fryer of Grace Blu Designs of Costa Mesa, CA www.graceblu.com
![Modern Landscape Heights](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/patios/modern-landscape-heights-exterior-worlds-landscaping-and-design-img~3f1175e001c1faa5_0498-1-e76025e-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Exterior Worlds Landscaping & Design](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/972311b00faf19e7_0017-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
Our Houston landscaping team was recently honored to collaborate with renowned architectural firm Murphy Mears. Murphy Mears builds superb custom homes throughout the country. A recent project for a Houston resident by the name of Borow involved a custom home that featured an efficient, elegant, and eclectic modern architectural design. Ms. Borow is very environmentally conscious and asked that we follow some very strict principles of conservation when developing her landscaping design plan.
In many ways you could say this Houston landscaping project was green on both an aesthetic level and a functional level. We selected affordable ground cover that spread very quickly to provide a year round green color scheme that reflected much of the contemporary artwork within the interior of the home. Environmentally speaking, our project was also green in the sense that it focused on very primitive drought resistant plant species and tree preservation strategies. The resulting yard design ultimately functioned as an aesthetic mirror to the abstract forms that the owner prefers in wall art.
One of the more notable things we did in this Houston landscaping project was to build the homeowner a gravel patio near the front entrance to the home. The homeowner specifically requested that we disconnect the irrigation system that we had installed in the yard because she wanted natural irrigation and drainage only. The gravel served this wish superbly. Being a natural drain in its own respect, it provided a permeable surface that allowed rainwater to soak through without collecting on the surface.
More importantly, the gravel was the only material that could be laid down near the roots of the magnificent trees in Ms. Borow’s yard. Any type of stone, concrete, or brick that is used in more typical Houston landscaping plans would have been out of the question. A patio made from these materials would have either required cutting into tree roots, or it would have impeded their future growth.
The specific species chosen for ground cover also bear noting. The two primary plants used were jasmine and iris. Monkey grass was also used to a small extent as a border around the edge of the house. Irises were planted in front of the house, and the jasmine was planted beneath the trees. Both are very fast growing, drought resistant species that require very little watering. However, they do require routine pruning, which Ms. Borow said she had no problem investing in.
Such lawn alternatives are frequently used in Houston landscaping projects that for one reason or the other require something other than a standard planting of carpet grass. In this case, the motivation had nothing to do with finances, but rather a conscientious effort on Ms. Borow’s part to practice water conservation and tree preservation.
Other hardscapes were then introduced into this green design to better support the home architecture. A stepping stone walkway was built using plain concrete pads that are very simple and modern in their aesthetic. These lead up to the front stair case with four inch steps that Murphy Mears designed for maximum ergonomics and comfort.
There were a few softscape elements that we added to complete the Houston landscaping design. A planting of River Birch trees was introduced near the side of the home. River Birch trees are very attractive, light green trees that do not grow that tall. This eliminates any possible conflict between the tree roots and the home foundation.
Murphy Mears also built a very elegant fence that transitioned the geometry of the house down to the city sidewalk. The fence sharply parallels the linear movement of the house. We introduced some climbing vines to help soften the fence and to harmonize its aesthetic with that of the trees, ground cover, and grass along the sidewalk.
Showing Results for "Develop Consciousness"
![](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/921194db0536d5a7_7553-w360-h360-b0-p0--.jpg)
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
We Design, Build and Renovate
![](https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/ff539d6b03e27ac3_1-2294/_.jpg)
CHC & Family Developments
Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, Ohio
![Elevations](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/exteriors/elevations-jay-greene-photography-img~d261dca3014a02ff_2699-1-93da288-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Jay Greene Photography](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/30e34f970148bbc1_1155-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
Jay Greene Photography
Large victorian three-story brick exterior home idea in Philadelphia
Large victorian three-story brick exterior home idea in Philadelphia
![Modern Landscape Heights](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/exteriors/modern-landscape-heights-exterior-worlds-landscaping-and-design-img~1181cca401c1faac_0498-1-36abd79-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Exterior Worlds Landscaping & Design](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/972311b00faf19e7_0017-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
Our Houston landscaping team was recently honored to collaborate with renowned architectural firm Murphy Mears. Murphy Mears builds superb custom homes throughout the country. A recent project for a Houston resident by the name of Borow involved a custom home that featured an efficient, elegant, and eclectic modern architectural design. Ms. Borow is very environmentally conscious and asked that we follow some very strict principles of conservation when developing her landscaping design plan.
In many ways you could say this Houston landscaping project was green on both an aesthetic level and a functional level. We selected affordable ground cover that spread very quickly to provide a year round green color scheme that reflected much of the contemporary artwork within the interior of the home. Environmentally speaking, our project was also green in the sense that it focused on very primitive drought resistant plant species and tree preservation strategies. The resulting yard design ultimately functioned as an aesthetic mirror to the abstract forms that the owner prefers in wall art.
One of the more notable things we did in this Houston landscaping project was to build the homeowner a gravel patio near the front entrance to the home. The homeowner specifically requested that we disconnect the irrigation system that we had installed in the yard because she wanted natural irrigation and drainage only. The gravel served this wish superbly. Being a natural drain in its own respect, it provided a permeable surface that allowed rainwater to soak through without collecting on the surface.
More importantly, the gravel was the only material that could be laid down near the roots of the magnificent trees in Ms. Borow’s yard. Any type of stone, concrete, or brick that is used in more typical Houston landscaping plans would have been out of the question. A patio made from these materials would have either required cutting into tree roots, or it would have impeded their future growth.
The specific species chosen for ground cover also bear noting. The two primary plants used were jasmine and iris. Monkey grass was also used to a small extent as a border around the edge of the house. Irises were planted in front of the house, and the jasmine was planted beneath the trees. Both are very fast growing, drought resistant species that require very little watering. However, they do require routine pruning, which Ms. Borow said she had no problem investing in.
Such lawn alternatives are frequently used in Houston landscaping projects that for one reason or the other require something other than a standard planting of carpet grass. In this case, the motivation had nothing to do with finances, but rather a conscientious effort on Ms. Borow’s part to practice water conservation and tree preservation.
Other hardscapes were then introduced into this green design to better support the home architecture. A stepping stone walkway was built using plain concrete pads that are very simple and modern in their aesthetic. These lead up to the front stair case with four inch steps that Murphy Mears designed for maximum ergonomics and comfort.
There were a few softscape elements that we added to complete the Houston landscaping design. A planting of River Birch trees was introduced near the side of the home. River Birch trees are very attractive, light green trees that do not grow that tall. This eliminates any possible conflict between the tree roots and the home foundation.
Murphy Mears also built a very elegant fence that transitioned the geometry of the house down to the city sidewalk. The fence sharply parallels the linear movement of the house. We introduced some climbing vines to help soften the fence and to harmonize its aesthetic with that of the trees, ground cover, and grass along the sidewalk.
![Modern Landscape Heights](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/landscapes/modern-landscape-heights-exterior-worlds-landscaping-and-design-img~4eb19ff401c1fa9f_0498-1-3348565-w360-h360-b0-p0.jpg)
![Exterior Worlds Landscaping & Design](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/972311b00faf19e7_0017-w32-h32-b0-p0--.jpg)
Our Houston landscaping team was recently honored to collaborate with renowned architectural firm Murphy Mears. Murphy Mears builds superb custom homes throughout the country. A recent project for a Houston resident by the name of Borow involved a custom home that featured an efficient, elegant, and eclectic modern architectural design. Ms. Borow is very environmentally conscious and asked that we follow some very strict principles of conservation when developing her landscaping design plan.
In many ways you could say this Houston landscaping project was green on both an aesthetic level and a functional level. We selected affordable ground cover that spread very quickly to provide a year round green color scheme that reflected much of the contemporary artwork within the interior of the home. Environmentally speaking, our project was also green in the sense that it focused on very primitive drought resistant plant species and tree preservation strategies. The resulting yard design ultimately functioned as an aesthetic mirror to the abstract forms that the owner prefers in wall art.
One of the more notable things we did in this Houston landscaping project was to build the homeowner a gravel patio near the front entrance to the home. The homeowner specifically requested that we disconnect the irrigation system that we had installed in the yard because she wanted natural irrigation and drainage only. The gravel served this wish superbly. Being a natural drain in its own respect, it provided a permeable surface that allowed rainwater to soak through without collecting on the surface.
More importantly, the gravel was the only material that could be laid down near the roots of the magnificent trees in Ms. Borow’s yard. Any type of stone, concrete, or brick that is used in more typical Houston landscaping plans would have been out of the question. A patio made from these materials would have either required cutting into tree roots, or it would have impeded their future growth.
The specific species chosen for ground cover also bear noting. The two primary plants used were jasmine and iris. Monkey grass was also used to a small extent as a border around the edge of the house. Irises were planted in front of the house, and the jasmine was planted beneath the trees. Both are very fast growing, drought resistant species that require very little watering. However, they do require routine pruning, which Ms. Borow said she had no problem investing in.
Such lawn alternatives are frequently used in Houston landscaping projects that for one reason or the other require something other than a standard planting of carpet grass. In this case, the motivation had nothing to do with finances, but rather a conscientious effort on Ms. Borow’s part to practice water conservation and tree preservation.
Other hardscapes were then introduced into this green design to better support the home architecture. A stepping stone walkway was built using plain concrete pads that are very simple and modern in their aesthetic. These lead up to the front stair case with four inch steps that Murphy Mears designed for maximum ergonomics and comfort.
There were a few softscape elements that we added to complete the Houston landscaping design. A planting of River Birch trees was introduced near the side of the home. River Birch trees are very attractive, light green trees that do not grow that tall. This eliminates any possible conflict between the tree roots and the home foundation.
Murphy Mears also built a very elegant fence that transitioned the geometry of the house down to the city sidewalk. The fence sharply parallels the linear movement of the house. We introduced some climbing vines to help soften the fence and to harmonize its aesthetic with that of the trees, ground cover, and grass along the sidewalk.
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