Falcon House is located on Falcon Ridge Road, which winds along a steeply inclined ridge in a stretch of foothills within Carmel Valley in Monterey County. An old lichen covered barn and split rail, cedar fences characterize this area known as Markham Ranch, and contrast sharply with the preponderance of sprawling, large estate-style homes, many more at-home in the Italian countryside than any landscape of California. Designed for a young family, Falcon House responds to the family’s desire to live a more modest lifestyle, eschewing overt displays of extravagance for an intimate and deferential relation to nature. The 3,200-square-foot residence occupies a difficult portion of the northern slope of a hillside, overlooking a verdant valley and oriented toward Castle Rock in the distance. The steep terrain necessitated a compartmentalized plan capable of negotiating the gentle hillock at the center of the site. A corridor bridge spans two pieces of the house, uniting living and sleeping spaces and allowing an existing watercourse to flow essentially through the house unobstructed. Large panels of glass open the living spaces to the landscape, beneath the deep overhang of a butterfly roof. Operable clerestories placed high on the window-wall allow prevailing breezes to cool the interior spaces. The bedroom wing of the house hugs the hillside as it turns to the west, ensuring privacy from the main living spaces. The sense of seclusion and protection of this wing is reinforced by its lower roofline and its embedment into the hill. Initial resistance by neighboring homeowners has given way to appreciation, having seen the results of careful siting and a material and color palate sympathetic to the surrounding hillsides. The dwelling embodies an attitude of respect for the landscape, and through that perspective Falcon House has become as natural a part of its environment as the hawks flying overhead. 2008 AIA Orange County Chapter Merit Award

Entryway - 1950s entryway idea in Boston

Great room - mid-sized contemporary dark wood floor and brown floor great room idea in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

This transitional space is a perfect at blending the lines of indoor / outdoor living. With folding doors, heated patio, and ambient gas lanterns , the space can be enjoyed all year round. Shop the Look: http://ow.ly/68pr30nClDL

This Smeg Retro Style Wall Hood is not just a kitchen appliance, but a work of art. It is difficult to style a small kitchen when the space is lacking. However, with Smeg's variety of styles and colors, your appliance could be more than functional, it could be the center of attention.

Inspiration for a small contemporary master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile alcove bathtub remodel in DC Metro with marble countertops, a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet and white walls

Inspiration for a contemporary dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel with white walls

Jeri Koegel Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Orange County with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls and a drop-in sink

A nursery for twin baby girls for a Designer Show House. Aqua blue hand painted walls, lovely Canopies and draperies in cream and blue. Lovely butterfly fabric for the sheer romans and princess canopy linings, comfortable swivel rockers and a daybed for Mom to rest on those difficult nights. All the fabrics are stain resistant and washable as are the draperies. Theme of Angels, fairis and butterflies. the Butterfly symbolizes new life. Photographer: Wing Wong of MemoriesTTL

Nat Ray Photograper
Inspiration for a timeless staircase remodel in Boston

Inspiration for a small modern partial sun front yard stone garden path in Toronto.

A rebuilt deck, the old deck was removed and the new one was rebuilt to match the style. We installed a custom cedar post cable rail. The terrain was difficult and a lot of the work went into a new support system with new concrete piers.

Home design - traditional home design idea in Boston

Photo Chris Berg Photography http://www.chrisberg.ca/
Mid-sized modern white three-story mixed siding flat roof idea in Toronto

This client loves to swim! Where the pool is now located a sports court used to be. This was a very difficult pool to build down a very steep hillside. The client wanted to turn this craftsman style landscape into something more modern with an again twist, we incorporate all emoluments in creating this resort like 'Staycation' spot.

Inspiration for an eclectic medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel with a drop-in sink, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Gridley + Graves Photographers
Inspiration for a transitional mosaic tile floor powder room remodel in DC Metro with a vessel sink and wood countertops

Relaxing in this veritable oasis of peace and solitude gives one the illusion of seclusion and it is difficult to believe that the backyard actually faces the front of the house of the neighbors behind her, with a street formerly fully in view. Photo by Matt Kocourek http://www.mattkocourek.com/