Open concept kitchen - contemporary galley dark wood floor open concept kitchen idea with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances, no island and white countertops

4 Meadow Green Court, Wichita Falls, TX FEATURED HOME IN THE PARADE OF HOMES. 4885 Total SF Under Roof 3500 sq. ft. Living Area ½ Acre, Cul-de-Sac location Two story, 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Baths, Study, Formal Dining Room & Bonus Room Two, two-car Garages and Large Rear Patio (Master bedroom, Study & 4th bedroom all located on first floor) Amenities Include: • Kitchen • Stainless Wolf, Sub-Zero & Scottsman Appliances: o 36" Gas cook top & range; cast iron grates and sealed burners o Energy Star qualified dishwasher, with purge filtration system o 1200 watt Microwave Oven o 15" Scottsman ice maker o 36" Sub-Zero Counter depth Refrigerator • Large, Open design, with prep island and floating sink island • Quartz countertops. • 42" high Knotty Alder custom cabinets. • Under cabinet lighting • Oversized Breakfast area with large windows • Great Room, 19' 6" x 17' with wood burning fireplace and gas starter. • Great Room wired for surround sound. • Formal Dining Room with large picture window. • Master Bedroom, 16' x 17' with double layered crown molding. • Master Bath has 60" whirlpool tub & 4' x 6' shower o Quartz counter top, double sinks and framed mirrors o Walk in master closet with lots of shelving & rods • Study / Office has coffered wood beam ceiling. • Bonus Room upstairs, 15' x 21' • Laundry room includes sink, cabinets and bench seating. • Rear Patio, 18" 6" x 14' 4" includes built-in roll top, stainless Grill. • Rinnai Tank-less high capacity hot water system. • Two, Two-car Garages (4 stalls) with twin door openers & insulated doors. Expanded Driveway. • Foam wall and sub-floor insulation. • Outdoor roll-top Grill. • Radiant barrier roof decking to reduce attic heat • Vapor barrier house wrap diminishes moisture accessibility and drafts • Low E tilt out windows reduce radiant heat and harmful UV rays • 14 Seer, high efficient, HVAC unit with zone controls. Natural gas heater and electronic thermostat. • Security System on all exterior doors and operating windows. • Landscaping includes Bermuda grass, automatic sprinklers, Oak trees, shrubs, and 6' wood privacy fence with concrete curbing. • On site Water well; • Price $497000.

Arguably, the most defining feature of the home addition is the 8-foot-tall aluminum clad bifold glass doors. These state-of-the-art systems redefine space and functionality while incorporating indoor-outdoor living design solutions—a key element in the homeowners’ overall design vision. The striking open corner effect creates an unobstructed 17-foot-wide portal to the outdoors with the three panel systems easily gliding into remote outward stacks to the left and right of the opening. The outward stacking fully maximizes the interior square footage by diminishing obstructions or the need to move furniture around. A barely-there floor sill offers seamless access to the wraparound deck that doubles as additional open-air living space. When entertaining, the studio’s worktable can be pulled out for lounging or al-fresco dining, an effortless testament to the multifunctionality of the space.

This project is a new 5,900 sf. primary residence for a couple with three children. The site is slightly elevated above the residential street and enjoys winter views of the Potomac River. The family’s requirements included five bedrooms, five full baths, a powder room, family room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, lower level recreation room, exercise room, media room and numerous storage spaces. Also included was the request for an outdoor terrace and adequate outdoor storage, including provision for the storage of bikes and kayaks. The family needed a home that would have two entrances, the primary entrance, and a mudroom entry that would provide generous storage spaces for the family’s active lifestyle. Due to the small lot size, the challenge was to accommodate the family’s requirements, while remaining sympathetic to the scale of neighboring homes. The residence employs a “T” shaped plan to aid in minimizing the massing visible from the street, while organizing interior spaces around a private outdoor terrace space accessible from the living and dining spaces. A generous front porch and a gambrel roof diminish the home’s scale, providing a welcoming view along the street front. A path along the right side of the residence leads to the family entrance and a small outbuilding that provides ready access to the bikes and kayaks while shielding the rear terrace from view of neighboring homes. The two entrances join a central stair hall that leads to the eat-in kitchen overlooking the great room. Window seats and a custom built banquette provide gathering spaces, while the French doors connect the great room to the terrace where the arbor transitions to the garden. A first floor guest suite, separate from the family areas of the home, affords privacy for both guests and hosts alike. The second floor Master Suite enjoys views of the Potomac River through a second floor arched balcony visible from the front. The exterior is composed of a board and batten first floor with a cedar shingled second floor and gambrel roof. These two contrasting materials and the inclusion of a partially recessed front porch contribute to the perceived diminution of the home’s scale relative to its smaller neighbors. The overall intention was to create a close fit between the residence and the neighboring context, both built and natural. Builder: E.H. Johnstone Builders Anice Hoachlander Photography

Natural elements are the centerpiece of this new construction’s thoughtful design and unique details. Set on a standard Northbrook, IL lot, this 4-bedroom house makes the most out of its 2,900 square feet by working with beautiful, natural materials. Thoughtful details include high windows that allow for both natural light and privacy, 9-foot ceilings in the basement, and a reclaimed wood beam arch separating the family room from the kitchen. The house’s exterior is noteworthy as well, with copper gutters, wide-planked white siding, and a welcoming front porch. But the true star is in the backyard. We were able to make this house very special (and very green) by adding the first village-approved rain garden in Northbrook. Rain gardens use vegetation, soils, and other elements to restore some of the natural processes required to manage water and create a healthier environment. We installed a 5,000 gallon sub-ground retention system to diminish the load of a large rain event on the property and the municipal system, while retaining water for the homeowner that can then be used for irrigation on the property.

The existing condominium was spacious , but lacked definition. It was simply too rambling and shapeless to be comfortable or functional. The existing builder-grade kitchen did not have enough counter or cabinet space. And the existing window sills were too high to appreciate the views outside. To accommodate our clients' needs, we carved out the spaces and gave subtle definition to its boundaries without obstructing the views within or diminishing the sense of spaciousness. We raised the kitchen and dining space on a low platform to define it as well as to define the space of the adjacent living area. The platform also allowed better views to the exterior. We designed and fabricated custom concrete countertops for the kitchen and master bath. The concrete ceilings were sprayed with sound attenuating insulation to abate the echoes. The master bath underwent a transformation. To enlarge the feel of the space, we designed and fabricated custom shallow vanity cabinets and a concrete countertop. Protruding from the countertop is the curve of a generous semi-encased porcelain sink. The shower is a room of glass mosaic tiles. The mirror is a simple wall mirror with polished square edges topped by a sleek fluorescent vanity light with a high CRI. This project was published in New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles magazine. photo: Cheryl Gerber

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

This vintage kitchen in a historic home was snug and closed off from other rooms in the home, including the family room. Opening the wall created a pass-through to the family room as well as ample countertop space and bar seating for 4. The new undercount sink in the beautiful granite countertop was enlarged to a single 36" bowl. The original Jen-Aire range had seen better days. Removing it opened up additional counter space as well as offered a smooth cook surface with down draft vent. The custom cabinets were solidly built with lots of custom features that new cabinets would not have offered. To lighten and brighten the room, the cabinets were painted with a Sherwin-Williams enamel. Vintage-style hardware was added to fit the period home. The desk was removed since it diminished counter space and the island cabinets were moved into its place. Doing this also opened up the center of the room, allowing better flow. Backsplash tile from Floor & Decor was added. Walls, backsplash, and cabinets were selected in matching colors to make the space appear larger by keeping the eye moving.

This project is a new 5,900 sf. primary residence for a couple with three children. The site is slightly elevated above the residential street and enjoys winter views of the Potomac River. The family’s requirements included five bedrooms, five full baths, a powder room, family room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, lower level recreation room, exercise room, media room and numerous storage spaces. Also included was the request for an outdoor terrace and adequate outdoor storage, including provision for the storage of bikes and kayaks. The family needed a home that would have two entrances, the primary entrance, and a mudroom entry that would provide generous storage spaces for the family’s active lifestyle. Due to the small lot size, the challenge was to accommodate the family’s requirements, while remaining sympathetic to the scale of neighboring homes. The residence employs a “T” shaped plan to aid in minimizing the massing visible from the street, while organizing interior spaces around a private outdoor terrace space accessible from the living and dining spaces. A generous front porch and a gambrel roof diminish the home’s scale, providing a welcoming view along the street front. A path along the right side of the residence leads to the family entrance and a small outbuilding that provides ready access to the bikes and kayaks while shielding the rear terrace from view of neighboring homes. The two entrances join a central stair hall that leads to the eat-in kitchen overlooking the great room. Window seats and a custom built banquette provide gathering spaces, while the French doors connect the great room to the terrace where the arbor transitions to the garden. A first floor guest suite, separate from the family areas of the home, affords privacy for both guests and hosts alike. The second floor Master Suite enjoys views of the Potomac River through a second floor arched balcony visible from the front. The exterior is composed of a board and batten first floor with a cedar shingled second floor and gambrel roof. These two contrasting materials and the inclusion of a partially recessed front porch contribute to the perceived diminution of the home’s scale relative to its smaller neighbors. The overall intention was to create a close fit between the residence and the neighboring context, both built and natural. Builder: E.H. Johnstone Builders Anice Hoachlander Photography

This vintage kitchen in a historic home was snug and closed off from other rooms in the home, including the family room. Opening the wall created a pass-through to the family room as well as ample countertop space and bar seating for 4. The new undercount sink in the beautiful granite countertop was enlarged to a single 36" bowl. The original Jen-Aire range had seen better days. Removing it opened up additional counter space as well as offered a smooth cook surface with down draft vent. The custom cabinets were solidly built with lots of custom features that new cabinets would not have offered. To lighten and brighten the room, the cabinets were painted with a Sherwin-Williams enamel. Vintage-style hardware was added to fit the period home. The desk was removed since it diminished counter space and the island cabinets were moved into its place. Doing this also opened up the center of the room, allowing better flow. Backsplash tile from Floor & Decor was added. Walls, backsplash, and cabinets were selected in matching colors to make the space appear larger by keeping the eye moving.

David Woo Designs The Cirrus range hood by Best is larger than the 36" Bluestar range enabling it to function extremely well even though it is 52" above the range surface. We did not want a traditional suspended range hood to block the view from around the island and we certainly didn't want diminished fume removal performance. The Best range hood accomplished this in part by choosing an external blower that is well over rated for the setup at 1500 cfm. The only draw back was the additional cost of a make up air system that was built into the forced air heating system of the house located in the garage. The make up air damper automatically opens when the range hood drops the pressure in the house by 0.2PSI. The over rated external blower rarely needs to be run at the top speed of four levels and means the hood operates at very low sound levels. This benefits the kitchen and the bedroom above the kitchen. Normal conversation is not hampered at all with the hood on maximum and is barely noticeable on low. Level 1: 50db Level 2: 60db Level 3: 65db Level 4: 68db recorded 2ft below the hood

This vintage kitchen in a historic home was snug and closed off from other rooms in the home, including the family room. Opening the wall created a pass-through to the family room as well as ample countertop space and bar seating for 4. The new undercount sink in the beautiful granite countertop was enlarged to a single 36" bowl. The original Jen-Aire range had seen better days. Removing it opened up additional counter space as well as offered a smooth cook surface with down draft vent. The custom cabinets were solidly built with lots of custom features that new cabinets would not have offered. To lighten and brighten the room, the cabinets were painted with a Sherwin-Williams enamel. Vintage-style hardware was added to fit the period home. The desk was removed since it diminished counter space and the island cabinets were moved into its place. Doing this also opened up the center of the room, allowing better flow. Backsplash tile from Floor & Decor was added. Walls, backsplash, and cabinets were selected in matching colors to make the space appear larger by keeping the eye moving.

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

The existing condominium was spacious, but lacked definition. It was simply too rambling and shapeless to be comfortable or functional. The existing builder-grade kitchen did not have enough counter or cabinet space. And the existing window sills were too high to appreciate the views outside. To accommodate our clients' needs, we carved out the spaces and gave subtle definition to its boundaries without obstructing the views within or diminishing the sense of spaciousness. We raised the kitchen and dining space on a low platform to define it as well as to define the space of the adjacent living area. The platform also allowed better views to the exterior. We designed and fabricated custom concrete countertops for the kitchen and master bath. The concrete ceilings were sprayed with sound attenuating insulation to abate the echoes. The master bath underwent a transformation. To enlarge the feel of the space, we designed and fabricated custom shallow vanity cabinets and a concrete countertop. Protruding from the countertop is the curve of a generous semi-encased porcelain sink. The shower is a room of glass mosaic tiles. The mirror is a simple wall mirror with polished square edges topped by a sleek fluorescent vanity light with a high CRI. This project was published in New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles magazine. photo: Volume Zero LLC

Saturday July 18, Time TBD | Boston The Macallen Building and Court Square Press Courtyard by Michael Blier, RLA, ASLA of Landworks Studio, Inc., with architect Nader Tehrani of NADAAA Located in a rapidly evolving area on the outskirts of South Boston, the Macallen Building condominium community features an award-winning landscape that evokes the neighborhood’s industrial heritage while demonstrating modern principles of sustainable development. Awarded LEED Gold certification in 2008, the project’s attention to sustainability permeates all aspects the three-tiered landscape. Paving materials, tree plantings, and lighting adorn an entry-level courtyard on the ground floor, known as “Macallen Way.” The second level landscape covers the roof of the parking garage, providing recreational space for building residents as well as a graphic garden designed to be viewed from the condominiums above. The third level—including a sloping green roof and terrace garden—is integral to the building’s achievement of LEED certification as the green space is specifically designed to improve stormwater management, ameliorate the urban heat island effect, and provide additional insulation to the building. Through use of these design elements, the landscape greatly diminishes the ecological impact of development and serves as a model for sustainable development throughout the evolving region. In addition to the Macallen Building attendees will also get to visit the adjacent Court Square Press Courtyard which won the American Society of Landscape Architect's 2006 Award of Excellence in the General Design category. The project, which was conceived as a series of fragmented views, is equally compelling both while in the space, and when viewed from above. Photo courtesy Landworks Studio

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

This vintage kitchen in a historic home was snug and closed off from other rooms in the home, including the family room. Opening the wall created a pass-through to the family room as well as ample countertop space and bar seating for 4. The new undercount sink in the beautiful granite countertop was enlarged to a single 36" bowl. The original Jen-Aire range had seen better days. Removing it opened up additional counter space as well as offered a smooth cook surface with down draft vent. The custom cabinets were solidly built with lots of custom features that new cabinets would not have offered. To lighten and brighten the room, the cabinets were painted with a Sherwin-Williams enamel. Vintage-style hardware was added to fit the period home. The desk was removed since it diminished counter space and the island cabinets were moved into its place. Doing this also opened up the center of the room, allowing better flow. Backsplash tile from Floor & Decor was added. Walls, backsplash, and cabinets were selected in matching colors to make the space appear larger by keeping the eye moving.

This vintage kitchen in a historic home was snug and closed off from other rooms in the home, including the family room. Opening the wall created a pass-through to the family room as well as ample countertop space and bar seating for 4. The new undercount sink in the beautiful granite countertop was enlarged to a single 36" bowl. The original Jen-Aire range had seen better days. Removing it opened up additional counter space as well as offered a smooth cook surface with down draft vent. The custom cabinets were solidly built with lots of custom features that new cabinets would not have offered. To lighten and brighten the room, the cabinets were painted with a Sherwin-Williams enamel. Vintage-style hardware was added to fit the period home. The desk was removed since it diminished counter space and the island cabinets were moved into its place. Doing this also opened up the center of the room, allowing better flow. Backsplash tile from Floor & Decor was added. Walls, backsplash, and cabinets were selected in matching colors to make the space appear larger by keeping the eye moving.

Saturday July 18, Time TBD | Boston The Macallen Building and Court Square Press Courtyard by Michael Blier, RLA, ASLA of Landworks Studio, Inc., with architect Nader Tehrani of NADAAA Located in a rapidly evolving area on the outskirts of South Boston, the Macallen Building condominium community features an award-winning landscape that evokes the neighborhood’s industrial heritage while demonstrating modern principles of sustainable development. Awarded LEED Gold certification in 2008, the project’s attention to sustainability permeates all aspects the three-tiered landscape. Paving materials, tree plantings, and lighting adorn an entry-level courtyard on the ground floor, known as “Macallen Way.” The second level landscape covers the roof of the parking garage, providing recreational space for building residents as well as a graphic garden designed to be viewed from the condominiums above. The third level—including a sloping green roof and terrace garden—is integral to the building’s achievement of LEED certification as the green space is specifically designed to improve stormwater management, ameliorate the urban heat island effect, and provide additional insulation to the building. Through use of these design elements, the landscape greatly diminishes the ecological impact of development and serves as a model for sustainable development throughout the evolving region. In addition to the Macallen Building attendees will also get to visit the adjacent Court Square Press Courtyard which won the American Society of Landscape Architect's 2006 Award of Excellence in the General Design category. The project, which was conceived as a series of fragmented views, is equally compelling both while in the space, and when viewed from above. Photo by John Horner Photography