Search results for "Disaster" in Home Design Ideas

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities.
A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen.
Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living.
With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space.
At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering.
The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic.
The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets.
Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space.
There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench.
It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.

Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida
Architect: Eric Watson
Builder: Hufham Farris Construction
Working with Hufham Farris Construction and architect Eric Watson on this beautiful and unique Alys Beach residence, we supplied a custom E. F. San Juan front entry door, custom interior windows for the wine cellar, custom exterior gates, exterior railings, exterior paneling and trim, and the magnificent Loewen® windows and doors that make a statement the moment you see the home.
Challenges:
Due to our limited production capacity in the wake of Hurricane Michael, providing custom millwork for this home was challenging, but our team was happy and proud to return to work after such a disaster. The primary challenge on this gorgeous 5,050-plus-square-foot residence designed by Eric Watson was the vaulted two-story wall of windows that comprises most of the facade.
Another feature of this home is the incredible 600-bottle wine cellar on the first floor. Watson wanted this amenity to be a focal point for residents and guests, with large glass windows looking into the cellar from a hallway at the front of the house. Due to the delicate nature of wine and the need to protect the bottles from sunlight, this meant creating custom windows that would block the light while still allowing a view of the cellar from the outside. E. F. San Juan provided these custom windows that filter UV light and are airtight to keep out moisture and regulate the cellar’s temperature.
Solution:
We worked closely with our trusted partners at Loewen to supply the large, impact-rated windows for the home’s grand facade and throughout the property, along with exterior doors leading to the courtyard, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces. The E. F. San Juan team also created the accompanying millwork and matching exterior trim, railings, and more.
Providing privacy, security, and beauty, the front entry door and driveway gates were also made by E. F. San Juan. This new-build home, completed in 2020, exudes the quintessential luxury and unique design acumen of Alys Beach. It was recently sold by agent Matt McGuire of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty for $7.2 million—a record-breaking sale for residences north of Scenic Highway 30-A in the coastal South Walton area of Northwest Florida.
E. F. San Juan is proud to be part of the talented team that created such a standout property in the affluent community of Alys Beach.
—-
Photography by Tim Kramer, courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities.
A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen.
Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living.
With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space.
At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering.
The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic.
The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets.
Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space.
There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench.
It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.
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Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida
Architect: Eric Watson
Builder: Hufham Farris Construction
Working with Hufham Farris Construction and architect Eric Watson on this beautiful and unique Alys Beach residence, we supplied a custom E. F. San Juan front entry door, custom interior windows for the wine cellar, custom exterior gates, exterior railings, exterior paneling and trim, and the magnificent Loewen® windows and doors that make a statement the moment you see the home.
Challenges:
Due to our limited production capacity in the wake of Hurricane Michael, providing custom millwork for this home was challenging, but our team was happy and proud to return to work after such a disaster. The primary challenge on this gorgeous 5,050-plus-square-foot residence designed by Eric Watson was the vaulted two-story wall of windows that comprises most of the facade.
Another feature of this home is the incredible 600-bottle wine cellar on the first floor. Watson wanted this amenity to be a focal point for residents and guests, with large glass windows looking into the cellar from a hallway at the front of the house. Due to the delicate nature of wine and the need to protect the bottles from sunlight, this meant creating custom windows that would block the light while still allowing a view of the cellar from the outside. E. F. San Juan provided these custom windows that filter UV light and are airtight to keep out moisture and regulate the cellar’s temperature.
Solution:
We worked closely with our trusted partners at Loewen to supply the large, impact-rated windows for the home’s grand facade and throughout the property, along with exterior doors leading to the courtyard, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces. The E. F. San Juan team also created the accompanying millwork and matching exterior trim, railings, and more.
Providing privacy, security, and beauty, the front entry door and driveway gates were also made by E. F. San Juan. This new-build home, completed in 2020, exudes the quintessential luxury and unique design acumen of Alys Beach. It was recently sold by agent Matt McGuire of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty for $7.2 million—a record-breaking sale for residences north of Scenic Highway 30-A in the coastal South Walton area of Northwest Florida.
E. F. San Juan is proud to be part of the talented team that created such a standout property in the affluent community of Alys Beach.
—-
Photography by Tim Kramer, courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities.
A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen.
Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living.
With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space.
At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering.
The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic.
The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets.
Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space.
There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench.
It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.

Miami, for centuries since its discovery by early explorers, has lured new residents to its shores with the promise paradise in the Tropics. Located on the South Bank of the Miami River, and following the traditions of Tropical Living, this home designed by KI Architecture and Armando Montero R.A. LEED AP, incorporates design ideas that promote healthy living and mitigate Climate Change and Sea Level Rise threats in one of the most vulnerable areas in the Country. Miami and South Florida are often at the center of the Hurricane Track Forecast Cone and seasonal King Tides often flood streets.
The resilient design ensures that disruptions due to natural disasters are minimized. The house structure and adjacent outdoor areas are raised above potential and future flood levels. The structure is hardened and protects the home from wind damage, and is capable of withstanding 180+ mph winds, and the home is designs to function off the grid using photovoltaic energy and other green strategies. Other incorporated sustainable strategies include capturing and re-using rainwater, treating sewage on site and reclaiming grey water to irrigate rooftop gardens and landscape, Roof tops not used for PV panels serve as green roofs and recreational decks that allow home vegetable farming even during flooded conditions.
The house is also designed to maximize the well-being of the occupants by increasing the quality of air, water, natural lighting, and materials to create an environment that promotes physical and mental health.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities.
A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen.
Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living.
With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space.
At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering.
The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic.
The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets.
Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space.
There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench.
It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.

Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida
Architect: Eric Watson
Builder: Hufham Farris Construction
Working with Hufham Farris Construction and architect Eric Watson on this beautiful and unique Alys Beach residence, we supplied a custom E. F. San Juan front entry door, custom interior windows for the wine cellar, custom exterior gates, exterior railings, exterior paneling and trim, and the magnificent Loewen® windows and doors that make a statement the moment you see the home.
Challenges:
Due to our limited production capacity in the wake of Hurricane Michael, providing custom millwork for this home was challenging, but our team was happy and proud to return to work after such a disaster. The primary challenge on this gorgeous 5,050-plus-square-foot residence designed by Eric Watson was the vaulted two-story wall of windows that comprises most of the facade.
Another feature of this home is the incredible 600-bottle wine cellar on the first floor. Watson wanted this amenity to be a focal point for residents and guests, with large glass windows looking into the cellar from a hallway at the front of the house. Due to the delicate nature of wine and the need to protect the bottles from sunlight, this meant creating custom windows that would block the light while still allowing a view of the cellar from the outside. E. F. San Juan provided these custom windows that filter UV light and are airtight to keep out moisture and regulate the cellar’s temperature.
Solution:
We worked closely with our trusted partners at Loewen to supply the large, impact-rated windows for the home’s grand facade and throughout the property, along with exterior doors leading to the courtyard, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces. The E. F. San Juan team also created the accompanying millwork and matching exterior trim, railings, and more.
Providing privacy, security, and beauty, the front entry door and driveway gates were also made by E. F. San Juan. This new-build home, completed in 2020, exudes the quintessential luxury and unique design acumen of Alys Beach. It was recently sold by agent Matt McGuire of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty for $7.2 million—a record-breaking sale for residences north of Scenic Highway 30-A in the coastal South Walton area of Northwest Florida.
E. F. San Juan is proud to be part of the talented team that created such a standout property in the affluent community of Alys Beach.
—-
Photography by Tim Kramer, courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty

The original kitchen was a disaster. The work flow was broken. Sight lines didn't exist. The appliances were non-functioning. The existing staircase was dark and interrupted any chance for an open plan. Like a doctor treating a patient needing a prescriptive plan for rehabilitation, we went to work. We used white oak, green marble accents, straight lines, and modern details for this renovation. The enclosed stair was opened up with wood slats and floating treads. We added oversized pocket doors to access the backyard. The dark cherry wall unit was removed and replaced with am ethanol burning fireplace and wall-mounted tv.

After disaster recovery, High Class offers exceptional general contractor services.

A small pinhole in the coupling of the hot water supply line from the Hot Water Heater developed and began leaking and spraying hot steamy mist. Because of its location in the seldom used Finished Full Basement, it initially went unnoticed.
By the time the homeowners noticed the leaking water, the moisture content in the ceiling sheetrock and well down the walls read 100%. The moist, warm environment proved to be ideal for colonies of mold spores to spread throughout the basement, aided by the HVAC systems return and supply lines circulating the mold spores. It didn’t take long before mold patches eventually covered all of the exposed materials and surfaces, furniture included.
The homeowners’ had protection from their insurance policy and were able to have repairs done after this unfortunate disaster.
Construction ensued. The ceiling, floors, and all of the interior and exterior walls were stripped down to the wood framing and masonry and disposed of. The 1st and 2nd Floor HVAC Ductwork was removed, and the entire existing Full Bath was gutted.
The remodeling included increasing the size of the full bath and removing the shower/tub as well as installing a large and comfortable tile shower. We added a small towel closet, and a separate entry into the adjoining room, which would now be reconfigured into a bedroom. A new EPA Water Sense-rated commode, a vanity cabinet with a natural granite countertop and an under-mount sink, a wall-hung mirror, and new sconce lights rounded out the update.
We turned the adjoining room next to the full bath into a bedroom. We added generous closet storage space and new lighting.
We finally turned our attention to the old kitchenette / wet bar. We took away some of the footprint to add to the full bath and designed an efficient and handsome wet bar / kitchenette.
Porcelain tile, no VOC interior paints, a complete replacement of the basement and 1st Floor HVAC ducting, air handler equipment cleaning, and green-certified carpet and pad combined to create a healthy and light-filled living environment.

This remodel started DIY disaster and transformed into a luxurious home in the south hills of Eugene Oregon. The client scraped the popcorn ceilings, installed floors, and trim but could not figure out how to finish the job. With these items being completed, new paint, stained beams, closet inserts, and modernized shelving in the hallway finished off the job!

Our clients had a dishwasher disaster in their 1950's galley kitchen last year. The insurance company was sonly willing to pay about half the cost to rebuild. The clients also didn't like the dark, tight kitchen, and wanted to come up up with a way to open it up to the main room of their home. We took out the wall between kitchen and living room, while keeping the flow of the kitchen and saving money on pre-fab cabinets. We also put a large island at the end of the space, with open shelving above to display beloved travel artifacts. One secret - the stair down to the lower floor goes right beneath the island, leaving just enough space for some toy storage shelves on either side. We used hand-crafted Zellige tile for the backsplash, to echo the crafted quality of some of the décor. Not every client has an endless budget, so we work with families to get the most from their resources. In this case, the clients also feel that the space has "California Coastal" light, even in the Pacific Northwest.

We remodeled this Southwest Portland home as part of an insurance restoration after disaster struck and water flooded the home. The homeowners seized the opportunity to refresh their space to create a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
The house was taken down to the studs and rebuilt with all new materials, providing our design team with a unique opportunity to showcase what can be achieved when you have a blank canvas.

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning.
This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing.
Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology.
In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come.
Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

The owners of this incredible home in Lake Sammamish, Washington, had been discouraged by the work done by a previous artificial turf company at their home—a low quality product was installed poorly and therefore didn’t function as it should. Their faith in the artificial turf industry was restored when ForeverLawn Bellevue stepped in to remove and correct the issues that the previous company had created. ForeverLawn transformed a disaster into the homeowners’ dream yard. This wonderfully executed installation included over 4,000 square feet of DuPont™ ForeverLawn® Select HD and a unique backyard putting green surfaced with EZ Putt, a variation of GolfGreens™ ideal for fun, family-focused putting greens that requires little maintenance and will provide endless entertainment.

This complete kitchen transformation turned an unexpected flood disaster into a stunning fresh start. Designed in an earthy modern organic style, the space was fully gutted and rebuilt with warm wood-tone cabinetry, a moody green island featuring custom pole wrap detailing, and beautiful quartzite countertops from Arizona Tile carried up beneath the hood for a dramatic focal point. Zellige-look tile, Café appliances, Delta fixtures, Top Knobs hardware, Kichler lighting, and Coretec LVP flooring complete the design, creating a kitchen that feels warm, functional, timeless, and deeply intentional.
Project Details
* Complete kitchen gut renovation and rebuild
* Earthy modern organic design aesthetic
* Warm wood-look perimeter cabinetry
* Custom moody green island with pole wrap detail
* Arizona Tile quartzite countertops
* Quartzite extended beneath hood feature wall
* Zellige-look backsplash tile
* Café appliances
* Delta plumbing fixtures
* Top Knobs cabinet hardware
* Kichler decorative lighting
* Coretec LVP flooring throughout
* Improved layout and functionality
* Full material selection and design management

Custom built modern home on waterfront. Steel and concrete construction built in post disaster with seamless rubber fibreglass roofing materials to support 3 living green roofs. Outdoor living areas span over 2 levels to capture breathtaking water, mountain range and city views. Home has more outdoor living area than interior living space with easy access to all areas. Two outdoor rooms are fully covered and have glass retractable doors system to shut out the elements so rooms can be used year round. John Bentley Photography - Vancouver

One year after completing the main level renovation, in 2015, my client experienced a major flood in her basement. So a year sooner than we had planned, we were working with the disaster management team on a complete renovation of the basement. Our focus was a multifunctional family room with ample space and comfort for a hockey loving family with growing teenagers. We also reworked a cramped bathroom with a stand up shower stall to allow for a full tub and shower surround while making the small space more efficient. This renovation was also completed with custom window treatments and throw cushions, artwork framing and placement.
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