The “Pinecliff” is a unique solution to a common problem in waterfront property: a narrow lot. What it lacks in width, this home makes up for in height and length, maximizing the available space and taking full advantage of what are sure to be expansive views from each of its three stories. Featuring porthole windows and outdoor upper decks, the “Pinecliff” exudes a distinctly nautical air, perching on its steep grade like a great docked ship. The entry-level functions as the main living space, featuring a half bath, entry area, kitchen, dining, and living room. One floor up is the laundry, bunkroom and master suite. The basement level is home to another bedroom suite and office space. Across the way, through the covered patio alcove is the lower level family room, complete with kitchenette and walkout access to the water.

Aspect 221 is a multi-experiential home designed for a multi-generational family. Set on a sloping corner property in a 1960's Golden Valley neighborhood, this home offers a variety of ways to connect to the immediate landscapes and distant views. The house itself is divided vertically with interaction between families occurring through the centrally located sculptural stair. Horizontal movement in each direction leads to distinct environments provided for the families; multiple habitats offering variety of space, light, and privacy. Expanding towards the west, the property takes advantage of the sweeping views and provides a perfect opportunity for a walk-out lower level and tuck under garage. The young family occupies the middle and upper floors, while the parents occupy the lower level. Each family has their own private entry and dedicated outdoor space. The home has 4 distinct outdoor spaces; a north shade deck and south sun deck, as well as an upper east lawn and lower west lawn. These spaces provide multiple habitats for the families to come together or move apart, offering variety and privacy. We designed Aspect 221 with a nod to the various “aspects” offered by the site and its natural context. The base of the house is a black monolithic plinth anchored into the hillside, containing the garage and older parent’s home. This allows the upper two floors, enclosed in a fractured white and wood box, to remain humanly scaled and to move and gesture freely by twisting the middle floor off axis, and then twisting the upper floor off axis again. Each level offers views in varied directions revealing the site in different ways as you rise in elevation. Location: Golden Valley, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Aspect 221 is a multi-experiential home designed for a multi-generational family. Set on a sloping corner property in a 1960's Golden Valley neighborhood, this home offers a variety of ways to connect to the immediate landscapes and distant views. The house itself is divided vertically with interaction between families occurring through the centrally located sculptural stair. Horizontal movement in each direction leads to distinct environments provided for the families; multiple habitats offering variety of space, light, and privacy. Expanding towards the west, the property takes advantage of the sweeping views and provides a perfect opportunity for a walk-out lower level and tuck under garage. The young family occupies the middle and upper floors, while the parents occupy the lower level. Each family has their own private entry and dedicated outdoor space. The home has 4 distinct outdoor spaces; a north shade deck and south sun deck, as well as an upper east lawn and lower west lawn. These spaces provide multiple habitats for the families to come together or move apart, offering variety and privacy. We designed Aspect 221 with a nod to the various “aspects” offered by the site and its natural context. The base of the house is a black monolithic plinth anchored into the hillside, containing the garage and older parent’s home. This allows the upper two floors, enclosed in a fractured white and wood box, to remain humanly scaled and to move and gesture freely by twisting the middle floor off axis, and then twisting the upper floor off axis again. Each level offers views in varied directions revealing the site in different ways as you rise in elevation. Location: Golden Valley, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

One of the few truly American architectural styles, the Craftsman/Prairie style was developed around the turn of the century by a group of Midwestern architects who drew their inspiration from the surrounding landscape. The spacious yet cozy Thompson draws from features from both Craftsman/Prairie and Farmhouse styles for its all-American appeal. The eye-catching exterior includes a distinctive side entrance and stone accents as well as an abundance of windows for both outdoor views and interior rooms bathed in natural light. The floor plan is equally creative. The large floor porch entrance leads into a spacious 2,400-square-foot main floor plan, including a living room with an unusual corner fireplace. Designed for both ease and elegance, it also features a sunroom that takes full advantage of the nearby outdoors, an adjacent private study/retreat and an open plan kitchen and dining area with a handy walk-in pantry filled with convenient storage. Not far away is the private master suite with its own large bathroom and closet, a laundry area and a 800-square-foot, three-car garage. At night, relax in the 1,000-square foot lower level family room or exercise space. When the day is done, head upstairs to the 1,300 square foot upper level, where three cozy bedrooms await, each with its own private bath. Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: Bouwkamp Builders

The “Pinecliff” is a unique solution to a common problem in waterfront property: a narrow lot. What it lacks in width, this home makes up for in height and length, maximizing the available space and taking full advantage of what are sure to be expansive views from each of its three stories. Featuring porthole windows and outdoor upper decks, the “Pinecliff” exudes a distinctly nautical air, perching on its steep grade like a great docked ship. The entry-level functions as the main living space, featuring a half bath, entry area, kitchen, dining, and living room. One floor up is the laundry, bunkroom and master suite. The basement level is home to another bedroom suite and office space. Across the way, through the covered patio alcove, is the lower level family room, complete with kitchenette and walkout access to the water.

The “Pinecliff” is a unique solution to a common problem in waterfront property: a narrow lot. What it lacks in width, this home makes up for in height and length, maximizing the available space and taking full advantage of what are sure to be expansive views from each of its three stories. Featuring porthole windows and outdoor upper decks, the “Pinecliff” exudes a distinctly nautical air, perching on its steep grade like a great docked ship. The entry-level functions as the main living space, featuring a half bath, entry area, kitchen, dining, and living room. One floor up is the laundry, bunkroom and master suite. The basement level is home to another bedroom suite and office space. Across the way, through the covered patio alcove, is the lower level family room, complete with kitchenette and walkout access to the water.

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

The kitchen and family room were separated by a generous opening with casing that was too formal for the space and hampered views to the backyard. On the client's wish list were white cabinetry and an open concept plan that incorporated the family room. Removing the wall separating the kitchen from the family room was a given to make two spaces feel like one. A dropped ceiling over the kitchen table became the inspiration to create soffits throughout the new space, adding interest to the ceiling design while defining the two rooms. Removing the wall also allowed us to expand the footprint of the new kitchen and take advantage of a long wall for new appliances and storage. The new kitchen is inviting and unique featuring distinctive details personal to the client. The white cabinetry is complimented by a wall of natural walnut cabinets with heavy “icebox” style hinges and hardware. We designed a custom two-tone metal exhaust hood and repeated the walnut on a section of the island to add warmth and conceal a pop-up TV mechanism. Lastly the island is punctuated with beautiful metal and glass light fixtures adding just the right amount of sophistication. Photo: Peter Krupenye

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

The “Pinecliff” is a unique solution to a common problem in waterfront property: a narrow lot. What it lacks in width, this home makes up for in height and length, maximizing the available space and taking full advantage of what are sure to be expansive views from each of its three stories. Featuring porthole windows and outdoor upper decks, the “Pinecliff” exudes a distinctly nautical air, perching on its steep grade like a great docked ship. The entry-level functions as the main living space, featuring a half bath, entry area, kitchen, dining, and living room. One floor up is the laundry, bunkroom and master suite. The basement level is home to another bedroom suite and office space. Across the way, through the covered patio alcove, is the lower level family room, complete with kitchenette and walkout access to the water.

The “Pinecliff” is a unique solution to a common problem in waterfront property: a narrow lot. What it lacks in width, this home makes up for in height and length, maximizing the available space and taking full advantage of what are sure to be expansive views from each of its three stories. Featuring porthole windows and outdoor upper decks, the “Pinecliff” exudes a distinctly nautical air, perching on its steep grade like a great docked ship. The entry-level functions as the main living space, featuring a half bath, entry area, kitchen, dining, and living room. One floor up is the laundry, bunkroom and master suite. The basement level is home to another bedroom suite and office space. Across the way, through the covered patio alcove, is the lower level family room, complete with kitchenette and walkout access to the water.

We were excited when the homeowners of this project approached us to help them with their whole house remodel as this is a historic preservation project. The historical society has approved this remodel. As part of that distinction we had to honor the original look of the home; keeping the façade updated but intact. For example the doors and windows are new but they were made as replicas to the originals. The homeowners were relocating from the Inland Empire to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. One of their requests was additional living space. In order to achieve this we added a second story to the home while ensuring that it was in character with the original structure. The interior of the home is all new. It features all new plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Although the home is a Spanish Revival the homeowners style on the interior of the home is very traditional. The project features a home gym as it is important to the homeowners to stay healthy and fit. The kitchen / great room was designed so that the homewoners could spend time with their daughter and her children. The home features two master bedroom suites. One is upstairs and the other one is down stairs. The homeowners prefer to use the downstairs version as they are not forced to use the stairs. They have left the upstairs master suite as a guest suite. Enjoy some of the before and after images of this project: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3549200/old-garage-office-turned-gym-in-los-angeles http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3558821/la-face-lift-for-the-patio http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3569717/la-kitchen-remodel http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3579013/los-angeles-entry-hall http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3592549/exterior-shots-of-a-whole-house-remodel-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3607481/living-dining-rooms-become-a-library-and-formal-dining-room-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3628842/bathroom-makeover-in-los-angeles-ca http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3640770/sweet-dreams-la-bedroom-remodels Exterior: Approved by the historical society as a Spanish Revival, the second story of this home was an addition. All of the windows and doors were replicated to match the original styling of the house. The roof is a combination of Gable and Hip and is made of red clay tile. The arched door and windows are typical of Spanish Revival. The home also features a Juliette Balcony and window. Library / Living Room: The library offers Pocket Doors and custom bookcases. Powder Room: This powder room has a black toilet and Herringbone travertine. Kitchen: This kitchen was designed for someone who likes to cook! It features a Pot Filler, a peninsula and an island, a prep sink in the island, and cookbook storage on the end of the peninsula. The homeowners opted for a mix of stainless and paneled appliances. Although they have a formal dining room they wanted a casual breakfast area to enjoy informal meals with their grandchildren. The kitchen also utilizes a mix of recessed lighting and pendant lights. A wine refrigerator and outlets conveniently located on the island and around the backsplash are the modern updates that were important to the homeowners. Master bath: The master bath enjoys both a soaking tub and a large shower with body sprayers and hand held. For privacy, the bidet was placed in a water closet next to the shower. There is plenty of counter space in this bathroom which even includes a makeup table. Staircase: The staircase features a decorative niche Upstairs master suite: The upstairs master suite features the Juliette balcony Outside: Wanting to take advantage of southern California living the homeowners requested an outdoor kitchen complete with retractable awning. The fountain and lounging furniture keep it light. Home gym: This gym comes completed with rubberized floor covering and dedicated bathroom. It also features its own HVAC system and wall mounted TV.

Inspired by the Spanish-style architecture of a cherished multi-generational family property, this project aimed to transform it into a Spanish Revival masterpiece while preserving its rich history. By honoring the architectural features and majestic shade trees, the landscape was revitalized to create a lush and vibrant environment. Careful selection and incorporation of diverse plant species added aesthetic value and enhanced biodiversity across the expansive two-acre property. Leveraging the presence of large shade trees, a unique microclimate was created, allowing for the cultivation of distinctive plant styles that thrived in their canopy. This project seamlessly integrated "revival" elements, preserving aesthetics and embracing a revitalized future, harmoniously blending lushness, color diversity, and the advantages of existing shade trees.

Inspired by the Spanish-style architecture of a cherished multi-generational family property, this project aimed to transform it into a Spanish Revival masterpiece while preserving its rich history. By honoring the architectural features and majestic shade trees, the landscape was revitalized to create a lush and vibrant environment. Careful selection and incorporation of diverse plant species added aesthetic value and enhanced biodiversity across the expansive two-acre property. Leveraging the presence of large shade trees, a unique microclimate was created, allowing for the cultivation of distinctive plant styles that thrived in their canopy. This project seamlessly integrated "revival" elements, preserving aesthetics and embracing a revitalized future, harmoniously blending lushness, color diversity, and the advantages of existing shade trees.

The “Pinecliff” is a unique solution to a common problem in waterfront property: a narrow lot. What it lacks in width, this home makes up for in height and length, maximizing the available space and taking full advantage of what are sure to be expansive views from each of its three stories. Featuring porthole windows and outdoor upper decks, the “Pinecliff” exudes a distinctly nautical air, perching on its steep grade like a great docked ship. The entry-level functions as the main living space, featuring a half bath, entry area, kitchen, dining, and living room. One floor up is the laundry, bunkroom and master suite. The basement level is home to another bedroom suite and office space. Across the way, through the covered patio alcove, is the lower level family room, complete with kitchenette and walkout access to the water.