Search results for "Distinctive complexities" in Home Design Ideas

This extensive renovation designed by Eric Rawlings, AIA, LEED AP and built by Arlene Dean, completely transforms the look of the original structure. The main source of inspiration for the new design came from Greene & Greene’s Gamble House, which is considered by many as the pinnacle of the original turn of the century Craftsman Style Homes. Distinctive features from that style include the use of exposed timber framing, low pitched roof forms with large overhangs, gangs of windows, and extensive built-in furniture. We removed the front porch brick addition on the right side of the original house and reused about 90% of the original floor system along with more than 50% of the original walls. The original garage was converted into a pool house and the new garage was built in front of it. The upper level terrace on the front of the house serves a dual purpose as a carport while also creating a signature display of complex exposed timber frame construction synonymous with the Craftsman Style of Greene & Greene. The roof structure is made of 4x8 rafters about 5ft apart and 2x6 tongue and groove decking which creates an exposed wood ceiling finish as well as being the structural roof deck. The exterior lighting on the upper level terrace is an LED rope light that is hidden from view on top of the timber beams and provides excellent uplighting for the wood roof structure. Photos by Eric Rawlings, AIA, LEEP AP.

Participant in 2018 Saratoga Showcase of Homes
This picture-perfect kitchen is a sum of all its meticulously designed and crafted details. The layers of complexity are so seamlessly integrated that the finished result does not overwhelm but rather invites you to linger and savor. The mix of paint finishes, quartz, marble and walnut tops, x-mullion doors and satin brass pulls and knobs all contribute to a layering of textures and color. The stiles of the base cabinets are extended to create furniture pieces in keeping with an old farmhouse but with a distinctly modern twist. The moss colored bar, with floating shelves and spectacular backsplash, completes the stunning project.
Type of Project: Kitchen and Bar
Style of Project: Modern-Transitional
Cabinetry: Tedd Wood Landmark
Wood: Maple
Finishes: Frosty White and Naval (Island)
Door: Teton Inset
Countertop: Grey Quartz on the perimeter and Carrera Marble on the Island and Walnut on the bench and the refrigerator wall
Other Design Elements:
• Kohler Whitehaven sink
• X Mullions in top row of cabinets with round Emtek satin brass knobs
• Emtek pulls in satin brass for all other cabinetry
• Walnut accent wood tops
• Stiles of base cabinets are extended down to create individual furniture pieces that is a representation of an old farmhouse with a modern spin
• Blue island with square furniture legs and horizontal v-groove accents
• The island sits at 36” H with a 3” countertop for a finished height of 39”. (In between kitchen and bar height.)
• Custom wood hood to match barn doors that hide bar in adjacent room
• Bar cabinetry to match kitchen door style, but in the color of moss with floating shelves
• Paneled ice maker and beverage center in the bar

This extensive renovation designed by Eric Rawlings, AIA, LEED AP and built by Arlene Dean, completely transforms the look of the original structure. The main source of inspiration for the new design came from Greene & Greene’s Gamble House, which is considered by many as the pinnacle of the original turn of the century Craftsman Style Homes. Distinctive features from that style include the use of exposed timber framing, low pitched roof forms with large overhangs, gangs of windows, and extensive built-in furniture. We removed the front porch brick addition on the right side of the original house and reused about 90% of the original floor system along with more than 50% of the original walls. The original garage was converted into a pool house and the new garage was built in front of it. The upper level terrace on the front of the house serves a dual purpose as a carport while also creating a signature display of complex exposed timber frame construction synonymous with the Craftsman Style of Greene & Greene. The roof structure is made of 4x8 rafters about 5ft apart and 2x6 tongue and groove decking which creates an exposed wood ceiling finish as well as being the structural roof deck. The exterior lighting on the upper level terrace is an LED rope light that is hidden from view on top of the timber beams and provides excellent uplighting for the wood roof structure. Photos by Eric Rawlings, AIA, LEEP AP.
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2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER
Project Scope
The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases.
While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones.
The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors.
Challenges
Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex.
Solutions
The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight.
Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights.
The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room.
The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry.
One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing.
Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER
Project Scope
The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases.
While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones.
The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors.
Challenges
Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex.
Solutions
The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight.
Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights.
The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room.
The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry.
One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing.
Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.

This home office was crafted within an unconventional footprint—a space that originally served as a hallway and bathroom in a former golf course clubhouse before its conversion into a private residence. Our primary challenge was transforming this narrow, unique area into a functional, visually refined workspace that brought the client’s vision for custom-painted shelving alcoves to life.
Through close collaboration with the builder, we designed shelving with precise proportions, ensuring every alcove felt intentional and balanced. To maximize openness and visual continuity, we finished both the walls and shelving in SW 9019 Natural Linen. Carrying this warm tone throughout the entire space prevented visual fragmentation, allowing the architectural detailing to feel perfectly integrated. While a contrasting white finish was considered, we chose the monochromatic approach to preserve the cohesion and softness of the room.
The result is a space defined by elegance, sophistication, and quiet distinction. A cherished photographic art piece served as our focal point, establishing a color direction filled with warm neutrals, subtle depth, and organic movement. We carefully curated and scaled accessories to each alcove, including soft gold sculptural elements, clear resin accents, and earth-inspired objects, to create interest without the clutter.
We are honored that this space has been recognized with 3rd Place in the Dream Room Awards and 1st Place in the People's Choice Awards for the Home Office category.
At Clark Team Designs, we believe in "Real-Life Luxury". By managing every detail of this complex transformation, we provided an effortless, elevated experience that resulted in a home office our clients truly love.

2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER
Project Scope
The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases.
While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones.
The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors.
Challenges
Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex.
Solutions
The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight.
Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights.
The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room.
The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry.
One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing.
Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.

2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER
Project Scope
The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases.
While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones.
The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors.
Challenges
Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex.
Solutions
The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight.
Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights.
The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room.
The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry.
One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing.
Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER
Project Scope
The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases.
While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones.
The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors.
Challenges
Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex.
Solutions
The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight.
Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights.
The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room.
The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry.
One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing.
Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.

2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER
Project Scope
The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases.
While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones.
The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors.
Challenges
Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex.
Solutions
The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight.
Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights.
The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room.
The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry.
One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing.
Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER
Project Scope
The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases.
While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones.
The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors.
Challenges
Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex.
Solutions
The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight.
Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights.
The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room.
The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry.
One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing.
Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.
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