This new construction home in the Copper Creek Neighborhood north of Pittsburgh was completed in summer of 2019. The home builder completed exterior work on the home in October of 2018 and from there, our team started work with late season plantings. With winter setting in, work was suspended until spring of 2019. As the grass started to come up, we began work on the backyard. Our team designed an expansive outdoor space which included a large 24×48 foot swimming pool with auto cover, custom benches and lighting as well as a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and bar area conveniently located near the walk-out basement. The outdoor kitchen featured a dual refrigerator to separate the kids’ drink from the adult beverages, an ice chest, an oversized grill with storage underneath and pull-out trash. We installed an oversized, 4×8 foot linear firepit with extra wide sandstone cap for keeping warm near the pool late into the evening. The firepit featured a custom brass burner to provide maximum heat. With the main entertaining area on a lower level, we created custom steps with a boulder wall that creates a grand entrance from the driveway that compliments the hardscaping and plantings. Wet Pittsburgh weather created a challenge requiring us to create temporary access roads to the backyard. The large entertaining space consumed a large portion of the usable space in the backyard, so the homeowner requested that we bring in extra fill to create a large grassy area for the kids to play. We filled and graded part of the rear/side yard and planted it with grass to accommodate this request.

The modern living room is a stunning space that seamlessly blends natural materials and contemporary design elements. The room's focal point is an extra-large linear fireplace, clad in beautiful stone slabs that add texture and depth to the space. The fireplace sits flush with the wall, creating a sleek and minimalist appearance. The natural stone cladding features a range of neutral tones, including warm beige, cool gray, and soft white, which complement the room's neutral color scheme. A plush dark grey sofa faces the fireplace, inviting guests to sit and enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the crackling flames. A pair of mid-century modern armchairs, upholstered in a light textured fabric, sit opposite the sofa, adding a touch of timeless elegance to the room. A low-slung coffee table in a warm wood finish sits in front of the sofa, providing a convenient spot for guests to rest their drinks or snacks. Overall, the modern living room with an extra-large linear fireplace with stone slab cladding is a beautiful space that combines form and function, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for entertaining or relaxing with loved ones.

My client has a lot of extra room in between each space that she didn’t know what to do with it. As a designer, it’s my job to think outside the box and make every space functional. I came up with the concept of creating a space where she can sit and drink tea or coffee and conversate if they don’t want to be at the kitchen table. I used four lounge chairs with a round table in the middle to identify the space and create drama at the same time. I decided to use a bold floral pattern but still neutral with a black coffee table to ground the space. The curve of the round table surrounded by the repetition of the four chairs really create a dramatic effect in between the kitchen and the morning room. It invites you in to come in and take a seat, take a deep breath, drink some tea or coffee and relax!

Discover the ultimate retreat in Lake Almanor’s Peninsula Country Club, where modern comfort meets rustic charm. This cozy 3-bedroom, 5-bed cabin with a charming loft is designed for relaxation and adventure alike. Enjoy high-speed internet, air conditioning, a high-definition TV, and a cozy wood stove. Step outside to spacious porches, a private forest backdrop with no rear neighbors, and a BBQ grill for outdoor dining. Whether you’re here for boating, fishing, golfing, or simply unwinding, this is the perfect getaway for families, couples, and groups. ? Exclusive Gated Community & Prime Location Nestled inside a secure, gated community, this vacation home grants access to private beaches, boat launches, golf courses, parks, and more. Walk or take a short drive to the clubhouse, bar, restaurants, and other amenities available within the country club (please note: a nightly access fee applies). ? Ask us about special discounts! ⭐ Living & Entertainment ✔ Spacious Open-Concept Living Room – Comfortable seating, a large TV, and a pool table for fun-filled gatherings✔ Loft & Second Living Area – Additional seating, a second TV, and a dedicated workspace for remote work✔ Ultra-Fast WiFi – Stream on multiple TVs or work seamlessly in a peaceful setting ?️ Kitchen & Dining ✔ Fully Equipped Kitchen – Large island, microwave, dual sinks, oven, electric stovetop, cookware & dinnerware✔ Dining Area – A spacious table perfect for shared meals and quality time ?️ Bedroom Setup & Sleeping Arrangements ✔ Master Bedroom – California king bed, TV, full en-suite bathroom with rain shower, and walk-in closet✔ Second Bedroom – Full-sized bunk beds, perfect for kids or extra guests✔ Third Bedroom – Luxurious California king bed plus an optional queen bed✔ Additional Sleeping Options – An air mattress is available upon request, and the loft can double as an extra bedroom ⭐ Premium Amenities ✔ High-Speed Internet & Smart TVs – Stay connected or enjoy a movie night✔ Central Air Conditioning & Heating – Year-round comfort✔ Wood Stove – Cozy up on chilly nights✔ Outdoor Grill – BBQ on the porch with scenic forest views ? Outdoor Space & Activities ✔ Expansive Porches – Relax with a morning coffee or evening drink in a peaceful setting✔ Secluded Forest Views – No rear neighbors, offering ultimate privacy and tranquility✔ Close to Lake Almanor – Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking just minutes away ? Hassle-Free Parking ✔ Spacious Driveway – Plenty of room for multiple vehicles ?️ Your Ideal Lake Almanor Getaway This stunning cabin blends modern luxury with rustic charm, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re here for an outdoor adventure, a relaxing weekend, or a family vacation, this home is designed for unforgettable experiences. ? Availability is limited—book your Lake Almanor escape today here! https://primaluxeproperty.holidayfuture.com/listings/308166

Condos are often a challenge – can’t move water, venting has to remain connected to existing ducting and recessed cans may not be an option. In this project, we had an added challenge – we could not lower the ceiling on the exterior wall due to a continual leak issue that the HOA has put off due to the multi-million-dollar expense. DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: Work Centers: prep, baking, clean up, message, beverage and entertaining. Vignette Design: avoid wall to wall cabinets, enhance the work center philosophy Geometry: create a more exciting and natural flow ANGLES: the baking center features a Miele wall oven and Liebherr Freezer, the countertop is 36” deep (allowing for an extra deep appliance garage with stainless tambour). CURVES: the island, desk and ceiling is curved to create a more natural flow. A raised drink counter in Sapele allows for “bellying up to the bar” CIRCLES: the 60” table (seating for 6) is supported by a steel plate and a custom column (used also to support the end of the curved desk – not shown) ISLAND CHALLENGE: To install recessed cans and connect to the existing ducting – we dropped the ceiling 6”. The dropped ceiling curves at the end of the island to the existing ceiling height at the pantry/desk area of the kitchen. The stainless steel column at the end of the island is an electrical chase (the ceiling is concrete, which we were not allowed to puncture) for the island Cabinets: Sapele – Vertical Grain Island Cabinets: Metro LM 98 – Horizontal Grain Laminate Countertop Granite: Purple Dunes Wood – maple Drink Counter: Sapele Appliances: Refrigerator and Freezer: Liebherr Induction CT, DW, Wall and Steam Oven: Miele Hood: Best Range Hoods – Cirrus Wine Refrigerator: Perlick Flooring: Cork Tile Backsplash: Artistic Tile Steppes – Negro Marquina Lighting: Tom Dixon NW Architectural Photography

This two-toned white kitchen remodel includes brand new white cabinets, a large kitchen island with pop-up electrical outlets and extra storage, a lift cabinet to store small kitchen appliances with ease, glass cabinets, wine racks, a wet bar, and a beautiful light blue and grey backsplash that perfectly complements the white and brown cabinets. First, let's talk about the new white cabinets. The white cabinets give the kitchen a fresh and modern look, while also providing a blank canvas to mix with other colors and decor. The cabinet doors have a simple design, but with the right hardware they can look more ornate. Plus, white cabinets are timeless and will never go out of style. Now, let's dive into the large kitchen island. This island has pop-up electrical outlets, which adds convenience and ease to your cooking experience. No more struggling to find an outlet to plug in your mixer! The extra storage and prep space provided by the island is invaluable in the kitchen. It gives you the added counter space needed to spread out and really execute those complex recipes, or to have multiple people working in the kitchen at once. The lift cabinet is also a game changer. Tired of pulling out your mixer or other kitchen appliances from a dark cabinet and struggling to get it back in, or even worse, struggling to get it out? With the simple press of a button, the cabinet will lift your appliance with ease and keep it at the perfect height for use. Now, let's talk about storage. There are glass cabinets to perfectly display your favorite kitchen items and a wine rack to store your favorite bottles. The wet bar is perfect for entertaining guests, with a place to chill your bottles and serve up drinks. Overall, the storage options in this kitchen remodel are endless and perfectly designed to meet your everyday needs and lifestyle. Lastly, the light blue and grey backsplash and countertop perfectly complement the white and brown cabinets. The backsplash adds a pop of color to your kitchen, while the countertop matches the backsplash and completes the whole look. This kitchen remodel is sure to make a statement and catch your guests' attention.

Discover the ultimate retreat in Lake Almanor’s Peninsula Country Club, where modern comfort meets rustic charm. This cozy 3-bedroom, 5-bed cabin with a charming loft is designed for relaxation and adventure alike. Enjoy high-speed internet, air conditioning, a high-definition TV, and a cozy wood stove. Step outside to spacious porches, a private forest backdrop with no rear neighbors, and a BBQ grill for outdoor dining. Whether you’re here for boating, fishing, golfing, or simply unwinding, this is the perfect getaway for families, couples, and groups. ? Exclusive Gated Community & Prime Location Nestled inside a secure, gated community, this vacation home grants access to private beaches, boat launches, golf courses, parks, and more. Walk or take a short drive to the clubhouse, bar, restaurants, and other amenities available within the country club (please note: a nightly access fee applies). ? Ask us about special discounts! ⭐ Living & Entertainment ✔ Spacious Open-Concept Living Room – Comfortable seating, a large TV, and a pool table for fun-filled gatherings✔ Loft & Second Living Area – Additional seating, a second TV, and a dedicated workspace for remote work✔ Ultra-Fast WiFi – Stream on multiple TVs or work seamlessly in a peaceful setting ?️ Kitchen & Dining ✔ Fully Equipped Kitchen – Large island, microwave, dual sinks, oven, electric stovetop, cookware & dinnerware✔ Dining Area – A spacious table perfect for shared meals and quality time ?️ Bedroom Setup & Sleeping Arrangements ✔ Master Bedroom – California king bed, TV, full en-suite bathroom with rain shower, and walk-in closet✔ Second Bedroom – Full-sized bunk beds, perfect for kids or extra guests✔ Third Bedroom – Luxurious California king bed plus an optional queen bed✔ Additional Sleeping Options – An air mattress is available upon request, and the loft can double as an extra bedroom ⭐ Premium Amenities ✔ High-Speed Internet & Smart TVs – Stay connected or enjoy a movie night✔ Central Air Conditioning & Heating – Year-round comfort✔ Wood Stove – Cozy up on chilly nights✔ Outdoor Grill – BBQ on the porch with scenic forest views ? Outdoor Space & Activities ✔ Expansive Porches – Relax with a morning coffee or evening drink in a peaceful setting✔ Secluded Forest Views – No rear neighbors, offering ultimate privacy and tranquility✔ Close to Lake Almanor – Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking just minutes away ? Hassle-Free Parking ✔ Spacious Driveway – Plenty of room for multiple vehicles ?️ Your Ideal Lake Almanor Getaway This stunning cabin blends modern luxury with rustic charm, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re here for an outdoor adventure, a relaxing weekend, or a family vacation, this home is designed for unforgettable experiences. ? Availability is limited—book your Lake Almanor escape today here! https://primaluxeproperty.holidayfuture.com/listings/308166

This new construction home in the Copper Creek Neighborhood north of Pittsburgh was completed in summer of 2019. The home builder completed exterior work on the home in October of 2018 and from there, our team started work with late season plantings. With winter setting in, work was suspended until spring of 2019. As the grass started to come up, we began work on the backyard. Our team designed an expansive outdoor space which included a large 24×48 foot swimming pool with auto cover, custom benches and lighting as well as a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and bar area conveniently located near the walk-out basement. The outdoor kitchen featured a dual refrigerator to separate the kids’ drink from the adult beverages, an ice chest, an oversized grill with storage underneath and pull-out trash. We installed an oversized, 4×8 foot linear firepit with extra wide sandstone cap for keeping warm near the pool late into the evening. The firepit featured a custom brass burner to provide maximum heat. With the main entertaining area on a lower level, we created custom steps with a boulder wall that creates a grand entrance from the driveway that compliments the hardscaping and plantings. Wet Pittsburgh weather created a challenge requiring us to create temporary access roads to the backyard. The large entertaining space consumed a large portion of the usable space in the backyard, so the homeowner requested that we bring in extra fill to create a large grassy area for the kids to play. We filled and graded part of the rear/side yard and planted it with grass to accommodate this request.

This new construction home in the Copper Creek Neighborhood north of Pittsburgh was completed in summer of 2019. The home builder completed exterior work on the home in October of 2018 and from there, our team started work with late season plantings. With winter setting in, work was suspended until spring of 2019. As the grass started to come up, we began work on the backyard. Our team designed an expansive outdoor space which included a large 24×48 foot swimming pool with auto cover, custom benches and lighting as well as a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and bar area conveniently located near the walk-out basement. The outdoor kitchen featured a dual refrigerator to separate the kids’ drink from the adult beverages, an ice chest, an oversized grill with storage underneath and pull-out trash. We installed an oversized, 4×8 foot linear firepit with extra wide sandstone cap for keeping warm near the pool late into the evening. The firepit featured a custom brass burner to provide maximum heat. With the main entertaining area on a lower level, we created custom steps with a boulder wall that creates a grand entrance from the driveway that compliments the hardscaping and plantings. Wet Pittsburgh weather created a challenge requiring us to create temporary access roads to the backyard. The large entertaining space consumed a large portion of the usable space in the backyard, so the homeowner requested that we bring in extra fill to create a large grassy area for the kids to play. We filled and graded part of the rear/side yard and planted it with grass to accommodate this request.

My client has a lot of extra room in between each space that she didn’t know what to do with it. As a designer, it’s my job to think outside the box and make every space functional. I came up with the concept of creating a space where she can sit and drink tea or coffee and conversate if they don’t want to be at the kitchen table. I used four lounge chairs with a round table in the middle to identify the space and create drama at the same time. I decided to use a bold floral pattern but still neutral with a black coffee table to ground the space. The curve of the round table surrounded by the repetition of the four chairs really create a dramatic effect in between the kitchen and the morning room. It invites you in to come in and take a seat, take a deep breath, drink some tea or coffee and relax!

LEED Certification Level: Platinum. Builder: R & S Engineering & Construction. The Cavanaugh Residence is a contemporary split level with a split personality. Totally designed from the ground up to minimize impact and maximize energy and water efficiency, its beautiful facade belies its hard-working, high-producing systems, earning it a LEED Platinum score of 116.5, and a HERS rating of minus 22. The 2774 square foot home produces over 100 per cent of its power with a 10.8 kw pv system, and captures 100 per cent of its freshwater needs from the curved metal roofs through an engineered collection and purification system, stored in an integrated concrete cistern. Constructed of locally made SIP panels on an infill waterfront lot, the home is oriented to maximize the production of the pv panels. Six inch SIP panels work together with a highly reflective, highly emmisive cool standing seam roof, icynene insulation in ceiling and floors, and carefully placed high efficiency windows and doors to create a tightly sealed environment. The 17-seer Trane heat pump variable speed compressors and TAM 7 air handlers, along with a whole house dehumidifier and fresh air intake provide a comfortable, clean indoor environment while using little energy. In the shoulder seasons, natural ventilation cools the home with fresh breezes drawn from lower windows in each room flowing through the curved ceilings to clerestory windows at the top of the house. Natural daylighting, with windows placed in corners and high clerestories, bounce the abundant natural light so that the owners use the interior LED lighting primarily at night. Windows were sited to frame views of the neighboring park and water, and capture the light, but represent a very low percentage of glazing to wall to conserve energy. Primarily native, xeriscaped turfless landscaping sips reclaimed water from its drip and bubbler irrigiation system, and requires little trimming or chemicals. Established trees, protected during construction, shade the home, FSC certified decks, and yard, providing a cool place to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the day, even in Florida's summer heat. Rainwater is diverted from the bay through the engineered collection and filtration system to an integrated concrete cistern hidden beneath the decks. Abundant Florida rainwater supplies 100 per cent of the home's needs, including drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Naturally soft, the highly filtered and UV purified water requires no chemical treatment or water softener. Coupled with minimal hardscape and permeable drive and walkways, almost all ground water remains on the lot, and out of storm sewers and bay runoffs. Designed as a forever home for this active retired couple, an open floor plan provides diagonal interior views along with great circulation space. Wide hallways and doors, curbless showers, an elevator, and extra blocking in the walls for grab rails insures the couple of being able to use their home even if physical disabilities arise. The home's footprint is minimized by building over the conditioned crawlspace and over-sized garage, and the finished floor height, at least two feet above flood code requirements, significantly reduces insurance costs while maximizing storage space for camping and water sports equipment. Materials, fixtures and appliances were carefully selected for energy and water efficiency, local production where possible, recycled content/recyclability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The owners were very involved in vetting and materials selections, and assisted in just-in-time purchasing to minimize waste. Scrap materials were sorted daily for re-use elsewhere in the project (blocking, concrete forms, drywall scraps as acoustical insulation in interior walls, etc.), resulting in a tiny waste pile at the end of a dumpster-free project. Concrete waste was hauled to a local recycler to become road base, and extra useable materials were returned to the vendor or donated to Habitat Restore. Cost-effective choices, and careful planning, saved significant dollars in construction cost as well as landfill space. One of the biggest challenges was finding qualified subcontractors who would work within the guidelines. With the help of our LEED consultant and meetings and explanations, most subcontractors not only bought into the ideas readily, but offered up new ideas. Highly skilled and professional, the team of subs, LEED consultant, and contractor proved that LEED construction is excellent construction. The team, the owners, and I also found that LEED construction makes great economic sense. Most materials (other than increased insulation and photovoltaic panels) cost no more, and sometimes less, than those employed in construction of a lesser standard. The owners have been living in the home for a year now, and are thrilled with the results. No power bill. No water bill. Extremely low insurance bill. Minimal ground maintenance. No fabric softener. Reduced use of soap, detergents, and shampoos and cleaning supplies. Less time cleaning with spot-free rainwater. Careful planning and materials selection brought the project in under budget, and the home operates at an extremely low cost, both to the homeowners, and the environment. Who wouldn't be thrilled?

Condos are often a challenge – can’t move water, venting has to remain connected to existing ducting and recessed cans may not be an option. In this project, we had an added challenge – we could not lower the ceiling on the exterior wall due to a continual leak issue that the HOA has put off due to the multi-million-dollar expense. DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: Work Centers: prep, baking, clean up, message, beverage and entertaining. Vignette Design: avoid wall to wall cabinets, enhance the work center philosophy Geometry: create a more exciting and natural flow ANGLES: the baking center features a Miele wall oven and Liebherr Freezer, the countertop is 36” deep (allowing for an extra deep appliance garage with stainless tambour). CURVES: the island, desk and ceiling is curved to create a more natural flow. A raised drink counter in Sapele allows for “bellying up to the bar” CIRCLES: the 60” table (seating for 6) is supported by a steel plate and a custom column (used also to support the end of the curved desk – not shown) ISLAND CHALLENGE: To install recessed cans and connect to the existing ducting – we dropped the ceiling 6”. The dropped ceiling curves at the end of the island to the existing ceiling height at the pantry/desk area of the kitchen. The stainless steel column at the end of the island is an electrical chase (the ceiling is concrete, which we were not allowed to puncture) for the island Cabinets: Sapele – Vertical Grain Island Cabinets: Metro LM 98 – Horizontal Grain Laminate Countertop Granite: Purple Dunes Wood – maple Drink Counter: Sapele Appliances: Refrigerator and Freezer: Liebherr Induction CT, DW, Wall and Steam Oven: Miele Hood: Best Range Hoods – Cirrus Wine Refrigerator: Perlick Flooring: Cork Tile Backsplash: Artistic Tile Steppes – Negro Marquina Lighting: Tom Dixon NW Architectural Photography

This new construction home in the Copper Creek Neighborhood north of Pittsburgh was completed in summer of 2019. The home builder completed exterior work on the home in October of 2018 and from there, our team started work with late season plantings. With winter setting in, work was suspended until spring of 2019. As the grass started to come up, we began work on the backyard. Our team designed an expansive outdoor space which included a large 24×48 foot swimming pool with auto cover, custom benches and lighting as well as a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and bar area conveniently located near the walk-out basement. The outdoor kitchen featured a dual refrigerator to separate the kids’ drink from the adult beverages, an ice chest, an oversized grill with storage underneath and pull-out trash. We installed an oversized, 4×8 foot linear firepit with extra wide sandstone cap for keeping warm near the pool late into the evening. The firepit featured a custom brass burner to provide maximum heat. With the main entertaining area on a lower level, we created custom steps with a boulder wall that creates a grand entrance from the driveway that compliments the hardscaping and plantings. Wet Pittsburgh weather created a challenge requiring us to create temporary access roads to the backyard. The large entertaining space consumed a large portion of the usable space in the backyard, so the homeowner requested that we bring in extra fill to create a large grassy area for the kids to play. We filled and graded part of the rear/side yard and planted it with grass to accommodate this request.

Condos are often a challenge – can’t move water, venting has to remain connected to existing ducting and recessed cans may not be an option. In this project, we had an added challenge – we could not lower the ceiling on the exterior wall due to a continual leak issue that the HOA has put off due to the multi-million-dollar expense. DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: Work Centers: prep, baking, clean up, message, beverage and entertaining. Vignette Design: avoid wall to wall cabinets, enhance the work center philosophy Geometry: create a more exciting and natural flow ANGLES: the baking center features a Miele wall oven and Liebherr Freezer, the countertop is 36” deep (allowing for an extra deep appliance garage with stainless tambour). CURVES: the island, desk and ceiling is curved to create a more natural flow. A raised drink counter in Sapele allows for “bellying up to the bar” CIRCLES: the 60” table (seating for 6) is supported by a steel plate and a custom column (used also to support the end of the curved desk – not shown) ISLAND CHALLENGE: To install recessed cans and connect to the existing ducting – we dropped the ceiling 6”. The dropped ceiling curves at the end of the island to the existing ceiling height at the pantry/desk area of the kitchen. The stainless steel column at the end of the island is an electrical chase (the ceiling is concrete, which we were not allowed to puncture) for the island Cabinets: Sapele – Vertical Grain Island Cabinets: Metro LM 98 – Horizontal Grain Laminate Countertop Granite: Purple Dunes Wood – maple Drink Counter: Sapele Appliances: Refrigerator and Freezer: Liebherr Induction CT, DW, Wall and Steam Oven: Miele Hood: Best Range Hoods – Cirrus Wine Refrigerator: Perlick Flooring: Cork Tile Backsplash: Artistic Tile Steppes – Negro Marquina Lighting: Tom Dixon NW Architectural Photography

We turned the old laundry room into a butler's pantry, just off the kitchen and removed the door for easy access. It provides tons of extra practical storage space including a coffee station, a place for the microwave, a mini fridge for the commonly enjoyed drinks, canned foods, cookbooks, etc.

Architecture by Tom McElroy Photography by Rachel Styer
Minimalist kitchen photo in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets and blue cabinets

Condos are often a challenge – can’t move water, venting has to remain connected to existing ducting and recessed cans may not be an option. In this project, we had an added challenge – we could not lower the ceiling on the exterior wall due to a continual leak issue that the HOA has put off due to the multi-million-dollar expense. DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: Work Centers: prep, baking, clean up, message, beverage and entertaining. Vignette Design: avoid wall to wall cabinets, enhance the work center philosophy Geometry: create a more exciting and natural flow ANGLES: the baking center features a Miele wall oven and Liebherr Freezer, the countertop is 36” deep (allowing for an extra deep appliance garage with stainless tambour). CURVES: the island, desk and ceiling is curved to create a more natural flow. A raised drink counter in Sapele allows for “bellying up to the bar” CIRCLES: the 60” table (seating for 6) is supported by a steel plate and a custom column (used also to support the end of the curved desk – not shown) ISLAND CHALLENGE: To install recessed cans and connect to the existing ducting – we dropped the ceiling 6”. The dropped ceiling curves at the end of the island to the existing ceiling height at the pantry/desk area of the kitchen. The stainless steel column at the end of the island is an electrical chase (the ceiling is concrete, which we were not allowed to puncture) for the island Cabinets: Sapele – Vertical Grain Island Cabinets: Metro LM 98 – Horizontal Grain Laminate Countertop Granite: Purple Dunes Wood – maple Drink Counter: Sapele Appliances: Refrigerator and Freezer: Liebherr Induction CT, DW, Wall and Steam Oven: Miele Hood: Best Range Hoods – Cirrus Wine Refrigerator: Perlick Flooring: Cork Tile Backsplash: Artistic Tile Steppes – Negro Marquina Lighting: Tom Dixon NW Architectural Photography

Condos are often a challenge – can’t move water, venting has to remain connected to existing ducting and recessed cans may not be an option. In this project, we had an added challenge – we could not lower the ceiling on the exterior wall due to a continual leak issue that the HOA has put off due to the multi-million-dollar expense. DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: Work Centers: prep, baking, clean up, message, beverage and entertaining. Vignette Design: avoid wall to wall cabinets, enhance the work center philosophy Geometry: create a more exciting and natural flow ANGLES: the baking center features a Miele wall oven and Liebherr Freezer, the countertop is 36” deep (allowing for an extra deep appliance garage with stainless tambour). CURVES: the island, desk and ceiling is curved to create a more natural flow. A raised drink counter in Sapele allows for “bellying up to the bar” CIRCLES: the 60” table (seating for 6) is supported by a steel plate and a custom column (used also to support the end of the curved desk – not shown) ISLAND CHALLENGE: To install recessed cans and connect to the existing ducting – we dropped the ceiling 6”. The dropped ceiling curves at the end of the island to the existing ceiling height at the pantry/desk area of the kitchen. The stainless steel column at the end of the island is an electrical chase (the ceiling is concrete, which we were not allowed to puncture) for the island Cabinets: Sapele – Vertical Grain Island Cabinets: Metro LM 98 – Horizontal Grain Laminate Countertop Granite: Purple Dunes Wood – maple Drink Counter: Sapele Appliances: Refrigerator and Freezer: Liebherr Induction CT, DW, Wall and Steam Oven: Miele Hood: Best Range Hoods – Cirrus Wine Refrigerator: Perlick Flooring: Cork Tile Backsplash: Artistic Tile Steppes – Negro Marquina Lighting: Tom Dixon NW Architectural Photography

This new construction home in the Copper Creek Neighborhood north of Pittsburgh was completed in summer of 2019. The home builder completed exterior work on the home in October of 2018 and from there, our team started work with late season plantings. With winter setting in, work was suspended until spring of 2019. As the grass started to come up, we began work on the backyard. Our team designed an expansive outdoor space which included a large 24×48 foot swimming pool with auto cover, custom benches and lighting as well as a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and bar area conveniently located near the walk-out basement. The outdoor kitchen featured a dual refrigerator to separate the kids’ drink from the adult beverages, an ice chest, an oversized grill with storage underneath and pull-out trash. We installed an oversized, 4×8 foot linear firepit with extra wide sandstone cap for keeping warm near the pool late into the evening. The firepit featured a custom brass burner to provide maximum heat. With the main entertaining area on a lower level, we created custom steps with a boulder wall that creates a grand entrance from the driveway that compliments the hardscaping and plantings. Wet Pittsburgh weather created a challenge requiring us to create temporary access roads to the backyard. The large entertaining space consumed a large portion of the usable space in the backyard, so the homeowner requested that we bring in extra fill to create a large grassy area for the kids to play. We filled and graded part of the rear/side yard and planted it with grass to accommodate this request.