Project Description: This lake house transformation will be executed in three distinct phases, each aimed at modernizing and enhancing the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the property. In the first phase, the main entry glazing will be replaced with two large overhead openings, creating a grander entrance and allowing more natural light to flood the interior. A concrete driveway will be installed in front of these overhead openings, providing a versatile space for hosting gatherings, especially since the house is situated near the lake. Additionally, the height of the existing garage will be increased to accommodate larger vehicles or create additional storage space. The second phase focuses on enclosing the upper porch deck, converting it into a versatile enclosed space that can serve as an extended living or recreational area while maintaining panoramic views of the lake. In the final phase, the foundation stone will be spruced up to enhance its durability and visual appeal. New siding and a modern roof will be installed, featuring black highlights to provide a sleek and contemporary touch to the overall exterior design.

Perfectly settled in the shade of three majestic oak trees, this timeless homestead evokes a deep sense of belonging to the land. The Wilson Architects farmhouse design riffs on the agrarian history of the region while employing contemporary green technologies and methods. Honoring centuries-old artisan traditions and the rich local talent carrying those traditions today, the home is adorned with intricate handmade details including custom site-harvested millwork, forged iron hardware, and inventive stone masonry. Welcome family and guests comfortably in the detached garage apartment. Enjoy long range views of these ancient mountains with ample space, inside and out.

Latch hardware in upper cabinets.
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Master Bedroom with Red Bed Frame and custom drapery and bedding.
Bedroom - traditional master light wood floor bedroom idea in Charlotte

Inspiration for an industrial garage remodel in Denver

This ground-level, forward-facing view highlights a premium residential driveway and front yard hardscaping transformation in Tucson, Arizona, designed and installed by Az Custom Landscapes LLC. The project showcases a clean, contemporary aesthetic that drastically upgrades the property's curb appeal while remaining highly durable for the desert climate. The focal point is an expansive driveway meticulously constructed from high-density, interlocking concrete pavers in a striking charcoal and gray blend. The pavers are laid in a precise, geometric herringbone pattern, which maximizes load-bearing strength and structural stability for vehicle traffic. Framing the entire driveway is a crisp, contrasting dark soldier course border that defines the clean lines of the driveway. Flanking the driveway is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant desert landscape featuring a base of fine gravel, native ocotillo plants, and mature trees. The entire hardscape system is expertly graded to ensure optimal drainage and water runoff efficiency during Arizona’s seasonal monsoons.

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

This detached garage project was completed in Alamo Heights 78209 by a local design build general contractor. The scope included site planning, permitting, foundation work, framing, roofing, electrical, and exterior finishes to match the existing home. The garage was designed for long term durability, clean curb appeal, and functional storage. Proper setbacks and zoning requirements for Alamo Heights were addressed during design. The finished structure provides secure vehicle storage and flexible space for storage or future use. This project reflects a streamlined design build process focused on quality construction, clear communication, and code compliant execution from start to finish. Alamo Heights detached garage builder, detached garage builder 78209, custom detached garage Alamo Heights TX, detached garage construction 78209, residential garage builder Alamo Heights, garage building contractor Alamo Heights, design build garage contractor 78209, custom garage construction Alamo Heights, permitted detached garage 78209, San Antonio detached garage builder

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

ome driveways do more than lead you home. They welcome you with character and timeless style. Eva™ Slate by Techo-Bloc is a driveway paver that brings the refined texture of natural slate to a modular format, offering classic elegance with contemporary ease. What makes Eva™ Slate stand out is its balanced blend of rustic detail and clean geometry. The surface captures the soft clefts and visual depth of cut stone, while the modular shapes simplify installation and maximize pattern versatility. Its durable composition ensures long-term performance, even under the weight and wear of daily vehicle traffic. In this image, the driveway flows in harmony with the home's architectural warmth, using the color Champlain Grey: a neutral tone that works beautifully with stone, wood, and greenery. The pattern adds subtle movement and elevates the curb appeal with texture that feels both lived-in and high-end. This is more than a surface. It is a statement of refined living with low maintenance, weather resistance, and timeless beauty built in. Let’s explore how this material can bring your outdoor story to life. Schedule your consultation today: 516-522-8249

When sustainability meets style, innovation takes shape in every line. Techo-Bloc’s Aquastorm™ is not just a paver. It is a statement. A modern solution for eco-conscious driveways that does not compromise on design. Aquastorm™ is a high-performing permeable paver system engineered to handle stormwater naturally, reducing runoff and recharging groundwater. With its sleek geometric pattern and bold linear aesthetic, it transforms functional drainage into a visual feature. Its smooth finish and contrasting textures bring contemporary curb appeal while complying with permeability standards in urban and residential developments. Imagine stepping outside and seeing a driveway that works for the planet, not just your vehicle. Aquastorm™ helps reduce erosion, manage water responsibly, and protect the beauty around your home, all while looking like a magazine cover. Designing with Aquastorm™ means investing in performance, durability, and architectural elegance. It is the perfect fit for luxury homes, modern landscapes, and forward-thinking clients who want their surfaces to be as smart as they are beautiful. Let’s explore how this material can bring your outdoor story to life. Schedule your consultation today: 516-522-8249

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Their South Minneapolis home was built in 1917, and while the home received lots of care and updates over the years, updating the garage had been put on the back burner for way too long. The original 14 X 20-foot garage, of unknown age, was just big enough for a single car. The owners jokingly called it a “Potato House,” as it was built into the ground, similar to a farmer’s out-building to store root vegetables (see before photo). As an Architect, the owner wanted the garage to have a more unusual design than the usual symmetrical gable roof of Minneapolis garages. The simplest way to construct a garage roof is with wood trusses. By simply altering the angles of the wood trusses allowed the structure to have a distinctive, asymmetrical roof design. The new 20 X 20-foot garage easily handles two cars. A single double-wide garage door makes parking cars in the busy alley quick and easy. To meet local construction codes, the South facing wall – five feet from the neighbor’s garage - is constructed with enhanced fire protection. The exterior siding is LP Smart Siding – a pre-finished wood product that is easy to install, durable, and looks great. The rear of the garage (facing the back of the home) uses the original front door of the main home built in 1917, adding character to the project. Three Andersen double pane windows let in ambient light. Although the garage is not heated, a new 120/240 Volt electric service and panel was installed, ready to recharge an electric vehicle. The result: a new, big, easily accessible garage that looks so much better than a “Potato House.” Note: Photos & design by Ken Stone, AIA.

Their South Minneapolis home was built in 1917, and while the home received lots of care and updates over the years, updating the garage had been put on the back burner for way too long. The original 14 X 20-foot garage, of unknown age, was just big enough for a single car. The owners jokingly called it a “Potato House,” as it was built into the ground, similar to a farmer’s out-building to store root vegetables (see before photo). As an Architect, the owner wanted the garage to have a more unusual design than the usual symmetrical gable roof of Minneapolis garages. The simplest way to construct a garage roof is with wood trusses. By simply altering the angles of the wood trusses allowed the structure to have a distinctive, asymmetrical roof design. The new 20 X 20-foot garage easily handles two cars. A single double-wide garage door makes parking cars in the busy alley quick and easy. To meet local construction codes, the South facing wall – five feet from the neighbor’s garage - is constructed with enhanced fire protection. The exterior siding is LP Smart Siding – a pre-finished wood product that is easy to install, durable, and looks great. The rear of the garage (facing the back of the home) uses the original front door of the main home built in 1917, adding character to the project. Three Andersen double pane windows let in ambient light. Although the garage is not heated, a new 120/240 Volt electric service and panel was installed, ready to recharge an electric vehicle. The result: a new, big, easily accessible garage that looks so much better than a “Potato House.” Note: Photos & design by Ken Stone, AIA.

Their South Minneapolis home was built in 1917, and while the home received lots of care and updates over the years, updating the garage had been put on the back burner for way too long. The original 14 X 20-foot garage, of unknown age, was just big enough for a single car. The owners jokingly called it a “Potato House,” as it was built into the ground, similar to a farmer’s out-building to store root vegetables (see before photo). As an Architect, the owner wanted the garage to have a more unusual design than the usual symmetrical gable roof of Minneapolis garages. The simplest way to construct a garage roof is with wood trusses. By simply altering the angles of the wood trusses allowed the structure to have a distinctive, asymmetrical roof design. The new 20 X 20-foot garage easily handles two cars. A single double-wide garage door makes parking cars in the busy alley quick and easy. To meet local construction codes, the South facing wall – five feet from the neighbor’s garage - is constructed with enhanced fire protection. The exterior siding is LP Smart Siding – a pre-finished wood product that is easy to install, durable, and looks great. The rear of the garage (facing the back of the home) uses the original front door of the main home built in 1917, adding character to the project. Three Andersen double pane windows let in ambient light. Although the garage is not heated, a new 120/240 Volt electric service and panel was installed, ready to recharge an electric vehicle. The result: a new, big, easily accessible garage that looks so much better than a “Potato House.” Note: Photos & design by Ken Stone, AIA.

Their South Minneapolis home was built in 1917, and while the home received lots of care and updates over the years, updating the garage had been put on the back burner for way too long. The original 14 X 20-foot garage, of unknown age, was just big enough for a single car. The owners jokingly called it a “Potato House,” as it was built into the ground, similar to a farmer’s out-building to store root vegetables (see before photo). As an Architect, the owner wanted the garage to have a more unusual design than the usual symmetrical gable roof of Minneapolis garages. The simplest way to construct a garage roof is with wood trusses. By simply altering the angles of the wood trusses allowed the structure to have a distinctive, asymmetrical roof design. The new 20 X 20-foot garage easily handles two cars. A single double-wide garage door makes parking cars in the busy alley quick and easy. To meet local construction codes, the South facing wall – five feet from the neighbor’s garage - is constructed with enhanced fire protection. The exterior siding is LP Smart Siding – a pre-finished wood product that is easy to install, durable, and looks great. The rear of the garage (facing the back of the home) uses the original front door of the main home built in 1917, adding character to the project. Three Andersen double pane windows let in ambient light. Although the garage is not heated, a new 120/240 Volt electric service and panel was installed, ready to recharge an electric vehicle. The result: a new, big, easily accessible garage that looks so much better than a “Potato House.” Note: Photos & design by Ken Stone, AIA.

Their South Minneapolis home was built in 1917, and while the home received lots of care and updates over the years, updating the garage had been put on the back burner for way too long. The original 14 X 20-foot garage, of unknown age, was just big enough for a single car. The owners jokingly called it a “Potato House,” as it was built into the ground, similar to a farmer’s out-building to store root vegetables (see before photo). As an Architect, the owner wanted the garage to have a more unusual design than the usual symmetrical gable roof of Minneapolis garages. The simplest way to construct a garage roof is with wood trusses. By simply altering the angles of the wood trusses allowed the structure to have a distinctive, asymmetrical roof design. The new 20 X 20-foot garage easily handles two cars. A single double-wide garage door makes parking cars in the busy alley quick and easy. To meet local construction codes, the South facing wall – five feet from the neighbor’s garage - is constructed with enhanced fire protection. The exterior siding is LP Smart Siding – a pre-finished wood product that is easy to install, durable, and looks great. The rear of the garage (facing the back of the home) uses the original front door of the main home built in 1917, adding character to the project. Three Andersen double pane windows let in ambient light. Although the garage is not heated, a new 120/240 Volt electric service and panel was installed, ready to recharge an electric vehicle. The result: a new, big, easily accessible garage that looks so much better than a “Potato House.” Note: Photos & design by Ken Stone, AIA.

Their South Minneapolis home was built in 1917, and while the home received lots of care and updates over the years, updating the garage had been put on the back burner for way too long. The original 14 X 20-foot garage, of unknown age, was just big enough for a single car. The owners jokingly called it a “Potato House,” as it was built into the ground, similar to a farmer’s out-building to store root vegetables (see before photo). As an Architect, the owner wanted the garage to have a more unusual design than the usual symmetrical gable roof of Minneapolis garages. The simplest way to construct a garage roof is with wood trusses. By simply altering the angles of the wood trusses allowed the structure to have a distinctive, asymmetrical roof design. The new 20 X 20-foot garage easily handles two cars. A single double-wide garage door makes parking cars in the busy alley quick and easy. To meet local construction codes, the South facing wall – five feet from the neighbor’s garage - is constructed with enhanced fire protection. The exterior siding is LP Smart Siding – a pre-finished wood product that is easy to install, durable, and looks great. The rear of the garage (facing the back of the home) uses the original front door of the main home built in 1917, adding character to the project. Three Andersen double pane windows let in ambient light. Although the garage is not heated, a new 120/240 Volt electric service and panel was installed, ready to recharge an electric vehicle. The result: a new, big, easily accessible garage that looks so much better than a “Potato House.” Note: Photos & design by Ken Stone, AIA.

Interactive Gates & Security designed, fabricated, and installed this custom double swing automatic gate for a private residence on Vashon Island in early 2026. The homeowners wanted a grand, welcoming entrance that matched the character of their property without feeling heavy or industrial — so we built an ornamental gate with clean vertical pickets, a gently arched top rail, and decorative accents that read as elegant from the road and timeless up close. The gate is powered by a heavy-duty dual swing operator system with soft start/stop for smooth, quiet motion and long-term durability in the Pacific Northwest's wet, salt-air climate. Every panel was hot-dip galvanized and powder coated for corrosion resistance. Access is handled through a keypad, wireless remotes, and a smartphone-controlled app, with a video intercom at the driveway entry so the owners can see and speak with visitors before opening. Safety photo eyes, a vehicle exit sensor, and a battery backup for power outages round out the system — essential on an island where storm-related outages are a fact of life. Because the site sits on a sloped, gravel-transition driveway, our crew set new steel posts on deep concrete footings, trenched and ran conduit for power and low-voltage control wiring, and fine-tuned the swing arc so both leaves clear the grade cleanly through the full range of motion. The result is a secure, fully automated entrance that adds real curb appeal and property value — built to last decades, not seasons. Services: Custom gate design and fabrication · Automatic gate operator installation · Access control and video intercom · Gate safety systems · Electrical and low-voltage trenching Location: Vashon Island, King County, WA Completed: Early 2026 Built by: Interactive Gates & Security