Neighbors with San Jose's VTA Light Rail Baypointe Station and just blocks from major employers like Cisco and SanDisk, Enso is a transit-oriented, urban living residential community. This four-story podium building sits over an underground parking garage equipped with bike storage and parking designated for low emitting vehicles. Influenced by the architecture of nearby commercial and light industrial buildings, its contemporary design features extensive use of glass, corrugated metal siding, and standing seam roofs. Project amenities include a courtyard garden, pool and recreation facility, and a neighborhood park.

Louisa, San Clemente Coastal Modern Architecture The brief for this modern coastal home was to create a place where the clients and their children and their families could gather to enjoy all the beauty of living in Southern California. Maximizing the lot was key to unlocking the potential of this property so the decision was made to excavate the entire property to allow natural light and ventilation to circulate through the lower level of the home. A courtyard with a green wall and olive tree act as the lung for the building as the coastal breeze brings fresh air in and circulates out the old through the courtyard. The concept for the home was to be living on a deck, so the large expanse of glass doors fold away to allow a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoors and feeling of being out on the deck is felt on the interior. A huge cantilevered beam in the roof allows for corner to completely disappear as the home looks to a beautiful ocean view and Dana Point harbor in the distance. All of the spaces throughout the home have a connection to the outdoors and this creates a light, bright and healthy environment. Passive design principles were employed to ensure the building is as energy efficient as possible. Solar panels keep the building off the grid and and deep overhangs help in reducing the solar heat gains of the building. Ultimately this home has become a place that the families can all enjoy together as the grand kids create those memories of spending time at the beach. Images and Video by Aandid Media.

Alta vista Malibu Hardwood Outlet LLC in Rochester, NY by Hallmark Floors. Alta vista Malibu Hardwood Outlet LLC in Rochester, NY by Hallmark Floors. The Alta Vista Hardwood Floors Collection 7.5″ wide wood planks are beautifully hand sculpted & lightly wire brushed. The contemporary to traditional style comes in a wide range of modern colors that will suit any lifestyle. The Alta Vista hardwood floors collection is finished with Hallmark’s NuOil® which employs a revolutionary new technology. The finish has unique performance characteristics and durability that make it a great choice for someone who wants the visual character that only oil can provide. Oil finishes have been used for centuries on floors and furniture. NuOil® uses proprietary technology in the application of numerous coats of oil finish in the factory that make it the industry leader in wear-ability and stain resistance in oil finish. Due to the unique hybrid multi-coat technology of NuOil®, it is not necessary to apply an additional coat of oil at time of installation. That can be reserved for a later date when it becomes desirable to refresh and renovate the floor. Alta Vista is simply beautiful. Find out why it is the number one requested hardwood flooring collection today. www.hallmarkfloors.com

Three generations have shared summers together at this very special place called Merry Hill. Recognizing their shifting needs and looking forward to future generations, the clients wanted to both drastically change their beloved family lake house and yet not change it at all. This new iteration of the cottage is nearly double the size of the original, transforming their summer home into a four-season getaway while evoking the character of the original house in a new and fresh way. The main cottage, boathouse and sleeping cabin all have broad, shallow-pitched roofs with generous overhangs that derive their form from their mid-century predecessor. Expansive openings, wood interiors, operable clerestories, and local stone double-stacked fireplaces are all familiar to the clients but rendered in different scales. Designed for resiliency and sustainability, the new retreat employs an integrated generator, geothermal heating, solar arrays, and battery storage as well as incorporates passive strategies such as sun orientation, earth sheltering, and cross ventilation to keep the interior at an ideal temperature all year round. The resulting form, detailing, and material selections of this new build allows for the seamless continuity of memory-making for a sentimental family.

New Craftsman Bungalow at the Lake. Photography by Jamee Parish Architects, LLC; Designed while employed at RTA Studio.
Inspiration for a large craftsman multicolored two-story concrete fiberboard exterior home remodel in Columbus with a mixed material roof

I think that many carpenters today consider nails and screws to be what holds a structure together. As a result, I think that many structures today are held together by little more than nails and screws. I often see knee braces bolted to the side of a post for a pergola when they should be positioned between the post and beam to take the load directly. Fasteners should not be load-bearing! They should be used to pin a piece of lumber into a position that allows it to shoulder the load directly. Nails and screws are fast. When used appropriately, they can keep costs down by reducing the time it takes to build something. But they are not the answer to everything. Joist hangars do little to stop a deck from pulling away from a house, just as nailing from the side is not a replacement for putting a post directly under a beam. On more than one occasion I've solved a challenging framing problem by employing lap-joints. I've used lap-jointed framing to build curves without having to bend wood, and in the example shown I've used them simply to avoid having to look at an unsightly beam underneath a raised section of deck. I cut notches half way through my beam where the joists will go, then I cut a corresponding notch into each joist that allows it to fit into the notch in the beam. This allows the joists to cantilever 'through' the beam, which gives me a number of advantages. Using this technique, I can build deck frames tight to the ground without having to rim the structure with joist-hangared beams. I can also use the cantilever to sculpt the edge of the deck into nearly any shape. As the lumber is locked in from every direction, it is also a far stronger joint than a joist-hangared butt-end, as it resists pulling away, and it is stronger than joist-on-beam because it does not allow for any twisting or 'flopping' of the joists. The beam and joist are locked together, and they each replace the missing pieces of one another, so there is no strength lost in either member. -Tyler Collins, Operations Manager

-Renovation of waterfront high-rise residence -To contrast with sunny environment and light pallet typical of beach homes, we darken and create drama in the elevator lobby, foyer and gallery -For visual unity, the three contiguous passageways employ coffee-stained wood walls accented with horizontal brass bands, but they're differentiated using unique floors and ceilings -We design and fabricate glass paneled, double entry doors in unit’s innermost area, the elevator lobby, making doors fire-rated to satisfy necessary codes -Doors eight glass panels allow natural light to filter from outdoors into core of the building

Waverly Cove sold out in April 2021. Located within the Pilgrim Triton master plan, Waverly Cove offers 20 townhomes with 3 bedrooms and 3-3.5 bathrooms in approx. 2,300 sq. Ft. These are the ideal low-maintenance townhomes that live like a single-family home, with spacious rooms for entertainment and inviting outdoor decks. Each plan offers outdoor decks in the living area and off the bedrooms (per plan). - Plan 1 offers 5 decks - 1: family room, 2: kitchen 3: dining room, 4: bedroom two, 5: master bedroom - Plan 2 offers 3-4 decks - 2a 1: family room, 2: dining room, 3: bedroom two, plan 2b 4: master bedroom - Plan 3 offers 1 amazing deck at the master bedroom area! This community offers a great commute location close to HWY 101, excellent schools, close proximity to charming downtown San Mateo, and conveniently located near top employers like Visa, Gilead Sciences, Sony PlayStation, Illumina, Fisher Investments, Guckenheimer Inc, and Rakuten. Schools: • Audubon Elementary • Bowditch Middle School • San Mateo High School

Onsite rainwater capture has become an issue of ever-increasing importance in semi-arid California, particularly as we realize the need to conserve water on a ongoing basis. This project employs the use of rainwater infiltration by diverting existing downspouts into a dry creek. Instead of being diverted into the storm drain system and wasted, the water is recharged back into the ground. Soils are able to hold the moisture and plant watering needs decrease. In addition to being functional, rock features such as dry creeks contribute to the aesthetic and create a beautiful contrast to the plant material.

Hand crafted in the U.S. from 100% solid wood. Customizable and built to order. Started in a garage, James+James Furniture has grown to employ over 20 craftsmen and women. We ship to all 50 states and Canada.

Several years ago, one couple began an extensive renovation of this East Denver home. The residence was originally designed by Victor Hornbein, a legendary local architect best known for his work (along with Ed White) on the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The homeowner, himself an architect, spearheaded the project with the goal of staying true to Hornbein's original vision. Part of the two-year restoration included the addition of state-of-the-art appliances and lighting, and eventually the planning of the audio/video. Because the homeowners wanted to have the functionality of a first-rate home theater in a multipurpose room, ListenUp designed a setup featuring a wall-mounted 84-inch Sony 4K TV. The sleek Salamander credenza houses a McIntosh LCR80 center channel speaker, the top-of-the-line MX151 preamp/processor, an MC303 pwoer amp, and the MVP 891 universal disc player. The credenza is flanked by tow McIntosh XR100 speakers whose high-gloss finish mirrors that of the cabinet's smoked-glass doors. The surround channels are handled by two CS100 in-ceiling speakers, and three REL subwoofers deliver dramatic deep bass. This is truly a whole-house audio system, with 12 zones of audio throughout the home and outdoor areas. Family members can access their favorite music services and music stored on a local hard drive. A high-quality Pro-Ject turntable is even wired into the system. In the kitchen and some of the other first-floor rooms, the mid-century modern design is enhanced by custom wood and fabric grille covers for the architectural speakers. The pool area benefits from a Sonance outdoor system that employs strategically located speakers along with an underground subwoofer. And, of course, it's all connected to the Sonos system for endless entertainment options. Photo Credit: Vicki Kerr Photography

Home Exterior Project - Deerfield IL -- We are Chicagoland’s Premier Roofing, Siding, Gutters and Windows Experts. At A.B. Edward, we enjoy working closely with our customers to provide honest information while exploring all possibilities. This attention to detail ensures a hassle-free experience in every facet of sales and service covering a multitude of residential construction projects. We have an A+ Better Business Rating Since 2003 & are an Angie’s List Super Service Award Company! Our company specializes in Roofing, Siding, Gutters, Windows Contractor Sales and service of the highest quality backed by comprehensive warranties are the hallmark of A.B. Edward. Our working relationship begins, as it should; listening to you and our relationship will continue long after your project is completed. We pride ourselves on making customers happy before, during and after a project is completed. Just listen to what some of our customers are saying about our roofing products and services in the North Shore, Illinois Area. Today, our family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and our services go well beyond roofing to include, roofing, siding, gutters, windows, masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more. Your home is your single greatest investment, and so we strive to treat your home as our own, taking care to ensure top-quality products, distinctive design, and expert installation, all backed by comprehensive warranties. Let us create the home of your dreams and we’ll take every step to be sure you’re 100% satisfied with your project and become another one of our “lifetime customers.” Please take a few moments to review our services, and feel free to contact us at any time, either by phone or email. As always, we provide our customers with a free written estimate for all of our residential construction projects.

Tuscan Stone Mantels uses a centuries old process to produce fine architectural stonework. By using this process, our stone is completely formed and finished by hand reflecting the beauty of natural quarried stone. By employing modern gypsums and techniques, we are able to offer products of strength and durability for numerous architectural applications such as mantels & over-mantels, entertainment centers, cladding, niches, shelving, corbels/brackets, molding, kitchen hoods, columns, pediments, and more. Tuscan Stone Mantels provides architects, builders, designers and homeowners with hand crafted stone products of exceptional beauty and durability.

"Revival” implies a retread of an old idea—not our interests at Axis Mundi. So when renovating an 1840s Greek Revival brownstone, subversion was on our minds. The landmarked exterior remains unchanged, as does the residence’s unalterable 19-foot width. Inside, however, a pristine white space forms a backdrop for art by Warhol, Basquiat and Haring, as well as intriguing furnishings drawn from the continuum of modern design—pieces by Dalí and Gaudí, Patrick Naggar and Poltrona Frau, Armani and Versace. The architectural envelope references iconic 20th-century figures and genres: Jean Prouvé-like shutters in the kitchen, an industrial-chic bronze staircase and a ground-floor screen employing cast glass salvaged from Gio Ponti’s 1950s design for Alitalia’s Fifth Avenue showroom (paired with mercury mirror and set within a bronze grid). Unable to resist a bit of our usual wit, Greek allusions appear in a dining room fireplace that reimagines classicism in a contemporary fashion and lampshades that slyly recall the drapery of Greek sculpture. Size: 2,550 sq. ft. Design Team: John Beckmann and Richard Rosenbloom Photography: Adriana Bufi, Andrew Garn, and Annie Schlecter Contractor: Stern Projects © Axis Mundi Design LLC.

"Sun-Kissed Sanctuary" reimagines the traditional dining room as a versatile haven, perfect for year-round conversation and creating a lasting first impression. This project catered to the client's desire for a space that seamlessly blends casual elegance with organic elements. The design team employed a calming palette of soft whites and airy blues, setting the stage for a serene escape. Textural harmony was achieved through a layered approach: radial plush linen chairs provided sumptuous comfort, while woven pillows and a shagreen-wrapped coffee table added a touch of rustic charm. A lush fiddle fig leaf plant, strategically placed in the space, injected a dose of life and echoed the organic design theme. Respectful of the existing foundation, we integrated the client's existing rug, a statement chandelier, and a captivating wall thread hanging into the new design. To elevate the space further, we introduced custom elements that instilled a sense of unique character. Hand-crafted wood beams and wall trim, reminiscent of a sun-drenched porch, added warmth and architectural interest. Oyster-hued wallpaper on the foyer ceiling provided a bold textural contrast and a touch of coastal sophistication. The added white trim was accentuated, drawing the eye upwards and creating a sense of verticality. The "Sun-Kissed Sanctuary" transcends the limitations of a traditional front room, offering a versatile space that invites relaxation and connection. This project exemplifies our ability to curate a space that is both elegant and inviting, perfectly reflecting the client's personality and lifestyle.

I designed and assisted the homeowners with their material and fixture choices while employed at Corvallis Custom Kitchens and Baths. Our clients live south of Corvallis on a small farm and wanted to update their kitchen which the previous owners had installed IKEA cabinetry into. We decided to keep the layout the same, but customize all of the limited space in this small kitchen. Cherry cabinetry was chosen to add to the warmth of the space, but not darken the kitchen too much. We added a built-in above the countertop for their microwave to free up much needed counter space. We added a false panel above the range hood to hide the piping for the hood. An island with storage was added with a small seating area for the owners to enjoy their morning coffee. Under cabinet lighting was also updated. To finish the kitchen remodel Caesarstone Atlantic Salt quartz was installed and used for the backsplash.

Located in Bumpass, Virginia, one of our current projects is sited on the shore of Lake Anna. The owners, a realtor and graphic artist, desired an aesthetic that was rustic and lodge-like while staying within their tight budget constraints. Our solution employs large, central great rooms on each level with expansive window walls to capture natural light and views of the lake. At 3250 sf, this vacation home serves as both a rural weekend retreat and a destination for extended family gatherings. The structure can sleep up to 14 comfortably. While Bumpass has achieved moderate fame for its unusual name (from the French Bon Pas meaning "good step"), the small town is actually named for the family who lived in this area when it was originally settled. Bumpass contains several houses and estates from the 18th to early 20th centuries, including Jerdone Castle, a Virginia Historic Landmark plantation dating to 1742 that is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The nostalgic phrase “George Washington slept here” also applies to this area as on June 10, 1791, the former President made an overnight visit to Jerdone Castle.

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.

Built in 1925, this 15-story neo-Renaissance cooperative building is located on Fifth Avenue at East 93rd Street in Carnegie Hill. The corner penthouse unit has terraces on four sides, with views directly over Central Park and the city skyline beyond. The project involved a gut renovation inside and out, down to the building structure, to transform the existing one bedroom/two bathroom layout into a two bedroom/three bathroom configuration which was facilitated by relocating the kitchen into the center of the apartment. The new floor plan employs layers to organize space from living and lounge areas on the West side, through cooking and dining space in the heart of the layout, to sleeping quarters on the East side. A glazed entry foyer and steel clad “pod”, act as a threshold between the first two layers. All exterior glazing, windows and doors were replaced with modern units to maximize light and thermal performance. This included erecting three new glass conservatories to create additional conditioned interior space for the Living Room, Dining Room and Master Bedroom respectively. Materials for the living areas include bronzed steel, dark walnut cabinetry and travertine marble contrasted with whitewashed Oak floor boards, honed concrete tile, white painted walls and floating ceilings. The kitchen and bathrooms are formed from white satin lacquer cabinetry, marble, back-painted glass and Venetian plaster. Exterior terraces are unified with the conservatories by large format concrete paving and a continuous steel handrail at the parapet wall. Photography by www.petermurdockphoto.com