The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

We have teamed up with Creative Environments in order to bring together the best possible backyard atmospheres. Here we have a little of everything to please anyone who needs to relax or play.

Jeremy Bitterman
Minimalist doorless shower photo in Seattle with a vessel sink

As you walk up to the front door of this wonderful 17th century French Country Home, you pass by the two red Crape Myrtle's that are guarding the entry way. The front doors were custom built by Antigua Doors in Danville, Ca and the house was built by Crowder Construction in Alamo, CA. Bill Woods of Danville is the architect.

Elegant exterior home photo in Chicago

Custom concrete swimming pool with Sicis glass tile and PebbleSheen interior finishes. Pool house with living room, bathroom, covered outdoor kitchen and Andersen food out door for seamless flow between pool and pool house. Design by Given Pool Designs LLC, installation by Michael Given Environments LLC.

Traditional exterior home idea in Chicago

Landscape Architect: Chad Talton
Living room - traditional living room idea in DC Metro

Elegant home design photo in Toronto

Elegant home design photo in Phoenix

Custom concrete swimming pool with Sicis glass tile and PebbleSheen interior finishes. Pool house with living room, bathroom, covered outdoor kitchen and Andersen food out door for seamless flow between pool and pool house. Design by Given Pool Designs LLC, installation by Michael Given Environments LLC.

Photo by Susan Teare The kitchen was reconfigured to make better use of the space. The entry into the dining area was expanded to produce a communal environment. All new custom cabinetry was added to create this light filled kitchen.

Heath Little Diamond ceramic tile backsplash, painted cabinets, stained oak floating shelves.
Example of a large minimalist light wood floor open concept kitchen design in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Custom concrete swimming pool with Sicis glass tile and PebbleSheen interior finishes. Pool house with living room, bathroom, covered outdoor kitchen and Andersen food out door for seamless flow between pool and pool house. Design by Given Pool Designs LLC, installation by Michael Given Environments LLC.

Example of a beach style light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design with beige walls