Mountain style brown one-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Other with a metal roof

Poured concrete create the backdrop for this loft style kitchen. A pop of orange in the island counter top brings a playful touch to the industrial space. Photo: Jim Bartsch

The idea for Scandinavian Hardwoods came after years of countless conversations with homeowners, designers, architects, and builders. The consistent theme: they wanted more than just a beautiful floor. They wanted insight into manufacturing locations (not just the seller or importer) and what materials are used and why. They wanted to understand the product’s environmental impact and it’s effect on indoor air quality and human health. They wanted a compelling story to tell guests about the beautiful floor they’ve chosen. At Scandinavian Hardwoods, we bring all of these elements together while making luxury more accessible.

Photography by Rigoberto Moreno The Flora Farms Culinary Cottages, located in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico are constructed with straw bales, which allow for deep wall openings, while providing natural insulation. The rustic metal roof and simplified interior elements result in a fresh take on a traditional farm outbuilding.

Example of a mid-sized trendy formal light wood floor living room design in Los Angeles with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace, beige walls and no tv

At the entry garden, complementary textures of native sedge and iriope line. A specimen native shadblow accents the space and softens the building's scale. Photo by Erika Schank

A bold choice to place the foot of the bed against the wall pays dividends, turning the main bedroom into a sleeping porch just by opening the large sliding windows. Photography: Andrew Pogue Photography.

The winning entry of the Dwell Home Design Invitational is situated on a hilly site in North Carolina among seven wooded acres. The home takes full advantage of it’s natural surroundings: bringing in the woodland views and natural light through plentiful windows, generously sized decks off the front and rear facades, and a roof deck with an outdoor fireplace. With 2,400 sf divided among five prefabricated modules, the home offers compact and efficient quarters made up of large open living spaces and cozy private enclaves. To meet the necessity of creating a livable floor plan and a well-orchestrated flow of space, the ground floor is an open plan module containing a living room, dining area, and a kitchen that can be entirely open to the outside or enclosed by a curtain. Sensitive to the clients’ desire for more defined communal/private spaces, the private spaces are more compartmentalized making up the second floor of the home. The master bedroom at one end of the volume looks out onto a grove of trees, and two bathrooms and a guest/office run along the same axis. The design of the home responds specifically to the location and immediate surroundings in terms of solar orientation and footprint, therefore maximizing the microclimate. The construction process also leveraged the efficiency of wood-frame modulars, where approximately 80% of the house was built in a factory. By utilizing the opportunities available for off-site construction, the time required of crews on-site was significantly diminished, minimizing the environmental impact on the local ecosystem, the waste that is typically deposited on or near the site, and the transport of crews and materials. The Dwell Home has become a precedent in demonstrating the superiority of prefabricated building technology over site-built homes in terms of environmental factors, quality and efficiency of building, and the cost and speed of construction and design. Architects: Joseph Tanney, Robert Luntz Project Architect: Michael MacDonald Project Team: Shawn Brown, Craig Kim, Jeff Straesser, Jerome Engelking, Catarina Ferreira Manufacturer: Carolina Building Solutions Contractor: Mount Vernon Homes Photographer: © Jerry Markatos, © Roger Davies, © Wes Milholen

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

The foliage from 'Grace' smoke bush and several grasses form a picture frame for summer daisies (Rudbeckia 'Goldstrum' and Helenium 'Mardi Gras') Le jardinet

When you work with Refugia, know that you network with likeminded neighbors as concerned about conservation as you are. We create 'stepping stone gardens' that promote habitat connectivity for plants and wildlife for neighborhood nature conservation. Our long term goal is to not only restore species loss but over time, to reverse it - leading to enlarged and more resilient species populations better equipped to withstand normal population fluctuations for years to come. Collectively, our impact will make a difference.

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

Double sink farmhouse vanity in black with decorative knobs. Gold faucets and black square mirrors. Photos: Jody Kmetz
Inspiration for a large country master white tile and subway tile mosaic tile floor, white floor and double-sink bathroom remodel in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, gray countertops and a freestanding vanity

Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Santa Barbara

The bedroom loft has a large operable skylight. Photo by Eileen Descallar Ringwald
Bedroom - small contemporary loft-style light wood floor bedroom idea in Los Angeles with white walls and no fireplace

The winning entry of the Dwell Home Design Invitational is situated on a hilly site in North Carolina among seven wooded acres. The home takes full advantage of it’s natural surroundings: bringing in the woodland views and natural light through plentiful windows, generously sized decks off the front and rear facades, and a roof deck with an outdoor fireplace. With 2,400 sf divided among five prefabricated modules, the home offers compact and efficient quarters made up of large open living spaces and cozy private enclaves. To meet the necessity of creating a livable floor plan and a well-orchestrated flow of space, the ground floor is an open plan module containing a living room, dining area, and a kitchen that can be entirely open to the outside or enclosed by a curtain. Sensitive to the clients’ desire for more defined communal/private spaces, the private spaces are more compartmentalized making up the second floor of the home. The master bedroom at one end of the volume looks out onto a grove of trees, and two bathrooms and a guest/office run along the same axis. The design of the home responds specifically to the location and immediate surroundings in terms of solar orientation and footprint, therefore maximizing the microclimate. The construction process also leveraged the efficiency of wood-frame modulars, where approximately 80% of the house was built in a factory. By utilizing the opportunities available for off-site construction, the time required of crews on-site was significantly diminished, minimizing the environmental impact on the local ecosystem, the waste that is typically deposited on or near the site, and the transport of crews and materials. The Dwell Home has become a precedent in demonstrating the superiority of prefabricated building technology over site-built homes in terms of environmental factors, quality and efficiency of building, and the cost and speed of construction and design. Architects: Joseph Tanney, Robert Luntz Project Architect: Michael MacDonald Project Team: Shawn Brown, Craig Kim, Jeff Straesser, Jerome Engelking, Catarina Ferreira Manufacturer: Carolina Building Solutions Contractor: Mount Vernon Homes Photographer: © Jerry Markatos, © Roger Davies, © Wes Milholen

Audrey Hall
Example of a cottage home design design in Other