Situated on Lake Austin, we knew that this was going not going to be a simple remodel. From the start we planned that we had to leave the original home in place so that we could be grandfathered at it's location for the new addition and benefit to the close proximity that the home was to the lake. New regulations required that the home be set back further from the lake. It became clear during the design process that our owners were 100% committed to making this home not only environmentally friendly but also energy efficient by incorporating many high performance and up to date science into the design. Using Geo Thermal is one of them. They didn't want airconditioners to pollute the environment with their noise. They preferred to hear the trill of the birds instead. The resulting new build was designed with the original structure and added onto. The owners entertain but didn't want formal living spaced. The resulting structure is simultaneously freshly modern and comfortingly familiar. Awarded the Texas Association of Builders, Remodel/Renovation/ Addition of the Year STAR Award. Carport minimizing impervious cover. Built by Katz Builders, Inc. Custom Home Builders and Remodelers, Designed by Architectural firm Barley & Pfeiffer

Composting comes with all kinds of benefits. It's economical, environmentally friendly and it keeps the world healthy for future generations. Lots of smart science and product testing are behind this product, but you'll just love it's efficient, bug-free convenience, and how clean your kitchen stays. Our innovative food scrap collector was designed with your busy life and the planet in mind. The CompoKeeper’s quadruple-action odor control technology locks smells in and bugs out Proprietary bag-sealing clamps Pedal-powered lid Ventilated design Activated carbon filter Purchase Includes: 12 Compostable Bags Two Activated Carbon Filters Easy-to-assemble Handle Accessories

Composting comes with all kinds of benefits. It's economical, environmentally friendly and it keeps the world healthy for future generations. Lots of smart science and product testing are behind this product, but you'll just love it's efficient, bug-free convenience, and how clean your kitchen stays. Our innovative food scrap collector was designed with your busy life and the planet in mind. The CompoKeeper’s quadruple-action odor control technology locks smells in and bugs out Proprietary bag-sealing clamps Pedal-powered lid Ventilated design Activated carbon filter

Situated on Lake Austin, we knew that this was going not going to be a simple remodel. From the start we planned that we had to leave the original home in place so that we could be grandfathered at it's location for the new addition and benefit to the close proximity that the home was to the lake. New regulations required that the home be set back further from the lake. It became clear during the design process that our owners were 100% committed to making this home not only environmentally friendly but also energy efficient by incorporating many high performance and up to date science into the design. Using Geo Thermal is one of them. They didn't want airconditioners to pollute the environment with their noise. They preferred to hear the trill of the birds instead. The resulting new build was designed with the original structure and added onto. The owners entertain but didn't want formal living spaced. The resulting structure is simultaneously freshly modern and comfortingly familiar. Awarded the Texas Association of Builders, Remodel/Renovation/ Addition of the Year STAR Award. Carport minimizing impervious cover. Built by Katz Builders, Inc. Custom Home Builders and Remodelers, Designed by Architectural firm Barley & Pfeiffer

[Product name] Rugs Model: ST asphalt bottom Packing: 6㎡ / box Material: PP Weight: 30 kg / box Specifications: 500mm * 500mm Performance: conventional fire retardant, sound absorption, abrasion, laying simple, easy wiring, nice Scope: not only for advanced office buildings, science parks, factories and other places, but also in the airport terminal, restaurant, boat dock waiting halls, railway stations, supermarkets, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, nurseries, theaters, family and other places are commonly used. Construction: using composite materials for asphalt bottom liner, carpet surface for polypropylene, flexible, dimensionally stable, to leave the border, no edges, comfortable, and environmental requirements of the test indicators attached with international standards, and is the interior the ideal product. Advantages: between the box stitching intact, conducted bacteria, pollution treatment, flame retardant, wear, noise insulation, antistatic, flameproof and other high quality, thermal insulation, sound-absorbing effect is good, in heat and cold weather environment no distortion, no cracking; compared with ordinary carpet, carpet tile backing composite water resistance, resistance to moisture, corrosion; and the use of dope dyed ensure lasting bright colors. http://www.hengdecarpet.com/prodinfo.asp?pid=279

[Product name] Rugs Model: ST asphalt bottom Packing: 6㎡ / box Material: PP Weight: 30 kg / box Specifications: 500mm * 500mm Performance: conventional fire retardant, sound absorption, abrasion, laying simple, easy wiring, nice Scope: not only for advanced office buildings, science parks, factories and other places, but also in the airport terminal, restaurant, boat dock waiting halls, railway stations, supermarkets, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, nurseries, theaters, family and other places are commonly used. Construction: using composite materials for asphalt bottom liner, carpet surface for polypropylene, flexible, dimensionally stable, to leave the border, no edges, comfortable, and environmental requirements of the test indicators attached with international standards, and is the interior the ideal product. Advantages: between the box stitching intact, conducted bacteria, pollution treatment, flame retardant, wear, noise insulation, antistatic, flameproof and other high quality, thermal insulation, sound-absorbing effect is good, in heat and cold weather environment no distortion, no cracking; compared with ordinary carpet, carpet tile backing composite water resistance, resistance to moisture, corrosion; and the use of dope dyed ensure lasting bright colors. http://www.hengdecarpet.com/prodinfo.asp?pid=276

Situated on Lake Austin, we knew that this was going not going to be a simple remodel. From the start we planned that we had to leave the original home in place so that we could be grandfathered at it's location for the new addition and benefit to the close proximity that the home was to the lake. New regulations required that the home be set back further from the lake. It became clear during the design process that our owners were 100% committed to making this home not only environmentally friendly but also energy efficient by incorporating many high performance and up to date science into the design. Using Geo Thermal is one of them. They didn't want airconditioners to pollute the environment with their noise. They preferred to hear the trill of the birds instead. The resulting new build was designed with the original structure and added onto. The owners entertain but didn't want formal living spaced. The resulting structure is simultaneously freshly modern and comfortingly familiar. Awarded the Texas Association of Builders, Remodel/Renovation/ Addition of the Year STAR Award. Carport minimizing impervious cover. Built by Katz Builders, Inc. Custom Home Builders and Remodelers, Designed by Architectural firm Barley & Pfeiffer Designed by Barley & Pfeiffer Architects peter@barleypfeiffer.com

Situated on Lake Austin, we knew that this was going not going to be a simple remodel. From the start we planned that we had to leave the original home in place so that we could be grandfathered at it's location for the new addition and benefit to the close proximity that the home was to the lake. New regulations required that the home be set back further from the lake. It became clear during the design process that our owners were 100% committed to making this home not only environmentally friendly but also energy efficient by incorporating many high performance and up to date science into the design. Using Geo Thermal is one of them. They didn't want airconditioners to pollute the environment with their noise. They preferred to hear the trill of the birds instead. The resulting new build was designed with the original structure and added onto. The owners entertain but didn't want formal living spaced. The resulting structure is simultaneously freshly modern and comfortingly familiar. Awarded the Texas Association of Builders, Remodel/Renovation/ Addition of the Year STAR Award. Carport minimizing impervious cover. Built by Katz Builders, Inc. Custom Home Builders and Remodelers, Designed by Architectural firm Barley & Pfeiffer Awarded the Texas Association of Builders, Remodel/Renovation/ Addition of the Year STAR Award. Built by Katz Builders, Inc. Custom Home Builders and Remodelers, Designed by Architectural firm Barley & Pfeiffer

Originally built in 1972, these eight interlocked residential units and the accompanying House Master’s Residence won an AIA award for their unique spatial complexity, balancing standard units of construction with volumetric interplay, all while bringing natural light into living spaces. However, nearly 40 years later These 1970’s era, interlocked faculty housing units won an AIA award when first completed. They were unique in spatial complexity, By early 2,000’s they were showing signs of age, and had become outdated on many levels. Working with project management for the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, we prepared one prototype design to bring the buildings into the 21st century. New insulated skylights, standing seam metal siding, cedar decks and trellises, exchanging black roofs for well insulated white roofs, were all part of a larger planning program to renovate all nine units. The prototype was implemented in 2012, to great approval and result. In 2013 a few more units were done. In 2014 the “House Masters” unit was done, with the remaining four units planned for future budgets. Sustainable features include re-use of most materials on site, (former siding was able to become sheathing below metal panels), implementing the Stretch Energy Code for insulation, and putting new white roof membranes in place. Using FSC certified wood for decks and trellises, and using Rheinzink siding, a “200 year material” according to the manufacturer. After nearly 40 years, Ronald Gourley’s AIA award winning Faculty Housing (1972) was beginning to show its age – plywood siding was delaminating, wooden decks splintering, and custom windows failing. Therefore, the opportunity to reinvent a piece of Mid-Century Modernism presented itself when two of the building’s eight alternating rooftop designs were to be rebuilt as prototypes for the remainder of the structure. The strength of the original design was its rectilinear and symmetrical arrangement of internal and external spaces, but the difference between the two had become blurred over the decades. New zinc siding, mahogany decking, and stainless steel railings accentuate the defining elements and more clearly articulate the living spaces, breathing new life into the building and reinvigorating the surrounding campus. Furthermore, the renovation also provided a chance to bring the structure up to modern energy standards and help meet Harvard’s lofty environmental goals. Insulation within the ceilings was more than tripled, white TPO roofing reduces the heat island effect, construction waste was minimized by recasting the siding as sheathing, and materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity and ability to be recycled as well. Harvard’s energy standards brought an uncharacteristic level of environmental care to this building. Roof structures are triple insulated, allowing separating interior from exterior in the most thermally efficient manner. North facing triple insulated skylights and white TPO roofing reduces the heat gain, but allows natural light to pour in. Materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity. Zinc, for example, is made of 100% recycled material, and has duration of 200 years. Uncharacteristic levels of environmental care were common on this project.

Originally built in 1972, these eight interlocked residential units and the accompanying House Master’s Residence won an AIA award for their unique spatial complexity, balancing standard units of construction with volumetric interplay, all while bringing natural light into living spaces. However, nearly 40 years later These 1970’s era, interlocked faculty housing units won an AIA award when first completed. They were unique in spatial complexity, By early 2,000’s they were showing signs of age, and had become outdated on many levels. Working with project management for the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, we prepared one prototype design to bring the buildings into the 21st century. New insulated skylights, standing seam metal siding, cedar decks and trellises, exchanging black roofs for well insulated white roofs, were all part of a larger planning program to renovate all nine units. The prototype was implemented in 2012, to great approval and result. In 2013 a few more units were done. In 2014 the “House Masters” unit was done, with the remaining four units planned for future budgets. Sustainable features include re-use of most materials on site, (former siding was able to become sheathing below metal panels), implementing the Stretch Energy Code for insulation, and putting new white roof membranes in place. Using FSC certified wood for decks and trellises, and using Rheinzink siding, a “200 year material” according to the manufacturer. After nearly 40 years, Ronald Gourley’s AIA award winning Faculty Housing (1972) was beginning to show its age – plywood siding was delaminating, wooden decks splintering, and custom windows failing. Therefore, the opportunity to reinvent a piece of Mid-Century Modernism presented itself when two of the building’s eight alternating rooftop designs were to be rebuilt as prototypes for the remainder of the structure. The strength of the original design was its rectilinear and symmetrical arrangement of internal and external spaces, but the difference between the two had become blurred over the decades. New zinc siding, mahogany decking, and stainless steel railings accentuate the defining elements and more clearly articulate the living spaces, breathing new life into the building and reinvigorating the surrounding campus. Furthermore, the renovation also provided a chance to bring the structure up to modern energy standards and help meet Harvard’s lofty environmental goals. Insulation within the ceilings was more than tripled, white TPO roofing reduces the heat island effect, construction waste was minimized by recasting the siding as sheathing, and materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity and ability to be recycled as well. Harvard’s energy standards brought an uncharacteristic level of environmental care to this building. Roof structures are triple insulated, allowing separating interior from exterior in the most thermally efficient manner. North facing triple insulated skylights and white TPO roofing reduces the heat gain, but allows natural light to pour in. Materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity. Zinc, for example, is made of 100% recycled material, and has duration of 200 years. Uncharacteristic levels of environmental care were common on this project.

Originally built in 1972, these eight interlocked residential units and the accompanying House Master’s Residence won an AIA award for their unique spatial complexity, balancing standard units of construction with volumetric interplay, all while bringing natural light into living spaces. However, nearly 40 years later These 1970’s era, interlocked faculty housing units won an AIA award when first completed. They were unique in spatial complexity, By early 2,000’s they were showing signs of age, and had become outdated on many levels. Working with project management for the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, we prepared one prototype design to bring the buildings into the 21st century. New insulated skylights, standing seam metal siding, cedar decks and trellises, exchanging black roofs for well insulated white roofs, were all part of a larger planning program to renovate all nine units. The prototype was implemented in 2012, to great approval and result. In 2013 a few more units were done. In 2014 the “House Masters” unit was done, with the remaining four units planned for future budgets. Sustainable features include re-use of most materials on site, (former siding was able to become sheathing below metal panels), implementing the Stretch Energy Code for insulation, and putting new white roof membranes in place. Using FSC certified wood for decks and trellises, and using Rheinzink siding, a “200 year material” according to the manufacturer. After nearly 40 years, Ronald Gourley’s AIA award winning Faculty Housing (1972) was beginning to show its age – plywood siding was delaminating, wooden decks splintering, and custom windows failing. Therefore, the opportunity to reinvent a piece of Mid-Century Modernism presented itself when two of the building’s eight alternating rooftop designs were to be rebuilt as prototypes for the remainder of the structure. The strength of the original design was its rectilinear and symmetrical arrangement of internal and external spaces, but the difference between the two had become blurred over the decades. New zinc siding, mahogany decking, and stainless steel railings accentuate the defining elements and more clearly articulate the living spaces, breathing new life into the building and reinvigorating the surrounding campus. Furthermore, the renovation also provided a chance to bring the structure up to modern energy standards and help meet Harvard’s lofty environmental goals. Insulation within the ceilings was more than tripled, white TPO roofing reduces the heat island effect, construction waste was minimized by recasting the siding as sheathing, and materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity and ability to be recycled as well. Harvard’s energy standards brought an uncharacteristic level of environmental care to this building. Roof structures are triple insulated, allowing separating interior from exterior in the most thermally efficient manner. North facing triple insulated skylights and white TPO roofing reduces the heat gain, but allows natural light to pour in. Materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity. Zinc, for example, is made of 100% recycled material, and has duration of 200 years. Uncharacteristic levels of environmental care were common on this project.

Originally built in 1972, these eight interlocked residential units and the accompanying House Master’s Residence won an AIA award for their unique spatial complexity, balancing standard units of construction with volumetric interplay, all while bringing natural light into living spaces. However, nearly 40 years later These 1970’s era, interlocked faculty housing units won an AIA award when first completed. They were unique in spatial complexity, By early 2,000’s they were showing signs of age, and had become outdated on many levels. Working with project management for the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, we prepared one prototype design to bring the buildings into the 21st century. New insulated skylights, standing seam metal siding, cedar decks and trellises, exchanging black roofs for well insulated white roofs, were all part of a larger planning program to renovate all nine units. The prototype was implemented in 2012, to great approval and result. In 2013 a few more units were done. In 2014 the “House Masters” unit was done, with the remaining four units planned for future budgets. Sustainable features include re-use of most materials on site, (former siding was able to become sheathing below metal panels), implementing the Stretch Energy Code for insulation, and putting new white roof membranes in place. Using FSC certified wood for decks and trellises, and using Rheinzink siding, a “200 year material” according to the manufacturer. After nearly 40 years, Ronald Gourley’s AIA award winning Faculty Housing (1972) was beginning to show its age – plywood siding was delaminating, wooden decks splintering, and custom windows failing. Therefore, the opportunity to reinvent a piece of Mid-Century Modernism presented itself when two of the building’s eight alternating rooftop designs were to be rebuilt as prototypes for the remainder of the structure. The strength of the original design was its rectilinear and symmetrical arrangement of internal and external spaces, but the difference between the two had become blurred over the decades. New zinc siding, mahogany decking, and stainless steel railings accentuate the defining elements and more clearly articulate the living spaces, breathing new life into the building and reinvigorating the surrounding campus. Furthermore, the renovation also provided a chance to bring the structure up to modern energy standards and help meet Harvard’s lofty environmental goals. Insulation within the ceilings was more than tripled, white TPO roofing reduces the heat island effect, construction waste was minimized by recasting the siding as sheathing, and materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity and ability to be recycled as well. Harvard’s energy standards brought an uncharacteristic level of environmental care to this building. Roof structures are triple insulated, allowing separating interior from exterior in the most thermally efficient manner. North facing triple insulated skylights and white TPO roofing reduces the heat gain, but allows natural light to pour in. Materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity. Zinc, for example, is made of 100% recycled material, and has duration of 200 years. Uncharacteristic levels of environmental care were common on this project.

Originally built in 1972, these eight interlocked residential units and the accompanying House Master’s Residence won an AIA award for their unique spatial complexity, balancing standard units of construction with volumetric interplay, all while bringing natural light into living spaces. However, nearly 40 years later These 1970’s era, interlocked faculty housing units won an AIA award when first completed. They were unique in spatial complexity, By early 2,000’s they were showing signs of age, and had become outdated on many levels. Working with project management for the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, we prepared one prototype design to bring the buildings into the 21st century. New insulated skylights, standing seam metal siding, cedar decks and trellises, exchanging black roofs for well insulated white roofs, were all part of a larger planning program to renovate all nine units. The prototype was implemented in 2012, to great approval and result. In 2013 a few more units were done. In 2014 the “House Masters” unit was done, with the remaining four units planned for future budgets. Sustainable features include re-use of most materials on site, (former siding was able to become sheathing below metal panels), implementing the Stretch Energy Code for insulation, and putting new white roof membranes in place. Using FSC certified wood for decks and trellises, and using Rheinzink siding, a “200 year material” according to the manufacturer. After nearly 40 years, Ronald Gourley’s AIA award winning Faculty Housing (1972) was beginning to show its age – plywood siding was delaminating, wooden decks splintering, and custom windows failing. Therefore, the opportunity to reinvent a piece of Mid-Century Modernism presented itself when two of the building’s eight alternating rooftop designs were to be rebuilt as prototypes for the remainder of the structure. The strength of the original design was its rectilinear and symmetrical arrangement of internal and external spaces, but the difference between the two had become blurred over the decades. New zinc siding, mahogany decking, and stainless steel railings accentuate the defining elements and more clearly articulate the living spaces, breathing new life into the building and reinvigorating the surrounding campus. Furthermore, the renovation also provided a chance to bring the structure up to modern energy standards and help meet Harvard’s lofty environmental goals. Insulation within the ceilings was more than tripled, white TPO roofing reduces the heat island effect, construction waste was minimized by recasting the siding as sheathing, and materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity and ability to be recycled as well. Harvard’s energy standards brought an uncharacteristic level of environmental care to this building. Roof structures are triple insulated, allowing separating interior from exterior in the most thermally efficient manner. North facing triple insulated skylights and white TPO roofing reduces the heat gain, but allows natural light to pour in. Materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity. Zinc, for example, is made of 100% recycled material, and has duration of 200 years. Uncharacteristic levels of environmental care were common on this project.

Originally built in 1972, these eight interlocked residential units and the accompanying House Master’s Residence won an AIA award for their unique spatial complexity, balancing standard units of construction with volumetric interplay, all while bringing natural light into living spaces. However, nearly 40 years later These 1970’s era, interlocked faculty housing units won an AIA award when first completed. They were unique in spatial complexity, By early 2,000’s they were showing signs of age, and had become outdated on many levels. Working with project management for the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, we prepared one prototype design to bring the buildings into the 21st century. New insulated skylights, standing seam metal siding, cedar decks and trellises, exchanging black roofs for well insulated white roofs, were all part of a larger planning program to renovate all nine units. The prototype was implemented in 2012, to great approval and result. In 2013 a few more units were done. In 2014 the “House Masters” unit was done, with the remaining four units planned for future budgets. Sustainable features include re-use of most materials on site, (former siding was able to become sheathing below metal panels), implementing the Stretch Energy Code for insulation, and putting new white roof membranes in place. Using FSC certified wood for decks and trellises, and using Rheinzink siding, a “200 year material” according to the manufacturer. After nearly 40 years, Ronald Gourley’s AIA award winning Faculty Housing (1972) was beginning to show its age – plywood siding was delaminating, wooden decks splintering, and custom windows failing. Therefore, the opportunity to reinvent a piece of Mid-Century Modernism presented itself when two of the building’s eight alternating rooftop designs were to be rebuilt as prototypes for the remainder of the structure. The strength of the original design was its rectilinear and symmetrical arrangement of internal and external spaces, but the difference between the two had become blurred over the decades. New zinc siding, mahogany decking, and stainless steel railings accentuate the defining elements and more clearly articulate the living spaces, breathing new life into the building and reinvigorating the surrounding campus. Furthermore, the renovation also provided a chance to bring the structure up to modern energy standards and help meet Harvard’s lofty environmental goals. Insulation within the ceilings was more than tripled, white TPO roofing reduces the heat island effect, construction waste was minimized by recasting the siding as sheathing, and materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity and ability to be recycled as well. Harvard’s energy standards brought an uncharacteristic level of environmental care to this building. Roof structures are triple insulated, allowing separating interior from exterior in the most thermally efficient manner. North facing triple insulated skylights and white TPO roofing reduces the heat gain, but allows natural light to pour in. Materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity. Zinc, for example, is made of 100% recycled material, and has duration of 200 years. Uncharacteristic levels of environmental care were common on this project.

ENGINEERING + SCIENCE: Award of Excellence PROJECT: Chatham University Eden Hall Campus CLIENT: Chatham University ENGINEERS: Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.; Biohabitats; Interface Engineering ARCHITECTURE FIRM: Mithūn CONTRACTORS: SOTA Construction Services, Inc. PHOTOGRAPHER: Annie O’Neill Photography DESCRIPTION: The Eden Hall Campus’ stormwater and wastewater management systems employ a number of proven strategies and technologies in combination and with a unique decentralized approach. A “treat it where it falls” approach utilizes a series of rain gardens around the site to manage small drainage areas while roof runoff is directed to a 50,000 gallon retention tank and is repurposed for site irrigation needs. The wastewater treatment system includes individual building primary treatment tanks and two sub-surface constructed wetland cells. Site design and landscape not only performs a functional purpose for stormwater and wastewater but also provides an aesthetic bridge between the architecture and the site. JURY COMMENTS: This building reminds us of the importance of water, and also basic and natural technologies that are highly effective. The complete built project functions as an efficient machine while never giving the appearance of being a machine. As a first phase of a proposed new campus, the standards are already set impressively high.

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

Affordable Hardscapes of Virginia - (Virginia Beach, VA) Our client had recently constructed a new custom waterfront home in Virginia Beach, VA. The homes main property is elevated almost 30' above the water, boat lift and dock. The natural hillside leading from backyard is steep, experiencing erosion, and difficult to trek up and down. To access the main property from the dock you would need to climb the steep embankment and to get to the dock below it was a definite test of will. After meeting the client to discuss options it was clear to us that a innovative blend of science and art would be needed to achieve their goals and expectations. Affordable Hardscapes of Virginia submitted an initial design utilizing Eagle Bay's Dublin wall stone as the primary material to construct the 18 individual steps necessary. At the clients request to utilize material left over from the homes construction (2" thick limestone) and incorporate wood to match homes elements the final design was approved. Planning for the project included submittals and approvals by way of a Joint Permit Application administered by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). Do to access limitations and the desire to have minimal environmental impact all excavation and installation was done using only hand tools. Each of the (18) steps was individually built in place on solid footings with subsurface drainage. The steps risers are built with 12" x 8" x 4" (tall) Eagle Bay Dublin Freestanding Wall block in Tan. The limestone step treads are from recycled material left over from the construction of the new home. The wood used to frame around the limestone treads is clear Spanish Cedar cut and planned to 2" x 6". Patrick McGrath

Affordable Hardscapes of Virginia - (Virginia Beach, VA) Our client had recently constructed a new custom waterfront home in Virginia Beach, VA. The homes main property is elevated almost 30' above the water, boat lift and dock. The natural hillside leading from backyard is steep, experiencing erosion, and difficult to trek up and down. To access the main property from the dock you would need to climb the steep embankment and to get to the dock below it was a definite test of will. After meeting the client to discuss options it was clear to us that a innovative blend of science and art would be needed to achieve their goals and expectations. Affordable Hardscapes of Virginia submitted an initial design utilizing Eagle Bay's Dublin wall stone as the primary material to construct the 18 individual steps necessary. At the clients request to utilize material left over from the homes construction (2" thick limestone) and incorporate wood to match homes elements the final design was approved. Planning for the project included submittals and approvals by way of a Joint Permit Application administered by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). Do to access limitations and the desire to have minimal environmental impact all excavation and installation was done using only hand tools. Each of the (18) steps was individually built in place on solid footings with subsurface drainage. The steps risers are built with 12" x 8" x 4" (tall) Eagle Bay Dublin Freestanding Wall block in Tan. The limestone step treads are from recycled material left over from the construction of the new home. The wood used to frame around the limestone treads is clear Spanish Cedar cut and planned to 2" x 6". Click Hillside Stone Steps to view additional project photos. Patrick McGrath

board and batten siding from local forests
Transitional exterior home idea in Albuquerque