The architecture of the Karoo Wilderness Center is a result of a thorough process of investigation into the origins and character of the Karoo landscape and the flora and fauna that result from its particular qualities. The tectonic events that produced the specific topography of the site, trajectories of water runoff, wind movement, soil composition, and effects of plant and animal species on the landscape have converged to create the conditions of the site chosen for the Center. Each of these factors have in turn been subject to the impact of human inhabitation and vernacular building practices, amplified in recent generations to a harmful degree by shortsighted agricultural strategies and their associated effects of overgrazing, water over-manipulation and erosion. Fundamental to the architectural response is the premise that the human species is an inherent part of the conditions that comprise and affect the landscape. The significance of the Center, enhanced and informed by the activities that occur within and as an extension of it, lies in the co-dependence of the Center and the ecosystem as inherently bound entities. The architecture of the Center is intended to make evident the natural processes of the Karoo and establish a new precedent for building within and through an ecosystem defined by dynamic flux.

The project’s goal is to introduce more affordable contemporary homes for Triangle Area housing. This 1,800 SF modern ranch-style residence takes its shape from the archetypal gable form and helps to integrate itself into the neighborhood. Although the house presents a modern intervention, the project’s scale and proportional parameters integrate into its context. Natural light and ventilation are passive goals for the project. A strong indoor-outdoor connection was sought by establishing views toward the wooded landscape and having a deck structure weave into the public area. North Carolina’s natural textures are represented in the simple black and tan palette of the facade.

The architecture of the Karoo Wilderness Center is a result of a thorough process of investigation into the origins and character of the Karoo landscape and the flora and fauna that result from its particular qualities. The tectonic events that produced the specific topography of the site, trajectories of water runoff, wind movement, soil composition, and effects of plant and animal species on the landscape have converged to create the conditions of the site chosen for the Center. Each of these factors have in turn been subject to the impact of human inhabitation and vernacular building practices, amplified in recent generations to a harmful degree by shortsighted agricultural strategies and their associated effects of overgrazing, water over-manipulation and erosion. Fundamental to the architectural response is the premise that the human species is an inherent part of the conditions that comprise and affect the landscape. The significance of the Center, enhanced and informed by the activities that occur within and as an extension of it, lies in the co-dependence of the Center and the ecosystem as inherently bound entities. The architecture of the Center is intended to make evident the natural processes of the Karoo and establish a new precedent for building within and through an ecosystem defined by dynamic flux.

The architecture of the Karoo Wilderness Center is a result of a thorough process of investigation into the origins and character of the Karoo landscape and the flora and fauna that result from its particular qualities. The tectonic events that produced the specific topography of the site, trajectories of water runoff, wind movement, soil composition, and effects of plant and animal species on the landscape have converged to create the conditions of the site chosen for the Center. Each of these factors have in turn been subject to the impact of human inhabitation and vernacular building practices, amplified in recent generations to a harmful degree by shortsighted agricultural strategies and their associated effects of overgrazing, water over-manipulation and erosion. Fundamental to the architectural response is the premise that the human species is an inherent part of the conditions that comprise and affect the landscape. The significance of the Center, enhanced and informed by the activities that occur within and as an extension of it, lies in the co-dependence of the Center and the ecosystem as inherently bound entities. The architecture of the Center is intended to make evident the natural processes of the Karoo and establish a new precedent for building within and through an ecosystem defined by dynamic flux.

The architecture of the Karoo Wilderness Center is a result of a thorough process of investigation into the origins and character of the Karoo landscape and the flora and fauna that result from its particular qualities. The tectonic events that produced the specific topography of the site, trajectories of water runoff, wind movement, soil composition, and effects of plant and animal species on the landscape have converged to create the conditions of the site chosen for the Center. Each of these factors have in turn been subject to the impact of human inhabitation and vernacular building practices, amplified in recent generations to a harmful degree by shortsighted agricultural strategies and their associated effects of overgrazing, water over-manipulation and erosion. Fundamental to the architectural response is the premise that the human species is an inherent part of the conditions that comprise and affect the landscape. The significance of the Center, enhanced and informed by the activities that occur within and as an extension of it, lies in the co-dependence of the Center and the ecosystem as inherently bound entities. The architecture of the Center is intended to make evident the natural processes of the Karoo and establish a new precedent for building within and through an ecosystem defined by dynamic flux.

The architecture of the Karoo Wilderness Center is a result of a thorough process of investigation into the origins and character of the Karoo landscape and the flora and fauna that result from its particular qualities. The tectonic events that produced the specific topography of the site, trajectories of water runoff, wind movement, soil composition, and effects of plant and animal species on the landscape have converged to create the conditions of the site chosen for the Center. Each of these factors have in turn been subject to the impact of human inhabitation and vernacular building practices, amplified in recent generations to a harmful degree by shortsighted agricultural strategies and their associated effects of overgrazing, water over-manipulation and erosion. Fundamental to the architectural response is the premise that the human species is an inherent part of the conditions that comprise and affect the landscape. The significance of the Center, enhanced and informed by the activities that occur within and as an extension of it, lies in the co-dependence of the Center and the ecosystem as inherently bound entities. The architecture of the Center is intended to make evident the natural processes of the Karoo and establish a new precedent for building within and through an ecosystem defined by dynamic flux.

photo by Lauren Springer Ogden
Photo of a partial sun landscaping in Denver.

Strategically created to reduce urban heat island effect, provide visual focus to the landscape and tie it back to its natural park setting, this ten year old green façade fronting over the Singapore Management University earns the campus good environmental credentials, featuring veils of vines that clothe nearly half of the campus façade. Supported through the Shreem Brzee Green Vine System, the hanging creepers are rooted in elevated planters that are watered through automated irrigation and are trained to grow over series of lightweight modular trellis panels designed provide growing support. Since its full establishment, the Green Vine System cascades about 2.5 metres down from each storey of the building, availing a dense curtain of foliage that softens the building’s hard walls with a flexibility that envelops elegantly around its curved façade.

An abundance of textures, intriguing colors and atmospheric lighting effects imbue this folkloric circa 1850 Bakshaish art rug with extraordinary presence, particularly in the context of an intimate wine cellar. The Persian village carpet’s rhythmic abrash striation imparts a tremendous sense of depth and movement that influences every aspect of the brick-paneled room, making the space seem much more exotic and engaging. The colored marble, ornate walnut scrollwork, gilded frame and even unadorned brick all find parallels in the Bakshaish rug’s extraordinary natural color palette. Note how the striking azure blue of the striated reserve establishes an immediate resonance with the sky of the watercolor painting, both acting as apertures that enlarge and enhance the viewer’s experience. The folkloric art carpet’s high quality, expertly dyed wool provides an additional dimension of luxury.

As carpet connoisseurs such as this couple have long realized, the perfect antique Persian rug can completely transform a room, elevating the experience of a space in a profound but unobtrusive way that is unique to this art form. The outstanding 19th century Bakshaish carpet seen in this couple’s Mediterranean-inspired desert home exemplifies this avidly prized effect, both complementing and anchoring the entire space. A highly inviting conversation area is established by its clearly defined, elemental composition, with a shimmering sky blue medallion providing a natural centerpiece. The coveted unadorned field of luminous camelhair, which is beautifully abrashed (intentionally color striated) instantly harmonizes with the cheerful soft golds of the walls, as well as the warm wood of paneling and shutters, as if the 19th-century folk art weaving was originally woven for placement in this genteel environment.

Large Moroccan Fish Scales in the color 39 London Fog paired with a white grout establish an exciting contrast to highlight the beautiful lines that this tile shape creates. To extend this gorgeous color palette, the original cabinets were repainted in a two-toned effect using grey for the bottoms and white for the tops. Image via ID 810 Design Group | Photography by Jacob Snavely Photography

Large Moroccan Fish Scales in the color 39 London Fog paired with a white grout establish an exciting contrast to highlight the beautiful lines that this tile shape creates. To extend this gorgeous color palette, the original cabinets were repainted in a two-toned effect using grey for the bottoms and white for the tops. Image via ID 810 Design Group | Photography by Jacob Snavely Photography

**Green Giant Privacy Installation – Estate-Scale Screening** This project focused on creating immediate, full-scale privacy for a large residential property through the installation of over 400 Green Giant arborvitae. The objective was to establish a defined boundary and visual enclosure without compromising the openness or natural character of the landscape. The layout was carefully planned to follow the length of the drive, framing the approach to the home while maintaining symmetry and consistency. Trees were spaced and aligned with precision to ensure long-term uniform growth, allowing the screen to mature into a dense, continuous barrier. Site preparation played a critical role in the success of the installation. The planting areas were properly graded and amended to support healthy root development, with irrigation integrated to promote establishment and sustained growth. This ensures the trees not only thrive but maintain their structure and density over time. Green Giant arborvitae were selected for their reliability, fast growth rate, and ability to provide year-round coverage. Their upright form allows for effective screening without overwhelming the space, making them ideal for large properties requiring both privacy and scale.

Custom built flat panel inset white painted cabinetry surrounds the farm style apron sink accented with polished nickel hardware. Brazilnut stained white oak Island is the base to the beautiful Quartzite counter top. Subway tiled backsplash in laurel gray with a herringbone range accent. (Photo by Ryan Hainey)

In Sioux Falls, homeowners sought to establish a versatile poolside patio area, capable of maximizing the summer season's enjoyment while offering protection against winter weather and precipitation. Azenco, renowned for its expertise, collaborated with its regional dealer, Concrete Outdoor Living, to conceive a sophisticated patio design. This design incorporates an elegant pergola system equipped with an adjustable roof mechanism. This innovative feature allows for the creation of shade during the warmer months, effective rain shielding, and the capacity to withstand winter snow. The Concrete Outdoor Living team carefully selected and incorporated robust concrete patio furniture designed to endure for an extended period, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the inclusion of a gas fire feature not only adds to the evening ambiance but also provides additional warmth in colder weather, making the space enjoyable throughout the year. This well-rounded design approach ensures that the patio serves as a delightful and adaptable outdoor living space.

In Sioux Falls, homeowners sought to establish a versatile poolside patio area, capable of maximizing the summer season's enjoyment while offering protection against winter weather and precipitation. Azenco, renowned for its expertise, collaborated with its regional dealer, Concrete Outdoor Living, to conceive a sophisticated patio design. This design incorporates an elegant pergola system equipped with an adjustable roof mechanism. This innovative feature allows for the creation of shade during the warmer months, effective rain shielding, and the capacity to withstand winter snow. The Concrete Outdoor Living team carefully selected and incorporated robust concrete patio furniture designed to endure for an extended period, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the inclusion of a gas fire feature not only adds to the evening ambiance but also provides additional warmth in colder weather, making the space enjoyable throughout the year. This well-rounded design approach ensures that the patio serves as a delightful and adaptable outdoor living space.

In Sioux Falls, homeowners sought to establish a versatile poolside patio area, capable of maximizing the summer season's enjoyment while offering protection against winter weather and precipitation. Azenco, renowned for its expertise, collaborated with its regional dealer, Concrete Outdoor Living, to conceive a sophisticated patio design. This design incorporates an elegant pergola system equipped with an adjustable roof mechanism. This innovative feature allows for the creation of shade during the warmer months, effective rain shielding, and the capacity to withstand winter snow. The Concrete Outdoor Living team carefully selected and incorporated robust concrete patio furniture designed to endure for an extended period, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the inclusion of a gas fire feature not only adds to the evening ambiance but also provides additional warmth in colder weather, making the space enjoyable throughout the year. This well-rounded design approach ensures that the patio serves as a delightful and adaptable outdoor living space.

In Sioux Falls, homeowners sought to establish a versatile poolside patio area, capable of maximizing the summer season's enjoyment while offering protection against winter weather and precipitation. Azenco, renowned for its expertise, collaborated with its regional dealer, Concrete Outdoor Living, to conceive a sophisticated patio design. This design incorporates an elegant pergola system equipped with an adjustable roof mechanism. This innovative feature allows for the creation of shade during the warmer months, effective rain shielding, and the capacity to withstand winter snow. The Concrete Outdoor Living team carefully selected and incorporated robust concrete patio furniture designed to endure for an extended period, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the inclusion of a gas fire feature not only adds to the evening ambiance but also provides additional warmth in colder weather, making the space enjoyable throughout the year. This well-rounded design approach ensures that the patio serves as a delightful and adaptable outdoor living space.