Knife-edge concrete red training wall transition grading from lower to upper level. (all photos by Christopher LaGuardia, ASLA, Erika Schank, or Eva Cocco)

Livingston Cabinets. Standard overlay cabinetry in a stain grade Alder, accented with a dark pin stripe glaze. Cambria's quartz "Canterbury" counter tops, and Travertine back splash.

The homeowners wanted to keep all the trees and create a symmetrical pool. He wanted symmetry but not a boring rectangle and she wanted pretty. The curved back wall was to flow with the trees, help avoid trees and maximize the space. The Black Pebble and dark tile were chosen to be more reflective and organic. The spa was round to provide better access off the porch. The vanishing edge effect also brought the reflection of the trees into the home, raised 18" gave great access and a wonderful focal point. The yard grade could not be modified with the trees so the pool drop beam minimized the wall requirements and provided an excellent seat to watch the golf course. A second wall kept the grade to a maximum of 24" drop and connected to the existing wall that we kept. Flanking both sides of the spa were tanning ledges for many to relax, accented by LED gushers. Copper firebowls and spill edges framed the view. Project designed by Mike Farley. Photo by Mike Farley.

This dark blue all tile interior pool features the use of tiered elevation levels with seamless transitions. The first elevation transition is a set of six steps, which gets the owner to a patio that is three feet above the pool. Additional steps down either side of the pool get bathers to pool level. The patio on the left of the pool is dropped 18 below pool beam to help with the grades. Three additional steps bring you to an intermediate catch pool complete with jets for therapy. The waters final destination is the lower catch pool; a full twelve feet lower than the patio at the house. The patio on the right of the pool incorporates a large cabana that provides a great get away, featuring a fireplace, television, bar and complete cooking facilities. In order to accomplish these transitions, there are over 500 square feet of walls, and planters. Lights are located at all step locations for safety.

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

ThinkGreen LLC http://www.thinkgreenllc.com Project Entry: Lafayette Hill Residence 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $120,000&over Award Level: Gold Photo Description: This project was located on a ridge that overlooks the Wissahickon Creek and surrounded by acres of undeveloped land. The design and construction goals were to aesthetically and ecologically integrate an existing home and property into its surrounding natural setting. Natural stormwater patterns of the site were bulldozed during the intial construction of the home and an existing swale was heavily scoured and contributing to the sedimentation of sensitive local waterways. The backbone of the site improvements was restoring the swale by adding gentle undulating curves, installing boulders to slow the rate at which stormwater flowed, and heavily plantingitwithnativeplantingssuchasIrisversicolorandLobeliacardinalis. Additionalgentle manipulation of the grades and the use of low dry-laid retaining walls and boulder retaining walls allowed a series of outdoor rooms to be created around the house. The pool area features a stone bond beam which extends below the surface of the water, diving rocks, and a rustic white oak pergola. Adjacent to the pool is a large stone terrace for dining and entertainment. Low dry-laid fieldstone seat walls retain the grades and provide additional seating. The large terrace is easily accessed from the house as well as the rustic white oak tree house. Several solid bluestone risers lead to a smaller more intimate terrace is outside of the pool area. Throughout the site a predominately native plant palette using plants such as Magnolia virginiana, Ilex verticillata, and a variety of ferns were used to mimic the undisturbed areas of woodland and meadows adjacent to the site. Collectively the site improvements have benefitted the local waterways by capturing and slow releasing stormwater and limiting further sedimentation. Additional habitat was created for the local fauna, and the client’s children were provided with a natural haven to explore and learn from nature.

Looking for a light hardwood floor that offers distinct visual character without sacrificing everyday durability? This project showcases the stunning contrast and organic warmth of natural ash wood floors. Known for its pronounced, swirling grain structures and excellent dent resistance, ash is perfect for active households, families, and pet owners. Ash hardwood is a great hardwood flooring pick for a homeowner who wants a harder wood with interesting light and dark characteristics.

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

Pipex.ai is a reliable B2B Portal designed to simplify industrial sourcing for global buyers. From a B2B Buyer point of view, finding standard-compliant materials in one place saves time and reduces risk. Products like Astm A179 Carbon Steel Fin Tube are widely used in heat exchangers and boilers due to their excellent heat transfer efficiency and durability. These tubes support long-term performance in power, chemical, and process industries. For pressure and high-temperature applications, Astm A106 Grade B Pipe is a preferred option across oil & gas, refinery, and infrastructure projects. Buyers also depend on Astm A105 Carbon Steel Round Bars for manufacturing flanges, valves, and forged components. These round bars offer good strength, machinability, and reliability, making them suitable for critical industrial operations where quality cannot be compromised. In structural and engineering uses, Astm A 105 Round Bar is valued for its uniform properties and consistent performance. When combined with Asme Fasteners, it ensures strong, secure joints in heavy machinery and construction assemblies. Through a trusted B2B Portal can connect with verified suppliers, compare specifications, and source certified materials with confidence and transparency.

Excel Custom Contractors
Deck - mid-sized deck idea in Milwaukee

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

The Marin lounge collection embodies both relaxation and sophistication, with a slim mid-century design and a gentle recline. This is no regular outdoor seating - an indoor foam core means you'll get the same comfort you'd expect from a regular sofa, but protected by an internal waterproof barrier, and weather- and UV-resistant Sunbrella upholstery without. The aluminum frame is sourced from the most durable raw materials, then treated with a 5-step powder coating process which provides excellent protection against corrosion and the outdoor elements while retaining a velvety smooth finish.

Shown:
Marin 24" Round Commercial Grade Porcelain Side Table
https://www.houzz.com/products/marin-24-round-commercial-grade-porcelain-side-table-prvw-vr~162717014?lid=114780934

Marin Aluminum Lounge Chair With Brown Striped Sunbrella Cushions
https://www.houzz.com/products/marin-aluminum-lounge-chair-with-brown-striped-sunbrella-cushions-prvw-vr~162717024?lid=114780931

Marin Aluminum Loveseat With Sunbrella Cushions
https://www.houzz.com/products/marin-aluminum-loveseat-with-sunbrella-cushions-prvw-vr~162717010?lid=114780932

This luxury finished basement showcases a refined modern-contemporary design with warm natural materials, clean architectural lines, and intentional craftsmanship throughout, blending high-end residential construction with upscale hospitality and performance-driven spaces. The custom basement bar features solid wood cabinetry in a natural oak or white oak finish, paired with sleek matte black stone countertops that provide durability, contrast, and a timeless modern aesthetic. Vertical slat wall paneling runs behind the bar and shelving, adding texture, rhythm, and architectural depth while reinforcing a Scandinavian-inspired modern warmth that elevates the space beyond a traditional basement remodel. Floating wood shelves with integrated stemware racks create an open, airy feel while displaying glassware, bar accessories, and decorative objects in brushed brass, smoked glass, and neutral ceramics, tying together modern organic and mid-century influences. Dual glass-front beverage refrigerators with stainless steel trim anchor the wet bar, offering functional cold storage while reinforcing a high-end entertaining environment ideal for hosting, relaxing, or daily use. The black backsplash and counter surfaces ground the lighter wood tones, creating balance, contrast, and visual sophistication consistent with luxury interior design trends. Recessed ceiling lighting and flush-mount fixtures provide soft, even illumination, while accent lighting highlights textures, shelving, and materials without overpowering the space. The basement flooring appears to be wide-plank engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl plank in a light natural wood tone, delivering warmth, durability, and moisture resistance ideal for below-grade construction. Adjacent to the bar, the custom home gym is designed with a sleek, performance-focused aesthetic featuring rubber flooring with integrated turf training lanes, high-contrast white line markings, and commercial-grade fitness equipment. Matte black walls and ceilings create a bold, immersive workout environment, enhanced by linear LED strip lighting that adds a modern, architectural edge while providing functional task lighting. The gym includes power racks, cable machines, free weights, storage hooks, and wall-mounted accessories, emphasizing organization, efficiency, and intentional layout planning. Dark finishes, industrial textures, and minimalist detailing create a cohesive modern luxury feel that mirrors high-end boutique fitness studios while remaining integrated into the residential design language of the home. Throughout the basement, clean drywall finishes, crisp trim work, and concealed mechanical systems reflect thoughtful construction planning and attention to detail from a skilled general contractor. This basement remodel exemplifies custom home building excellence, combining entertainment, wellness, and design-forward living into a cohesive lower-level retreat. The overall style blends modern, contemporary, organic modern, Scandinavian, and subtle industrial influences, resulting in a timeless yet bold space that adds significant lifestyle value and resale appeal. Premium materials, intentional lighting, custom millwork, and durable finishes make this basement ideal for homeowners seeking elevated design, luxury construction, functional entertaining spaces, and a seamless extension of the main living areas. Designed and built with craftsmanship, precision, and modern aesthetics in mind, this basement reflects the highest standards of interior design, home renovation, custom construction, and luxury residential building.

The Chisum Wrangler Barstool is a beautiful and functional piece of furniture that seamlessly blends western style with modern design. Crafted with a solid wood frame and upholstered in top grain leather, this barstool exudes a timeless appeal that will enhance the look of any space. Featuring cowhide accents and brass nail tacks, the Chisum Wrangler Barstool is a unique and eye-catching piece that is perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to any decor. The cowhide is skillfully incorporated into the backrest, providing a distinct detail that sets this barstool apart from other options on the market. The angled legs are designed to provide stability and support while also adding to the aesthetic appeal of the barstool. Additionally, the Chisum Wrangler Barstool features a high-quality 360-degree swivel mechanism that allows for easy mobility and versatility. The overall design of the Chisum Wrangler Barstool is western-inspired and includes a backrest with a curved design that provides ample support. The seat is generously padded with high-density foam, making it perfect for extended use. With its solid wood frame, genuine leather upholstery, cowhide accents, angled legs, and 360-degree swivel mechanism, the Chisum Wrangler Barstool is a versatile and durable choice that will provide comfort and style for years to come. It's a perfect seating option for home bars, restaurants, or living rooms, and is sure to be a conversation starter and a favorite seat for anyone looking for a touch of western charm in their decor. Overall, the Chisum Wrangler Barstool is a beautiful and functional piece of furniture that combines rustic charm with elegant style. If you're looking for a high-quality barstool with excellent mobility, the Chisum Wrangler Barstool is an excellent choice. 100% American Made! Overall Barstool Dimensions: 43" H x 26" W x 22" D Seat Height: 30" Overall Counter Stool Dimension: 38" H x 26" W x 22" D Seat Height: 25" Leather Description: This leathers appeal lies in the combination of its disparate qualities: the firm, solid facade of this entirely masculine leather is suddenly met with surprise once its drapey warmth is revealed to the touch. Tanned in Northern Italy on large-scale English bull hides, this leather carries within it the heritage and artisanship of a highly-experienced tannery. This is a leather for and of the ages: it is genuine and earthy and the profound, rich color flickers to the surface through its multiple layers of finishing waxes. 100% top grain cowhide leather is characterized by variations in shade, texture, color and grain. Healed marks and scars are to be expected and enhance the natural beauty of the hides. These variations should not be considered defects as they are normal and unique features of genuine 100% top grain cowhide leather. Frame Construction: Made with American Alder Wood, our frames are glued, screwed and dowelled at the joints. Two coats of high quality stain is hand rubbed on the wood finish and then sealed with industrial grade clear coat.

Inspiration for a landscaping in Other.

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: We were contracted by the family to create a master plan for the property. They were experiencing extreme drainage and erosion problems due to the surrounding properties’ drastic grade changes. Erosion had caused the rear lawn to sink in various areas and the existing rear patio spaces were failing. The client wanted to rebuild their patios and walkways, repave their driveway and give their home more visual appeal. Most importantly, they wanted an environmentally friendly solution. Our design solution was to create a rain garden that would slow storm water runoff, allow for percolation, and promote infiltration, while permitting excess clean water to enter the storm drain at the street with slower velocity. The rain garden acts as a temporary holding space that allows the earth to slowly absorb water, rather than overwhelm the nearby storm drain. Our first objective was to conduct a percolation test to determine the amount of clay soil that needed to be removed before reaching the sandy loam layer. A percolation test and storm water calculations were generated to accommodate a 1” rain event. Based on our calculations and the small size of the property, we determined a depth of 18” was necessary for optimal holding capacity. We removed 18” of clay soil until a layer of sandy loam was encountered. Next, the soil was amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media for the basin of the garden. We piped the three existing rear downspouts to the rain garden area to capture for infiltration and alleviate runoff throughout the rear lawn and patio space. We installed an 18” wide over-flow standpipe at a 24” depth into the ground that outlets to a stone swale that carries the water to the property edge. As an added means of holding the maximum amount of water, we designed the standpipe to sit 14” above grade. The height of this standpipe allows this rain garden to capture 14” of water before reaching the overflow capacity. We placed geotextile fabric to help reduce migration of the stones into the soil and aid in the prevention of weeds and erosion. We heavily planted the rain garden to further aid in absorption and to attract local wildlife. A native plant palette of butterfly weed, Panicum, Joe-Pye weed, and asters form a colorful backdrop while the basin was filled with obligate wetland plants such as royal ferns, irises and cardinal flowers. The upper edges in the foreground are planted with Echinacea, Rudbeckia and Monarda, satisfying the local bird community and adding bright seasonal colors. This garden effectively collects and cleanses rainwater while creating a habitat for birds, frogs, and butterflies. Our next challenge was to redesign the existing patios and walkways without increasing impervious surfaces. According to township regulations this property was currently at its maximum capacity, therefore we designed the front and rear patios with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease their existing impervious surfaces. New planting beds were designed throughout the entire property. Plants were chosen that were tolerant of specific site conditions. For the rear yard, we choose a backdrop of witch hazel and hollies to provide an evergreen screen as well as early spring color. We placed hydrangea throughout to add summer color. We planted ostrich fern under the existing spruce tree to create a lush floor. This area became an additional backdrop for the rain garden as well as a screen for the neighboring property. We choose a combination of ‘Blue Star’ juniper and creeping jenny to soften the existing rear wall with creepers. Around the rear patio areas we choose a combination of Liatris, Rudbeckia and ‘Lo and Behold’ butterfly bush. This combination of plants works in harmony with the rain garden and attracts additional butterflies. For the front of the property we worked with an existing Japanese maple that provided dense shade. We choose a shade-tolerant combination of Heuchera, Astilbe, ferns and hostas for this area. We added more hydrangeas to the front foundation of the house to provide lush layering of plant material and visual interest with additional summer blooms. Overall, we were able to exceed the client’s needs and expectations in transforming their property into a colorful paradise that attracts wildlife from season to season. The plant palette provides seasonal interest and the rain garden has successfully decreased storm water runoff. The new hardscape surfaces were designed and built with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease impervious surfaces. This project is a positive example of how all properties, regardless of size, can make an ecological difference by decreasing impervious surfaces and maintaining proper storm water management. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes