The Covington estate renovation of the Joachim Herz House transformed the founder’s former residence on a 3,000-acre Georgia property into a 5,500-square-foot event and meeting facility for the Joachim Herz Stiftung. Designed by Jones Pierce Architects, the renovation and addition combined adaptive reuse with advanced high-performance construction. The completed project achieved EarthCraft Platinum certification, reflecting a strong commitment to energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, durability, and responsible building practices. Solar power, upgraded building systems, improved envelope performance, and extensive reuse of the existing structure were incorporated while preserving the character of the original residence and its rural setting. Construction on a remote 3,000-acre estate also required careful coordination of trades, equipment, material deliveries, and scheduling. The project demonstrates Eco Custom Homes’ experience with complex renovations, sustainable construction, and high-performance building practices throughout Georgia.

The owners of a local historic Victorian home needed a kitchen that would not only meet the everyday needs of their family but also function well for large catered events. We designed the kitchen to fit with the historic architecture -- using period specific materials such as dark cherry wood, Carrera marble counters, and hexagonal mosaic floor tile. (Not to mention the unique light fixtures and custom decor throughout the home.) The island boasts back to back sinks, double dishwashers and trash/recycling cabinets. A 60" stainless range and 48" refrigerator allow plenty of room to prep those parties! Just off the kitchen to the right is a butler's pantry -- storage for all the entertaining table & glassware as well as a perfect staging area. We used Wood-Mode cabinets in the Beacon Hill doorstyle -- Burgundy finish on cherry; integral raised end panels and lavish Victorian style trim are essential to the kitchen's appeal. To the left of the range a breakfast bar and island seating meets the everyday prep needs for the family. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Beacon Hill

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

With a sizeable backyard and a love for entertaining, these clients wanted to build a covered outdoor kitchen/bar and seating area. They had one specific area by the side of their pool, with limited space, to build the outdoor kitchen. There were immediate concerns about how to incorporate the two steps in the middle of the patio area; and they really wanted a bar that could seat at least eight people (to include an additional seating area with couches and chairs). This couple also wanted to use their outdoor living space year round. The kitchen needed ample storage and had to be easy to maintain. And last, but not least, they wanted it to look beautiful! This 16 x 26 ft clear span pavilion was a great fit for the area we had to work with. By using wrapped steel columns in the corners in 6-foot piers, carpenter-built trusses, and no ridge beams, we created good space usage underneath the pavilion. The steps were incorporated into the space to make the transition between the kitchen area and seating area, which looked like they were meant to be there. With a little additional flagstone work, we brought the curve of the step to meet the back island, which also created more floor space in the seating area. Two separate islands were created for the outdoor kitchen/bar area, built with galvanized metal studs to allow for more room inside the islands (for appliances and cabinets). We also used backer board and covered the islands with smooth finish stucco. The back island housed the BBQ, a 2-burner cooktop and sink, along with four cabinets, one of which was a pantry style cabinet with pull out shelves (air tight, dust proof and spider proof—also very important to the client). The front island housed the refrigerator, ice maker, and counter top cooler, with another set of pantry style, air tight cabinets. By curving the outside edge of the countertop we maximized the bar area and created seating for eight. In addition, we filled in the curve on the inside of the island with counter top and created two additional seats. In total, there was seating for ten people. Infrared heaters, ceiling fans and shades were added for climate control, so the outdoor living space could be used year round. A TV for sporting events and SONOS for music, were added for entertaining enjoyment. Track lighting, as well as LED tape lights under the backsplash, provided ideal lighting for after dark usage. The clients selected honed, Fantasy Brown Satin Quartzite, with a chipped edge detail for their countertop. This beautiful, linear design marble is very easy to maintain. The base of the islands were completed in stucco and painted satin gray to complement their house color. The posts were painted with Monterey Cliffs, which matched the color of the house shutter trim. The pavilion ceiling consisted of 2 x 6-T & G pine and was stained platinum gray. In the few months since the outdoor living space was built, the clients said they have used it for more than eight parties and can’t wait to use it for the holidays! They also made sure to tell us that the look, feel and maintenance of the area all are perfect!

Blackened stainless cladding for home we did extensive steel and iron modern details on. The blackening is a hand-rubbed process that ages the metal and makes it look more antique, but because it is stainless it will not rust or otherwise cause discoloring to the home or patio.

AWARD WINNING KITCHEN. 2018 Westchester Home Design Awards Best Modern Kitchen. A tremendous view of Hudson River inspired this family to purchase and gut renovate the colonial home into an organic modern design with floor to ceiling windows. Cabinetry by Studio Dearborn/Schrocks of Walnut Creek in character oak and backpainted glass; WOlf range; Subzero refrigeration; custom hood, Rangecraft; marble countertops; Emtek hardware. Photos, Tim Lenz. Architecture, Stoll and Stoll.

The owners of a local historic Victorian home needed a kitchen that would not only meet the everyday needs of their family but also function well for large catered events. We designed the kitchen to fit with the historic architecture -- using period specific materials such as dark cherry wood, Carrera marble counters, and hexagonal mosaic floor tile. (Not to mention the unique light fixtures and custom decor throughout the home.) The island boasts back to back sinks, double dishwashers and trash/recycling cabinets. A 60" stainless range and 48" refrigerator allow plenty of room to prep those parties! Just off the kitchen to the right is a butler's pantry -- storage for all the entertaining table & glassware as well as a perfect staging area. We used Wood-Mode cabinets in the Beacon Hill doorstyle -- Burgundy finish on cherry; integral raised end panels and lavish Victorian style trim are essential to the kitchen's appeal. To the left of the range a breakfast bar and island seating meets the everyday prep needs for the family. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Beacon HIll

Home owners Ken & Bonnie never used their dining room. What they really wanted was a traditional library room to house their large collection of prized books! During their first floor facelift and kitchen renovation, Advance Design also created an elegant library room filled with beautiful architectural details that flowed effortlessly with the rest of the home’s stately design and thoughtful details. “Advance Design’s master carpenter was a very patient perfectionist, cutting each and every little piece of trim until it came together with these intricate wood architectural details that we absolutely love!” reports Bonnie. “Our dining room was just a wasted room that we never used. We needed a place to store and display our extensive book collection, and now we have this amazing room that is an unexpected “wow” factor when guests walk in our front door”. Advance Design placed hidden lighting inconspicuously to break to monotony of the books in a decorative shelf area where the family posts photos of children and family at special life events. The room looks out over the beautifully manicured front garden near the home’s entry, and is a most peaceful place to pull up a chair, drink some tea, and enjoy a good read. Photographer: Joe Nowak

Sea Arches is a stunning modern architectural masterpiece, perched atop an eleven-acre peninsular promontory rising 160 feet above the Pacific Ocean on northern California’s spectacular Mendocino coast. Surrounded by the ocean on 3 sides and presiding over unparalleled vistas of sea and surf, Sea Arches includes 2,000 feet of ocean frontage, as well as beaches that extend some 1,300 feet. This one-of-a-kind property also includes one of the famous Elk Sea Stacks, a grouping of remarkable ancient rock outcroppings that tower above the Pacific, and add a powerful and dramatic element to the coastal scenery. Integrated gracefully into its spectacular setting, Sea Arches is set back 500 feet from the Pacific Coast Hwy and is completely screened from public view by more than 400 Monterey cypress trees. Approached by a winding, tree-lined drive, the main house and guesthouse include over 4,200 square feet of modern living space with four bedrooms, two mezzanines, two mini-lofts, and five full bathrooms. All rooms are spacious and the hallways are extra-wide. A cantilevered, raised deck off the living-room mezzanine provides a stunningly close approach to the ocean. Walls of glass invite views of the enchanting scenery in every direction: north to the Elk Sea Stacks, south to Point Arena and its historic lighthouse, west beyond the property’s captive sea stack to the horizon, and east to lofty wooded mountains. All of these vistas are enjoyed from Sea Arches and from the property’s mile-long groomed trails that extend along the oceanfront bluff tops overlooking the beautiful beaches on the north and south side of the home. While completely private and secluded, Sea Arches is just a two-minute drive from the charming village of Elk offering quaint and cozy restaurants and inns. A scenic seventeen-mile coastal drive north will bring you to the picturesque and historic seaside village of Mendocino which attracts tourists from near and far. One can also find many world-class wineries in nearby Anderson Valley. All of this just a three-hour drive from San Francisco or if you choose to fly, Little River Airport, with its mile long runway, is only 16 miles north of Sea Arches. Truly a special and unique property, Sea Arches commands some of the most dramatic coastal views in the world, and offers superb design, construction, and high-end finishes throughout, along with unparalleled beauty, tranquility, and privacy. Property Highlights: • Idyllically situated on a one-of-a-kind eleven-acre oceanfront parcel • Dwelling is completely screened from public view by over 400 trees • Includes 2,000 feet of ocean frontage plus over 1,300 feet of beaches • Includes one of the famous Elk Sea Stacks connected to the property by an isthmus • Main house plus private guest house totaling over 4300 sq ft of superb living space • 4 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms • Separate His and Hers master baths • Open floor plan featuring Single Level Living (with the exception of mezzanines and lofts) • Spacious common rooms with extra wide hallways • Ample opportunities throughout the home for displaying art • Radiant heated slate floors throughout • Soaring 18 foot high ceilings in main living room with walls of glass • Cantilevered viewing deck off the mezzanine for up close ocean views • Gourmet kitchen with top of the line stainless appliances, custom cabinetry and granite counter tops • Granite window sills throughout the home • Spacious guest house including a living room, wet bar, large bedroom, an office/second bedroom, two spacious baths, sleeping loft and two mini lofts • Spectacular ocean and sunset views from most every room in the house • Gracious winding driveway offering ample parking • Large 2 car-garage with workshop • Extensive low-maintenance landscaping offering a profusion of Spring and Summer blooms • Approx. 1 mile of groomed trails • Equipped with a generator • Copper roof • Anchored in bedrock by 42 reinforced concrete piers and framed with steel girders. 2 Fireplaces Deck Granite Countertops Guest House Patio Security System Storage Gardens

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography

The owners of a local historic Victorian home needed a kitchen that would not only meet the everyday needs of their family but also function well for large catered events. We designed the kitchen to fit with the historic architecture -- using period specific materials such as dark cherry wood, Carrera marble counters, and hexagonal mosaic floor tile. (Not to mention the unique light fixtures and custom decor throughout the home.) The island boasts back to back sinks, double dishwashers and trash/recycling cabinets. A 60" stainless range and 48" refrigerator allow plenty of room to prep those parties! Just off the kitchen to the right is a butler's pantry -- storage for all the entertaining table & glassware as well as a perfect staging area. We used Wood-Mode cabinets in the Beacon Hill doorstyle -- Burgundy finish on cherry; integral raised end panels and lavish Victorian style trim are essential to the kitchen's appeal. To the left of the range a breakfast bar and island seating meets the everyday prep needs for the family. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Beacon Hill

Home owners Ken & Bonnie never used their dining room. What they really wanted was a traditional library room to house their large collection of prized books! During their first floor facelift and kitchen renovation, Advance Design also created an elegant library room filled with beautiful architectural details that flowed effortlessly with the rest of the home’s stately design and thoughtful details. “Advance Design’s master carpenter was a very patient perfectionist, cutting each and every little piece of trim until it came together with these intricate wood architectural details that we absolutely love!” reports Bonnie. “Our dining room was just a wasted room that we never used. We needed a place to store and display our extensive book collection, and now we have this amazing room that is an unexpected “wow” factor when guests walk in our front door”. Advance Design placed hidden lighting inconspicuously to break to monotony of the books in a decorative shelf area where the family posts photos of children and family at special life events. The room looks out over the beautifully manicured front garden near the home’s entry, and is a most peaceful place to pull up a chair, drink some tea, and enjoy a good read. Photographer: Joe Nowak

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography

The owners of a local historic Victorian home needed a kitchen that would not only meet the everyday needs of their family but also function well for large catered events. We designed the kitchen to fit with the historic architecture -- using period specific materials such as dark cherry wood, Carrera marble counters, and hexagonal mosaic floor tile. (Not to mention the unique light fixtures and custom decor throughout the home.) The island boasts back to back sinks, double dishwashers and trash/recycling cabinets. A 60" stainless range and 48" refrigerator allow plenty of room to prep those parties! Just off the kitchen to the right is a butler's pantry -- storage for all the entertaining table & glassware as well as a perfect staging area. We used Wood-Mode cabinets in the Beacon Hill doorstyle -- Burgundy finish on cherry; integral raised end panels and lavish Victorian style trim are essential to the kitchen's appeal. To the left of the range a breakfast bar and island seating meets the everyday prep needs for the family. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Beacon Hill

Home owners Ken & Bonnie never used their dining room. What they really wanted was a traditional library room to house their large collection of prized books! During their first floor facelift and kitchen renovation, Advance Design also created an elegant library room filled with beautiful architectural details that flowed effortlessly with the rest of the home’s stately design and thoughtful details. “Advance Design’s master carpenter was a very patient perfectionist, cutting each and every little piece of trim until it came together with these intricate wood architectural details that we absolutely love!” reports Bonnie. “Our dining room was just a wasted room that we never used. We needed a place to store and display our extensive book collection, and now we have this amazing room that is an unexpected “wow” factor when guests walk in our front door”. Advance Design placed hidden lighting inconspicuously to break to monotony of the books in a decorative shelf area where the family posts photos of children and family at special life events. The room looks out over the beautifully manicured front garden near the home’s entry, and is a most peaceful place to pull up a chair, drink some tea, and enjoy a good read. Photographer: Joe Nowak

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography