Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgement as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Architect Poss Architecture, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Supplier/Installer Gallegos Corporation, Wolcott, CO Stone Quarry Arkins Park Stone, Loveland, CO Within walled boundaries, Woody Creek Garden embraces its high alpine environment through explorations of stone and water that serve as unifying elements of form in the design of the various outdoor spaces. Through striking and distinctively detailed stonework, water is portrayed in its various states and forms – atmospheric mist, single rivulets, cascades, and still pools. Two courtyards interlink the residence allowing each room to enjoy the visual landscape. In the entrance courtyard, the sound from a carved 24”x 24” cut-granite fountain reverberates throughout the walled space. Placed for gathering and quiet contemplation, a pin-wheel arrangement of sculptural, granite slabs provide a honed surface for sitting while providing year-round interest. Each stone was individually specified with intentionally spaced core fractures, utilizing the extraction method to serve as sculpted details. Large sandstone pavers, set in sand and cut in an irregular, but geometric fashion bring a sense of modernity to the space. Throughout the property, stone detailing seek to heighten one’s experience of the landscape and views. Upon the home’s entry, an 18” rectilinear cut in the freestanding stone wall frames a distant peak, creating a singular reference to the outside world in this encased space. Emerging from the center of an organically-shaped carved sandstone slab, water is carried along a narrow 2” runnel sandstone cap, disappearing into the framed horizon. This glimpse to the west is the only opening in the tightly enclosed courtyard. From its opposite aspect, the feature creates a welcoming gesture at the home’s front entrance. The slender rivulet of water trickles from the sandstone slab above onto a honed granite plane, set within a sandstone terrace In contrast, a second promontory courtyard commands a strong presence over its alpine setting, leaving the steeply sloping site undisturbed. A 12’x 40’ reflecting pool – a thin sheet of water over honed black granite – captures the form and silence of the everchanging natural environment on its taut surface. Along its edge, water flows over a ½” radius edge, disappearing into a recirculating slot. Commissioned by Italian artist Bruno Romeda, a bronze sculpture rests upon an elevated granite plinth. Along its western edge, designers crafted a two-tiered, infinity edge detail. In the first vertical drop, water flows between the pool and perimeter stone walls, landing onto an intermediate bench, while the second drop introduces a chamfered edge, allowing water to embrace the vertical relief without splashing. Sandstone terraces provide continuous access to the various landscape features of the garden. At the base of the battered perimeter walls, a sandstone path leads to a fire pit, encircled by lichen-covered boulders. Along the courtyard’s eastern perimeter, water appears to emerge from the hillside, fracturing and falling against the irregular vertical stone wall, melting in a curtain-like formation behind the spa. The colors, distinctive detailing and striking stonework were selected based on their appropriateness to the context. From above, a rectilinear pool lies behind the wall, silently mirroring the sky above and offering no ostensible connection to the structure or to its source.

The room follows a palette with a light and neutral base – from white to gray, through off-white, with shades of blue extracted from the tiles (especially the painting by the artist Sergio Lucena, above the bed) and sprinkles. of fresh green, present in works of art, books covered with fabric and decorative objects. Another highlight of the room is the TV that displays a digital work of art when turned off, thus becoming an integral part of the decor. Finally, various flower arrangements, from lavender to rosemary, exude a unique scent in the environment, increasing the feeling of well-being and relaxation so fundamental in bedrooms.”

South Lyon Carpet Cleaning offers truck mounted hot water extraction (steam cleaning), upholstery cleaning, pet stain & odor removal, 3M carpet protection, encapsulation cleaning, as well as flood and water restoration. Not all carpet cleaning services are created equally; choose a company with a great reputation for service and excellence, and one with years of experience behind them. Our pictures speak for themselves! Residential/Commercial. Family Owned & Operated Since 1991. Licensed, Bonded, & Insured. Free Estimates! (734) 635-8124

Rick Mattson
Open concept kitchen - coastal l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Orange County with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Kansas City Brick & Masonry is the craft of shaping rough pieces of rock into accurate geometrical shapes, at times simple, but some of considerable complexity, and then arranging the resulting stones, often together with mortar, to form structures. Quarrymen split veins, or sheets of rock, and extract the resulting blocks of stone from the ground. Sawyers cut these rough blocks into cuboids, to required size with diamond-tipped saws. The resulting block if ordered for a specific component is known as sawn six sides (SSS). Banker masons are workshop based, and specialize in working the stones into the shapes required by a building's design, this set out on templets and a bed mould. They can produce anything from stones with simple chamfers to tracery windows, detailed mouldings and the more classical architectural building masonry. When working a stone from a sawn block, the mason ensures that the stone is bedded in the right way, so the finished work sits in the building in the same orientation as it was formed on the ground. Occasionally though some stones need to be orientated correctly for the application; this includes voussoirs, jambs, coping sand cornice. The basic tools, methods and skills of the banker mason have existed as a trade for thousands of years. Carvers cross the line from craft to art, and use their artistic ability to carve stone into foliage, figures, animals or abstract designs. Fixer masons specialize in the fixing of stones onto buildings, using lifting tackle, and traditional lime mortars and grouts. Sometimes modern cements, mastics and epoxy resins are used, usually on specialist applications such as stone cladding. Metal fixings, from simple dowels and cramps to specialised single application fixings, are also used. The precise tolerances necessary make this a highly skilled job. Memorial masons or monumental masons carve gravestones and inscriptions. The modern stonemason undergoes comprehensive training, both in the classroom and in the working environment. Hands-on skill is complemented by intimate knowledge of each stone type, its application and best uses, and how to work and fix each stone in place. The mason may be skilled and competent to carry out one or all of the various branches of stonemasonry. In some areas the trend is towards specialization, in other areas towards adaptability.

This Frisco Texas , custom white oak , double barn door unit creates many different configurations options for the owners . 3 different lighting scenes , consisting of 12 LED puck lights and 32 linear feet of LED strip lights compliment the flexibility of this custom unit. Sleek satin nickel barn door hardware effortlessly carry the heavy custom random width planked white oak doors. A/V equipment, on soft close pull outs are hidden behind the 4 soft close inset doors. 2 heat censored fans extract heat from the A/V equipment. Lots of room for storage , and glass shelves for display . The 65” tv is mounted on a articulating double arm mount for many different viewing angles and a breeze for accessing behind the tv. All wiring is hidden , accessible and managed.

Initial consult: Dormant New Sod that was installed by the builder in 2016/Dead and damaged. Extremely overloaded with late cool season weeds and transitional warm season weed growth. Extracted soil for soil testing to determine what we'd be working with structure wise and best management practices going forward for the client.

This precision remodel extracted the tub and replaced it with an alcove walk-in shower with tile in linear drain and long horizontal niche. Maintaining a wall spout offers flexibility for all uses. The back wall and shower floor tile extends into the whole bathroom space which was the only element changed outside of the shower. Careful demo preserved the existing paint treatment on the walls as requested by the homeowner. The glossy black subway tile on either end of the new shower balances the existing black counter and toilet on the opposite side of the room. Linen-textured 12x24 tile completes the shower and flooring. Richards & Sterling tile in the niche pulls together the mixed metals in the space and adds a great feature . Three different carefully selected Schluter edges finishes off the tile perfectly. A single hinged glass partition door keeps the space feeling open and reflects the giant existing window.

Our client was in the process of building a new house to their specification in Fraserburgh. The centrepiece? A contemporary, open-plan kitchen that not only serves as a functional space but also as an inviting hub for family gatherings. Opting for the Nolte SoftLack range, we integrated the Silver MatrixArt handleless trims, complemented by elegant integrated lighting. The main furniture showcases a soothing Sahara hue, contrasted smartly by the Lava accent. The 20mm Dekton Trilium worktop exudes sophistication, while the 40mm Nolte Platinum Bough Oak table adds a touch of warmth. We included a full suite of NEFF appliances: a single oven, combination microwave, induction hob, ceiling extraction, and a full-height fridge and freezer, meeting every culinary need. Special requests are what make a design truly personal. We incorporated a Blanco Subline undermounted sink in Alumetallic, a state-of-the-art Quooker Fusion Square Stainless Steel instant boiling water tap, and durable Pergo flooring. Notably, the elevated dishwasher was positioned conveniently beside the sink, based on the client's preference. The tall units were seamlessly integrated into the ceiling, complemented by an artful goal-post niche. Furthermore, the extractor finds its home within a stylish ceiling drop box, highlighted by a subtly lit stepped ledge. Dreaming of your own bespoke kitchen? Let us transform your vision into reality.

When these clients came to us seeking a kitchen renovation, we gladly seized the opportunity to come up with a unique design that was tailored to their needs. Being a fun and trendy younger couple with two daughters, their desire for a completely white kitchen did not seem to suit who they were as a family. We turned towards the rest of their home for inspiration on how we could extract the clients true taste. The recipe for this design came from fine wines and freshly brewed coffee, mixed in with elegance and topped off by a strong sense of family. We kept the desire for the white kitchen, but brought in the warmth of the wood, the fun of the green back splash and the stylish edge of the black appliances. This family can now enjoy their time together in a space that we believe reflects who they are.

The strength and pore widths of semi-fine-grained, medium-grained, coarse-grained, and large-grained marbles are measured. The marble’s quality is revealed as a result of this assessment. However, several factors influence marble quality. The mine’s extraction processes and the methods used during processing are at the top of the list.

Laid six years ago at a house in Farnham this Sandstone tiled kitchen floor was routinely trampled on by two teenagers, gardening parents and two large dogs. All of this had taken its toll of the sealer which had worn off and without its protection the Sandstone tile and grout had turned an indistinguishable sea of brown. The floor now needed a deep clean and reseal to restore it appearance and get it looking its best for which I had planned should take two days, the first day for cleaning and drying, the second for sealing and quoted accordingly. My client was happy with the quote and we scheduled a date to do the work. Farnham is a market town in Surrey and is largest town in the borough of Waverley. It is quite a historic town, with many old buildings, including a number of Georgian houses. With good access links to the A3 and London by train its popular with commuters and I often get requests to work here. I began by taping up the wooden skirting and the plinths in the kitchen to protect them from splashing during the work. Then armed with Tile Doctor Pro-Clean and a stiff brush I set about cleaning up the grout. The dirt released was removed with a wet vacuum before it had a chance to dry then using more Pro-Clean and a 17” buffing machine fitted with a rotating black nylon pad I cleaned the tiles. The unamused dogs had been banished to the garden. I love dogs but they were chasing my machine around, so I needed to keep them out of the way. The floor tiles were surprisingly dirty, and the client was quite shocked by the amount of dirt I manged to extract. Once finished I left the floor to dry off fully overnight, sealing a damp floor is never recommended and can result in a patchy appearance. Returning the next day, I first checked for areas that needed further attention and then took several moisture readings with a damp meter to check the floor was dry. Satisfied that it was, I was ready to apply the sealer. We had discussed choice of sealer previously and for this floor I had recommended a Tile Doctor sealer called Seal and Go Extra which would be ideal for her traffic heavy floor. Sealing is an important step as it protects the tiles and grout from dirt becoming ingrained in the stone and improves the look of the stone. Seal and Go Extra is also super tough and should last for years if cleaned with the right product. It sets with a subtle sheen but not a shine which she definitely didn’t want. Three coats of sealer were applied which takes around two hours to be dry to the touch but really needs 24 hours for it to cure. The sealer brought out the variety of colours in the stone floor and the family were happy with their new floor, now they just had to keep the dogs out of the way for 24 hours! For aftercare I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner to keep the floor in great condition. Rupert Mcleod West Surrey Tile Doctor

This 1920s single bay house in Earlsdon had been restored by the builder from top to bottom. The hallway floor had been covered in laminate flooring which had been removed, revealing an Edwardian tiled floor beneath. Unfortunately, the plasterer had not covered the floor when working on the walls, so the tiles were now covered in plaster! The client was keen to keep as many original features as possible and called me in to see if the original 100-year-old floor could be renovated in keeping with the rest of the house. I visited the property to survey the tiles and explained that it certainly could be and having worked on hundreds of these renovations before I was confident of getting a good result. They were happy to go with my quotation and we arranged a time to carry out the work. The floor tiles themselves were in good condition, but I had to hand carefully scrape the plaster off the tiles before starting on the deep clean. With the plaster removed from the floor I applied Tile Doctor Acid Gel and worked it into the tiles with a coarse 100-grit pad. The floor was then rinsed, and the waste extracted from the floor using a wet vacuum. The process was then repeated with a 200-Grit and then a 400-grit pad until I was happy. The floor was then speed dried with fans whilst I worked on a repair around the threshold of one of the doors. The repair was relatively straight forward, and I managed to restore the tiling, so the repair was unnoticeable. The floor was then left overnight to completely dry out. Floors of this age don’t have a damp proof membrane so moisture can build up if they have been covered as in this case. The next stage in the restoration would be to apply a sealer and the floor needs to be dry before you do this otherwise the result can be patchy. Returning the following day, I first tested the floor with a damp meter to check the moisture levels in different parts of the floor to ensure it was dry enough to seal. The fans had done a good job and I was pleased to find that the floor was dry. To seal this floor, I used Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra, it’s a breathable acrylic based sealer that allows for moisture vapour to rise through the tile and evaporate at the surface. This makes it ideal for situations where no damp proof membrane has been installed and there is a low risk of mineral salt deposits being formed (efflorescence). Once completed the transformation was huge and he Victorian tiles looked well suited to the hallway. Feedback from my client was they were over the moon with the newly restored floor! For regular cleaning, I recommended Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner, this is a gentle pH neutral cleaner that will ensure the newly applied seal is retained and not eroded prematurely. This can be the problem with most household cleaning products which contain strong chemicals like bleach which can break down the sealer over time. Without a sealer dirt gets back into the pores of the tile which will mean the homeowner will need to get the floor cleaned and sealed again – a vicious circle! Mick Gayton Warwickshire Tile Doctor

This modern kitchen in Leeds was designed to combine innovative layout planning with a rich mix of materials, resulting in a space that feels both striking and highly functional. The cabinetry is from the X-Line range, finished in a combination of Fluted Walnut Veneer and Artstone Laminate, creating depth and visual interest throughout the space. Wall units in fluted walnut reinforce this texture, adding a distinctive architectural element. Worktops are in 24mm Corian, offering a smooth, seamless surface that complements the kitchen's clean lines while providing durability for everyday use. Feature elements include a bespoke pantry, designed to maximise storage while keeping the layout streamlined, and a matt mirror splashback that softly reflects light, enhancing the sense of space without overpowering the design. Appliances are by Siemens, paired with a BORA hob that integrates extraction directly into the cooking surface, maintaining the uncluttered aesthetic and improving functionality. The result is a kitchen that brings together a variety of materials and finishes in a considered way, delivering both visual impact and practical performance for modern living.

I was recently contacted by the owner of this Minton Victorian tiled floor in Kidderminster. The tiles had been covered over with carpet which I suspect was due to some the tiles being missing. Now uncovered it was stained with glue and carpet underlay was still stuck to the tiles in places. The owner was keen to have the floor fully restored including replacing damaged and missing tiles. We can replace missing or damaged tiles however the problem with old Victorian floors is finding matching replacements due to the unique patterns that many have. Fortunately, due to the popularity of Victorian tiles there are several suppliers who sell reproductions and occasionally you can find originals on ebay. I went over to survey the floor an could see the tiles were certainly in need of some love and care. As part of the visit I carried out a test clean on a patch of the floor and the results were very satisfactory, so the owner asked me to go ahead. On the day of arrival my first job was to spray the floor with neat Tile Doctor Remove and Go, this is a powerful cleaner/stripper which set to work on removing the glue and carpet underlay, this product will also remove any old sealer. I then left the solution to dwell and worked the chemical in with my buffer and a black pad removing the slurry with a wet and dry vacuum. The tiles were then treated to an acid wash using Tile Doctor Acid Gel to further clean them and counter any potential efflorescence problem which is a problem with floors of this age that were installed without a damp-proof membrane. The product was scrubbed into the tile and grout, rinsed off with water and then extracted with the wet vacuum. Once the floor was clean, I checked the colour of the tiles so I could cut and replace the missing section. I had managed to source some tiles that were a close match and set about cutting all the tiles to size and then fitted them using a flexible rapid set adhesive. The newly laid tiles needed to set, and the floor needed to dry out before we could apply the sealer. The floor was left to dry overnight, on my return in the morning I tested the floor with a damp meter to check the moisture levels and ensure it was dry enough for sealing. I was satisfied it was dry so was able to proceed and seal the floor. Five coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra were applied which takes a lot of time as you need to wait for the previous coat to dry before applying the next. This product is a semi-gloss breathable sealer which gives a nice sheen to the tiles and fully protects them. It really allowed the colours and detail of the pattern to shine through and being breathable it will cope with any moisture rising though the floor. The client was very happy with the overall finish and was really pleased that the Victorian tiles were now restored to their original appearance. It a fact that original features like these are in demand and add a lot of value to a property. Mark Conway Worcestershire Tile Doctor

The layout follows a wide L shape with a central island which is wide enough to house both the hob and the sink. The Miele induction hob includes an integrated extraction which allows the client a seamless view across the island and out to their wonderful farmland vista. A Neolith Bromo worktop provides both beauty and durability, making use and cleaning of this kitchen a dream. Hidden within a bank of tall cabinetry lies a large walk-in larder space, perfect for storage of everyday items, or for keeping pre-made party food a secret! The dark SieMatic cabinets in Onyx oak laminate create drama and visual strength in this large open-plan space, whilst a soft sterling grey finish was chosen for the island and console cabinets to bring warmth and light into the central area. Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Hampshire

This Victorian tiled hallway floor at a property in Twickenham was in great physical condition considering its age but just hadn’t been cleaned or sealed in quite a few years. Over the years the protective sealer has worn away and dirt tracked in from outside had sunk deep into the pores of the tile. The floor looked dull, and my customer was finding it hard to clean and maintain effectively. To remove the ground in dirt from within the pores of the tile I needed to apply a strong cleaning product that would breakdown the dirt and deal with any remaining sealer left on the floor. Usually, I find the sealer down the center of the hallway is worn away with use, but you still find traces towards the wall. To do the renovation effectively I would need to remove all the sealer during cleaning otherwise you risk an uneven appearance. The best sealer stripper and cleaner for the job is a product called Tile Doctor Remove and Go so I mopped a strong dilution onto the floor and then left it to soak in for around fifteen minutes. To get the best from this product it’s advised to give it a long dwell time thereby allowing it to break down old sealer and dissolve the dirt and contaminants. The floor was then scrubbed with a rotary floor machine to work the product into the pores of the tile and release the trapped dirt. After the first pass the floor was rinsed with a little water and the soil extracted using a machine. After inspecting the floor some areas were re-treated using the same process to ensure all the sealer and dirt had been removed. After a final inspection I left the tiles to dry off overnight. The following day I returned and started by taking moisture readings from different parts of the floor. Its not a good idea to apply a sealer to a damp tile and damp areas should be dried out with a heat gun first. My client was keen to have a classic shiny appearance, so I chose Tile Doctor Seal and Go to add protection to the tiles. The sealer will prevent dirt becoming ingrained in the tile and protect the floor from staining caused by spillages whilst making it very easy for our customer to maintain in the future. As you can see from the pictures, it also gives a nice sheen finish to add lustre to the floor as requested by my customer. Before leaving we had a quick chat about maintaining the floor and a warning about the use of strong floor cleaning products which can be over strong and prematurely strip the sealer away over time. For this floor I recommend Tile Doctor Neutral cleaner which is an effective cleaner but as its name suggests is pH neutral and mild enough not to harm the sealer. Jonathan Oldham South Middlesex Tile Doctor

The client was building a new family home in Macduff and wanted a modern, functional kitchen. The primary requirements were a large peninsula and tall units integrated into the wall. We selected furniture from the Nolte Soft Lack range in Deep Blue and Papyrus Grey to meet the client's desire for a modern look. The colour scheme offers a balanced contrast that adds visual interest to the kitchen. A 20mm thick Dekton Opera worktop with a mitred waterfall end panel serves as a striking feature upon entry and was chosen for its durability as well as aesthetics. We equipped the kitchen with a full suite of NEFF appliances, including a single oven, combi microwave, warming drawer, gas hob, ceiling extraction, full-height fridge, full-height freezer, and dishwasher. Additional features include a Blanco Subline single bowl undermounted sink in white and a Quooker Fusion Round Chrome instant boiling water tap. Quickstep laminate flooring was installed for its durability and design. If you're interested in a functional yet modern kitchen, don't hesitate to contact us for a customised solution.