Search results for "Future generations" in Home Design Ideas

Project Overview:
This modern ADU build was designed by Wittman Estes Architecture + Landscape and pre-fab tech builder NODE. Our Gendai siding with an Amber oil finish clads the exterior. Featured in Dwell, Designmilk and other online architectural publications, this tiny project packs a punch with affordable design and a focus on sustainability.
This modern ADU build was designed by Wittman Estes Architecture + Landscape and pre-fab tech builder NODE. Our shou sugi ban Gendai siding with a clear alkyd finish clads the exterior. Featured in Dwell, Designmilk and other online architectural publications, this tiny project packs a punch with affordable design and a focus on sustainability.
“A Seattle homeowner hired Wittman Estes to design an affordable, eco-friendly unit to live in her backyard as a way to generate rental income. The modern structure is outfitted with a solar roof that provides all of the energy needed to power the unit and the main house. To make it happen, the firm partnered with NODE, known for their design-focused, carbon negative, non-toxic homes, resulting in Seattle’s first DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) with the International Living Future Institute’s (IFLI) zero energy certification.”
Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap
Prefinish: Amber
Application: Residential – Exterior
SF: 350SF
Designer: Wittman Estes, NODE
Builder: NODE, Don Bunnell
Date: November 2018
Location: Seattle, WA
Photos courtesy of: Andrew Pogue

Engineered cedar siding creates beautiful gray-blue tones at the exterior of the home, while adding a textural element to activate the simple exterior design.

Terran Landscapes http://www.terranlandscapes.com
Project Entry: Fishers Woodland Garden
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Theme Garden $15,000-$30,000
Award Level: Bronze
Photo Description:
We were contracted by the client to design a calming space for their staff to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a leisurely lunch as well as to provide their grandchildren a place to run and pick flowers. The space was originally dominated by large trees and had been overgrown with ivy, sumac and aggressive vines, providing an unwelcome, dark space with little color or visual appeal. The client requested a colorful blend of shrubs and perennials that would provide interest throughout the seasons, as well as provide privacy by screening the street traffic along Carisbrooke Road.
Our goal was to create the privacy screen along the road by layering plants from the ground to the tree canopy. The theme was to let nature inspire the landscape, allowing a space that was originally woodland to become an enhanced version of itself, creating a beautiful habitat for birds and butterflies to excite the senses and satisfy all who enjoy the beauty of nature.
We began by clearing the brush and removing all aggressive vines and ivy that jeopardized the health of the trees. We kept and transplanted all non- invasive or native plant material in the area to various locations throughout the property. Several yards of compost were then tilled into the soil and the existing trees fertilized to provide a rich growing environment.
A few challenges occurred during the design process. It was decided that a new generator was to be installed in the woodland and due to a future addition to the house, we were forced to eliminate planned additional impervious pathway surfaces. We provided screening to hide the generator and buffer the noise, and created a meandering path and sitting area out of natural woodchips instead of the proposed bluestone to solve the impervious space issue. The woodchips add a sense of informality and invite the viewer to walk slowly through the space. The reduced noise from the additional screening of the generator allows for quiet reflection as chipmunks scurry and hummingbirds dart about between the flowers.
Our plant palette consists of shady understory plants that thrive and flower vigorously from spring through fall. A tall, lush, evergreen backdrop of Ilex opaca and Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ provides the screening and blends into a middle layer of ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood, hydrangeas and winterberry hollies. Beautiful perennials and groundcovers bloom along the woodland path, providing a low visual layer of color and texture. Movement throughout the garden is provided by the graceful Calamagrostis brachytricha and Hakenchloa that soften the nearby hardscaping. The woodland floor is full of shade-loving Solomon’s seal, hosta, astilbe, ferns, bleeding heart, Tiarella and Aconitum.
The street side of this woodland required plants with a preference for a little more sun and drought tolerance. A palette of oakleaf hydrangea, Agastache, Liatris and Rudbeckia softens the fence line and provides the desired color.
As designed and installed, the woodland garden successfully provides the client’s family and office staff a quiet space where they can take a peaceful moment and enjoy nature.
Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls
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Project Overview:
This modern ADU build was designed by Wittman Estes Architecture + Landscape and pre-fab tech builder NODE. Our Gendai siding with an Amber oil finish clads the exterior. Featured in Dwell, Designmilk and other online architectural publications, this tiny project packs a punch with affordable design and a focus on sustainability.
This modern ADU build was designed by Wittman Estes Architecture + Landscape and pre-fab tech builder NODE. Our shou sugi ban Gendai siding with a clear alkyd finish clads the exterior. Featured in Dwell, Designmilk and other online architectural publications, this tiny project packs a punch with affordable design and a focus on sustainability.
“A Seattle homeowner hired Wittman Estes to design an affordable, eco-friendly unit to live in her backyard as a way to generate rental income. The modern structure is outfitted with a solar roof that provides all of the energy needed to power the unit and the main house. To make it happen, the firm partnered with NODE, known for their design-focused, carbon negative, non-toxic homes, resulting in Seattle’s first DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) with the International Living Future Institute’s (IFLI) zero energy certification.”
Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap
Prefinish: Amber
Application: Residential – Exterior
SF: 350SF
Designer: Wittman Estes, NODE
Builder: NODE, Don Bunnell
Date: November 2018
Location: Seattle, WA
Photos courtesy of: Andrew Pogue

Terran Landscapes http://www.terranlandscapes.com
Project Entry: Fishers Woodland Garden
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Theme Garden $15,000-$30,000
Award Level: Bronze
Photo Description:
We were contracted by the client to design a calming space for their staff to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a leisurely lunch as well as to provide their grandchildren a place to run and pick flowers. The space was originally dominated by large trees and had been overgrown with ivy, sumac and aggressive vines, providing an unwelcome, dark space with little color or visual appeal. The client requested a colorful blend of shrubs and perennials that would provide interest throughout the seasons, as well as provide privacy by screening the street traffic along Carisbrooke Road.
Our goal was to create the privacy screen along the road by layering plants from the ground to the tree canopy. The theme was to let nature inspire the landscape, allowing a space that was originally woodland to become an enhanced version of itself, creating a beautiful habitat for birds and butterflies to excite the senses and satisfy all who enjoy the beauty of nature.
We began by clearing the brush and removing all aggressive vines and ivy that jeopardized the health of the trees. We kept and transplanted all non- invasive or native plant material in the area to various locations throughout the property. Several yards of compost were then tilled into the soil and the existing trees fertilized to provide a rich growing environment.
A few challenges occurred during the design process. It was decided that a new generator was to be installed in the woodland and due to a future addition to the house, we were forced to eliminate planned additional impervious pathway surfaces. We provided screening to hide the generator and buffer the noise, and created a meandering path and sitting area out of natural woodchips instead of the proposed bluestone to solve the impervious space issue. The woodchips add a sense of informality and invite the viewer to walk slowly through the space. The reduced noise from the additional screening of the generator allows for quiet reflection as chipmunks scurry and hummingbirds dart about between the flowers.
Our plant palette consists of shady understory plants that thrive and flower vigorously from spring through fall. A tall, lush, evergreen backdrop of Ilex opaca and Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ provides the screening and blends into a middle layer of ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood, hydrangeas and winterberry hollies. Beautiful perennials and groundcovers bloom along the woodland path, providing a low visual layer of color and texture. Movement throughout the garden is provided by the graceful Calamagrostis brachytricha and Hakenchloa that soften the nearby hardscaping. The woodland floor is full of shade-loving Solomon’s seal, hosta, astilbe, ferns, bleeding heart, Tiarella and Aconitum.
The street side of this woodland required plants with a preference for a little more sun and drought tolerance. A palette of oakleaf hydrangea, Agastache, Liatris and Rudbeckia softens the fence line and provides the desired color.
As designed and installed, the woodland garden successfully provides the client’s family and office staff a quiet space where they can take a peaceful moment and enjoy nature.
Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Project Overview:
This modern ADU build was designed by Wittman Estes Architecture + Landscape and pre-fab tech builder NODE. Our Gendai siding with an Amber oil finish clads the exterior. Featured in Dwell, Designmilk and other online architectural publications, this tiny project packs a punch with affordable design and a focus on sustainability.
This modern ADU build was designed by Wittman Estes Architecture + Landscape and pre-fab tech builder NODE. Our shou sugi ban Gendai siding with a clear alkyd finish clads the exterior. Featured in Dwell, Designmilk and other online architectural publications, this tiny project packs a punch with affordable design and a focus on sustainability.
“A Seattle homeowner hired Wittman Estes to design an affordable, eco-friendly unit to live in her backyard as a way to generate rental income. The modern structure is outfitted with a solar roof that provides all of the energy needed to power the unit and the main house. To make it happen, the firm partnered with NODE, known for their design-focused, carbon negative, non-toxic homes, resulting in Seattle’s first DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) with the International Living Future Institute’s (IFLI) zero energy certification.”
Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap
Prefinish: Amber
Application: Residential – Exterior
SF: 350SF
Designer: Wittman Estes, NODE
Builder: NODE, Don Bunnell
Date: November 2018
Location: Seattle, WA
Photos courtesy of: Andrew Pogue

The client was referred to us by the builder to build a vacation home where the family mobile home used to be. Together, we visited Key Largo and once there we understood that the most important thing was to incorporate nature and the sea inside the house. A meeting with the architect took place after and we made a few suggestions that it was taking into consideration as to change the fixed balcony doors by accordion doors or better known as NANA Walls, this detail would bring the ocean inside from the very first moment you walk into the house as if you were traveling in a cruise.
A client's request from the very first day was to have two televisions in the main room, at first I did hesitate about it but then I understood perfectly the purpose and we were fascinated with the final results, it is really impressive!!! and he does not miss any football games, while their children can choose their favorite programs or games. An easy solution to modern times for families to share various interest and time together.
Our purpose from the very first day was to design a more sophisticate style Florida Keys home with a happy vibe for the entire family to enjoy vacationing at a place that had so many good memories for our client and the future generation.
Architecture Photographer : Mattia Bettinelli

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Terran Landscapes http://www.terranlandscapes.com
Project Entry: Fishers Woodland Garden
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Theme Garden $15,000-$30,000
Award Level: Bronze
Photo Description:
We were contracted by the client to design a calming space for their staff to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a leisurely lunch as well as to provide their grandchildren a place to run and pick flowers. The space was originally dominated by large trees and had been overgrown with ivy, sumac and aggressive vines, providing an unwelcome, dark space with little color or visual appeal. The client requested a colorful blend of shrubs and perennials that would provide interest throughout the seasons, as well as provide privacy by screening the street traffic along Carisbrooke Road.
Our goal was to create the privacy screen along the road by layering plants from the ground to the tree canopy. The theme was to let nature inspire the landscape, allowing a space that was originally woodland to become an enhanced version of itself, creating a beautiful habitat for birds and butterflies to excite the senses and satisfy all who enjoy the beauty of nature.
We began by clearing the brush and removing all aggressive vines and ivy that jeopardized the health of the trees. We kept and transplanted all non- invasive or native plant material in the area to various locations throughout the property. Several yards of compost were then tilled into the soil and the existing trees fertilized to provide a rich growing environment.
A few challenges occurred during the design process. It was decided that a new generator was to be installed in the woodland and due to a future addition to the house, we were forced to eliminate planned additional impervious pathway surfaces. We provided screening to hide the generator and buffer the noise, and created a meandering path and sitting area out of natural woodchips instead of the proposed bluestone to solve the impervious space issue. The woodchips add a sense of informality and invite the viewer to walk slowly through the space. The reduced noise from the additional screening of the generator allows for quiet reflection as chipmunks scurry and hummingbirds dart about between the flowers.
Our plant palette consists of shady understory plants that thrive and flower vigorously from spring through fall. A tall, lush, evergreen backdrop of Ilex opaca and Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ provides the screening and blends into a middle layer of ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood, hydrangeas and winterberry hollies. Beautiful perennials and groundcovers bloom along the woodland path, providing a low visual layer of color and texture. Movement throughout the garden is provided by the graceful Calamagrostis brachytricha and Hakenchloa that soften the nearby hardscaping. The woodland floor is full of shade-loving Solomon’s seal, hosta, astilbe, ferns, bleeding heart, Tiarella and Aconitum.
The street side of this woodland required plants with a preference for a little more sun and drought tolerance. A palette of oakleaf hydrangea, Agastache, Liatris and Rudbeckia softens the fence line and provides the desired color.
As designed and installed, the woodland garden successfully provides the client’s family and office staff a quiet space where they can take a peaceful moment and enjoy nature.
Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

This cherished family lake house, rich with sentimental value, was ready for a fresh update. When it came time to renovate their lake house, they enlisted the help of Becky Charton, owner of Tablesetters, Inc., and Andi Stephens, owner of Kitchen Distributors, Inc., to create a design that ensured the home remains a family legacy. Working side-by-side with his son, the homeowner created hand-hewed beams and crafted custom trim, adding special details that will make the home a warm, welcoming space for future generations. Therefore, it was important to coordinate the cabinetry with the stone walls while preserving the existing beams. They had used Wood-Mode in their current home and knew they wanted the same quality craftmanship in their vacation oasis. Finding inspiration from a variety of design influences, including William Morris, Big Cedar Lodge, Lake Living, 1950's National Park travel boom and Branson, Missouri's Table Rock Lake history – the homeowners immediately felt a connection with Wood-Mode’s Whitney II Recessed doors finished in Burnished Savannah on Natural Walnut. Features in the bath like the river rock wall and eye-catching blue star patterned floor tile with coordinating blue tiled shower surround, combine with personal possessions and pieces of history to bring personality to space.

This cherished family lake house, rich with sentimental value, was ready for a fresh update. When it came time to renovate their lake house, they enlisted the help of Becky Charton, owner of Tablesetters, Inc., and Andi Stephens, owner of Kitchen Distributors, Inc., to create a design that ensured the home remains a family legacy. Working side-by-side with his son, the homeowner created hand-hewed beams and crafted custom trim, adding special details that will make the home a warm, welcoming space for future generations. Therefore, it was important to coordinate the cabinetry with the stone walls while preserving the existing beams. They had used Wood-Mode in their current home and knew they wanted the same quality craftmanship in their vacation oasis. Finding inspiration from a variety of design influences, including William Morris, Big Cedar Lodge, Lake Living, 1950's National Park travel boom and Branson, Missouri's Table Rock Lake history – the homeowners immediately felt a connection with Wood-Mode’s Whitney II Recessed doors finished in Burnished Savannah on Natural Walnut. Features in the bath like the river rock wall and eye-catching blue star patterned floor tile with coordinating blue tiled shower surround, combine with personal possessions and pieces of history to bring personality to space.

This cherished family lake house, rich with sentimental value, was ready for a fresh update. When it came time to renovate their lake house, they enlisted the help of Becky Charton, owner of Tablesetters, Inc., and Andi Stephens, owner of Kitchen Distributors, Inc., to create a design that ensured the home remains a family legacy. Working side-by-side with his son, the homeowner created hand-hewed beams and crafted custom trim, adding special details that will make the home a warm, welcoming space for future generations. Therefore, it was important to coordinate the cabinetry with the stone walls while preserving the existing beams. They had used Wood-Mode in their current home and knew they wanted the same quality craftmanship in their vacation oasis. Finding inspiration from a variety of design influences, including William Morris, Big Cedar Lodge, Lake Living, 1950's National Park travel boom and Branson, Missouri's Table Rock Lake history – the homeowners immediately felt a connection with Wood-Mode’s Whitney II Recessed doors finished in Burnished Savannah on Natural Walnut. Features in the bath like the river rock wall and eye-catching blue star patterned floor tile with coordinating blue tiled shower surround, combine with personal possessions and pieces of history to bring personality to space.

This cherished family lake house, rich with sentimental value, was ready for a fresh update. When it came time to renovate their lake house, they enlisted the help of Becky Charton, owner of Tablesetters, Inc., and Andi Stephens, owner of Kitchen Distributors, Inc., to create a design that ensured the home remains a family legacy. Working side-by-side with his son, the homeowner created hand-hewed beams and crafted custom trim, adding special details that will make the home a warm, welcoming space for future generations. Therefore, it was important to coordinate the cabinetry with the stone walls while preserving the existing beams. They had used Wood-Mode in their current home and knew they wanted the same quality craftmanship in their vacation oasis. Finding inspiration from a variety of design influences, including William Morris, Big Cedar Lodge, Lake Living, 1950's National Park travel boom and Branson, Missouri's Table Rock Lake history – the homeowners immediately felt a connection with Wood-Mode’s Whitney II Recessed doors finished in Burnished Savannah on Natural Walnut. Features in the bath like the river rock wall and eye-catching blue star patterned floor tile with coordinating blue tiled shower surround, combine with personal possessions and pieces of history to bring personality to space.

This cherished family lake house, rich with sentimental value, was ready for a fresh update. When it came time to renovate their lake house, they enlisted the help of Becky Charton, owner of Tablesetters, Inc., and Andi Stephens, owner of Kitchen Distributors, Inc., to create a design that ensured the home remains a family legacy. Working side-by-side with his son, the homeowner created hand-hewed beams and crafted custom trim, adding special details that will make the home a warm, welcoming space for future generations. Therefore, it was important to coordinate the cabinetry with the stone walls while preserving the existing beams. They had used Wood-Mode in their current home and knew they wanted the same quality craftmanship in their vacation oasis. Finding inspiration from a variety of design influences, including William Morris, Big Cedar Lodge, Lake Living, 1950's National Park travel boom and Branson, Missouri's Table Rock Lake history – the homeowners immediately felt a connection with Wood-Mode’s Whitney II Recessed doors finished in Burnished Savannah on Natural Walnut. Features in the bath like the river rock wall and eye-catching blue star patterned floor tile with coordinating blue tiled shower surround, combine with personal possessions and pieces of history to bring personality to space.

This cherished family lake house, rich with sentimental value, was ready for a fresh update. When it came time to renovate their lake house, they enlisted the help of Becky Charton, owner of Tablesetters, Inc., and Andi Stephens, owner of Kitchen Distributors, Inc., to create a design that ensured the home remains a family legacy. Working side-by-side with his son, the homeowner created hand-hewed beams and crafted custom trim, adding special details that will make the home a warm, welcoming space for future generations. Therefore, it was important to coordinate the cabinetry with the stone walls while preserving the existing beams. They had used Wood-Mode in their current home and knew they wanted the same quality craftmanship in their vacation oasis. Finding inspiration from a variety of design influences, including William Morris, Big Cedar Lodge, Lake Living, 1950's National Park travel boom and Branson, Missouri's Table Rock Lake history – the homeowners immediately felt a connection with Wood-Mode’s Whitney II Recessed doors finished in Burnished Savannah on Natural Walnut. Features in the bath like the river rock wall and eye-catching blue star patterned floor tile with coordinating blue tiled shower surround, combine with personal possessions and pieces of history to bring personality to space.

Composting comes with all kinds of benefits. It's economical, environmentally friendly and it keeps the world healthy for future generations. Recycling food waste in the kitchen no longer requires adopting a family of fruit flies, living with weird smells or taking multiple trips to the compost bin.
The CompoKeeper's patented odor control system eliminates the presence of smelly odor and fruit flies. This patented liner-sealing technology and the 6-gallon compostable bag enable compost to be collected for a week or more indoors, preventing the need to empty contents outdoors on a daily basis.

Terran Landscapes http://www.terranlandscapes.com
Project Entry: Fishers Woodland Garden
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Theme Garden $15,000-$30,000
Award Level: Bronze
Photo Description:
We were contracted by the client to design a calming space for their staff to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a leisurely lunch as well as to provide their grandchildren a place to run and pick flowers. The space was originally dominated by large trees and had been overgrown with ivy, sumac and aggressive vines, providing an unwelcome, dark space with little color or visual appeal. The client requested a colorful blend of shrubs and perennials that would provide interest throughout the seasons, as well as provide privacy by screening the street traffic along Carisbrooke Road.
Our goal was to create the privacy screen along the road by layering plants from the ground to the tree canopy. The theme was to let nature inspire the landscape, allowing a space that was originally woodland to become an enhanced version of itself, creating a beautiful habitat for birds and butterflies to excite the senses and satisfy all who enjoy the beauty of nature.
We began by clearing the brush and removing all aggressive vines and ivy that jeopardized the health of the trees. We kept and transplanted all non- invasive or native plant material in the area to various locations throughout the property. Several yards of compost were then tilled into the soil and the existing trees fertilized to provide a rich growing environment.
A few challenges occurred during the design process. It was decided that a new generator was to be installed in the woodland and due to a future addition to the house, we were forced to eliminate planned additional impervious pathway surfaces. We provided screening to hide the generator and buffer the noise, and created a meandering path and sitting area out of natural woodchips instead of the proposed bluestone to solve the impervious space issue. The woodchips add a sense of informality and invite the viewer to walk slowly through the space. The reduced noise from the additional screening of the generator allows for quiet reflection as chipmunks scurry and hummingbirds dart about between the flowers.
Our plant palette consists of shady understory plants that thrive and flower vigorously from spring through fall. A tall, lush, evergreen backdrop of Ilex opaca and Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ provides the screening and blends into a middle layer of ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood, hydrangeas and winterberry hollies. Beautiful perennials and groundcovers bloom along the woodland path, providing a low visual layer of color and texture. Movement throughout the garden is provided by the graceful Calamagrostis brachytricha and Hakenchloa that soften the nearby hardscaping. The woodland floor is full of shade-loving Solomon’s seal, hosta, astilbe, ferns, bleeding heart, Tiarella and Aconitum.
The street side of this woodland required plants with a preference for a little more sun and drought tolerance. A palette of oakleaf hydrangea, Agastache, Liatris and Rudbeckia softens the fence line and provides the desired color.
As designed and installed, the woodland garden successfully provides the client’s family and office staff a quiet space where they can take a peaceful moment and enjoy nature.
Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

In this total gut and reconfiguration of the kitchen and adjacent spaces, a seamless marriage of farmhouse aesthetic with materials that are already in the home create a space that integrates with the feeling of the original home. Significant changes to the layout and removal of walls has created an open concept living, larger kitchen area, and an organized and functional kitchen space. New French doors connect to the outdoors and introduce more light into the space, as well as increased recessed and accent lighting assist in generating a light-filled home. The new layout provides an open, inviting entertaining space where children can play in the den while meals are prepared on the oversized island.

Terran Landscapes http://www.terranlandscapes.com
Project Entry: Fishers Woodland Garden
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Theme Garden $15,000-$30,000
Award Level: Bronze
Photo Description:
We were contracted by the client to design a calming space for their staff to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a leisurely lunch as well as to provide their grandchildren a place to run and pick flowers. The space was originally dominated by large trees and had been overgrown with ivy, sumac and aggressive vines, providing an unwelcome, dark space with little color or visual appeal. The client requested a colorful blend of shrubs and perennials that would provide interest throughout the seasons, as well as provide privacy by screening the street traffic along Carisbrooke Road.
Our goal was to create the privacy screen along the road by layering plants from the ground to the tree canopy. The theme was to let nature inspire the landscape, allowing a space that was originally woodland to become an enhanced version of itself, creating a beautiful habitat for birds and butterflies to excite the senses and satisfy all who enjoy the beauty of nature.
We began by clearing the brush and removing all aggressive vines and ivy that jeopardized the health of the trees. We kept and transplanted all non- invasive or native plant material in the area to various locations throughout the property. Several yards of compost were then tilled into the soil and the existing trees fertilized to provide a rich growing environment.
A few challenges occurred during the design process. It was decided that a new generator was to be installed in the woodland and due to a future addition to the house, we were forced to eliminate planned additional impervious pathway surfaces. We provided screening to hide the generator and buffer the noise, and created a meandering path and sitting area out of natural woodchips instead of the proposed bluestone to solve the impervious space issue. The woodchips add a sense of informality and invite the viewer to walk slowly through the space. The reduced noise from the additional screening of the generator allows for quiet reflection as chipmunks scurry and hummingbirds dart about between the flowers.
Our plant palette consists of shady understory plants that thrive and flower vigorously from spring through fall. A tall, lush, evergreen backdrop of Ilex opaca and Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ provides the screening and blends into a middle layer of ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood, hydrangeas and winterberry hollies. Beautiful perennials and groundcovers bloom along the woodland path, providing a low visual layer of color and texture. Movement throughout the garden is provided by the graceful Calamagrostis brachytricha and Hakenchloa that soften the nearby hardscaping. The woodland floor is full of shade-loving Solomon’s seal, hosta, astilbe, ferns, bleeding heart, Tiarella and Aconitum.
The street side of this woodland required plants with a preference for a little more sun and drought tolerance. A palette of oakleaf hydrangea, Agastache, Liatris and Rudbeckia softens the fence line and provides the desired color.
As designed and installed, the woodland garden successfully provides the client’s family and office staff a quiet space where they can take a peaceful moment and enjoy nature.
Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

After moving into the home in the 80s, the homeowners had not invested much in upgrading their home, rather focusing on their careers and family. Now both retired and their family well established, it was time to invest in themselves and modernize their home into one that aligns with today’s goals as well as the future. A home that adapts with their life, a forever home.
Our clients’ goals included creating a home that was functional, comfortable, and accessible while integrating the indoor/outdoor environments.
Overall, the existing layout functioned well, but each area in the home had specific design goals to allow them to stay living in the home for years to come. Reimagining the arrangements of interior walls and removing sunken rooms accomplished single-level living that was accessible, comfortable, functional and cohesive.
A more spacious and efficient kitchen and ensuite layout, wider interior doors, and expansive windows are just a few of the design elements that were incorporated to accomplish accessible living for aging in place. Expansive windows accomplished integrating the indoor with the outdoors while promoting natural light throughout the interior spaces.
While the existing home was very well built for its time, the insulation, windows, and mechanical systems were due for an upgrade to help create a more comfortable space throughout.
Our goal for this project is to accomplish Ottawa’s first Net-Zero Ready Renovation. In order for Lagois Design-Build-Renovate to accomplish this, we had to take a holistic approach, renovating a home for today while creating a home for the future. Insulation, windows, mechanical systems, and ventilation upgrades are for the most part simple to accomplish. The biggest challenge was creating an air-tight build with the existing envelope.
A Net Zero home is a home that can generate as much energy as it is going to consume, typically meaning little-to-no expenses for utilities for the homeowner. While this is fantastic, the true value is the comfort created in the home.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting
Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
Functionality of floor plan
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths pay homage to site’s heritage as historic family farm replaced by socially-aware, urban-chic residence.
Columns framing front-door appear to be decorative, but actually provided cross-venting.
Basement includes 3-bedroom/2-bath legal suite with its own hot-water heating and mechanical system. Easily converted to a strata unit in the future if desired. Mortgage-helper for now, retirement planning for the future.
Natural-stone siding (3x-3-inch square) is labour intensive to install but meets clients’ desire for high-end, castle-inspired look.
Extra-wide baseboards and wainscot throughout balance high-profile crown-molding.
Entertainment style kitchen is ready to greet guests with expansive island featuring casual eating-bar on two sides, plenty of space to spread out a buffet of appies when guests come calling, and funky Olympic-inspired, five-ring chandeliers. After all, you know it, the best parties still end up in the kitchen. Two-tone grey-on-white colour palette on gloss cabinets is eye-catching combination of modern minimalism and timeless tradition...and easy-to-clean.
3x3-foot marble-look porcelain floor-tile throughout main-floor adds modern elegance
Master suite with cleverly-designed, generously-sized sleeping/bathing space, full-width east-facing balcony away from busy traffic, plus an efficiently-designed walk-in closet.
Ensuite includes a two-person shower with warm, soft-touch porcelain tile (dramatic in dark texture with vertical racing-stripe of glass-mosaic tile), both rain-head and handheld shower options, and body sprays. Plenty of room for a retreat for one or an efficient rush out the door for two.
W/D intelligently located on bedroom-level: convenient for every generation.
Soundproof windows.
Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout.
Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.
EV-charger for two vehicles.
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