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Margie Haggerty of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Wilmington, NC, partnered with Aberle Construction LLC to design a coastal modern bathroom remodel. The space features Masterpiece Cabinetry in the Epic door style with a Caribbean finish, paired with Arctic White quartz vanity tops and shower wall cap.
The bathroom includes 2" Concepts Cove Blue Mosaic floor tile, 12x24 Satin White wall and shower tile, Kohler Alteo fixtures and Verdera lighted mirror, and heated tile floors.
The client shared, “Margie made the whole process easy, and we’re very happy with everything. The hardest part was figuring out how to upgrade the bathroom while staying within the existing space. Even though the new shower isn’t much bigger, it feels more spacious. We love the floating vanity and toilet, and the lighted medicine cabinet is fantastic. My husband especially loves the heated floor.”
Margie explained, “This was my second project with these clients, and I was excited to work with them again. The main challenge was the limited space in the original 1960s bathroom and not removing any walls. The clients wanted a larger, more accessible shower and liked the idea of a wet room. While we didn’t gain square footage, using soft whites, pale blues, a floating vanity, and a floating toilet helped the space feel larger. The heated tile floors completed the design.”
Margie added, “I truly enjoyed this project and working with the clients. They were easy to work with, made selections quickly, and communication between Reico, the client, and the contractor was seamless.”
Photos courtesy of Images by Joanna Photography.

When the owner of this petite c. 1910 cottage in Riverside, RI first considered purchasing it, he fell for its charming front façade and the stunning rear water views. But it needed work. The weather-worn, water-facing back of the house was in dire need of attention. The first-floor kitchen/living/dining areas were cramped. There was no first-floor bathroom, and the second-floor bathroom was a fright. Most surprisingly, there was no rear-facing deck off the kitchen or living areas to allow for outdoor living along the Providence River.
In collaboration with the homeowner, KHS proposed a number of renovations and additions. The first priority was a new cantilevered rear deck off an expanded kitchen/dining area and reconstructed sunroom, which was brought up to the main floor level. The cantilever of the deck prevents the need for awkwardly tall supporting posts that could potentially be undermined by a future storm event or rising sea level.
To gain more first-floor living space, KHS also proposed capturing the corner of the wrapping front porch as interior kitchen space in order to create a more generous open kitchen/dining/living area, while having minimal impact on how the cottage appears from the curb. Underutilized space in the existing mudroom was also reconfigured to contain a modest full bath and laundry closet. Upstairs, a new full bath was created in an addition between existing bedrooms. It can be accessed from both the master bedroom and the stair hall. Additional closets were added, too.
New windows and doors, new heart pine flooring stained to resemble the patina of old pine flooring that remained upstairs, new tile and countertops, new cabinetry, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a new color palette complete the updated look. Upgraded insulation in areas exposed during the construction and augmented HVAC systems also greatly improved indoor comfort. Today, the cottage continues to charm while also accommodating modern amenities and features.

When the owner of this petite c. 1910 cottage in Riverside, RI first considered purchasing it, he fell for its charming front façade and the stunning rear water views. But it needed work. The weather-worn, water-facing back of the house was in dire need of attention. The first-floor kitchen/living/dining areas were cramped. There was no first-floor bathroom, and the second-floor bathroom was a fright. Most surprisingly, there was no rear-facing deck off the kitchen or living areas to allow for outdoor living along the Providence River.
In collaboration with the homeowner, KHS proposed a number of renovations and additions. The first priority was a new cantilevered rear deck off an expanded kitchen/dining area and reconstructed sunroom, which was brought up to the main floor level. The cantilever of the deck prevents the need for awkwardly tall supporting posts that could potentially be undermined by a future storm event or rising sea level.
To gain more first-floor living space, KHS also proposed capturing the corner of the wrapping front porch as interior kitchen space in order to create a more generous open kitchen/dining/living area, while having minimal impact on how the cottage appears from the curb. Underutilized space in the existing mudroom was also reconfigured to contain a modest full bath and laundry closet. Upstairs, a new full bath was created in an addition between existing bedrooms. It can be accessed from both the master bedroom and the stair hall. Additional closets were added, too.
New windows and doors, new heart pine flooring stained to resemble the patina of old pine flooring that remained upstairs, new tile and countertops, new cabinetry, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a new color palette complete the updated look. Upgraded insulation in areas exposed during the construction and augmented HVAC systems also greatly improved indoor comfort. Today, the cottage continues to charm while also accommodating modern amenities and features.
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Margie Haggerty of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Wilmington, NC, partnered with Aberle Construction LLC to design a coastal modern bathroom remodel. The space features Masterpiece Cabinetry in the Epic door style with a Caribbean finish, paired with Arctic White quartz vanity tops and shower wall cap.
The bathroom includes 2" Concepts Cove Blue Mosaic floor tile, 12x24 Satin White wall and shower tile, Kohler Alteo fixtures and Verdera lighted mirror, and heated tile floors.
The client shared, “Margie made the whole process easy, and we’re very happy with everything. The hardest part was figuring out how to upgrade the bathroom while staying within the existing space. Even though the new shower isn’t much bigger, it feels more spacious. We love the floating vanity and toilet, and the lighted medicine cabinet is fantastic. My husband especially loves the heated floor.”
Margie explained, “This was my second project with these clients, and I was excited to work with them again. The main challenge was the limited space in the original 1960s bathroom and not removing any walls. The clients wanted a larger, more accessible shower and liked the idea of a wet room. While we didn’t gain square footage, using soft whites, pale blues, a floating vanity, and a floating toilet helped the space feel larger. The heated tile floors completed the design.”
Margie added, “I truly enjoyed this project and working with the clients. They were easy to work with, made selections quickly, and communication between Reico, the client, and the contractor was seamless.”
Photos courtesy of Images by Joanna Photography.

Margie Haggerty of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Wilmington, NC, partnered with Aberle Construction LLC to design a coastal modern bathroom remodel. The space features Masterpiece Cabinetry in the Epic door style with a Caribbean finish, paired with Arctic White quartz vanity tops and shower wall cap.
The bathroom includes 2" Concepts Cove Blue Mosaic floor tile, 12x24 Satin White wall and shower tile, Kohler Alteo fixtures and Verdera lighted mirror, and heated tile floors.
The client shared, “Margie made the whole process easy, and we’re very happy with everything. The hardest part was figuring out how to upgrade the bathroom while staying within the existing space. Even though the new shower isn’t much bigger, it feels more spacious. We love the floating vanity and toilet, and the lighted medicine cabinet is fantastic. My husband especially loves the heated floor.”
Margie explained, “This was my second project with these clients, and I was excited to work with them again. The main challenge was the limited space in the original 1960s bathroom and not removing any walls. The clients wanted a larger, more accessible shower and liked the idea of a wet room. While we didn’t gain square footage, using soft whites, pale blues, a floating vanity, and a floating toilet helped the space feel larger. The heated tile floors completed the design.”
Margie added, “I truly enjoyed this project and working with the clients. They were easy to work with, made selections quickly, and communication between Reico, the client, and the contractor was seamless.”
Photos courtesy of Images by Joanna Photography.

Margie Haggerty of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Wilmington, NC, partnered with Aberle Construction LLC to design a coastal modern bathroom remodel. The space features Masterpiece Cabinetry in the Epic door style with a Caribbean finish, paired with Arctic White quartz vanity tops and shower wall cap.
The bathroom includes 2" Concepts Cove Blue Mosaic floor tile, 12x24 Satin White wall and shower tile, Kohler Alteo fixtures and Verdera lighted mirror, and heated tile floors.
The client shared, “Margie made the whole process easy, and we’re very happy with everything. The hardest part was figuring out how to upgrade the bathroom while staying within the existing space. Even though the new shower isn’t much bigger, it feels more spacious. We love the floating vanity and toilet, and the lighted medicine cabinet is fantastic. My husband especially loves the heated floor.”
Margie explained, “This was my second project with these clients, and I was excited to work with them again. The main challenge was the limited space in the original 1960s bathroom and not removing any walls. The clients wanted a larger, more accessible shower and liked the idea of a wet room. While we didn’t gain square footage, using soft whites, pale blues, a floating vanity, and a floating toilet helped the space feel larger. The heated tile floors completed the design.”
Margie added, “I truly enjoyed this project and working with the clients. They were easy to work with, made selections quickly, and communication between Reico, the client, and the contractor was seamless.”
Photos courtesy of Images by Joanna Photography.

Margie Haggerty of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Wilmington, NC, partnered with Aberle Construction LLC to design a coastal modern bathroom remodel. The space features Masterpiece Cabinetry in the Epic door style with a Caribbean finish, paired with Arctic White quartz vanity tops and shower wall cap.
The bathroom includes 2" Concepts Cove Blue Mosaic floor tile, 12x24 Satin White wall and shower tile, Kohler Alteo fixtures and Verdera lighted mirror, and heated tile floors.
The client shared, “Margie made the whole process easy, and we’re very happy with everything. The hardest part was figuring out how to upgrade the bathroom while staying within the existing space. Even though the new shower isn’t much bigger, it feels more spacious. We love the floating vanity and toilet, and the lighted medicine cabinet is fantastic. My husband especially loves the heated floor.”
Margie explained, “This was my second project with these clients, and I was excited to work with them again. The main challenge was the limited space in the original 1960s bathroom and not removing any walls. The clients wanted a larger, more accessible shower and liked the idea of a wet room. While we didn’t gain square footage, using soft whites, pale blues, a floating vanity, and a floating toilet helped the space feel larger. The heated tile floors completed the design.”
Margie added, “I truly enjoyed this project and working with the clients. They were easy to work with, made selections quickly, and communication between Reico, the client, and the contractor was seamless.”
Photos courtesy of Images by Joanna Photography.

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Margie Haggerty of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Wilmington, NC, partnered with Aberle Construction LLC to design a coastal modern bathroom remodel. The space features Masterpiece Cabinetry in the Epic door style with a Caribbean finish, paired with Arctic White quartz vanity tops and shower wall cap.
The bathroom includes 2" Concepts Cove Blue Mosaic floor tile, 12x24 Satin White wall and shower tile, Kohler Alteo fixtures and Verdera lighted mirror, and heated tile floors.
The client shared, “Margie made the whole process easy, and we’re very happy with everything. The hardest part was figuring out how to upgrade the bathroom while staying within the existing space. Even though the new shower isn’t much bigger, it feels more spacious. We love the floating vanity and toilet, and the lighted medicine cabinet is fantastic. My husband especially loves the heated floor.”
Margie explained, “This was my second project with these clients, and I was excited to work with them again. The main challenge was the limited space in the original 1960s bathroom and not removing any walls. The clients wanted a larger, more accessible shower and liked the idea of a wet room. While we didn’t gain square footage, using soft whites, pale blues, a floating vanity, and a floating toilet helped the space feel larger. The heated tile floors completed the design.”
Margie added, “I truly enjoyed this project and working with the clients. They were easy to work with, made selections quickly, and communication between Reico, the client, and the contractor was seamless.”
Photos courtesy of Images by Joanna Photography.

Margie Haggerty of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Wilmington, NC, partnered with Aberle Construction LLC to design a coastal modern bathroom remodel. The space features Masterpiece Cabinetry in the Epic door style with a Caribbean finish, paired with Arctic White quartz vanity tops and shower wall cap.
The bathroom includes 2" Concepts Cove Blue Mosaic floor tile, 12x24 Satin White wall and shower tile, Kohler Alteo fixtures and Verdera lighted mirror, and heated tile floors.
The client shared, “Margie made the whole process easy, and we’re very happy with everything. The hardest part was figuring out how to upgrade the bathroom while staying within the existing space. Even though the new shower isn’t much bigger, it feels more spacious. We love the floating vanity and toilet, and the lighted medicine cabinet is fantastic. My husband especially loves the heated floor.”
Margie explained, “This was my second project with these clients, and I was excited to work with them again. The main challenge was the limited space in the original 1960s bathroom and not removing any walls. The clients wanted a larger, more accessible shower and liked the idea of a wet room. While we didn’t gain square footage, using soft whites, pale blues, a floating vanity, and a floating toilet helped the space feel larger. The heated tile floors completed the design.”
Margie added, “I truly enjoyed this project and working with the clients. They were easy to work with, made selections quickly, and communication between Reico, the client, and the contractor was seamless.”
Photos courtesy of Images by Joanna Photography.

When the owner of this petite c. 1910 cottage in Riverside, RI first considered purchasing it, he fell for its charming front façade and the stunning rear water views. But it needed work. The weather-worn, water-facing back of the house was in dire need of attention. The first-floor kitchen/living/dining areas were cramped. There was no first-floor bathroom, and the second-floor bathroom was a fright. Most surprisingly, there was no rear-facing deck off the kitchen or living areas to allow for outdoor living along the Providence River.
In collaboration with the homeowner, KHS proposed a number of renovations and additions. The first priority was a new cantilevered rear deck off an expanded kitchen/dining area and reconstructed sunroom, which was brought up to the main floor level. The cantilever of the deck prevents the need for awkwardly tall supporting posts that could potentially be undermined by a future storm event or rising sea level.
To gain more first-floor living space, KHS also proposed capturing the corner of the wrapping front porch as interior kitchen space in order to create a more generous open kitchen/dining/living area, while having minimal impact on how the cottage appears from the curb. Underutilized space in the existing mudroom was also reconfigured to contain a modest full bath and laundry closet. Upstairs, a new full bath was created in an addition between existing bedrooms. It can be accessed from both the master bedroom and the stair hall. Additional closets were added, too.
New windows and doors, new heart pine flooring stained to resemble the patina of old pine flooring that remained upstairs, new tile and countertops, new cabinetry, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a new color palette complete the updated look. Upgraded insulation in areas exposed during the construction and augmented HVAC systems also greatly improved indoor comfort. Today, the cottage continues to charm while also accommodating modern amenities and features.

When the owner of this petite c. 1910 cottage in Riverside, RI first considered purchasing it, he fell for its charming front façade and the stunning rear water views. But it needed work. The weather-worn, water-facing back of the house was in dire need of attention. The first-floor kitchen/living/dining areas were cramped. There was no first-floor bathroom, and the second-floor bathroom was a fright. Most surprisingly, there was no rear-facing deck off the kitchen or living areas to allow for outdoor living along the Providence River.
In collaboration with the homeowner, KHS proposed a number of renovations and additions. The first priority was a new cantilevered rear deck off an expanded kitchen/dining area and reconstructed sunroom, which was brought up to the main floor level. The cantilever of the deck prevents the need for awkwardly tall supporting posts that could potentially be undermined by a future storm event or rising sea level.
To gain more first-floor living space, KHS also proposed capturing the corner of the wrapping front porch as interior kitchen space in order to create a more generous open kitchen/dining/living area, while having minimal impact on how the cottage appears from the curb. Underutilized space in the existing mudroom was also reconfigured to contain a modest full bath and laundry closet. Upstairs, a new full bath was created in an addition between existing bedrooms. It can be accessed from both the master bedroom and the stair hall. Additional closets were added, too.
New windows and doors, new heart pine flooring stained to resemble the patina of old pine flooring that remained upstairs, new tile and countertops, new cabinetry, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a new color palette complete the updated look. Upgraded insulation in areas exposed during the construction and augmented HVAC systems also greatly improved indoor comfort. Today, the cottage continues to charm while also accommodating modern amenities and features.

Margie Haggerty of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Wilmington, NC, partnered with Aberle Construction LLC to design a coastal modern bathroom remodel. The space features Masterpiece Cabinetry in the Epic door style with a Caribbean finish, paired with Arctic White quartz vanity tops and shower wall cap.
The bathroom includes 2" Concepts Cove Blue Mosaic floor tile, 12x24 Satin White wall and shower tile, Kohler Alteo fixtures and Verdera lighted mirror, and heated tile floors.
The client shared, “Margie made the whole process easy, and we’re very happy with everything. The hardest part was figuring out how to upgrade the bathroom while staying within the existing space. Even though the new shower isn’t much bigger, it feels more spacious. We love the floating vanity and toilet, and the lighted medicine cabinet is fantastic. My husband especially loves the heated floor.”
Margie explained, “This was my second project with these clients, and I was excited to work with them again. The main challenge was the limited space in the original 1960s bathroom and not removing any walls. The clients wanted a larger, more accessible shower and liked the idea of a wet room. While we didn’t gain square footage, using soft whites, pale blues, a floating vanity, and a floating toilet helped the space feel larger. The heated tile floors completed the design.”
Margie added, “I truly enjoyed this project and working with the clients. They were easy to work with, made selections quickly, and communication between Reico, the client, and the contractor was seamless.”
Photos courtesy of Images by Joanna Photography.

Jacuzzis were popular when this two-story 4-bedroom home was built in 1983. The owner was an architect who helped design this handicapped-accessible home with beautiful backyard views. But it was time for a master bath update. There were already beautiful skylights and big windows, but the shower was cramped and the Jacuzzi with its raised floor just wasn’t working.
The project began with the removal of the Jacuzzi, the raised floor, and all the associated plumbing. Next, the old shower, vanity, and everything else was stripped right down to the studs.
The before-during-after photos show how a deep built-in cabinet was created by “borrowing” some space from the master bedroom. A wide glass pocket door is installed in the adjacent wall.
Without the Jacuzzi this space has become a large, bright, warm place for long baths. Tall ceilings and skylights make this room big and bright. The floor features 12” x 24” stone tile and in-floor heating, with complimentary 2” X 2” tiles for the shower.
The white free-standing tub looks great with polished chrome floor-mounted tub filler and hand shower. With several live plants, this room is often used as a comfortable space for relaxing soaks on cold winter days. (Photos taken on Dec. 22)
On the other side of the room is a large walk-in shower. Additional shower space was gained by removing a built-in cabinet and relocating the plumbing. Glass doors and panels enclose the new shower, and white subway wall tile is the perfect choice.
But the bath’s centerpiece could arguably be the beautifully crafted vanity. Solid walnut doors and drawers are constructed so that the grain matches and flows, like a work of art or piece of furniture.
The vanity is finished with a white quartz countertop and two under-mounted sinks with polished chrome fixtures. Two big mirrors with three tall warm-colored lights make this both a functional and beautiful room.
The result is amazing. A great combination of good ideas and thoughtful construction.

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The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs.
As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage.
A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside.
Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner.
The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders.
Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors.
Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back.
Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room.
To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California.
Completion year: 2020
Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade
Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly
Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon
Landscape architect: Outer space
Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs
Photographer: Mariko Reed

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home.
The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living.
The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home.
The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play.
The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
Energy Efficient features include:
• The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade
• 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques
• Foil covered roof sheathing
• Extensive use of blown in cellulous
• All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass
• Tank-less water heaters
• Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV.
Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency.
These items include:
• 2x6 walls with staggered studs
• Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting
• Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows
• ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls.
The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Jacuzzis were popular when this two-story 4-bedroom home was built in 1983. The owner was an architect who helped design this handicapped-accessible home with beautiful backyard views. But it was time for a master bath update. There were already beautiful skylights and big windows, but the shower was cramped and the Jacuzzi with its raised floor just wasn’t working.
The project began with the removal of the Jacuzzi, the raised floor, and all the associated plumbing. Next, the old shower, vanity, and everything else was stripped right down to the studs.
The before-during-after photos show how a deep built-in cabinet was created by “borrowing” some space from the master bedroom. A wide glass pocket door is installed in the adjacent wall.
Without the Jacuzzi this space has become a large, bright, warm place for long baths. Tall ceilings and skylights make this room big and bright. The floor features 12” x 24” stone tile and in-floor heating, with complimentary 2” X 2” tiles for the shower.
The white free-standing tub looks great with polished chrome floor-mounted tub filler and hand shower. With several live plants, this room is often used as a comfortable space for relaxing soaks on cold winter days. (Photos taken on Dec. 22)
On the other side of the room is a large walk-in shower. Additional shower space was gained by removing a built-in cabinet and relocating the plumbing. Glass doors and panels enclose the new shower, and white subway wall tile is the perfect choice.
But the bath’s centerpiece could arguably be the beautifully crafted vanity. Solid walnut doors and drawers are constructed so that the grain matches and flows, like a work of art or piece of furniture.
The vanity is finished with a white quartz countertop and two under-mounted sinks with polished chrome fixtures. Two big mirrors with three tall warm-colored lights make this both a functional and beautiful room.
The result is amazing. A great combination of good ideas and thoughtful construction.

Our empty nester clients purchased a lovely Burr Ridge cottage with the plan to create their dream home. Their main objective when they first met with LaMantia architectural designer Jackie Prazak was to create a kitchen large enough to accommodate their extended (and now grown) family. After several design revisions the clients agreed to give up a Bedroom and a Powder Room to gain the enlarged Kitchen, Walk-in Master Closet and a separate double-entry Laundry Room they so desired.
By moving the kitchen wall 3’ we were able to accommodate the large Kitchen and Island the clients so desired.
The main entry to the Kitchen was both moved and enlarged to enhance the arrival and the view into the enlarged space.
We were also able to reclaim attic space and create the volume ceiling with added beams to continue the theme of the Living and Dining Room ceilings. At this point LaMantia kitchen designer Katie Suva, CKD, CBD joined the team to begin the detailing of the cabinet layout.
The Family Room, with its new large stone flooring was recreated with specialties galore; including a walk-up wet Bar. We were also able to re-purpose the existing Study into a Guest Bedroom with built-in closets and cabinetry. What was once a laundry space now became a new large Laundry Room accessed from both the Master Walk-in Closet and the hallway.
In the Master Bedroom the exterior entry door was replaced with large open glass window panels. The Master Bath ceiling was reworked to accommodate a soaring Master Shower. And then there was the enlarged Master Closet that speaks for itself!
The existing Solarium took on a different personality with a re-aligned entry door and built-in cabinetry. This room now houses all the home office and craft activities.
The scope of this project included every room in the residence, with the utmost attention paid to every detail, and the outcome is definitely worthy of the Professional Remodeling 2014 Gold Award it just won!
Follow the link below to read about the designer of this project Jackie Prazak http://lamantia.com/designers/jackie-prazak/

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Jacuzzis were popular when this two-story 4-bedroom home was built in 1983. The owner was an architect who helped design this handicapped-accessible home with beautiful backyard views. But it was time for a master bath update. There were already beautiful skylights and big windows, but the shower was cramped and the Jacuzzi with its raised floor just wasn’t working.
The project began with the removal of the Jacuzzi, the raised floor, and all the associated plumbing. Next, the old shower, vanity, and everything else was stripped right down to the studs.
The before-during-after photos show how a deep built-in cabinet was created by “borrowing” some space from the master bedroom. A wide glass pocket door is installed in the adjacent wall.
Without the Jacuzzi this space has become a large, bright, warm place for long baths. Tall ceilings and skylights make this room big and bright. The floor features 12” x 24” stone tile and in-floor heating, with complimentary 2” X 2” tiles for the shower.
The white free-standing tub looks great with polished chrome floor-mounted tub filler and hand shower. With several live plants, this room is often used as a comfortable space for relaxing soaks on cold winter days. (Photos taken on Dec. 22)
On the other side of the room is a large walk-in shower. Additional shower space was gained by removing a built-in cabinet and relocating the plumbing. Glass doors and panels enclose the new shower, and white subway wall tile is the perfect choice.
But the bath’s centerpiece could arguably be the beautifully crafted vanity. Solid walnut doors and drawers are constructed so that the grain matches and flows, like a work of art or piece of furniture.
The vanity is finished with a white quartz countertop and two under-mounted sinks with polished chrome fixtures. Two big mirrors with three tall warm-colored lights make this both a functional and beautiful room.
The result is amazing. A great combination of good ideas and thoughtful construction.

Photography by John Gibbons
This project is designed as a family retreat for a client that has been visiting the southern Colorado area for decades. The cabin consists of two bedrooms and two bathrooms – with guest quarters accessed from exterior deck.
Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). The project is assembled with the structural and weather tight use of shipping containers. The cabin uses one 40’ container and six 20′ containers. The ends will be structurally reinforced and enclosed with additional site built walls and custom fitted high-performance glazing assemblies.

Jacuzzis were popular when this two-story 4-bedroom home was built in 1983. The owner was an architect who helped design this handicapped-accessible home with beautiful backyard views. But it was time for a master bath update. There were already beautiful skylights and big windows, but the shower was cramped and the Jacuzzi with its raised floor just wasn’t working.
The project began with the removal of the Jacuzzi, the raised floor, and all the associated plumbing. Next, the old shower, vanity, and everything else was stripped right down to the studs.
The before-during-after photos show how a deep built-in cabinet was created by “borrowing” some space from the master bedroom. A wide glass pocket door is installed in the adjacent wall.
Without the Jacuzzi this space has become a large, bright, warm place for long baths. Tall ceilings and skylights make this room big and bright. The floor features 12” x 24” stone tile and in-floor heating, with complimentary 2” X 2” tiles for the shower.
The white free-standing tub looks great with polished chrome floor-mounted tub filler and hand shower. With several live plants, this room is often used as a comfortable space for relaxing soaks on cold winter days. (Photos taken on Dec. 22)
On the other side of the room is a large walk-in shower. Additional shower space was gained by removing a built-in cabinet and relocating the plumbing. Glass doors and panels enclose the new shower, and white subway wall tile is the perfect choice.
But the bath’s centerpiece could arguably be the beautifully crafted vanity. Solid walnut doors and drawers are constructed so that the grain matches and flows, like a work of art or piece of furniture.
The vanity is finished with a white quartz countertop and two under-mounted sinks with polished chrome fixtures. Two big mirrors with three tall warm-colored lights make this both a functional and beautiful room.
The result is amazing. A great combination of good ideas and thoughtful construction.
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