Inspiration for a modern kitchen remodel in New York

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Our clients wanted to modernize their 1980's home, focusing on reimagining the main floor. We used warm palettes, natural elements, and clean lines while maximizing natural light and preserving key architectural features to create a welcoming, functional space. We completely reimagined the kitchen to enhance flow and gain additional cabinet space. Features include a center island with bar stools that also doubles as a casual dining area, a functional layout, and ample storage.

Located in Whitefish, Montana near one of our nation’s most beautiful national parks, Glacier National Park, Great Northern Lodge was designed and constructed with a grandeur and timelessness that is rarely found in much of today’s fast paced construction practices. Influenced by the solid stacked masonry constructed for Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park, Great Northern Lodge uniquely exemplifies Parkitecture style masonry. The owner had made a commitment to quality at the onset of the project and was adamant about designating stone as the most dominant material. The criteria for the stone selection was to be an indigenous stone that replicated the unique, maroon colored Sperry Chalet stone accompanied by a masculine scale. Great Northern Lodge incorporates centuries of gained knowledge on masonry construction with modern design and construction capabilities and will stand as one of northern Montana’s most distinguished structures for centuries to come.

Located in Whitefish, Montana near one of our nation’s most beautiful national parks, Glacier National Park, Great Northern Lodge was designed and constructed with a grandeur and timelessness that is rarely found in much of today’s fast paced construction practices. Influenced by the solid stacked masonry constructed for Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park, Great Northern Lodge uniquely exemplifies Parkitecture style masonry. The owner had made a commitment to quality at the onset of the project and was adamant about designating stone as the most dominant material. The criteria for the stone selection was to be an indigenous stone that replicated the unique, maroon colored Sperry Chalet stone accompanied by a masculine scale. Great Northern Lodge incorporates centuries of gained knowledge on masonry construction with modern design and construction capabilities and will stand as one of northern Montana’s most distinguished structures for centuries to come.

Drummond 7835 was in need of a bit of a modern revival to fit the open nature of the house. The configuration is relatively the same. We removed the wall separating the kitchen from the living room allowing the homeowner to take advantage of the wonderful light and visual connection to the back yard. The casework was fabricated at our studio here in Kansas City and is constructed of walnut veneered plywood accented with lime and blue fronts. The utility room was further defined by adding a which also allowed the new kitchen to gain some full height pantry storage. Photography by Bob Greenspan Photography

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

Our clients wanted to modernize their 1980's home, focusing on reimagining the main floor. We used warm palettes, natural elements, and clean lines while maximizing natural light and preserving key architectural features to create a welcoming, functional space. We completely reimagined the kitchen to enhance flow and gain additional cabinet space. Features include a center island with bar stools that also doubles as a casual dining area, a functional layout, and ample storage.

Kitchen - After. We closed off the Game Room Doorway to create a more functional work triangle and flow in the kitchen. We also gained more counter space and storage.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Eric Roth Photography
Farmhouse l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Boston with glass-front cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

This contemporary farmhouse is located on a scenic acreage in Greendale, BC. It features an open floor plan with room for hosting a large crowd, a large kitchen with double wall ovens, tons of counter space, a custom range hood and was designed to maximize natural light. Shed dormers with windows up high flood the living areas with daylight. The stairwells feature more windows to give them an open, airy feel, and custom black iron railings designed and crafted by a talented local blacksmith. The home is very energy efficient, featuring R32 ICF construction throughout, R60 spray foam in the roof, window coatings that minimize solar heat gain, an HRV system to ensure good air quality, and LED lighting throughout. A large covered patio with a wood burning fireplace provides warmth and shelter in the shoulder seasons. Carsten Arnold Photography

This Centennial, Colorado home gained an updated look with this new arch top door in African mahogany. An arched mid rail that flows through the sidelights creates design continuity.

Julie Soefer Photography
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Nantucket Architectural Photography
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Beach style two-story wood gable roof photo in Providence

Our clients wanted to modernize their 1980's home, focusing on reimagining the main floor. We used warm palettes, natural elements, and clean lines while maximizing natural light and preserving key architectural features to create a welcoming, functional space. We completely reimagined the kitchen to enhance flow and gain additional cabinet space. Features include a center island with bar stools that also doubles as a casual dining area, a functional layout, and ample storage.

part of design team at Poss Architecture and Planning
Large mountain style master bedroom photo in Denver