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

Rough-hewn beams, 100-year old barn floors and reclaimed wood walls are features of this seating area as well as the dining and living areas that surround the kitchen that sits at the center of the ground floor.

Eden flagstone patio with cutom fire pit. Character chunks are used for seating.
Mountain style backyard stone patio photo in Milwaukee with a fire pit and no cover

APLD 2021 Silver Award Winning Landscape Design. Galvanized troughs used for vegetables in the side yard. An expansive back yard landscape with several mature oak trees and a stunning Golden Locust tree has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor retreat. The renovations include a wraparound deck, an expansive travertine natural stone patio, stairways and pathways along with concrete retaining walls and column accents with dramatic planters. The pathways meander throughout the landscape... some with travertine stepping stones and gravel and those below the majestic oaks left natural with fallen leaves. Raised vegetable beds and fruit trees occupy some of the sunniest areas of the landscape. A variety of low-water and low-maintenance plants for both sunny and shady areas include several succulents, grasses, CA natives and other site-appropriate Mediterranean plants complimented by a variety of boulders. Dramatic white pots provide architectural accents, filled with succulents and citrus trees. Design, Photos, Drawings © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Small backyard stone patio fountain photo in DC Metro with no cover

One of the highlights of this space is the custom dog dishes inset into a small slab of Super White quartzite. Cabinet above has a tilt-out tray for dog treats and other pet items. This kitchen was awarded first place in the 2014 NKBA Northern New England kitchen design competition (large kitchen remodel). Range by Viking. Cabinetry by Pennville Custom Cabinetry. Pottery by MacKenzie-Childs. Photo by Joseph St. Pierre

Photo of a large rustic partial sun backyard stone formal garden in Philadelphia with a fire pit.

Bedroom beach style gender-neutral kids' bedroom photo in Miami with gray walls

COLE VALLEY BATHROOM photo: Michele Lee Willson
Inspiration for a contemporary blue tile blue floor corner shower remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an integrated sink and white countertops

Charming Modern Farmhouse with country views.
Example of a mid-sized country white two-story house exterior design in Portland with a hip roof and a shingle roof

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Boston with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Michael Hsu
Large trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, white walls and an island

A small yet stylish modern bathroom remodel. Double standing shower with beautiful white hexagon tiles & black grout to create a great contrast.Gold round wall mirrors, dark gray flooring with white his & hers vanities and Carrera marble countertop. Gold hardware to complete the chic look.

This project was an update and addition to a historic firehouse in Pacific Heights. The original layout included the engine room, a bunkroom and a cook’s cottage at the rear. Our work was primarily to work with a collection of odd spaces at the rear and create kids bedrooms, a light court and design a more creative and inviting court yard between the existing buildings. After the renovation the home retains the character of the firehouse with 4 bedrooms to complement the party / play space on the ground floor, and the quintessential great room upstairs. Paul Dryer Photography

Art Gray
Mountain style dark wood floor and screened-in porch idea in Austin

Shoot2Sell Photography, Inc.
Traditional two-story brick exterior home idea in Dallas with a hip roof

Traditional Style Fire Feature - the Prescott Fire Pit - using Techo-Bloc's Prescott wall & Piedimonte cap.
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard concrete patio remodel in Charlotte with a fire pit

Inspiration for a mediterranean dark wood floor dining room remodel in Dallas with multicolored walls and no fireplace

Tim Krueger
Cottage l-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen photo in Orange County with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island