Replacement like-for-like period style timber windows from the Mumford & Wood Conservation™ range have been installed in the thermal upgrade programme of St Margaret’s junior girls’ boarding house at the famous Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Other boarding houses at the school have also been refurbished in recent years with window replacements by Mumford & Wood. Manufactured entirely in Great Britain, Conservation™ windows and doors are made from clear grade and engineered Siberian Larch, a slow growing and robust species, which achieves maximum strength and stability in fine joinery. Made to the exacting standards of the British Woodworking Federation’s Wood Window Alliance scheme, Conservation™ windows and doors are BRE A+ rated and achieve excellent levels of acoustic and thermal performance that exceed the requirement of current Building Regulations’. They carry the BSI Kitemark and are Energy Saving Trust listed. Products are supplied to site with three coats of high quality, spray-applied, micro-porous paint, or stain, as standard. Heritage paint colours and a dual-finish are also available.

2015 Home Tour Participant Looking to add more living space for this growing family, Homeowners of this 1923 St Paul home made the decision to finish their basement. A full new floor plan was designed to include a long list of must haves. The new space included: a new bedroom, family room for the kids to play, an additional room for guests and/or study, new 3/4 bath, easy access for bicycle storage in laundry, low pile carpet that is comfortable for the kids to play, and warmth for the MN winters! A great floor plan was designed that integrated the family room and guest bed/study that also creates wonderful sight lines and a great flow. The basement was updated with all new windows including two egress windows. Beautiful rainglass pocket doors were installed to the bath and laundry to continue the flow of natural light from room to room. Custom natural oak millwork and beautiful door knobs by Rejuvenation Hardware were installed throughout. To match the charm of the home, subway tile and hex tile floors were installed in the new bath and shower. The bath was finished with a stock vanity, mirror, lighting, and Kohler plumbing fixtures. Modern features were also integrated throughout including Hudson Reed wall mount radiators and a NEST thermostat. One of our favorite features of this project, is the original support header and column that we decided to keep exposed. The homeowners took it upon themselves to sand the aged wood down to its natural color and it truly creates a unique piece of art. Castle and the Homeowners couldn’t be happier with the finished product. Photographer: Lisa Brunnel

Located on a heritage-lined street in Melbourne’s Williamstown, a young family were seeking a contemporary home with ample room to grow. Benni Trajcevski of Achieve Design Group answered their call, creating the epitome of modern living concealed behind a modest façade. To achieve the long wish list including large indoor and outdoor gathering spaces to entertain family and friends, separate adult and children living and sleeping zones, and a pool suitable for year-round use, Benni has maximised every inch of the block. Seamless transitional spaces link inside with out. This flow between the indoors and outdoors is a key feature of the home, achieved through generous open floor planning and glazing. For example, large hidden sliding doors allow the pool to be closed-off for use in winter; acrylic glass panels link the pool with the sunken lounge, which includes a fire pit for year-round comfort. The inclusion of a courtyard and voids throughout create separate useable zones while maintaining the feeling of spaciousness. Orientated to the north and surrounded with floor to ceiling windows to optimise natural light, the courtyard divides the formal lounge area with the informal living area, while the first floor is divided into four separate wings for privacy and functionality. The interiors are detailed with quality materials and finishes to achieve a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. Contrasting materials in muted tones, including tiles, steel and lightweight timbers are featured throughout. Corian and a moss green wall are unexpected features.

Replacement like-for-like period style timber windows from the Mumford & Wood Conservation™ range have been installed in the thermal upgrade programme of St Margaret’s junior girls’ boarding house at the famous Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Other boarding houses at the school have also been refurbished in recent years with window replacements by Mumford & Wood. Manufactured entirely in Great Britain, Conservation™ windows and doors are made from clear grade and engineered Siberian Larch, a slow growing and robust species, which achieves maximum strength and stability in fine joinery. Made to the exacting standards of the British Woodworking Federation’s Wood Window Alliance scheme, Conservation™ windows and doors are BRE A+ rated and achieve excellent levels of acoustic and thermal performance that exceed the requirement of current Building Regulations’. They carry the BSI Kitemark and are Energy Saving Trust listed. Products are supplied to site with three coats of high quality, spray-applied, micro-porous paint, or stain, as standard. Heritage paint colours and a dual-finish are also available.

Morales Construction Company is one of Northeast Florida’s most respected general contractors, and has been listed by The Jacksonville Business Journal as being among Jacksonville’s 25 largest contractors, fastest growing companies and the No. 1 Custom Home Builder in the First Coast area.

Photo by Jim Raycroft When these homeowners first came to us in 2011, they had a list of major projects to adapt their Victorian home to the needs of their growing family. The first phase of work was a basement renovation to provide informal hang out space. The second was a garage. Finally they turned their attention to the master bedroom and bathroom. FROM BALCONY TO BATHROOM At one end of the suite was a cramped and outdated bathroom. At the other end was an underutilized, high-maintenance, exterior balcony. A leaky door to the balcony, as well as inadequate insulation and air-sealing and a poorly designed heating system, made the bedroom difficult to keep comfortable in the winter. We chose to capture the old balcony as indoor space and relocate the bathroom to that end of the master suite. This strategy not only gave us the opportunity to install much better insulation and good, tight windows, it created enough new floor area that we were able to include a large walk-in shower, separate vanities, a toilet room, and a make-up counter in the new master bathroom. ADAPTING AND UPDATING The project allowed us to find a prominent place for an old leaded glass window sash that the homeowners had been hanging onto for several years in anticipation of this project. The flow and layout of the master suite are now much better suited to a 21st century lifestyle. But best of all (to us, anyway), the homeowners report that the bathroom—where the old balcony had been—is now the most comfortable room in the house.

The owners loved the location and views from their original 2 bedroom, 1 bath home perched over looking the beautiful ocean shoreline. The problem was the size, layout and overall look of the house did not work for their growing family. The challenge was to take the existing multi-level, disjointed house and turn it into a larger, comfortably-elegant family home all within the existing foot print. The existing loft-style home was completely gutted and transformed into a four bedroom, 4.5 bath home. Every room in the house boasts fantastic views of the ocean. High on the Owners' list was a stronger street presence. Vistors never could find the front door! The front of the house was given a complete face-lift, leaving no question where to enter the new home. The Owners also wanted to create usable outdoor space, which on the steep site, was tricky. Instead of taking the material from demolished east side of the house (which was rebuilt) and hauling it off to the landfill, it was used to create a new raised patio off the lower level. The scale and overall proportions of the house are what the owners love. Each room is comfortable while still having a sense of grace and detail…the perfect mix for this family.

2015 Home Tour Participant Looking to add more living space for this growing family, Homeowners of this 1923 St Paul home made the decision to finish their basement. A full new floor plan was designed to include a long list of must haves. The new space included: a new bedroom, family room for the kids to play, an additional room for guests and/or study, new 3/4 bath, easy access for bicycle storage in laundry, low pile carpet that is comfortable for the kids to play, and warmth for the MN winters! A great floor plan was designed that integrated the family room and guest bed/study that also creates wonderful sight lines and a great flow. The basement was updated with all new windows including two egress windows. Beautiful rainglass pocket doors were installed to the bath and laundry to continue the flow of natural light from room to room. Custom natural oak millwork and beautiful door knobs by Rejuvenation Hardware were installed throughout. To match the charm of the home, subway tile and hex tile floors were installed in the new bath and shower. The bath was finished with a stock vanity, mirror, lighting, and Kohler plumbing fixtures. Modern features were also integrated throughout including Hudson Reed wall mount radiators and a NEST thermostat. One of our favorite features of this project, is the original support header and column that we decided to keep exposed. The homeowners took it upon themselves to sand the aged wood down to its natural color and it truly creates a unique piece of art. Castle and the Homeowners couldn’t be happier with the finished product. Photographer: Lisa Brunnel

This newly purchased home was the perfect size for our client's growing family. The house, having been expanded on and renovated by the previous owners was the right size but not quite the right style. The house was full of design elements that may have been "cool" in the early 2000s but just didn't feel right for a young family. The master bathroom was in the most serious need of redo with many, many square feet of dingy and somewhat depressing deep red granite tile with diamond accents in black granite. The bathroom felt dark and dingy. Together with our clients, we set out on our mission to efficiently turn this room into an inviting and happy place for our clients. Thankfully the layout of the space was very functional, so we focused on an aesthetic overhall. At the top of the client’s list was to have a beautiful and comfortable freestanding soaker tub. Behind the Kohler tub and throughout the bathroom walls is polished Calacatta Gold marble tile. The new brushed nickel plumbing fixtures are timeless and unfussy, an important thing for busy young parents! The new bathroom is sleek but not stark. A welcoming space for our clients to feel at home.

This young growing family was in desperate need of a Master suite for the themselves. They wanted to convert their loft and old small bathroom into their master suite. This small family home located in heart of City of Falls Church. The old bathroom and closet space were under the front dormer and which 7 ½ feet ceiling height, small closet, vinyl floor, oddly placed toilet and literally lots of wasted space. The wanted it all, high ceiling, large shower, big free-standing tub, decorative old look tile, private commode area, lots of storage, bigger vanities and much much more Agreed to get their full wish list done and put our plans into action. That meant take down ceiling joist and raise up the entire ceiling. Raise up the front dormer to allow new shower placement. The double headed large shower stall tiled in with Persian rug flower pattern floor tile and dome ceiling behind the Barn style glass enclosure is the feature wall of this project. The toilet was relocated in a corner behind frosted glass pocket doors, long five panel door style was used to upscale the look of this project. A new slipper tub was placed where used to be dead space behind small shower area, offering space for large double vanity space as well. A built-in cabinetry with spa look was taken over south wall given more storage. The wise selection of light color wood plank floor tile contrasting with chrome fixtures, subway wall tiles and flower pattern shower floor creates a soothing bath space.

1950’s kitchens need love too... and make great remodels! These homeowners contacted Castle for help on their kitchen remodel. The biggest wish-list item was a larger and more functional kitchen layout (with expanded views into the previously completed rear addition/dining room). After some conceptual design concepts were assessed, we chose to keep this kitchen's existing footprint and expand the site lines into the rear dining space with a new drywall opening. We expanded the function of the kitchen by wrapping the peninsula around into the dining room with an additional pantry space for kitchen overflow storage. Each cabinet was well thought out for the homeowners use of the space to include functional storage accessories like plate divides, utensil pull-outs, and trash/recycle bins. Working with the designer, the homeowners found a beautiful balance of some contemporary aesthetics like the overall color scheme combined with some classic elements such as the detailed cabinetry and herringbone tile backsplash. One of our favorite details in the kitchen is the new tile floor that continues into the dining room. The wood texture plank tile adds depth and texture as well as contrasts nicely with the softer and refined finishes above. New Cambria quartz countertops, new cabinetry, herringbone tile backsplash, new tile floors, custom lighting, and new plumbing fixtures complete the space. The new transitional styled kitchen can grow with the family for many years to come. With a swap out of some furniture the whole space can transition between contemporary or traditional. Truly timeless! Designed by: Emily Blonigen. See the full details (including before photos) on our website: http://www.castlebri.com/kitchens/project-3309-1/ Make sure to check out this project on the Castle Educational Home Tour, September 29 - 30th, 2018!

All year long, a guest bathroom can often become an afterthought. We pass them in the hall, clean them, keep them up, and all that. But it's not the space you get ready in every morning, or the room you wind down in at the end of the day. The guest bathroom is just. "there." Well, that is until the holidays arrive and you suddenly *have* guests! Overnight, your guest bathroom becomes the most-used room in the house the list of things that need to be fixed grows instantly! Maybe you are in the same spot right now! If you are looking for guest bathroom inspiration, we think that this one, located in Signal Hill, CA, is an exceptional one! Espresso, flat-panel cabinets meet clean, contemporary lines and accent tile. The result is a welcoming, strong space that is anything but an "afterthought."

Morales Construction Company is one of Northeast Florida’s most respected general contractors, and has been listed by The Jacksonville Business Journal as being among Jacksonville’s 25 largest contractors, fastest growing companies and the No. 1 Custom Home Builder in the First Coast area.

All year long, a guest bathroom can often become an afterthought. We pass them in the hall, clean them, keep them up, and all that. But it's not the space you get ready in every morning, or the room you wind down in at the end of the day. The guest bathroom is just. "there." Well, that is until the holidays arrive and you suddenly *have* guests! Overnight, your guest bathroom becomes the most-used room in the house the list of things that need to be fixed grows instantly! Maybe you are in the same spot right now! If you are looking for guest bathroom inspiration, we think that this one, located in Signal Hill, CA, is an exceptional one! Espresso, flat-panel cabinets meet clean, contemporary lines and accent tile. The result is a welcoming, strong space that is anything but an "afterthought."

Morales Construction Company is one of Northeast Florida’s most respected general contractors, and has been listed by The Jacksonville Business Journal as being among Jacksonville’s 25 largest contractors, fastest growing companies and the No. 1 Custom Home Builder in the First Coast area. Photo Credit: Steven Brooke

Morales Construction Company is one of Northeast Florida’s most respected general contractors, and has been listed by The Jacksonville Business Journal as being among Jacksonville’s 25 largest contractors, fastest growing companies and the No. 1 Custom Home Builder in the First Coast area.

This young family purchased their first home in 2021, and let's say it was full of original 1970s charm - i.e., nothing had been done to this house in the past 50 years. We had recently completed a project for a family member, so they called us in to help. During our initial consultation, they shared a modest project budget, and we explained that we wouldn't be able to accomplish much on such a limited budget. Several weeks passed, and they ultimately raised their funding, and we signed on for the job. Even after doubling their budget, we still had our work cut out for us. The original kitchen was very small in comparison to the square footage of the home, and opening up the space meant we needed to add two structural beams between the first and second stories. These homeowners already had one small child, and were expecting another in the coming months. They also have large families in the area, so creating an ample gathering space for multiple cooks was crucial to the final layout. Some of their wish list items included a bar and a large island with plenty of seating. They also wanted the kitchen open to the family room. This home had a formal and informal dining area, so we opted to absorb the casual eating area into the newly expanded kitchen floorplan. We relocated their laundry room to create an extended family room, which included the new bar area. We were also able to use the under-stair space to create a kitchen pantry. The kitchen transformed from 115 sq. ft. to a spacious 260 sq. ft., all within existing poorly used space. We were able to create clear sightlines to the backyard and pool from the new kitchen and family room, perfect for a young family. Aesthetically speaking, our clients wanted a neutral space that could grow and change with their family. We kept the expensive items like cabinets, countertops, and tile in classic finishes like whites and navy blues, while we had more fun with things like the faucet, hardware, and light fixtures that could easily be updated over the years. The finished product is a warm, clean, family-friendly space that invites you to come in and pull up a chair.

This young growing family was in desperate need of a Master suite for the themselves. They wanted to convert their loft and old small bathroom into their master suite. This small family home located in heart of City of Falls Church. The old bathroom and closet space were under the front dormer and which 7 ½ feet ceiling height, small closet, vinyl floor, oddly placed toilet and literally lots of wasted space. The wanted it all, high ceiling, large shower, big free-standing tub, decorative old look tile, private commode area, lots of storage, bigger vanities and much much more Agreed to get their full wish list done and put our plans into action. That meant take down ceiling joist and raise up the entire ceiling. Raise up the front dormer to allow new shower placement. The double headed large shower stall tiled in with Persian rug flower pattern floor tile and dome ceiling behind the Barn style glass enclosure is the feature wall of this project. The toilet was relocated in a corner behind frosted glass pocket doors, long five panel door style was used to upscale the look of this project. A new slipper tub was placed where used to be dead space behind small shower area, offering space for large double vanity space as well. A built-in cabinetry with spa look was taken over south wall given more storage. The wise selection of light color wood plank floor tile contrasting with chrome fixtures, subway wall tiles and flower pattern shower floor creates a soothing bath space.

Morales Construction Company is one of Northeast Florida’s most respected general contractors, and has been listed by The Jacksonville Business Journal as being among Jacksonville’s 25 largest contractors, fastest growing companies and the No. 1 Custom Home Builder in the First Coast area.