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

With the pending arrival of a beautiful baby girl, the homeowners of this 1928 Minneapolis Tudor wanted a basement that was conducive to a young child, but would still allow a place for family to gather and the occasional house guest. The original basement was typical; cold, lacking natural light with tiny, uncomfortably confined rooms and that “unique” basement smell. The goal was to reverse all of the ill effects of a rarely unappreciated space while increasing the performance of the older home. The frigid temperatures and wet, mildew odor was remedied by demolishing the entire slab floor and excavating to gain an extra six inches in ceiling height. It also allowed us to insulate to R-15, moisture proof under the new slab, install a drain tile and sump pump. Within the concrete slab is a hydronic, in-floor radiant heating system which further helps to add comfort to the space. Lastly, we also sprayed a closed-cell, expanding urethane foam on the inside of the foundation walls all the way to the first floor. To help bring more light down to the basement, we started by opening up the staircase on both sides. A curved wall bends light into the lower level while a countertop and cubbies below provide storage space for odds and ends. On the opposite wall, creatively placed cubbies provide places for paintings, ceramics and plants. We also removed the tiny 18” x 34” window on the south wall and installed a full-sized, high-efficiency, triple pane Pella egress window. To let lots of natural light into the window, we expanded the size of the cedar-lined egress well and included a built-in planter at the base to help bring life into an otherwise empty cavity. Small, unspecified spaces that became storage areas now have purpose. The areas are defined, yet open. Upon descending down the stairs, one is greeted by a large living room with curved walls, custom design media center, built-in daybed and bookshelves. Use of paint was important in the design. Naturally in older homes basements are going to have exposed beams, soffits and a whole gambit of nooks and crannies. Instead of disguising them, we played them up, which created a layer effect with the color. The color also adds a touch of playfulness which anyone, regardless of age, can enjoy. We scavenged the client’s garage and discovered that the previous homeowner kept the old, full-view glass front entry door in the garage. We re-installed the original glass knob and attached the door to sliding barn door hardware which was attached to the main structural beam of the lower level. On the other side of the door was the homeowners’ combined office and small fitness area. The office floor is a blend of thin strips of different colored cork. A built-in storage cabinet sits across from a site-built desk which forms to the curve of the dividing wall. A small, square hole in the curved wall provides a view to see who is coming down the stairs. Opposite of the office area and directly at the base of the stairs is a place for the homeowner’s treadmill. Hidden is the mechanical room, which is home to many green and energy efficient products. The washing machine is a low-water consumption unit while the dryer requires less energy to operate than most standard units. Both sit atop a checkerboard pattern of different colored VCT tiles. We also replaced the aging boiler, which only heated the first and second level, with a 95% efficient heat source for the entire house—including the basement. Behind the curved wall, the bathroom is conveniently located. A large, custom built no-formaldehyde added vanity supports the slab of remnant granite countertop. A piece of eco-resin wall panel, embedded with organic material, contains water in the shower and blends beautifully with the updated colors. Tucked under the stairs, we installed a dual-flush, low-water consumption toilet. Through creative space planning, we packed a lot of into a rather small space. As a result, we have three very happy homeowners who are enjoying their light, clean and safe lower level of their home—however, they’ve been hard pressed to think of it as a “basement”. highlights Moisture management system Insulated slab Hydronic in-floor heat Formaldehyde free cabinetry MN-made custom cabinets Ultra-low VOC paints Wool carpet Dual-flush toilet Cork floor No recessed lights Cedar egress window well with planter Re-used door Eco-resin

Example of a transitional master mosaic tile beige floor bathroom design in Los Angeles with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

mountain road view. dogtrot design. black on black.
Minimalist home design photo in Charlotte

Mid-sized modern multicolored one-story mixed siding exterior home idea in Salt Lake City

We gave our customer a spa-inspired master-bath update with the amenities to match. The space features a frameless glass shower, beautiful glass wall tiles with a stone-glass accent, glass corner shelves and a large niche. The large field tiles that make up the flooring in the rest of this spacious bathroom were installed over a heated floor system for maximum comfort and luxury. A large jetted tub, customized vanity storage, and granite counters complete the space.

Heated wood look floor
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master vinyl floor and brown floor bathroom remodel in DC Metro with white cabinets, black countertops and white walls

We gave our customer a spa-inspired master-bath update with the amenities to match. The space features a frameless glass shower, beautiful glass wall tiles with a stone-glass accent, glass corner shelves and a large niche. The large field tiles that make up the flooring in the rest of this spacious bathroom were installed over a heated floor system for maximum comfort and luxury. A large jetted tub, customized vanity storage, and granite counters complete the space.

We gave our customer a spa-inspired master-bath update with the amenities to match. The space features a frameless glass shower, beautiful glass wall tiles with a stone-glass accent, glass corner shelves and a large niche. The large field tiles that make up the flooring in the rest of this spacious bathroom were installed over a heated floor system for maximum comfort and luxury. A large jetted tub, customized vanity storage, and granite counters complete the space.

We gave our customer a spa-inspired master-bath update with the amenities to match. The space features a frameless glass shower, beautiful glass wall tiles with a stone-glass accent, glass corner shelves and a large niche. The large field tiles that make up the flooring in the rest of this spacious bathroom were installed over a heated floor system for maximum comfort and luxury. A large jetted tub, customized vanity storage, and granite counters complete the space.

We gave our customer a spa-inspired master-bath update with the amenities to match. The space features a frameless glass shower, beautiful glass wall tiles with a stone-glass accent, glass corner shelves and a large niche. The large field tiles that make up the flooring in the rest of this spacious bathroom were installed over a heated floor system for maximum comfort and luxury. A large jetted tub, customized vanity storage, and granite counters complete the space.

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard stone patio container garden remodel in Orange County with a pergola

We gave our customer a spa-inspired master-bath update with the amenities to match. The space features a frameless glass shower, beautiful glass wall tiles with a stone-glass accent, glass corner shelves and a large niche. The large field tiles that make up the flooring in the rest of this spacious bathroom were installed over a heated floor system for maximum comfort and luxury. A large jetted tub, customized vanity storage, and granite counters complete the space.

Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard concrete paver patio kitchen design in Vancouver with a roof extension

Bathroom - bathroom idea in Burlington

Inspiration for a bathroom remodel in Burlington

Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman master porcelain tile and brown floor bathroom remodel in Other with raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls and an undermount sink

We gave our customer a spa-inspired master-bath update with the amenities to match. The space features a frameless glass shower, beautiful glass wall tiles with a stone-glass accent, glass corner shelves and a large niche. The large field tiles that make up the flooring in the rest of this spacious bathroom were installed over a heated floor system for maximum comfort and luxury. A large jetted tub, customized vanity storage, and granite counters complete the space.

We gave our customer a spa-inspired master-bath update with the amenities to match. The space features a frameless glass shower, beautiful glass wall tiles with a stone-glass accent, glass corner shelves and a large niche. The large field tiles that make up the flooring in the rest of this spacious bathroom were installed over a heated floor system for maximum comfort and luxury. A large jetted tub, customized vanity storage, and granite counters complete the space.