artist studio / builder - cmd corp.
Mid-sized traditional beige two-story stone exterior home idea in Boston with a shingle roof

Treetops House The Treetops House is a renovation and major expansion of a 1955 suburban ranch house. The project presented some interesting questions of preservation vs change, as well as a compelling story of dealing with a challenging (and ultimately rewarding) site. The original house was very typical for its time and place—a sprawling single-story, fairly nondescript affair that had small windows, and was clad entirely in Texas limestone. Our challenge was to turn this into a modern house that was open, bright, and inviting, while not completely obliterating all traces of what had existed before. Part of our philosophy is that elements of the history of a place be retained and incorporated into any new design. There are characteristics of almost any design, regardless of how banal, that embody memories and a sense of neighborhood. We feel that preserving these adds depth to any new intervention. With the Treetops House, we largely maintained the entire limestone perimeter wall, and used it as a heavy plinth on which a new second level was added. The new upper level features large frameless glass windows and is filled with light. The interior was opened up to create double-height spaces that bring this light from above and into the center of the house. The new composition is one which is clearly of its time, but also respects and reflects the time and place in which the original house was created. The house is on a site that straddles a fault in the limestone base strata below. Water continuously flows up through this fault and flows out onto the property. The original 1955 house featured a foundation with extremely deep concrete piers that allowed the house to bear on more stable strata far below the surface. Given that building new piers was cost-prohibitive, we did not expand the house’s footprint at all, but cantilevered the new second level out from the existing structure. This strategy not only allowed for the house to be within budget, but also gave it a distinctive dynamic expression. The different materials and profiles of the first and second floors emphasize the house’s horizontality and create another kind stratum that is visual and expressive. Inside the house, a double-height entry hall features stairs that lead up to the second-level main living space. The perimeter of this space is made up of frameless glass is set atop a continuous planter wall that provides a green foreground to the treescape beyond. Large overhangs provide shade at all times of the day, and the surrounding cladding of charred cypress prevents glare and adds a textural counterpoint. Other features include a large kitchen with countertop-height serving windows that open out onto a pool terrace and entertaining area, as well as unique built-in storage and display elements.Landscaping is entirely comprised of native grasses and other low-maintenance plantings. Architect: Specht Architects Contractor: Spencer Construction Photography: Casey Dunn

Architect: Joan Heaton Architects Builder: Silver Maple Construction
Living room - rustic open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in Burlington with beige walls and a wood stove

View from eastern pasture. Photography by Lucas Henning.
Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage beige two-story wood exterior home remodel in Seattle with a shingle roof

This project features an award winning front facade make over. The existing mansard roof was framed over to create a new look that provides some solid curb appeal! The interior of the home did not need to be modified to accommodate this renovation, since all of the construction occurred on the outside of the home. John Ray Photography

A simple, yet impressive entry, and an octagonal tower. The garage is cocked at a slight angle and is designed to look like the old barn that was converted. Note the way we designed the house to preserve as many trees as possible, giving the house an established feel.

Inspiration for a timeless dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Atlanta with beige walls and a standard fireplace

Project Details: We completely updated the look of this home with help from James Hardie siding and Renewal by Andersen windows. Here's a list of the products and colors used. - Iron Gray JH Lap Siding - Boothbay Blue JH Staggered Shake - Light Mist JH Board & Batten - Arctic White JH Trim - Simulated Double-Hung Farmhouse Grilles (RbA) - Double-Hung Farmhouse Grilles (RbA) - Front Door Color: Behr paint in the color, Script Ink

Example of a large classic brown floor living room design in Chicago with beige walls

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary brown one-story mixed siding house exterior remodel in San Francisco with a butterfly roof

Farmhouse white two-story exterior home idea in Charleston with a mixed material roof

This salvaged kitchen sink was found awhile ago by the client who new she wanted to use it if ever she renovated. Integrated beautifully into the Danby marble countertop and backsplash with new fixtures it is a real joy to clean up. This kitchen was formerly a dark paneled, cluttered, divided space with little natural light. By eliminating partitions and creating an open floorplan, as well as adding modern windows with traditional detailing, providing lovingly detailed built-ins for the clients extensive collection of beautiful dishes, and lightening up the color palette we were able to create a rather miraculous transformation. Renovation/Addition. Rob Karosis Photography

Moving the washer/dryer out of the kitchen into their own space was not a difficult decision. Meeting all of the programmatic requirements of this new room was a little trickier. Designing enough room to be able to wash the dogs and water houseplants, as well as folding laundry in a small space was solved by providing a removable countertop. When the counter is needed, the two pieces easily slide in place and they are pulled out of the way when the water is needed. When the dogs get a shower, the handspray works best, but for the plants the swing-arm potfiller serves optimally. The client had been saving these 19th century English transferware tiles for just such a project. The mahogany countertop, antique drying rack, windows and built-ins, and exquisite tile work make this a stunning room to do your laundry. Renovation/Addition. Rob Karosis Photography

Photo Credit - Katrina Mojzesz topkatphoto.com Interior Design - Katja van der Loo Papyrus Home Design papyrushomedesign.com Homeowner & Design Director - Sue Walter, subeeskitchen.com

Greg Reigler
This is an example of a large traditional front porch design in Miami with a roof extension and decking.

A traditional house that meanders around courtyards built as though it where built in stages over time. Well proportioned and timeless. Presenting its modest humble face this large home is filled with surprises as it demands that you take your time to experience it.

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz Design: James Curvan Read the Houzz article about this kids' tree house: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20845319/list/A-Magical-Tree-House-Lights-Up-for-Christmas

Photography by Sean Gallagher
Example of a large country white two-story wood gable roof design in Dallas

The Port Ludlow Residence is a compact, 2400 SF modern house located on a wooded waterfront property at the north end of the Hood Canal, a long, fjord-like arm of western Puget Sound. The house creates a simple glazed living space that opens up to become a front porch to the beautiful Hood Canal. The east-facing house is sited along a high bank, with a wonderful view of the water. The main living volume is completely glazed, with 12-ft. high glass walls facing the view and large, 8-ft.x8-ft. sliding glass doors that open to a slightly raised wood deck, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space. During the warm summer months, the living area feels like a large, open porch. Anchoring the north end of the living space is a two-story building volume containing several bedrooms and separate his/her office spaces. The interior finishes are simple and elegant, with IPE wood flooring, zebrawood cabinet doors with mahogany end panels, quartz and limestone countertops, and Douglas Fir trim and doors. Exterior materials are completely maintenance-free: metal siding and aluminum windows and doors. The metal siding has an alternating pattern using two different siding profiles. The house has a number of sustainable or “green” building features, including 2x8 construction (40% greater insulation value); generous glass areas to provide natural lighting and ventilation; large overhangs for sun and rain protection; metal siding (recycled steel) for maximum durability, and a heat pump mechanical system for maximum energy efficiency. Sustainable interior finish materials include wood cabinets, linoleum floors, low-VOC paints, and natural wool carpet.