Marc Frayne
Inspiration for a modern landscaping in Philadelphia.

The low, chaparral native foliage closest to the home have mastered the art of maintaining hydration and resisting fire. Planted areas can "catch" embers, preventing them from rolling and bouncing along a hardscape to collect at the base of the home. On red flag days, the mobile BBQ can easily be moved away from the home, as can the furnishings at the other side of the patio. Cushions and hanging art would also be stored for safety. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

Golmex Plaster is a multi purpose concrete finish product manufactured with hydrated lime and a polymer concrete mix for modern wall finishes. Golmex is applied in the same manner as plaster with a trowel. It is available as a dry mix in quarts, gallons and five pound bags. For more info visit: www.meodedpaint.com .

This is a vertical garden wall installation in a shaded location. The plants are growing in pockets made of a horticulture fabric made entirely from recycled, non-toxic plastics which will last a lifetime. The automatic drip irrigation system delivers water to the top row of plants.The water is absorbed by the fabric, and then drips down through the entire wall, hydrating all the plants evenly on an adjustable schedule. The fabric is designed to hold and release moisture. As the plants continue to grow, the fabric will become less and less visible, until entirely hidden, resulting in a solid wall of attractive plants.

The stylish HydroTap by Zip Water is the new standard in home hydration offering instant boiling, chilled and sparkling water all from a single tap. With four distinct tap styles and seven exquisite finish options to compliment a range of remarkable functions, the HydroTap by Zip Water is certainly a luxury water system you can’t live without.

The stylish HydroTap by Zip Water is the new standard in home hydration offering instant boiling, chilled and sparkling water all from a single tap. With four distinct tap styles and seven exquisite finish options to compliment a range of remarkable functions, the HydroTap by Zip Water is certainly a luxury water system you can’t live without.

This thoughtfully designed lower-level home gym combines functionality with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Glass walls create a seamless flow between the workout area and the adjacent entertainment space, allowing natural light to brighten the room while maintaining sound separation. The space is fully outfitted with rubber gym flooring, a wall-mounted mirror for form-checking, and essential fitness equipment including a TRUE elliptical, adjustable bench, free weights, TRX straps, and a yoga mat zone for stretching or core work. A large wall-mounted TV adds both entertainment and the option for guided virtual workouts. Just steps from the gym, a cozy lounge with a gas fireplace and plush sectional provides the perfect post-workout recovery zone. A stylish built-in bar with floating shelves and woodgrain cabinetry adds a touch of luxury and practicality, ideal for hydration or hosting guests. This project is a perfect example of how a basement can be transformed into a multi-functional wellness and entertainment hub that feels just as polished as the main living areas.

This thoughtfully designed lower-level home gym combines functionality with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Glass walls create a seamless flow between the workout area and the adjacent entertainment space, allowing natural light to brighten the room while maintaining sound separation. The space is fully outfitted with rubber gym flooring, a wall-mounted mirror for form-checking, and essential fitness equipment including a TRUE elliptical, adjustable bench, free weights, TRX straps, and a yoga mat zone for stretching or core work. A large wall-mounted TV adds both entertainment and the option for guided virtual workouts. Just steps from the gym, a cozy lounge with a gas fireplace and plush sectional provides the perfect post-workout recovery zone. A stylish built-in bar with floating shelves and woodgrain cabinetry adds a touch of luxury and practicality, ideal for hydration or hosting guests. This project is a perfect example of how a basement can be transformed into a multi-functional wellness and entertainment hub that feels just as polished as the main living areas.

This is a vertical garden wall installation in a shaded location. The plants are growing in pockets made of a horticulture fabric made entirely from recycled, non-toxic plastics which will last a lifetime. The automatic drip irrigation system delivers water to the top row of plants.The water is absorbed by the fabric, and then drips down through the entire wall, hydrating all the plants evenly on an adjustable schedule. The fabric is designed to hold and release moisture. As the plants continue to grow, the fabric will become less and less visible, until entirely hidden, resulting in a solid wall of attractive plants.

This thoughtfully designed lower-level home gym combines functionality with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Glass walls create a seamless flow between the workout area and the adjacent entertainment space, allowing natural light to brighten the room while maintaining sound separation. The space is fully outfitted with rubber gym flooring, a wall-mounted mirror for form-checking, and essential fitness equipment including a TRUE elliptical, adjustable bench, free weights, TRX straps, and a yoga mat zone for stretching or core work. A large wall-mounted TV adds both entertainment and the option for guided virtual workouts. Just steps from the gym, a cozy lounge with a gas fireplace and plush sectional provides the perfect post-workout recovery zone. A stylish built-in bar with floating shelves and woodgrain cabinetry adds a touch of luxury and practicality, ideal for hydration or hosting guests. This project is a perfect example of how a basement can be transformed into a multi-functional wellness and entertainment hub that feels just as polished as the main living areas.

Several steps were taken to minimize the risk of the deck igniting. Embers like to collect under decks where they can use collected leaf litter as fuel to gain enough heat to burn wood. We prevent that by sealing off the under-side of the deck with concrete hardy board. Next, two layers of irrigated and compost-mulched native, hydration-holding foliage defends the deck from embers. The beautiful, dense oak tree canopy on the right of this photo is the deck's greatest defense, protecting both the top and under deck from flying embers. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

Golmex Plaster is a multi purpose concrete finish product manufactured with hydrated lime and a polymer concrete mix for modern wall finishes. Golmex is applied in the same manner as plaster with a trowel. It is available as a dry mix in quarts, gallons and five pound bags. For more info visit: www.meodedpaint.com .

The kitchen was originally planned to mimic the location of appliances in her current kitchen to minimize re-learning of appliance locations. The only change was adding a trash cabinet between the fridge and the sink. A french door fridge allows someone in a wheelchair to easily access frozen and cold foods, while the water and ice dispenser on the outside of the door make it easy to stay hydrated rather than using the sink each time. She can roll up to the kitchen sink with recessed cabinetry or stand at counter height to put away dishes from the dishwasher. The dishwasher is ADA and very simple to use , and is raised off the floor so whether she is sitting or standing it's easier to reach. The gas cooktop has controls at the front making it easy to reach from the wheelchair and the exhaust fan above also has a control at the front. All cabinet door handles are D-shape, which makes them easy to grasp and there is plenty of electrical outlets for charging phones, computers and small appliances. The kitchen island is table height at 30" so meal prep can be easily done in a wheelchair while guests and can be seated in a chair or wheelchair around the island. The dining chairs can also be turned around to add extra seating in the living room area. Pendant lights above the kitchen island light up the space, while recessed lighting in the kitchen and living room provide overall room lighting. There is also under cabinet lighting which makes the room glow at night! Wainscoting made of commercial grade material is strategically placed on sharp corners and exposed walls to reduce and minimize damage from the wheel chair, while creating a finished and complete look! We selected a free standing microwave to sit below the island, which is easy to use and is the same style as in her previous apartment. The island is 48" from the appliance wall, leaving ample space to open doors and maneuver around in the wheelchair and has easy access to the laundry area as well. We eliminated the pocket doors that had been in front of the laundry area for easy access, and since it was exposed, dressed it up with coordinating tile to the kitchen with additional cabinets above. There is a coordinating quartz counter on top of the washer and dryer for folding laundry or storing additional supplies.