Kyle Caldwell
Elegant white two-story exterior home photo in New York with a shingle roof

H2D Architecture + Design developed a comprehensive vision for the renovation of this Bellevue residence, creating a cohesive master plan that can be implemented in phased construction to align with the homeowners' priorities, budget, and timeline. The first phase reimagined the primary suite, including a redesigned bathroom, reconfigured closet and bedroom. Strategic space planning enhanced the functionality and flow of each space while creating a serene, spa-inspired retreat tailored to the homeowners' lifestyle. Future phases will transform the home's main living areas through a complete reconfiguration of the kitchen, dining room, entry, and living room. The design will improve circulation, increase functionality, and create light-filled, beautifully connected spaces. Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com Interiors: Kat Lawton Interiors Photos by: John Granen

Inspiration for a transitional gray two-story wood exterior home remodel in Toronto with a metal roof and a gray roof

H2D Architecture + Design developed a comprehensive vision for the renovation of this Bellevue residence, creating a cohesive master plan that can be implemented in phased construction to align with the homeowners' priorities, budget, and timeline. The first phase reimagined the primary suite, including a redesigned bathroom, reconfigured closet and bedroom. Strategic space planning enhanced the functionality and flow of each space while creating a serene, spa-inspired retreat tailored to the homeowners' lifestyle. Future phases will transform the home's main living areas through a complete reconfiguration of the kitchen, dining room, entry, and living room. The design will improve circulation, increase functionality, and create light-filled, beautifully connected spaces. Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com Interiors: Kat Lawton Interiors Photos by: John Granen

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

In this bedroom, we achieved a great level of coherence by implementing similar hue blue colors throughout the interior. The bedding was custom-made by Wildcat

Trendmark Inc. AFTER - Gold STAR Award Best Whole House. From blah to beautiful, this kitchen’s transformation not only updated the look but rearranged the way the room functioned. After living in the house for almost 15 years the homeowners knew it was time to invest in the most important room in thier house. The large boxed in florescent light, chopped up counter spaces, and white melamine cabinets just had to go! The large pantry closet took up lots of space in the kitchen, but the did not offer organized storage. It was nearly impossible to find what you were looking for as items were buried in the back of the closet. By removing this closet and replacing it with a pantry cabinet with full extension roll outs,not only was the floor space increased but so was the usable storage area. The refrigerator was also relocated to the opposite wall to increase countertop space as well as improve function. Trendmark Inc Contractor Note: The creamy glazed alderwood cabinets have raised panel doors and drawer fronts, and feature extras like an arched raised panel range hood that brings style and elegance to the room. The creams and ivories of the room are complemented by the tan and ivory Juperana Santa Cecilia granite countertops and by the bronze hardware and pendant lighting. The large island provides storage, a prep and clean-up area with an undermounted sink, and an area for family eating or for entertaining service. A focal point in the room is the decorative travertine tile picture frame over the professional grade range. Stainless steel appliances and warm wood flooring complete the look and spread into the eating area and the family room beyond. This room has certainly banished the blahs and become elegant as well as more useful. Homeowner Score - 100 Perfect score from homeowner. “The TrendMark team was outstanding. Their creativity and ability to visualize the project made it turn out better than expected. The team always was very professional, on-time, courteous,easy to work with, and did incredible work! I’d recommend TrendMark to anyone. TrendMark is unique in that the crew are employee of TrendMark and you know who to expect for the duration of the project. I was comfortable having them in our home at anytime. Not having a string of subs come through made it a very positive experience. Their attention to detail was amazing. Before I could point out any issue the team was already working on them. Overall, remodeling a kitchen, down to the sheetrock and more and 3.5 baths could be a very painful experience, but this was not the case. It was a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. We love our new home! AWARD: Best Kitchen $25,001 - $40,000 Special Feature Award: Kitchen/Closet Redesign * Nice attention to detail. Reworked interior wall to gain space. Exceptional update good lighting. * Cabinet layout/design – elevations and projections – are small but nice finishing details. Thought/Implementation of kitchen pantry/closet redesign truly changed the kitchen. * Like the kitchen cabinets lines – especially the layout nicely done tile.

Modern living with ocean breezes __ This is another development project EdenLA assisted the client to finish quickly and for top dollar. The fun challenge of more contemporary spaces is how to make them warm and inviting while still maintaining the overall masculine appeal of their architecture. Water features, playful custom abstract art, unique furniture layouts, and warm stone and cabinetry decisions all helped to achieve that in this space. Beach Life Construction implemented the architect's indoor-outdoor flow on the top floor beautifully as well. __ Kim Pritchard Photography

Rich colors, minimalist lines, and plenty of natural materials were implemented to this Austin home. Project designed by Sara Barney’s Austin interior design studio BANDD DESIGN. They serve the entire Austin area and its surrounding towns, with an emphasis on Round Rock, Lake Travis, West Lake Hills, and Tarrytown. For more about BANDD DESIGN, click here: https://bandddesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://bandddesign.com/dripping-springs-family-retreat/

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

This partially wooded, acre and a half lot in West Dundee presented many challenges. The clients began working with a Landscape Architect in the early spring, but after not getting the innovative ideas they were seeking, the home builder and Architect suggested the client contact our landscape design/build firm. We immediately hit it off with the charismatic clients. They had a tall order for us: complete the design and implement the construction within a three month period. For many projects this would be a reasonable time frame. However construction delays and the coordination of multiple trades left a very short window to complete the work. Beyond the tight time frame the site required specific care in preserving the many mature surrounding trees, as well as addressing a vast grade change. Over fifteen feet of grade change occurs from one end of this woodland property to the other. All of these constraints proved to be an enormous challenge as we worked to include and coordinate the following elements: the drive layout, a dramatic front entry, various gardens, landscape lighting, irrigation, and a plan for a backyard pool and entertainment space that already had been started without a clear plan. Fortunately, the client loved our design ideas and attention to detail and we were able to mobilize and begin construction. With the seamless coordination between our firm and the builder we implemented all the elements of this grand project. In total eight different crews and five separate trades worked together to complete the landscape. The completed project resulted in a rewarding experience for our firm, the builder and architect, as well as the client. Together we were able to create and construct a perfect oasis for the client that suited the beautiful property and the architecture of this dream home.

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY GRAND AWARD WINNER A single family home in Oakton, VA built in late 80’ was occupied by family of four for 10 years. The owner wishes to expand the living space, finish the basement, add a sunroom/breakfast area addition, eliminate the deck and put in a screen porch. Also convert the laundry room to office/mudroom area. It took months of planning to get into the final design. We have implemented a plan that had a two story back addition (both basement level and first level). This required removing the cinder block wall of basement to add the seamless addition, and removing the entire first level back wall of kitchen to open up kitchen into sunroom. The major challenge was to re-route all duct work going to second level, add ducts for basement and first level to existing system. Then add a second HVAC system in attic for entire second level. Then change all load structure for tow story addition to side wall and new walls to have entire width opened up. The basement has gained a new bar area, a total new bathroom with shower and large vanities and all amenities, media area with gas fireplace and mantel surrounded with matching cherry bookcases and granite tops, recess lights, surround sound system, wood floor and steps, new sewer ejection system due to their difficult septic tank. The new French doors lead into back bricked patio The first floor gained this new 16’x20’ cathedral ceiling sunroom/breakfast addition surrounded with large arched windows and French slider leading into new screen porch. The kitchen lay-out gained three more feet in width. Also by removing partition wall between kitchen and existing family room. The first floor now has total open floor plan. The fireplace in existing family room was converted to gas and got marble surround and new mantel. All bulkhead and part of partition walls contained massive plumbing and electrical that needed to be relocated in order to implement the new kitchen layout. This design has much more appliances and a beautiful large furniture style island that is the focal point of this kitchen done in espresso color cherry cabinetry and contrasting light color exotic stove top lighted by two crystal chandeliers. The wrap around of cherry cabinetry in the kitchen with expended cabinetry into butler area and bookcases and bench in sunroom has given this couple lots to fill in. The entire first floor and leading stairs to second floor and part of the second floor was all covered with new 5” wide exotic Santos Mahogany wood floors and new railings. The powder room has been reconfigured to allow larger hallway and with new furniture style vanity this powder room even small than before but has better layout and space. The old Laundry room and has been converted to a 10’x15’ area of multipurpose space. On the left wall there are locker style cabinetry and bench. One the left wall built in and desk area with tones of storage space. The washer and dryer are install into a closet, away from site. A set of French doors were installed into the new back deck and screen porch. The large porcelain floors made the space look even larger and more utilitarian. Use of cherry cabinetry on deck and bookcase with recess lighting scaled up look of the space. The new kitchen, family room and sun room with the rich cherry cabinetry and darker granite top, tumbled marble backsplash and wide board mahogany floors, upper scale stainless steel appliances and furniture style distressed look darker wood Island and light granite have made this project a breathtaking one. The added side screen porch done with Trex decking and cathedral ceiling covered in beaded panel and corner gas fireplace all around covered with Ledgestone has given this family a place to retire in for all those autumn afternoons and much more. The major overhaul of this home from replacement of all existing doors and windows, flooring, crown molding and trim, stairs, entire first floor reface, new siding , new roofing, new electrical, new HVAC, entire new basement, bathroom, mud room, screen porch and lots more makes these owner proud to stay in this home for years to come.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

Max Kim-Bee
Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in New York with white walls

German Embassy in Pristina - Kosovo, contracted the architecture office “Ferizi + Ferizi Architects” to plan and implement an Annex Office building for their purposes. As detached part of this building is designed the waiting area, as alone standing structure. This Office Building is constructed by assembling of Eight used office containers that were delivered on trucks and set up after only a few hours on the basis of the LEGO principle, according to the planning on strip foundations. By removing the flexible exterior wall panels, a large room of 115 m² was created, with the counter wall as a room partition between two office spaces, each with seven workstations as well as three counters for agents on one side and a room for visitors on the other side. With this system, room solutions can be easily implemented in all dimensions. The container, seen as a geometric shape, is a simple, octagonal, solid box. The standardized perfection of its dimensions is striking: 2.44 meters wide, 2.59 meters high and 6.06 meters or 12.19 meters long. Since its introduction in 1956 by the American transport entrepreneur Malcom McLean, the container has become a standardized transport module worldwide, whether on ships, trucks or construction sites. The shipping containers have additionally revolutionized the transport industry, pushed the globalization noticeably, and thus directly or indirectly influenced all our lives. But after only a few years, when the first overseas containers wore out, many engineers recognized the positive properties of used shipping containers for building houses, especially since they are robust, flexible, multifunctional and second-hand relatively inexpensive to purchase. The time has long passed by to treat containers exclusively as transport objects. As a "measure of all things", containers can hardly be ignored in construction. Their use is no longer limited to temporary use since school containers, information containers, office containers or entire residential buildings are now part of our everyday life in the construction industry. However, current examples of the container architecture prove that even the most demanding solutions for container building are feasible. For their specific aesthetic and spatial qualities, containers also serve as design parameters for the development of new forms of architecture and urbanity. The office building as an extension of the visa section, characterized by modern materials and contemporary aesthetics has been designed and built mainly as a low-energy building. Extensive insulation to achieve a comfortable and sustainable constant temperature in the interior, high window quality and low energy consumption make the building energy-efficient. The sophisticated lighting technology, networks, heating systems and air-conditioning systems are also components of this equipment. It creates an overall harmonic picture and guarantees the highest standard in sustainable construction, taking into consideration the fact that environmentally friendly recycling and reutilization have become an increasingly important issue in our society. West and East side of the wooden facade is compact and has few openings, while the southern facade is completely open with lot of glass. Its spatial openness ensures a transparent, friendly work environment, which allows a lot of light into the space. This openness allows an uninterrupted, pleasant and close-to-nature view from interior spaces into the beautiful garden. During the installation of sophisticated light sources in the garden, emphasis was not only put on functionality and security, but also on the beauty of the garden shown through the illumination in the evening. Large, horizontal white “brisole” serve as external sun protection systems, mounted on the canopies of the entrance areas of the modular construction and the enclosure, adeptly cast shade on these areas and at the same time shape the entire architectural language. While on one hand, the two quadratic ledges suspended in the air, are docked with steel stairs and match the wooden façade, lead the staff to their office space, the artful modern interior, on the other hand, perfectly unites the functionality, innovative technology, culture and positive effects on the employees' efficiency and wellbeing. A lot of white, interjected by warm wooden and colored accents, determines the ambience. In the case of the lighting solution, the mainly linear ceiling lighting is used as the overlapping design element both for the offices of the visa section as well as for the counters and the waiting area for the visitors. They underline the puristic design in order to create a pleasant light for a desired general illumination and ensure optimal light conditions without causing disturbing reflections on the computer screens. In addition, precisely positioned pendant luminaires are installed at the workstations, which ensure pleasant room brightness. In the entrance area, the harmonic and uniform lighting effect from the ground highlights the integration of photography and architecture. Photographs of landscapes, people, places, expressing unforgettable, impressive moments and memories have been lovingly engraved on 8 x 8cm square oak blocks. The idea of an effective, impressive environment that stimulates and inspires the work was the premiss on which the whole design concept was based. Consequently, the modular construction was no longer viewed through its history of utilization and scars, but rather as a structure of work ambiance, art and elegance. FERIZI + FERIZI Architects Photo: Arben Llapashtica

Living room - mid-sized country open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Minneapolis with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a concealed tv

**Project Overview** This new construction home is built next to a picturesque lake, and the bar adjacent to the kitchen and living areas is designed to frame the breathtaking view. This custom, curved bar creatively echoes many of the lines and finishes used in other areas of the first floor, but interprets them in a new way. **What Makes This Project Unique?** The bar connects visually to other areas of the home custom columns with leaded glass. The same design is used in the mullion detail in the furniture piece across the room. The bar is a flowing curve that lets guests face one another. Curved wainscot panels follow the same line as the stone bartop, as does the custom-designed, strategically implemented upper platform and crown that conceal recessed lighting. **Design Challenges** Designing a curved bar with rectangular cabinets is always a challenge, but the greater challenge was to incorporate a large wishlist into a compact space, including an under-counter refrigerator, sink, glassware and liquor storage, and more. The glass columns take on much of the storage, but had to be engineered to support the upper crown and provide space for lighting and wiring that would not be seen on the interior of the cabinet. Our team worked tirelessly with the trim carpenters to ensure that this was successful aesthetically and functionally. Another challenge we created for ourselves was designing the columns to be three sided glass, and the 4th side to be mirrored. Though it accomplishes our aesthetic goal and allows light to be reflected back into the space this had to be carefully engineered to be structurally sound. Photo by MIke Kaskel

Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in New York

Rich colors, minimalist lines, and plenty of natural materials were implemented to this Austin home. Project designed by Sara Barney’s Austin interior design studio BANDD DESIGN. They serve the entire Austin area and its surrounding towns, with an emphasis on Round Rock, Lake Travis, West Lake Hills, and Tarrytown. For more about BANDD DESIGN, click here: https://bandddesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://bandddesign.com/dripping-springs-family-retreat/