The lifestyle of living on Lake Washington is naturally inclined towards entertaining and outdoor living. However, the homeowners of this Kirkland residence found that occupying the exterior space was difficult in part because there were few spaces that were protected from the harsh western exposure. They longed for a covered patio and more. Conversations and designs focused on creating a four-season space that addressed the high-exposure demands of the site while also providing a comfortable space to relax and entertain. The concept of extending the existing second floor level deck as a way to provide protection emerged as an early solution in the process. With the use of natural stone pavers and treads, the existing lower level patio was nearly doubled in usable area with different zones for intimate or large gatherings. The stone treads transition gracefully into the landscaped portion of the site. The deck above was expanded upon and resurfaced with a low maintenance porcelain pedestal paver system. A glass panel railing is constructed without a top rail, which allows for views of the water to remain unobstructed while sitting or standing. A custom outdoor fireplace was designed to act as a central focal point and to provide definition for the gathering spaces. The concrete mass is punctured through with a two-way fireplace, providing visual and bodily warmth for year-round comfort and use of the space. An updated, modernized outdoor kitchen was a necessity for larger gatherings. Durable yet elegant surfaces were required for this high use area. Cabinetry incorporates Parklex wood panels that are sustainably sourced and finished for long-term durability. Countertops and backsplash were comprised of an exterior-grade porcelain slab. Stainless steel appliances complete a low maintenance workspace. Energy efficient products were mindful components of this project. New and dimmable LED recessed and indirect lighting provides illumination for entertaining late into the night. Tread lighting provides a beacon of light for returning boaters coming in from the lake. The homeowner shared their pleasure with their new spaces commenting that the design seamlessly integrates with the existing house. They find themselves enjoying and using their outdoor spaces more thoroughly and on a daily basis. The surprise for them was the unintended additional space resulting from the expanded deck above.

Falcon House is located on Falcon Ridge Road, which winds along a steeply inclined ridge in a stretch of foothills within Carmel Valley in Monterey County. An old lichen covered barn and split rail, cedar fences characterize this area known as Markham Ranch, and contrast sharply with the preponderance of sprawling, large estate-style homes, many more at-home in the Italian countryside than any landscape of California. Designed for a young family, Falcon House responds to the family’s desire to live a more modest lifestyle, eschewing overt displays of extravagance for an intimate and deferential relation to nature. The 3,200-square-foot residence occupies a difficult portion of the northern slope of a hillside, overlooking a verdant valley and oriented toward Castle Rock in the distance. The steep terrain necessitated a compartmentalized plan capable of negotiating the gentle hillock at the center of the site. A corridor bridge spans two pieces of the house, uniting living and sleeping spaces and allowing an existing watercourse to flow essentially through the house unobstructed. Large panels of glass open the living spaces to the landscape, beneath the deep overhang of a butterfly roof. Operable clerestories placed high on the window-wall allow prevailing breezes to cool the interior spaces. The bedroom wing of the house hugs the hillside as it turns to the west, ensuring privacy from the main living spaces. The sense of seclusion and protection of this wing is reinforced by its lower roofline and its embedment into the hill. Initial resistance by neighboring homeowners has given way to appreciation, having seen the results of careful siting and a material and color palate sympathetic to the surrounding hillsides. The dwelling embodies an attitude of respect for the landscape, and through that perspective Falcon House has become as natural a part of its environment as the hawks flying overhead. 2008 AIA Orange County Chapter Merit Award

Due to the inclination of the site the surroundings of the house were designed in different levels creating multiple independent exterior spaces that can be used at different hours of the day according to their orientation.

An inclined ramp in the new garage leads from the wheelchair-customized van directly to the family room and elevator. Thomas R. Doughty, Architect James W. Albright, Builder

LandWorks first navigated a most challenging local government approval process because of this home’s placement on a lake, but it was passed by local government and came together beautifully. Our lovely clients trusted our team to deliver on an involved hardscape and landscape project that featured multi-level patios, several stone staircases, an involved water feature, an elaborate drainage infrastructure – not to mention a switchback, severe-incline path from lake pier to terrace. The stunning lakeside property features bluestone paving throughout, an outdoor grill counter, decorative driveway details at the home’s front entry, and lush plantings with tons of spring, summer and fall color. We had a brilliant and experienced crew on the very involved hardscape install and a talented, creative, painstaking crew on the perennial installs.

The floor was rebuilt to allow for the multi-directional incline needed for a channel drain. The grouted 4” tile provides excellent slip-resistance. Heated flooring keeps the surrounding area dry and warm. 23” tiles are used in the shower alcove backing onto the linen closet whose kick-plate has also been tiled to ensure moisture-resistance. Photographer: Greg Tilley

Our uphill gates are designed to adjust to the incline of a slope as they open and close. You can see this gate in action here on youtube. https://youtu.be/rNFzuKZ35pY

Example of a danish exterior home design in Other

Native stone was used throughout so having the house number etched in stone seemed natural. Bruce Luetters/Drive Brand Studio
Photo of a mid-sized traditional front yard garden path in Portland Maine for summer.

Large transitional l-shaped light wood floor kitchen photo in Chicago with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, brown backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a southwestern beige two-story adobe exterior home remodel in Phoenix

the clean, modern, white kitchen is a balanced contrast in this 400 year old amsterdam apartment.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, glass sheet backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Press: "Modern Art," The Record. 1993 This property rises to a knoll, where the house is situated, and continues a steep incline through the treed landscape. The home is positioned to achieve privacy and maximize views. On approaching the house, one is drawn to a chiseled metal window that punctuates the curved cedar façade and flows into a metal sheathed wall that follows a path to the front doors. This interplay of metal, cedar and glass is repeated in a composition of these materials on each facade. An expansive sky-lit window wall blurs the distinction between inside and outside. The interior features a sculpted entry, a cantilevered staircase and dynamic arches, all skillfully designed by Morpurgo Architects and crafted in maple and mahogany.

Nestled on a challenging steep, rocky incline with breathtaking ocean vistas, this backyard was initially nearly unusable due to its limited flat areas. The homeowner's vision was to transform it into a multifunctional space capable of hosting large gatherings of family and friends. The transformative design boasts four terraced decks: two featuring cozy fire pits, one equipped with a hot tub perfectly positioned for sunset viewing, and another for daytime relaxation, alongside a hidden deck designed especially for children's play. The space is further enhanced with an outdoor kitchen, a cascading water feature adorning the slope, seating nestled under a waterproof deck, and built-in wooden seating with cleverly integrated storage, all centered around a playful and inviting pool.

1940's bungalows are not inclined towards large dining rooms, but the newly opened kitchen, dining room and living room gives the feeling of a larger space... and, allow room to for expanding tables.

Mid-sized trendy backyard concrete paver patio photo in San Francisco with a roof extension

See what our client say about working with us: I started my search for a contractor about a year before I hired Paul to do a kitchen and bathroom renovation. This was my first time at the bat, and I really had no idea what to expect. I had many contractor proposals that swung wildly in price but for some reason I never felt inclined to hire any of the guys I met with. I happened to be looking at Houzz one day and came across Paul’s company and he had very good reviews. I gave him a call and he came to my apartment quickly. I liked him immediately when we met. I thought it was strange that he asked me for my budget and how much I wanted to spend but in hindsight, providing that information allowed Paul to come back to me with a very detailed proposal based on my budget. I soon realized that the lower proposals I had did not include many of the budget items that would be necessary to complete the job. Paul laid out the pricing and provided a very reasonable “allowance” based on your measurements for tile, toilet, sinks, etc. It is up to you to stay within that allowance. Another reason I hired Paul was because of his design skills. Paul met me in the at tile stores several times and helped guide me in choosing tile and a style for the bathroom that really looks beautiful. I fought him a little but in the end, was glad I went with his recommendations. He also uses a kitchen cabinet maker so all the cabinets are custom to what you want. Paul also has a great customer website that allows you to see all the expenses, make choices, and easily communicate with him. If you are planning to do a renovation, I think it helps to plan for the worst and hope for the best. I live in a co-op and we had a couple of little glitches and Paul was always quick to resolve issues as they arose. He was extremely responsive and really cared about the work and doing a good job. I would definitely hire Paul again if I needed a contractor.

Rustic-Modern Finnish Kitchen Our client was inclined to transform this kitchen into a functional, Finnish inspired space. Finnish interior design can simply be described in 3 words: simplicity, innovation, and functionalism. Finnish design addresses the tough climate, unique nature, and limited sunlight, which inspired designers to create solutions, that would meet the everyday life challenges. The combination of the knotty, blue-gray alder base cabinets combined with the clean white wall cabinets reveal mixing these rustic Finnish touches with the modern. The leaded glass on the upper cabinetry was selected so our client can display their personal collection from Finland. Mixing black modern hardware and fixtures with the handmade, light, and bright backsplash tile make this kitchen a timeless show stopper. This project was done in collaboration with Susan O'Brian from EcoLux Interiors.

This beautiful landscape design was a unique project. When presented with a very steep incline, a large hill and only approximately 30' of level space, the Gary Duff Designs team got down to work, chopping down trees, and removing barrels of soil. After flattening out the space, this experienced team was able to implement each desired feature, from pool and play area to patio and privacy. This complete re-design and demolition resulted in an intimate, yet open, backyard living space.