International Visitors - Photos & Ideas

Park Avenue Apartment in Rosario Candela Building

The elegant Entry Hall to this apartment is lined with hand painted Gracie wall-paper. The metal railing was re-worked using the original metal pieces and more detail was added along with carved brass inserts. The border of the floor is embellished with an inlay Greek key. Interior design by Ashley Whittaker.

Farmhouse Transformed

River Valley Landscapes

This project presented unique opportunities that are not often found in residential landscaping. The homeowners were not only restoring their 1840's era farmhouse, a piece of their family’s history, but also enlarging and updating the home for modern living. The landscape designers continued this idea by creating a space that is a modern day interpretation of an 1840s era farm rather then a strict recreation. The resulting design combines elements of farm living from that time, as well as acknowledging the property’s history as a horse farm, with staples of 21st century landscapes such as space for outdoor living, lighting, and newer plant varieties. Guests approach from the main driveway which winds through the property and ends at the main barn. There is secondary gated driveway just for the homeowners. Connected to this main driveway is a narrower gravel lane which leads directly to the residence. The lane passes near fruit trees planted in broken rows to give the illusion that they are the remains of an orchard that once existed on the site. The lane widens at the entrance to the gardens where there is a hitching post built into the fence that surrounds the gardens and a watering trough. The widened section is intended as a place to park a golf cart or, in a nod to the home’s past, tie up horses before entering. The gravel lane passes between two stone pillars and then ends at a square gravel court edged in cobblestones. The gravel court transitions into a wide flagstone walk bordered with yew hedges and lavender leading to the front door. Directly to the right, upon entering the gravel court, is located a gravel and cobblestone edged walk leading to a secondary entrance into the residence. The walk is gated where it connects with the gravel court to close it off so as not to confuse visitors and guests to the main residence and to emphasize the primary entrance. An area for a bench is provided along this walk to encourage stopping to view and enjoy the gardens. On either side of the front door, gravel and cobblestone walks branch off into the garden spaces. The one on the right leads to a flagstone with cobblestone border patio space. Since the home has no designated backyard like most modern suburban homes the outdoor living space had to be placed in what would traditionally be thought of as the front of the house. The patio is separated from the entrance walk by the yew hedge and further enclosed by three Amelanchiers and a variety of plantings including modern cultivars of old fashioned plants such as Itea and Hydrangea. A third entrance, the original front door to the 1840’s era section, connects to the patio from the home’s kitchen, making the space ideal for outdoor dining. The gravel and cobblestone walk branching off to the left of the front door leads to the vegetable and perennial gardens. The idea for the vegetable garden was to recreate the tradition of a kitchen garden which would have been planted close to the residence for easy access. The vegetable garden is surrounded by mixed perennial beds along the inside of the wood picket fence which surrounds the entire garden space. Another area designated for a bench is provided here to encourage stopping and viewing. The home’s original smokehouse, completely restored and used as a garden shed, provides a strong architectural focal point to the vegetable garden. Behind the smokehouse is planted lilacs and other plants to give mass and balance to the corner and help screen the garden from the neighboring subdivision. At the rear corner of the garden a wood arbor was constructed to provide a structure on which to grow grapes or other vines should the homeowners choose to. The landscape and gardens for this restored farmhouse and property are a thoughtfully designed and planned recreation of a historic landscape reinterpreted for modern living. The idea was to give a sense of timelessness when walking through the gardens as if they had been there for years but had possibly been updated and rejuvenated as lifestyles changed. The attention to materials and craftsmanship blend seamlessly with the residence and insure the gardens and landscape remain an integral part of the property. The farm has been in the homeowner’s family for many years and they are thrilled at the results and happy to see respect given to the home’s history and to its meticulous restoration.

Gulf Coast Grandeur

Showplace Cabinetry

Just a few steps away from an amazing view of the Gulf of Mexico, this expansive new multi-level Southwest Florida home has Showplace Cabinetry throughout. This beautiful home not only has the ultimate features for entertaining family or large groups of visitors, it also provides secluded private space for its owners. This spectacular Showplace was designed by Adalay Cabinets & Interiors of Tampa, FL. Kitchen Perimeter: Door Style: Concord Construction: International+/Full Overlay Wood Type: Paint Grade Paint: Showplace Paints - Oyster Kitchen Island: Door Style: Concord Construction: International+/Full Overlay Wood Type: Paint Grade Paint: ColorSelect Custom Butlers Pantry: Door Style: Concord Construction: International+/Full Overlay Wood Type: Maple Finish: Peppercorn Library: Door Style: Concord Construction: International+/Full Overlay Wood Type: Maple Finish: Peppercorn Family Room: Door Style: Concord Construction: International+/Full Overlay Wood Type: Paint Grade Paint: Showplace Paints - Extra White Morning Bar (master): Door Style: Concord Construction: International+/Full Overlay Wood Type: Maple Finish: Peppercorn Master Bath: Door Style: Concord Construction: International+/Full Overlay Wood Type: Maple Finish: Peppercorn Gallery Bar: Door Style: Concord Construction: International+/Full Overlay Wood Type: Maple Finish: Peppercorn Guest Bath: Door Style: Concord Construction: EVO Full-Access/Frameless Wood Type: Maple Finish: Peppercorn Guest Closet: Door Style: Pendleton Construction: EVO Full-Access/Frameless Wood Type: Paint Grade Paint: Showplace Paints - White II Study Bath: Door Style: Concord Construction: International+/Full Overlay Wood Type: Maple Finish: Peppercorn

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Canoe Trail Residence

Rhodes Architecture + Light

Cost : Withheld at Owner’s Request 6880 Square Feet New and Renovated The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

Gulf Coast Grandeur

Showplace Cabinetry

Canoe Trail Residence

Rhodes Architecture + Light

The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

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Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

ForeverLawn, Inc.

For the eleventh year in a row, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival partnered with ForeverLawn to create colorful, safe, and fun play areas for children and their families visiting the popular annual festival. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is an annual spring event that took place March 1 to May 29, 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. This year the resort chose Playground Grass Extreme to create Music Garden Melodies Playground featuring interactive chimes, xylophones, and drums. Visitors can romp and play on a musical note mural made of multicolored Playground Grass, and ascend innovative outdoor climbing structures. Playground Grass has been a festival favorite of organizers and visitors alike, for its natural appearance, durability, and safety features.

Intimate Courtyard, Pond and Stream

Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International

This small space was once the main parking area for this cottage lakeside home and was radically transformed into an intimate and inviting courtyard. Defined by a hand stacked fieldstone wall, granite stepping stones lead from the entrance of the garden and gradually wind their way over a stream bed and lead to the porch that borders the garden. Although set in a cold weather climate, the client requested that the garden be developed to have a lush tropical feeling yet remain consistent with the general surroundings. This was achieved by using a mixture of large leafed perennials such as Ligularia, Hosta and Petasites (Butterbur) ,along with various groundcovers and other perennials including Ferns, Iris and Japanese Forest Grass. The central feature of the garden is a naturalized meandering stream and pond filled with Koi. The use of water in the garden thematically ties the house and courtyard to the homes’ surrounding, an adjacent lake, and adds movement and tranquil sound to the space. Stepping stones appear to float across the surface of the water allowing the visitor another way to enjoy the space. Scale is essential with even the smallest detail needing to be well executed within such limited space. Photos by: George Dzahristos

Great Room with Kitchen Island

Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction

Along the teak-paneled kitchen wall, sliding and pocketing doors open to reveal additional work and storage space, a coffee station and wine bar. Architecture and interior design by Pierre Hoppenot, Studio PHH Architects.

Craftsman Addition and Renovation

Rockwell Custom

Mid-sized elegant stone front porch photo in Philadelphia with a roof extension

Menlo Park

Eileen Gordon Design

A new porch highlights the front door, once difficult to find, on this variation of a traditional Cape Cod home. Ample windows on axis with the living room entry focus a visitor’s attention on a sun filled garden terrace and water feature. From above, light streams through a ridge clerestory, inspired by the client’s love of the Stanford University Barn’s similar roof detail. The newly raised ceiling creates a lofty, inviting space. Below the living room, a new basement home theater is finished with fine wood paneling and accented with art from their collection.

Studio 19 Onemana Bach

Strachan Group Architects

Simon Devitt
Trendy bedroom photo in Auckland

International Center Office Building

D&P Associates

Located at the crossroads of Ngo Quyen and Trang Tien street, International Center owns a prime spot in the heart of Hanoi's central business district, surrounded by the city's iconic cultural heritages, such as, Sword Lake, Hanoi Opera House, Metropole Hotel, and Trang Tien Plaza. Consisting 8-stories of office space and two basements for parking, International Center underwent a facade and interior renovation to bring it to a full Grade A standard and blend well with the older buildings in the area. The project's overall design, by D&P Associates, takes its inspiration from the area's heritage look and seeks a modern-classic style in which the past aligns harmoniously with the present. Aiming to respect its historical values, we preserved the original building's familiar French colonial structure. However, instead of being arranged separately, the existing windows were combined into 3-window columns, spread symmetrically on both facades to bring a sense of elegance to the building. We also used simple decorative molding and the combination of white and bronze colors to give a soft, yet luxurious look with classical architectural accents for the project. To strike a balance between past and present, we implemented modern and high-class materials wherever possible. An extensive use of bronze steel imported from Taiwan and genuine 2-layer Schuco glass imported from Germany for the cladding, helped to make a striking facade while minimizing solar and noise gain. Another statement of our exterior design is the canopies which are located at the main entrance of both facades. Extending 3 meters from the building’s face, they’re reminiscent of a pair of wings that float above the entrance hall providing a sense of lightness, and soften the building’s monolithic appearance. For the interior, the emphasis was on the reception hall, which is considered as the building's face. Our ultimate goal was to create a seamless fusion of interior and exterior architecture and a profound visual effect for its visitors. We achieved this by covering the entire ceiling and walls of the 3-meter long lobby with luxurious bronze steel to make a strong impression for passersby. In contrast, the combination of white walls, high-grade marble floors, reception desk, and black and white paintings of the old Hanoi provides an elegant monochrome look for the main hall. This style was also applied to the corridors and other public areas. For the restrooms, we introduced green for the doors and skirtings combined with white walls and marble floors. The green is inspired by the distinctive green wooden doors of the Metropole hotel - a symbol of the French colonial architectural style. Overall, with the nostalgia trend blooming in Asian culture, D&P Associates's design team aimed to express past local cultural values in a contemporary manner for the new International Center office building.

International Center Office Building

D&P Associates