Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020.

With its decorative mouldings and traditional influences throughout the home, this renovation is a classic take on modernism. Approaching the gates to the property, rich red brick surrounds a beautiful traditional white lacquered timber door with lead lite coloured panels on either side. Entering into the home, deep jarrah planked timber floors lead the way through to the kitchen and living areas. The kitchen was small for my client who loved to cook as well as her daughter’s love for baking, needing a re- configure of the space to allow the kitchen to flow and function between the existing kitchen and small meals room. Outdated cabinetry made their home look tired and needed a fresh take on the newly architecturally extended home. Traditional pairings of fresh whites, marbles and glass are delicately detailed within the design, modernising the homes interior. Lacquered chalky slabbed fronts surrounded by marbled benches and splashbacks, the introduction of curves to the isolated hood and island centre piece and depth injected with deep navy to create a monochrome palette. Warmth is then allowed in by brass hardware, reeded glass, a play on texture with tiles and warmly lit surfaces. Now a cook’s kitchen.

With its decorative mouldings and traditional influences throughout the home, this renovation is a classic take on modernism. Approaching the gates to the property, rich red brick surrounds a beautiful traditional white lacquered timber door with lead lite coloured panels on either side. Entering into the home, deep jarrah planked timber floors lead the way through to the kitchen and living areas. The kitchen was small for my client who loved to cook as well as her daughter’s love for baking, needing a re- configure of the space to allow the kitchen to flow and function between the existing kitchen and small meals room. Outdated cabinetry made their home look tired and needed a fresh take on the newly architecturally extended home. Traditional pairings of fresh whites, marbles and glass are delicately detailed within the design, modernising the homes interior. Lacquered chalky slabbed fronts surrounded by marbled benches and splashbacks, the introduction of curves to the isolated hood and island centre piece and depth injected with deep navy to create a monochrome palette. Warmth is then allowed in by brass hardware, reeded glass, a play on texture with tiles and warmly lit surfaces. Now a cook’s kitchen.

As part of the initiative to rebuild New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Brooks + Scarpa’s Make it Right (MIR) home seeks to redefine the concept of a home into a flexible, multifunctional and adaptable space addressing the needs of today’s modern family, on a limited budget. Offering shelter and comfort, the MIR home breaks the prescriptive mold of the traditional home by creating public and private “zones” in which private space is deemphasized in favor of large public living areas. The organization of the space is intended to transform the way people live—away from a reclusive, isolating layout, towards a family-oriented, interactive space. The inspiration for the exterior’s design came from American patchwork quilting traditions, particularly the distinctive Gee’s Bend quilt-makers of southwest Alabama. Recycled wooden pallets are repositioned here as a patchworked shade screen wrapping the building, an innovative alternative to expensive façade materials. The visually expressive pallets impart an imperfect, rough-hewn individuality, adding depth and texture. Brooks + Scarpa is working with local manufacturers to ensure the viability of this cost-effective and sustainable off-the-shelf product, easily obtainable and readily replaceable. The pallet wrapping is joined by decoratively perforated cement board on the east and west façades, providing both shade and privacy, while allowing views out and dappled, indirect daylight and breezes to enter. All the exterior elements will combine and interweave, emerging as a distinctive pattern-making aesthetic.

Designed and Photographed by: Marco Romani, RLA - Landscape Architect. Glenview Design - Outdoor Living Terrace and Landscape. ____Constructed by: Arrow

Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020.

With its decorative mouldings and traditional influences throughout the home, this renovation is a classic take on modernism. Approaching the gates to the property, rich red brick surrounds a beautiful traditional white lacquered timber door with lead lite coloured panels on either side. Entering into the home, deep jarrah planked timber floors lead the way through to the kitchen and living areas. The kitchen was small for my client who loved to cook as well as her daughter’s love for baking, needing a re- configure of the space to allow the kitchen to flow and function between the existing kitchen and small meals room. Outdated cabinetry made their home look tired and needed a fresh take on the newly architecturally extended home. Traditional pairings of fresh whites, marbles and glass are delicately detailed within the design, modernising the homes interior. Lacquered chalky slabbed fronts surrounded by marbled benches and splashbacks, the introduction of curves to the isolated hood and island centre piece and depth injected with deep navy to create a monochrome palette. Warmth is then allowed in by brass hardware, reeded glass, a play on texture with tiles and warmly lit surfaces. Now a cook’s kitchen.

Project Type : Residential Location : Ethul Kotte Land Area :3267 sqft ( 12 p ) Architects : Archt. Sameera Dharmasena (menakaimai design studio) : Archt. Menaka Karunarathna (menakaimai design studio) Structural Engineering : Eng Sajeewa Edirrisingha Write-up : Archt. Navoda Rthnayaka Photographs : Amila Rathnayaka (Amila Rathnayaka photography) Just as the eyes are the windows to a person’s soul, a house is a window to its architect’s aspirations. The residence for Mr. Alex and family at Ethul Kotte is a perfect example for this, which is an open book with multiple layers. From the entrance to the rooftop, each space creates a specific impression and reveals a little more about the users, as it has been perfectly captured by the architect. The house is located at the further end of a narrow drive-way, almost hidden from view with its dark façade and greenery, and sits in a compact lot that opens to a marsh at its rear end. With its cladded wall of cement blocks with a unique imprint and the line of bamboo covering the length of the front wall, the boundaries are defined effortlessly while drawing focus to the main entrance. Earthy feeling created at this point heavily dwells on the solidity of the materials and the muted color palette, which is juxtaposed by the lightness of the timber gate, perforated external façade and screen of vines flowing down from the rooftop. Upon entering, the ambiance of the house changes from its somber guarded exterior to a bright and spacious interior that completely opens to its surroundings. The floating staircase that climbs along the dark titanium wall and the adjoining courtyard run through the full height of the building, merging the solids and the voids at all levels. Spatial organization in the house is predominantly in three layers and each section of a floor has a clear demarcation between the public and private spaces. Spaciousness is achieved through the simplicity of the spaces, minimalistic furniture and muted tones that are complemented by the complete openness created by the glass facades covering the full height of the spaces. Another noticeable feature is the landscaping where thick low hedges are broken by thin trees to mimic a rampart that characterizes the intermediate space between the interior and boundary of the site, which is demarcated by the alternating solids and voids of the boundary fence. The ground level creates a warm, welcoming ambiance that is ideal for entertaining guests. From the lines of textures and materials used, to heights and orientations of furniture, each element complements each other to add volume and composure to the space. A peculiar feature is a subtle inspiration from Japanese architecture that is visible in the sharp lines and several decorative features, which enhance the ambiance with splashes of vibrancy created by the simple, yet colorful elements. While the open living-dining space is a subtle fusion between a modern western living space and the Sri Lankan lifestyle that welcomes nature and social interactions, privacy of adjoining spaces such as the kitchen and bedroom is ensured by isolation made pleasant by their private courtyards. Gradually gracing a visitor at the extended landing of the first floor is the calming sight of the full height cross formed by light filtering through crafted gaps on the wall which becomes a feature and an open shrine. This , seamless flows to the rest of the floor with its vibrant, spacious family living room and TV lobby a that connects all these well as the custom-designed bedrooms The ambiance of each room voices the unique needs and tastes of its user, while the private balcony screened from the outside by a perforated aluminum façade and a screen of vines, creates an intimate niche. A significant feature is the glazed walls of the master bedroom, which are only screened by thick canvas shades that open to a mesmerizing sunset and a view of the marsh. This makes one question the concepts of privacy traditionally Sri Lankans, whereas the user appears to be embracing the vulnerability in openness and enjoying the soothing beauty in nature through the same. The second floor is mostly the rooftop garden and bar, which is a multi-functional space ideal for a small gathering. The curtain of creepers covering the full height glass façade separating the bar and open terrace creates a significant change in ambiance by defining the cozy, timber interior of the bar, against the outdoor-, where the monotonous greenery is only broken by a splash of red from the punctured cover of a service staircase running to the upper rooftop level. The uniqueness is in how each space caters for contrast in transition between ambiances spanning from an intimate, mystic bar area ideal for isolation, to a lively social space creates a unique mood compared to the rest of the house. The rooftop thus completes the transition of spaces from open and interactive interior to a mind-palace and a garden that inspires the soul. “I think that my job is to observe people and the world, and not to judge them; I always hope To position myself away from so-called conclusions; I would like to leave everything wide open To all the possibilities in the world.” -Haruki Murakami- Layering is a key feature in this design, which is evident in how the façade filters inwards from the curtain of greenery, permeable panel and the external wall, as well as the spatial structure of the interior. The linear form of the building, where the living spaces completely open-out through the glazed facades at the rear end of each floor merges these family-spaces with the neighborhood, which avoids complete isolation of the family. Thus, the design is inspired by the need for a sense of freedom in the residents, while allowing the house to become a place for escape when desired.

With its decorative mouldings and traditional influences throughout the home, this renovation is a classic take on modernism. Approaching the gates to the property, rich red brick surrounds a beautiful traditional white lacquered timber door with lead lite coloured panels on either side. Entering into the home, deep jarrah planked timber floors lead the way through to the kitchen and living areas. The kitchen was small for my client who loved to cook as well as her daughter’s love for baking, needing a re- configure of the space to allow the kitchen to flow and function between the existing kitchen and small meals room. Outdated cabinetry made their home look tired and needed a fresh take on the newly architecturally extended home. Traditional pairings of fresh whites, marbles and glass are delicately detailed within the design, modernising the homes interior. Lacquered chalky slabbed fronts surrounded by marbled benches and splashbacks, the introduction of curves to the isolated hood and island centre piece and depth injected with deep navy to create a monochrome palette. Warmth is then allowed in by brass hardware, reeded glass, a play on texture with tiles and warmly lit surfaces. Now a cook’s kitchen.

Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020.

Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020.

Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020.

With its decorative mouldings and traditional influences throughout the home, this renovation is a classic take on modernism. Approaching the gates to the property, rich red brick surrounds a beautiful traditional white lacquered timber door with lead lite coloured panels on either side. Entering into the home, deep jarrah planked timber floors lead the way through to the kitchen and living areas. The kitchen was small for my client who loved to cook as well as her daughter’s love for baking, needing a re- configure of the space to allow the kitchen to flow and function between the existing kitchen and small meals room. Outdated cabinetry made their home look tired and needed a fresh take on the newly architecturally extended home. Traditional pairings of fresh whites, marbles and glass are delicately detailed within the design, modernising the homes interior. Lacquered chalky slabbed fronts surrounded by marbled benches and splashbacks, the introduction of curves to the isolated hood and island centre piece and depth injected with deep navy to create a monochrome palette. Warmth is then allowed in by brass hardware, reeded glass, a play on texture with tiles and warmly lit surfaces. Now a cook’s kitchen.

Photographer: Chuck Heiney Crossing the threshold, you know this is the home you’ve always dreamed of. At home in any neighborhood, Pineleigh’s architectural style and family-focused floor plan offers timeless charm yet is geared toward today’s relaxed lifestyle. Full of light, warmth and thoughtful details that make a house a home, Pineleigh enchants from the custom entryway that includes a mahogany door, columns and a peaked roof. Two outdoor porches to the home’s left side offer plenty of spaces to enjoy outdoor living, making this cedar-shake-covered design perfect for a waterfront or woodsy lot. Inside, more than 2,000 square feet await on the main level. The family cook is never isolated in the spacious central kitchen, which is located on the back of the house behind the large, 17 by 30-foot living room and 12 by 18 formal dining room which functions for both formal and casual occasions and is adjacent to the charming screened-in porch and outdoor patio. Distinctive details include a large foyer, a private den/office with built-ins and all of the extras a family needs – an eating banquette in the kitchen as well as a walk-in pantry, first-floor laundry, cleaning closet and a mud room near the 1,000square foot garage stocked with built-in lockers and a three-foot bench. Upstairs is another covered deck and a dreamy 18 by 13-foot master bedroom/bath suite with deck access for enjoying morning coffee or late-night stargazing. Three additional bedrooms and a bath accommodate a growing family, as does the 1,700-square foot lower level, where an additional bar/kitchen with counter, a billiards space and an additional guest bedroom, exercise space and two baths complete the extensive offerings.

With its decorative mouldings and traditional influences throughout the home, this renovation is a classic take on modernism. Approaching the gates to the property, rich red brick surrounds a beautiful traditional white lacquered timber door with lead lite coloured panels on either side. Entering into the home, deep jarrah planked timber floors lead the way through to the kitchen and living areas. The kitchen was small for my client who loved to cook as well as her daughter’s love for baking, needing a re- configure of the space to allow the kitchen to flow and function between the existing kitchen and small meals room. Outdated cabinetry made their home look tired and needed a fresh take on the newly architecturally extended home. Traditional pairings of fresh whites, marbles and glass are delicately detailed within the design, modernising the homes interior. Lacquered chalky slabbed fronts surrounded by marbled benches and splashbacks, the introduction of curves to the isolated hood and island centre piece and depth injected with deep navy to create a monochrome palette. Warmth is then allowed in by brass hardware, reeded glass, a play on texture with tiles and warmly lit surfaces. Now a cook’s kitchen.

The original kitchen was dark and lacked storage space. It was cut off from the rest of the house and needed an update. We removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen and bumped the kitchen out in the rear of the house. We created lots of storage, a new island with seating and added windows bringing in much needed natural light. The kitchen is now a hub of activity for the whole family.

SDH Studio - Architecture and Design Location: Golden Beach, Florida, USA Set on a unique corner lot overlooking the water in Golden Beach this home was designed as a sequence of experiences that frame the beautiful views and lead to a seamless transition between interior and exterior architecture.

This was a complete kitchen renovation. The remodel included removing skylights and installing a two story bump up adding no square footage to the room but creating a dramatic visual even for the most discriminating designer. When you enter this kitchen your eyes wander trying to absorb the immense planning and detail that went into the renovation but ultimately you find yourself positioned under the large Theresa Maria chandelier gazing into the sky. The kitchen was designed around the 48 inch Thermador stove. The 2 story inset cabinet creation around the stove flows up into the addition creating a visual masterpiece that is only rivaled by original pieces of art works created by the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso and Rembrandt. The sink was relocated from the exterior wall and into the island so that the stove wall would be isolated and not connected any other cabinets. The 36-inch-wide refrigerator and 36-inch-wide freezer were designed and installed next to a microwave cabinet that makes heating up items as convenient as 1,2,3. The outside cabinet wall section is perfect for entertaining with the 42 inch base cabinets. The massive two-tiered island of 124 inches long is perfect for everyday family living. A farmer’s sink adds the perfect touch to this traditional design. Renovating a kitchen without ceiling detail is one of the most overlooked parts of the renovation. The amount of money spent on the renovation depends on the budget of course but I highly recommend including ceiling detail as much as one considers the tile backsplash.

Photos by Beth Singer Architecture/Build: Luxe Homes Design Build
Mid-sized minimalist freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room photo in Detroit with green walls