Nestled at the end of a long flag lot driveway in Amagansett, NY, a young couple purchased the property with intentions to construct a second home for their growing family. A home that would not only be comfortable for the immediate family but also serve and grow on busy summer weekends to accommodate extended family, friends, children and guests. The tight lot along with the sizable program culminated in the building envelope being pushed to every limit, restriction and regulation one could imagine. The resulting architecture possesses a traditional Hamptons cottage exterior juxtaposed with modern elements that help break up the single mass. Centered on the entry façade is a large double story window that shrouds the floating switchback staircase on the interior. A bluestone patio wraps three sides of the home, which, in the rear, leads to a small in ground pool with a frameless glass railing. In the interior, custom white washed white oak floors run throughout the home as well as on the floating central staircase. For a more modern style of living, the open living, kitchen and dining area serve as one large entertaining space. In an area surrounded by sprawling Mcmansions, this tightly knit home functions more similar to that of a large NYC apartment by serving the perfect balance between maximized form with the right amount of function given the strict parameters. Large glass sliders open the living and dining rooms to the backyard patio and pool creating harmony between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Shaker style cabinets in the kitchen pair with a more contemporary staircase softened by the warmer wood tones of the vertical slats that surround it.

Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida Architect: Eric Watson Builder: Hufham Farris Construction Working with Hufham Farris Construction and architect Eric Watson on this beautiful and unique Alys Beach residence, we supplied a custom E. F. San Juan front entry door, custom interior windows for the wine cellar, custom exterior gates, exterior railings, exterior paneling and trim, and the magnificent Loewen® windows and doors that make a statement the moment you see the home. Challenges: Due to our limited production capacity in the wake of Hurricane Michael, providing custom millwork for this home was challenging, but our team was happy and proud to return to work after such a disaster. The primary challenge on this gorgeous 5,050-plus-square-foot residence designed by Eric Watson was the vaulted two-story wall of windows that comprises most of the facade. Another feature of this home is the incredible 600-bottle wine cellar on the first floor. Watson wanted this amenity to be a focal point for residents and guests, with large glass windows looking into the cellar from a hallway at the front of the house. Due to the delicate nature of wine and the need to protect the bottles from sunlight, this meant creating custom windows that would block the light while still allowing a view of the cellar from the outside. E. F. San Juan provided these custom windows that filter UV light and are airtight to keep out moisture and regulate the cellar’s temperature. Solution: We worked closely with our trusted partners at Loewen to supply the large, impact-rated windows for the home’s grand facade and throughout the property, along with exterior doors leading to the courtyard, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces. The E. F. San Juan team also created the accompanying millwork and matching exterior trim, railings, and more. Providing privacy, security, and beauty, the front entry door and driveway gates were also made by E. F. San Juan. This new-build home, completed in 2020, exudes the quintessential luxury and unique design acumen of Alys Beach. It was recently sold by agent Matt McGuire of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty for $7.2 million—a record-breaking sale for residences north of Scenic Highway 30-A in the coastal South Walton area of Northwest Florida. E. F. San Juan is proud to be part of the talented team that created such a standout property in the affluent community of Alys Beach. —- Photography by Tim Kramer, courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty

Photo of a coastal landscaping in Boston.

Nestled at the end of a long flag lot driveway in Amagansett, NY, a young couple purchased the property with intentions to construct a second home for their growing family. A home that would not only be comfortable for the immediate family but also serve and grow on busy summer weekends to accommodate extended family, friends, children and guests. The tight lot along with the sizable program culminated in the building envelope being pushed to every limit, restriction and regulation one could imagine. The resulting architecture possesses a traditional Hamptons cottage exterior juxtaposed with modern elements that help break up the single mass. Centered on the entry façade is a large double story window that shrouds the floating switchback staircase on the interior. A bluestone patio wraps three sides of the home, which, in the rear, leads to a small in ground pool with a frameless glass railing. In the interior, custom white washed white oak floors run throughout the home as well as on the floating central staircase. For a more modern style of living, the open living, kitchen and dining area serve as one large entertaining space. In an area surrounded by sprawling Mcmansions, this tightly knit home functions more similar to that of a large NYC apartment by serving the perfect balance between maximized form with the right amount of function given the strict parameters. Large glass sliders open the living and dining rooms to the backyard patio and pool creating harmony between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Shaker style cabinets in the kitchen pair with a more contemporary staircase softened by the warmer wood tones of the vertical slats that surround it.

Nestled at the end of a long flag lot driveway in Amagansett, NY, a young couple purchased the property with intentions to construct a second home for their growing family. A home that would not only be comfortable for the immediate family but also serve and grow on busy summer weekends to accommodate extended family, friends, children and guests. The tight lot along with the sizable program culminated in the building envelope being pushed to every limit, restriction and regulation one could imagine. The resulting architecture possesses a traditional Hamptons cottage exterior juxtaposed with modern elements that help break up the single mass. Centered on the entry façade is a large double story window that shrouds the floating switchback staircase on the interior. A bluestone patio wraps three sides of the home, which, in the rear, leads to a small in ground pool with a frameless glass railing. In the interior, custom white washed white oak floors run throughout the home as well as on the floating central staircase. For a more modern style of living, the open living, kitchen and dining area serve as one large entertaining space. In an area surrounded by sprawling Mcmansions, this tightly knit home functions more similar to that of a large NYC apartment by serving the perfect balance between maximized form with the right amount of function given the strict parameters. Large glass sliders open the living and dining rooms to the backyard patio and pool creating harmony between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Shaker style cabinets in the kitchen pair with a more contemporary staircase softened by the warmer wood tones of the vertical slats that surround it.

Summer Street House Remodel in Ojai is a small, three bedroom house tucked away in a quiet corner near downtown Ojai. Two unassuming, white farmhouse cottages are centered around a courtyard with two small cabins in the back. The first cottage contains the living room, dining room, kitchen and a powder room. Connected by a gravel courtyard and stone walkway, the second cottage contains the bedrooms, bathrooms and laundry room. All four structures on the property have recently undergone a full renovation completed in early 2021. The central courtyard has a custom made dining table under a canopy of mature olives and flanked by a stone fire pit.

Tamara Alvarez
Design ideas for a small tropical partial sun side yard landscaping in Miami with decking.

Nestled at the end of a long flag lot driveway in Amagansett, NY, a young couple purchased the property with intentions to construct a second home for their growing family. A home that would not only be comfortable for the immediate family but also serve and grow on busy summer weekends to accommodate extended family, friends, children and guests. The tight lot along with the sizable program culminated in the building envelope being pushed to every limit, restriction and regulation one could imagine. The resulting architecture possesses a traditional Hamptons cottage exterior juxtaposed with modern elements that help break up the single mass. Centered on the entry façade is a large double story window that shrouds the floating switchback staircase on the interior. A bluestone patio wraps three sides of the home, which, in the rear, leads to a small in ground pool with a frameless glass railing. In the interior, custom white washed white oak floors run throughout the home as well as on the floating central staircase. For a more modern style of living, the open living, kitchen and dining area serve as one large entertaining space. In an area surrounded by sprawling Mcmansions, this tightly knit home functions more similar to that of a large NYC apartment by serving the perfect balance between maximized form with the right amount of function given the strict parameters. Large glass sliders open the living and dining rooms to the backyard patio and pool creating harmony between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Shaker style cabinets in the kitchen pair with a more contemporary staircase softened by the warmer wood tones of the vertical slats that surround it.

The main goal for the owners of this 1926 house was an addition to gain more closet space near their main floor master bedroom. During the design stage, they also decided to create a zen home office for one of the owner’s reiki business that had direct access for visitors from the backyard, rather than walking through the house. Painted stucco was used on the new addition to match a previously added sunroom at the other side of the house. Matching windows were also added. The proposed design featured a simple shed roof at the side addition and a hip roof at the front and back. View of addition from the back of the house – the French doors lead into the office. We extended the existing flagstone patio to the addition and office entry. In assessing the feasibility of the project, the first thing the designer did was to check the zoning regulations. After a thorough study, it was determined that a 7-foot side addition was possible. This 7-foot addition was adequate for a built-in cabinetry storage and a new powder room. The design proposal also included a rear wraparound 13ftx13ft home office, that gave the existing rear patio a courtyard feel. The proposed addition was accessed from both the existing master bedroom and another bedroom that was converted into a family/ TV room. The main access to the home office addition was through the backyard.

The main goal for the owners of this 1926 house was an addition to gain more closet space near their main floor master bedroom. During the design stage, they also decided to create a zen home office for one of the owner’s reiki business that had direct access for visitors from the backyard, rather than walking through the house. Painted stucco was used on the new addition to match a previously added sunroom at the other side of the house. Matching windows were also added. The proposed design featured a simple shed roof at the side addition and a hip roof at the front and back. View of addition from the back of the house – the French doors lead into the office. We extended the existing flagstone patio to the addition and office entry. In assessing the feasibility of the project, the first thing the designer did was to check the zoning regulations. After a thorough study, it was determined that a 7-foot side addition was possible. This 7-foot addition was adequate for a built-in cabinetry storage and a new powder room. The design proposal also included a rear wraparound 13ftx13ft home office, that gave the existing rear patio a courtyard feel. The proposed addition was accessed from both the existing master bedroom and another bedroom that was converted into a family/ TV room. The main access to the home office addition was through the backyard.

Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida Architect: Eric Watson Builder: Hufham Farris Construction Working with Hufham Farris Construction and architect Eric Watson on this beautiful and unique Alys Beach residence, we supplied a custom E. F. San Juan front entry door, custom interior windows for the wine cellar, custom exterior gates, exterior railings, exterior paneling and trim, and the magnificent Loewen® windows and doors that make a statement the moment you see the home. Challenges: Due to our limited production capacity in the wake of Hurricane Michael, providing custom millwork for this home was challenging, but our team was happy and proud to return to work after such a disaster. The primary challenge on this gorgeous 5,050-plus-square-foot residence designed by Eric Watson was the vaulted two-story wall of windows that comprises most of the facade. Another feature of this home is the incredible 600-bottle wine cellar on the first floor. Watson wanted this amenity to be a focal point for residents and guests, with large glass windows looking into the cellar from a hallway at the front of the house. Due to the delicate nature of wine and the need to protect the bottles from sunlight, this meant creating custom windows that would block the light while still allowing a view of the cellar from the outside. E. F. San Juan provided these custom windows that filter UV light and are airtight to keep out moisture and regulate the cellar’s temperature. Solution: We worked closely with our trusted partners at Loewen to supply the large, impact-rated windows for the home’s grand facade and throughout the property, along with exterior doors leading to the courtyard, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces. The E. F. San Juan team also created the accompanying millwork and matching exterior trim, railings, and more. Providing privacy, security, and beauty, the front entry door and driveway gates were also made by E. F. San Juan. This new-build home, completed in 2020, exudes the quintessential luxury and unique design acumen of Alys Beach. It was recently sold by agent Matt McGuire of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty for $7.2 million—a record-breaking sale for residences north of Scenic Highway 30-A in the coastal South Walton area of Northwest Florida. E. F. San Juan is proud to be part of the talented team that created such a standout property in the affluent community of Alys Beach. —- Photography by Tim Kramer, courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty

The main goal for the owners of this 1926 house was an addition to gain more closet space near their main floor master bedroom. During the design stage, they also decided to create a zen home office for one of the owner’s reiki business that had direct access for visitors from the backyard, rather than walking through the house. Painted stucco was used on the new addition to match a previously added sunroom at the other side of the house. Matching windows were also added. The proposed design featured a simple shed roof at the side addition and a hip roof at the front and back. View of addition from the back of the house – the French doors lead into the office. We extended the existing flagstone patio to the addition and office entry. In assessing the feasibility of the project, the first thing the designer did was to check the zoning regulations. After a thorough study, it was determined that a 7-foot side addition was possible. This 7-foot addition was adequate for a built-in cabinetry storage and a new powder room. The design proposal also included a rear wraparound 13ftx13ft home office, that gave the existing rear patio a courtyard feel. The proposed addition was accessed from both the existing master bedroom and another bedroom that was converted into a family/ TV room. The main access to the home office addition was through the backyard.

Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida Architect: Eric Watson Builder: Hufham Farris Construction Working with Hufham Farris Construction and architect Eric Watson on this beautiful and unique Alys Beach residence, we supplied a custom E. F. San Juan front entry door, custom interior windows for the wine cellar, custom exterior gates, exterior railings, exterior paneling and trim, and the magnificent Loewen® windows and doors that make a statement the moment you see the home. Challenges: Due to our limited production capacity in the wake of Hurricane Michael, providing custom millwork for this home was challenging, but our team was happy and proud to return to work after such a disaster. The primary challenge on this gorgeous 5,050-plus-square-foot residence designed by Eric Watson was the vaulted two-story wall of windows that comprises most of the facade. Another feature of this home is the incredible 600-bottle wine cellar on the first floor. Watson wanted this amenity to be a focal point for residents and guests, with large glass windows looking into the cellar from a hallway at the front of the house. Due to the delicate nature of wine and the need to protect the bottles from sunlight, this meant creating custom windows that would block the light while still allowing a view of the cellar from the outside. E. F. San Juan provided these custom windows that filter UV light and are airtight to keep out moisture and regulate the cellar’s temperature. Solution: We worked closely with our trusted partners at Loewen to supply the large, impact-rated windows for the home’s grand facade and throughout the property, along with exterior doors leading to the courtyard, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces. The E. F. San Juan team also created the accompanying millwork and matching exterior trim, railings, and more. Providing privacy, security, and beauty, the front entry door and driveway gates were also made by E. F. San Juan. This new-build home, completed in 2020, exudes the quintessential luxury and unique design acumen of Alys Beach. It was recently sold by agent Matt McGuire of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty for $7.2 million—a record-breaking sale for residences north of Scenic Highway 30-A in the coastal South Walton area of Northwest Florida. E. F. San Juan is proud to be part of the talented team that created such a standout property in the affluent community of Alys Beach. —- Photography by Tim Kramer, courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty

The site for this waterfront residence is located on the Great Neck Peninsula, facing west to views of NYC and the borough bridges. When purchased, there existed a 50-year-old house and pool structurally condemned which required immediate removal. Once the site was cleared, a year was devoted to stabilizing the seawall and hill to accommodate the newly proposed home. The lot size, shape and relationship to an easement access road, overlaid with strict zoning regulations was a key factor in the organization of the client’s program elements. The arc contour of the easement road and required setback informed the front facade shape, which was designed as a privacy screen, as adjacent homes are in close proximity. Due to strict height requirements the house from the street appears to be one story and then steps down the hill allowing for three fully occupiable floors. The local jurisdiction also granted special approval accepting the design of the garage, within the front set back, as its roof is level with the roadbed and fully landscaped. A path accesses a hidden door to the bedroom level of the house. The garage is accessed through a semicircular driveway that leads to a depressed entry courtyard, offering privacy to the main entrance. The configuration of the home is a U-shape surrounding a rear courtyard. This shape, along with suspended pods assures water views to all occupants while not compromising privacy from the adjacent homes. The house is constructed on a steel frame, clad with fiber cement, resin panels and an aluminum curtain wall system. All roofs are accessible as either decks or landscaped garden areas. The lower level accesses decks, an outdoor kitchen, and pool area which are perched on the edge of the upper retaining wall.

Nestled at the end of a long flag lot driveway in Amagansett, NY, a young couple purchased the property with intentions to construct a second home for their growing family. A home that would not only be comfortable for the immediate family but also serve and grow on busy summer weekends to accommodate extended family, friends, children and guests. The tight lot along with the sizable program culminated in the building envelope being pushed to every limit, restriction and regulation one could imagine. The resulting architecture possesses a traditional Hamptons cottage exterior juxtaposed with modern elements that help break up the single mass. Centered on the entry façade is a large double story window that shrouds the floating switchback staircase on the interior. A bluestone patio wraps three sides of the home, which, in the rear, leads to a small in ground pool with a frameless glass railing. In the interior, custom white washed white oak floors run throughout the home as well as on the floating central staircase. For a more modern style of living, the open living, kitchen and dining area serve as one large entertaining space. In an area surrounded by sprawling Mcmansions, this tightly knit home functions more similar to that of a large NYC apartment by serving the perfect balance between maximized form with the right amount of function given the strict parameters. Large glass sliders open the living and dining rooms to the backyard patio and pool creating harmony between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Shaker style cabinets in the kitchen pair with a more contemporary staircase softened by the warmer wood tones of the vertical slats that surround it.

Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida Architect: Eric Watson Builder: Hufham Farris Construction Working with Hufham Farris Construction and architect Eric Watson on this beautiful and unique Alys Beach residence, we supplied a custom E. F. San Juan front entry door, custom interior windows for the wine cellar, custom exterior gates, exterior railings, exterior paneling and trim, and the magnificent Loewen® windows and doors that make a statement the moment you see the home. Challenges: Due to our limited production capacity in the wake of Hurricane Michael, providing custom millwork for this home was challenging, but our team was happy and proud to return to work after such a disaster. The primary challenge on this gorgeous 5,050-plus-square-foot residence designed by Eric Watson was the vaulted two-story wall of windows that comprises most of the facade. Another feature of this home is the incredible 600-bottle wine cellar on the first floor. Watson wanted this amenity to be a focal point for residents and guests, with large glass windows looking into the cellar from a hallway at the front of the house. Due to the delicate nature of wine and the need to protect the bottles from sunlight, this meant creating custom windows that would block the light while still allowing a view of the cellar from the outside. E. F. San Juan provided these custom windows that filter UV light and are airtight to keep out moisture and regulate the cellar’s temperature. Solution: We worked closely with our trusted partners at Loewen to supply the large, impact-rated windows for the home’s grand facade and throughout the property, along with exterior doors leading to the courtyard, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces. The E. F. San Juan team also created the accompanying millwork and matching exterior trim, railings, and more. Providing privacy, security, and beauty, the front entry door and driveway gates were also made by E. F. San Juan. This new-build home, completed in 2020, exudes the quintessential luxury and unique design acumen of Alys Beach. It was recently sold by agent Matt McGuire of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty for $7.2 million—a record-breaking sale for residences north of Scenic Highway 30-A in the coastal South Walton area of Northwest Florida. E. F. San Juan is proud to be part of the talented team that created such a standout property in the affluent community of Alys Beach. —- Photography by Tim Kramer, courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty

Photo of a contemporary landscaping in Other.

Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida Architect: Eric Watson Builder: Hufham Farris Construction Working with Hufham Farris Construction and architect Eric Watson on this beautiful and unique Alys Beach residence, we supplied a custom E. F. San Juan front entry door, custom interior windows for the wine cellar, custom exterior gates, exterior railings, exterior paneling and trim, and the magnificent Loewen® windows and doors that make a statement the moment you see the home. Challenges: Due to our limited production capacity in the wake of Hurricane Michael, providing custom millwork for this home was challenging, but our team was happy and proud to return to work after such a disaster. The primary challenge on this gorgeous 5,050-plus-square-foot residence designed by Eric Watson was the vaulted two-story wall of windows that comprises most of the facade. Another feature of this home is the incredible 600-bottle wine cellar on the first floor. Watson wanted this amenity to be a focal point for residents and guests, with large glass windows looking into the cellar from a hallway at the front of the house. Due to the delicate nature of wine and the need to protect the bottles from sunlight, this meant creating custom windows that would block the light while still allowing a view of the cellar from the outside. E. F. San Juan provided these custom windows that filter UV light and are airtight to keep out moisture and regulate the cellar’s temperature. Solution: We worked closely with our trusted partners at Loewen to supply the large, impact-rated windows for the home’s grand facade and throughout the property, along with exterior doors leading to the courtyard, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces. The E. F. San Juan team also created the accompanying millwork and matching exterior trim, railings, and more. Providing privacy, security, and beauty, the front entry door and driveway gates were also made by E. F. San Juan. This new-build home, completed in 2020, exudes the quintessential luxury and unique design acumen of Alys Beach. It was recently sold by agent Matt McGuire of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty for $7.2 million—a record-breaking sale for residences north of Scenic Highway 30-A in the coastal South Walton area of Northwest Florida. E. F. San Juan is proud to be part of the talented team that created such a standout property in the affluent community of Alys Beach. —- Photography by Tim Kramer, courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty

Dan D'Agostino, AIA Located in Montclair, coined Manhattan’s sixth borough, is a commuter town with progressive ideals. This modern renovation and addition to a 1960’s split level home is a statement of architecture consistent with the modern undertone to the city’s new development. A recessed minimal entry, through a six-foot pivot door, leads you to a light filled open plan Kitchen, Dining Room and Living Room marked abstract compositions of wall and window. The indoors are extended to the outdoor by way of a 13 foot sliding Nana wall. Minimalistically appointed, natural light is the main focus of this renovation. Our client valued the notion of a fresh home that with statement architecture. Zoning regulations presented an additional layer of complexity. Split level homes are typically the hardest to work one, we were able make several large modifications such as a widened stair, alignments between floors and a lofted 2 story Living Room tie the new to old.