One of the challenges of this project was to break down the old room barriers and develop a lively new matrix of linearly iterated experiences similar to an urban loft. The new space was to provide a open flowing hierarchy of composite addition and the original home spaces including living, kitchen, dining areas in the addition as well as a compact assembly of den, entertainment, guest space, and master bedroom suite in the original home. A minimalist approach was developed lining the special current of the wooden structural hull of brown maple cased rafter and girder architecture. Skylights, a vaulted hip roof structure and rigid foam insulation between the rafters were covered with drywall and or maple plywood. The trim is brown or natural maple with ¼” square corner beads. Light valances and wall mounted lights were used throughout. The kitchen was opened to the living and dining room and further illuminated with skylights as was the old living room and bedroom, which were converted into the open master suite closet and bathroom. New windows were relocated in some areas and borrowed interior transom window perforated the “cubicalness” of the original home. A cut glass chandelier was installed in the master bath as a parody of the architectural digest mentality of the main stream. James Yochum

The west end of the home showing the second of three ponds created on site with small streams and waterfalls connecting them. The outdoor shower is behind the wood screen walls. Brian Vanden Brink Photographer Landscape Architect: Stephen Mohr: morhseredin.com

Swimming pool with built in spa. The pool is finished in Oceanscapes Glass Tile and Hydrazzo Plaster Finish. The patio and coping is Bluestone. One the upper patio is a custom kitchen/bar with pergola and gas fire pit.

At this residence, we created a small flagstone patio and backyard fire area nestled in the corner of their property. A pondless water feature starts behind the fire pit. Its first set of falls cascade down toward the fire and the viewers, then the stream winds its way around the boulders that contain the fire area. The final cascade faces the house and outdoor kitchen, making the feature visible and audible from all outdoor living areas. Plantings provide seasonal color and screening from the golf course without blocking the broader view.

At this residence, we created a small flagstone patio and backyard fire area nestled in the corner of their property. A pondless water feature starts behind the fire pit. Its first set of falls cascade down toward the fire and the viewers, then the stream winds its way around the boulders that contain the fire area. The final cascade faces the house and outdoor kitchen, making the feature visible and audible from all outdoor living areas. Plantings provide seasonal color and screening from the golf course without blocking the broader view.

At this residence, we created a small flagstone patio and backyard fire area nestled in the corner of their property. A pondless water feature starts behind the fire pit. Its first set of falls cascade down toward the fire and the viewers, then the stream winds its way around the boulders that contain the fire area. The final cascade faces the house and outdoor kitchen, making the feature visible and audible from all outdoor living areas. Plantings provide seasonal color and screening from the golf course without blocking the broader view.

This bright and airy contemporary living room beautifully balances clean architectural lines with warm, organic textures. A sleek, floating wood media console provides stylish, space-saving storage while anchoring the room's focal wall. Above the console, a vibrant, framed landscape painting introduces an energetic pop of color that perfectly offsets the serene, neutral palette. A comfortable, textured grey sofa layered with soft beige pillows invites relaxation, positioned perfectly to enjoy the abundant natural light streaming through the large window. Accented with a charming indoor olive tree and minimalist ceramic vases, this inviting space effortlessly blends modern sophistication with everyday comfort, making it an ideal retreat for unwinding.

Located on a wooded lot on the south side of Mount Orford in Estrie, this country house is designed to enjoy views of the wooded slope down to a stream at the bottom of the valley and rising to the opposite cliff. The south offers a splendid view of distant mountains. Of modest size, the house is simple, modern and showcases natural materials. It opens towards the forest and the landscape while preserving the intimacy of the customers. The interior is spacious; the living spaces are communicating and friendly, with a high ceiling above the living room and a large picture window in front of the master bedroom, on the mezzanine. The living areas open onto an outdoor terrace that anchors the house to its rocky terrain, protected from the weather and hidden from the street. The rock of the land is highlighted at the edge of the terrace, where a rock face down the slope. A large roof overhang protects the house from the sun in the summer, and the low-level concrete floors absorb sunlight in the winter. The house has been designed according to the criteria of LEED and Novoclimat.

Transforming an ordinary backyard into a one-of-a-kind outdoor retreat, this custom water feature project was designed and built around the property’s existing space, elevation, and natural surroundings. The project features a custom koi and fish pond with clear water, aquatic plants, colorful koi, natural stonework, cascading waterfalls, and a flowing stream that travels through the landscaped side yard before connecting with the main pond. Carefully selected boulders, river rock, stone pathways, plants, and natural materials were incorporated throughout the project to help the water feature blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The combination of moving water, waterfalls, koi, lily pads, and outdoor lighting creates a peaceful backyard environment that can be enjoyed during both the day and evening. Rather than installing a one-size-fits-all pond, every element of this project was designed around the homeowner’s property and vision. From excavation and water flow to stone placement, landscaping, aquatic plants, and finishing details, the goal was to create more than a pond—we created a complete backyard experience.

Transforming an ordinary backyard into a one-of-a-kind outdoor retreat, this custom water feature project was designed and built around the property’s existing space, elevation, and natural surroundings. The project features a custom koi and fish pond with clear water, aquatic plants, colorful koi, natural stonework, cascading waterfalls, and a flowing stream that travels through the landscaped side yard before connecting with the main pond. Carefully selected boulders, river rock, stone pathways, plants, and natural materials were incorporated throughout the project to help the water feature blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The combination of moving water, waterfalls, koi, lily pads, and outdoor lighting creates a peaceful backyard environment that can be enjoyed during both the day and evening. Rather than installing a one-size-fits-all pond, every element of this project was designed around the homeowner’s property and vision. From excavation and water flow to stone placement, landscaping, aquatic plants, and finishing details, the goal was to create more than a pond—we created a complete backyard experience.

Transforming an ordinary backyard into a one-of-a-kind outdoor retreat, this custom water feature project was designed and built around the property’s existing space, elevation, and natural surroundings. The project features a custom koi and fish pond with clear water, aquatic plants, colorful koi, natural stonework, cascading waterfalls, and a flowing stream that travels through the landscaped side yard before connecting with the main pond. Carefully selected boulders, river rock, stone pathways, plants, and natural materials were incorporated throughout the project to help the water feature blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The combination of moving water, waterfalls, koi, lily pads, and outdoor lighting creates a peaceful backyard environment that can be enjoyed during both the day and evening. Rather than installing a one-size-fits-all pond, every element of this project was designed around the homeowner’s property and vision. From excavation and water flow to stone placement, landscaping, aquatic plants, and finishing details, the goal was to create more than a pond—we created a complete backyard experience.

Transforming an ordinary backyard into a one-of-a-kind outdoor retreat, this custom water feature project was designed and built around the property’s existing space, elevation, and natural surroundings. The project features a custom koi and fish pond with clear water, aquatic plants, colorful koi, natural stonework, cascading waterfalls, and a flowing stream that travels through the landscaped side yard before connecting with the main pond. Carefully selected boulders, river rock, stone pathways, plants, and natural materials were incorporated throughout the project to help the water feature blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The combination of moving water, waterfalls, koi, lily pads, and outdoor lighting creates a peaceful backyard environment that can be enjoyed during both the day and evening. Rather than installing a one-size-fits-all pond, every element of this project was designed around the homeowner’s property and vision. From excavation and water flow to stone placement, landscaping, aquatic plants, and finishing details, the goal was to create more than a pond—we created a complete backyard experience.

Transforming an ordinary backyard into a one-of-a-kind outdoor retreat, this custom water feature project was designed and built around the property’s existing space, elevation, and natural surroundings. The project features a custom koi and fish pond with clear water, aquatic plants, colorful koi, natural stonework, cascading waterfalls, and a flowing stream that travels through the landscaped side yard before connecting with the main pond. Carefully selected boulders, river rock, stone pathways, plants, and natural materials were incorporated throughout the project to help the water feature blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The combination of moving water, waterfalls, koi, lily pads, and outdoor lighting creates a peaceful backyard environment that can be enjoyed during both the day and evening. Rather than installing a one-size-fits-all pond, every element of this project was designed around the homeowner’s property and vision. From excavation and water flow to stone placement, landscaping, aquatic plants, and finishing details, the goal was to create more than a pond—we created a complete backyard experience.

Located on a wooded lot on the south side of Mount Orford in Estrie, this country house is designed to enjoy views of the wooded slope down to a stream at the bottom of the valley and rising to the opposite cliff. The south offers a splendid view of distant mountains. Of modest size, the house is simple, modern and showcases natural materials. It opens towards the forest and the landscape while preserving the intimacy of the customers. The interior is spacious; the living spaces are communicating and friendly, with a high ceiling above the living room and a large picture window in front of the master bedroom, on the mezzanine. The living areas open onto an outdoor terrace that anchors the house to its rocky terrain, protected from the weather and hidden from the street. The rock of the land is highlighted at the edge of the terrace, where a rock face down the slope. A large roof overhang protects the house from the sun in the summer, and the low-level concrete floors absorb sunlight in the winter. The house has been designed according to the criteria of LEED and Novoclimat.

Located on a wooded lot on the south side of Mount Orford in Estrie, this country house is designed to enjoy views of the wooded slope down to a stream at the bottom of the valley and rising to the opposite cliff. The south offers a splendid view of distant mountains. Of modest size, the house is simple, modern and showcases natural materials. It opens towards the forest and the landscape while preserving the intimacy of the customers. The interior is spacious; the living spaces are communicating and friendly, with a high ceiling above the living room and a large picture window in front of the master bedroom, on the mezzanine. The living areas open onto an outdoor terrace that anchors the house to its rocky terrain, protected from the weather and hidden from the street. The rock of the land is highlighted at the edge of the terrace, where a rock face down the slope. A large roof overhang protects the house from the sun in the summer, and the low-level concrete floors absorb sunlight in the winter. The house has been designed according to the criteria of LEED and Novoclimat.

Light and bright is the first thing that comes to mind when you step foot into this contemporary home. The expansive white living space reflects and extends the natural light streaming in from the large casement windows that surround all three sides of the open-concept space. Even the open-tread stairs allow front door visibility and draw the eye into the heart of the home. With ReAlta, we are introducing for the first time in Charlotte a fully solar community. Each beautifully detailed home will incorporate low profile solar panels that will collect the sun’s rays to significantly offset the home’s energy usage. Combined with our industry-leading Home Efficiency Ratings (HERS), these solar systems will save a ReAlta homeowner thousands over the life of the home. Credit: Brendan Kahm

Transforming an ordinary backyard into a one-of-a-kind outdoor retreat, this custom water feature project was designed and built around the property’s existing space, elevation, and natural surroundings. The project features a custom koi and fish pond with clear water, aquatic plants, colorful koi, natural stonework, cascading waterfalls, and a flowing stream that travels through the landscaped side yard before connecting with the main pond. Carefully selected boulders, river rock, stone pathways, plants, and natural materials were incorporated throughout the project to help the water feature blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The combination of moving water, waterfalls, koi, lily pads, and outdoor lighting creates a peaceful backyard environment that can be enjoyed during both the day and evening. Rather than installing a one-size-fits-all pond, every element of this project was designed around the homeowner’s property and vision. From excavation and water flow to stone placement, landscaping, aquatic plants, and finishing details, the goal was to create more than a pond—we created a complete backyard experience.

Photo of a traditional landscaping in Sacramento.

Transforming an ordinary backyard into a one-of-a-kind outdoor retreat, this custom water feature project was designed and built around the property’s existing space, elevation, and natural surroundings. The project features a custom koi and fish pond with clear water, aquatic plants, colorful koi, natural stonework, cascading waterfalls, and a flowing stream that travels through the landscaped side yard before connecting with the main pond. Carefully selected boulders, river rock, stone pathways, plants, and natural materials were incorporated throughout the project to help the water feature blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The combination of moving water, waterfalls, koi, lily pads, and outdoor lighting creates a peaceful backyard environment that can be enjoyed during both the day and evening. Rather than installing a one-size-fits-all pond, every element of this project was designed around the homeowner’s property and vision. From excavation and water flow to stone placement, landscaping, aquatic plants, and finishing details, the goal was to create more than a pond—we created a complete backyard experience.