Hill Creek is a sophisticated Southern Estate property located on a quiet cove of Lake Tyler. We were commissioned to develop design solutions that would maximize usable space while considering challenging topography. Early in the project, we worked closely with the builder to set the finished floor elevation of the house and remedy drainage problems throughout the construction process. The primary concern for the client early on was how to deal with the transitional zones above and below the house. We had a 40’ grade differential from the front of the house to the lake and we needed to minimize the impact step transitions and retaining walls would have on the aesthetic. The final product was the successful result of an intense collaborative process that often felt more like a game of tug-o-war. Once the front Parking Court retaining walls were laid out and built, We could move on to designing the back pool terrace and tackle the second grade transition from the lakeside Pool deck to the water. There are so many small details that can get overlooked or lost on a project of this scope. The overall charm and beauty achieved here is testimony to the value of positive and often relentless collaboration between Owner, Landscape Architect, Builder and Architect. Project Vitals Hill Creek was developed through a Design/Build project delivery model with Landvisions providing Landscape Architecture services, Construction Services, Project Management and Construction Administrative services for the now successful completion of this project.

Small elegant gray one-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Charleston

Destined to be without equal, this showpiece property designed by architect Batter Kay of Del Mar blends clean, crisp geometry an essential when creating beauty in form. Steel framing and extensive use of glass in the 2-story, open-concept residence fosters a sleek and modern design aesthetic. The high-volume entry space with floor-to-ceiling glass provides a strong indoor/outdoor connection with the large private outdoor spaces. The main level gallery consists of the combined dining room, living room with 2-story fireplace, elegant bar and sprawling chef’s kitchen. The chef’s kitchen features professional appliances, gorgeous Jurassic green countertops, breakfast room, and adjoining family room all with walls of glass opening to the private patios. Completing the residence are bonus/game room, office, 4 additional bedrooms and a master suite with dual closets, fireplace and incredible bath adorned in marble. Additional highlights include a 4-car garage, built-in sound system, detached 2 bedroom guest house. The design of the house is a contemporary masterpiece… and the grounds are magnificent. A 660 vine working vineyard, Gold Medal winning Bordeaux style wine in 2011. Tennis court, lap pool, greenhouse, cutting garden, fruit orchard, organic vegetable garden, blueberry patch, a ½ acre maze – yes, a real maze such as you would see in England, a labyrinth- astoundingly tranquil and a beehive with an Italian Queen who makes the most delectable honey. Pathways wind through this magical retreat and glorious views to sweep you away are breathtaking. Photos by Warmfocus and SD Aerial Media

Gorgeous full master bath remodel. New windows, floors, freestanding tub, tile and frameless glass shower, and new vanity cabinetry and granite countertops. We did it all. This bathroom was transformed into a new elegant and refined escape. The floors are tiled in a 6” x 36” plank tile over a NUHeat low voltage heated floor mat with programmable thermostat ( no cold feet ). The shower was enlarged to include a bench seat and new shampoo and soap niche. The shower and wall tile is a 4”x12” in a staggered set with the shower half walls being capped with Steel Grey Leathered granite to match the vanity and bench seat. The new Alpine white vanity by Echelon Cabinetry in the Addison door style provides a clean bright contrast to the countertops and flooring. I love the free standing tub. It really completes the look of this great new bath.

Gorgeous master bath with dramatic retro "wave" tile. Peak Photography
Example of a 1950s bathroom design in Los Angeles

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional wooden u-shaped staircase remodel in New York with painted risers

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

This previously unused attic space is now a sauna/yoga room. The left sauna wall follows the attic rafters down diagonally to allow a wider space for leg room on the twin sauna benches.

An oversized abstract painting assures that this home yoga studio always heats the Ch’i. Like the expansive windows, the art brings the outside in. Its warm yellow, red, green, and pink strokes inspire a deeper practice with their continuous motion.

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

This was a fun build and a delightful family to work and design with. The ladder is aesthetically pleasing and functional for their space, and also much safer than the previous loft access. The custom welded steel frame and alternating step support system combined with light colored, solid alder wood treads provide an open feel for the tight space.

Exterior, brick, lime, limewash, painted brick, architectural finish

gorgeous details of this adjustable height dining table and hide on hair bar stool. Photo by Gerard Garcia @gerardgarcia
Inspiration for a small industrial concrete floor and gray floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in New York

Full-overlay Rustic Beech cabinets in the "Charleston" door style and "Briarwood" finish. Village Home Stores
Example of a large mountain style kitchen design in Chicago

Example of a huge trendy metal floating open staircase design in Minneapolis

maple hardwood floor, water-popped, and stained with 50% rosewood and 50% neutral stains.
Inspiration for a timeless medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Salt Lake City

Large country u-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Milwaukee with white cabinets and a peninsula

Beautiful custom runner to match the unique measurements of this staircase.
Small wooden curved staircase photo in Minneapolis with wooden risers

Example of a mid-sized transitional enclosed carpeted and beige floor home theater design in Salt Lake City with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv