Riad Zasha: Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects Builder: Alys Beach Construction --- “Riad Zasha resides in Alys Beach, a New Urbanist community along Scenic Highway 30-A in the Florida Panhandle,” says the design team at Khoury & Vogt Architects (KVA), the town architects of Alys Beach. “So named by the homeowner, who came with an explicit preference for something more exotic and Middle Eastern, the house evokes Moroccan and Egyptian influences spatially and decoratively while maintaining continuity with its surrounding architecture, all of which is tightly coded.” E. F. San Juan furnished Weather Shield impact-rated windows and doors, a mahogany impact-rated front door, and all of the custom exterior millwork, including shutters, screens, trim, handrails, and gates. The distinctive tower boasts indoor-outdoor “Florida room” living spaces caged in beautiful wooden mashrabiya grilles created by our team. The execution of this incredible home by the professionals at Alys Beach Construction and KVA resulted in a landmark residence for the town. Challenges: “Part of [the Alys Beach] coding, along with the master plan itself, dictated that a tower mark the corner of the lot,” says KVA. “Aligning this with the adjoining park to the south reinforces the axiality of each and locks the house into a greater urban whole.” The sheer amount of custom millwork created for this house made it a challenge, but a welcome one. The unique exterior called for wooden details everywhere, from the shutters to the handrails, mouldings and trim, roof decking, courtyard gates, ceiling panels for the Florida rooms, loggia screen panels, and more—but the tower was the standout element. The homeowners’ desire for Middle Eastern influences was met through the wooden mashrabiya (or moucharaby) oriel-style wooden latticework enclosing the third-story tower living space. Creating this focal point was some of our team’s most unique work to date, requiring the ultimate attention to detail, precision, and planning. The location close to the Gulf of Mexico also dictated that we partner with our friends at Weather Shield on the impact-rated exterior windows and doors, and their Lifeguard line was perfect for the job. The mahogany impact-rated front door also combines safety and security with beauty and style. Solution: Working closely with KVA and Alys Beach Construction on the timeline and planning for our custom wood products, windows, and doors was monumental to the success of this build. The amount of millwork produced meant our team had to carefully manage their time while ensuring we provided the highest quality of detail and work. The location south of Scenic Highway 30-A, steps from the beach, also meant deciding with KVA and Alys Beach Construction what materials should be used for the best possible production quality and looks while adhering to coding and standing the test of time in the harsh Gulfside elements such as high winds, humidity, and salt. The tower elements alone required the utmost care for building and installation. It was truly a test of skill for our team and Alys Beach Construction to create the corbels and other support pieces that would hold up the wooden oriel windows and latticework screens. We couldn’t be happier with the result and are genuinely honored to have been part of the talented team on such a cornerstone residence in the Alys Beach townscape. --- Photography courtesy of Alys Beach

Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

This old farmhouse (ca. late 18th century) has undergone many renovations over the years. Spring Creek Design added its stamp in 2008, with a small mudroom addition and a complete interior renovation. The addition encompasses a 1st floor mudroom with extensive cabinetry and closetry. Upon entering the space from the driveway, cabinet and countertop space is provided to accommodate incoming grocery bags. Next in line are a series of “lockers” and cubbies - just right for coats, hats and book bags. Further inside is a wrap-around window seat with cedar shoe racks beneath. A stainless steel dog feeding station rounds out the amenities - all built atop a natural Vermont slate floor. On the lower level, the addition features a full bathroom and a “Dude Pod” - a compact work and play space for the resident code monkey. Outfitted with a stand-up desk and an electronic drum kit, one needs only emerge for Mountain Dew refills and familial visits. Within the existing space, we added an ensuite bathroom for the third floor bedroom. The second floor bathroom and first floor powder room were also gutted and remodeled. The master bedroom was extensively remodeled - given a vaulted ceiling and a wall of floor-to-roof built-ins accessed with a rolling ladder. An extensive, multi-level deck and screen house was added to provide outdoor living space, with secure, dry storage below. Design Criteria: - Update house with a high sustainability standard. - Provide bathroom for daughters’ third floor bedroom. - Update remaining bathrooms - Update cramped, low ceilinged master bedroom - Provide mudroom/entryway solutions. - Provide a window seating space with good visibility of back and side yards – to keep an eye on the kids at play. - Replace old deck with a updated deck/screen porch combination. - Update sitting room with a wood stove and mantle. Special Features: - Insulated Concrete Forms used for Dude Pod foundation. - Soy-based spray foam insulation used in the addition and master bedroom. - Paperstone countertops in mudroom. - Zero-VOC paints and finishes used throughout the project. - All decking and trim for the deck/screen porch is made from 100% recycled HDPE (milk jugs, soda, water bottles) - High efficiency combination washer/dryer.

This growing family needed more living space in their 1926 St. Paul, MN Bungalow, and had great potential in their unfinished attic for a new master suite. Castle began working with the city to grandfather some existing conditions in, like the steeper stairs and lower ceiling height to comply with building codes. New insulation, interior walls, electrical, heating, and a full interior finish was planned. The finished space incorporates traditional millwork matching the lower level of the home, a custom built-in bookshelf, new white doors, and pre-finished white oak hardwood floors in a rich Licorice stain. The dark floors and oil-bronze accents throughout the space really anchors the room and completes an overall bright color pallet with high contrast. In the new bathroom, a cement tile floor was selected to tie in the homeowner’s classy flair. Switching the finishes to polished brass inside the bathroom really brings a lux and regal feel to the space. Paired with traditional subway tile, white vanity, refurbished vintage medicine cabinet, and neutral walls, the new bathroom is elegant, yet understated. One of our favorite features is the use of the two existing dormers. One dormer was converted into a new walk-in closet with custom glass closet doors, so the light can still shine into the bedroom. The 2nd dormer, we left open for a quaint sitting and reading nook. See full details (including before photos) at http://www.castlebri.com/attics/project-3299-1/ Designed by: Emily Blonigen

Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

Striving to define a new modern aesthetic, the Litze bath collection was designed to give everything a purpose. This lead to a thoughtful, modern, refined—and surprisingly multifaceted look. Striving to define a new modern aesthetic, the Litze bath collection was designed to give everything a purpose. This lead to a thoughtful, modern, refined—and surprisingly multifaceted look. Space designed by Tommy Zung, Studio Zung

Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

Completed in 2011, this home is designed for a steeply sloping urban lot in Vienna, Virginia. In response to a tight zoning code that limited the building's footprint, we designed a compact plan that rises 3 stories and draws inspiration from the historic character of this small town consistently rated as one of the best places to live and work. Utilizing our favorite Great Room Scheme, the main level is planned with a classic front porch, 2-story entry hall, formal dining room, Kitchen/Breakfast area, large Mud Room with separate entrance and, finally, the Great Room itself. The lower level is the Entertainment hub of the house and contains a guest suite, shop, exercise area, family room and play area with wet bar. Upstairs, 3 kid's bedrooms, 2 full baths, laundry area, Master Suite with large sleeping area and a 5 piece master bath with large walk-in closet are all efficiently arranged to maximize room size. Our clients were interested in a very expressive exterior formalism while staying within the traditional architectural norm of Vienna. We responded with a series of gable dormers, bay windows and a hexagonal sitting room clad with complimentary siding materials and bold colors. Eventually, the back of the structure will be finished out with a large deck at the main level and elaborate staircase that descends to the rear yard.

Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

Fusion Cork flooring is clean, durable as stone, and warm to walk on, and is fabulous for people suffering from allergies and asthma

The overarching design intent for this 1,455-square-foot West Vine Street condominium was to make the spaces contemporary and functional. The renovation began with an unexpected structural deficiency in the form of a post located in the middle of the living room that was causing a three-inch dip in the floor. It was removed and replaced with steel columns running down through the walls and into a footing pad with a three-foot depth. The main living spaces underwent significant changes; the kitchen was reconfigured to open up a formerly cramped space, and the removal of a wall made room for a cascading island with Cesarstone countertops—a crowning feature. Additionally, an electrical panel was relocated to be able to wrap the refrigerator with a wood veneer frame. Notable materials include eight-inch-wide ‘Esplanade’ French oak plank floors chosen to complement the reclaimed wood-wrapped ceiling beams, which feature a combination of LED downlighting and uplighting. A sleek gas fireplace with horizontal slate surround and paneled wall backing replaced an old wood-burning stove—furthering the design program. Pacheco-Robb Architects dismantled an existing spiral stair and replaced it with a cable-rail system—a nautical nod—which is noteworthy for the way it meets code; by running a contiguous oak banister for the entire length of the stair, they were able to avoid having to add a second railing, which would shrink the already narrow stairwell. Upstairs, a tight bedroom with gabled ceilings was addressed by adding a solar-operated skylight with built-in shade, plus minimalistic furnishings. Structural changes in the master bedroom included eliminating a closest to widen the room, and reconfiguring a bathroom to fit a small walk-in closet in lieu of a long, thin hallway. The formerly unfinished rooftop deck is now accessed via a six-foot door that opens more than 90 degrees. Azek decking was laid over the rubber roof, and two-inch stanchions were located around the rail’s outer edge. By opening the floor plan and streamlining the aesthetic, the place now breathes.