This large sloped lot in Serrano was a new construction project and required low water demand planting with a new pool & backyard entertainment space for the family. To mitigate potential fire risks and maintenance on the rear slopes we installed a native "Mow Free" grass on the slopes which can be kept green with minimal water or not irrigated after getting established which would turn brown in the summer and green in the winter.

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

A healing garden provides peace and beauty for residents. This local non-profit organization provides end-of-life care for homeless men and women with late-stage and end-stage AIDS and terminal cancer. The client provided us with the design for a Healing Garden for the program’s residents, giving them a dedicated outdoor space to enjoy quiet contemplation, prayer, and group gatherings. Located on a busy and cramped corner in Adams Morgan, D. A. Dunlevy had to work around tight spaces and street traffic. We encountered numerous challenges that were mitigated through careful planning and design. The finished design is a mixture of custom carpentry, advanced concrete work, curved benches, custom metalwork, unique lighting, and a boulder altar as a centerpiece. The space provides room for walking, sitting, and contemplation amongst the peaceful surroundings. We were honored to be a part of this very unique and special project.

This house was designed to maintain clean sustainability and durability. Minimal, simple, modern design techniques were implemented to create an open floor plan with natural light. The entry of the home, clad in wood, was created as a transitional space between the exterior and the living spaces by creating a feeling of compression before entering into the voluminous, light filled, living area. The large volume, tall windows and natural light of the living area allows for light and views to the exterior in all directions. This project also considered our clients' need for storage and love for travel by creating storage space for an Airstream camper in the oversized 2 car garage at the back of the property. As in all of our homes, we designed and built this project with increased energy efficiency standards in mind. Our standards begin below grade by designing our foundations with insulated concrete forms (ICF) for all of our exterior foundation walls, providing the below grade walls with an R value of 23. As a standard, we also install a passive radon system and a heat recovery ventilator to efficiently mitigate the indoor air quality within all of the homes we build.

Capturing the critical importance of EMF testing, this professional photo showcases a certified inspector using a state-of-the-art EMF meter to measure dirty electricity levels near a home's electrical panel. The meter's digital display glows with clear numerical readings, while the inspector's careful positioning demonstrates proper testing technique for accurate measurements. Dirty electricity testing is crucial for modern homes because: Poor power quality can affect both human health and electronic equipment performance. When your home's electrical system carries microsurges and voltage spikes (dirty electricity), it can contribute to headaches, fatigue, and sleep issues. Additionally, sensitive electronics may malfunction or have shortened lifespans when exposed to poor power quality. Dirty electricity often stems from modern devices like LED lights, smart appliances, solar inverters, and dimmer switches. These technologies, while energy-efficient, can create electrical noise that travels throughout your home's wiring. Professional testing helps identify problematic areas and guides targeted solutions like whole-house filters or circuit-specific interventions. For families concerned about creating a truly healthy home environment, dirty electricity testing is an essential but often overlooked assessment. Our comprehensive testing services help identify EMF hotspots and power quality issues, allowing us to recommend effective mitigation strategies for a cleaner electrical environment. [Note: This description would pair well with a photo on Houzz showcasing EMF inspection services and healthy home practices.]

Extensive excavation and custom stonework create a luxe spot for enjoying the outdoors. Faced with challenges from the start, this project required expertise and precision from D. A. Dunlevy. We approached the excavation strategically, mitigating any issues encountered with temporary shoring solutions, extra soil containment systems, and careful design. The talented crew put in tons of stone to create a multi-tiered space, including walls, walkways, staircases, and space to create different zones. Set in the midst of a mature, wooded area, the final result is a feeling of old world beauty in the treetops.

Water mitigation was designed as a multi-step strategy. This photo shows the swale directing runoff water into the rain garden. A rain garden captures water and allows it to slowly soak into the ground, where soil and plant roots help filter and absorb the water. Plants are carefully selected for different zones within the rain garden based on the varying moisture levels.

Make your home landscape a sustainable oasis like no other. Create a breathtaking mini ecosystem that embodies your personal aesthetic while incorporating sustainability, carbon sequestering, heat island mitigation and habitat for your area.

After sitting on the market for three years, this property was purchased by a visionary client who understood that the right landscape designer could turn the unusable landscape into highly comfortable outdoor spaces. db Landscaping LLC designed a series of tiered outdoor living spaces, gardens, and access to the lake that responded to the steep lakeshore terrain of the property. Larger areas for entertaining were complimented by smaller, more intimate spaces for relaxing. The new landscape incorporated lake views and water access while utilizing environmentally responsible materials such as aged local stone and drought tolerant native plants. Storm-water runoff was also engineered to mitigate erosion and allow water to return to the ground rather than entering the lake directly. The resulting outdoor rooms and gardens were balanced, relaxing, and in harmony with the surrounding landscape.

Framing complete. Next step requires installation of Koro-Sound... sound abatement material and acoustical barrier fastened directly to wall studs.
Example of a home theater design in Cleveland

2018 HNA Awards Winner - Concrete Paver - Residential (size more than 3,000 sf) Contractor: LR Landscaping Producer: Keystone Hardscapes Designer: Tanna Johns Venetian pavers were selected for their ability to integrate with the earthen tones found in the area’s natural grasses, granite, oaks and rust-toned soil. Pavers were tumbled to achieve a weathered and rustic look, complementing the limestone used on the home. The home’s exterior includes exudes quality and includes limestone as well as both precast and oil rubbed bronze iron accents. Tumbled pavers balance German Schmear grout style used on the limestone walls and the roof tile mudded ridges and bumps. The commitment to craftsmanship necessitated a 2.5 year build process. Keystone Hardscapes samples were created and brought to the home during the final stages of constructions to ensure critical harmony between the pavers and exterior elements of the home. The paver samples were laid against the stucco, precast, limestone and cedar garage doors to confirm design alignment and flow. The natural grade of this site was mitigated through a significant backfill and retaining wall; delivering a subtle slope from street to a flat grade driveway. This provided an even surface for vehicles and, with Venetian pavers, a seamless transition from the entry gate in to the inner courtyard.

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

This stunning front approach captures the perfect fusion of contemporary design and natural mountain beauty. A modern home with clean architectural lines is framed by a bold xeriscape planting bed filled with golden ornamental grasses, native shrubs, and colorful accent containers. A dark, stamped concrete courtyard contrasts beautifully with the soft textures and warm hues of fall foliage and boulders. The scene is anchored by a curved railing that gracefully follows the slope, leading toward a lower level stair path that disappears into the surrounding pines. This landscape exemplifies sustainable mountain living—balancing low-water plantings, slope stabilization, and crisp hardscape for a polished yet inviting arrival experience.

These screens retract up fully into the custom housing, and drop down fully to protect from insects and mitigate sun and wind. Notice the visibility when the shades are dropped.

2018 HNA Awards Winner - Concrete Paver - Residential (size more than 3,000 sf) Contractor: LR Landscaping Producer: Keystone Hardscapes Designer: Tanna Johns Venetian pavers were selected for their ability to integrate with the earthen tones found in the area’s natural grasses, granite, oaks and rust-toned soil. Pavers were tumbled to achieve a weathered and rustic look, complementing the limestone used on the home. The home’s exterior includes exudes quality and includes limestone as well as both precast and oil rubbed bronze iron accents. Tumbled pavers balance German Schmear grout style used on the limestone walls and the roof tile mudded ridges and bumps. The commitment to craftsmanship necessitated a 2.5 year build process. Keystone Hardscapes samples were created and brought to the home during the final stages of constructions to ensure critical harmony between the pavers and exterior elements of the home. The paver samples were laid against the stucco, precast, limestone and cedar garage doors to confirm design alignment and flow. The natural grade of this site was mitigated through a significant backfill and retaining wall; delivering a subtle slope from street to a flat grade driveway. This provided an even surface for vehicles and, with Venetian pavers, a seamless transition from the entry gate in to the inner courtyard.

Garage - garage idea in Other

This house was designed to maintain clean sustainability and durability. Minimal, simple, modern design techniques were implemented to create an open floor plan with natural light. The entry of the home, clad in wood, was created as a transitional space between the exterior and the living spaces by creating a feeling of compression before entering into the voluminous, light filled, living area. The large volume, tall windows and natural light of the living area allows for light and views to the exterior in all directions. This project also considered our clients' need for storage and love for travel by creating storage space for an Airstream camper in the oversized 2 car garage at the back of the property. As in all of our homes, we designed and built this project with increased energy efficiency standards in mind. Our standards begin below grade by designing our foundations with insulated concrete forms (ICF) for all of our exterior foundation walls, providing the below grade walls with an R value of 23. As a standard, we also install a passive radon system and a heat recovery ventilator to efficiently mitigate the indoor air quality within all of the homes we build.

BUILD GREEN. BUILD BETTER. COMPROMISE NOTHING. We were commissioned to design, engineer and develop this 70-acre mountain sub-division northwest of Nederland, CO. The development offered platinum award-winning custom homes. When we finished the Flagship home we incorporated and installed a solar PV array and wind turbine connected to a localized battery back-up system. We also had solar thermal collectors that worked together with in-floor and domestic hot water heating systems. HRV/ERV environmental control systems kept the air moving and constantly fresh. Grey water irrigation systems, recycled content, and locally sourced products, helped us accomplish yet another net-zero homestead with stunning Colorado Rocky Mountain views. With whole home digital automation and audio systems, custom finishes, and master craftsmanship around every corner…building better and building green required no compromise in comfort or aesthetic appeal.