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.

The MR Nook! Entirely custom made dining nook created with steel, rustic alder and love. The built-in bench has three hatches and one drawer for storage. The moveable bench's top is hinged to allow access to the heater controls and the entire bench can be slid out of the way for heater maintenance. The double (vertical) trestle style dining table frame provides a secondary footrest to the built-in bench's primary footrest and is designed to mitigate knee knocking while sliding around on the bench. This creation increased our client's seating capacity from 4 to 7 (comfortably) and gave them LOTS of storage space.

In this historic New Orleans commercial apartment building, our team was brought in to deliver a full roof system replacement—one that would honor the building’s legacy while meeting today’s highest standards for safety and resilience. We began by removing the old roofing down to the deck, installing brand-new sheathing to strengthen the structure from the inside out. An Ice & Water Shield system followed—offering the kind of deep protection that’s especially important in our climate. The finishing touch: rich terracotta tiles, chosen not only for their durability but for the timeless look they lend to this storied structure. Start to finish, the transformation took just two days. We worked swiftly and cleanly, coordinating every phase—from demo to final inspection—with care. The result: a wind mitigation–certified roof that’s as strong as it is striking. This upgrade wasn’t just about replacing a roof—it was about protecting the people and preserving the place they call home. Thank you for trusting us with your project. – Rellestate Team

Drying and dehumidification
Minimalist home design photo in San Francisco

This newly completed residence is located on Sanibel Island on a unique bayou site with western exposure for a perfect view of the sunset. The main entry is a long narrow drive that was planted with seven large native live oaks to create an oak canopy with a native hammock understory consisting of native shrubs and ferns for a tunnel like entry experience. Three large curved coconuts sit at the drive terminus and frame the view of the entry lawn and landscape at the front of the residence. There was a strong emphasis on incorporating native palms and vegetation into a Zen-inspired garden feel. Native paurotis palms and green and silver thrinax palms were carefully specified and trimmed for use as architectural elements on the tall exterior walls. Tropical bamboo of many different varieties were incorporated into the buffers for both ambiance and screening purposes. Landscape grasses and bromeliad species were planted for interest along the front entry way. Native shrubs and perennial dune grasses and groundcovers were incorporated into the side yard buffer and in the back yard on the berm at the bayou edge to blend the built element into the natural landscape. The sodded area in the back and side yards functions as stormwater detention area and prevents stormwater from running directly into the ecological sensitive bayou. All City of Sanibel codes were met for this environmentally and ecosystem rich site including holding and mitigating stormwater runoff on site and meeting the 75% native plant requirement in all vegetation categories.

A modern mix of charcoal grey stain and antique wire glass cabinets with a black farm sink combine with a walnut kitchen island for a warm and hard working kitchen. The dark palette adds drama but was actually a solution to mitigate nighttime reflections on the opposite windows that had ruined the view. Designed and photographed by Clare Donohue / 121studio

Alton Rd transformation. Designer Concrete Slabs driveway, Privacy Planter and Floating Step defining interior courtyard and driveway area, new Stucco on outdated decorative walls, Pebble gap filler accent and Italian Porcelain courtyard, Hardscape Lighting throughout. Designed by Shosh vant Verlaat and installed by Driveways by Design.

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.

Ice dams wreaked havoc on this Metro West home. Ceilings, walls, floors and insulation were soaked and ruined on multiple floors. The Landmark team rebuilt the living room including refinishing damaged hardwood through to the kitchen, reinsulating, replacing the ceiling and walls and repainting. In the basement-level pool table room, water under the sub-floor had to be mitigated and the carpet replaced. The new work blends seamlessly with the rest of the home – as if the damage never happened.

Angled cabinets allow for full access to an awkward space.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped ceramic tile open concept kitchen remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo: Marni Epstein-Mervis © 2018 Houzz
Mid-century modern exterior home photo in Other

Located six feet from the sand, this residence seeks to reframe the contextual reference of its inhabitants in order to mitigate its highly trafficked location and create a private beach retreat. In parallel to its unobstructed ocean view, the design carves out infinite pockets of nature within the architecture. From the dining room’s bamboo garden to the expansive skylight above the stairwell, moments of serenity have been carefully composed throughout the home in order to make each frame as infinite as the horizon line of the Pacific Ocean.

A mix of materials to allow for drainage and mitigate the slope to the upper lawn. Large flagstones provide interest and maintain slope stability.
Small eclectic home design photo in Seattle

Eclectic home design photo in San Francisco

A galley layout can sometimes feel confining but we were able to mitigate this by opening up the walls to the dining and living areas. Custom shaker style cabinets provide storage in the lower cabinets and full height pantries.

Introducing "LA Biomoph," a groundbreaking and eco-sustainable architectural vision that reimagines the luxury homes of Los Angeles. Meticulously crafted to align with the region's climate, LA Biomoph embraces nature-inspired solutions, delivering a harmonious living experience while addressing environmental challenges. At the core of LA Biomoph is a profound dedication to energy efficiency. Smartly utilizing natural elements, the architecture optimizes energy consumption with advanced insulation, reflective roofing, and passive cooling strategies like cross-ventilation and natural shading. Renewable energy integration is key, utilizing solar coatings on cladding and glazing to harness the abundant Californian sunshine and significantly reduce the development's carbon footprint. Water conservation takes center stage with rainwater harvesting systems and low-flow fixtures, responsibly managing the region's scarce water resources. LA Biomoph's impact extends beyond the buildings themselves, as native and drought-resistant plantings support local ecosystems and reduce water demand for landscaping. With a focus on sustainable construction practices, the use of recycled and locally sourced materials minimizes environmental impact. Committed to sustainability, LA Biomoph emphasizes waste reduction and recycling during construction. Natural ventilation through operable windows complements the design, providing fresh air and mild weather cooling, thereby reducing the need for artificial cooling. With cool roofing materials that reflect sunlight, LA Biomoph ensures indoor comfort while mitigating the urban heat island effect. The architecture maximizes natural daylight, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing reliance on artificial lighting. LA Biomoph's adaptive design ensures longevity, accommodating evolving needs and future sustainable technologies. © 2023 by Esra Karagoz | All Rights Reserved.

Trendy bathroom photo in Charlotte

Custom radius open shelving works with the angled wall at the far end of the kitchen. The new beams in the skylight well create architectural interest and mitigate the shaft-like quality of the old skylight. Photography by Eric Roth

This modern water feature is just one component of a comprehensive and detailed contemporary landscape design. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also functional in creating movement and mitigating noise.