Sometimes the unique challenges of a site dictate almost everything about the end design. This European-inspired mountain retreat is one classic example. Perched atop a ridge, the buildable area was long but very narrow. A single axial line connects from the initial approach straight through the house and shoots to the view of mountains at the far end. The architecture of the home was envisioned to feel like an old French monastery-turned-family-home which has been restored and added to over several centuries. It is a place of solace and introspection, where the repetition of stone in house and landscape feels imposing, yet safe. Lush plantings line the sun-soaked parking court and dot the back terrace areas, creating delicate play of light and movement. A stepped water rill between terrace levels completes the atmosphere with its soothing babble.

Sometimes the unique challenges of a site dictate almost everything about the end design. This European-inspired mountain retreat is one classic example. Perched atop a ridge, the buildable area was long but very narrow. A single axial line connects from the initial approach straight through the house and shoots to the view of mountains at the far end. The architecture of the home was envisioned to feel like an old French monastery-turned-family-home which has been restored and added to over several centuries. It is a place of solace and introspection, where the repetition of stone in house and landscape feels imposing, yet safe. Lush plantings line the sun-soaked parking court and dot the back terrace areas, creating delicate play of light and movement. A stepped water rill between terrace levels completes the atmosphere with its soothing babble.

7 Custom Wood Carriage style Garage Doors
Inspiration for a huge mediterranean four-car garage remodel in New York

Sometimes the unique challenges of a site dictate almost everything about the end design. This European-inspired mountain retreat is one classic example. Perched atop a ridge, the buildable area was long but very narrow. A single axial line connects from the initial approach straight through the house and shoots to the view of mountains at the far end. The architecture of the home was envisioned to feel like an old French monastery-turned-family-home which has been restored and added to over several centuries. It is a place of solace and introspection, where the repetition of stone in house and landscape feels imposing, yet safe. Lush plantings line the sun-soaked parking court and dot the back terrace areas, creating delicate play of light and movement. A stepped water rill between terrace levels completes the atmosphere with its soothing babble.

Design by Abby Wolf Weiss Interiors | photo by Jessica Claire | www.jessicaclaire.net
Front door - traditional front door idea in Los Angeles with a dark wood front door

Set in Montana's tranquil Shields River Valley, the Shilo Ranch Compound is a collection of structures that were specifically built on a relatively smaller scale, to maximize efficiency. The main house has two bedrooms, a living area, dining and kitchen, bath and adjacent greenhouse, while two guest homes within the compound can sleep a total of 12 friends and family. There's also a common gathering hall, for dinners, games, and time together. The overall feel here is of sophisticated simplicity, with plaster walls, concrete and wood floors, and weathered boards for exteriors. The placement of each building was considered closely when envisioning how people would move through the property, based on anticipated needs and interests. Sustainability and consumption was also taken into consideration, as evidenced by the photovoltaic panels on roof of the garage, and the capability to shut down any of the compound's buildings when not in use.

HIGH PERFORMANCE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE SACRED SPACES The professionals at Barrett Studio Architects always come up with the most functional design and appealing aesthetics while also achieving high performance structural integrity resulting in minimal maintenance and graceful aging. This is an understatement when it comes to the St. Walburga Abbey (featured in the New York Times and recipient of the Faith & Form Millennium Award for Religious Architecture). As a subcontractor to GH Phipps, our ICF expertise helped during the various expansions to the facility. Phase Four resulted in a new high mountain plains two-story, 20-room living quarters, as well as an addition to the main Sanctuary. Our team installed 12” ICF wall systems from the footings to the roof. The ICF block we used contains recycled content (not virgin foam) enabling the building to achieve R-50+ and a 4-hour fire ratings.

An ethereal Palo Alto tree stands sentry in the upper level, where another serene seating area was created. Where once this was an inhospitable desert, the garden now it has a multitude of tranquil destinations to enjoy, serenaded by the calls of birds that have made their home there.

THE LIBRARY/ BAR AREA: A Territorial Style Track Home, of 8-inch burndt adobe with mortar wash finish. The re-design included an all white interior to assist in opening the homes interior spaces to more daylight and spatial relationships. The new design accommodated a collection of family antiques as though 'fine art' strategically placed into large furniture niches to receive a particular piece, at a particular place for it's frontal view. The result was a light airy Modern series of spaces that flow together as a forms of light, shade & shadow to house (or present) the fine art pieces. Whether antiquarian books, a steinway baby grand piano, a persian rug, or heavily carved monastery chest, the all-white concept provided a beautiful yet practical placement of the many fine pieces the Homeowner's had inherited. Architect/ Professor Robert Nevins, with Michael J. Gomez (Student Draftsman).

Many elements came together to create this cozy living space. Custom pieces such as the coffee table and nesting tables from Brandner Design were great additions to collaborate with the Dexter Side Table, the Monastery Dining Table and the Swedish Dining Arm Chairs from Rose Tarlow. Custom fabric from Clarencehouse cover the Amangani Chairs while the lighting and the area rug from ABC Home pull all the last pieces together. The backdrop of the Nobilis drapery creates a wonderful palette for the playful bears from KOLLABS to look at. David Agnello Photography

Studying master architect, Le Corbusier’s control of light in his famous monastery, La Tourette. In the afternoon, a friar embarks on a solitary hike through the woods surrounding the convent. Upon his return, he is met with a solemn staircase at the west entrance of La Tourette. Sprouting from the grass beneath, they beckon to the friar. He reaches the dimly lit opening to a cloister, admiring the upward slope of the ceiling. Asymmetrical windows facing the adjacent courtyard comprise the right side of the hall. The friar continues his journey through the cloister. The ceiling reaches maximum height, revealing a moderately sized atrium. Tall, open walls reach for the heavens, inviting the friar to meditate as divine light shines onto him in rhythmic vertical patterns. He reflects upon his life before becoming a member of the Couvent. He had meandered aimlessly through life until religion finally offered direction. God tenderly guides the friar as the staircase draws him to enter the cloister. The fabric of La Tourette defines a religious experience; its very shadows encouraging the devout musings of the deferential friar.

HIGH PERFORMANCE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE SACRED SPACES The professionals at Barrett Studio Architects always come up with the most functional design and appealing aesthetics while also achieving high performance structural integrity resulting in minimal maintenance and graceful aging. This is an understatement when it comes to the St. Walburga Abbey (featured in the New York Times and recipient of the Faith & Form Millennium Award for Religious Architecture). As a subcontractor to GH Phipps, our ICF expertise helped during the various expansions to the facility. Phase Four resulted in a new high mountain plains two-story, 20-room living quarters, as well as an addition to the main Sanctuary. Our team installed 12” ICF wall systems from the footings to the roof. The ICF block we used contains recycled content (not virgin foam) enabling the building to achieve R-50+ and a 4-hour fire ratings.

Complete home renovation including second story addition and new ADU. Modern metal roof, full stucco with multi-slide glass pocket entertainment doors expanding entertainment space. All new kitchen including concrete waterfall island, concealed refrigerator and dishwasher cabinetry and custom secret wine cellar hatch access through kitchen floor with repurposed original monastery staircase. New bedrooms, bathrooms and living room with custom live edge wood slab hearth with concealed TV and lift. All new electric, plumbing and HVAC.

Design Consultant Jeff Doubét is the author of Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is now available. Please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com for more info. Jeff Doubét specializes in Santa Barbara style home and landscape designs. To learn more info about the variety of custom design services I offer, please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA.

HIGH PERFORMANCE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE SACRED SPACES The professionals at Barrett Studio Architects always come up with the most functional design and appealing aesthetics while also achieving high performance structural integrity resulting in minimal maintenance and graceful aging. This is an understatement when it comes to the St. Walburga Abbey (featured in the New York Times and recipient of the Faith & Form Millennium Award for Religious Architecture). As a subcontractor to GH Phipps, our ICF expertise helped during the various expansions to the facility. Phase Four resulted in a new high mountain plains two-story, 20-room living quarters, as well as an addition to the main Sanctuary. Our team installed 12” ICF wall systems from the footings to the roof. The ICF block we used contains recycled content (not virgin foam) enabling the building to achieve R-50+ and a 4-hour fire ratings.

Richard P. Rauso, ASLA
Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard mulch water fountain landscape for summer.

This is part of the flexible open-plan area, flowing seamlessly between the kitchen, living room, and dining room. There is enough room here to host 24 people for dinner, and an intimate enough space for just two. Photography courtesy of Jeffrey Totaro.

Photo by: Russell Abraham
Staircase - mid-sized contemporary limestone u-shaped open and glass railing staircase idea in San Francisco

photo: Ron Blunt
Farmhouse stone exterior home idea in DC Metro