While most people in town considered this building a "tear-down", the new homeowners wanted to revive the property with an ambitions renovation and addition project. Two major challenges needed to be overcome on this project: the first was preserving the integrity of the original 200 year old barn; the second was designing a complementary structure that would co-exist on the site without looking like a 21st century addition. In order to achieve these goals, our team studied how farm buildings evolve on a site over time. Additions are usually constructed based on need and function. With this protocol in mind, a grain silo was designed to act as our entry tower and buffer the intersection of the two buildings. The silo acts as our focal point and allowed us to construct very simple buildings to house the balance of the owner’s program. The team paid very close attention to scale, use of materials (many of which were recycled) and developed a vocabulary of modern interior detailing that would complement the original house. Specific program requirements for the project included: large entertainment spaces, gourmet kitchen with adjacent family room, a squash court, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, master suite, and plenty of storage space. In addition, since both adults work from home and receive clients in their offices, two offices needed to be created and it was critical to separate the work areas for the more private family spaces. The new silo, with central stair, became the element that allowed these different program needs to coexist effectively.

The Back Bay Residence is a 6,300sf four-story row house interior renovation for a culinary artist and a rare book and art collector. The program includes a private residence and multiple rental units. The architecture of the private residence revolves around the need to display an extensive collection of Persian and Renaissance artwork, rare books and manuscripts. As a kind of library and small museum, the walls throughout the residence alternate between relatively taut and continuous surfaces for the display of artwork, to recessed and coffered millwork elements providing shelving spaces for books and art objects. A three-story bookcase tower extends from the second to fourth floor at the stairway core connecting the floors of the private residence and providing a type of viewing promenade throughout the space.

While most people in town considered this building a "tear-down", the new homeowners wanted to revive the property with an ambitions renovation and addition project. Two major challenges needed to be overcome on this project: the first was preserving the integrity of the original 200 year old barn; the second was designing a complementary structure that would co-exist on the site without looking like a 21st century addition. In order to achieve these goals, our team studied how farm buildings evolve on a site over time. Additions are usually constructed based on need and function. With this protocol in mind, a grain silo was designed to act as our entry tower and buffer the intersection of the two buildings. The silo acts as our focal point and allowed us to construct very simple buildings to house the balance of the owner’s program. The team paid very close attention to scale, use of materials (many of which were recycled) and developed a vocabulary of modern interior detailing that would complement the original house. Specific program requirements for the project included: large entertainment spaces, gourmet kitchen with adjacent family room, a squash court, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, master suite, and plenty of storage space. In addition, since both adults work from home and receive clients in their offices, two offices needed to be created and it was critical to separate the work areas for the more private family spaces. The new silo, with central stair, became the element that allowed these different program needs to coexist effectively.

While most people in town considered this building a "tear-down", the new homeowners wanted to revive the property with an ambitions renovation and addition project. Two major challenges needed to be overcome on this project: the first was preserving the integrity of the original 200 year old barn; the second was designing a complementary structure that would co-exist on the site without looking like a 21st century addition. In order to achieve these goals, our team studied how farm buildings evolve on a site over time. Additions are usually constructed based on need and function. With this protocol in mind, a grain silo was designed to act as our entry tower and buffer the intersection of the two buildings. The silo acts as our focal point and allowed us to construct very simple buildings to house the balance of the owner’s program. The team paid very close attention to scale, use of materials (many of which were recycled) and developed a vocabulary of modern interior detailing that would complement the original house. Specific program requirements for the project included: large entertainment spaces, gourmet kitchen with adjacent family room, a squash court, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, master suite, and plenty of storage space. In addition, since both adults work from home and receive clients in their offices, two offices needed to be created and it was critical to separate the work areas for the more private family spaces. The new silo, with central stair, became the element that allowed these different program needs to coexist effectively.

High up on a bluff overlooking Wellfleet Harbor and the Cape Cod National Seashore we designed the clients program to include – swimming pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and bar area, multiple fire features, outdoor shower, and a relaxing lounge area protected from the elements. We were responsible for strategically navigating through a complex permitting process including conservation. We also had the pleasure of working with a dynamite team of subcontractors for the electrical, lighting and pool installation.

High up on a bluff overlooking Wellfleet Harbor and the Cape Cod National Seashore we designed the clients program to include – swimming pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and bar area, multiple fire features, outdoor shower, and a relaxing lounge area protected from the elements. We were responsible for strategically navigating through a complex permitting process including conservation. We also had the pleasure of working with a dynamite team of subcontractors for the electrical, lighting and pool installation.

For excellent UV protection while maintaining your view of the outdoors, Designer Screen Shades are available in sturdy and easy-to-clean fabrics—a perfect roller screen shade for your city condo, patio or sunroom. Use PowerView to move your window treatments to the exact position you want and then control and schedule them using the intuitive PowerView App on your smartphone or tablet. These shades can be programmed to adjust their movement as the sunrise and sunset change throughout the year.

Initial programming revolved around the disconnect between parking, kitchen, upper entertaining spaces, and the pool. Accessibility was solved through the installation of the new multi-tiered, limestone balustrade lined, staircase in place of a previously disregarded space. Additional hardscape features included a sunken fire pit, tiered fountain and multiple entertaining spaces to accommodate all needs. Plantings focused on providing structure to the space and bringing down the scale of the house. The highlights of larger Hydrangea and Arborvitae, added screening and privacy at the perimeter while utilization of evergreens bring interest to a space that allows nearly year round use. Lastly, heavy annual planting areas within the pool deck area give year-round interest to help draw people through the space.

Initial programming revolved around the disconnect between parking, kitchen, upper entertaining spaces, and the pool. Accessibility was solved through the installation of the new multi-tiered, limestone balustrade lined, staircase in place of a previously disregarded space. Additional hardscape features included a sunken fire pit, tiered fountain and multiple entertaining spaces to accommodate all needs. Plantings focused on providing structure to the space and bringing down the scale of the house. The highlights of larger Hydrangea and Arborvitae, added screening and privacy at the perimeter while utilization of evergreens bring interest to a space that allows nearly year round use. Lastly, heavy annual planting areas within the pool deck area give year-round interest to help draw people through the space.

Sited blocks from the ocean, the Freeman Residence draws from Spanish architectural tradition while embracing a contemporary formal language. Layered volumes step down through the site, anchored by a series of terraced planters that dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior. The design responds directly to the client's outdoor lifestyle, positioning the terraced landscape as an extension of and equal partner to the interior program. Design Priorities Indoor/outdoor continuity with layered landscape integration Terraced massing to reduce street-scale impact Navigation of multiple non-conforming conditions Single-level ground floor living across meaningful grade change

Initial programming revolved around the disconnect between parking, kitchen, upper entertaining spaces, and the pool. Accessibility was solved through the installation of the new multi-tiered, limestone balustrade lined, staircase in place of a previously disregarded space. Additional hardscape features included a sunken fire pit, tiered fountain and multiple entertaining spaces to accommodate all needs. Plantings focused on providing structure to the space and bringing down the scale of the house. The highlights of larger Hydrangea and Arborvitae, added screening and privacy at the perimeter while utilization of evergreens bring interest to a space that allows nearly year round use. Lastly, heavy annual planting areas within the pool deck area give year-round interest to help draw people through the space.

Initial programming revolved around the disconnect between parking, kitchen, upper entertaining spaces, and the pool. Accessibility was solved through the installation of the new multi-tiered, limestone balustrade lined, staircase in place of a previously disregarded space. Additional hardscape features included a sunken fire pit, tiered fountain and multiple entertaining spaces to accommodate all needs. Plantings focused on providing structure to the space and bringing down the scale of the house. The highlights of larger Hydrangea and Arborvitae, added screening and privacy at the perimeter while utilization of evergreens bring interest to a space that allows nearly year round use. Lastly, heavy annual planting areas within the pool deck area give year-round interest to help draw people through the space.

High up on a bluff overlooking Wellfleet Harbor and the Cape Cod National Seashore we designed the clients program to include – swimming pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and bar area, multiple fire features, outdoor shower, and a relaxing lounge area protected from the elements. We were responsible for strategically navigating through a complex permitting process including conservation. We also had the pleasure of working with a dynamite team of subcontractors for the electrical, lighting and pool installation.

Initial programming revolved around the disconnect between parking, kitchen, upper entertaining spaces, and the pool. Accessibility was solved through the installation of the new multi-tiered, limestone balustrade lined, staircase in place of a previously disregarded space. Additional hardscape features included a sunken fire pit, tiered fountain and multiple entertaining spaces to accommodate all needs. Plantings focused on providing structure to the space and bringing down the scale of the house. The highlights of larger Hydrangea and Arborvitae, added screening and privacy at the perimeter while utilization of evergreens bring interest to a space that allows nearly year round use. Lastly, heavy annual planting areas within the pool deck area give year-round interest to help draw people through the space.

Lawn removed and replaced with California friendly plants, gravel, mulch and sprinklers retrofitted to drip irrigation for DWP rebate program
This is an example of a mid-sized modern drought-tolerant and partial sun front yard gravel landscaping in Los Angeles for spring.

Ross Howard Use the scheduling feature to set your Scenes to operate independently. You can program any Scene to activate on specific days and times. You can even schedule multiple-room Scenes to activate simultaneously. http://www.rosshoward.com/blog/automated-window-shades-powerview/

An aerial view of that side of this architectural asphalt installation in Wilton, CT. We installed CertainTeed underlayment, CertainTeed WinterGuard ice & water shield, CertainTeed ridge vents and 5,000 square feet of CertainTeed Landmark Architectural Asphalt shingles in Pewterwood shade. We also replaced four existing skylights with new Velux "Fresh Air" manual skylights. The 5-star CertainTeed SureStart warranty program provides 50 years of coverage for tear-off, new materials, and installation labor, and disposal - this roof will literally last for generations. And with our craftsmanship and attention to detail in tackling the multiple hips and valleys, it will also be the envy of this neighborhood in terms of aesthetic appeal for that long as well.

The clients enjoy entertaining guests in their home. They enjoy sports events, but don't necessarily enjoy the hustle 'n bustle of going to the stadium, finding a place to park, and in the case of football, freezing to death. They much prefer sharing the ambiance of their comfortable home, offering snacks and drinks from the bar, and enjoying a round of pool during intermissions and halftime, or watching halftime shows on a state-of-the-art home theater. These clients were so committed to this enterprise, they dedicated their 3,000 sq’ basement, except those areas already used for utility, storage, and mechanical needs, the renovation.To make sure the clients' every wish was met, a complete entertainment area was designed and constructed with ease of movement, lighting, and safety in mind. The area would include a home theater with totally wireless controls, a pool room, and a social area replete with a commercial-grade wet bar. The home theater consists of a screen within a custom cabinet system that also houses the complete audio-visual equipment center. Speakers are nestled in custom benches with the sound cones discretely hidden behind fabric panels. The motor for the panel that hides the screen when not in use is behind a similar fabric panel.The furniture style cabinet has Shaker style doors with walnut peg inlays and leaded glass panels. There are multiple lighting "scenes" for ambiance; low-voltage lighting inside the crown molding, and recessed can lights are discretely placed so that they can provide an extra level of illumination when required.The pool room was walled with a custom wainscot paneling with clear cherry stiles and rails finished with a clear satin lacquer. The panels are of Madagascar ebony with a light satin stain and a clear lacquer finish. A custom cue rack was constructed from clear cherry and backed with the Madagascar ebony panel.Drink rails were custom fabricated from cherry and custom crown molding was fabricated to match the rest of the house. The space is lit with a combination of recessed lights and a series of hidden lights behind crown molding for dramatic effect. The bar area is topped with a custom crown detail to contain the lighting. The bar is constructed in the same manner and fashion as the theater and pool rooms with Shaker style cabinetry with square walnut peg in the door corners and decorative leaded glass door fronts with more than enough front and back bar space to serve and enjoy drinks and snacks. Entry behind the bar is through custom, bi-directional butler doors. A custom bottle display and storage area takes up the bottom half of the bar's back wall. And, for the sake of convenience, a full size automatic dishwasher is installed under the bar for cleaning glasses and stemware. The bar is also tricked out with an espresso machine, its own flat screen TV and AmX video controller. The bar is lit with puck lights in the upper cabinets that illuminate downward through glass shelves, and low-voltage lighting is used behind the bottle display. The bar itself is lit by a series of earthen tone pendant lights.All three areas complement each other and are in total harmony with the remainder of the house. Moldings were matched, carpeting styles were chosen to complement rather than compromise, and muted, natural colors and textures were chosen that complement the surroundings. There is a seamless transition between the newer areas of the home and those already in everyday use. The entire area is a nebula of electrons operating servos, quietly opening and closing hidden switches, mysteriously dimming and brightening lights, and not only creating an alluring atmosphere, but one that is programmable, available at the touch of a finger to a heat sensitive screen, for an individual, or a group. At a single touch the lights in the theater and bar areas dim as the theater screen lowers into viewing position. Not only does the AMX controller open and close shades and window treatments to facilitate better viewing, but on an entirely different level it controls the very access to the property. It opens and closes entryways, external doors and gates as well.None of this magic came easily. Electrical circuits were at a premium. Over heating plagued the AV rack, and pesky rays of light seemed to creep in where and when they were least welcome. An exhaust fan was installed in the AV cabinet to dissipate the heat. New electrical outlets were scheduled and placed while others were moved. The bar area received custom wire chases hidden within the cabinetry. Exterior roll-a-way shutters, all controlled from the AMX controller, were installed and programmed as the answer to those pesky light rays.

The clients enjoy entertaining guests in their home. They enjoy sports events, but don't necessarily enjoy the hustle 'n bustle of going to the stadium, finding a place to park, and in the case of football, freezing to death. They much prefer sharing the ambiance of their comfortable home, offering snacks and drinks from the bar, and enjoying a round of pool during intermissions and halftime, or watching halftime shows on a state-of-the-art home theater. These clients were so committed to this enterprise, they dedicated their 3,000 sq’ basement, except those areas already used for utility, storage, and mechanical needs, the renovation.To make sure the clients' every wish was met, a complete entertainment area was designed and constructed with ease of movement, lighting, and safety in mind. The area would include a home theater with totally wireless controls, a pool room, and a social area replete with a commercial-grade wet bar. The home theater consists of a screen within a custom cabinet system that also houses the complete audio-visual equipment center. Speakers are nestled in custom benches with the sound cones discretely hidden behind fabric panels. The motor for the panel that hides the screen when not in use is behind a similar fabric panel.The furniture style cabinet has Shaker style doors with walnut peg inlays and leaded glass panels. There are multiple lighting "scenes" for ambiance; low-voltage lighting inside the crown molding, and recessed can lights are discretely placed so that they can provide an extra level of illumination when required.The pool room was walled with a custom wainscot paneling with clear cherry stiles and rails finished with a clear satin lacquer. The panels are of Madagascar ebony with a light satin stain and a clear lacquer finish. A custom cue rack was constructed from clear cherry and backed with the Madagascar ebony panel.Drink rails were custom fabricated from cherry and custom crown molding was fabricated to match the rest of the house. The space is lit with a combination of recessed lights and a series of hidden lights behind crown molding for dramatic effect. The bar area is topped with a custom crown detail to contain the lighting. The bar is constructed in the same manner and fashion as the theater and pool rooms with Shaker style cabinetry with square walnut peg in the door corners and decorative leaded glass door fronts with more than enough front and back bar space to serve and enjoy drinks and snacks. Entry behind the bar is through custom, bi-directional butler doors. A custom bottle display and storage area takes up the bottom half of the bar's back wall. And, for the sake of convenience, a full size automatic dishwasher is installed under the bar for cleaning glasses and stemware. The bar is also tricked out with an espresso machine, its own flat screen TV and AmX video controller. The bar is lit with puck lights in the upper cabinets that illuminate downward through glass shelves, and low-voltage lighting is used behind the bottle display. The bar itself is lit by a series of earthen tone pendant lights.All three areas complement each other and are in total harmony with the remainder of the house. Moldings were matched, carpeting styles were chosen to complement rather than compromise, and muted, natural colors and textures were chosen that complement the surroundings. There is a seamless transition between the newer areas of the home and those already in everyday use. The entire area is a nebula of electrons operating servos, quietly opening and closing hidden switches, mysteriously dimming and brightening lights, and not only creating an alluring atmosphere, but one that is programmable, available at the touch of a finger to a heat sensitive screen, for an individual, or a group. At a single touch the lights in the theater and bar areas dim as the theater screen lowers into viewing position. Not only does the AMX controller open and close shades and window treatments to facilitate better viewing, but on an entirely different level it controls the very access to the property. It opens and closes entryways, external doors and gates as well.None of this magic came easily. Electrical circuits were at a premium. Over heating plagued the AV rack, and pesky rays of light seemed to creep in where and when they were least welcome. An exhaust fan was installed in the AV cabinet to dissipate the heat. New electrical outlets were scheduled and placed while others were moved. The bar area received custom wire chases hidden within the cabinetry. Exterior roll-a-way shutters, all controlled from the AMX controller, were installed and programmed as the answer to those pesky light rays.