The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Access to the lake from this charming home required navigating a steep slope. db landscaping LLC was able to negotiate this terrain and provide comfortable lake access using oversized natural stone steps and landings that meander through native plant material. The upper patio space provides natural outdoor gathering space directly off the main living area and allows for a perched view of the lake beyond.

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2017 Houzz
Eclectic dining room photo in Seattle

Jeri Koegel
Example of a trendy family room design in Los Angeles

Möbius was designed with intention of breaking away from architectural norms, including repeating right angles, and standard roof designs and connections. Nestled into a serene landscape on the barrier island of Casey Key, the home features protected, navigable waters with a dock on the rear side, and a private beach and Gulf views on the front. Materials like cypress, coquina, and shell tabby are used throughout the home to root the home to its place. This is the rear of the home. Photo by Ryan Gamma

We like to see the lower columns as large or larger than the upper columns. The long staircase is much more navigable if you have a landing midway. The bump out at the the top of the stairs is a nook for the grill.

Simply concrete steps and path provide visual continuity to the structure of the home as well as easy navigation throughout the property. Rather than making the walkway a focal point Unique Companies designers wisely chose to create form and function from a simple material. The wow factor is clearly what is to be discovered at the top of the steps.

Side Yard Walkway including steps of pre-cast concrete blocks and caps to more easily navigate the grade change. Low voltage lighting was added to highlight the steps at night and help night time access. A 6 foot tall cedar fence with privacy lattice provide property line privacy.

Möbius was designed with intention of breaking away from architectural norms, including repeating right angles, and standard roof designs and connections. Nestled into a serene landscape on the barrier island of Casey Key, the home features protected, navigable waters with a dock on the rear side, and a private beach and Gulf views on the front. Materials like cypress, coquina, and shell tabby are used throughout the home to root the home to its place. This is the front of the home. Photo by Ryan Gamma

We use natural stone for our steps whenever we can. Some of the most common types are limestone, granite, and sandstone. They stand up to the elements and do not move or come apart like a manufactured step that is glued. All of our steps are guillotine cut. This gives them a nice clean natural finish. Perfect for navigating hillsides.

Möbius was designed with intention of breaking away from architectural norms, including repeating right angles, and standard roof designs and connections. Nestled into a serene landscape on the barrier island of Casey Key, the home features protected, navigable waters with a dock on the rear side, and a private beach and Gulf views on the front. Materials like cypress, coquina, and shell tabby are used throughout the home to root the home to its place. This is the front of the home, as vied from the motor court. Photo by Ryan Gamma

Möbius was designed with intention of breaking away from architectural norms, including repeating right angles, and standard roof designs and connections. Nestled into a serene landscape on the barrier island of Casey Key, the home features protected, navigable waters with a dock on the rear side, and a private beach and Gulf views on the front. Materials like cypress, coquina, and shell tabby are used throughout the home to root the home to its place. Photo by Ryan Gamma

Safety lighting around a backyard swimming pool and patio, the lights here help family and friends safely navigate the space after dark

We use natural stone for our steps whenever we can. Some of the most common types are limestone, granite, and sandstone. They stand up to the elements and do not move or come apart like a manufactured step that is glued. All of our steps are guillotine cut. This gives them a nice clean natural finish. Perfect for navigating hillsides.

Fred Oesch
Large trendy three-story wood exterior home photo

This project is the rebuild of a classic Craftsman bungalow that had been destroyed in a fire. Throughout the design process we balanced the creation of a house that would feel like a true home, to replace the one that had been lost, while managing a budget with challenges from the insurance company, and navigating through a complex approval process. Photography by Phil Bond and Artisan Home Builders. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/craftsman-rebuild/

Möbius was designed with intention of breaking away from architectural norms, including repeating right angles, and standard roof designs and connections. Nestled into a serene landscape on the barrier island of Casey Key, the home features protected, navigable waters with a dock on the rear side, and a private beach and Gulf views on the front. Materials like cypress, coquina, and shell tabby are used throughout the home to root the home to its place. Photo by Ryan Gamma

Möbius was designed with intention of breaking away from architectural norms, including repeating right angles, and standard roof designs and connections. Nestled into a serene landscape on the barrier island of Casey Key, the home features protected, navigable waters with a dock on the rear side, and a private beach and Gulf views on the front. Materials like cypress, coquina, and shell tabby are used throughout the home to root the home to its place. This is the front of the home, as vied from the motor court. Photo by Ryan Gamma

Only minimal lighting was required in this yard as the fire pots, linear fire insert and the glow of the pool and spa provide soft lighting to navigate throughout the yard. This design adds even greater impact to the cactus being up lit.