Nestled in the established yet evolving Rollingwood area, this modern five-star green home responds to the unique challenges and opportunities offered by an infill lot environment and the broader context of the neighborhood and Austin. The program goals required utilizing sustainable design elements while emphasizing casual entertaining and the indoor /outdoor lifestyle of the Owner. A corridor view to the North, a western rear exposure, and a need for privacy from neighboring houses, inspires in a "Y"-shaped concept that focuses primarily toward the side rather than the rear of the property. Carefully placed glazing and a marriage of interior and exterior materials transition smoothly inside and out, while the pool sits snug against the house to create drama and flow to the exterior rooms of the rear court. Existing trees, thick masonry walls, and deep roof overhangs buffer the sun, while sustainable selections and concepts including rainwater harvesting result in an environmentally-friendly home within a cost-conscious budget. Andrew Pogue Photography

Nestled in the established yet evolving Rollingwood area, this modern five-star green home responds to the unique challenges and opportunities offered by an infill lot environment and the broader context of the neighborhood and Austin. The program goals required utilizing sustainable design elements while emphasizing casual entertaining and the indoor /outdoor lifestyle of the Owner. A corridor view to the North, a western rear exposure, and a need for privacy from neighboring houses, inspires in a "Y"-shaped concept that focuses primarily toward the side rather than the rear of the property. Carefully placed glazing and a marriage of interior and exterior materials transition smoothly inside and out, while the pool sits snug against the house to create drama and flow to the exterior rooms of the rear court. Existing trees, thick masonry walls, and deep roof overhangs buffer the sun, while sustainable selections and concepts including rainwater harvesting result in an environmentally-friendly home within a cost-conscious budget. Andrew Pogue Photography

Nestled in the established yet evolving Rollingwood area, this modern five-star green home responds to the unique challenges and opportunities offered by an infill lot environment and the broader context of the neighborhood and Austin. The program goals required utilizing sustainable design elements while emphasizing casual entertaining and the indoor /outdoor lifestyle of the Owner. A corridor view to the North, a western rear exposure, and a need for privacy from neighboring houses, inspires in a "Y"-shaped concept that focuses primarily toward the side rather than the rear of the property. Carefully placed glazing and a marriage of interior and exterior materials transition smoothly inside and out, while the pool sits snug against the house to create drama and flow to the exterior rooms of the rear court. Existing trees, thick masonry walls, and deep roof overhangs buffer the sun, while sustainable selections and concepts including rainwater harvesting result in an environmentally-friendly home within a cost-conscious budget. Andrew Pogue Photography

The Nestled Neighbor house straddles the seam between the Dakota Ridge new urbanist neighborhood and Boulder Open Space. This unique location afforded opportunities to play to the natural western vistas while supporting a walkable street with neighborly interactions. Photo by Daniel O'Connor Photography

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2015 Houzz
Entryway - farmhouse entryway idea in Boise

1 1 C.H. Burnham Inc., in partnership with Ciaran Rafferty Construction, completed this four car garage in Pacific Heights in early April, 2010. From precision excavation and shotcrete construction to the installation of marble slabs and plaster cast egg and dart trim, this project demanded expertise in every aspect of construction. Completed in both a timely matter and on budget, you will see in the following photos, our crews, with the assistance of Mulholland Electric, West Cork Welding, Hughes Plastering, Fong’s Plumbing & Fire Protection, and VBE Inc., efficiently executed a complex project. pacific-heights-san-francisco-remodel-1 Before we could begin excavation for the garage, we needed to dig three 20′ deep underpinnings by hand beneath the 1906 home’s existing foundation. After we had successfully supported the home and installed the temporary shoring, we brought in expert excavator Billy Vaughn, owner of VBE Inc. Considering we were building up to both the western and eastern property lines, we excavated, formed and erected the walls in stages so as to not place the neighboring structures or the workmen in any unnecessary danger. After the walls and spread footers were complete, we poured a 10″ thick slab roof. While the roof slab cured, we installed the tapered sleeper joists for the deck. We then removed the supports for the roof slab and poured the slab floor. 1 1 C.H. Burnham Inc., in partnership with Ciaran Rafferty Construction, completed this four car garage in Pacific Heights in early April, 2010. From precision excavation and shotcrete construction to the installation of marble slabs and plaster cast egg and dart trim, this project demanded expertise in every aspect of construction. Completed in both a timely matter and on budget, you will see in the following photos, our crews, with the assistance of Mulholland Electric, West Cork Welding, Hughes Plastering, Fong’s Plumbing & Fire Protection, and VBE Inc., efficiently executed a complex project. pacific-heights-san-francisco-remodel-1 Before we could begin excavation for the garage, we needed to dig three 20′ deep underpinnings by hand beneath the 1906 home’s existing foundation. After we had successfully supported the home and installed the temporary shoring, we brought in expert excavator Billy Vaughn, owner of VBE Inc. Considering we were building up to both the western and eastern property lines, we excavated, formed and erected the walls in stages so as to not place the neighboring structures or the workmen in any unnecessary danger. After the walls and spread footers were complete, we poured a 10″ thick slab roof. While the roof slab cured, we installed the tapered sleeper joists for the deck. We then removed the supports for the roof slab and poured the slab floor. pacific-heights-san-francisco-remodel-7 Once we completed the concrete phases of construction, we moved onto the finish stages of the project. This included the installation of an ipe’ deck, a hand rail matching the existing railing on the third floor deck and six piece trim detail. After visiting several marble suppliers, we found a carrera marble that matched the existing steps (installed over 100 years ago) and polished/antiqued the materials accordingly. A few more elements, including a cement tiled entryway and a custom garage door, completed the integration of the new structure with the existing home. After cleaning the property and touching things up, we received the certificate of occupancy.

This contemporary, water-wise Southern California beach town landscape is compact but super functional - and fun. Raised deck of western red cedar provides seating for afternoon bocce competitions and informal outdoor dinners with friends and neighbors. Landscape Architecture | Archipelago Workshop – CJ Paone AIA Photography | Kurt Jordan Photography

Nestled in the established yet evolving Rollingwood area, this modern five-star green home responds to the unique challenges and opportunities offered by an infill lot environment and the broader context of the neighborhood and Austin. The program goals required utilizing sustainable design elements while emphasizing casual entertaining and the indoor /outdoor lifestyle of the Owner. A corridor view to the North, a western rear exposure, and a need for privacy from neighboring houses, inspires in a "Y"-shaped concept that focuses primarily toward the side rather than the rear of the property. Carefully placed glazing and a marriage of interior and exterior materials transition smoothly inside and out, while the pool sits snug against the house to create drama and flow to the exterior rooms of the rear court. Existing trees, thick masonry walls, and deep roof overhangs buffer the sun, while sustainable selections and concepts including rainwater harvesting result in an environmentally-friendly home within a cost-conscious budget. Andrew Pogue Photography

Located in the agricultural outskirts of Grand Junction, this project was designed as a forever home for our client to enjoy the views and live in the heart of her daughter’s ranch. This is the second home on the property, and being sensitive to the existing structures was key to the success of the project. Our client values privacy and maintaining the wide open nature of living within the farm lands that built the Grand Valley. We were able to be mindful of the existing home, as well as the distant neighbors, to create a mountain modern farmhouse, rooted in Grand Junction’s agricultural landscape. Design Concept One of the most prominent items on our client’s wish list was an abundance of natural light and a connection to the outdoor spaces. Without any natural features to provide shade to the home, we designed awning features, deep eaves and spacious porches to shield the large expanses of glass from the intense western Colorado sun. We designed well shaded clerestory windows to allow natural light to reach deep into the interior spaces and installed energy efficient, Low-E Weathershield windows to provide year round interior comfort. Our client also valued an open floor plan and durability of materials to make the home as maintenance free as possible. We installed tile flooring throughout for ease of cleaning, installed standing seam metal on the roof for longevity, and fiber cement board siding for durability. It is a harsh landscape in the Western Colorado sun, and we wanted our client’s home to withstand the tests of the desert. Aging in Place Because this was designed as a forever home, we used a number of unique design techniques to ensure the home was safe and suitable for aging in place. The most important technique we utilized was designing a “dropped” floor system allowing our floor to be level with the exterior patios. As in all of our homes, we utilized an energy efficient Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) stem wall foundation. This system also allowed us to easily drop our floor joists into it, eliminating any steps, big or small, going into the house. The seamless transitions not only provide safe maneuvering throughout the home, but also a contemporary flair on the farmhouse aesthetic. The positioning of the house relative to the existing home, large expanses of wood plank stamped concrete patios and 3+ foot wide doors throughout are only a few of the other approaches we took to make sure our client was safe and comfortable as they age in this home.

This contemporary, water-wise Southern California beach town landscape is compact but super functional - and fun. Raised deck of western red cedar provides seating for afternoon bocce competitions and informal outdoor dinners with friends and neighbors. Landscape Architecture | Archipelago Workshop – CJ Paone AIA Photography | Kurt Jordan Photography

This multilevel deck with dining, lounge and hot tub areas has a lot of privacy from the neighbors and still a full view of the western sky. Designed and built by Deck Remodelers.com 973.729.2125

A pair of private courtyards within a unique condo development, "Kat’s Garden," and “The Bloem Garden,” nestle into a densely populated neighborhood in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The intimate and private spaces also feel inviting and lively. In Kat’s Garden, a sentimental family drawing from the homeowner's personal collection inspires a focal point in the form of a sculptural sliding gate crafted from raw aluminum—a threshold visible throughout the property. Horizontal wood fencing built from western red cedar radiates from the gate and encloses the courtyard, and a striking recycled-plastic dining set rests upon linear bands of reclaimed granite slabs embedded in the earth. Reflections from the furniture illuminate the space. The courtyard holds three particularly special blocks of antique granite salvaged from an early 19th-century decommissioned building in Boston. Two are nestled into a planted slope as impromptu benches for overflow seating; the other is carefully outfitted with a stainless steel rill where water spills into a riverstone basin. Underground drywell “pockets” are dotted throughout the hardscape, and stormwater perks into the surrounding planting beds. Water becomes a calming, artistic, and nourishing element in the garden. A dramatic, stainless steel trellis spans two stories where a clematis vine softens the scale of the house. A dynamic plant palette composed of sculptural trees, evergreen and deciduous shrubs, and multi-seasonal perennials provides excellent opportunities for active, inspired gardening. On lazier days, the courtyard can be taken in from two contemporary Adirondack chairs nestled into an elevated corner of the garden, a prime spot for reading. In “The Bloem Garden,” a contemporary dining set rests upon an ashlar-patterned bluestone terrace where birch and stewartia trees provide dappled shade. Western red cedar detailing complements the neighboring garden, and a matching set of fencing and gates enclose a pet-friendly space for the family to enjoy. Native plants with contrasting colors and textures provide a low-maintenance backdrop for alfresco dining and casual relaxation. Thick, reclaimed granite bands are embedded in gravel parking areas to create a functional, inviting, and unique arrival experience for the homeowners. The two, private gardens become the center of outdoor-focused activities. The spaces are unified, yet reflect the individual tastes of each of the people who call this place home.

The Nestled Neighbor house straddles the seam between the Dakota Ridge new urbanist neighborhood and Boulder Open Space. This unique location afforded opportunities to play to the natural western vistas while supporting a walkable street with neighborly interactions. Photo by Daniel O'Connor Photography

Quality craftsmanship and attention to detail will make an "everyday" project stand out from the crowd. Western red cedar pickets, especially when installed with care and precision, are a classic choice for this traditional limestone home.

The Nestled Neighbor house straddles the seam between the Dakota Ridge new urbanist neighborhood and Boulder Open Space. This unique location afforded opportunities to play to the natural western vistas while supporting a walkable street with neighborly interactions. Photo by Daniel O'Connor Photography

This Gold-LEED home, selected for Domus Best Houses award and nominated for Frame House of the Year Award, it is called Cocoon because its round walls form a Cocoon shape towards northern and western neighbors. This rounded enclosed half of the house provides shelter and privacy. The other glass side of the house, facing south, takes in ocean breezes and open views. The cedar shingle cladding blends in with the historic neighborhood and benefits from local craft traditions. By tuning in to given site conditions, and with the help of environmental technologies such as photovoltaic panels and reflecting rainwater cistern, architectural design serves both the environment and wellbeing.

Located in the agricultural outskirts of Grand Junction, this project was designed as a forever home for our client to enjoy the views and live in the heart of her daughter’s ranch. This is the second home on the property, and being sensitive to the existing structures was key to the success of the project. Our client values privacy and maintaining the wide open nature of living within the farm lands that built the Grand Valley. We were able to be mindful of the existing home, as well as the distant neighbors, to create a mountain modern farmhouse, rooted in Grand Junction’s agricultural landscape. Design Concept One of the most prominent items on our client’s wish list was an abundance of natural light and a connection to the outdoor spaces. Without any natural features to provide shade to the home, we designed awning features, deep eaves and spacious porches to shield the large expanses of glass from the intense western Colorado sun. We designed well shaded clerestory windows to allow natural light to reach deep into the interior spaces and installed energy efficient, Low-E Weathershield windows to provide year round interior comfort. Our client also valued an open floor plan and durability of materials to make the home as maintenance free as possible. We installed tile flooring throughout for ease of cleaning, installed standing seam metal on the roof for longevity, and fiber cement board siding for durability. It is a harsh landscape in the Western Colorado sun, and we wanted our client’s home to withstand the tests of the desert. Aging in Place Because this was designed as a forever home, we used a number of unique design techniques to ensure the home was safe and suitable for aging in place. The most important technique we utilized was designing a “dropped” floor system allowing our floor to be level with the exterior patios. As in all of our homes, we utilized an energy efficient Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) stem wall foundation. This system also allowed us to easily drop our floor joists into it, eliminating any steps, big or small, going into the house. The seamless transitions not only provide safe maneuvering throughout the home, but also a contemporary flair on the farmhouse aesthetic. The positioning of the house relative to the existing home, large expanses of wood plank stamped concrete patios and 3+ foot wide doors throughout are only a few of the other approaches we took to make sure our client was safe and comfortable as they age in this home.

Nestled in the established yet evolving Rollingwood area, this modern five-star green home responds to the unique challenges and opportunities offered by an infill lot environment and the broader context of the neighborhood and Austin. The program goals required utilizing sustainable design elements while emphasizing casual entertaining and the indoor /outdoor lifestyle of the Owner. A corridor view to the North, a western rear exposure, and a need for privacy from neighboring houses, inspires in a "Y"-shaped concept that focuses primarily toward the side rather than the rear of the property. Carefully placed glazing and a marriage of interior and exterior materials transition smoothly inside and out, while the pool sits snug against the house to create drama and flow to the exterior rooms of the rear court. Existing trees, thick masonry walls, and deep roof overhangs buffer the sun, while sustainable selections and concepts including rainwater harvesting result in an environmentally-friendly home within a cost-conscious budget. Andrew Pogue Photography

This contemporary, water-wise Southern California beach town landscape is compact but super functional - and fun. Raised deck of western red cedar provides seating for afternoon bocce competitions and informal outdoor dinners with friends and neighbors. Landscape Architecture | Archipelago Workshop – CJ Paone AIA Photography | Kurt Jordan Photography