The house sits on a relatively conventional site in a well-established neighborhood. The design of the house seeks to find the ‘sweet spot’ between formal innovations that break with conventional boundaries of its neighbours yet respects the essential qualities of its context. The exaggerated horizontal coursing and subtle pleating of the limestone masonry ensures that this house, though smaller than most of its neighbours, is distinct without being abstentious or trendy. Photo by Doublespace Photography

This project is a story of how buildings and relationships evolve over time, and how the two are intertwined in the making of architecture. The client, a single man, had just purchased a classic Edwardian flat on San Francisco’s Liberty Street, known for its historic homes and famous neighbors like Tracy Chapman, when his realtor connected him with LLA. The initial brief was to integrate a modern, minimalist kitchen and bathroom with the apartment's traditional aesthetic. The existing condition was a series of cramped rooms and a long hallway that divided the apartment into many separate spaces, some without natural light. The solution was to remove most of the walls in the middle of the flat, with extensive structural work hidden from view. This created an open connection between the living, dining and kitchen areas that flooded the formerly dark core of the apartment with light. Midway through the design process, the client and his partner, and avid cook, decided it was time to move in together. The project evolved further and LLA found inventive ways to pack more features and amenities into a design that was fundamentally about simplicity. The result of this creative tension is a large open kitchen with deceptively simple forms- a long back counter with three rows of drawers below, an island with a central cooktop and double cantilevers for seating, and a slightly mysterious wood box at the back. The box conceals the refrigerator, storage, linens, and laundry, and through a secret door, a large walk-in pantry. The bathroom evolved into a mini-spa, with a walk-through shower and Japanese-style soaking tub. The space shares light with the kitchen through a floor-to-ceiling translucent glass panel. Each client has a large dog, and so a small sliver of space under the upstairs neighbor's stair was turned into the perfect doggie den, complete with period correct doorway. The newly blended family moved in together when the project was completed. A poignant footnote, Maverick, the blonder, fluffier dog in the photos, was very old and sadly passed away shortly after they moved in. It made the photoshoot feel like a special event that honored and preserved his memory in pictures. Like all families, theirs continues to evolve and change, just as their home has over its 90 year life.

This couple desired to expand their horizon and maximize their outdoor living space. Their back yard was part of a big hill and a major amount of excavation needed to level up the ground for any kind of flat space use • The homeowner’s goals where to have a big lower level patio to be able to walk out of their basement into stone patio • Space for outdoor jacuzzi • Space for outdoor wood burning fireplace and seating wall • Outdoor lower bar • Second floor large scale deck with a cooking bar • A walkway ramp for wheelchair access (covered with roof) • Lots of seating and entertainment space Challenges: The big backyard hill and big ground. Big stone retaining walls needed. Major excavation. Run utilities, such as gas and water and sewer for bar area. Resolve drainage. The project started with breaking ground, and haul away major amount of dirt from back yard, implementing over 300 ft of retaining wall covered in stone to sunk in the patio Cutting concrete walls in basement to create walk out into new patio New flagstone patio over concrete slab was designed with outer radius to own a wood burning fireplace and seating walls. Right side was covered with tall stone wall and raining to adjacent neighbors Under the deck area is a covered area for bar with stool seating wrapped with ledger stone and granite top and a secluded area for jacuzzi away from neighbors’ view A double-sided staircase was built connecting lower patio to wrapped around upper deck, The new Azak covered deck with listed rail system was equipped with cooking island, natural gas grill, sink and faucet, microwave and outdoor beverage center. A covered walkway ramp has given an opportunity for elder mother in wheelchair to be able to visit them and spend time outdoor with them. Beaded ceiling panels and hanging chandeliers has lid up this veranda. This three-story addition into back of this dwelling stand tall in this community and now more than ever this family get to enjoy their backyard and outdoors with friends and family The harmonizing choice of decking colors with ledger stone, granite tops, flagstone and veneer wall stones has given this outdoor project a standing ovation.

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.

In the heart of Philadelphia, a single family townhouse sports three luxury rooftop gardens, each with it's own take on outdoor living. 2nd story: Off of the main living room and kitchen, is an outdoor living room with a shade canopy supported by a pergola, which creates the "room" feel. Potted evergreen trees screen the tall wall of the adjacent building, adding softness to the space. An Ivy panel screens the neighboring views of adjacent decks. 4th Story: To create an inviting and comfortable space on this small porch, ceder boxes were built to hold plant material and second as seating. The soft tub spa is easy to access from all sides with the wrap around deck. Cedar is such a warm colored wood, and provides a more natural look on top of the original concrete deck. 5th Story: The largest of the three rooftops is on the very top floor, full of lush plantings and a variety of seating. Here you find an outdoor kitchen, a louvered privacy screen, corten-steel planters, and a greenhouse built of cedar. The plantings are lush, providing seasonal interest as well as separation between neighboring deck.

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com Project Entry: Pembrooke Estate Rain Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Sustainable Landscape &60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: The client contracted our company to solve multiple existing drainage problems. In a heavy rain event the existing French drain system would overflow, causing water to pool in the driveway. After investigating the system we found that the capacity of the French drain was undersized for the amount of storm water from the large rain events received in recent years. As a result of our findings and at the request of the homeowner, we designed a storm water management system to capture all storm water from the structures on the property and regenerate the underground aquifers for the volume of a 5.8” rainstorm. In addition to the new drain system, the homeowners wanted a rain garden to provide a backdrop for an existing formal garden, provide a habitat for wildlife, and provide screening from an adjacent neighbor. Throughout the design process many challenges were presented, including an existing gas line, which ran directly through the area that best suited the bioswale. The existence of the gas line caused us to alter the shape and depth of the bioswale in some areas. We also inspected the existing downspouts to make sure there were no obstructions that would impede the system’s efficiency, and then conducted a test pit dig to make sure we had sufficient percolation rates for disposal of storm water. To effectively capture the storm water runoff, the existing downspouts were piped from the main house and the large detached garage to a large catch basin located at the low point in the driveway. The driveway catch basin contains two outlet pipes at different elevations within the basin allowing water from smaller rain events to enter the bioswale and rain garden area to percolate into the soil before excess water overflows into a sediment trap which filters out any debris and is then piped to an underground StormTech® pit to slowly percolate into the ground. The other outlet pipe in the driveway catch basin is used for larger storm water events, taking the water directly to the StormTech® pit. Accepting and slowing the velocity of the storm water, mitigation of erosion, and filtering out pollutants contained in the “first flush” of rainfall are the primary functions of the bioswale and rain garden. Planting these areas with mostly native plant species helps carry out these functions while attracting and providing shelter for wildlife. The ‘Niobe’ weeping willow is the centerpiece of the rain garden, connecting with the axis of the existing formal garden. To screen the neighboring property we chose Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ for its graceful evergreen habit and tolerance of wet sites. ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood and Panicum ‘Cloud Nine’ were used for screening as well as winter interest. To provide deciduous structure to the garden Taxodium distichum and Magnolia virginiana were used in conjunction with witch hazel. Mostly native wetland perennials were used due to their tolerance of wet conditions and occasional drought. The area above the StormTech® pit provides space for the client’s family to relax. The rain garden and bioswale provide screening, storm water management, a habitat for wildlife, and plants that enhance the adjacent formal garden. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

We love our neighbors on Main St in Downtown Rowlett. We're at home with this community over here. Our neighbors and friends at the Village of Rowlett Apartments invited us to design one of their model apartments and we couldn't have been more excited for the opportunity. Here's a peak at the space. I love the entry in this space.

These homeowners came to us wanting to update their property with new plantings at the street, which matched the existing landscaping of the neighborhood, as well as update the various beds around their foundation. The existing beds throughout the property became overgrown and needed a bit of breathing room to allow space for the new plants to fill in. The old vegetation was ripped out and replaced with both native, and adapted plants. The wooded area in the backyard was rid of debris, and a drainage system was added using the rocks that were in their previous landscape design. Not only were the materials able to be recycled, they are now used to help prevent continued erosion of the hillside by taking the water from the sloped driveway and giving it a path toward the woods. Limestone was the chosen replacement because it is cohesive with the neighbor’s landscaping and the pre-existing stairs in the backyard. Blocks of limestone were used to line the new beds and build a new fire pit to accessorize the beautiful view!

In the heart of Philadelphia, a single family townhouse sports three luxury rooftop gardens, each with it's own take on outdoor living. 2nd story: Off of the main living room and kitchen, is an outdoor living room with a shade canopy supported by a pergola, which creates the "room" feel. Potted evergreen trees screen the tall wall of the adjacent building, adding softness to the space. An Ivy panel screens the neighboring views of adjacent decks. 4th Story: To create an inviting and comfortable space on this small porch, ceder boxes were built to hold plant material and second as seating. The soft tub spa is easy to access from all sides with the wrap around deck. Cedar is such a warm colored wood, and provides a more natural look on top of the original concrete deck. 5th Story: The largest of the three rooftops is on the very top floor, full of lush plantings and a variety of seating. Here you find an outdoor kitchen, a louvered privacy screen, corten-steel planters, and a greenhouse built of cedar. The plantings are lush, providing seasonal interest as well as separation between neighboring deck.

My 1950's ranch kitchen wasn't bad enough to justify a remodel, until I wandered into a cabinet warehouse closing down & selling their inventory for $60 a cabinet. I had 3 hours to get cabinets out of their warehouse. For $1000, I had cabinets close to fitting the space, and a few extra for spare parts. Then my neighbor who was going to install the cabinets for me decided after 3 days that he didn't want to work with me. I finished the remodel myself, my first interior remodel project, not counting hanging shelves, ever. My boyfriend helped with advice, loan of a tile saw & nail gun, and a few of the projects. But I did the bulk of the work on my own - including cutting down and building up cabinets where they didn't exactly fit the space. My favorite things in the kitchen are the bits I had to figure out how to make fit. I hired professionals to run 2 new electrical circuits to meet code on the refrigerator wall. My appliances, fixtures & hardware were all from craigslist, ebay, or re-use stores. My goal was to finish the project under $3000, but it ended up closer to $5000. (That includes the 3 days pay for the neighbor.) It only took me 6 months (often only working 1 day on a weekend per week), and I had a blast. I also found that when you are doing the work yourself, it is not nearly as frustrating at how long it takes.

The client wanted a better flow throughout their landscape, as well as introduce straight lines to a space to modernize the irregular shaped pool. Their upper deck was where they did a majority of their entertaining so ensuring this space was large enough for both dining and lounge was the starting point of the design. Introducing privacy from the many on looking neighbours, without completely blocking it off from the rest of their own yard was important. Laser cut privacy screens added this filtered privacy. A round hot tub was added to the back corner of the property, which otherwise seemed like wasted space. Highlighted by the privacy panels in the same pattern used on the deck to create some consistency. Trees were both maintained and added where needs along the property to add greenery and privacy. The entire space now feels open within the backyard, but private from neighbours.

In the heart of Philadelphia, a single family townhouse sports three luxury rooftop gardens, each with it's own take on outdoor living. 2nd story: Off of the main living room and kitchen, is an outdoor living room with a shade canopy supported by a pergola, which creates the "room" feel. Potted evergreen trees screen the tall wall of the adjacent building, adding softness to the space. An Ivy panel screens the neighboring views of adjacent decks. 4th Story: To create an inviting and comfortable space on this small porch, ceder boxes were built to hold plant material and second as seating. The soft tub spa is easy to access from all sides with the wrap around deck. Cedar is such a warm colored wood, and provides a more natural look on top of the original concrete deck. 5th Story: The largest of the three rooftops is on the very top floor, full of lush plantings and a variety of seating. Here you find an outdoor kitchen, a louvered privacy screen, corten-steel planters, and a greenhouse built of cedar. The plantings are lush, providing seasonal interest as well as separation between neighboring deck.

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.

This Flemington, NJ landscape and free-form pool was carefully designed on a property with a rolling hill to extend as much usable outdoor living space as possible while simultaneously adding privacy from the neighbors, and the side street. Key to this space is the large retaining wall built at the back end of the yard after the hill was excavated out and the land leveled. The pool deck extends far to the one side to provide sun bathing chairs and furniture; also to tie in the views from the deck and back of the house to the pool lounging area. The planting scheme also was designed to keep the pool open to the house and privacy kept from the neighbors and other surroundings. The pool features a sitting bench or cozy corner for kids to take a rest on while playing in the pool. Overall the design of this space really transformed a hilly tight backyard with not much usable space into the perfect scene for entertaining with friends or family.

2011 NATIONAL NARI COTY SOUTHEAST REGIONAL AWARD Baby boomers residing in single family colonial in Mclean were tired of their old ragged wood deck and wanted major changes to their outdoor facilities. The backyard was consist of big hill from left neighboring yard that took most of their backyard and create a huge run off and were never able to grow any lawn or plant. They also never got to enjoy their backyard and letting their grand kids and dog out. We Excavate the entire yard to a flat level, Designed and built a 5’x 40’ retaining wall covered with ledger stone between their yards and neighbor yard. Put in place underground drain system to get all most water runoff away from patio Install new shrubbery, plants and lawn tastefully in parameter of new patio. Poured in concrete slab and covered with Flagstone patio in backyard and under deck installed all new Synthetic material deck system with matching railing with larger footsteps than old deck. Connection stairway to back patio. Installed a 12’x18’ screen porch with maintenance free materials, cedar beaded ceiling panels and connection French doors into dining room All siding has been changes along with gutters and down spouts.

Images provided by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product name: Antique Biblical Stone Fountain Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Do you want to add the crown jewel to your backyard? Or maybe you want to finish of your swimming pool with a hand carved stone art piece instead of that stacked, bricked or stuccoed wall that you currently have? What about that kitchen window that leads to your neighbor’s wall or catwalk? Well you guessed it if you were thinking about adding a unique water feature that will transform that dull space into a lush oasis of limestone, water and greenery... An antique water fountain will not only transform your backyard it will change your mood every time you look at it of walk pass by it...

ThinkGreen LLC http://www.thinkgreenllc.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Located in the residential area near the Philadelphia Art Museum, this project was Philadelphia’s first Platinum LEED rated row home. The available outdoor space in any major metropolitan area is typically limited. The client was dedicated to increasing the amount of available outdoor space for entertaining and planting. The sustainable efforts that went into the interior renovations were continued in the exterior spaces with a series of green roof gardens. The lower level terrace features two separate spaces it was the largest. Directly out the glass rear doors of the house is a paved area using local materials that have high albedo. A couple of stairs down leads to a seating area surrounded by River Birch, ferns, and vines such as Virginia Creeper and Trumpet Honeysuckle which create a screen from the neighbor’ s yard. The second level garden is an extensive roof garden with approximately fifteen inches of soils. The space was planted with a variety of native meadow plants such as Purple Coneflower and Beardstongue, and Switchgrass. Fruit trees were planted in several corten steel containers. After a couple of years the client decided he wanted more use of the space so the meadow was thinned out and a path to the end was installed as well as creeping sedums in between the steppers. A spiral stair case leads to the upper level garden. When you reach the top of the stairs in the summer months a vegetable garden full of tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers thrives in planting boxes. Beyond the garden is another seating area. At the front end of the building a line of Eastern Red Cedars is planted to create a privacy wall from the neighbors across the street. The plant palette is predominately native species that can withstand the tough conditions of the limited soil depth and the heat of the sun. Plants such as Bee Balm, Prickly Pear, and Wild Petunia have done exceptionally well on the green roof. When needed they can be irrigated using the house’s grey water system. In addition the benefits the roof gardens provide for the heating and cooling systems make this house and it’s landscape intimately linked together. Photo Credit: Thinkgreen LLC

The intention behind the canyon is to create community - a place for people to walk, hang out, and visit with neighbors. The canyon, separating the 7 homes, ranges from 10 to nearly 18 feet wide, and is oriented north south, with a spur to the west. This orientation permits people to walk in from either 19th Avenue or E. Pine Street, or in from their car, which is discreetly tucked at the edge of the site. Here, the auto knows its place, and neighbors have a chance to interact in an informal setting. The canyon's orientation allows for southern light and air to reach all of the units and penetrate the site. Entries are accessed from the pedestrian canyon. The massing allows roof decks with views back into the canyon and to the Cascade Mountains to the east for all homes. Parking is covered under a trellis. Urban Canyon was selected as a Future Shack Award Winner by AIA Seattle in 2010 and a Project of the Month by AIA Seattle in 2009.

This couple desired to expand their horizon and maximize their outdoor living space. Their back yard was part of a big hill and a major amount of excavation needed to level up the ground for any kind of flat space use • The homeowner’s goals where to have a big lower level patio to be able to walk out of their basement into stone patio • Space for outdoor jacuzzi • Space for outdoor wood burning fireplace and seating wall • Outdoor lower bar • Second floor large scale deck with a cooking bar • A walkway ramp for wheelchair access (covered with roof) • Lots of seating and entertainment space Challenges: The big backyard hill and big ground. Big stone retaining walls needed. Major excavation. Run utilities, such as gas and water and sewer for bar area. Resolve drainage. The project started with breaking ground, and haul away major amount of dirt from back yard, implementing over 300 ft of retaining wall covered in stone to sunk in the patio Cutting concrete walls in basement to create walk out into new patio New flagstone patio over concrete slab was designed with outer radius to own a wood burning fireplace and seating walls. Right side was covered with tall stone wall and raining to adjacent neighbors Under the deck area is a covered area for bar with stool seating wrapped with ledger stone and granite top and a secluded area for jacuzzi away from neighbors’ view A double-sided staircase was built connecting lower patio to wrapped around upper deck, The new Azak covered deck with listed rail system was equipped with cooking island, natural gas grill, sink and faucet, microwave and outdoor beverage center. A covered walkway ramp has given an opportunity for elder mother in wheelchair to be able to visit them and spend time outdoor with them. Beaded ceiling panels and hanging chandeliers has lid up this veranda. This three-story addition into back of this dwelling stand tall in this community and now more than ever this family get to enjoy their backyard and outdoors with friends and family The harmonizing choice of decking colors with ledger stone, granite tops, flagstone and veneer wall stones has given this outdoor project a standing ovation.