Rollscreens paired with roll down storm shutters on a beach front application. Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens or Rolling Shutters, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

Originally designed by J. Merrill Brown in 1887, this Queen Anne style home sits proudly in Cambridge's Avon Hill Historic District. Past was blended with present in the restoration of this property to its original 19th century elegance. The design satisfied historical requirements with its attention to authentic detailsand materials; it also satisfied the wishes of the family who has been connected to the house through several generations. Photo Credit: Peter Vanderwarker

The Eagle Harbor Cabin is located on a wooded waterfront property on Lake Superior, at the northerly edge of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, about 300 miles northeast of Minneapolis. The wooded 3-acre site features the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior, a lake that sometimes behaves like the ocean. The 2,000 SF cabin cantilevers out toward the water, with a 40-ft. long glass wall facing the spectacular beauty of the lake. The cabin is composed of two simple volumes: a large open living/dining/kitchen space with an open timber ceiling structure and a 2-story “bedroom tower,” with the kids’ bedroom on the ground floor and the parents’ bedroom stacked above. The interior spaces are wood paneled, with exposed framing in the ceiling. The cabinets use PLYBOO, a FSC-certified bamboo product, with mahogany end panels. The use of mahogany is repeated in the custom mahogany/steel curvilinear dining table and in the custom mahogany coffee table. The cabin has a simple, elemental quality that is enhanced by custom touches such as the curvilinear maple entry screen and the custom furniture pieces. The cabin utilizes native Michigan hardwoods such as maple and birch. The exterior of the cabin is clad in corrugated metal siding, offset by the tall fireplace mass of Montana ledgestone at the east end. The house has a number of sustainable or “green” building features, including 2x8 construction (40% greater insulation value); generous glass areas to provide natural lighting and ventilation; large overhangs for sun and snow protection; and metal siding for maximum durability. Sustainable interior finish materials include bamboo/plywood cabinets, linoleum floors, locally-grown maple flooring and birch paneling, and low-VOC paints.

StruXture Photography operates on the leading edge of digital technology and masterfully employs cutting edge photographic methods to truly capture the essence of your property. Our extensive experience with multi-exposure photography, architectural aesthetics, lighting, composition, and dynamic range allows us to produce and deliver superior, magazine-quality images.

Los Altos, CA.
Living room - traditional living room idea in San Francisco with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

While cleaning out the attic of this recently purchased Arlington farmhouse, an amazing view was discovered: the Washington Monument was visible on the horizon. The architect and owner agreed that this was a serendipitous opportunity. A badly needed renovation and addition of this residence was organized around a grand gesture reinforcing this view shed. A glassy “look out room” caps a new tower element added to the left side of the house and reveals distant views east over the Rosslyn business district and beyond to the National Mall. A two-story addition, containing a new kitchen and master suite, was placed in the rear yard, where a crumbling former porch and oddly shaped closet addition was removed. The new work defers to the original structure, stepping back to maintain a reading of the historic house. The dwelling was completely restored and repaired, maintaining existing room proportions as much as possible, while opening up views and adding larger windows. A small mudroom appendage engages the landscape and helps to create an outdoor room at the rear of the property. It also provides a secondary entrance to the house from the detached garage. Internally, there is a seamless transition between old and new. Photos: Hoachlander Davis Photography

For this home we were hired as the Architect only. Siena Custom Builders, Inc. was the Builder. +/- 5,200 sq. ft. home (Approx. 42' x 110' Footprint) Cedar Siding - Cabot Solid Stain - Pewter Grey

A great integration system seamlessly manages a multitude of systems intelligently and automatically while requiring an absolute minimum of user prompting to create repeatable environmental and entertainment scenes which they enjoy. This project required 21 zones of digital audio, 12 zones of HD video with access to 7 sources ranging from multiple HD Cable Boxes, Surveillance Cameras, Blu-Ray DVD, dual Satellite Radio tuners and Apple TV. This systems cornerstone of operation is the NetStreams DigiLinx integration system which boasts IP based audio for CD quality sound while incorporating complete property intercom, paging and door chimes. Lutron Homeworks lighting control manages the exterior and interior lighting which we designed to showcase this homes best features. Several interior spaces required Lurton’s Sivoia silent operating motorized shades for privacy and ambient light control. Numerous cameras keep a vigilant eye on the entire property. Viewing cameras or operating any of the homes Entertainment, Lighting or Technology Systems can be accomplished through iPhone, iPads, fixed touch screens, handheld remotes from URC and computer. Our favorite integration features include the ability to instantly launch music for the patio from Lutron Homeworks seeTouch controllers located at patio egress and simple to operate handheld remotes for owners and their guests.

Inspiration for a mediterranean two-story exterior home remodel in Denver

Master bath in a private home in Brooklyn New York, apartment designed by Eric Safyan, Architect, with Green Mountain Construction & Design
Example of a classic walk-in shower design in New York with a pedestal sink

Kitchen
Kitchen - cottage kitchen idea in Philadelphia with white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Columbus with a fire pit

Inspiration for a transitional eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles

Inspiration for a transitional shower bench remodel in Philadelphia with a hinged shower door

This home is inspired by the owner’s trips to France and by the early 20th century neo classical architecture of Charles Platt and David Alder. Rigorous attention to proportion, scale and detail bring authenticity to the design. The plan is organized around a central two-story family room. This is a cube of space measuring twenty feet on each side. Living, dining, cooking and circulation spaces form the edges of the light filled core. A terrace and covered porch connect the living areas to the site on the west side where views of Lake Washington, Seattle and the Olympic Mountains are enjoyed. An existing house on the property was dismantled and recycled for second use. The new home features geothermal heating and natural ventilation strategies to reduce dependencies on fossil fuels.

Barry Grossman Photography
Example of a trendy white floor living room design in Miami with a ribbon fireplace

Rob Karosis
Mudroom - cottage mudroom idea in New York

Kitchen - farmhouse kitchen idea in Seattle

Photo: Le Michelle Nguyen © 2015 Houzz
Example of an eclectic living room design in San Francisco