Example of a mid-sized country freestanding desk home office design in New York with white walls and no fireplace

A basement tailor-made for entertaining, working out, unwinding, wellness and the whole family. These homeowners take the mantra “exercise is a great form of self-care” to heart. A remodel brought them additional space for maintaining and building their exercise and physical health routines. While their 1952 St. Louis Park home is traditional, they decided to have fun with the aesthetics in the multi-function space in the basement. This newly remodeled space is retro-modern, and funky! The colors, designs, and layout inspire a positive attitude and an upbeat mood. Included in the space are areas for recreation, exercise, and relaxation. They created a dedicated space for, not only enjoying the company of others, but where every family member can take care of themselves!

The proposal analyzes the site as a series of existing flows or “routes” across the landscape. The negotiation of both constructed and natural systems establishes the logic of the site plan and the orientation and organization of the new home. Conceptually, the project becomes a highly choreographed knot at the center of these routes, drawing strands in, engaging them with others, and propelling them back out again. The project’s intent is to capture and harness the physical and ephemeral sense of these latent natural movements as a way to promote in the architecture the wanderlust the surrounding landscape inspires. At heart, the client’s initial family agenda--a home as antidote to the city and basecamp for exploration--establishes the ethos and design objectives of the work. Photography - Bruce Damonte

A basement tailor-made for entertaining, working out, unwinding, wellness and the whole family. These homeowners take the mantra “exercise is a great form of self-care” to heart. A remodel brought them additional space for maintaining and building their exercise and physical health routines. While their 1952 St. Louis Park home is traditional, they decided to have fun with the aesthetics in the multi-function space in the basement. This newly remodeled space is retro-modern, and funky! The colors, designs, and layout inspire a positive attitude and an upbeat mood. Included in the space are areas for recreation, exercise, and relaxation. They created a dedicated space for, not only enjoying the company of others, but where every family member can take care of themselves!

Example of a large country white two-story wood gable roof design in New York

The proposal analyzes the site as a series of existing flows or “routes” across the landscape. The negotiation of both constructed and natural systems establishes the logic of the site plan and the orientation and organization of the new home. Conceptually, the project becomes a highly choreographed knot at the center of these routes, drawing strands in, engaging them with others, and propelling them back out again. The project’s intent is to capture and harness the physical and ephemeral sense of these latent natural movements as a way to promote in the architecture the wanderlust the surrounding landscape inspires. At heart, the client’s initial family agenda--a home as antidote to the city and basecamp for exploration--establishes the ethos and design objectives of the work. Photography - Bruce Damonte

The design concept of the residence was conceived through a combination of site analysis, in regard to views to promote and to screen, an appreciation of the gentle curves of the site topography and the elevation change across the meadow-like landscape. The plan form of the house is based on a fragmented radial array established off a large radius whose center point is on axis with view corridor from the property. The radial walls extend past the bounds of the habitable space and both strengthen the design concept and function to screen views to the east and west towards neighboring properties.

CARDOSO STONE Color The Cardoso stone is a stone from the dark gray tending to blue. Composition The Cardoso stone is a rock by metamorphism is not very deep sandstone formed by weathering of granitic rocks. Compactness Because of its mineralogical composition and its mode of genesis, Cardoso stone has a considerable degree of compactness and toughness. Resistance Has excellent physical-mechanical characteristics of resistance to wear, creep and voltage, as well as excellent resistance degrading action of atmospheric agents even in the presence of extreme climates. Utilization It is suitable in construction for indoor and outdoor use. Characteristics that make the Cardoso Stone is the ideal material for the construction of many works.

Axiom Desert House by Turkel Design in Palm Springs, California ; Photo by Chase Daniel ; custom cabinets by Turkel Design ; surfaces, backsplash, and storage accessories from Corian, counter stools by Fyrn, appliances by Dacor ;paint from Dunn-Edwards ; doors and windows from Marvin

A basement tailor-made for entertaining, working out, unwinding, wellness and the whole family. These homeowners take the mantra “exercise is a great form of self-care” to heart. A remodel brought them additional space for maintaining and building their exercise and physical health routines. While their 1952 St. Louis Park home is traditional, they decided to have fun with the aesthetics in the multi-function space in the basement. This newly remodeled space is retro-modern, and funky! The colors, designs, and layout inspire a positive attitude and an upbeat mood. Included in the space are areas for recreation, exercise, and relaxation. They created a dedicated space for, not only enjoying the company of others, but where every family member can take care of themselves!

Modular, green climbing structures made from durable, commercial-grade textiles are incorporated into this play space. These soft forms offer opportunities for physical movement, enabling the child to climb and exercise their muscles. Additionally, the child can rearrange the structures into various configurations during play, stimulating their imagination.

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

The proposal analyzes the site as a series of existing flows or “routes” across the landscape. The negotiation of both constructed and natural systems establishes the logic of the site plan and the orientation and organization of the new home. Conceptually, the project becomes a highly choreographed knot at the center of these routes, drawing strands in, engaging them with others, and propelling them back out again. The project’s intent is to capture and harness the physical and ephemeral sense of these latent natural movements as a way to promote in the architecture the wanderlust the surrounding landscape inspires. At heart, the client’s initial family agenda--a home as antidote to the city and basecamp for exploration--establishes the ethos and design objectives of the work. Photography - Bruce Damonte

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

Blue Sunrise hardy geranium. Design by Mitch Evans Le jardinet

Hot-dip galvanized steel has been effectively used for more than 150 years. The value of hot-dip galvanizing stems from the relative corrosion resistance of zinc, which under most service conditions, is considerably better than iron and steel. Products that are hot dipped galvanized include gutters, downspouts, elbows, miters and sheets. In addition to forming a physical barrier against corrosion, zinc, applied as a hot-dip galvanized coating, cathodically protects exposed steel. Furthermore, galvanizing for protection of iron and steel is favored because of its low cost, the ease of application, and the extended maintenance-free service that it also provides. Galvanized Steel is an excellent solution for Northern climates with snow and ice conditions. A strong and durable metal that contracts one half as much as aluminum

A basement tailor-made for entertaining, working out, unwinding, wellness and the whole family. These homeowners take the mantra “exercise is a great form of self-care” to heart. A remodel brought them additional space for maintaining and building their exercise and physical health routines. While their 1952 St. Louis Park home is traditional, they decided to have fun with the aesthetics in the multi-function space in the basement. This newly remodeled space is retro-modern, and funky! The colors, designs, and layout inspire a positive attitude and an upbeat mood. Included in the space are areas for recreation, exercise, and relaxation. They created a dedicated space for, not only enjoying the company of others, but where every family member can take care of themselves!

A basement tailor-made for entertaining, working out, unwinding, wellness and the whole family. These homeowners take the mantra “exercise is a great form of self-care” to heart. A remodel brought them additional space for maintaining and building their exercise and physical health routines. While their 1952 St. Louis Park home is traditional, they decided to have fun with the aesthetics in the multi-function space in the basement. This newly remodeled space is retro-modern, and funky! The colors, designs, and layout inspire a positive attitude and an upbeat mood. Included in the space are areas for recreation, exercise, and relaxation. They created a dedicated space for, not only enjoying the company of others, but where every family member can take care of themselves!