Our team was excited to hear our design submission SCATTERED SPHERES was a winner in the BENCHmark 2016 competition! The BENCHmark 2016 competition invited designers to submit proposals for the design of a permanent bench along the Bishop Grandin Trail - Winnipeg’s longest multi-use trail. A competition seeking designers to help make / celebrate places that embody physical literacy, add refinement to the art of traveling while providing a place to sit, read, discuss and exchange. In the end we decide to use reclaimed Elm as the species as choice as it pays homage to Winnipeg's Elm trees that have succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease. SCATTERED SPHERES The scattered spheres are turned from solid reclaimed White Oak, and are composed in a cluster along the Agassiz site. These pieces operate as both a composition in the landscape and a functional place for pause. These minimal and immediate forms encourage users to interact with them in fun and creative ways. These objects resist a prescribed function, but rather encourage the user to behave as a collaborator. Links: http://storefrontmb.ca/congratulations-2016-benchmark-competition-winners/ http://storefrontmb.ca/benchmark-view-submissions/ 2017 © Ray Chan Photo, All Rights Reserved

A few years ago I had metal implants put in my right foot and began to realize that simple tasks became hard to accomplish. This was when I began to study and incorporate the principles of Universal Design into every project I created. Using a multifunction Hans Grohe shower head on a slide bar so it could reach the bench seat, ample storage in the Kohler wall locker, large glass doors with towel bars and prepped location for future grab bars, this master bath remodel will allow my clients elegant ease of use for many years to come. To me, Universal Design doesn't just address the physical needs of a person. In creating a space that makes a person feel good, gives them a moment of calm renewal - my objective is to treat the whole room, the whole project as universal. My goal is to treat all the senses to an experience that gives my clients simple precious time to just relax. Alan Gilbert Photography Greenleaf Construction

Part of a complete home renovation in an aging Mid-Century Bow Mar home, this expansive kitchen is visually and physically the home's centerpiece. Designer Debbie Davis used two large seating areas attached to opposing half-circle islands to create a functional and comfortable family space, as well as house a microwave drawer and induction cooktop. The high-gloss white wall cabinetry, paired with oak base cabinetry is Bauformat, German designed and manufactured. The subtle contrast between the flooring and base cabinetry, paired with Mid Century inspired matte-white large-format wall tile keeps the whole space light and airy. Natural light is ample from the window over the sink to the large sliding doors and light tubes in the ceiling. Tim Gormley, TG Image

This image features the newly built stone wall that separates the main house from the guest house, creating a sense of privacy while still allowing visual and physical connection between the spaces. Crafted from a mix of natural stone, the wall adds richness, texture, and a timeless feel to the landscape. In the foreground, the custom concrete patio with wide treads invites you to sit and enjoy the sweeping views of the Sonoma wine country. This space was thoughtfully designed to blend rustic charm with functionality and a strong sense of place. The plantings and other pathways will be placed soon.

When correctly placed, a three-dimensional sound stage fills the space between your speakers. Instruments and sounds appear to come from invisible locations. This isn’t magic, its physics! Achieving this remarkable balance dramatically requires getting many things right, such as good stereo material, controlling room reflections, good speakers and most importantly, getting your speakers and listening area set-up properly. These objectives may compete with each other. Let our audio specialists diagnose any issues and expertly create the ultimate sound experience

“A deep purple river joins two 14 ft live edge Winnipeg Elm slabs on this one of a kind table. The angular design of the leg offers visual qualities much like a kite in the sky. Shifting your perspective to the tables angles you really get a sense of visual and physical mass! From its side profile you’ll see thin lines of angular connections.” We were commissioned to build this one of a kind table for a customer residing in another province. As with all of our custom pieces we worked closely with the customer (much through emails) understanding the emotion they wanted the table to invoke in their space. Details: 14’ long x 5’ wide x 1.5” thick reclaimed Elm table with central live edge “river” coloured resin, squared outer edges, black powder coated steel leg (“w”leg design) with black powder coated steel table under structure. First image credit: Customer supplied image. 2016 © Ray Chan Photo, All Rights Reserved

A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea

Evergreen shrubs & low maintenance grasses make this a simple, elegant, easy to care for design. The natural, creamy stone entry is very welcoming. The river stones help with drainage and add definition to the space. Photo by Roundtree Landscaping

This Portland kitchen transformation focused on reimagining the flow and functionality of the space, while also refreshing its look and feel. The original layout featured a peninsula that created a visual and physical barrier between the cooking and dining areas—and the patio outside—limiting both movement and social interaction. The homeowners goal was to remove this dividing element and replacing it with a thoughtfully designed custom island that serves as both a functional workspace and a natural gathering point. This strategic change opened up the entire space, creating a seamless flow while maintaining distinct zones for cooking and dining. Because one of the homeowners is a talented woodworker, we were able to incorporate some really lovely, custom handmade elements throughout the kitchen and dining room. The result is a kitchen that not only functions better but creates a more inviting environment for both everyday living and entertaining.

This Portland kitchen transformation focused on reimagining the flow and functionality of the space, while also refreshing its look and feel. The original layout featured a peninsula that created a visual and physical barrier between the cooking and dining areas—and the patio outside—limiting both movement and social interaction. The homeowners goal was to remove this dividing element and replacing it with a thoughtfully designed custom island that serves as both a functional workspace and a natural gathering point. This strategic change opened up the entire space, creating a seamless flow while maintaining distinct zones for cooking and dining. Because one of the homeowners is a talented woodworker, we were able to incorporate some really lovely, custom handmade elements throughout the kitchen and dining room. The result is a kitchen that not only functions better but creates a more inviting environment for both everyday living and entertaining.

The kitchen features an eating island and a custom glass back splash from Meltdown Glass. Architecture and Interiors - Tate Studio Architects, Builder - Platinum Homes, Photography - Thompson Photographic.

What is an ADU: Accessory Dwelling Units: An accessory dwelling unit, usually just called an ADU, is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. The term “accessory dwelling unit” is a institutional-sounding name, but it’s the most commonly-used term across the country to describe this type of housing. While the full name is a mouthful, the shorthand “ADU” is better. ADUs vary in their physical form quite a bit, as there are detached ADU, attached ADU, second story ADU (above garage or work shop), addition ADU, internal ADU. IMPORTANT: There’s simply too few permitted ADUs to make a real difference in the housing stock. But, even if they aren’t going to solve all a city’s problems, they may help homeowners solve some of their problems. The most common motivation for ADU development is rental income potential, followed by the prospect of flexible living space for multigenerational households. We at FIDELITY GENERAL CONTRACTORS, providing a single point of contact to homeowners interested in this product, from conceptual stage including plans, city legwork, project managing of the construction stage including assistance with material purchase and other coordination, all the way to completion. (this project showcases a detached ADU, 400 SQ.)

Steps from Riverside Park, the existing apartment had previously not been renovated for 30 years and was in dire need of a complete overhaul. StudioLAB was presented with the challenge of re-designing the space to fit a modern family’s lifestyle today with the flexibility to adjust as they evolve into their tomorrow. The existing formal closed kitchen and dining room were combined and opened up to allow the owners to entertain in an open living environment and allow natural light to permeate throughout different exposures of the apartment. Bathrooms were gutted, enlarged and reconfigured. Central air conditioning was added with minimal ducting as to be hidden and not seem clunky. Built-in bookshelves run the length of the perimeter walls below windows, concealing radiators and providing extra valuable storage in every room. A neutral color palette, minimalist details, and refined materials create a warm, modern atmosphere. Light brown oak veneered archways as well as LED cove ceilings are used to separate programmatic spaces visually without the use of physical partitions. A charcoal stained cube built-in was designed with in the foyer to create deep storage while continuing into the kitchen to hide the built-in refrigerator and pantry visually connecting the two spaces. The family’s two children share one large bedroom in order to create a playroom in the other which can also serves as a guest room when needed. The master bedroom features a full height grey stained ash veneered wall unit that serves as the predominant clothes storage. A panel housing the TV slides to reveal more clothes storage behind. To utilize the exiting formal maid’s room behind the kitchen, a small study and powder room were created that house laundry machines as well.

A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

This highrise apartment had been designed and beautifully appointed back in the early 90’s but was desperate for an update. This Master Bath had an awkward angled shower with an enclosed toilet room that made it feel small and cramped. By eliminating the toilet room and squaring off the shower for a larger footprint, we gained physical space. The sleek modern design was enhanced by using a single large format tile type throughout. The Duravit soaking tub has a “reading shelf” built into the side of the plinth facing the toilet - necessary, yet hidden. The tub was designed to be a feature as you walk into the room – allowing the homeowner to feature a favorite piece of art.

Our team was excited to hear our design submission SCATTERED SPHERES was a winner in the BENCHmark 2016 competition! The BENCHmark 2016 competition invited designers to submit proposals for the design of a permanent bench along the Bishop Grandin Trail - Winnipeg’s longest multi-use trail. A competition seeking designers to help make / celebrate places that embody physical literacy, add refinement to the art of traveling while providing a place to sit, read, discuss and exchange. In the end we decide to use reclaimed Elm as the species as choice as it pays homage to Winnipeg's Elm trees that have succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease. SCATTERED SPHERES The scattered spheres are turned from solid reclaimed White Oak, and are composed in a cluster along the Agassiz site. These pieces operate as both a composition in the landscape and a functional place for pause. These minimal and immediate forms encourage users to interact with them in fun and creative ways. These objects resist a prescribed function, but rather encourage the user to behave as a collaborator. Links: http://storefrontmb.ca/congratulations-2016-benchmark-competition-winners/ http://storefrontmb.ca/benchmark-view-submissions/ 2017 © Ray Chan Photo, All Rights Reserved

A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

Steps from Riverside Park, the existing apartment had previously not been renovated for 30 years and was in dire need of a complete overhaul. StudioLAB was presented with the challenge of re-designing the space to fit a modern family’s lifestyle today with the flexibility to adjust as they evolve into their tomorrow. The existing formal closed kitchen and dining room were combined and opened up to allow the owners to entertain in an open living environment and allow natural light to permeate throughout different exposures of the apartment. Bathrooms were gutted, enlarged and reconfigured. Central air conditioning was added with minimal ducting as to be hidden and not seem clunky. Built-in bookshelves run the length of the perimeter walls below windows, concealing radiators and providing extra valuable storage in every room. A neutral color palette, minimalist details, and refined materials create a warm, modern atmosphere. Light brown oak veneered archways as well as LED cove ceilings are used to separate programmatic spaces visually without the use of physical partitions. A charcoal stained cube built-in was designed with in the foyer to create deep storage while continuing into the kitchen to hide the built-in refrigerator and pantry visually connecting the two spaces. The family’s two children share one large bedroom in order to create a playroom in the other which can also serves as a guest room when needed. The master bedroom features a full height grey stained ash veneered wall unit that serves as the predominant clothes storage. A panel housing the TV slides to reveal more clothes storage behind. To utilize the exiting formal maid’s room behind the kitchen, a small study and powder room were created that house laundry machines as well.