Opera is a new modular program with large sized modules decorated with lots of cushions that provide it with incredible comfort and an attractive look.

The modern design of this home paired with traditional building materials of stucco exterior and plaster interior produces a refined, but impactful design. The program is pushed to the sides to provide for indoor/outdoor connection through the heart of the house, allowing all rooms to have a relationship to the outdoors.

The program is pushed to the sides to provide for indoor/outdoor connection through the heart of the house, allowing all rooms to have a relationship to the outdoors. Floor to ceiling windows and doors in the Gallery running along back of the Salon connects the front views of Percy Warner Park through to the back wooded hillside/rock outcropping/pool area. The breakfast room in the kitchen pushes into exterior living space with large corner windows.

The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. The shape of structure was also dictated by the stairs below. The new stairs had to be angled over the stairs from the first to the second floor such that the lower set of stairs provided head clearance. That set the L-shape and angles of the roof access structure. We used a 3D modeling program called Revit to review four critical height locations. This assured us the design provided the necessary stair clearance without making structure on roof visible from the street. The clients wanted a contemporary look for the stairs, and selected stainless steel cable rail. This material also allows natural light to pass through. We also rebuilt the stairs from the first floor to the second floor, so all the stairs have a consistent look. HDBros

We provided the sailfish and David Johnson did the rest. Here is more info: Location: Indian Shores, Florida USA Rentals: www.19440gulf.com Sailfish: www.mountthis.net Program: Total redesign and renovation of a 900 sq. ft. oceanfront condo in a 1970’s multi unit dwelling Materials: Ceramic floors, Laminate cabinetry, Corian countertops, broadloom, ceramic mosaic BS Interior Designer David Johnson - http://www.davidjohnsonaoca.com

This project successfully reclaims a beautiful Tribeca loft space from the dysfunctional layout and dated decor of previous renovations. The project’s main goal was to establish a stronger division between the public and private areas of the apartment by switching the locations of the kitchen and bedroom. By moving the master bedroom adjacent to the existing bathroom and adding a new powder room off the kitchen, the new layout allows for a much stronger delineation between private and public functions. The new bedroom area features new closets, a separate nursery room, and custom walnut headboard shelves. A new operable translucent-panel wall gives privacy to the bedroom, while maintaining a loft-like feel. The adjoining bathroom was renovated to restore the original high ceilings and provide for a new tub, shower stall and walnut vanity. The new kitchen includes custom walnut cabinets, a single-piece Pietra Cardosa countertop island, a walk-in pantry with separate laundry room closet, and new designer fixtures and appliances.

This serene master bathroom design forms part of a master suite that is sure to make every day brighter. The large master bathroom includes a separate toilet compartment with a Toto toilet for added privacy, and is connected to the bedroom and the walk-in closet, all via pocket doors. The main part of the bathroom includes a luxurious freestanding Victoria + Albert bathtub situated near a large window with a Riobel chrome floor mounted tub spout. It also has a one-of-a-kind open shower with a cultured marble gray shower base, 12 x 24 polished Venatino wall tile with 1" chrome Schluter Systems strips used as a unique decorative accent. The shower includes a storage niche and shower bench, along with rainfall and handheld showerheads, and a sandblasted glass panel. Next to the shower is an Amba towel warmer. The bathroom cabinetry by Koch and Company incorporates two vanity cabinets and a floor to ceiling linen cabinet, all in a Fairway door style in charcoal blue, accented by Alno hardware crystal knobs and a super white granite eased edge countertop. The vanity area also includes undermount sinks with chrome faucets, Granby sconces, and Luna programmable lit mirrors. This bathroom design is sure to inspire you when getting ready for the day or provide the ultimate space to relax at the end of the day!

This Greek Revival row house in Boerum Hill was previously owned by a local architect who renovated it several times, including the addition of a two-story steel and glass extension at the rear. The new owners came to us seeking to restore the house and its original formality, while adapting it to the modern needs of a family of five. The detailing of the 25 x 36 foot structure had been lost and required some sleuthing into the history of Greek Revival style in historic Brooklyn neighborhoods. In addition to completely re-framing the interior, the house also required a new south-facing brick façade due to significant deterioration. The modern extension was replaced with a more traditionally detailed wood and copper- clad bay, still open to natural light and the garden view without sacrificing comfort. The kitchen was relocated from the first floor to the garden level with an adjacent formal dining room. Both rooms were enlarged from their previous iterations to accommodate weekly dinners with extended family. The kitchen includes a home office and breakfast nook that doubles as a homework station. The cellar level was further excavated to accommodate finished storage space and a playroom where activity can be monitored from the kitchen workspaces. The parlor floor is now reserved for entertaining. New pocket doors can be closed to separate the formal front parlor from the more relaxed back portion, where the family plays games or watches TV together. At the end of the hall, a powder room with brass details, and a luxe bar with antique mirrored backsplash and stone tile flooring, leads to the deck and direct garden access. Because of the property width, the house is able to provide ample space for the interior program within a shorter footprint. This allows the garden to remain expansive, with a small lawn for play, an outdoor food preparation area with a cast-in-place concrete bench, and a place for entertaining towards the rear. The newly designed landscaping will continue to develop, further enhancing the yard’s feeling of escape, and filling-in the views from the kitchen and back parlor above. A less visible, but equally as conscious, addition is a rooftop PV solar array that provides nearly 100% of the daily electrical usage, with the exception of the AC system on hot summer days. The well-appointed interiors connect the traditional backdrop of the home to a youthful take on classic design and functionality. The materials are elegant without being precious, accommodating a young, growing family. Unique colors and patterns provide a feeling of luxury while inviting inhabitants and guests to relax and enjoy this classic Brooklyn brownstone. This project won runner-up in the architecture category for the 2017 NYC&G Innovation in Design Awards and was featured in The American House: 100 Contemporary Homes. Photography by Francis Dzikowski / OTTO

Initial programming revolved around the disconnect between parking, kitchen, upper entertaining spaces, and the pool. Accessibility was solved through the installation of the new multi-tiered, limestone balustrade lined, staircase in place of a previously disregarded space. Additional hardscape features included a sunken fire pit, tiered fountain and multiple entertaining spaces to accommodate all needs. Plantings focused on providing structure to the space and bringing down the scale of the house. The highlights of larger Hydrangea and Arborvitae, added screening and privacy at the perimeter while utilization of evergreens bring interest to a space that allows nearly year round use. Lastly, heavy annual planting areas within the pool deck area give year-round interest to help draw people through the space.

The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. The shape of structure was also dictated by the stairs below. The new stairs had to be angled over the stairs from the first to the second floor such that the lower set of stairs provided head clearance. That set the L-shape and angles of the roof access structure. We used a 3D modeling program called Revit to review four critical height locations. This assured us the design provided the necessary stair clearance without making structure on roof visible from the street. The clients wanted a contemporary look for the stairs, and selected stainless steel cable rail. This material also allows natural light to pass through. We also rebuilt the stairs from the first floor to the second floor, so all the stairs have a consistent look. HDBros

This detached accessory dwelling unit/garage combo was a labor of love by the homeowner to provide a place for family to comfortably live independently. Everyone involved is proud of the workmanship. This project was a part of the Residential Infill Pilot Program. Over 150 yards of dirt/mud was removed. Our mason successfully matched the brick to the main home. The vaulted ceiling and short wall give the living space an open feel. This project is a perfect example of a homeowner working with the government and the trades to achieve a new space that blends in with the neighborhood.

These Canton, MA homeowners wanted to transform their standard build master bath into a more opened up and luxurious space. Knowing they would be living in the home for many years, the couple wanted a comfortable and spa-like feel. To achieve this, Renovisions Design and Remodeling removed the existing door to the bathroom and re-worked a pocket door into the design creating a better flow into the bath from the master bedroom. Replacing the existing fiberglass one-piece shower/tub with a custom built walk-in shower provided a larger space that is both functional and beautiful and a highly desired space to wind down at the end of their long workdays. Gorgeous porcelain tile compliments granite shelving, shower seat and curbing that was fabricated to match the existing vanity countertop. A frameless glass enclosure created a half-wall allowing for more light into the room yet ensures privacy. Just a step away, a thermostatically controlled, programmable heated floor entices the homeowners on chilly mornings. Now the clients have the master bathroom suite they had always wanted.

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth. Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

The 7,600 square-foot residence was designed for large, memorable gatherings of family and friends at the lake, as well as creating private spaces for smaller family gatherings. Keeping in dialogue with the surrounding site, a palette of natural materials and finishes was selected to provide a classic backdrop for all activities, bringing importance to the adjoining environment. In optimizing the views of the lake and developing a strategy to maximize natural ventilation, an ideal, open-concept living scheme was implemented. The kitchen, dining room, living room and screened porch are connected, allowing for the large family gatherings to take place inside, should the weather not cooperate. Two main level master suites remain private from the rest of the program; yet provide a complete sense of incorporation. Bringing the natural finishes to the interior of the residence, provided the opportunity for unique focal points that complement the stunning stone fireplace and timber trusses. Photographer: John Hession

This detached accessory dwelling unit/garage combo was a labor of love by the homeowner to provide a place for family to comfortably live independently. Everyone involved is proud of the workmanship. This project was a part of the Residential Infill Pilot Program. Over 150 yards of dirt/mud was removed. Our mason successfully matched the brick to the main home. The vaulted ceiling and short wall give the living space an open feel. This project is a perfect example of a homeowner working with the government and the trades to achieve a new space that blends in with the neighborhood.

This garden was a project in collaboration with Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, NY. We designed and installed a large vegetable garden that would be suitable for educational programs for children. The garden is spacious and productive and provides an excellent teaching space for the numerous students who visit Stone Barns Center.

Originally built to house a garage, workshop and wood storage, this simple structure has been gently re-imagined into a unique guesthouse with a rustic accents and modern comforts. The exterior retains the classic barn appearance, with the addition of carefully placed windows and industrial-looking Corten steel siding. The introduction of a large dormer to the center of the structure was a simple move, but provided multiple functions: • breaks up the 8’-0” ceiling on the main floor, letting in additional daylight and providing visual relief to the otherwise low ceiling • creates circulation space with the rustic steel stair and bridge • utilizes reclaimed wood siding on the ceiling and walls, contrasting with white drywall and clean bright finishes • visually connects the two upstairs bedrooms with the main floor The focus of the interior was to preserve and accentuate the barn features as much as possible, and have a warm and cozy, energy efficient guest house. Programming included two bedrooms, two bathrooms, dining area, farmhouse kitchen and pantry, living room and laundry room. Materials and furnishes were selected to create a clean, comfortable and inviting interior with a rustic edge. The exposed steel beam was left unfinished showing its existing wear and tear, and the new steel stair was left raw to eventually age and match the beam. Durable and economical oak floors were used throughout. Traditional subway tile and penny rounds contrast with the modern, clean lines of the kitchen and bathrooms. A custom sliding barn door adds texture to the kitchen and closes off the pantry and laundry room from the space. Furniture was a mix of new and existing, which makes the spaces both familiar and comfortable. All in all, there is a timeless look to the end product; a traditional farmstead structure has definitely been giving a great new lease on life. Andrew Pogue

Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in Austin

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith