This elegant formal dining room, is where sophistication meets wine enthusiasts' dreams. One of the standout features in this space is the built-in temperature-regulated wine room. It provides a dedicated and stylish storage solution for your cherished wine collection. The climate-controlled environment ensures that your wines are kept at the perfect temperature, preserving their flavors and quality. This thoughtful addition adds a touch of luxury and allows you to showcase your passion for fine wines while entertaining guests in this refined dining room.

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

These home owners used Weatherwell Elite aluminum shutters to create privacy in their outdoor pavilion. The wood grain powder coat complements their transitional design scheme, and the operable louvers allow them to regulate the airflow.

These home owners used Weatherwell Elite aluminum shutters to create privacy in their outdoor pavilion. The wood grain powder coat complements their rustic design scheme, and the operable louvers allow them to regulate the airflow.

DESIGN BY Robert M. Gurney, FAIA. This four-time award-winning St. Michael’s property is a contemporary gem on the water. The owners of the property originally intended to renovate an existing ’80s structure, but soon realized it was beyond repair. Our team commenced a full tear down and rebuild on the existing footprint to keep with county regulations for waterfront structures. The result is a modern take on the lake house, a light-filled sanctuary built with integrity to stand the tests of time and the elements. Excellence in Custom Building Winner in Annapolis Home Magazine 2017.

This elegant formal dining room, is where sophistication meets wine enthusiasts' dreams. One of the standout features in this space is the built-in temperature-regulated wine room. It provides a dedicated and stylish storage solution for your cherished wine collection. The climate-controlled environment ensures that your wines are kept at the perfect temperature, preserving their flavors and quality. This thoughtful addition adds a touch of luxury and allows you to showcase your passion for fine wines while entertaining guests in this refined dining room.

There’s nothing like having a personalized space that’s functional and beautifully designed. For this Union City ADU construction project, we ensured this property turned into a quality, modern retreat. Working closely with the homeowner, our ADU design and build a team in Union City brought the client's vision to life, combining thoughtful ideas with meticulous attention to detail. From the open, airy layout to the carefully crafted finishes, we focused on creating a seamless extension that adds value, style, and comfort to your home. Union City ADU Builders - https://www.aduspecialistbayarea.com/locations/union-city/ Union City ADU Floor Plan - https://www.aduspecialistbayarea.com/adu-floor-plans/union-city/4br-2ba/ Union City ADU Regulations - https://www.aduspecialistbayarea.com/adu-regulations/union-city/ ADU Project in Union City - https://www.aduspecialistbayarea.com/projects/union-city/wolff-family-attached-adu/

Chris Bradbury, Glenwood Road Studios Coming on to design the plantings for this lovely waterfront property which was rebuilt after significant storm damage, Barbara created a planting plan that specified plantings that would enhance the property and survive the harsh coastal conditions in the future. She also coordinated hiring of the landscape contractors who installed the new landscape after the completion of the masonry work. As part of the rebuilding of the property, significant changes were in order to make the residence livable again. All modifications had to meet current FEMA regulations and address future storm events. The house was rebuilt 6 feet above the street level and incorporated multiple retaining walls. New salt tolerant plantings were added to provide screening for the dining and lounging terrace along the Sound side of the house. Additional plantings were added to provide screening from the nearby homes, create privacy on the dining terrace from the numerous dog walkers along the adjacent streets, provide interest without blocking views to the Sound from nearby neighbors, compliment the lovely stone retaining walls and create seasonal interest with colorful flowering shrubs.

This elegant formal dining room, is where sophistication meets wine enthusiasts' dreams. One of the standout features in this space is the built-in temperature-regulated wine room. It provides a dedicated and stylish storage solution for your cherished wine collection. The climate-controlled environment ensures that your wines are kept at the perfect temperature, preserving their flavors and quality. This thoughtful addition adds a touch of luxury and allows you to showcase your passion for fine wines while entertaining guests in this refined dining room.

Chris Bradbury, Glenwood Road Studios Coming on to design the plantings for this lovely waterfront property which was rebuilt after significant storm damage, Barbara created a planting plan that specified plantings that would enhance the property and survive the harsh coastal conditions in the future. She also coordinated hiring of the landscape contractors who installed the new landscape after the completion of the masonry work. As part of the rebuilding of the property, significant changes were in order to make the residence livable again. All modifications had to meet current FEMA regulations and address future storm events. The house was rebuilt 6 feet above the street level and incorporated multiple retaining walls. New salt tolerant plantings were added to provide screening for the dining and lounging terrace along the Sound side of the house. Additional plantings were added to provide screening from the nearby homes, create privacy on the dining terrace from the numerous dog walkers along the adjacent streets, provide interest without blocking views to the Sound from nearby neighbors, compliment the lovely stone retaining walls and create seasonal interest with colorful flowering shrubs.

Situated on the edge of New Hampshire’s beautiful Lake Sunapee, this Craftsman-style shingle lake house peeks out from the towering pine trees that surround it. When the clients approached Cummings Architects, the lot consisted of 3 run-down buildings. The challenge was to create something that enhanced the property without overshadowing the landscape, while adhering to the strict zoning regulations that come with waterfront construction. The result is a design that encompassed all of the clients’ dreams and blends seamlessly into the gorgeous, forested lake-shore, as if the property was meant to have this house all along. The ground floor of the main house is a spacious open concept that flows out to the stone patio area with fire pit. Wood flooring and natural fir bead-board ceilings pay homage to the trees and rugged landscape that surround the home. The gorgeous views are also captured in the upstairs living areas and third floor tower deck. The carriage house structure holds a cozy guest space with additional lake views, so that extended family and friends can all enjoy this vacation retreat together. Photo by Eric Roth

These home owners used Weatherwell Elite aluminum shutters to create privacy in their outdoor patio. The wood grain powder coat complements their transitional design scheme, and bi-fold shutters allow them to regulate the airflow and view.

Situated on the edge of New Hampshire’s beautiful Lake Sunapee, this Craftsman-style shingle lake house peeks out from the towering pine trees that surround it. When the clients approached Cummings Architects, the lot consisted of 3 run-down buildings. The challenge was to create something that enhanced the property without overshadowing the landscape, while adhering to the strict zoning regulations that come with waterfront construction. The result is a design that encompassed all of the clients’ dreams and blends seamlessly into the gorgeous, forested lake-shore, as if the property was meant to have this house all along. The ground floor of the main house is a spacious open concept that flows out to the stone patio area with fire pit. Wood flooring and natural fir bead-board ceilings pay homage to the trees and rugged landscape that surround the home. The gorgeous views are also captured in the upstairs living areas and third floor tower deck. The carriage house structure holds a cozy guest space with additional lake views, so that extended family and friends can all enjoy this vacation retreat together. Photo by Eric Roth

Photo: Lauren Edith Anderson © 2016 Houzz
Photo of a traditional landscaping in San Francisco.

Situated on the edge of New Hampshire’s beautiful Lake Sunapee, this Craftsman-style shingle lake house peeks out from the towering pine trees that surround it. When the clients approached Cummings Architects, the lot consisted of 3 run-down buildings. The challenge was to create something that enhanced the property without overshadowing the landscape, while adhering to the strict zoning regulations that come with waterfront construction. The result is a design that encompassed all of the clients’ dreams and blends seamlessly into the gorgeous, forested lake-shore, as if the property was meant to have this house all along. The ground floor of the main house is a spacious open concept that flows out to the stone patio area with fire pit. Wood flooring and natural fir bead-board ceilings pay homage to the trees and rugged landscape that surround the home. The gorgeous views are also captured in the upstairs living areas and third floor tower deck. The carriage house structure holds a cozy guest space with additional lake views, so that extended family and friends can all enjoy this vacation retreat together. Photo by Eric Roth

"Vail" Style 2 Rail - is one of the most popular styles of steel fencing you will find in most retail stores and residential properties, Our 5'Hx6.5’W “Vail” Style is not only for adding a great look to your home, apartment complex and/or commercial property but it also meetings all codes and regulations for enclosing swimming pools, Our components are easily customized. By just adding a rail or two and/or rings to the top and/or bottom you can change the look of your "Do it Yourself" fencing panels.

These home owners used Weatherwell Elite aluminum shutters to create privacy in their pool house. The white powder coat complements their transitional design scheme, and bi-fold shutters allow them to regulate the airflow and view.

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: We were contracted by the family to create a master plan for the property. They were experiencing extreme drainage and erosion problems due to the surrounding properties’ drastic grade changes. Erosion had caused the rear lawn to sink in various areas and the existing rear patio spaces were failing. The client wanted to rebuild their patios and walkways, repave their driveway and give their home more visual appeal. Most importantly, they wanted an environmentally friendly solution. Our design solution was to create a rain garden that would slow storm water runoff, allow for percolation, and promote infiltration, while permitting excess clean water to enter the storm drain at the street with slower velocity. The rain garden acts as a temporary holding space that allows the earth to slowly absorb water, rather than overwhelm the nearby storm drain. Our first objective was to conduct a percolation test to determine the amount of clay soil that needed to be removed before reaching the sandy loam layer. A percolation test and storm water calculations were generated to accommodate a 1” rain event. Based on our calculations and the small size of the property, we determined a depth of 18” was necessary for optimal holding capacity. We removed 18” of clay soil until a layer of sandy loam was encountered. Next, the soil was amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media for the basin of the garden. We piped the three existing rear downspouts to the rain garden area to capture for infiltration and alleviate runoff throughout the rear lawn and patio space. We installed an 18” wide over-flow standpipe at a 24” depth into the ground that outlets to a stone swale that carries the water to the property edge. As an added means of holding the maximum amount of water, we designed the standpipe to sit 14” above grade. The height of this standpipe allows this rain garden to capture 14” of water before reaching the overflow capacity. We placed geotextile fabric to help reduce migration of the stones into the soil and aid in the prevention of weeds and erosion. We heavily planted the rain garden to further aid in absorption and to attract local wildlife. A native plant palette of butterfly weed, Panicum, Joe-Pye weed, and asters form a colorful backdrop while the basin was filled with obligate wetland plants such as royal ferns, irises and cardinal flowers. The upper edges in the foreground are planted with Echinacea, Rudbeckia and Monarda, satisfying the local bird community and adding bright seasonal colors. This garden effectively collects and cleanses rainwater while creating a habitat for birds, frogs, and butterflies. Our next challenge was to redesign the existing patios and walkways without increasing impervious surfaces. According to township regulations this property was currently at its maximum capacity, therefore we designed the front and rear patios with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease their existing impervious surfaces. New planting beds were designed throughout the entire property. Plants were chosen that were tolerant of specific site conditions. For the rear yard, we choose a backdrop of witch hazel and hollies to provide an evergreen screen as well as early spring color. We placed hydrangea throughout to add summer color. We planted ostrich fern under the existing spruce tree to create a lush floor. This area became an additional backdrop for the rain garden as well as a screen for the neighboring property. We choose a combination of ‘Blue Star’ juniper and creeping jenny to soften the existing rear wall with creepers. Around the rear patio areas we choose a combination of Liatris, Rudbeckia and ‘Lo and Behold’ butterfly bush. This combination of plants works in harmony with the rain garden and attracts additional butterflies. For the front of the property we worked with an existing Japanese maple that provided dense shade. We choose a shade-tolerant combination of Heuchera, Astilbe, ferns and hostas for this area. We added more hydrangeas to the front foundation of the house to provide lush layering of plant material and visual interest with additional summer blooms. Overall, we were able to exceed the client’s needs and expectations in transforming their property into a colorful paradise that attracts wildlife from season to season. The plant palette provides seasonal interest and the rain garden has successfully decreased storm water runoff. The new hardscape surfaces were designed and built with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease impervious surfaces. This project is a positive example of how all properties, regardless of size, can make an ecological difference by decreasing impervious surfaces and maintaining proper storm water management. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

DESIGN BY Robert M. Gurney, FAIA. This four-time award-winning St. Michael’s property is a contemporary gem on the water. The owners of the property originally intended to renovate an existing ’80s structure, but soon realized it was beyond repair. Our team commenced a full tear down and rebuild on the existing footprint to keep with county regulations for waterfront structures. The result is a modern take on the lake house, a light-filled sanctuary built with integrity to stand the tests of time and the elements. Excellence in Custom Building Winner in Annapolis Home Magazine 2017.