When we first arrived, the existing staircase was outdated, worn out, and no longer safe. The property sits on two levels, and accessing the upper yard required navigating an unstable structure - far from a space you could comfortably use or enjoy. Our goal was to create a safe, functional, and visually cohesive transition between the two levels, while upgrading the overall look of the backyard. We designed and built a custom outdoor staircase using premium Ipe wood - known for its durability, strength, and natural beauty. The new structure not only provides a solid and secure connection between levels, but also enhances the entire outdoor space with a clean, modern aesthetic. The result is a seamless transition that feels natural within the landscape and significantly improves how the backyard is used. This project is just the first phase of a larger transformation. In the next stage, we will be developing the upper level into a private backyard office - a quiet, functional space designed for focus, relaxation, and connection with nature. A backyard should work for you - not against you.

This striking floating staircase brings contemporary elegance to a transitional home. Thick maple treads feature a two-tone finish—walnut brown stain from the front, while the other sides match the mono-beam stringer below. The open-riser design maintains complete transparency, allowing natural light and architectural finishes to shine through. The extended glass panels, secured to the treads with stainless steel pins, create a seamless transparent balustrade. A graspable handrail rises with the stairs, providing both safety and comfort. The switchback configuration rises through the space with minimal visual interruption, proving that structural innovation and elegant simplicity can work in perfect harmony. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This Passive solar home also features solar panels that will fully offset all heating & cooling and electrical needs. Insulated Concrete Form walls with extensive air sealing and tilt-n-turn windows, and colored concrete floors work together to provide a secure and tranquil indoor environment, Greenguard certified paints, a mini-split heat pump, and heat recovery ventilator ensure the air is pure and healthy. An exposed fastener metal roof, LP SmartSide siding over Benjamin Opdyk Hydrogap, and a combination of triple pane Access windows and doors and triple pane Northstar windows with Pro-Clima flashing ensure long term durability and low maintenance. A custom real fieldstone wood burning fireplace adds warmth to the already very comfortable home.

This striking floating staircase brings contemporary elegance to a transitional home. Thick maple treads feature a two-tone finish—walnut brown stain from the front, while the other sides match the mono-beam stringer below. The open-riser design maintains complete transparency, allowing natural light and architectural finishes to shine through. The extended glass panels, secured to the treads with stainless steel pins, create a seamless transparent balustrade. A graspable handrail rises with the stairs, providing both safety and comfort. The switchback configuration rises through the space with minimal visual interruption, proving that structural innovation and elegant simplicity can work in perfect harmony. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This striking floating staircase brings contemporary elegance to a transitional home. Thick maple treads feature a two-tone finish—walnut brown stain from the front, while the other sides match the mono-beam stringer below. The open-riser design maintains complete transparency, allowing natural light and architectural finishes to shine through. The extended glass panels, secured to the treads with stainless steel pins, create a seamless transparent balustrade. A graspable handrail rises with the stairs, providing both safety and comfort. The switchback configuration rises through the space with minimal visual interruption, proving that structural innovation and elegant simplicity can work in perfect harmony. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This striking floating staircase brings contemporary elegance to a transitional home. Thick maple treads feature a two-tone finish—walnut brown stain from the front, while the other sides match the mono-beam stringer below. The open-riser design maintains complete transparency, allowing natural light and architectural finishes to shine through. The extended glass panels, secured to the treads with stainless steel pins, create a seamless transparent balustrade. A graspable handrail rises with the stairs, providing both safety and comfort. The switchback configuration rises through the space with minimal visual interruption, proving that structural innovation and elegant simplicity can work in perfect harmony. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This striking floating staircase brings contemporary elegance to a transitional home. Thick maple treads feature a two-tone finish—walnut brown stain from the front, while the other sides match the mono-beam stringer below. The open-riser design maintains complete transparency, allowing natural light and architectural finishes to shine through. The extended glass panels, secured to the treads with stainless steel pins, create a seamless transparent balustrade. A graspable handrail rises with the stairs, providing both safety and comfort. The switchback configuration rises through the space with minimal visual interruption, proving that structural innovation and elegant simplicity can work in perfect harmony. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This striking floating staircase brings contemporary elegance to a transitional home. Thick maple treads feature a two-tone finish—walnut brown stain from the front, while the other sides match the mono-beam stringer below. The open-riser design maintains complete transparency, allowing natural light and architectural finishes to shine through. The extended glass panels, secured to the treads with stainless steel pins, create a seamless transparent balustrade. A graspable handrail rises with the stairs, providing both safety and comfort. The switchback configuration rises through the space with minimal visual interruption, proving that structural innovation and elegant simplicity can work in perfect harmony. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This striking floating staircase brings contemporary elegance to a transitional home. Thick maple treads feature a two-tone finish—walnut brown stain from the front, while the other sides match the mono-beam stringer below. The open-riser design maintains complete transparency, allowing natural light and architectural finishes to shine through. The extended glass panels, secured to the treads with stainless steel pins, create a seamless transparent balustrade. A graspable handrail rises with the stairs, providing both safety and comfort. The switchback configuration rises through the space with minimal visual interruption, proving that structural innovation and elegant simplicity can work in perfect harmony. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Southern Beach Getaway in WaterColor Private Residence / WaterColor, Florida Architect: Geoff Chick & Associates Builder: Chris Clark Construction The E. F. San Juan team collaborated closely with architect Geoff Chick, builder Chris Clark, interior designer Allyson Runnels, and the homeowners to bring their design vision to reality. This included custom interior and exterior millwork, pecky cypress ceilings in various rooms of the home, different types of wall and ceiling paneling in each upstairs bedroom, custom pecky cypress barn doors and beams in the master suite, Euro-Wall doors in the living area, Weather Shield windows and doors throughout, Georgia pine porch ceilings, and Ipe porch flooring. Challenges: Allyson and the homeowners wanted each of the children’s upstairs bedrooms to have unique features, and we addressed this from a millwork perspective by producing different types of wall and ceiling paneling for each of these rooms. The homeowners also loved the look of pecky cypress and wanted to see this unique type of wood featured as a highlight throughout the home. Solution: In the main living area and kitchen, the coffered ceiling presents pecky cypress stained gray to accent the tiled wall of the kitchen. In the adjoining hallway, the pecky cypress ceiling is lightly pickled white to make a subtle contrast with the surrounding white paneled walls and trim. The master bedroom has two beautiful large pecky cypress barn doors and several large pecky cypress beams that give it a cozy, rustic yet Southern coastal feel. Off the master bedroom is a sitting/TV room featuring a pecky cypress ceiling in a stunning rectangular, concentric pattern that was expertly installed by Edgar Lara and his skilled team of finish carpenters. We also provided twelve-foot-high floor-to-ceiling Euro-Wall Systems doors in the living area that lend to the bright and airy feel of this space, as do the Weather Shield windows and doors that were used throughout the home. Finally, the porches’ rich, South Georgia pine ceilings and chatoyant Ipe floors create a warm contrast to the bright walls, columns, and railings of these comfortable outdoor spaces. The result is an overall stunning home that exhibits all the best characteristics of the WaterColor community while standing out with countless unique custom features. --- Photography by Jack Gardner

The modern staircase is a stunning architectural feature that combines sleek design elements with natural materials, creating a beautiful and functional piece of art. The staircase features a single steel stringer that supports a series of floating wood treads, lending an air of weightlessness and elegance to the space. A minimalist metal railing with clean lines and a matte finish runs the length of the staircase, adding a touch of contemporary style while providing safety and security for those using the stairs. The railing serves as both a functional feature and a work of art, complementing the surrounding natural materials and modern design elements. The wood treads are finished with a warm, natural tone that complements the neutral color palette of the surrounding space. The treads are carefully crafted and positioned, creating a seamless and continuous flow from one level to the next. The staircase is bathed in natural light thanks to a large window that spans one entire wall. The light floods the space, highlighting the beautiful natural materials and adding a sense of openness and airiness to the room. Overall, the modern staircase with a single steel stringer, floating wood treads, and a minimalist metal railing is a breathtaking piece of design that seamlessly blends form and function, creating a beautiful and functional architectural feature that adds value and style to any home.

Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

Cynex 6113 Natural Oak Description Your front door is your best defender. It protects you, your family, and your most valuable personal belongings from theft and damage. Special feature is a durable aluminum profiles that enhance both aesthetics and security. Furthermore, VDom Doors insulate your home from extreme weather conditions, as well as unwanted animals, insects, and dust from entering. Our doors have several superior features: - Single sheet of metal is used in construction. No welded seams are best as these can significantly weaken the structural integrity of the entranceway. Our doors are also more resilient to mechanic damage, such as sledgehammer strikes. - The advantage of a single, non-welded door is that it reduces internal condensation. Over time, condensation can negatively affect the door mechanisms. - Stiffening Ribs: These non-visible details add to our door's security. - Quality insulation serves to reduce unwanted external noise, as well as protect against extreme heat, and severe cold. Introducing our modern exterior entrance door, a stylish addition to any contemporary home or building. Crafted from a single sheet of metal, this door features a sturdy aluminum frame and threshold for added durability and security. The simple yet striking design is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Upgrade your entrance with our modern exterior entrance door today. Model - 6113 Cynex Color - Natural Oak Glass - safety triplex, with mirrored-clear effect Door thickness - 3" Frame thickness - 3 13/16" Exterior design - vertical oak-look studs with black enamel coating Interior design - white enamel metal with decorative vertical grooves. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - Modern Handle VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site. A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

This black vinyl-coated chain link fence creates a secure, functional backyard while maintaining an open view of the property. The double-gate entrance provides convenient yard access, while the black finish gives traditional chain link a clean, attractive appearance that blends naturally with the landscaping. Quality Fence & Repair installs residential chain link fencing and gates throughout Central Minnesota, including Zimmerman, Princeton, Elk River, Otsego, Big Lake, Monticello, Becker, and surrounding communities. We offer both black vinyl-coated and galvanized chain link fencing for durable, low-maintenance backyard solutions.

This Passive solar home also features solar panels that will fully offset all heating & cooling and electrical needs. Insulated Concrete Form walls with extensive air sealing and tilt-n-turn windows, and colored concrete floors work together to provide a secure and tranquil indoor environment, Greenguard certified paints, a mini-split heat pump, and heat recovery ventilator ensure the air is pure and healthy. An exposed fastener metal roof, LP SmartSide siding over Benjamin Opdyk Hydrogap, and a combination of triple pane Access windows and doors and triple pane Northstar windows with Pro-Clima flashing ensure long term durability and low maintenance. A custom real fieldstone wood burning fireplace adds warmth to the already very comfortable home.

【Efficient Storage】: 3 spacious drawers with removable pencil trays and adjustable hanging bars can hold letter, legal, and A4 size hanging files. Two shallow drawers are perfect for stationery. 【Easy Mobility】: With 2 lockable casters, 2 x 360° swivel casters, and 1 anti-tilt wheel, you can move it easily and safely. The center support wheel prevents tipping. 【Secure Locking】: A lock at the top of our file cabinet locks all three drawers, keeping your sensitive documents safe from prying eyes. Two keys are provided. 【Sturdy & Durable】: Made of solid steel and powder-coated for scratch and stain resistance, this cabinet can hold up to 330 pounds. Its heavy-duty structure and humanized design ensure a long lifespan. 【Easy Assembly & Customer Service】: Our Full-Assembled Metal File Cabinet comes with 5 pieces of wheels. If you encounter any problems, contact us anytime for a solution.

This striking floating staircase brings contemporary elegance to a transitional home. Thick maple treads feature a two-tone finish—walnut brown stain from the front, while the other sides match the mono-beam stringer below. The open-riser design maintains complete transparency, allowing natural light and architectural finishes to shine through. The extended glass panels, secured to the treads with stainless steel pins, create a seamless transparent balustrade. A graspable handrail rises with the stairs, providing both safety and comfort. The switchback configuration rises through the space with minimal visual interruption, proving that structural innovation and elegant simplicity can work in perfect harmony. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This striking floating staircase brings contemporary elegance to a transitional home. Thick maple treads feature a two-tone finish—walnut brown stain from the front, while the other sides match the mono-beam stringer below. The open-riser design maintains complete transparency, allowing natural light and architectural finishes to shine through. The extended glass panels, secured to the treads with stainless steel pins, create a seamless transparent balustrade. A graspable handrail rises with the stairs, providing both safety and comfort. The switchback configuration rises through the space with minimal visual interruption, proving that structural innovation and elegant simplicity can work in perfect harmony. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This striking floating staircase brings contemporary elegance to a transitional home. Thick maple treads feature a two-tone finish—walnut brown stain from the front, while the other sides match the mono-beam stringer below. The open-riser design maintains complete transparency, allowing natural light and architectural finishes to shine through. The extended glass panels, secured to the treads with stainless steel pins, create a seamless transparent balustrade. A graspable handrail rises with the stairs, providing both safety and comfort. The switchback configuration rises through the space with minimal visual interruption, proving that structural innovation and elegant simplicity can work in perfect harmony. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company