Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Built by Exact Builders, landscape design by Shades Of Green, photos by John Sutton Photography & Philip Liang Photography.

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by John Sutton Photography.

The owners of a Bethesda home purchased the property next door with the intent to combine the two lots and build an addition to their existing house. They wanted a swimming pool with an outdoor living area, a two-car garage, family room, kitchenette, and guest suite. Lower Level Bathroom. Our designers located a full bath so pool users have easy access through a full light door. One side has hooks, an open shelf, and a lower bench for bathing suits and towels. Michael K. Wilkinson

Former clients of Penza Bailey Architects purchased this property in Greenspring Valley because of the expansive views of the adjacent rolling hills, which were protected by an environmental trust. They asked PBA to design an attached garage with a studio above, a new entrance vestibule and entry foyer, and a new sunroom in the rear of the property to take advantage of the commanding views. The entire house was extensively renovated, and landscape improvements included a new front courtyard and guest parking, replacing the original paved driveway. In addition to the 2 story garage enlargement, PBA designed a tall entrance providing a stronger sense of identity and welcome, along with a 1 1/2 story gallery, allowing light to graciously fill the interior space. These additions served to break up the original rambling roofline, resulting in a thoughtfully balanced structure nestled comfortably into the property. Anne Gummerson Photography

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by John Sutton Photography.

Our clients hired us to design their second home in Northern Michigan; a place they could relax, unwind and enjoy all that Northern Michigan has to offer. Their main residence is in St. Louis, Missouri and they first came to Northern Michigan on vacation with friends. They fell in love with the area and ultimately purchased property in the Walloon area. In addition to the lot they build their home on, they also purchased the lot next door to have plenty of room to garden. The finished product includes a large, open area great room and kitchen, master bedroom and laundry on the main level as well as two guest bedrooms; laundry and a large living area in the walk-out lower level. The large upper deck as well as lower patio offer plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors and their lovely view of beautiful Walloon lake.

Former clients of Penza Bailey Architects purchased this property in Greenspring Valley because of the expansive views of the adjacent rolling hills, which were protected by an environmental trust. They asked PBA to design an attached garage with a studio above, a new entrance vestibule and entry foyer, and a new sunroom in the rear of the property to take advantage of the commanding views. The entire house was extensively renovated, and landscape improvements included a new front courtyard and guest parking, replacing the original paved driveway. In addition to the 2 story garage enlargement, PBA designed a tall entrance providing a stronger sense of identity and welcome, along with a 1 1/2 story gallery, allowing light to graciously fill the interior space. These additions served to break up the original rambling roofline, resulting in a thoughtfully balanced structure nestled comfortably into the property. Anne Gummerson Photography

Our client purchased this lovely house for use as a vacation rental and wanted a hotel feel with a neutral, relaxing beach vibe. We worked with a tight budget to furnish and style this five bedroom home within a six week timeframe so they could get the property working as an income source right off the bat. It rented right away and we are thrilled our client loves the space. Photo cred Shannon Bailey - Lil Bird Photography Rent this home via SeaBreeze Vacation Rentals

This client purchased this 1956 house as an investment. The house had been updated minimally in the past but needed lots of work still. With a $100K budget, we renovated the entire house with a contemporary and neutral palette, increasing its value and making it the perfect home for a family.

A husband-and-wife couple purchased this 40-acre property from its original owner, an architect named Thornton Ladd. The main house, which Ladd designed, sits low and narrow along the property to provide views of the surrounding mountains. The design is simple and neutral to the landscape so the house can sit quietly on the hill. The new owners wanted to add an area to the house for a quiet retreat that would also function as sleeping quarters for guests. The proposed addition is located where the original garage stood, in an area with the site’s most captivating views of the Topa Topa mountains. The proposed design, from the bedroom retreat to the exterior deck, embraces the natural landscape.

A husband-and-wife couple purchased this 40-acre property from its original owner, an architect named Thornton Ladd. The main house, which Ladd designed, sits low and narrow along the property to provide views of the surrounding mountains. The design is simple and neutral to the landscape so the house can sit quietly on the hill. The new owners wanted to add an area to the house for a quiet retreat that would also function as sleeping quarters for guests. The proposed addition is located where the original garage stood, in an area with the site’s most captivating views of the Topa Topa mountains. The proposed design, from the bedroom retreat to the exterior deck, embraces the natural landscape.

A husband-and-wife couple purchased this 40-acre property from its original owner, an architect named Thornton Ladd. The main house, which Ladd designed, sits low and narrow along the property to provide views of the surrounding mountains. The design is simple and neutral to the landscape so the house can sit quietly on the hill. The new owners wanted to add an area to the house for a quiet retreat that would also function as sleeping quarters for guests. The proposed addition is located where the original garage stood, in an area with the site’s most captivating views of the Topa Topa mountains. The proposed design, from the bedroom retreat to the exterior deck, embraces the natural landscape.

Our client purchased this lovely house for use as a vacation rental and wanted a hotel feel with a neutral, relaxing beach vibe. We worked with a tight budget to furnish and style this five bedroom home within a six week timeframe so they could get the property working as an income source right off the bat. It rented right away and we are thrilled our client loves the space. Photo cred Shannon Bailey - Lil Bird Photography Rent this home via SeaBreeze Vacation Rentals

A husband-and-wife couple purchased this 40-acre property from its original owner, an architect named Thornton Ladd. The main house, which Ladd designed, sits low and narrow along the property to provide views of the surrounding mountains. The design is simple and neutral to the landscape so the house can sit quietly on the hill. The new owners wanted to add an area to the house for a quiet retreat that would also function as sleeping quarters for guests. The proposed addition is located where the original garage stood, in an area with the site’s most captivating views of the Topa Topa mountains. The proposed design, from the bedroom retreat to the exterior deck, embraces the natural landscape.

A husband-and-wife couple purchased this 40-acre property from its original owner, an architect named Thornton Ladd. The main house, which Ladd designed, sits low and narrow along the property to provide views of the surrounding mountains. The design is simple and neutral to the landscape so the house can sit quietly on the hill. The new owners wanted to add an area to the house for a quiet retreat that would also function as sleeping quarters for guests. The proposed addition is located where the original garage stood, in an area with the site’s most captivating views of the Topa Topa mountains. The proposed design, from the bedroom retreat to the exterior deck, embraces the natural landscape.

A husband-and-wife couple purchased this 40-acre property from its original owner, an architect named Thornton Ladd. The main house, which Ladd designed, sits low and narrow along the property to provide views of the surrounding mountains. The design is simple and neutral to the landscape so the house can sit quietly on the hill. The new owners wanted to add an area to the house for a quiet retreat that would also function as sleeping quarters for guests. The proposed addition is located where the original garage stood, in an area with the site’s most captivating views of the Topa Topa mountains. The proposed design, from the bedroom retreat to the exterior deck, embraces the natural landscape.

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath.

Our clients hired us to design their second home in Northern Michigan; a place they could relax, unwind and enjoy all that Northern Michigan has to offer. Their main residence is in St. Louis, Missouri and they first came to Northern Michigan on vacation with friends. They fell in love with the area and ultimately purchased property in the Walloon area. In addition to the lot they build their home on, they also purchased the lot next door to have plenty of room to garden. The finished product includes a large, open area great room and kitchen, master bedroom and laundry on the main level as well as two guest bedrooms; laundry and a large living area in the walk-out lower level. The large upper deck as well as lower patio offer plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors and their lovely view of beautiful Walloon lake.

A husband-and-wife couple purchased this 40-acre property from its original owner, an architect named Thornton Ladd. The main house, which Ladd designed, sits low and narrow along the property to provide views of the surrounding mountains. The design is simple and neutral to the landscape so the house can sit quietly on the hill. The new owners wanted to add an area to the house for a quiet retreat that would also function as sleeping quarters for guests. The proposed addition is located where the original garage stood, in an area with the site’s most captivating views of the Topa Topa mountains. The proposed design, from the bedroom retreat to the exterior deck, embraces the natural landscape.