My House Design/Build Team | www.myhousedesignbuild.com | 604-694-6873 | Martin Knowles Photography ----- As with all our projects, we started with the architectural design. The house was large enough, but it lacked function and openness. There were only 2 bedrooms on the main floor and two sets of stairs into the basement (who was their designer?!). Pair that with some questionable rock feature walls, and we had to look at this home from the perspective of a complete gut. The first step was to plan for a single staircase to the basement in a location that made sense. Once we removed the wall that separated the foyer from the living room, we created a nice open space as you enter the home, and the perfect location for the set of stairs. No rock was salvaged in the making of this space. Additionally, with the centrally located living room and vaulted ceiling, it provided the perfect opportunity to expand the deck space out back and create an amazing covered area with views to the mountains beyond.

Dining room - 1960s dining room idea in Seattle

This six-bedroom home — all with en-suite bathrooms — is a brand new home on one of Lincoln Park's most desirable streets. The neo-Georgian, brick and limestone façade features well-crafted detailing both inside and out. The lower recreation level is expansive, with 9-foot ceilings throughout. The first floor houses elegant living and dining areas, as well as a large kitchen with attached great room, and the second floor holds an expansive master suite with a spa bath and vast walk-in closets. A grand, elliptical staircase ascends throughout the home, concluding in a sunlit penthouse providing access to an expansive roof deck and sweeping views of the city..

My House Design/Build Team | www.myhousedesignbuild.com | 604-694-6873 | Martin Knowles Photography ----- As with all our projects, we started with the architectural design. The house was large enough, but it lacked function and openness. There were only 2 bedrooms on the main floor and two sets of stairs into the basement (who was their designer?!). Pair that with some questionable rock feature walls, and we had to look at this home from the perspective of a complete gut. The first step was to plan for a single staircase to the basement in a location that made sense. Once we removed the wall that separated the foyer from the living room, we created a nice open space as you enter the home, and the perfect location for the set of stairs. No rock was salvaged in the making of this space. Additionally, with the centrally located living room and vaulted ceiling, it provided the perfect opportunity to expand the deck space out back and create an amazing covered area with views to the mountains beyond.

The owners loved the location and views from their original 2 bedroom, 1 bath home perched over looking the beautiful ocean shoreline. The problem was the size, layout and overall look of the house did not work for their growing family. The challenge was to take the existing multi-level, disjointed house and turn it into a larger, comfortably-elegant family home all within the existing foot print. The existing loft-style home was completely gutted and transformed into a four bedroom, 4.5 bath home. Every room in the house boasts fantastic views of the ocean. High on the Owners' list was a stronger street presence. Vistors never could find the front door! The front of the house was given a complete face-lift, leaving no question where to enter the new home. The Owners also wanted to create usable outdoor space, which on the steep site, was tricky. Instead of taking the material from demolished east side of the house (which was rebuilt) and hauling it off to the landfill, it was used to create a new raised patio off the lower level. The scale and overall proportions of the house are what the owners love. Each room is comfortable while still having a sense of grace and detail…the perfect mix for this family.

The custom cabinetry mixes stained and painted cabinets with a marble countertop. Eliminating upper cabinets and installing glossy backsplash tile to ceiling enhances the light in the Kitchen. Project by Portland interior design studio Jenni Leasia Interior Design. Also serving Lake Oswego, West Linn, Vancouver, Sherwood, Camas, Oregon City, Beaverton, and the whole of Greater Portland. For more about Jenni Leasia Interior Design, click here: https://www.jennileasiadesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.jennileasiadesign.com/crystal-springs

View to Music Room from Family Room featuring Arched Transom and Doors of Stained Cypress. George Cott Photography

My House Design/Build Team | www.myhousedesignbuild.com | 604-694-6873 | Martin Knowles Photography ----- As with all our projects, we started with the architectural design. The house was large enough, but it lacked function and openness. There were only 2 bedrooms on the main floor and two sets of stairs into the basement (who was their designer?!). Pair that with some questionable rock feature walls, and we had to look at this home from the perspective of a complete gut. The first step was to plan for a single staircase to the basement in a location that made sense. Once we removed the wall that separated the foyer from the living room, we created a nice open space as you enter the home, and the perfect location for the set of stairs. No rock was salvaged in the making of this space. Additionally, with the centrally located living room and vaulted ceiling, it provided the perfect opportunity to expand the deck space out back and create an amazing covered area with views to the mountains beyond.

When full-time Massachusetts residents contemplate building a second home in Telluride, Colorado the question immediately arises; does it make most sense to hire a regionally based Rocky Mountain architect or a sea level architect conveniently located for all of the rigorous collaboration required for successful bespoke home design. Determined to prove the latter true, Siemasko + Verbridge accompanied the potential client as they scoured the undulating Telluride landscape in search of the perfect house site. The selected site’s harmonious balance of untouched meadow rising up to meet the edge of an aspen grove and the opposing 180 degree view of Wilson’s Range spoke to everyone. A plateau just beyond a fork in the meadow provided a natural flatland, requiring little excavation and yet the right amount of upland slope to capture the views. The intrinsic character of the site was only enriched by an elk trail and snake-rail fence. Establishing the expanse of Wilson’s range would be best served by rejecting the notion of selected views, the central sweeping curve of the roof inverts a small saddle in the range with which it is perfectly aligned. The soaring wave of custom windows and the open floor plan make the relatively modest house feel sizable despite its footprint of just under 2,000 square feet. Officially a two bedroom home, the bunk room and loft allow the home to comfortably sleep ten, encouraging large gatherings of family and friends. The home is completely off the grid in response to the unique and fragile qualities of the landscape. Great care was taken to respect the regions vernacular through the use of mostly native materials and a palette derived from the terrain found at 9,820 feet above sea level. Photographer: Gibeon Photography

The owners loved the location and views from their original 2 bedroom, 1 bath home perched over looking the beautiful ocean shoreline. The problem was the size, layout and overall look of the house did not work for their growing family. The challenge was to take the existing multi-level, disjointed house and turn it into a larger, comfortably-elegant family home all within the existing foot print. The existing loft-style home was completely gutted and transformed into a four bedroom, 4.5 bath home. Every room in the house boasts fantastic views of the ocean. High on the Owners' list was a stronger street presence. Vistors never could find the front door! The front of the house was given a complete face-lift, leaving no question where to enter the new home. The Owners also wanted to create usable outdoor space, which on the steep site, was tricky. Instead of taking the material from demolished east side of the house (which was rebuilt) and hauling it off to the landfill, it was used to create a new raised patio off the lower level. The scale and overall proportions of the house are what the owners love. Each room is comfortable while still having a sense of grace and detail…the perfect mix for this family.

In the Tuscany region of central Italy, a region made famous around the world for its history, landscapes, traditions, artistic legacy and fine wine, perhaps nothing is more universally recognized than the old world villa’s that are nestled into the rolling countryside. Standing at approximately 10,500 square feet, this custom residence has all of the elegance, style and craftsmanship of those old world homes, but with all of the modern amenities of a new modern luxury home. This stunning residence was recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as the best custom built home in the country in 2010, a testament to the skillful designers and craftsmen who brought the homeowners vision into reality. When Chad Haas, Founder of VAULT (www.vaultgarage.com), a company that prides itself in furnishing some of the most beautiful garages in the world, was brought into the project, the home and garage had already been built. The accolades of the gorgeous villa already awarded. But the homeowner felt that the exterior and interior of the garage lacked architectural harmony with the rest of the home and so he flew Mr. Haas out to visit the space directly so that he could assist hands-on with re-designing a new look and to add furnishings to accessories the space. “When I first approached the villa from the street, I knew that I’d have my work cut out for me. Everything looked so perfect exactly the way it was designed and built. I questioned myself ‘how was I going to improve upon perfection?’, since remarkable attention was paid to even the smallest of details in the home” asked Haas. The client’s goal was to engage Haas to design and furnish a garage where he could relax, separate from the home, enjoy his growing car collection and entertain family and friends. After spending a short weekend together with the home owner to gather his ideas, Haas returned back to his Beaverton, Oregon-based company with a clearer vision: create the ultimate gentlemen’s retreat through the look of a turn-of-a-century Tuscan ‘car barn’. Absolutely nothing in the garage was overlooked – and it shows. Every design element in the garage for color, texture and material was meticulously thought out to elicit just the right feeling and emotion in everyone that enters what may be one of the most beautifully elegant garages in America, a space commonly overlooked in the construction of homes today. A main focal point of the exterior of garage is the beautiful view from the courtyard, where all three carriage doors can be seen. While the existing wood doors looked acceptable, it was agreed that something more befitting of the quality and beauty of the home were appropriate. Haas designed luxurious castle-style doors handcrafted from solid Mahogany and bathed in a rich dark brown stain that was complemented by hand-wrought iron grills, clavos and door pull hardware. The double-wide door, in particular, is truly remarkable in both its elegance, as well as its one-of-a-kind operation. “The client was concerned in this area of having mounting hardware and a motor on the ceiling. Because the cars in this area do not get brought out on a regular (daily) basis, the doors open manually by hand and operate accordion style on a track”. The homes main overhead garage doors feature jack-shaft operation which removes the clutter of a motor on the garage ceiling, but offers the convenience of powered operation. These extraordinary, custom-made castle doors look just as beautiful on the inside as the out and their unparalleled design and craftsmanship take the exterior of the home to even greater heights than before. On to the interior, a black and white epoxy coating was stripped and replaced with porcelain tiles that resembled Italian travertine stone. To give the car barn a rustic feeling and a presence that it was older, not modern, Haas worked on the development and concept directly with the home owner to collaborate with a local millwork company that designed and hand-finished substantial wood beams from distressed Doug Fir. All of the walls were hand-plastered by a local artist using straw that was harvested from the immediate area surrounding the home and incorporated into the plaster to give it a rustic antique quality. Haas conceived and designed a bar area and cabinetry for a work area that pulled inspiration from old ice boxes of the 1920’s that utilized heavy nickel-plated hardware, again to give storage spaces a rustic appearance. The warm glow from several custom porcelain neon signs, each one meticulously built entirely by hand by VAULT, are dispersed throughout the space and transform the entire room and bring it to life. The client had never previously owned a neon sign before and along with the carriage doors felt that these items have transformed the space more than any other feature. Several antique gas pumps, restored in the client’s favorite petro bran, and a few additional porcelain signs will eventually furnish the rest of the space to complement the clients amazing car collection. In addition to the countless details that set this showcase garage apart, its ability to seamlessly blend with the rest of the home and the natural, rustic setting of the Colorado Rockies, yet house modern automobiles in a manner in which they feel well placed and belong, is also noteworthy. GARAGE DESIGN & FURNISHINGS To learn more about VAULT visit them at: http://www.vaultgarage.com/ And on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VaultGarage PHOTOGRAPHY All photographs were used with the permission of photographer John Vanderpool (john.vanderpool5@gmail.com) You can visit John Vanderpool on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/JVanderpoolPhotography ARCHITECTURE Jerry Gloss, Principal, KGA Architects: http://www.kgarch.com/ HOMEBUILDER Thomas Sattler Home: http://thomassattlerhomes.com/ VEHICLES Here is an overview of the cars that were photographed in this article: 1. 2014 Ferrari 458 Italia 2. 2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport 3. 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997) 4. 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS 5. 2008 Porsche GT3 RS 6. 2013 Porsche 911 Turbo S (997) 7. 2014 Porsche Panamera GTS 8. 2013 Ford SVT Raptor (6.2L CrewCab)’ Overview of project reprinted with permission of DuPont Registry.

When full-time Massachusetts residents contemplate building a second home in Telluride, Colorado the question immediately arises; does it make most sense to hire a regionally based Rocky Mountain architect or a sea level architect conveniently located for all of the rigorous collaboration required for successful bespoke home design. Determined to prove the latter true, Siemasko + Verbridge accompanied the potential client as they scoured the undulating Telluride landscape in search of the perfect house site. The selected site’s harmonious balance of untouched meadow rising up to meet the edge of an aspen grove and the opposing 180 degree view of Wilson’s Range spoke to everyone. A plateau just beyond a fork in the meadow provided a natural flatland, requiring little excavation and yet the right amount of upland slope to capture the views. The intrinsic character of the site was only enriched by an elk trail and snake-rail fence. Establishing the expanse of Wilson’s range would be best served by rejecting the notion of selected views, the central sweeping curve of the roof inverts a small saddle in the range with which it is perfectly aligned. The soaring wave of custom windows and the open floor plan make the relatively modest house feel sizable despite its footprint of just under 2,000 square feet. Officially a two bedroom home, the bunk room and loft allow the home to comfortably sleep ten, encouraging large gatherings of family and friends. The home is completely off the grid in response to the unique and fragile qualities of the landscape. Great care was taken to respect the regions vernacular through the use of mostly native materials and a palette derived from the terrain found at 9,820 feet above sea level. Photographer: Gibeon Photography

When full-time Massachusetts residents contemplate building a second home in Telluride, Colorado the question immediately arises; does it make most sense to hire a regionally based Rocky Mountain architect or a sea level architect conveniently located for all of the rigorous collaboration required for successful bespoke home design. Determined to prove the latter true, Siemasko + Verbridge accompanied the potential client as they scoured the undulating Telluride landscape in search of the perfect house site. The selected site’s harmonious balance of untouched meadow rising up to meet the edge of an aspen grove and the opposing 180 degree view of Wilson’s Range spoke to everyone. A plateau just beyond a fork in the meadow provided a natural flatland, requiring little excavation and yet the right amount of upland slope to capture the views. The intrinsic character of the site was only enriched by an elk trail and snake-rail fence. Establishing the expanse of Wilson’s range would be best served by rejecting the notion of selected views, the central sweeping curve of the roof inverts a small saddle in the range with which it is perfectly aligned. The soaring wave of custom windows and the open floor plan make the relatively modest house feel sizable despite its footprint of just under 2,000 square feet. Officially a two bedroom home, the bunk room and loft allow the home to comfortably sleep ten, encouraging large gatherings of family and friends. The home is completely off the grid in response to the unique and fragile qualities of the landscape. Great care was taken to respect the regions vernacular through the use of mostly native materials and a palette derived from the terrain found at 9,820 feet above sea level. Photographer: Gibeon Photography

Example of an eclectic home design design in Seattle

This classic post-and-beam house sits on a ridge in the Riviera neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA. With stunning views of Gibraltar Rock, Mission Canyon, and Cielito Overlook, the house’s original designers sited it perfectly and implemented an elegantly simple structural system based on a clear design vision. Unfortunately, several subsequent owners lacked that same clarity and made questionable remodeling choices based on passing style fads, effectively turning the house into something it was not and – most perplexing of all – turning their backs to the majesty of the surrounding mountains and valley. Working with the new owner, who saw through the noise of these misguided remodels, we set out to return the house to its roots and recreate its rhythmic geometry and interior flow. We added new wall-to-wall double sliding doors that open to the expansive northern views, bringing space and light to the living, dining, and kitchen areas and providing easy access to the surrounding natural environment. We also reconsidered the color palette and materials, simplified detailing and trim, and highlighted interior focal points such as the original slump block fireplace and newly remodeled kitchen. The house now entertains easily and provides a comfortable and gracious living space for its owner and guests.

The owners loved the location and views from their original 2 bedroom, 1 bath home perched over looking the beautiful ocean shoreline. The problem was the size, layout and overall look of the house did not work for their growing family. The challenge was to take the existing multi-level, disjointed house and turn it into a larger, comfortably-elegant family home all within the existing foot print. The existing loft-style home was completely gutted and transformed into a four bedroom, 4.5 bath home. Every room in the house boasts fantastic views of the ocean. High on the Owners' list was a stronger street presence. Vistors never could find the front door! The front of the house was given a complete face-lift, leaving no question where to enter the new home. The Owners also wanted to create usable outdoor space, which on the steep site, was tricky. Instead of taking the material from demolished east side of the house (which was rebuilt) and hauling it off to the landfill, it was used to create a new raised patio off the lower level. The scale and overall proportions of the house are what the owners love. Each room is comfortable while still having a sense of grace and detail…the perfect mix for this family.

How do you improve on midcentury modern? Lincoln Lighthill Architect’s extensive renovation of an early 60's, Eichler-esque home on Twin Peaks answers the question by picking up where the original house left off, with simple but important updates that reimagine this unique home. By replacing punched windows with walls of glass, removing interior walls and opening up a 40’ wide living space with a large steel moment frame, inserting skylights at key locations to bring light deep into the interior, and cantilevering a steel and timber deck off the front to take in the spectacular view, the full potential of the original design is realized. The renovation included an inside and out rethinking of how the home functions, with new kitchen, bathrooms, and finishes throughout. A comprehensive energy upgrade included efficient windows, LED lighting and dimming controls, spray-foam insulation throughout, efficient furnace upgrades, and pre-wiring for a rooftop solar system.

This classic post-and-beam house sits on a ridge in the Riviera neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA. With stunning views of Gibraltar Rock, Mission Canyon, and Cielito Overlook, the house’s original designers sited it perfectly and implemented an elegantly simple structural system based on a clear design vision. Unfortunately, several subsequent owners lacked that same clarity and made questionable remodeling choices based on passing style fads, effectively turning the house into something it was not and – most perplexing of all – turning their backs to the majesty of the surrounding mountains and valley. Working with the new owner, who saw through the noise of these misguided remodels, we set out to return the house to its roots and recreate its rhythmic geometry and interior flow. We added new wall-to-wall double sliding doors that open to the expansive northern views, bringing space and light to the living, dining, and kitchen areas and providing easy access to the surrounding natural environment. We also reconsidered the color palette and materials, simplified detailing and trim, and highlighted interior focal points such as the original slump block fireplace and newly remodeled kitchen. The house now entertains easily and provides a comfortable and gracious living space for its owner and guests.

This classic post-and-beam house sits on a ridge in the Riviera neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA. With stunning views of Gibraltar Rock, Mission Canyon, and Cielito Overlook, the house’s original designers sited it perfectly and implemented an elegantly simple structural system based on a clear design vision. Unfortunately, several subsequent owners lacked that same clarity and made questionable remodeling choices based on passing style fads, effectively turning the house into something it was not and – most perplexing of all – turning their backs to the majesty of the surrounding mountains and valley. Working with the new owner, who saw through the noise of these misguided remodels, we set out to return the house to its roots and recreate its rhythmic geometry and interior flow. We added new wall-to-wall double sliding doors that open to the expansive northern views, bringing space and light to the living, dining, and kitchen areas and providing easy access to the surrounding natural environment. We also reconsidered the color palette and materials, simplified detailing and trim, and highlighted interior focal points such as the original slump block fireplace and newly remodeled kitchen. The house now entertains easily and provides a comfortable and gracious living space for its owner and guests.