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When the homeowners purchased this traditional colonial in Vienna, Virginia, they were already planning on making some serious changes. The home’s original floor plan was boxy and closed in, making traffic flow from one room to the next virtually non-existent. Additionally, the existing décor left a lot to be desired. Their vision was to open up the layout and create a more contemporary look using lots of light, soft colors and high end materials.
They decided to add a two-story addition to the back of the home’s existing breakfast room and the small upstairs bedroom above it. The old breakfast area was too small for their daily meals and their teenage son needed more space in his bedroom. They also decided to add a sunroom/family room to the left side of their old family room. This new room offers a vaulted ceiling with four skylights and lots of windows with a better view of the side and backyard.
To create a more open floor plan, the team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes removed the load bearing wall between the kitchen and family room and installed a large beam to handle the second floor load. Not only did this open up the space, but it allowed for the addition of a breakfast bar.
The right side bearing wall of the old family room was also removed and replaced with structural beams. This action created a continuous flow between the new sunroom and old family room. Separated by a double-sided stone fireplace, this new sunroom is connected to a new outside sun deck built using a maintenance-free decking material. The old family room with new lighting now serves as a casual seating area. It also features an eight-foot long built-in desk.
The newly updated kitchen features granite countertops with matching tile backsplash, professional-quality appliances, a porcelain tile floor and custom cabinets, including a large pantry. The new breakfast room is more spacious and gets daylight from three different angles.
Upstairs, a new 12’ x 20’ bedroom is a great place for this teenage football fan to hang out. It provides significantly more closet space than the old room and lets in more sunlight as well.
The old laundry room was converted to a new mudroom with locker style cabinetry and a place for kids to store their bag packs. New plumbing and electrical were implemented in a new closet in an upper hallway to facilitate the new washer and dryer.
In this remodel, form and function have come together in an open concept design that meets the needs of the entire family.

The open space plan on the main level of the Prairie Style home is deceiving of the actual separation of spaces. This home packs a punch with a private hot tub, craft room, library, and even a theater. The interior of the home features the same attention to place, as the natural world is evident in the use of granite, basalt, walnut, poplar, and natural river rock throughout. Floor to ceiling windows in strategic locations eliminates the sense of compression on the interior, while the overall window design promotes natural daylighting and cross-ventilation in nearly every space of the home.
Glo’s A5 Series in double pane was selected for the high performance values and clean, minimal frame profiles. High performance spacers, double pane glass, multiple air seals, and a larger continuous thermal break combine to reduce convection and eliminate condensation, ultimately providing energy efficiency and thermal performance unheard of in traditional aluminum windows. The A5 Series provides smooth operation and long-lasting durability without sacrificing style for this Prairie Style home.

When the homeowners purchased this traditional colonial in Vienna, Virginia, they were already planning on making some serious changes. The home’s original floor plan was boxy and closed in, making traffic flow from one room to the next virtually non-existent. Additionally, the existing décor left a lot to be desired. Their vision was to open up the layout and create a more contemporary look using lots of light, soft colors and high end materials.
They decided to add a two-story addition to the back of the home’s existing breakfast room and the small upstairs bedroom above it. The old breakfast area was too small for their daily meals and their teenage son needed more space in his bedroom. They also decided to add a sunroom/family room to the left side of their old family room. This new room offers a vaulted ceiling with four skylights and lots of windows with a better view of the side and backyard.
To create a more open floor plan, the team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes removed the load bearing wall between the kitchen and family room and installed a large beam to handle the second floor load. Not only did this open up the space, but it allowed for the addition of a breakfast bar.
The right side bearing wall of the old family room was also removed and replaced with structural beams. This action created a continuous flow between the new sunroom and old family room. Separated by a double-sided stone fireplace, this new sunroom is connected to a new outside sun deck built using a maintenance-free decking material. The old family room with new lighting now serves as a casual seating area. It also features an eight-foot long built-in desk.
The newly updated kitchen features granite countertops with matching tile backsplash, professional-quality appliances, a porcelain tile floor and custom cabinets, including a large pantry. The new breakfast room is more spacious and gets daylight from three different angles.
Upstairs, a new 12’ x 20’ bedroom is a great place for this teenage football fan to hang out. It provides significantly more closet space than the old room and lets in more sunlight as well.
The old laundry room was converted to a new mudroom with locker style cabinetry and a place for kids to store their bag packs. New plumbing and electrical were implemented in a new closet in an upper hallway to facilitate the new washer and dryer.
In this remodel, form and function have come together in an open concept design that meets the needs of the entire family.
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Architect: Andre Tchelistcheff Architects New York. NY
Builder: Xhema of Greenwich CT
Installer: TRM Enterprises Bridgehampton NY
Back story.
Northern has worked with both Xhema and TRM many tiles. We have worked with Andre before he branched out on his own.
Originally Xhema’s contact was to replace the roof and repair the garage, which as some point had been made into an indoor swimming pool without adequate ventilation. The budget was about $8m and there were 20 drawings.
By the time the job was 6 months old the scope of work has expanded to over $30m and over 200 drawings had been produced.
Northern was contacted to visit the site and evaluate the existing roof. Although the house had been added to over the years the same tile was used but due to the location of the house the color of the tile varied considerably from the front to the back.
Northern identified a large number of custom details which would require us to:
1) Match the existing Field tile in size, thickness (it was actually thicker at the butt and reduced to ½” where the tile is overlapped) , surface texture and the color.
2) Make tiles that are curved in their length to suit the curved rafter on the gabled dormers.
3) Make the curved tiles to suit the low slope octagonal tower.
4) Make the curved tiles and Arris style hips to suit the hipped dormers with the curved rafters.
5) Make the segmented tiles to suit the round turret.
6) Make the custom arris style hip tiles for the octagonal tower.
7) Make the custom Arris style hip to suit the different roof pitches as well as the varying splays at the eaves.
8) Make the custom pieces to suit the swept valleys
Simon broke down each section of the roof. He indented all items for each section and agreed the measure etc with the installers. This ‘Project Bible’ became an invaluable tool for the installer, our tile makers and us.
We shipped some samples from the original roof to Sahtas who replicated tall the details. I was visiting factory and delayed my return to the Saturday so that the tiles coming out of the kiln late Friday night could be wrapped and packed into newly purchase suit cases. I arrived home late Saturday evening and Simon picked me up Sunday afternoon and drove us down to Greenwich for an 8 am meeting with the clients. When we unpacked the tiles they were still warm and Hilfiger signed off on the color, although his wife suggested we make them a bit darker a ‘as he has a dreadful sense of color!’
We took Vincent Liot, owner of TRM to the factory twice so that he could oversee the prototyping of all the myriad custom pieces. This was an invaluable move as he pre-approved all the pieces before they were shipped.
The installation was completed and everyone was very pleased with the final outcome.
The Hilfiger’s estate manager told me that a group of friends who were staying the weekend after all the work was completed were heard to ask Mr. Hilfiger ‘I thought you were having a new roof’…to which he responded ‘we did but you can’t tell, which as the plan” …perfect!
In refection this is probably the most complicated roof Northern has ever had the pleasure to supply. We learned a lot of very valuable lessons but in future when we are asked how did we do it we will answer ‘that is for us to know and for you to pay for!’

We at ABC Blind & Drapery work hard to update our website with all of our latest products and projects so that you can make decisions from the comfort of your own home. However, we also think it is important to accommodate those who prefer to touch and see our products in person at our drapery and blinds showroom. Located at 6221 North Lamar Blvd., it is open for those who would like to come in and discuss your options. This is also where customers are able to drop off any products that need repair, as we are able handle typical repairs such as restrings or replacement of cord-locks.
In our showroom you will be able to see some of our retractable options in action, a variety of our products installed as examples, as well as browse through our numerous sample books. We especially like to show folks the power of solar shades and how they are able to dramatically reduce damaging UV rays and heat from the Texas sun, while maintaining control over the amount of light allowed in. It is within this space that customers are able to meet with a designer and truly imagine the possibilities, as the options are endless.

When the homeowners purchased this traditional colonial in Vienna, Virginia, they were already planning on making some serious changes. The home’s original floor plan was boxy and closed in, making traffic flow from one room to the next virtually non-existent. Additionally, the existing décor left a lot to be desired. Their vision was to open up the layout and create a more contemporary look using lots of light, soft colors and high end materials.
They decided to add a two-story addition to the back of the home’s existing breakfast room and the small upstairs bedroom above it. The old breakfast area was too small for their daily meals and their teenage son needed more space in his bedroom. They also decided to add a sunroom/family room to the left side of their old family room. This new room offers a vaulted ceiling with four skylights and lots of windows with a better view of the side and backyard.
To create a more open floor plan, the team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes removed the load bearing wall between the kitchen and family room and installed a large beam to handle the second floor load. Not only did this open up the space, but it allowed for the addition of a breakfast bar.
The right side bearing wall of the old family room was also removed and replaced with structural beams. This action created a continuous flow between the new sunroom and old family room. Separated by a double-sided stone fireplace, this new sunroom is connected to a new outside sun deck built using a maintenance-free decking material. The old family room with new lighting now serves as a casual seating area. It also features an eight-foot long built-in desk.
The newly updated kitchen features granite countertops with matching tile backsplash, professional-quality appliances, a porcelain tile floor and custom cabinets, including a large pantry. The new breakfast room is more spacious and gets daylight from three different angles.
Upstairs, a new 12’ x 20’ bedroom is a great place for this teenage football fan to hang out. It provides significantly more closet space than the old room and lets in more sunlight as well.
The old laundry room was converted to a new mudroom with locker style cabinetry and a place for kids to store their bag packs. New plumbing and electrical were implemented in a new closet in an upper hallway to facilitate the new washer and dryer.
In this remodel, form and function have come together in an open concept design that meets the needs of the entire family.

LEED Certification Level: V4
Builder: BPC Green Builders, LLC
Architect: Trillium Architects.
The Taft School faculty home serves as a high performance residence and learning lab for students. The project also earned certification through ENERGY STAR, Indoor airPLUS, Water Sense, PHIUS, and Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Homes with Living Building Challenge Petal recognition pending. The project team was honored with third place in the 2014 Connecticut Zero Energy Home Challenge. Excluding the photovoltaic installation the HERS index was 33, and with the 13.1 kW the HERS index is -14. A year of utility bills show the home is producing more electricity than it uses.
Located on a quiet street adjacent to campus the existing, historic home was deconstructed and materials donated or reused where possible. Challenged to find high efficiency windows that were historic commission acceptable, the team installed Klearwall awnings or casements over fixed glass (to mimic double hungs) with simulated divided lites (u-values as low as 0.13). A high solar heat gain coefficient (0.58) facilitates the passive solar gain for winter months, while well designed overhangs and a pergola shade summer sun. Double stud walls have 2¼” closed cell foam plus 8½” dense pack cellulose for a R-49 cavity. The exterior sheathing is R-6.6 Zip Wall System with taped seams to create the continuous air barrier. Inside the solid concrete foundation is 3” closed cell foam behind 2x4 stud walls and R-32 cellulose in the cavity. Prefabricated TJI joists frame the attic floor, an insulated “room” houses the heat recovery ventilator and ductwork, and blown in cellulose blankets it all in R-86. The house tested 0.6ACH50 proving the effectiveness of its air-tight envelope and attention to air sealing.
Heating and cooling is provided by efficient air source heat pumps (9.2 HSPF, 16.5 SEER) and delivered by short duct runs which tested extremely tight. A heat pump water heater provides domestic hot water and an on-demand switch, with an occupancy sensor at each bath, ensures hot water is delivered fast and efficiently. Low flow fixtures are WaterSense certified, appliances are Energy Star labeled, and all LED lighting. A Zehnder Novus 300 (93.3% efficient) HRV supplies 112 cfm of continuous fresh air while using only 32 watts of power and running quietly. The homeowners control the mechanical ventilation through the intuitive wall-mounted control pad to shut off or increase the ventilation. Chemicals and contaminants were reduced by using low VOC and GreenGuard certified sealants, adhesives, primers, and paints. A walk-off matt at the side entry and hardwood floors help control dirt and dust. The granite front steps were salvaged and local stone used for the patio and stone walls. Storm water runoff from the roof, patio, and driveway is managed by the rain garden. The native landscaping is low maintenance, a community garden produces vegetables, and the chicken coop is powered by its own roof mounted PV panels.
Taft School Director of Environmental Stewardship, Carly Borken has used the design and construction process as a teaching tool for her science classes. With access to the home monitoring system they can virtually access the residents’ consumption.

Architect: Andre Tchelistcheff Architects New York. NY
Builder: Xhema of Greenwich CT
Installer: TRM Enterprises Bridgehampton NY
Back story.
Northern has worked with both Xhema and TRM many tiles. We have worked with Andre before he branched out on his own.
Originally Xhema’s contact was to replace the roof and repair the garage, which as some point had been made into an indoor swimming pool without adequate ventilation. The budget was about $8m and there were 20 drawings.
By the time the job was 6 months old the scope of work has expanded to over $30m and over 200 drawings had been produced.
Northern was contacted to visit the site and evaluate the existing roof. Although the house had been added to over the years the same tile was used but due to the location of the house the color of the tile varied considerably from the front to the back.
Northern identified a large number of custom details which would require us to:
1) Match the existing Field tile in size, thickness (it was actually thicker at the butt and reduced to ½” where the tile is overlapped) , surface texture and the color.
2) Make tiles that are curved in their length to suit the curved rafter on the gabled dormers.
3) Make the curved tiles to suit the low slope octagonal tower.
4) Make the curved tiles and Arris style hips to suit the hipped dormers with the curved rafters.
5) Make the segmented tiles to suit the round turret.
6) Make the custom arris style hip tiles for the octagonal tower.
7) Make the custom Arris style hip to suit the different roof pitches as well as the varying splays at the eaves.
8) Make the custom pieces to suit the swept valleys
Simon broke down each section of the roof. He indented all items for each section and agreed the measure etc with the installers. This ‘Project Bible’ became an invaluable tool for the installer, our tile makers and us.
We shipped some samples from the original roof to Sahtas who replicated tall the details. I was visiting factory and delayed my return to the Saturday so that the tiles coming out of the kiln late Friday night could be wrapped and packed into newly purchase suit cases. I arrived home late Saturday evening and Simon picked me up Sunday afternoon and drove us down to Greenwich for an 8 am meeting with the clients. When we unpacked the tiles they were still warm and Hilfiger signed off on the color, although his wife suggested we make them a bit darker a ‘as he has a dreadful sense of color!’
We took Vincent Liot, owner of TRM to the factory twice so that he could oversee the prototyping of all the myriad custom pieces. This was an invaluable move as he pre-approved all the pieces before they were shipped.
The installation was completed and everyone was very pleased with the final outcome.
The Hilfiger’s estate manager told me that a group of friends who were staying the weekend after all the work was completed were heard to ask Mr. Hilfiger ‘I thought you were having a new roof’…to which he responded ‘we did but you can’t tell, which as the plan” …perfect!
In refection this is probably the most complicated roof Northern has ever had the pleasure to supply. We learned a lot of very valuable lessons but in future when we are asked how did we do it we will answer ‘that is for us to know and for you to pay for!’

We at ABC Blind & Drapery work hard to update our website with all of our latest products and projects so that you can make decisions from the comfort of your own home. However, we also think it is important to accommodate those who prefer to touch and see our products in person at our drapery and blinds showroom. Located at 6221 North Lamar Blvd., it is open for those who would like to come in and discuss your options. This is also where customers are able to drop off any products that need repair, as we are able handle typical repairs such as restrings or replacement of cord-locks.
In our showroom you will be able to see some of our retractable options in action, a variety of our products installed as examples, as well as browse through our numerous sample books. We especially like to show folks the power of solar shades and how they are able to dramatically reduce damaging UV rays and heat from the Texas sun, while maintaining control over the amount of light allowed in. It is within this space that customers are able to meet with a designer and truly imagine the possibilities, as the options are endless.

MONTE - VERDE - $3.05/SF.
Monte Verde is one of our most durable products. It offers an engineered “M” blade, which is designed to look and feel realistic while standing up to heavy foot traffic. In addition, the blades have been delustered, which reduces and eliminates any shine that synthetic grass may have. This product offers a 114-ounce weight with 1-3/4” blade height, making it a full and luscious product.
The Monte Verde product is perfect for lawns and play areas where it will see a lot of action! This product has been used for both residential and commercial soccer fields and playgrounds and is a versatile product that can be installed anywhere.
For more information, please contact Jesus (theturfguy)
Phone: 510-753-4773
Email: theturfguy@bwlandscapesupply.com

MONTE - VERDE - $3.05/SF.
Monte Verde is one of our most durable products. It offers an engineered “M” blade, which is designed to look and feel realistic while standing up to heavy foot traffic. In addition, the blades have been delustered, which reduces and eliminates any shine that synthetic grass may have. This product offers a 114-ounce weight with 1-3/4” blade height, making it a full and luscious product.
The Monte Verde product is perfect for lawns and play areas where it will see a lot of action! This product has been used for both residential and commercial soccer fields and playgrounds and is a versatile product that can be installed anywhere.
For more information, please contact Jesus (theturfguy)
Phone: 510-753-4773
Email: theturfguy@bwlandscapesupply.com

Named for the original homestead, the Aspen Leaf Ranch blends early ranch history with modern sensibility. The owner, an outdoorsman and native plant enthusiast, and former project manager of notable Seattle buildings (including the Olympic Sculpture Park and the Bullitt Center), tasked Best Practice Architecture with designing a modest yet comfortable home reflective of valley cabins and farmsteads. He desired a small home that was ‘light on the land’, yet flexible enough to accommodate visiting friends and family. Located in a quiet river valley 10 miles from the nearest town, the result is a humble compound firmly rooted in the rural vernacular.
The Methow Valley was familiar to the owner from childhood ski and camping trips and he now has family who live in the area. The Valley is hot and dry in the summer and on average receives over 70 inches of snow each winter. Set in a narrow river valley below high mountain peaks, the owner wanted the new home to have a strong visual and physical connection to the surrounding landscape. For many years, the homestead was operated as a horse packing guide service, and an old agricultural barn remains that will eventually be repurposed into a ski waxing room, shop, and sauna. Two new structures make up the residential retreat: a one-bedroom main house and a carport with an adjoining guest suite, small office, and storage for outdoor equipment. Best Practice’s design prioritizes natural light and optimizes dramatic views of the surrounding meadow, forest, hills, and mountains
“I wanted both the design and scale of the new buildings to reflect traditional ranch homes and cabins in the remote river valley with all the creature comforts of modern living,” said the homeowner. “Ensuring a strong connection to the outside throughout the seasons was a primary goal. Windows on all sides and three exterior doors allow me to track the many species of birds and wildlife that move through the property and access the ever-changing light and weather.”
Best Practice carefully positioned the new structures to frame important vistas while minimizing disturbance to the native forest and meadow. The exterior finishes and details are consistent with historic cabins and barns in the area but stylized to acknowledge the new structure’s place in time. Metal roofing, siding, and a gravel skirt were chosen to reduce wildfire risk, and native plantings attract and support local birds and wildlife. Best Practice simplified the interior detailing with a nod towards a rural cabin aesthetic, incorporating painted beadboard, extensive built-in cabinetry, warm woods, a sizeable kitchen, and an open nook for daytime lounging and overnight guests. The design also took into account the owner’s collection of art, family heirlooms, and furniture gathered over many years.
Best Practice designed this Methow Valley home to respect the history and beauty of the historic Aspen Leaf Ranch while embracing modern comforts. The design successfully meets a well-considered program for 4-season use and serves as a full-time rural retreat for the owner as well as a gathering place for friends and family.

https://bit.ly/2BXMQxo
The next benefit of using cork flooring is that this type of flooring offers a higher level of comfort. The structure of cork is such that it is made up of hundreds of millions of tiny cells packed closely together. These cells are air pockets can absorb shockwaves or pressure, so walking on this flooring not only relieves stress on your joints but also helps to reduce the weariness that is brought on when you walk a lot over a hard surface. If you suffer from knee pain or any joint pain, you will find that walking over a cork floor is so much easier than walking over, say a ceramic tile floor.

When the homeowners purchased this traditional colonial in Vienna, Virginia, they were already planning on making some serious changes. The home’s original floor plan was boxy and closed in, making traffic flow from one room to the next virtually non-existent. Additionally, the existing décor left a lot to be desired. Their vision was to open up the layout and create a more contemporary look using lots of light, soft colors and high end materials.
They decided to add a two-story addition to the back of the home’s existing breakfast room and the small upstairs bedroom above it. The old breakfast area was too small for their daily meals and their teenage son needed more space in his bedroom. They also decided to add a sunroom/family room to the left side of their old family room. This new room offers a vaulted ceiling with four skylights and lots of windows with a better view of the side and backyard.
To create a more open floor plan, the team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes removed the load bearing wall between the kitchen and family room and installed a large beam to handle the second floor load. Not only did this open up the space, but it allowed for the addition of a breakfast bar.
The right side bearing wall of the old family room was also removed and replaced with structural beams. This action created a continuous flow between the new sunroom and old family room. Separated by a double-sided stone fireplace, this new sunroom is connected to a new outside sun deck built using a maintenance-free decking material. The old family room with new lighting now serves as a casual seating area. It also features an eight-foot long built-in desk.
The newly updated kitchen features granite countertops with matching tile backsplash, professional-quality appliances, a porcelain tile floor and custom cabinets, including a large pantry. The new breakfast room is more spacious and gets daylight from three different angles.
Upstairs, a new 12’ x 20’ bedroom is a great place for this teenage football fan to hang out. It provides significantly more closet space than the old room and lets in more sunlight as well.
The old laundry room was converted to a new mudroom with locker style cabinetry and a place for kids to store their bag packs. New plumbing and electrical were implemented in a new closet in an upper hallway to facilitate the new washer and dryer.
In this remodel, form and function have come together in an open concept design that meets the needs of the entire family.

Architect: Andre Tchelistcheff Architects New York. NY
Builder: Xhema of Greenwich CT
Installer: TRM Enterprises Bridgehampton NY
Back story.
Northern has worked with both Xhema and TRM many tiles. We have worked with Andre before he branched out on his own.
Originally Xhema’s contact was to replace the roof and repair the garage, which as some point had been made into an indoor swimming pool without adequate ventilation. The budget was about $8m and there were 20 drawings.
By the time the job was 6 months old the scope of work has expanded to over $30m and over 200 drawings had been produced.
Northern was contacted to visit the site and evaluate the existing roof. Although the house had been added to over the years the same tile was used but due to the location of the house the color of the tile varied considerably from the front to the back.
Northern identified a large number of custom details which would require us to:
1) Match the existing Field tile in size, thickness (it was actually thicker at the butt and reduced to ½” where the tile is overlapped) , surface texture and the color.
2) Make tiles that are curved in their length to suit the curved rafter on the gabled dormers.
3) Make the curved tiles to suit the low slope octagonal tower.
4) Make the curved tiles and Arris style hips to suit the hipped dormers with the curved rafters.
5) Make the segmented tiles to suit the round turret.
6) Make the custom arris style hip tiles for the octagonal tower.
7) Make the custom Arris style hip to suit the different roof pitches as well as the varying splays at the eaves.
8) Make the custom pieces to suit the swept valleys
Simon broke down each section of the roof. He indented all items for each section and agreed the measure etc with the installers. This ‘Project Bible’ became an invaluable tool for the installer, our tile makers and us.
We shipped some samples from the original roof to Sahtas who replicated tall the details. I was visiting factory and delayed my return to the Saturday so that the tiles coming out of the kiln late Friday night could be wrapped and packed into newly purchase suit cases. I arrived home late Saturday evening and Simon picked me up Sunday afternoon and drove us down to Greenwich for an 8 am meeting with the clients. When we unpacked the tiles they were still warm and Hilfiger signed off on the color, although his wife suggested we make them a bit darker a ‘as he has a dreadful sense of color!’
We took Vincent Liot, owner of TRM to the factory twice so that he could oversee the prototyping of all the myriad custom pieces. This was an invaluable move as he pre-approved all the pieces before they were shipped.
The installation was completed and everyone was very pleased with the final outcome.
The Hilfiger’s estate manager told me that a group of friends who were staying the weekend after all the work was completed were heard to ask Mr. Hilfiger ‘I thought you were having a new roof’…to which he responded ‘we did but you can’t tell, which as the plan” …perfect!
In refection this is probably the most complicated roof Northern has ever had the pleasure to supply. We learned a lot of very valuable lessons but in future when we are asked how did we do it we will answer ‘that is for us to know and for you to pay for!’

Architect: Andre Tchelistcheff Architects New York. NY
Builder: Xhema of Greenwich CT
Installer: TRM Enterprises Bridgehampton NY
Back story.
Northern has worked with both Xhema and TRM many tiles. We have worked with Andre before he branched out on his own.
Originally Xhema’s contact was to replace the roof and repair the garage, which as some point had been made into an indoor swimming pool without adequate ventilation. The budget was about $8m and there were 20 drawings.
By the time the job was 6 months old the scope of work has expanded to over $30m and over 200 drawings had been produced.
Northern was contacted to visit the site and evaluate the existing roof. Although the house had been added to over the years the same tile was used but due to the location of the house the color of the tile varied considerably from the front to the back.
Northern identified a large number of custom details which would require us to:
1) Match the existing Field tile in size, thickness (it was actually thicker at the butt and reduced to ½” where the tile is overlapped) , surface texture and the color.
2) Make tiles that are curved in their length to suit the curved rafter on the gabled dormers.
3) Make the curved tiles to suit the low slope octagonal tower.
4) Make the curved tiles and Arris style hips to suit the hipped dormers with the curved rafters.
5) Make the segmented tiles to suit the round turret.
6) Make the custom arris style hip tiles for the octagonal tower.
7) Make the custom Arris style hip to suit the different roof pitches as well as the varying splays at the eaves.
8) Make the custom pieces to suit the swept valleys
Simon broke down each section of the roof. He indented all items for each section and agreed the measure etc with the installers. This ‘Project Bible’ became an invaluable tool for the installer, our tile makers and us.
We shipped some samples from the original roof to Sahtas who replicated tall the details. I was visiting factory and delayed my return to the Saturday so that the tiles coming out of the kiln late Friday night could be wrapped and packed into newly purchase suit cases. I arrived home late Saturday evening and Simon picked me up Sunday afternoon and drove us down to Greenwich for an 8 am meeting with the clients. When we unpacked the tiles they were still warm and Hilfiger signed off on the color, although his wife suggested we make them a bit darker a ‘as he has a dreadful sense of color!’
We took Vincent Liot, owner of TRM to the factory twice so that he could oversee the prototyping of all the myriad custom pieces. This was an invaluable move as he pre-approved all the pieces before they were shipped.
The installation was completed and everyone was very pleased with the final outcome.
The Hilfiger’s estate manager told me that a group of friends who were staying the weekend after all the work was completed were heard to ask Mr. Hilfiger ‘I thought you were having a new roof’…to which he responded ‘we did but you can’t tell, which as the plan” …perfect!
In refection this is probably the most complicated roof Northern has ever had the pleasure to supply. We learned a lot of very valuable lessons but in future when we are asked how did we do it we will answer ‘that is for us to know and for you to pay for!’

Popular Choice of Step Lights:Stair lights are a common and versatile lighting option that provides illumination for stairs, enhances safety by reducing the risk of accidents, improves visual aesthetics, offers energy efficiency with LED technology, and provides convenience with easy installation and maintenance. Their practicality and functionality make them a popular choice for a wide range of indoor spaces. It should be noted that there are different styles of stair lights, including embedded installation and surface installation. Before making a purchase, please confirm your actual needs and installation conditions.

When the homeowners purchased this traditional colonial in Vienna, Virginia, they were already planning on making some serious changes. The home’s original floor plan was boxy and closed in, making traffic flow from one room to the next virtually non-existent. Additionally, the existing décor left a lot to be desired. Their vision was to open up the layout and create a more contemporary look using lots of light, soft colors and high end materials.
They decided to add a two-story addition to the back of the home’s existing breakfast room and the small upstairs bedroom above it. The old breakfast area was too small for their daily meals and their teenage son needed more space in his bedroom. They also decided to add a sunroom/family room to the left side of their old family room. This new room offers a vaulted ceiling with four skylights and lots of windows with a better view of the side and backyard.
To create a more open floor plan, the team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes removed the load bearing wall between the kitchen and family room and installed a large beam to handle the second floor load. Not only did this open up the space, but it allowed for the addition of a breakfast bar.
The right side bearing wall of the old family room was also removed and replaced with structural beams. This action created a continuous flow between the new sunroom and old family room. Separated by a double-sided stone fireplace, this new sunroom is connected to a new outside sun deck built using a maintenance-free decking material. The old family room with new lighting now serves as a casual seating area. It also features an eight-foot long built-in desk.
The newly updated kitchen features granite countertops with matching tile backsplash, professional-quality appliances, a porcelain tile floor and custom cabinets, including a large pantry. The new breakfast room is more spacious and gets daylight from three different angles.
Upstairs, a new 12’ x 20’ bedroom is a great place for this teenage football fan to hang out. It provides significantly more closet space than the old room and lets in more sunlight as well.
The old laundry room was converted to a new mudroom with locker style cabinetry and a place for kids to store their bag packs. New plumbing and electrical were implemented in a new closet in an upper hallway to facilitate the new washer and dryer.
In this remodel, form and function have come together in an open concept design that meets the needs of the entire family.

When the homeowners purchased this traditional colonial in Vienna, Virginia, they were already planning on making some serious changes. The home’s original floor plan was boxy and closed in, making traffic flow from one room to the next virtually non-existent. Additionally, the existing décor left a lot to be desired. Their vision was to open up the layout and create a more contemporary look using lots of light, soft colors and high end materials.
They decided to add a two-story addition to the back of the home’s existing breakfast room and the small upstairs bedroom above it. The old breakfast area was too small for their daily meals and their teenage son needed more space in his bedroom. They also decided to add a sunroom/family room to the left side of their old family room. This new room offers a vaulted ceiling with four skylights and lots of windows with a better view of the side and backyard.
To create a more open floor plan, the team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes removed the load bearing wall between the kitchen and family room and installed a large beam to handle the second floor load. Not only did this open up the space, but it allowed for the addition of a breakfast bar.
The right side bearing wall of the old family room was also removed and replaced with structural beams. This action created a continuous flow between the new sunroom and old family room. Separated by a double-sided stone fireplace, this new sunroom is connected to a new outside sun deck built using a maintenance-free decking material. The old family room with new lighting now serves as a casual seating area. It also features an eight-foot long built-in desk.
The newly updated kitchen features granite countertops with matching tile backsplash, professional-quality appliances, a porcelain tile floor and custom cabinets, including a large pantry. The new breakfast room is more spacious and gets daylight from three different angles.
Upstairs, a new 12’ x 20’ bedroom is a great place for this teenage football fan to hang out. It provides significantly more closet space than the old room and lets in more sunlight as well.
The old laundry room was converted to a new mudroom with locker style cabinetry and a place for kids to store their bag packs. New plumbing and electrical were implemented in a new closet in an upper hallway to facilitate the new washer and dryer.
In this remodel, form and function have come together in an open concept design that meets the needs of the entire family.

Pics Photography, Vessel sink chosen as height is reduced to allow vanity including vessel be a total of 36 inches high.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional 3/4 gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom remodel in Vancouver with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, a one-piece toilet and purple walls
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional 3/4 gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom remodel in Vancouver with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, a one-piece toilet and purple walls
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