The Watermill House is a beautiful example of a classic Hamptons wood shingle style home. The design and renovation would maintain the character of the exterior while transforming the interiors to create an open and airy getaway for a busy and active family. The house comfortably sits within its one acre lot surrounded by tall hedges, old growth trees, and beautiful hydrangeas. The landscape influenced the design approach of the main floor interiors. Walls were removed and the kitchen was relocated to the front of the house to create an open plan for better flow and views to both the front and rear yards. The kitchen was designed to be both practical and beautiful. The u-shape design features modern appliances, white cabinetry and Corian countertops, and is anchored by a beautiful island with a knife-edge marble countertop. The island and the dining room table create a strong axis to the living room at the rear of the house. To further strengthen the connection to the outdoor decks and pool area of the rear yard, a full height sliding glass window system was installed. The clean lines and modern profiles of the window frames create unobstructed views and virtually remove the barrier between the interior and exterior spaces. The open plan allowed a new sitting area to be created between the dining room and stair. A screen, comprised of vertical fins, allows for a degree of openness, while creating enough separation to make the sitting area feel comfortable and nestled in its own area. The stair at the entry of the house was redesigned to match the new elegant and sophisticated spaces connected to it. New treads were installed to articulate and contrast the soft palette of finishes of the floors, walls, and ceilings. The new metal and glass handrail was intended to reduce visual noise and create subtle reflections of light. Photo by Guillaume Gaudet

The homeowners wanted an updated aesthetic for their deck, and they wanted a portion of it to be under cover. They also wanted a heating option so that it could be used year-round regardless of the weather. Since the deck is immediately outside of their kitchen nook, it was also important to them that the new covering allow light to continue to come into the house. In addition, they wanted the option to access the backyard from the deck. Beyond that, there was a desire to connect the front and back yards underneath the deck, and to provide a privacy structure for their garbage and recycling cans while maintaining the secluded feel their wooded lot provides. The new deck design added six feet to the overall size, which allowed us to provide a covered area that included heaters and lighting for the darker, colder months without reducing the overall usable space. The couple selected an aluminum railing with stainless steel cables to complement the IPE decking. The back stairs featured ironwood rails and IPE boards on the horizontal sections to complement the concrete stairs and offer an industrial vibe. The railings are lit with LED strip lighting throughout, and disc lights were installed on either side of the concrete stairs to ensure safety at night.

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Louisa, San Clemente Coastal Modern Architecture The brief for this modern coastal home was to create a place where the clients and their children and their families could gather to enjoy all the beauty of living in Southern California. Maximizing the lot was key to unlocking the potential of this property so the decision was made to excavate the entire property to allow natural light and ventilation to circulate through the lower level of the home. A courtyard with a green wall and olive tree act as the lung for the building as the coastal breeze brings fresh air in and circulates out the old through the courtyard. The concept for the home was to be living on a deck, so the large expanse of glass doors fold away to allow a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoors and feeling of being out on the deck is felt on the interior. A huge cantilevered beam in the roof allows for corner to completely disappear as the home looks to a beautiful ocean view and Dana Point harbor in the distance. All of the spaces throughout the home have a connection to the outdoors and this creates a light, bright and healthy environment. Passive design principles were employed to ensure the building is as energy efficient as possible. Solar panels keep the building off the grid and and deep overhangs help in reducing the solar heat gains of the building. Ultimately this home has become a place that the families can all enjoy together as the grand kids create those memories of spending time at the beach. Images and Video by Aandid Media.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

Perched on a south-facing slope overlooking Belvedere lagoon and the San Francisco Bay, this 4,000 sf residence was designed to utilize the foundations of an existing house. The house consists of two bars connected by a glazed transparent zone containing the Kitchen and Dining spaces. This glazed space is the link between the protected and serene entry/pool garden to the north and a terrace and expansive views to the south. The master suite occupies the second floor and captures significant views of Mt. Tamalpais to the northwest. Crisp detailing defines a simple interior pallette of polished stone flooring, anegre wood, painted wood and gypsum board, and exterior finishes are limited to cement plaster, stained cedar, stainless steel and anodized aluminum windows and doors. Strategic demolition of the existing house allowing for the resell of materials, passive and active systems, the use of certified woods and the reuse of foundations significantly reduces the projects embodied energy throughout it’s life cycle. Drama, clarity, and a garden designed by the architects combine to achieve a sense of appropriateness and indoor/outdoor livability in this modern hillside home. Photography by Cesar Rubio

A retired couple desired a valiant master suite in their “forever home”. After living in their mid-century house for many years, they approached our design team with a concept to add a 3rd story suite with sweeping views of Puget sound. Our team stood atop the home’s rooftop with the clients admiring the view that this structural lift would create in enjoyment and value. The only concern was how they and their dear-old dog, would get from their ground floor garage entrance in the daylight basement to this new suite in the sky? Our CAPS design team specified universal design elements throughout the home, to allow the couple and their 120lb. Pit Bull Terrier to age in place. A new residential elevator added to the westside of the home. Placing the elevator shaft on the exterior of the home minimized the need for interior structural changes. A shed roof for the addition followed the slope of the site, creating tall walls on the east side of the master suite to allow ample daylight into rooms without sacrificing useable wall space in the closet or bathroom. This kept the western walls low to reduce the amount of direct sunlight from the late afternoon sun, while maximizing the view of the Puget Sound and distant Olympic mountain range. The master suite is the crowning glory of the redesigned home. The bedroom puts the bed up close to the wide picture window. While soothing violet-colored walls and a plush upholstered headboard have created a bedroom that encourages lounging, including a plush dog bed. A private balcony provides yet another excuse for never leaving the bedroom suite, and clerestory windows between the bedroom and adjacent master bathroom help flood the entire space with natural light. The master bathroom includes an easy-access shower, his-and-her vanities with motion-sensor toe kick lights, and pops of beachy blue in the tile work and on the ceiling for a spa-like feel. Some other universal design features in this master suite include wider doorways, accessible balcony, wall mounted vanities, tile and vinyl floor surfaces to reduce transition and pocket doors for easy use. A large walk-through closet links the bedroom and bathroom, with clerestory windows at the high ceilings The third floor is finished off with a vestibule area with an indoor sauna, and an adjacent entertainment deck with an outdoor kitchen & bar.

This project's goal was to creatively design for family lounging, urban gardening, and managing vehicular movement using architectural cues, wood and stone detailing to develop a seamless, unique layout with limited barriers. Taking advantage of mature vegetation, shade and view into the rear yard beyond the oversized sliding glass doors, we wanted to achieve a yard with limited barriers, soft edges, long vistas and a gentle transition between elevations. Stacking the two air conditioners and integrating elongated raised planters between deck landings with variegated semi-shade grasses anchored in the corner by a Japanese Maple allowed for an open view of the yard. The frosted glass panels increased the amount of light needed while providing the desired privacy for private entertaining and dining. We installed lightweight concrete patio slabs with long gaps to allow water to pass through, reducing pooling water and improving water flow to the large shade tree the client wished to retain. As shade gardens provide challenges, we could capitalize on the morning sun for a vegetable garden. The garden was also a transition corridor to access the custom play feature, lawn and zip-line behind the existing garage. The addition of a custom BBQ and charcoal grill embedded into the counter against the east side property limits stepped with the deck includes storage and additional seating. Finished with stone veneer, wood slats, and multi-sized pebbles retained by a gabion basket was a great contrast of natural finishes seamlessly blended together. Bon Appetit!

This Primary Bathroom was divided into two separate spaces. The homeowner wished for a more relaxing tub experience and at the same time desired a larger shower. To accommodate these wishes, the spaces were opened, and the entire ceiling was vaulted to create a cohesive look and flood the entire bathroom with light. The entry double-doors were reduced to a single entry door that allowed more space to shift the new double vanity down and position a free-standing soaker tub under the smaller window. The old tub area is now a gorgeous, light filled tiled shower. This bathroom is a vision of a tranquil, pristine alpine lake and the crisp chrome fixtures with matte black accents finish off the look.

At the top of the list, the existing kitchen was dated, somewhat dark and didn’t transition smoothly into other areas of the main level. The remodeling contractor suggested installing a beautiful, custom arched window over the sink which now provides abundant natural light no matter what the weather. The existing coat closet was replaced with cabinetry, to visually integrate it into the high-end feel of the kitchen. An awkward kitchen desk was redesigned as a sophisticated buffet and now features ample storage and display space. Additionally, the height of the half wall between the kitchen and family rooms was reduced allowing the kitchen countertop to be extended for casual seating. As an avid baker, more counter space was a “must have” for the homeowner as she regularly ramps up cookie production for family and friends. © Bob Narod Photography and BOWA

This Primary Bathroom was divided into two separate spaces. The homeowner wished for a more relaxing tub experience and at the same time desired a larger shower. To accommodate these wishes, the spaces were opened, and the entire ceiling was vaulted to create a cohesive look and flood the entire bathroom with light. The entry double-doors were reduced to a single entry door that allowed more space to shift the new double vanity down and position a free-standing soaker tub under the smaller window. The old tub area is now a gorgeous, light filled tiled shower. This bathroom is a vision of a tranquil, pristine alpine lake and the crisp chrome fixtures with matte black accents finish off the look.

Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Southern Pines, NC designed a primary bathroom featuring Merillat Masterpiece cabinetry’s Gannon door style in Evercore with a Moonshine finish. Selections for bathroom include Silestone Quartz in a Pearl Jasmine finish vanity countertops along with fixtures and accessories from Kohler and Moen. The shower features 12x24 and 2x2 Bakersfield Pumice floor tile, shower floor tile and 10x12 Bianco shower wall tile. The client emphasized Nancy's pivotal role in the remodel's success. "She was respectful of our budget, our needs (more handicap-friendly and storage space, fewer doors) and was knowledgeable about what was and wasn’t doable in our situation. Her excellent design suggestions took into consideration our choices for cabinets, fixtures, countertops, flooring and etc. She was interested and always available to help throughout the entire project," said the client. Nancy highlighted the bathroom's outdated features from the era of the garden tub. "The homeowner wanted to add storage, enlarge the shower and overall update the bathroom. By removing the tub, we added a cabinet with two roll-out shelves, a trash cabinet, and laundry hamper cabinet. Kohler mirrored medicine cabinets added personal storage above the sinks. To allow easier access to the bathroom, the entry door was widened. As a result, the vanity needed to be reduced to 18” deep." "The Kohler Veticyl 13” square sink was the perfect choice for the limited space! The shower insert was replaced with a tile shower, a glass panel and large door. We also removed the water closet door and reduced the height of the wall. There is still privacy and allows for easier access to the area. My favorite part of the project is the area where the tub was once located. The cabinetry and the arched window are lovely!” said Nancy. Photo courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

This executive home in the Christchurch Port Hills underwent some major works including the installation of a new kitchen, a new laundry and new media room. Soundproofing was also on the client's wishlist so solutions were found in the installation of new windows and a ventilation system. The exterior cladding and upper level deck and balustratde were also replaced. Internally a new kitchen and laundry room was designed in conjunction with kitchen designer Nicky Claridge. Contrasting black and white handle-free cabinetry was chosen for the kitchen and an engineered oak floor. A white central bench maintains the black and white theme and provides a central entertaining space and the large wallpaper panel behind the clear splashback completes this kitchen's unique look. The laundry was designed to produce an efficient and functional space with maximum storage. The new media room included an overhead projection on to a specially imported screen from the US which linked to the client's computer network to allow for gaming as well as movies. The hallway was also painted and specialty wallpaper was chosen for redecoration of a further 2 rooms in the house. Externally the home was re-clad on the second storey, the existing polystyrene cladding system was removed and replaced with a barrier to provide bracing and sound and air seals. On top of this the large panel James Hardie Oblique board was chosen to give the traditional ship-lap style in keeping with the original building. The decking outside on the upper level balcony was also replaced with a hard wearing and low maintenance synthetic deck material by Outdure. The new balustrade was a bespoke steel to match the traditional look of the building and was manufactured by Christchurch Wrought Iron. All of the windows were replaced on the upper level of the house. Working with the client and the glass supplier Fairview Windows, the aim was to produce a glass configuration that reduced traffic noise as much as possible. The new windows were installed with sound seals to further reduce sound as much as possible. A mechanical ventilation system was also installed to allow the internal environment to be well ventilated without opening the windows and doors, creating a quieter and healthier home. Working with Smith & Sons Christchurch Port Hills to project manage the various renovation works, the client achieved many changes and improvements to their home.

This project's goal was to creatively design for family lounging, urban gardening, and managing vehicular movement using architectural cues, wood and stone detailing to develop a seamless, unique layout with limited barriers. Taking advantage of mature vegetation, shade and view into the rear yard beyond the oversized sliding glass doors, we wanted to achieve a yard with limited barriers, soft edges, long vistas and a gentle transition between elevations. Stacking the two air conditioners and integrating elongated raised planters between deck landings with variegated semi-shade grasses anchored in the corner by a Japanese Maple allowed for an open view of the yard. The frosted glass panels increased the amount of light needed while providing the desired privacy for private entertaining and dining. We installed lightweight concrete patio slabs with long gaps to allow water to pass through, reducing pooling water and improving water flow to the large shade tree the client wished to retain. As shade gardens provide challenges, we could capitalize on the morning sun for a vegetable garden. The garden was also a transition corridor to access the custom play feature, lawn and zip-line behind the existing garage. The addition of a custom BBQ and charcoal grill embedded into the counter against the east side property limits stepped with the deck includes storage and additional seating. Finished with stone veneer, wood slats, and multi-sized pebbles retained by a gabion basket was a great contrast of natural finishes seamlessly blended together. Bon Appetit!

This project's goal was to creatively design for family lounging, urban gardening, and managing vehicular movement using architectural cues, wood and stone detailing to develop a seamless, unique layout with limited barriers. Taking advantage of mature vegetation, shade and view into the rear yard beyond the oversized sliding glass doors, we wanted to achieve a yard with limited barriers, soft edges, long vistas and a gentle transition between elevations. Stacking the two air conditioners and integrating elongated raised planters between deck landings with variegated semi-shade grasses anchored in the corner by a Japanese Maple allowed for an open view of the yard. The frosted glass panels increased the amount of light needed while providing the desired privacy for private entertaining and dining. We installed lightweight concrete patio slabs with long gaps to allow water to pass through, reducing pooling water and improving water flow to the large shade tree the client wished to retain. As shade gardens provide challenges, we could capitalize on the morning sun for a vegetable garden. The garden was also a transition corridor to access the custom play feature, lawn and zip-line behind the existing garage. The addition of a custom BBQ and charcoal grill embedded into the counter against the east side property limits stepped with the deck includes storage and additional seating. Finished with stone veneer, wood slats, and multi-sized pebbles retained by a gabion basket was a great contrast of natural finishes seamlessly blended together. Bon Appetit!

This Primary Bathroom was divided into two separate spaces. The homeowner wished for a more relaxing tub experience and at the same time desired a larger shower. To accommodate these wishes, the spaces were opened, and the entire ceiling was vaulted to create a cohesive look and flood the entire bathroom with light. The entry double-doors were reduced to a single entry door that allowed more space to shift the new double vanity down and position a free-standing soaker tub under the smaller window. The old tub area is now a gorgeous, light filled tiled shower. This bathroom is a vision of a tranquil, pristine alpine lake and the crisp chrome fixtures with matte black accents finish off the look.

This pool gives you the feeling of swimming into the landscape. The broad, straight line of the horizon and the long, slender vertical lines of the pool underscore the expansiveness of the property, whose size unquestionably contributes to the impact of its natural beauty. The design is rather understated, creating the impression of having been copied directly from the pool’s natural setting. The landscape and the garden have retained their prominent role despite the addition of the natural pool. The pool blends in unassumingly with its surroundings and is sizeable enough to allow for the swimming of long laps. A natural pool is the obvious choice for locations such as this. Natural materials and plant filters are without a doubt the ideal option for gardens like these. The beautiful property certainly contributes a great deal to the overall visual impression, but the pool - as close to nature as possible and reduced to essentials - has the look and feel of a body of water that was created here quite naturally. The addition of the wooden planks and the long, slender shape of the pool are visually very appealing. The water’s edge of the regeneration area blends harmoniously into the landscape and appears as if it had grown there naturally over several years.

Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Southern Pines, NC designed a primary bathroom featuring Merillat Masterpiece cabinetry’s Gannon door style in Evercore with a Moonshine finish. Selections for bathroom include Silestone Quartz in a Pearl Jasmine finish vanity countertops along with fixtures and accessories from Kohler and Moen. The shower features 12x24 and 2x2 Bakersfield Pumice floor tile, shower floor tile and 10x12 Bianco shower wall tile. The client emphasized Nancy's pivotal role in the remodel's success. "She was respectful of our budget, our needs (more handicap-friendly and storage space, fewer doors) and was knowledgeable about what was and wasn’t doable in our situation. Her excellent design suggestions took into consideration our choices for cabinets, fixtures, countertops, flooring and etc. She was interested and always available to help throughout the entire project," said the client. Nancy highlighted the bathroom's outdated features from the era of the garden tub. "The homeowner wanted to add storage, enlarge the shower and overall update the bathroom. By removing the tub, we added a cabinet with two roll-out shelves, a trash cabinet, and laundry hamper cabinet. Kohler mirrored medicine cabinets added personal storage above the sinks. To allow easier access to the bathroom, the entry door was widened. As a result, the vanity needed to be reduced to 18” deep." "The Kohler Veticyl 13” square sink was the perfect choice for the limited space! The shower insert was replaced with a tile shower, a glass panel and large door. We also removed the water closet door and reduced the height of the wall. There is still privacy and allows for easier access to the area. My favorite part of the project is the area where the tub was once located. The cabinetry and the arched window are lovely!” said Nancy. Photo courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

All rooms are oriented to the sea with sea view. The use of natural building materials such as wood and Green roofs brings the house close to nature. A natural pool reduces the impact on nature. ​ The plot has 5230,00m2 with a implanting area of 300m2, the existing edification is inserted in a rural space with view to the sea where olive, almond and orange trees predominate the landscape. Since the trees are centenaries the desire of keeping the them by the architect allowed the development of the house around the vegetation and facing the sea. The shape resulted from the bioclimatic study and the topographic survey, respecting the existing vegetation essencial to the good behavior of the built due to the solar and wind exposition imposes a compact construction on the north side, opening to the south. The villa layout was design so it respects the principles of Passive Haus such as insulation, ventilation and orientation of the building, so it enhances the passive solar gains as well. The dimension of the openings and the porches were thoroughly calculated to be exact to allow solar gain during winter and provide ideal shadow during summer. The use of green ecological extended roof give continuity to the vegetation that surrounds the house besides giving thermal balance to the interior, opening the space to natural light and allowing the gain through direct sun light. Controlled ventilation is a important strategy to passive cooling of the internal environment of the building, that helps keeping a healthy and comfortable environment for the occupants, without energetic costs. this strategy consists in the change between internal and external air. The electricity is provided by the installation of PhotoVoltaic panels and the domestic water and swimming pool will be made through thermal solar system. The construction is made with sustainable ecological materials providing a total integration of the building in the landscape.