Search results for "Reduce international" in Home Design Ideas

This very social couple were tying the knot and looking to create a space to host their friends and community, while also adding much needed living space to their 900 square foot cottage. The couple had a strong emphasis on growing edible and medicinal plants. With many friends from a community garden project they were involved in and years of learning about permaculture, they wanted to incorporate many of the elements that the permaculture movement advocates for.
We came up with a California native and edible garden that incorporates three composting systems, a gray water system, rain water harvesting, a cob pizza oven, and outdoor kitchen. A majority of the materials incorporated into the hardscape were found on site or salvaged within 20-mile of the property. The garden also had amenities like an outhouse and shower for guests they would put up in the converted garage.
Coming into this project there was and An old clawfoot bathtub on site was used as a worm composting bin, and for no other reason than the cuteness factor, the bath tub composter had to stay. Added to that was a compost tumbler, and last but not least we erected an outhouse with a composting toilet system (The Nature's Head Composting Toilet).
We developed a gray water system incorporating the water that came out of the washing machine and from the outdoor shower to help water bananas, gingers, and canailles. All the down spouts coming off the roof were sent into depressions in the front yard. The depressions were planted with carex grass, which can withstand, and even thrive on, submersion in water that rain events bring to the swaled-out area. Aesthetically, carex reads as a lawn space in keeping with the cottage feeling of the home.
As with any full-fledged permaculture garden, an element of natural building needed to be incorporated. So, the heart and hearth of the garden is a cob pizza oven going into an outdoor kitchen with a built-in bench. Cob is a natural building technique that involves sculpting a mixture of sand, soil, and straw around an internal structure. In this case, the internal structure is comprised of an old built-in brick incinerator, and rubble collected on site.
Besides using the collected rubble as a base for the cob structure, other salvaged elements comprise major features of the project: the front fence was reconstructed from the preexisting fence; a majority of the stone edging was created by stones found while clearing the landscape in preparation for construction; the arbor was constructed from old wash line poles found on site; broken bricks pulled from another project were mixed with concrete and cast into vegetable beds, creating durable insulated planters while reducing the amount of concrete used ( and they also just have a unique effect); pathways and patio areas were laid using concrete broken out of the driveway and previous pathways. (When a little more broken concrete was needed, we busted out an old pad at another project a few blocks away.)
Far from a perfectly polished garden, this landscape now serves as a lush and inviting space for my clients, their friends and family to gather and enjoy each other’s company. Days after construction was finished the couple hosted their wedding reception in the garden—everyone danced, drank and celebrated, christening the garden and the union!

Futuro Futuro 36-Inch Amalfi Wall Range Hood – Modern Italian Design with Powerful Ventilation
The Futuro Futuro 36-Inch Amalfi Wall Range Hood combines contemporary Italian design, premium materials, and advanced ventilation technology to create a statement piece for modern kitchens. Featuring a sleek cubist-inspired design, this luxury wall-mounted range hood delivers both exceptional performance and timeless style.
Premium Italian Craftsmanship and Durable Stainless Steel Construction
Designed and handcrafted in Italy, the Amalfi Series is built with high-quality AISI 304 stainless steel, a material known for its outstanding resistance to rust, corrosion, and everyday wear. This durable construction ensures long-lasting performance while maintaining its elegant appearance for years to come.
The Amalfi’s refined geometric design adds a sophisticated modern touch to any kitchen while providing the reliability expected from premium Italian craftsmanship.
Powerful and Quiet 940 CFM Ventilation System
The Futuro Futuro Amalfi Wall Range Hood features a high-performance 940 CFM internal Whisper tangential blower designed to efficiently remove smoke, grease, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen.
Despite its powerful airflow, the hood operates quietly thanks to an advanced multi-layer sound-absorbing system. This innovative technology helps reduce operating noise, allowing you to enjoy a cleaner, fresher kitchen environment without unnecessary distractions.
Advanced Perimeter Suction Filtration Technology
The Amalfi Series uses a perimeter suction filtration system that creates an air curtain around your cooktop. This design improves capture efficiency by directing smoke, grease, and odors toward the edges of the hood for more effective filtration.
The hidden metal mesh grease filters maintain the hood’s clean, minimalist appearance while providing reliable grease collection. The filters are easy to remove and dishwasher safe for convenient maintenance.
Smart Controls and Energy-Efficient LED Lighting
The illuminated electronic control panel makes operating the Amalfi Wall Range Hood simple and intuitive. With the push of a button, you can adjust ventilation settings and access built-in features.
A convenient filter-cleaning reminder helps ensure your hood continues performing at its best. Two energy-efficient LED lights provide bright, focused illumination over your cooktop while enhancing visibility during food preparation.
Why Choose the Futuro Futuro Amalfi 36-Inch Wall Range Hood?
36-inch modern wall-mounted range hood design
Premium Italian craftsmanship
Durable AISI 304 stainless steel construction
Powerful 940 CFM internal blower
Quiet operation with advanced sound absorption technology
Perimeter suction filtration system for improved smoke and odor capture
Dishwasher-safe metal mesh grease filters
Energy-efficient LED cooktop lighting
Sleek cubist design for contemporary kitchens
What makes the Futuro Futuro Amalfi range hood different?
The Amalfi stands out with its combination of Italian craftsmanship, premium stainless steel construction, powerful ventilation, quiet operation, and modern architectural design.
How powerful is the Amalfi 36-Inch range hood?
This model features a 940 CFM internal blower designed to handle heavy cooking, smoke, grease, and odors effectively.
Is the Amalfi range hood easy to maintain?
Yes. The removable metal mesh grease filters are dishwasher safe, and the electronic controls include a cleaning reminder for easier upkeep.
What kitchen styles work best with the Amalfi Wall Range Hood?
Its sleek cubist design complements contemporary, modern, minimalist, and luxury kitchen designs.

When a Historic District home was renovated in Fort Myers, a dream kitchen was created: open plan enough for gathering, with clearly delineated areas for cooking, reading and entertaining.
Challenge
Bill and Alison’s existing kitchen was small and dysfunctional. Each room seemed independent, and there was no flow through the house. The house felt small, with one entry and exit point.
As a planning consultant, Bill was no stranger to construction. He was a general contractor himself and had built several custom homes in years past. As a gardening enthusiast and professional educator, Alison also had an eye for design. They started with design, layout and planning on their own, but soon realized they needed help. After interviewing several contractors who seemed overwhelmed and unenthused by their project, they reached out to Progressive Design Build.
Solution
Mike was not only enthused about the project, but he established trust with Bill and Alison. Within a few short weeks he was hired to begin the planning phase, conducting thorough research on the project, meeting key subcontractors and establishing a realistic budget.
When the project began, internal walls were removed to open up the kitchen/dining areas and an island was built, giving the space an open and modern functionality. The eating area was enlarged, and a visual connection to the outside was established using Marvin insulated glass windows with Low E coatings—which rejects solar heat gain without reducing visible light passing through the glass.
In order to allow for the open concept layout that Bill and Alison desired, we built new structural beams to transfer the live load. The sliding patio doors opened onto a small terrace with a wrought iron handrail creating access to the private courtyard and garden area.
Finishing details included custom cherry cabinets and wood trimming, 16” x 32” natural stone flooring, granite countertops and historically correct plaster finishes.
Result
The project was completed within budget and two weeks ahead of schedule.
“That planning phase was the best money we spent on the project,” exclaimed Bill. “It was incredibly gratifying being able to watch the subcontractors and suppliers come and go with shared leadership and attention to details.”
Find the right local pro for your project

When a Historic District home was renovated in Fort Myers, a dream kitchen was created: open plan enough for gathering, with clearly delineated areas for cooking, reading and entertaining.
Challenge
Bill and Alison’s existing kitchen was small and dysfunctional. Each room seemed independent, and there was no flow through the house. The house felt small, with one entry and exit point.
As a planning consultant, Bill was no stranger to construction. He was a general contractor himself and had built several custom homes in years past. As a gardening enthusiast and professional educator, Alison also had an eye for design. They started with design, layout and planning on their own, but soon realized they needed help. After interviewing several contractors who seemed overwhelmed and unenthused by their project, they reached out to Progressive Design Build.
Solution
Mike was not only enthused about the project, but he established trust with Bill and Alison. Within a few short weeks he was hired to begin the planning phase, conducting thorough research on the project, meeting key subcontractors and establishing a realistic budget.
When the project began, internal walls were removed to open up the kitchen/dining areas and an island was built, giving the space an open and modern functionality. The eating area was enlarged, and a visual connection to the outside was established using Marvin insulated glass windows with Low E coatings—which rejects solar heat gain without reducing visible light passing through the glass.
In order to allow for the open concept layout that Bill and Alison desired, we built new structural beams to transfer the live load. The sliding patio doors opened onto a small terrace with a wrought iron handrail creating access to the private courtyard and garden area.
Finishing details included custom cherry cabinets and wood trimming, 16” x 32” natural stone flooring, granite countertops and historically correct plaster finishes.
Result
The project was completed within budget and two weeks ahead of schedule.
“That planning phase was the best money we spent on the project,” exclaimed Bill. “It was incredibly gratifying being able to watch the subcontractors and suppliers come and go with shared leadership and attention to details.”

The FlexCount Series 2X-VSWR128-1SST Dual Zone Wine Cellar Refrigerator is the perfect choice for anyone looking to store a diverse wine collection. Made of two single zone 128 bottle units with opposite hinged doors, it has two distinct temperature zones that can be individually monitored and adjusted using two digital displays with push button controls, letting you store up to 256 bottles of both red and white wine. It also features revolutionary new shelves that are thin enough to allow more space between shelves than you will find in similarly sized wine refrigerators, allowing you to store larger bottles without sacrificing bottle capacity. These shelves are constructed of durable metal to provide reliable stability and prevent sagging over time, and feature attractive stainless steel fronts and wood slats that cradle your bottles to help minimize harmful vibration. Thanks to it's front-venting design and finished top and sides, the 2X-VSWR128-1SST can be used as a built-in or freestanding unit.
256 Bottle Capacity:The 2X-VSWR128-1SST features 16 shelves that can hold up to 11 bottles each and 4 shelves that can hold up to 20 bottles each for a maximum capacity of 256 bottles.Fan-Forced Cooling:Internal fans circulate air inside of the unit, reducing initial cool down time and helping to prevent drastic temperature fluctuations that could be harmful to your wine.Innovative New Shelf Design:Allavino's state-of-the-art shelf design features metal shelving that is thin enough to maximize available storage space, and strong enough to prevent sagging. Each shelf has wood slats that gently cradle your bottles to minimize harmful vibration that could affect your wine.Shelves Extend Effortlessly:Each shelf glides out smoothly on ball-bearing tracks, allowing you to easily access every bottle in your collection.Digital Display and Controls: Clear digital displays with user friendly push button controls make setting and monitoring temperatures quick and simple.Full Range Temperature Control:This wine refrigerator can be set low enough for white or sparkling wine and high enough for red wine, ensuring your collection is always stored at it's optimum temperature.

Our new collection of wrought iron doors provides superior sound and heat insulation. The solid metal construction prevents rust, while the wrought iron insert inside the glass unit eliminates the need for maintenance and keeps the door looking new for years.
Special feature is the use of durable aluminum profiles that improve both strength and appearance.
Furthermore, VDom Doors protect your home from extreme weather conditions, insects, and dust infiltration.
Our doors offer several key advantages:
- The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms.
- Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress.
- High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration.
Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles.
Model - 1601 Iron
Color - Black
Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This door design features five wide horizontal glass inserts that bring in light while keeping a bold, structured look. The proportions are clean and balanced, giving the door a strong visual presence. The full-length pull handle aligns with the doors geometry, making it a great fit for modern homes that value simplicity and solid construction.
Door thickness - 3 1/4"
Frame thickness - 4"
Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Hardware included:
- Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82".
- Aluminum threshold.
- Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys.
- Cylinder.
- 3D Hinges.
- Turnknob for lock.
- Armor plate for the lock.
- 2 Long Black Pull Handles

Our new collection of wrought iron doors provides superior sound and heat insulation. The solid metal construction prevents rust, while the wrought iron insert inside the glass unit eliminates the need for maintenance and keeps the door looking new for years.
Special feature is the use of durable aluminum profiles that improve both strength and appearance.
Furthermore, VDom Doors protect your home from extreme weather conditions, insects, and dust infiltration.
Our doors offer several key advantages:
- The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms.
- Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress.
- High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration.
Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles.
Model - 1601 Iron
Color - Black
Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This door design features five wide horizontal glass inserts that bring in light while keeping a bold, structured look. The proportions are clean and balanced, giving the door a strong visual presence. The full-length pull handle aligns with the doors geometry, making it a great fit for modern homes that value simplicity and solid construction.
Door thickness - 3 1/4"
Frame thickness - 4"
Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Hardware included:
- Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82".
- Aluminum threshold.
- Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys.
- Cylinder.
- 3D Hinges.
- Turnknob for lock.
- Armor plate for the lock.
- 2 Long Black Pull Handles

Our new collection of wrought iron doors provides superior sound and heat insulation. The solid metal construction prevents rust, while the wrought iron insert inside the glass unit eliminates the need for maintenance and keeps the door looking new for years.
Special feature is the use of durable aluminum profiles that improve both strength and appearance.
Furthermore, VDom Doors protect your home from extreme weather conditions, insects, and dust infiltration.
Our doors offer several key advantages:
- The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms.
- Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress.
- High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration.
Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles.
Model - 1601 Iron
Color - Black
Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This door design features five wide horizontal glass inserts that bring in light while keeping a bold, structured look. The proportions are clean and balanced, giving the door a strong visual presence. The full-length pull handle aligns with the doors geometry, making it a great fit for modern homes that value simplicity and solid construction.
Door thickness - 3 1/4"
Frame thickness - 4"
Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Hardware included:
- Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82".
- Aluminum threshold.
- Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys.
- Cylinder.
- 3D Hinges.
- Turnknob for lock.
- Armor plate for the lock.
- 2 Long Black Pull Handles

Our new collection of wrought iron doors provides superior sound and heat insulation. The solid metal construction prevents rust, while the wrought iron insert inside the glass unit eliminates the need for maintenance and keeps the door looking new for years.
Special feature is the use of durable aluminum profiles that improve both strength and appearance.
Furthermore, VDom Doors protect your home from extreme weather conditions, insects, and dust infiltration.
Our doors offer several key advantages:
- The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms.
- Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress.
- High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration.
Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles.
Model - 1601 Iron
Color - Black
Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This door design features five wide horizontal glass inserts that bring in light while keeping a bold, structured look. The proportions are clean and balanced, giving the door a strong visual presence. The full-length pull handle aligns with the doors geometry, making it a great fit for modern homes that value simplicity and solid construction.
Door thickness - 3 1/4"
Frame thickness - 4"
Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Hardware included:
- Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82".
- Aluminum threshold.
- Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys.
- Cylinder.
- 3D Hinges.
- Turnknob for lock.
- Armor plate for the lock.
- 2 Long Black Pull Handles

When a Historic District home was renovated in Fort Myers, a dream kitchen was created: open plan enough for gathering, with clearly delineated areas for cooking, reading and entertaining.
Challenge
Bill and Alison’s existing kitchen was small and dysfunctional. Each room seemed independent, and there was no flow through the house. The house felt small, with one entry and exit point.
As a planning consultant, Bill was no stranger to construction. He was a general contractor himself and had built several custom homes in years past. As a gardening enthusiast and professional educator, Alison also had an eye for design. They started with design, layout and planning on their own, but soon realized they needed help. After interviewing several contractors who seemed overwhelmed and unenthused by their project, they reached out to Progressive Design Build.
Solution
Mike was not only enthused about the project, but he established trust with Bill and Alison. Within a few short weeks he was hired to begin the planning phase, conducting thorough research on the project, meeting key subcontractors and establishing a realistic budget.
When the project began, internal walls were removed to open up the kitchen/dining areas and an island was built, giving the space an open and modern functionality. The eating area was enlarged, and a visual connection to the outside was established using Marvin insulated glass windows with Low E coatings—which rejects solar heat gain without reducing visible light passing through the glass.
In order to allow for the open concept layout that Bill and Alison desired, we built new structural beams to transfer the live load. The sliding patio doors opened onto a small terrace with a wrought iron handrail creating access to the private courtyard and garden area.
Finishing details included custom cherry cabinets and wood trimming, 16” x 32” natural stone flooring, granite countertops and historically correct plaster finishes.
Result
The project was completed within budget and two weeks ahead of schedule.
“That planning phase was the best money we spent on the project,” exclaimed Bill. “It was incredibly gratifying being able to watch the subcontractors and suppliers come and go with shared leadership and attention to details.”

When a Historic District home was renovated in Fort Myers, a dream kitchen was created: open plan enough for gathering, with clearly delineated areas for cooking, reading and entertaining.
Challenge
Bill and Alison’s existing kitchen was small and dysfunctional. Each room seemed independent, and there was no flow through the house. The house felt small, with one entry and exit point.
As a planning consultant, Bill was no stranger to construction. He was a general contractor himself and had built several custom homes in years past. As a gardening enthusiast and professional educator, Alison also had an eye for design. They started with design, layout and planning on their own, but soon realized they needed help. After interviewing several contractors who seemed overwhelmed and unenthused by their project, they reached out to Progressive Design Build.
Solution
Mike was not only enthused about the project, but he established trust with Bill and Alison. Within a few short weeks he was hired to begin the planning phase, conducting thorough research on the project, meeting key subcontractors and establishing a realistic budget.
When the project began, internal walls were removed to open up the kitchen/dining areas and an island was built, giving the space an open and modern functionality. The eating area was enlarged, and a visual connection to the outside was established using Marvin insulated glass windows with Low E coatings—which rejects solar heat gain without reducing visible light passing through the glass.
In order to allow for the open concept layout that Bill and Alison desired, we built new structural beams to transfer the live load. The sliding patio doors opened onto a small terrace with a wrought iron handrail creating access to the private courtyard and garden area.
Finishing details included custom cherry cabinets and wood trimming, 16” x 32” natural stone flooring, granite countertops and historically correct plaster finishes.
Result
The project was completed within budget and two weeks ahead of schedule.
“That planning phase was the best money we spent on the project,” exclaimed Bill. “It was incredibly gratifying being able to watch the subcontractors and suppliers come and go with shared leadership and attention to details.”

Featuring a sleek, clean-face design and a modern, smooth refractory-lined firebox, the Brentwood™ LV adds a touch of sophisticated elegance to any room.
Aesthetics
Smooth refractory-lined firebox creates a contemporary appearance that exudes style.
Single rectangular black door allows for an unobstructed view of the fire.
Streamlined
Meets EPA Phase II-certified and Washington State emissions requirements (3.7 gr/hr).
55,000 BTU/hr* effectively heats up to 1,500 sq. ft.*
Airtight combustion chamber delivers maximum efficiency to ensure steady home heating.
Double-air combustion features two controls that allow you to customize the heating of your home, including:
Main control for variable heat output
Air boost for faster ignition
Ease of Operation
Efficient air wash system keeps the glass clean, reducing the hassle of maintenance.
Heat-resistant handle stays cool to the touch.
Burn time is approximately 6–8 hours for long-lasting comfort.
Required Venting
6" ASHT+, S-2100+, HT6000+, HT6103+ or AC Chimney
Design Versatility
Choose between the clean-face panel kit* for a more contemporary design or the louver kit for a traditional look.
*Requires gravity air distribution kit

Collaboration with Canonbury Homes and Frank Neely Design Associates.
Inspiration for a timeless open concept kitchen remodel in Atlanta with beaded inset cabinets and two islands
Inspiration for a timeless open concept kitchen remodel in Atlanta with beaded inset cabinets and two islands

East of Tshwane in Gauteng, South Africa is the spectacular Mooikloof Heights home which is situated on a north sloping 15000sq.m. site.
This home is approached from the north where it is completely transparent, but as the driveway curves around the west side it becomes a collection of stacked rusted boxes without any openings.
Due to the size of the site, the house could be stretched to extend to nearly 85m from east to west: The north elevation is totally glazed across the three storeys with deeply recessed glazing to create sun control.
The house is clad with natural stone and rusted steel panels framing openings in the façade. These materials speak to the taste of the client, as well as the environment.
The soil is composed of deep slate rock which had to be excavated and used for the gabion walls or crushed and covered with topsoil to create the garden. The sloping landscape was reduced to different terraces, creating a stepped landscape with a large retaining pond on the lowest level.
As the driveway curves around the house to the entrance on the south side, a transparent “canyon” opens, with views through the house to the hills, miles away. The rust colour is picked up by the gabion retaining walls that create a carport to the south of the home, while “Weathered”, a steel sculpture by Regardt van der Meulen, welcomes you at the front door.
On entering the double volume entrance hall, the view is across two water features, the first one part of the atrium at the core of the house, the other a large reflecting pond in the garden that doubles as a rainwater collection tank. Internally ribbed brass cladding is introduced to walls and ceilings, while several paintings by Santa van der Meulen complements the interiors.
Mooikloof Heights was designed in such a way that the feeling of indoor-outdoor living was prominent from almost every space in the house, lending itself to spectacular views. The style of open plan living Is evident throughout the house. The flow of the ground living and entertainment areas blend and combine into each other and create a connectedness throughout house.
The exposed steel beams, glass and stone cladding creates a symphony of textures combined with rusting steel walls and screed floors. The staircase cantilevers out of a massive stone wall with double storey glass to the west protected from the sun by steel louvres and an indigenous tree.
A few steps down you are presented with a choice of either the formal lounge or the informal family and dining room flowing out onto the lanai, while the open plan kitchen and breakfast room are just past the jacuzzi. Another sculpture by Regardt van der Meulen sits on a perch above the family room, staring across the double volume space.
The lanai is a vast space suited to the Highveld lifestyle, incorporating a bar/ barbeque, dining area and lounge, adjacent to the jacuzzi and pool.
The view from the whole house to the north is breath taking, covering the valley down to foot of the hill where Mooikloof Equestrian estate is situated and the whole hill across the extensive garden and the large reflecting pond.
On the opposite side of the hall is access to the garages (the other 4 garages have direct access to the kitchen area), a lift that connects the basement floor and first floor, and an executive study leading onto a massive roof garden over the guest wing. A large home theatre is situated to the south of the family room.
The guest wing can be reached via the lift or another cantilevered staircase and comprises three suites with a lounge area, all leading onto the lower garden.
Going up the main staircase you arrive at the pyjama lounge, with one bridge across the double volume family room leading to the main suite. The other runs across the double volume hall leading to two kid’s suites, while a third suite and the gym are situated to the south of the bridge leading to the main suite. The kid’s suite has an internal balcony with the wall facing the suite painted with a whimsical map of the world.
The main suite is a private sanctuary, flooded with north and east sun, and a fabulous dressing room and bathroom leading onto large balconies.
The home was designed by Nico and Werner van der Meulen of Nico van der Meulen Architects with interiors by their interior design company, M Square Lifestyle Design. Furniture and accessories were supplied by M Square Lifestyle Necessities.
View the VTour for Mooikloof Heights now: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=ChPHjLYWUuf
View some of our other Contemporary Projects here >>> https://nicovdmeulen.com/contemporary/

A glowing villa would set the tone for what is housed within. The entire project was illuminated with a single custom uplight from Hydrel. Each uplight was manufactured with the junction box on the bottom so not add any additional visual clutter to the floor. They were recessed into a floor covered in 1/2"x1/2" taupe colored tile.
The cover plate was cast aluminum 12"x12" in a square with an eight inch diameter opening to coddle a heavy molded piece of borosilicate made to fit flush with plate and floor tile. The glass was selected for its excellent thermal properties and extremely low expansion. It also has exceptional crystal clear clarity.
The fixtures housed a krypton gas filled PAR 38 SPOT from GE Lamps on an adjustable swing arm. GE Lamps were chosen because of the single rolled bullnose edge design the lens has were it connects to the parabolic glass sides. Others fix the lens to the edge creating two rolled edges and a crease. These edges capture and project the light and create more than one artifact prarabola caused by the lens edge and the way it is attached. This creates distracting and multiple visual parabolas being projected on the the walls and ceilings. A single one is problematic, having multiple ones with so many fixture being used becomes overwhelmingly distracting.
The fixture housing was also designed to be 12" deep keeping the top of the lamp recess 4" below the glass. The swing arm also contained a custom gimbal ring that allowed for both a lens and an internal louver to be mounted just above the lamp face. The louver was a custom black color in a custom large cell egg crate design of 1/2"x1/2"x1/2" size. The entire interior of this uplight was custom painted so that all parts were powder coated with Paxton Matte Black, named for the client who helped perfect the exact black color.
The color was tested and fabricated multiple times before the results were finally achieved. It was to be an exceptionally matte black that did not reflect in the slightst way any light or light source. It was supposed to be void of reflectance. The larger size of the uplight was selected over other choices because the lighting designer wanted to illuminate the 24" wide columns and pilasters through out the project. Smaller lamps and fixtures came out of the floor with a steep reverse parabola grazing the architecture. The depth of the custom fixture was dictated by the desire to have the narrow portion of the parabola effect occur inside the fixture before it even was viewable. The beam emitted from the fixture came out almost as fat as the columns were wide. The fixture was positioned a half inch from the vertical walls to keep the center beam six inches away. This helped perfectly graze the wall surface as well as control up light glare. The louvers were exactly the size of the floor tile so there was a consistency to the floor grid even within the light fixtures.
The position of the lamp and the 45° cutoff of the louver kept the visual cutoff at around 20° where people would be standing. You really have to hold your head near the wall and look down into the fixtures in order to see the source.
Everything was also dimmed with multiple presets for the clients command and a preprogrammed fade that started at dusk and continually reduced itself as the night progressed into early morning. The entire building would be bathed in a soft candle like glow of 10% from 2 am until sunrise with on the hour 2 minute fades from 80% brightness.
Photo: Robert Cook

Wolf 24" Coffee System EC24/S - Stainless
Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com
Striking stainless steel design. Strikingly delicious drinks — espresso, cappuccino, latte, macchiato, long or short coffee, even hot water for tea. Simply touch a couple of buttons and in seconds you’ll be enjoying a professional-quality coffee drink, made your way. On top of that, the Wolf coffee system lets you easily customize the details of your drink, from temperature to strength to level of foam, to meet your personal definition of the “perfect cup.”
You’ll also enjoy how hassle-free the Wolf coffee system is to own. It needs no plumbing connections, and it steam-cleans the milk nozzle with one push of a button; milk never enters the system’s internal mechanisms.
The 24” coffee system in stainless can be installed with a 24" cup warming drawer to create an ultimate in-home coffee station, and coordinates beautifully with Wolf convection steam and microwave ovens of the same size. For ideal pairing with 30” Wolf ovens, the 24” coffee system in black (EC24/B) should be purchased and customized with any of five accessory trim kits.
DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE FEATURES
Make all your favorite coffee beverages:
What's your pleasure? Make long or short coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte, or a macchiato in seconds. Even steam or froth milk for, say, a chai latte or the kids' hot chocolate.
Coffee, made to size:
Select the size you want from four pushbutton presets, everything from a one-ounce espresso shot to a 12-ounce coffee. Unique sizes (up to 7 oz.) can be programmed and saved using the customizable "My Coffee" setting.
Strength, to your taste:
When brewing from whole bean coffee, five strength settings from extra-mild to extra-strong give you precisely the flavor you prefer at any selected size.
No plumbing needed:
Unlike units that must be connected to a water line, the Wolf coffee system can be installed anywhere without additional plumbing. The easily accessible water reservoir holds 60.9 fluid oz. (1.8 liters), enough for several drinks between refills.
Easy to clean:
Unlike coffee systems that pipe milk through the internal mechanism, the Wolf system cleans with pushbutton ease. Rinse the brew head, or clean the milk spout with a jet of steam. It's all done in seconds. The milk carafe is dishwasher safe, too.
Uses whole-bean and pre-ground coffee:
The machine holds a generous supply of whole-bean coffee — about half a pound — and grinds it automatically to make your drink. It can brew single-cups from pre-ground coffee, too, so you can have your breakfast blend even when the bean reservoir is full of espresso roast.
Adjustable built-in stainless steel burr grinder:
Thirteen grind settings allow you to customize your whole-bean coffee for the taste and body you prefer.
Make it a double:
For two identical coffees, just press the Double Coffee button and position a cup under each of the two spouts. Or select Double Coffee and place your mug under the spouts to make a double-size coffee for one.
Removable milk carafe for freshness and convenience:
The dishwasher-safe carafe plugs into the machine to make milk drinks, then can go right in the refrigerator to keep milk fresh. Milk is steamed and frothed without passing through the system's internal components. That makes cleaning infinitely easier.
Hot water on demand — tea, anyone?
Tea, hot chocolate, oatmeal, you name it. The system can deliver up to 14 ounces of hot water with the push of a button. How hot? That's up to you. The temperature is adjustable.
Push-button control panel:
Brewing the drink you want at the size and with the taste you want is as easy as pressing a few buttons. The bright LCD control panel provides clear information.
Programmable start time and auto off:
Program a time for the system to turn on and warm up automatically, it will be ready to brew when you're ready to enjoy. For safety and energy efficiency, the system powers down after a set period of inactivity.
More enjoying, less cleaning:
After the system prepares a coffee drink, it ejects the compressed grounds into a container, then lets you know when the container is ready to be emptied. Meanwhile, a removable drip tray catches excess water from brewing and rinsing. Simply rinse it out just as you would your coffee cup.
Built into cabinetry, works like a drawer:
Designed to be built seamlessly into your kitchen cabinetry, the Wolf coffee system has an ingenious feature: glide rails that enable you to slide the unit out from the wall for easy access to the whole-bean and ground coffee reservoirs. It's like opening a drawer.
Supplies are in reach but out of sight:
Pull the unit out on its glide rails to access handy integrated storage trays where you can keep bottles of flavored syrup, sugars and other supplies at the ready.
Auto-descale reminders:
Minerals from water naturally build up on heating surfaces and reduce efficiency. The Wolf coffee system is engineered to monitor this and let you know when to descale the system. Result: Your drinks always come out at the temperature you expect.
TECHNICAL FEATURES:
- Electrical Requirements: 120 V AC, 60 Hz, 15-amp dedicated circuit, grounded
- Shipping Weight (lbs): 60
- Water reservoir (fl oz): 60.9 (1.8 L)
- Whole Bean Reservoir (oz): 8.8 (~1/2 lb)
- Removable milk carafe holds just over 3 cups

Iron 1688 Black Description
Your front door is your best defender. It protects you, your family, and your most valuable belongings from theft and damage.
Our new collection of wrought iron doors provides superior sound and heat insulation. The solid metal construction prevents rust, while the wrought iron insert inside the glass unit eliminates the need for maintenance and keeps the door looking new for years.
Special feature is the use of durable aluminum profiles that improve both strength and appearance.
Furthermore, VDom Doors protect your home from extreme weather conditions, insects, and dust infiltration.
Our doors offer several key advantages:
- The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms.
- Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress.
- High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration.
Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles.
Model - 1688 Iron
Color - Black
Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This model stands out with its tall rectangular glass insert framed by clean, linear metalwork in a geometric pattern. The repeating square and rectangular shapes create a structured, architectural look reminiscent of Art Deco design. It offers a strong visual rhythm while maintaining privacy and strength, making it a great choice for homes seeking a bold yet refined entrance.
Door thickness - 3 11/16"
Frame thickness - 3 13/16"
Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Hardware included:
- Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82".
- Aluminum threshold.
- Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys.
- Cylinder.
- 3D Hinges.
- Turnknob for lock.
- Armor plate for the lock.
- 2 Long Black Pull Handles
VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on.
Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site.
A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

Iron 1688 Black Description
Your front door is your best defender. It protects you, your family, and your most valuable belongings from theft and damage.
Our new collection of wrought iron doors provides superior sound and heat insulation. The solid metal construction prevents rust, while the wrought iron insert inside the glass unit eliminates the need for maintenance and keeps the door looking new for years.
Special feature is the use of durable aluminum profiles that improve both strength and appearance.
Furthermore, VDom Doors protect your home from extreme weather conditions, insects, and dust infiltration.
Our doors offer several key advantages:
- The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms.
- Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress.
- High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration.
Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles.
Model - 1688 Iron
Color - Black
Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This model stands out with its tall rectangular glass insert framed by clean, linear metalwork in a geometric pattern. The repeating square and rectangular shapes create a structured, architectural look reminiscent of Art Deco design. It offers a strong visual rhythm while maintaining privacy and strength, making it a great choice for homes seeking a bold yet refined entrance.
Door thickness - 3 11/16"
Frame thickness - 3 13/16"
Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Hardware included:
- Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82".
- Aluminum threshold.
- Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys.
- Cylinder.
- 3D Hinges.
- Turnknob for lock.
- Armor plate for the lock.
- 2 Long Black Pull Handles
VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on.
Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site.
A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

Gorgeous master bath finished with Dal-Tile's Fabrique porcelain tile in the color Noir Linen polished. Tile size is 12"x24" installed in a brick joint pattern. The floor boasts underfloor heating on a timed thermostat.
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