Terran Landscapes http://www.terranlandscapes.com Project Entry: Fishers Woodland Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Theme Garden $15,000-$30,000 Award Level: Bronze Photo Description: We were contracted by the client to design a calming space for their staff to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a leisurely lunch as well as to provide their grandchildren a place to run and pick flowers. The space was originally dominated by large trees and had been overgrown with ivy, sumac and aggressive vines, providing an unwelcome, dark space with little color or visual appeal. The client requested a colorful blend of shrubs and perennials that would provide interest throughout the seasons, as well as provide privacy by screening the street traffic along Carisbrooke Road. Our goal was to create the privacy screen along the road by layering plants from the ground to the tree canopy. The theme was to let nature inspire the landscape, allowing a space that was originally woodland to become an enhanced version of itself, creating a beautiful habitat for birds and butterflies to excite the senses and satisfy all who enjoy the beauty of nature. We began by clearing the brush and removing all aggressive vines and ivy that jeopardized the health of the trees. We kept and transplanted all non- invasive or native plant material in the area to various locations throughout the property. Several yards of compost were then tilled into the soil and the existing trees fertilized to provide a rich growing environment. A few challenges occurred during the design process. It was decided that a new generator was to be installed in the woodland and due to a future addition to the house, we were forced to eliminate planned additional impervious pathway surfaces. We provided screening to hide the generator and buffer the noise, and created a meandering path and sitting area out of natural woodchips instead of the proposed bluestone to solve the impervious space issue. The woodchips add a sense of informality and invite the viewer to walk slowly through the space. The reduced noise from the additional screening of the generator allows for quiet reflection as chipmunks scurry and hummingbirds dart about between the flowers. Our plant palette consists of shady understory plants that thrive and flower vigorously from spring through fall. A tall, lush, evergreen backdrop of Ilex opaca and Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ provides the screening and blends into a middle layer of ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood, hydrangeas and winterberry hollies. Beautiful perennials and groundcovers bloom along the woodland path, providing a low visual layer of color and texture. Movement throughout the garden is provided by the graceful Calamagrostis brachytricha and Hakenchloa that soften the nearby hardscaping. The woodland floor is full of shade-loving Solomon’s seal, hosta, astilbe, ferns, bleeding heart, Tiarella and Aconitum. The street side of this woodland required plants with a preference for a little more sun and drought tolerance. A palette of oakleaf hydrangea, Agastache, Liatris and Rudbeckia softens the fence line and provides the desired color. As designed and installed, the woodland garden successfully provides the client’s family and office staff a quiet space where they can take a peaceful moment and enjoy nature. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

A 1970’s addition on the rear of this house awkwardly consumed the entire backyard and reduced natural light to the interior, creating a dark kitchen and dining room. This project was a unique one in that we actually reduced the square footage. One of the advantages of living in California is that a backyard can easily serve as an extra room - with dining, entertainment, and lounge space usable for most of the year. In order to maximize natural daylight into the heart of the home, two large bi-folding patio doors were installed in the kitchen and dining room. This creates a strong connection to the backyard entertainment space, complete with an exterior kitchen and fire-pit seating area. The exterior of the house was redesigned to compliment a modern landscape project. A cedar rain screen leads guests to the front door - shifting the visual emphasis to the front door and reducing the prominence of the garage. The cedar gave the facade a modern, warm feel and differentiated the house from it’s neighbors

A 1970’s addition on the rear of this house awkwardly consumed the entire backyard and reduced natural light to the interior, creating a dark kitchen and dining room. This project was a unique one in that we actually reduced the square footage. One of the advantages of living in California is that a backyard can easily serve as an extra room - with dining, entertainment, and lounge space usable for most of the year. In order to maximize natural daylight into the heart of the home, two large bi-folding patio doors were installed in the kitchen and dining room. This creates a strong connection to the backyard entertainment space, complete with an exterior kitchen and fire-pit seating area. The exterior of the house was redesigned to compliment a modern landscape project. A cedar rain screen leads guests to the front door - shifting the visual emphasis to the front door and reducing the prominence of the garage. The cedar gave the facade a modern, warm feel and differentiated the house from it’s neighbors

Terran Landscapes http://www.terranlandscapes.com Project Entry: Fishers Woodland Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Theme Garden $15,000-$30,000 Award Level: Bronze Photo Description: We were contracted by the client to design a calming space for their staff to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a leisurely lunch as well as to provide their grandchildren a place to run and pick flowers. The space was originally dominated by large trees and had been overgrown with ivy, sumac and aggressive vines, providing an unwelcome, dark space with little color or visual appeal. The client requested a colorful blend of shrubs and perennials that would provide interest throughout the seasons, as well as provide privacy by screening the street traffic along Carisbrooke Road. Our goal was to create the privacy screen along the road by layering plants from the ground to the tree canopy. The theme was to let nature inspire the landscape, allowing a space that was originally woodland to become an enhanced version of itself, creating a beautiful habitat for birds and butterflies to excite the senses and satisfy all who enjoy the beauty of nature. We began by clearing the brush and removing all aggressive vines and ivy that jeopardized the health of the trees. We kept and transplanted all non- invasive or native plant material in the area to various locations throughout the property. Several yards of compost were then tilled into the soil and the existing trees fertilized to provide a rich growing environment. A few challenges occurred during the design process. It was decided that a new generator was to be installed in the woodland and due to a future addition to the house, we were forced to eliminate planned additional impervious pathway surfaces. We provided screening to hide the generator and buffer the noise, and created a meandering path and sitting area out of natural woodchips instead of the proposed bluestone to solve the impervious space issue. The woodchips add a sense of informality and invite the viewer to walk slowly through the space. The reduced noise from the additional screening of the generator allows for quiet reflection as chipmunks scurry and hummingbirds dart about between the flowers. Our plant palette consists of shady understory plants that thrive and flower vigorously from spring through fall. A tall, lush, evergreen backdrop of Ilex opaca and Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ provides the screening and blends into a middle layer of ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood, hydrangeas and winterberry hollies. Beautiful perennials and groundcovers bloom along the woodland path, providing a low visual layer of color and texture. Movement throughout the garden is provided by the graceful Calamagrostis brachytricha and Hakenchloa that soften the nearby hardscaping. The woodland floor is full of shade-loving Solomon’s seal, hosta, astilbe, ferns, bleeding heart, Tiarella and Aconitum. The street side of this woodland required plants with a preference for a little more sun and drought tolerance. A palette of oakleaf hydrangea, Agastache, Liatris and Rudbeckia softens the fence line and provides the desired color. As designed and installed, the woodland garden successfully provides the client’s family and office staff a quiet space where they can take a peaceful moment and enjoy nature. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

A 1970’s addition on the rear of this house awkwardly consumed the entire backyard and reduced natural light to the interior, creating a dark kitchen and dining room. This project was a unique one in that we actually reduced the square footage. One of the advantages of living in California is that a backyard can easily serve as an extra room - with dining, entertainment, and lounge space usable for most of the year. In order to maximize natural daylight into the heart of the home, two large bi-folding patio doors were installed in the kitchen and dining room. This creates a strong connection to the backyard entertainment space, complete with an exterior kitchen and fire-pit seating area. The exterior of the house was redesigned to compliment a modern landscape project. A cedar rain screen leads guests to the front door - shifting the visual emphasis to the front door and reducing the prominence of the garage. The cedar gave the facade a modern, warm feel and differentiated the house from it’s neighbors

A 1970’s addition on the rear of this house awkwardly consumed the entire backyard and reduced natural light to the interior, creating a dark kitchen and dining room. This project was a unique one in that we actually reduced the square footage. One of the advantages of living in California is that a backyard can easily serve as an extra room - with dining, entertainment, and lounge space usable for most of the year. In order to maximize natural daylight into the heart of the home, two large bi-folding patio doors were installed in the kitchen and dining room. This creates a strong connection to the backyard entertainment space, complete with an exterior kitchen and fire-pit seating area. The exterior of the house was redesigned to compliment a modern landscape project. A cedar rain screen leads guests to the front door - shifting the visual emphasis to the front door and reducing the prominence of the garage. The cedar gave the facade a modern, warm feel and differentiated the house from it’s neighbors

The design promotes healthy lifestyles by providing primary living on one floor, no materials containing volatile organic compounds, energy recovery ventilation systems, radon elimination systems, extension of interior spaces into the natural environment of the site, strong and direct physical and visual connections to nature, daylighting techniques providing occupants full integration into a natural, endogenous circadian rhythm. Incorporation¬¬¬ of daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior-to-code insulation ensure minimal space-conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All lighting fixtures are LEDs.

Tinatin Kilaberedze Interior Design, Bedroom Holiday: A Child's Bedroom at Christmas Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2013 Houzz
Eclectic kids' room photo in New York

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

This single family home sits on a tight, sloped site. Within a modest budget, the goal was to provide direct access to grade at both the front and back of the house. The solution is a multi-split-level home with unconventional relationships between floor levels. Between the entrance level and the lower level of the family room, the kitchen and dining room are located on an interstitial level. Within the stair space “floats” a small bathroom. The generous stair is celebrated with a back-painted red glass wall which treats users to changing refractive ambient light throughout the house. Black brick, grey-tinted glass and mirrors contribute to the reasonably compact massing of the home. A cantilevered upper volume shades south facing windows and the home’s limited material palette meant a more efficient construction process. Cautious landscaping retains water run-off on the sloping site and home offices reduce the client’s use of their vehicle. The house achieves its vision within a modest footprint and with a design restraint that will ensure it becomes a long-lasting asset in the community. Photo by Tom Arban

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: The ALEKO® barrel sauna design is both stylish and functional, providing maximum usable space while minimizing excessive cubic feet. The compact size enables a simple and fast heat time. This beautifully designed indoor or outdoor sauna’s entrance features a tempered glass door with a wooden door handle, making it a stylish addition to any home. The toughened brown, tempered glass door contributes to a quiet, relaxing environment, and remains undamaged by temperature changes. This sauna is uniquely designed with a glass dome wall, giving you an open view of your surroundings. The 4.5 KW ETL certified electric heater with heated rocks is made for dry or wet sauna experiences. The accompanying bucket and scoop allow you to activate the steam by pouring water over the hot stones, boosting temperature and humidity for maximum health benefits and relaxation. Assembly is simple and can be accomplished in just a few hours with the help of our instruction manual. Included with Sauna Purchase: Sauna with (1) Bench / (1) Level, Wooden Bucket with Scoop, Thermometer/Hydrometer, Anti-explosive Lamp, Heater Fence, ETL approved 4.5 KW Electrical Heater with Touch Screen Control Panel and 44 pounds of Sauna Stones. To comply with safety guidelines, our heaters are designed to heat for a maximum of 60 minutes at a time. To heat your sauna for longer than 60 minutes, simply reset the timer for additional time. Dimensions: 71 x 71 inches. *Shingle Roof Not Included.* Sauna is packaged in multiple pieces. Some assembly is required as instructed in the manual. FEATURES: High quality 5 person versatile wet or dry steam capable indoor or outdoor sauna with (1) bench (1) level Made with durable Red Cedar Wood, partially pre-assembled construction with built-in venting holes, a brown toughened glass door and a transparent dome wall that opens up your view to the surroundings Sauna Benefits: Sleep better, stimulate blood circulation, increase metabolism, prevent heart disease, relax tired muscles/joints, heal colds and flu. Sauna Benefits: Eliminate fatigue, clean and nourish skin, reduce fat and keep fit, relieve muscle and joint pain, flush toxins from the body Included with Sauna Purchase: Wooden Bucket with Scoop, Thermometer/Hydrometer, Anti-explosive Lamp, Heater Fence, ETL approved 4.5 KW Electrical Heater with Touch Screen Control Panel and 44 pounds of Sauna Stones. Dimensions: 71 x 71 inches

Motorized interior screen shade: You can see right through this screen shade while reducing the strong glare from the sun. 3% openness factor providing 97% UV protection and wonderful heat reduction as well.

Motorized screens being installed. These windows are facing direct sunlight and the installation will significantly reduce sun glare and assist with temperature control.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home. The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living. The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home. The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play. The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Energy Efficient features include: • The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade • 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques • Foil covered roof sheathing • Extensive use of blown in cellulous • All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass • Tank-less water heaters • Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV. Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency. These items include: • 2x6 walls with staggered studs • Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting • Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows • ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls. The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Patio - contemporary patio idea in Brisbane

Our clients relocated to Ann Arbor and struggled to find an open layout home that was fully functional for their family. We worked to create a modern inspired home with convenient features and beautiful finishes. This 4,500 square foot home includes 6 bedrooms, and 5.5 baths. In addition to that, there is a 2,000 square feet beautifully finished basement. It has a semi-open layout with clean lines to adjacent spaces, and provides optimum entertaining for both adults and kids. The interior and exterior of the home has a combination of modern and transitional styles with contrasting finishes mixed with warm wood tones and geometric patterns.

In an effort to increase the enjoyment hours and reduce the amount of time spent on maintenance, this entire structure in Bethesda, MD, was built using low maintenance materials. The deck was constructed with Trex Select decking inside the screened porch and across the entire surface of the deck, vinyl trim was used inside and outside of the screened porch and the ceiling is beaded 1×6 tongue and groove vinyl to create a more finished look for the interior.

A view across the backyard which shows the natural stepping stones leading from the side yard to the interlock stone patio with the step up to the composite deck on the right. newly planted creeping thyme will provide a dense green mat with spectacular pink flowers in the summer. Various areas throughout the yard have been provided for the owner to install various containers for annuals or other seasonal interest plants. C.Gilmore - Heritage Stoneworks

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.