Considering the flashy nature and the innovative designs that rustic contemporary houses are sporting of late, it really is not easy to fabricate a home that can showcase a mountain rustic look with just the right touch of contemporary. Yet, this bold design, is really something ‘different' and the moment you lay your eyes on it, you cannot but help fall in love with its well-defined plan, sleek look, amazing use of natural stone and integration of BC fir and raw metal into the structure. This house is a direct design response to site, form and utility of building material, which combine to create a solid, robust structure. Disclosure of the stone work, expansive art glass windows and timber frame accents creates a visual impact. The front entry and facade is aligned with the midday sun. The long side of the triple garage act as a retaining wall. Inside this house, rooms slide into each other, dissolving the problem of further enclosure. The plan is unrestricted by the geometry and a sense of infinite space is achieved. Materials are reduced to a palette of metal, concrete, glass and timber, underpinning the desire for a rustic but still contemporary home to be basic and creating an embedded modesty.

5,411 SF two story home in the Encino Hills overlooking Los Angeles. This home features an attached two-car garage, 4 Bedrooms, 5 1/2 Baths, 2 Offices, Foyer, Gallery, Gym, Great Room, Den, Dining, Kitchen, Morning Room, Mud Room, Laundry, Loggia, Jacuzzi, and a pool with a gorgeous view overlooking Los Angeles. Walls of glass, natural stone surfaces featuring Porcelanosa tile, high ceilings, and sweeping vistas fuse the home's indoor and outdoor environments. The outdoor space features a fire pit, Jacuzzi, and swimming pool; the extensive use of windows not only brings the view inside but maximizes the use of natural light. Photovoltaic panels supply power to the home and pool and dramatically reduce energy consumption year round. Tankless water heaters, bamboo cabinetry and flooring, and tight high quality insulation further reduce the environmental footprint of the home and make it more sustainable...this home is also featured in FIND BLISS and LUXE Magazine. Eco Friendly and Green Home. Photo by: Latham Architectural

This commercial staircase in Commercial Bay Shopping Centre in Auckland was built for the purpose of structure, rigidity, and functionality. The shopping mall gives out a standard staircase for the retail shops, so Hugo Boss re-designed a staircase to better suit their needs. We were able to reuse the new, 120mm thick, solid concrete treads in order to reduce costs. Because the new staircase was slightly narrower than the original, we trimmed down the treads to accommodate the new dimensions of the replacement stairs. What made this project a challenge was that it was really heavy (the finished stairs weighed about 2 tons) and we had to adhere to pretty strict structural requirements because it’s a commercial staircase. We were able to do the installation in 2 days by getting everything in on the first day, and then having Grant spend a week there with the mini crane lifting up all the steel and placing the treads. The structural materials we used were concrete and steel. Hugo Boss then tiled over top of it, and we finished it off with a brush, stainless steel handrail. We then had to work closely with the glass balustrade company to make sure the holes were in the right place in correspondence with the staircase and that everything ran smoothly and on time.

5,411 SF two story home in the Encino Hills overlooking Los Angeles. This home features an attached two-car garage, 4 Bedrooms, 5 1/2 Baths, 2 Offices, Foyer, Gallery, Gym, Great Room, Den, Dining, Kitchen, Morning Room, Mud Room, Laundry, Loggia, Jacuzzi, and a pool with a gorgeous view overlooking Los Angeles. Walls of glass, natural stone surfaces featuring Porcelanosa tile, high ceilings, and sweeping vistas fuse the home's indoor and outdoor environments. The outdoor space features a fire pit, Jacuzzi, and swimming pool; the extensive use of windows not only brings the view inside but maximizes the use of natural light. Photovoltaic panels supply power to the home and pool and dramatically reduce energy consumption year round. Tankless water heaters, bamboo cabinetry and flooring, and tight high quality insulation further reduce the environmental footprint of the home and make it more sustainable...this home is also featured in FIND BLISS and LUXE Magazine. Eco Friendly and Green Home. Photo by: Latham Architectural

This outdoor living room offers the homeowners a quiet and secluded place to rest and unwind. A neighbouring Black Walnut Tree reduced the overall functional usability of this backyard, and the idea for an outdoor living room was developed. The pocket doors can be screens or can be switched to glass windows when the weather turns colder, offering extended use of the outdoor room during the shoulder seasons.

This commercial staircase in Commercial Bay Shopping Centre in Auckland was built for the purpose of structure, rigidity, and functionality. The shopping mall gives out a standard staircase for the retail shops, so Hugo Boss re-designed a staircase to better suit their needs. We were able to reuse the new, 120mm thick, solid concrete treads in order to reduce costs. Because the new staircase was slightly narrower than the original, we trimmed down the treads to accommodate the new dimensions of the replacement stairs. What made this project a challenge was that it was really heavy (the finished stairs weighed about 2 tons) and we had to adhere to pretty strict structural requirements because it’s a commercial staircase. We were able to do the installation in 2 days by getting everything in on the first day, and then having Grant spend a week there with the mini crane lifting up all the steel and placing the treads. The structural materials we used were concrete and steel. Hugo Boss then tiled over top of it, and we finished it off with a brush, stainless steel handrail. We then had to work closely with the glass balustrade company to make sure the holes were in the right place in correspondence with the staircase and that everything ran smoothly and on time.

Small zen backyard concrete paver patio container garden photo in Portland with a pergola

Devereux Beach House Our client presented Flavin Architects with a unique challenge. On a site that previously hosted two houses, our client asked us to design a modestly sized house and separate art studio. Both structures reduce the height and bulk of the original buildings. The modern concrete house we designed is situated on the brow of a steep cliff overlooking Marblehead harbor. The concrete visually anchors the house to stone outcroppings on the property, and the low profile ensures the structure doesn’t conflict with the surround of traditional, gabled homes. Three primary concrete walls run north to south in parallel, forming the structural walls of the home. The entry sequence is carefully considered. The front door is hidden from view from the street. An entry path leads to an intimate courtyard, from which the front door is first visible. Upon entering, the visitor gets the first glimpse of the sea, framed by a portal of cast-in-place concrete. The kitchen, living, and dining space have a soaring 10-foot ceiling creating an especially spacious sense of interiority. A cantilevered deck runs the length of the living room, with a solid railing providing privacy from beach below. Where the house grows from a single to a two-story structure, the concrete walls rise magisterially to the full height of the building. The exterior concrete walls are accented with zinc gutters and downspouts, and wooden Ipe slats which softly filter light through the windows.

The contemporary master bathroom is awash in natural light from the skylit ceiling above to the Mocha Crema limestone flooring below, surrounding the Victoria Albert standalone tub. Artisanal craftsmanship by luxury home builder Nicholson Companies.

This early 20th century Indianapolis, IN basement remodel was in desperate need of help. The original and still operating hydronic radiant heating system had its plumbing configured without regard to any other use of the space. Fearful of harming the aged system and the high cost of doing so, these Clients were adamant that the existing system remain intact. Architect Lee Constantine developed a design that maintained the existing heating system while creating "niches" around the perimeter that would conceal the unsightly plumbing. Additionally, by removing free-standing structural supporting posts, amore flexible and inviting space was achieved. Because of an already low ceiling condition, the floor-ceiling structure above was kept exposed, painted and highlighted with indirect lighting to avoid further reducing the ceiling height. Constantine incorporated "clouds" on this ceiling to conceal certain existing components that either were cost prohibitive to relocate or couldn't be relocated. These "clouds"become a "visual element" through their geometry and hidden "indirect" light source rather than an undesirable complication. Now this family entertains frequently in the basement and reports "it doesn't feel like we're in a basement anymore"

This upper deck, stairway, and supporting framing and columns were replaced due to poor original construction details that allowed the structure to rot prematurely. The original size of the deck was increased to allow the BBQ to have it's own corner without reducing the views. Glass railing allows full viewing of the surrounding Hills. The lighted stairway is controlled with motion detection to illuminate the stairway form the upper deck to the lower deck. Includes exterior speakers for sound system for entertaining to set the mood.

The open-air foyer at the main entry of the home serves as a picture window framing the bay and jungle behind it. All the home's corridors and hallways are open-air, intended to reduce the air conditioning load and improve the home's energy efficiency. The accent sculpture at the entry was created by the architects, from structural steel scraps from the construction of a staircase on another project.

The new deck presents a welcoming impression. An open pergola shelters the dining portion, while also reducing the apparent height of the existing brick facade and imparting a comfortable human scale to the entire composition. Simple carpentry details reflect Craftsman influences found inside the house, and premium-grade treated lumber was specified for its enhanced durability and a handsome, natural appearance. A graciously proportioned stairway flows from the deck to the rear yard, where landscape improvements will soon be underway.

This project was all about resurfacing an existing deck, which provides a significant amount of benefits, including: - Enhanced Aesthetics: A deck resurfacing project can transform the appearance of the deck, giving it a fresh and modern look that can significantly improve the curb appeal of the entire home. - Cost Savings: Resurfacing is often more cost-effective than completely rebuilding a deck. It allows homeowners to achieve a like-new appearance without the expense of a full replacement. - Increased Durability: New materials used in resurfacing are designed to be more resistant to wear, fading, and the elements, resulting in a longer lifespan for the deck. - Improved Safety: Addressing structural issues during the resurfacing process ensures the deck's safety and stability, reducing the risk of accidents. - Less Disruption: Compared to a full deck replacement, resurfacing typically involves less disruption to the homeowner's daily routine, as it's a faster and less invasive process. - Customization: Homeowners can choose from a wide range of materials, colors, and finishes to match their design preferences and complement their home's style. - Environmentally Friendly: Resurfacing reduces the amount of old material that needs to be disposed of, making it a more environmentally conscious option. By undertaking a deck resurfacing project, homeowners can rejuvenate their outdoor space, enjoy a beautiful and functional deck for years to come and increase the overall value of their property.

The level-eight infinity pool at The Archer is a defining architectural feature, designed to mirror the sweeping horseshoe geometry of the building’s façade. Delivered through a seamless Design and Construct (D&C) collaboration between Pace Development Group and Aloha Pools, the 30m x 5m fully tiled pool was built by specialist in-house crews to complement the development’s premium material palette and views across Flemington Racecourse. Behind its striking design is sophisticated engineering, including an amended overflow system to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. The entire pool structure also floats on advanced sound isolation mounts, minimising noise transfer to the residences below. Fully compliant with Australian Standards, the result combines architectural impact, technical precision and exceptional amenity.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Our homes are resilient, adaptable, and when combined with Solar can be built to zero energy standards. Designs come complete with Solar ready features, LED Lighting, structured wiring, and expandable building automation technology. Ultra efficient mechanical equipment with small diameter ducts and variable speed blowers reduce energy use and ensure consistent temperatures between rooms, zones, and floors. Modular Prefabrication offers a smarter building system that leverages manufacturing efficiency, advanced engineering technology, and highly skilled labor to precisely produce high quality, durable, and efficient buildings in a fraction of the time needed in traditional construction. This is not your standard prefab home! EcoCraft homes are designed and constructed to provide our home owners with a look and feel that is unlike anything you have ever experienced!

Rosenberg Kolb Architects is proud to announce our renovation of a 1747 timber frame house on Nantucket Island, completed in 2011. The first historic renovation project in Nantucket to receive LEED Gold status. The project was given a Grand Award by Eco Home Magazine in July, 2011. The project included: Restructuring the foundations to align and stabilize the structure in addition to providing for a new insulated crawl space; A 260 square foot addition for a kitchen, bath, and new entry; New cedar shingles, roof shingles, and restored historic windows; The house met the strict regulations of Nantucket's Historic District. On the inside, LEED Gold certification was met through: High R-value insulation and reduced air leakage; High efficiency heating, air conditioning, plumbing fixtures, and appliances; Low-emission paints and finishes as well as a clay wall finish; Using reclaimed materials from the original house and other sites. The project has been published in: N Magazine July 2011 Eco Home Magazine July 2011 New England Home June 2011

Achieve a dark and peaceful haven for restful sleep in this mid-century modern bedroom with large-cell blackout cellular blinds for picture windows. These shades effectively block out external light sources and provide enhanced sound insulation, ensuring a deeper, uninterrupted sleep. The large cell structure offers superior R-value insulation, keeping your bedroom comfortable and reducing energy bills. The sleek, modern traditional design and subtle white color blend effortlessly with calm decor, contributing to a tranquil and inviting atmosphere for relaxation. The color-coordinated, fabric-wrapped hardware offers a seamless, bespoke look that elevates the room's elegant aesthetic.