Major alterations to the structure completely changed the way the existing spaces felt and functioned. A pitched ceiling replaced the flat livingroom ceiling. Large sliding doors opened the living room directly onto the deck. This functionally doubled the size of the living areas, despite not increasing the footprint. The master bedroom received large stacking slider opening onto the deck, designed for privacy from the living area. Laundry and kitchen are combined with ample storage behind minimalist cabinetry. Storage and bench space are maximised while keeping everything open and airy. The white cabinetry reduces the bulk of so much storage in a smaller space. New insulation, uPVC windows and energy efficient blinds improved thermal performance. A cold house became warm, inviting,cheaper to heat and cool. The outside of the building received new window frames, colour palette, deck, facade lightling, downpipes and gutters. Retaining cladding + floors made this a cost-effective, + radical transformation.

Sam Walton
Photo of a transitional landscaping in Austin.

This project featured a custom permeable interlock driveway designed to provide exceptional curb appeal while improving long-term drainage and stormwater management. Built using a premium permeable paving system, the driveway allows rainwater to naturally filter through the surface, reducing runoff and promoting a more sustainable landscape. The installation included professional excavation, engineered base preparation, precision grading, and expert stone installation to ensure lasting performance and structural integrity. The finished result combines luxury aesthetics, environmental responsibility, and superior craftsmanship, creating a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance driveway built to perform for decades.

Major alterations to the structure completely changed the way the existing spaces felt and functioned. A pitched ceiling replaced the flat livingroom ceiling. Large sliding doors opened the living room directly onto the deck. This functionally doubled the size of the living areas, despite not increasing the footprint. The master bedroom received large stacking slider opening onto the deck, designed for privacy from the living area. Laundry and kitchen are combined with ample storage behind minimalist cabinetry. Storage and bench space are maximised while keeping everything open and airy. The white cabinetry reduces the bulk of so much storage in a smaller space. New insulation, uPVC windows and energy efficient blinds improved thermal performance. A cold house became warm, inviting,cheaper to heat and cool. The outside of the building received new window frames, colour palette, deck, facade lightling, downpipes and gutters. Retaining cladding + floors made this a cost-effective, + radical transformation.

The Mendocino 760 Prefabricated ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is an efficiently designed modern 2 bedroom/1 bathroom home built completely out of teak grown on deforested cattle lands through reforestation efforts. The structure, floors, exterior cladding, interior walls, ceilings, doors, millwork, and cabinetry are all made out of sustainably-grown teak wood. You are capturing carbon and reducing your footprint while gaining rental income and increasing the value of your property. -Furniture-grade finishes -Teak exterior cladding -Teak wide plank floor -Teak Ceiling -Teak doors, millwork, and cabinetry -Solar option available -760ft2 home with 230ft2 deck -Site plan, design, engineering, and permit coordination included

There were to many disjointed spaces in the existing Eichler home, and the owners didn’t like entering right into the kitchen wall. There were not enough functional spaces in the house but it was tricky to see how or where to add to the home without losing the atrium. The Klopf team re-arranged the spaces in the house to put the bedroom functions under the flat, 8-foot ceiling and the whole great room under the higher gable roof, moving the kitchen to the corner and creating a symmetrical and regular-shaped great room. A narrow band of skylights and a reduced, but still open, atrium brighten the family’s days and bring more greenery into their lives. The Klopf team turned the small front bedroom into a laundry room, powder room, and hallway to a large, added work-from-home office/family room that can double as a guest room. From the street the addition looks like it might have been there all along, but for the family members it’s a game-changer. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Lucie Danigo, and Biliana Stremska Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon General Contractor: Keycon Inc. Kitchen Cabinetry: Henrybuilt Photography: ©2023 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2020

This 20 x 36 feet outdoor space seamlessly becomes an extension of the house with Infinity Canopy. The exterior wall of the home and a custom built free standing frame 36 feet away provides the support for the canopy which consists of two sections/rows of 10' wide by 36' long canopy featuring Phifertex Plus in Metallica White. In order to reduce the weight of the canopy by 25% each panel is 4' long (10' x 4') instead of standard 2'. The longer panels also make the canopy cleaner and uncluttered by having 18 panels instead of 36 panels total. The frame was designed by a structural engineer in order to sustain the canopy's weight and wind loads. It is constructed with stainless steel using two 5x5 posts and a 6x6 cross beam welded together on site. The posts have square footings placed 3' into the ground and reinforced with concrete. Infinity Canopy provides this outdoor living area with ample shade that can be retracted to reveal the night sky without any obstruction thanks to the frame's minimal and clean design.

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.

We packed all of the luxuries of a larger home into this compact urban apartment renovation. From the spaceous kitchen/living room to the sophisticated bathroom, this small home has it all. We removed walls to open up the kitchen into the large living and dining room, perfect for entertaining. The kitchen includes full size stainless steel appliances, porcelain floor tile, quartz countertops, a glass tile mosaic backsplash, and custom Shaker style island and cabinets in a white satin finish. Midway through the project we decided to install a new through the wall integrated heating and air-conditioning (PTAC) system incorporating the building steam system, which required building and architectural approval. By removing the window air conditioners, we completely improved the light and aesthetic. Tapping into the building's steam heat system also saves money. For another budget saver, we dressed up its factory metal cover by wrapping the baseboard around it.

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

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

This zero lot line patio home was in serious need of attention—the original siding was literally falling off, leaving the structure exposed to Houston’s heat, humidity, and heavy rain. The homeowner needed a durable, long-term solution that would restore protection, efficiency, and curb appeal. We removed the failing materials and installed new HardiePlank® siding and HardieTrim®, giving the home a clean, modern, and structurally sound exterior built specifically to withstand Houston’s Gulf Coast climate. To further improve comfort and energy performance, we upgraded the home with Simonton high‑efficiency windows, dramatically enhancing insulation and reducing air loss. Once the new siding and windows were in place, we completed the transformation with a full exterior repaint using premium Sherwin‑Williams exterior paint, delivering a crisp, long-lasting finish that will hold up beautifully for years to come. This project is a perfect example of how the right materials—and the right contractor—can completely revive a home’s exterior, boost efficiency, and add long-term value in the Houston market. Ready to restore or upgrade your home’s exterior? Contact Deskins Siding & Exteriors today for a free consultation and let’s bring your home back to life.

Xeriscaping is extremely popular, especially in Southern California. With rising water costs, many homeowners have turned to xeriscaping to lower their utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Xeriscaping entails the creative use of hardscape and native and succulant plants to create a beautiful, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape design. Our experienced landscape architects and garden designers specialize in planning out practical, efficient garden designs that use little to no water.

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.

This zero lot line patio home was in serious need of attention—the original siding was literally falling off, leaving the structure exposed to Houston’s heat, humidity, and heavy rain. The homeowner needed a durable, long-term solution that would restore protection, efficiency, and curb appeal. We removed the failing materials and installed new HardiePlank® siding and HardieTrim®, giving the home a clean, modern, and structurally sound exterior built specifically to withstand Houston’s Gulf Coast climate. To further improve comfort and energy performance, we upgraded the home with Simonton high‑efficiency windows, dramatically enhancing insulation and reducing air loss. Once the new siding and windows were in place, we completed the transformation with a full exterior repaint using premium Sherwin‑Williams exterior paint, delivering a crisp, long-lasting finish that will hold up beautifully for years to come. This project is a perfect example of how the right materials—and the right contractor—can completely revive a home’s exterior, boost efficiency, and add long-term value in the Houston market. Ready to restore or upgrade your home’s exterior? Contact Deskins Siding & Exteriors today for a free consultation and let’s bring your home back to life.

At the Lebanese American University (LAU) New York office, Studio 1820 wrapped the seminar room’s walls and a structural column in walnut-toned acoustic slat panels. This creates one continuous, warm surface that reduces echo throughout the space. A thin horizontal reveal breaks up the tall panels and adds a tailored detail, while crisp white trim around the glass door and sidelight keeps the entry bright and clean. Soft gray carpet tiles in a patchwork pattern absorb sound underfoot. Cladding the column in the same slats turns an awkward structural element into a design feature, making this a practical approach to conference room and office acoustics in New York City.

This is not just a shade structure, it’s a personalized retreat. The Azenco R-SHADE™ pergola with integrated motorized screens creates a space that’s part outdoor sanctuary, part architectural statement. Crafted from high-grade, powder-coated aluminum, the R-SHADE™ is built to last through heat, storms, and time. But what sets this model apart is its privacy integration. With just a touch, its seamless motorized screens glide down to block sunlight, reduce wind, and offer instant solitude ideal for dining, relaxing, or hosting, without compromising design or visibility. Where other pergolas sag, fade, or look bulky with added shades, Azenco’s precision framing and concealed engineering keep everything sleek and modern. This system offers UV protection, airflow control, and visual comfort with zero visual clutter. Whether you live in a high-sun region or value backyard privacy, this solution combines engineering-grade structure with thoughtful design. Enjoy outdoor dining, relaxing, and entertaining on your terms. Let’s build your custom luxury escape today: 516-522-8249

Oasis in the Desert You can find a whole lot of fun ready for the kids in this fun contemporary play-yard in the dessert. Theme: The overall theme of the play-yard is a blend of creative and active outdoor play that blends with the contemporary styling of this beautiful home. Focus: The overall focus for the design of this amazing play-yard was to provide this family with an outdoor space that would foster an active and creative playtime for their children of various ages. The visual focus of this space is the 15-foot tree placed in the middle of the turf yard. This fantastic structure beacons the children to climb the mini stumps and enjoy the slide or swing happily from the branches all the while creating a touch of whimsical nature not typically found in the desert. Surrounding the tree the play-yard offers an array of activities for these lucky children from the chalkboard walls to create amazing pictures to the custom ball wall to practice their skills, the custom myWall system provides endless options for the kids and parents to keep the space exciting and new. Rock holds easily clip into the wall offering ever changing climbing routes, custom water toys and games can also be adapted to the wall to fit the fun of the day. Storage: The myWall system offers various storage options including shelving, closed cases or hanging baskets all of which can be moved to alternate locations on the wall as the homeowners want to customize the play-yard. Growth: The myWall system is built to grow with the users whether it is with changing taste, updating design or growing children, all the accessories can be moved or replaced while leaving the main frame in place. The materials used throughout the space were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions for many years. The tree also includes 3 levels of swings offering children of varied ages the chance to swing from the branches. Safety: Safety is of critical concern with any play-yard and a space in the harsh conditions of the desert presented specific concerns which were addressed with light colored materials to reflect the sun and reduce heat buildup and stainless steel hardware was used to avoid rusting. The myWall accessories all use a locking mechanism which allows for easy adjustments but also securely locks the pieces into place once set. The flooring in the treehouse was also textured to eliminate skidding.

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