Named for the original homestead, the Aspen Leaf Ranch blends early ranch history with modern sensibility. The owner, an outdoorsman and native plant enthusiast, and former project manager of notable Seattle buildings (including the Olympic Sculpture Park and the Bullitt Center), tasked Best Practice Architecture with designing a modest yet comfortable home reflective of valley cabins and farmsteads. He desired a small home that was ‘light on the land’, yet flexible enough to accommodate visiting friends and family. Located in a quiet river valley 10 miles from the nearest town, the result is a humble compound firmly rooted in the rural vernacular. The Methow Valley was familiar to the owner from childhood ski and camping trips and he now has family who live in the area. The Valley is hot and dry in the summer and on average receives over 70 inches of snow each winter. Set in a narrow river valley below high mountain peaks, the owner wanted the new home to have a strong visual and physical connection to the surrounding landscape. For many years, the homestead was operated as a horse packing guide service, and an old agricultural barn remains that will eventually be repurposed into a ski waxing room, shop, and sauna. Two new structures make up the residential retreat: a one-bedroom main house and a carport with an adjoining guest suite, small office, and storage for outdoor equipment. Best Practice’s design prioritizes natural light and optimizes dramatic views of the surrounding meadow, forest, hills, and mountains “I wanted both the design and scale of the new buildings to reflect traditional ranch homes and cabins in the remote river valley with all the creature comforts of modern living,” said the homeowner. “Ensuring a strong connection to the outside throughout the seasons was a primary goal. Windows on all sides and three exterior doors allow me to track the many species of birds and wildlife that move through the property and access the ever-changing light and weather.” Best Practice carefully positioned the new structures to frame important vistas while minimizing disturbance to the native forest and meadow. The exterior finishes and details are consistent with historic cabins and barns in the area but stylized to acknowledge the new structure’s place in time. Metal roofing, siding, and a gravel skirt were chosen to reduce wildfire risk, and native plantings attract and support local birds and wildlife. Best Practice simplified the interior detailing with a nod towards a rural cabin aesthetic, incorporating painted beadboard, extensive built-in cabinetry, warm woods, a sizeable kitchen, and an open nook for daytime lounging and overnight guests. The design also took into account the owner’s collection of art, family heirlooms, and furniture gathered over many years. Best Practice designed this Methow Valley home to respect the history and beauty of the historic Aspen Leaf Ranch while embracing modern comforts. The design successfully meets a well-considered program for 4-season use and serves as a full-time rural retreat for the owner as well as a gathering place for friends and family.

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Product Features: • Offered with numerous complementary Balusters, Baluster Rails, Newel and Porch Posts from which to choose • Easy to install without the need of a mason • Internally fortified with large diameter, high strength steel or PVC pipes for enhanced structural integrity to meet stringent building codes • Comes factory primed and is impervious to adverse weather conditions • Weighs just a portion of cement balustrading, thus significantly reducing its comparative shipping cost • Offered in approximate heights from 28-in. to 40-in. with 5-in. to 12-in. rail widths • Complementary accessories allow for further customization as desired Contact: Architectural Products by Outwater Sales & Product Information (USA & Canada): 1-800-631-8375 / 1-201-498-8750 Fax (USA & Canada): 1-800-888-3315 / 1-201-498-8751 Sales & Product Information (Outside of the USA & Canada): 1-201-498-8750 Fax (Outside of the USA & Canada): 1-201-498-8751 Email: info@outwaterplastics.com Web: www.outwater.com Visit us! 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Just north of Seattle, this family home is tucked away on a magical parcel of land within the Edmonds city limits. Designed to maximize the site’s breathtaking views, it is carefully sited to blend into its wooded setting while opening fully to expansive views. On our first visit, we found a secluded forest glade with stunning vistas of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains perched atop a high seaside bluff. Preserving and enhancing this singular landscape as the surrounding neighborhood fills in with development was central to our design. The approach is intentionally restrained—the home does not reveal itself entirely upon arrival. The house is composed of two wings that cradle the meadow, making it the most important “room.” Interior spaces are oriented towards the lush landscape and impressive views framed by mature trees. The structures are kept close to the perimeter, leaving the center of the site unbuilt. A covered bridge with a green roof acts as a front porch, linking the upslope garage/office with the main house. A gentle stair flows through the gap between the structures, drawing visitors into the clearing. The floorplan is highly efficient, carefully tuned to the family’s daily routines. Each room is exactly suited to its purpose, yet no larger than needed. An open corner with double-height windows creates a jewel-box dining room. Free of a corner structure, the home expands to encompass the covered patio for outdoor cooking and dining, plus easy access to the kitchen, encouraging year-round outdoor living. Human-scale moments are intentionally created, from a stairway window seat with peekaboo views to a covered outdoor extension of the great room that fosters a cozy relationship between interior and exterior. Much of the light-filled interior is wrapped in clear-finished fir, giving it a warm glow even on rainy winter days. White oak cabinets and black soapstone countertops add warmth to the kitchen. The built-in furniture in the library loft and the cold-rolled steel fireplace surround were crafted by the owner’s father, an expert woodworker, increasing the connection between the home and its occupants. The second story includes the primary suite with treehouse vibes. Located on a steep slope in a landslide-prone area, the Edmonds Overlook overcame numerous technical and engineering challenges to address vehicle and fire access, stormwater and erosion mitigation, and potential earth movement. Green Design: Compact footprint and conditioned area compared to comparable homes, reducing carbon and ongoing energy use Green roof at covered entry Heat-pump air and water heating with multiple zones to maximize efficiency Whole-house Heat Recovery Ventilation system Engineered On-Site Stormwater Management System Landscape restoration using 100% native species, added 47 trees to site, plus meadow plantings

A complete desert landscape renovation — from demo through final planting — designed to honor the Sonoran Desert character of the property while adding structure, drama, and year-round visual interest. The scope opened with full site demolition: removal of approximately 20 existing plants, regrading for a new curved pony wall and mounded terrain, and excavation for a new river run. Existing granite was preserved and redistributed rather than removed, reducing waste and maintaining the site's established material palette. Hardscape & Structure A 20-linear-foot curved retention wall built from standard block with a stucco cap defines a planting border along the property edge. The facing side is clad in 45 square feet of stone veneer matched precisely to the home's exterior — a detail that ties the landscape directly to the architecture. Five 500-pound surface boulders are placed throughout the mounded areas, grounding the composition with natural scale and weight. River Run & Materials Three tons of 3"x6" rip rap create a dry river run that flows through the redesigned grade, channeling storm water naturally while adding texture and movement. Three tons of fill dirt support the contouring and mounding work, and approximately 17 tons of the site's original granite was respread across the finished landscape. Planting Design The plant palette is entirely desert-adapted. Twenty-six five-gallon desert shrubs and ground covers layer the mounded areas. Sixteen five-gallon cacti and succulents — including Mexican Fence Post, Gopher Plant, assorted agaves, Argentine Giants, and Golden Barrels — provide sculptural structure. A six-foot bare root ocotillo serves as a dramatic vertical accent. Irrigation A new two-zone drip irrigation system — including a Febco backflow preventer, pressure regulator, timer, valve box, and poly line with emitters — was installed to maintain separate watering schedules for the plant and cactus zones. Lighting Five commercial-grade antique brass landscape spotlights were integrated throughout the space, wired with 500 feet of cable tied into the home's existing transformer. The result is a fully illuminated evening landscape that highlights boulder groupings, the river run, and key specimen plants.

The original homeowner’s plan was to do an extensive renovation to the existing structure. Scott Simpson and Tom Kenny, owners of Scott Simpson Builders, collaborated with the homeowners and the architect, John Holbert, and decided to do new construction to utilize as many green technologies and building practices as possible. As the project progressed, more and more elements were employed to make this home a unique, environmentally sensitive structure. GREENER BUILDING Green technologies used in construction include: --8,000 kw of photovoltaic cells. --Installation of a net meter system by which excess energy can be sold back to the electric company. --Solar panels to heat home’s floors through a radiant system and to heat the home’s water. --Low VOC water-based urethane used to seal concrete basement floor and low VOC finishes throughout. --Roof was made from Galvalume-an aluminum that reflects solar energy off the roof and reduces the need for air conditioning. --The installation of an 8,000 gallon tank under the driveway to harvest rain water and re use it to water drought resistant trees and grasses. This is the FIRST rain water harvest system to be installed in the Village of Wilmette. --Green roof located over garage. --Benches used are Gabians, traditionally used for erosion control. The bricks used in the benches were recycled from the original brick home on the site. --A rain garden was installed in the backyard as part of the storm water management system. Innovative and creative solutions include: --Creating mantles from trees that had to be removed from the property prior to construction. --Stone for the fireplaces was made from Chilton Stone from Sussex, Wisconsin. --1,500 s.f. of Villeroy & Boch tile through out house sourced and reused from a local convent that was converted into condominiums. --Exterior siding from recycled pickle barrels. --Recycled barn wood used throughout for closet doors and cabinetry. --Grade school gymnasium floor recycled and used for children’s basement playroom. --Decorative beams, hardwood flooring originated from timbers from the Thomas Edison factory in New London, Wisconsin. --Shelving in the living room was built by Amish cabinetmakers, Lambright Woodworking, using reclaimed walnut.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This family from Wheaton was ready to remodel their kitchen, dining room and powder room. The project didn’t call for any structural or space planning changes but the makeover still had a massive impact on their home. The homeowners wanted to change their dated 1990’s brown speckled granite and light maple kitchen. They liked the welcoming feeling they got from the wood and warm tones in their current kitchen, but this style clashed with their vision of a deVOL type kitchen, a London-based furniture company. Their inspiration came from the country homes of the UK that mix the warmth of traditional detail with clean lines and modern updates. To create their vision, we started with all new framed cabinets with a modified overlay painted in beautiful, understated colors. Our clients were adamant about “no white cabinets.” Instead we used an oyster color for the perimeter and a custom color match to a specific shade of green chosen by the homeowner. The use of a simple color pallet reduces the visual noise and allows the space to feel open and welcoming. We also painted the trim above the cabinets the same color to make the cabinets look taller. The room trim was painted a bright clean white to match the ceiling. In true English fashion our clients are not coffee drinkers, but they LOVE tea. We created a tea station for them where they can prepare and serve tea. We added plenty of glass to showcase their tea mugs and adapted the cabinetry below to accommodate storage for their tea items. Function is also key for the English kitchen and the homeowners. They requested a deep farmhouse sink and a cabinet devoted to their heavy mixer because they bake a lot. We then got rid of the stovetop on the island and wall oven and replaced both of them with a range located against the far wall. This gives them plenty of space on the island to roll out dough and prepare any number of baked goods. We then removed the bifold pantry doors and created custom built-ins with plenty of usable storage for all their cooking and baking needs. The client wanted a big change to the dining room but still wanted to use their own furniture and rug. We installed a toile-like wallpaper on the top half of the room and supported it with white wainscot paneling. We also changed out the light fixture, showing us once again that small changes can have a big impact. As the final touch, we also re-did the powder room to be in line with the rest of the first floor. We had the new vanity painted in the same oyster color as the kitchen cabinets and then covered the walls in a whimsical patterned wallpaper. Although the homeowners like subtle neutral colors they were willing to go a bit bold in the powder room for something unexpected. For more design inspiration go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

A complete desert landscape renovation — from demo through final planting — designed to honor the Sonoran Desert character of the property while adding structure, drama, and year-round visual interest. The scope opened with full site demolition: removal of approximately 20 existing plants, regrading for a new curved pony wall and mounded terrain, and excavation for a new river run. Existing granite was preserved and redistributed rather than removed, reducing waste and maintaining the site's established material palette. Hardscape & Structure A 20-linear-foot curved retention wall built from standard block with a stucco cap defines a planting border along the property edge. The facing side is clad in 45 square feet of stone veneer matched precisely to the home's exterior — a detail that ties the landscape directly to the architecture. Five 500-pound surface boulders are placed throughout the mounded areas, grounding the composition with natural scale and weight. River Run & Materials Three tons of 3"x6" rip rap create a dry river run that flows through the redesigned grade, channeling storm water naturally while adding texture and movement. Three tons of fill dirt support the contouring and mounding work, and approximately 17 tons of the site's original granite was respread across the finished landscape. Planting Design The plant palette is entirely desert-adapted. Twenty-six five-gallon desert shrubs and ground covers layer the mounded areas. Sixteen five-gallon cacti and succulents — including Mexican Fence Post, Gopher Plant, assorted agaves, Argentine Giants, and Golden Barrels — provide sculptural structure. A six-foot bare root ocotillo serves as a dramatic vertical accent. Irrigation A new two-zone drip irrigation system — including a Febco backflow preventer, pressure regulator, timer, valve box, and poly line with emitters — was installed to maintain separate watering schedules for the plant and cactus zones. Lighting Five commercial-grade antique brass landscape spotlights were integrated throughout the space, wired with 500 feet of cable tied into the home's existing transformer. The result is a fully illuminated evening landscape that highlights boulder groupings, the river run, and key specimen plants.

Just north of Seattle, this family home is tucked away on a magical parcel of land within the Edmonds city limits. Designed to maximize the site’s breathtaking views, it is carefully sited to blend into its wooded setting while opening fully to expansive views. On our first visit, we found a secluded forest glade with stunning vistas of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains perched atop a high seaside bluff. Preserving and enhancing this singular landscape as the surrounding neighborhood fills in with development was central to our design. The approach is intentionally restrained—the home does not reveal itself entirely upon arrival. The house is composed of two wings that cradle the meadow, making it the most important “room.” Interior spaces are oriented towards the lush landscape and impressive views framed by mature trees. The structures are kept close to the perimeter, leaving the center of the site unbuilt. A covered bridge with a green roof acts as a front porch, linking the upslope garage/office with the main house. A gentle stair flows through the gap between the structures, drawing visitors into the clearing. The floorplan is highly efficient, carefully tuned to the family’s daily routines. Each room is exactly suited to its purpose, yet no larger than needed. An open corner with double-height windows creates a jewel-box dining room. Free of a corner structure, the home expands to encompass the covered patio for outdoor cooking and dining, plus easy access to the kitchen, encouraging year-round outdoor living. Human-scale moments are intentionally created, from a stairway window seat with peekaboo views to a covered outdoor extension of the great room that fosters a cozy relationship between interior and exterior. Much of the light-filled interior is wrapped in clear-finished fir, giving it a warm glow even on rainy winter days. White oak cabinets and black soapstone countertops add warmth to the kitchen. The built-in furniture in the library loft and the cold-rolled steel fireplace surround were crafted by the owner’s father, an expert woodworker, increasing the connection between the home and its occupants. The second story includes the primary suite with treehouse vibes. Located on a steep slope in a landslide-prone area, the Edmonds Overlook overcame numerous technical and engineering challenges to address vehicle and fire access, stormwater and erosion mitigation, and potential earth movement. Green Design: Compact footprint and conditioned area compared to comparable homes, reducing carbon and ongoing energy use Green roof at covered entry Heat-pump air and water heating with multiple zones to maximize efficiency Whole-house Heat Recovery Ventilation system Engineered On-Site Stormwater Management System Landscape restoration using 100% native species, added 47 trees to site, plus meadow plantings

A complete desert landscape renovation — from demo through final planting — designed to honor the Sonoran Desert character of the property while adding structure, drama, and year-round visual interest. The scope opened with full site demolition: removal of approximately 20 existing plants, regrading for a new curved pony wall and mounded terrain, and excavation for a new river run. Existing granite was preserved and redistributed rather than removed, reducing waste and maintaining the site's established material palette. Hardscape & Structure A 20-linear-foot curved retention wall built from standard block with a stucco cap defines a planting border along the property edge. The facing side is clad in 45 square feet of stone veneer matched precisely to the home's exterior — a detail that ties the landscape directly to the architecture. Five 500-pound surface boulders are placed throughout the mounded areas, grounding the composition with natural scale and weight. River Run & Materials Three tons of 3"x6" rip rap create a dry river run that flows through the redesigned grade, channeling storm water naturally while adding texture and movement. Three tons of fill dirt support the contouring and mounding work, and approximately 17 tons of the site's original granite was respread across the finished landscape. Planting Design The plant palette is entirely desert-adapted. Twenty-six five-gallon desert shrubs and ground covers layer the mounded areas. Sixteen five-gallon cacti and succulents — including Mexican Fence Post, Gopher Plant, assorted agaves, Argentine Giants, and Golden Barrels — provide sculptural structure. A six-foot bare root ocotillo serves as a dramatic vertical accent. Irrigation A new two-zone drip irrigation system — including a Febco backflow preventer, pressure regulator, timer, valve box, and poly line with emitters — was installed to maintain separate watering schedules for the plant and cactus zones. Lighting Five commercial-grade antique brass landscape spotlights were integrated throughout the space, wired with 500 feet of cable tied into the home's existing transformer. The result is a fully illuminated evening landscape that highlights boulder groupings, the river run, and key specimen plants.

This is an example of a farmhouse landscaping in Denver.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This family from Wheaton was ready to remodel their kitchen, dining room and powder room. The project didn’t call for any structural or space planning changes but the makeover still had a massive impact on their home. The homeowners wanted to change their dated 1990’s brown speckled granite and light maple kitchen. They liked the welcoming feeling they got from the wood and warm tones in their current kitchen, but this style clashed with their vision of a deVOL type kitchen, a London-based furniture company. Their inspiration came from the country homes of the UK that mix the warmth of traditional detail with clean lines and modern updates. To create their vision, we started with all new framed cabinets with a modified overlay painted in beautiful, understated colors. Our clients were adamant about “no white cabinets.” Instead we used an oyster color for the perimeter and a custom color match to a specific shade of green chosen by the homeowner. The use of a simple color pallet reduces the visual noise and allows the space to feel open and welcoming. We also painted the trim above the cabinets the same color to make the cabinets look taller. The room trim was painted a bright clean white to match the ceiling. In true English fashion our clients are not coffee drinkers, but they LOVE tea. We created a tea station for them where they can prepare and serve tea. We added plenty of glass to showcase their tea mugs and adapted the cabinetry below to accommodate storage for their tea items. Function is also key for the English kitchen and the homeowners. They requested a deep farmhouse sink and a cabinet devoted to their heavy mixer because they bake a lot. We then got rid of the stovetop on the island and wall oven and replaced both of them with a range located against the far wall. This gives them plenty of space on the island to roll out dough and prepare any number of baked goods. We then removed the bifold pantry doors and created custom built-ins with plenty of usable storage for all their cooking and baking needs. The client wanted a big change to the dining room but still wanted to use their own furniture and rug. We installed a toile-like wallpaper on the top half of the room and supported it with white wainscot paneling. We also changed out the light fixture, showing us once again that small changes can have a big impact. As the final touch, we also re-did the powder room to be in line with the rest of the first floor. We had the new vanity painted in the same oyster color as the kitchen cabinets and then covered the walls in a whimsical patterned wallpaper. Although the homeowners like subtle neutral colors they were willing to go a bit bold in the powder room for something unexpected. For more design inspiration go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

This private studio, built in collaboration with producer, engineer, and pianist Ian Miller, is a fully custom creative space designed around his workflow and artistic process. The project blended NILES’ technical execution with Ian’s hands-on finishing work, resulting in a studio where every corner has intention and every system supports a seamless, plug-and-play workflow. The structure began as a barn-style two-car garage with a second floor. After exploring several layouts and engineering options, we landed on a design that leveraged the high ceilings and existing footprint to create a dynamic and spacious acoustic environment. Generous daylight from surrounding windows connects the interior to the outdoors, while layered textures, warm tones, and custom finishes create a grounded yet inspiring atmosphere. The Control Room is fully isolated from the rest of the building with sound-reducing wall systems, a full soft-ceiling bass trap, tuned corner traps, treatment throughout, and full-lite doors for controlled transmission and visibility. Though modest in size, it delivers accurate monitoring and integrates smoothly with the larger live environment. Roasted Bean Studio was built to support any direction Ian pursues—from producing to mixing to live performance. The space provides the sonic palette and creative flexibility needed for a wide range of projects, offering a visually inspiring and acoustically reliable environment that empowers his work every day.

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

The Rancho Estate provides a level of luxury that sets it apart from any residence in Los Angeles, breaking the record for the most expensive home ever sold in the Encino area. The Eden Group worked with the client to achieve all their development goals by providing integrated design and engineering services which developed concurrently achieving project milestones while staying within the construction budget. Our residential design team used modern aesthetics which entailed of design elements tailored to provide spacious and unparalleled views of the San Fernando Valley. Attracting a dream buyer is the most important aspect in the eyes of any real estate developer and that is why we chose two words to describe the amenities we incorporated into the design: Vast & Spectacular. The estate allows you to swim with infinite views, get your work out on at the indoor gym, shoot hoops with your friends in the indoor basketball court, go for a round of bowling with your child, chomp on popcorn in your theater, get a massage after the steam room at your private spa, putt a couple hole-in-ones, and if you get bored you can always choose to go for a ride from the collection inside your 16-car garage. Majestic high ceilings mixed wide span openings created a challenge for our engineers given the strict rules in the Baseline Hillside Ordinance and the California Building Code. Our structural engineers prepared innovative design plans which entailed of 150 deep pile foundations mixed with steel and laminated timber framing members. We also used permanent shoring techniques to reduce construction cost by eliminating the need for temporary shoring plans for both the structure foundation and on-site retaining walls. Given that California has some of the strictest stormwater management requirements and the total amount of non-permeable areas on this project, the client was required to construct a 35,000-gallon rain harvesting tank per the Low Impact Development Plan Best Management Practice (BMP’s) standards. Our specialized drainage design team captured all on-site stormwater through trench drains, area drains, and downspouts which routed water to a mechanical sump pump that connected to the storage tank for irrigation use later. Innovative design engineering techniques used on this project allowed for increased safety and sustainability making the Rancho Estate a masterpiece of contemporary construction.

The Rancho Estate provides a level of luxury that sets it apart from any residence in Los Angeles, breaking the record for the most expensive home ever sold in the Encino area. The Eden Group worked with the client to achieve all their development goals by providing integrated design and engineering services which developed concurrently achieving project milestones while staying within the construction budget. Our residential design team used modern aesthetics which entailed of design elements tailored to provide spacious and unparalleled views of the San Fernando Valley. Attracting a dream buyer is the most important aspect in the eyes of any real estate developer and that is why we chose two words to describe the amenities we incorporated into the design: Vast & Spectacular. The estate allows you to swim with infinite views, get your work out on at the indoor gym, shoot hoops with your friends in the indoor basketball court, go for a round of bowling with your child, chomp on popcorn in your theater, get a massage after the steam room at your private spa, putt a couple hole-in-ones, and if you get bored you can always choose to go for a ride from the collection inside your 16-car garage. Majestic high ceilings mixed wide span openings created a challenge for our engineers given the strict rules in the Baseline Hillside Ordinance and the California Building Code. Our structural engineers prepared innovative design plans which entailed of 150 deep pile foundations mixed with steel and laminated timber framing members. We also used permanent shoring techniques to reduce construction cost by eliminating the need for temporary shoring plans for both the structure foundation and on-site retaining walls. Given that California has some of the strictest stormwater management requirements and the total amount of non-permeable areas on this project, the client was required to construct a 35,000-gallon rain harvesting tank per the Low Impact Development Plan Best Management Practice (BMP’s) standards. Our specialized drainage design team captured all on-site stormwater through trench drains, area drains, and downspouts which routed water to a mechanical sump pump that connected to the storage tank for irrigation use later. Innovative design engineering techniques used on this project allowed for increased safety and sustainability making the Rancho Estate a masterpiece of contemporary construction.

Modern open concept kitchen overlooks living space and outdoors - Architecture/Interiors: HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles - Construction Management: WERK | Building Modern - Photography: HAUS

Every design decision for this Caribbean beach residence was guided by the desire to maximize the views of the property’s breathtaking natural surroundings. To connect the spaces and reveal the views from every vantage point, the team reconfigured the layout to create vistas, and installed window film to reduce solar heat gain. These modifications increased efficiencies, reused 90% of the interior envelope and did not impact the exterior structure of the building. In addition to providing incredible views, opening up the plan allows cross ventilation, maximizing the use of ocean breezes to cool the interior. The result is an effortless flow and maximization of space. Throughout the interior, dark materials express the concept of respite in the shade, and emphasize the sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. Millwork crafted by local artisans from local materials establishes hierarchy – providing a clear understanding of the layout – and filters light to create privacy and drama. Screens help define the spaces and create suspense. Varying screen opacities serve specific functions: nearly opaque screens build suspense, translucent screens provide privacy, and reflective screens – as seen in the kitchen ceiling – create mystery in the core where light and views are challenged. Referencing the seaside location, the baseboards create a sense of being in a deep shallow. The 16” tall baseboards create a pool effect, engaging the walls with Cradle to Cradle certified Mosa tile flooring. The irregular height also conceals power and data cabling. The resulting space is a contemporary oasis that offers a high-level of comfort and functionality. Anne Rausch Photography

The Rancho Estate provides a level of luxury that sets it apart from any residence in Los Angeles, breaking the record for the most expensive home ever sold in the Encino area. The Eden Group worked with the client to achieve all their development goals by providing integrated design and engineering services which developed concurrently achieving project milestones while staying within the construction budget. Our residential design team used modern aesthetics which entailed of design elements tailored to provide spacious and unparalleled views of the San Fernando Valley. Attracting a dream buyer is the most important aspect in the eyes of any real estate developer and that is why we chose two words to describe the amenities we incorporated into the design: Vast & Spectacular. The estate allows you to swim with infinite views, get your work out on at the indoor gym, shoot hoops with your friends in the indoor basketball court, go for a round of bowling with your child, chomp on popcorn in your theater, get a massage after the steam room at your private spa, putt a couple hole-in-ones, and if you get bored you can always choose to go for a ride from the collection inside your 16-car garage. Majestic high ceilings mixed wide span openings created a challenge for our engineers given the strict rules in the Baseline Hillside Ordinance and the California Building Code. Our structural engineers prepared innovative design plans which entailed of 150 deep pile foundations mixed with steel and laminated timber framing members. We also used permanent shoring techniques to reduce construction cost by eliminating the need for temporary shoring plans for both the structure foundation and on-site retaining walls. Given that California has some of the strictest stormwater management requirements and the total amount of non-permeable areas on this project, the client was required to construct a 35,000-gallon rain harvesting tank per the Low Impact Development Plan Best Management Practice (BMP’s) standards. Our specialized drainage design team captured all on-site stormwater through trench drains, area drains, and downspouts which routed water to a mechanical sump pump that connected to the storage tank for irrigation use later. Innovative design engineering techniques used on this project allowed for increased safety and sustainability making the Rancho Estate a masterpiece of contemporary construction.