Search results for "Reduce trees" in Home Design Ideas

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle.
The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley.
To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer.
The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century.
The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet.
Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years!
Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

Soft colourful plantings along the pathway, seasonal interest begins in early spring and the planting is still colourful in late summer.
Inspiration for a small craftsman partial sun front yard brick driveway in New York for summer.
Inspiration for a small craftsman partial sun front yard brick driveway in New York for summer.

24/7 EMERGENCY STORM DAMAGE VIRGINIA BEACH
When you do you’ll be connected with the most highly skilled and promptly responsive arborists on the market today who are available 24/7 to provide emergency tree services in Virginia Beach, such as emergency tree removal in Virginia Beach. Experts quickly, affordably, and safely for all the people and property in the affected area.
Here at Tracstar Tree Experts, our tree service Virginia Beach professionals are serious about making your trees and your home safe no matter what emergency situations arise. It’s why our professionals are trained in quick responses and quick solutions to reduce the damage which can be inflicted by a diseased, fallen, or otherwise severely compromised tree and get you back to a state of safety and satisfaction with your home. If you find yourself with a sudden need for emergency tree services in Virginia Beach then you should absolutely not hesitate to contact the reliable and knowledgeable tree care Virginia Beach specialists at Tracstar Tree Experts. Call (757) 515-6933 as soon as you have a need for emergency tree services in Virginia Beach to receive a free estimate and the Virginia Beach tree care solutions you need to return to your life.
Find the right local pro for your project

24/7 EMERGENCY STORM DAMAGE VIRGINIA BEACH
When you do you’ll be connected with the most highly skilled and promptly responsive arborists on the market today who are available 24/7 to provide emergency tree services in Virginia Beach, such as emergency tree removal in Virginia Beach. Experts quickly, affordably, and safely for all the people and property in the affected area.
Here at Tracstar Tree Experts, our tree service Virginia Beach professionals are serious about making your trees and your home safe no matter what emergency situations arise. It’s why our professionals are trained in quick responses and quick solutions to reduce the damage which can be inflicted by a diseased, fallen, or otherwise severely compromised tree and get you back to a state of safety and satisfaction with your home. If you find yourself with a sudden need for emergency tree services in Virginia Beach then you should absolutely not hesitate to contact the reliable and knowledgeable tree care Virginia Beach specialists at Tracstar Tree Experts. Call (757) 515-6933 as soon as you have a need for emergency tree services in Virginia Beach to receive a free estimate and the Virginia Beach tree care solutions you need to return to your life.

24/7 EMERGENCY STORM DAMAGE VIRGINIA BEACH
When you do you’ll be connected with the most highly skilled and promptly responsive arborists on the market today who are available 24/7 to provide emergency tree services in Virginia Beach, such as emergency tree removal in Virginia Beach. Experts quickly, affordably, and safely for all the people and property in the affected area.
Here at Tracstar Tree Experts, our tree service Virginia Beach professionals are serious about making your trees and your home safe no matter what emergency situations arise. It’s why our professionals are trained in quick responses and quick solutions to reduce the damage which can be inflicted by a diseased, fallen, or otherwise severely compromised tree and get you back to a state of safety and satisfaction with your home. If you find yourself with a sudden need for emergency tree services in Virginia Beach then you should absolutely not hesitate to contact the reliable and knowledgeable tree care Virginia Beach specialists at Tracstar Tree Experts. Call (757) 515-6933 as soon as you have a need for emergency tree services in Virginia Beach to receive a free estimate and the Virginia Beach tree care solutions you need to return to your life.

24/7 EMERGENCY STORM DAMAGE VIRGINIA BEACH
When you do you’ll be connected with the most highly skilled and promptly responsive arborists on the market today who are available 24/7 to provide emergency tree services in Virginia Beach, such as emergency tree removal in Virginia Beach. Experts quickly, affordably, and safely for all the people and property in the affected area.
Here at Tracstar Tree Experts, our tree service Virginia Beach professionals are serious about making your trees and your home safe no matter what emergency situations arise. It’s why our professionals are trained in quick responses and quick solutions to reduce the damage which can be inflicted by a diseased, fallen, or otherwise severely compromised tree and get you back to a state of safety and satisfaction with your home. If you find yourself with a sudden need for emergency tree services in Virginia Beach then you should absolutely not hesitate to contact the reliable and knowledgeable tree care Virginia Beach specialists at Tracstar Tree Experts. Call (757) 515-6933 as soon as you have a need for emergency tree services in Virginia Beach to receive a free estimate and the Virginia Beach tree care solutions you need to return to your life.

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.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

The owners requested that their home harmonize with the spirit of the surrounding Colorado mountain setting and enhance their outdoor recreational lifestyle - while reflecting their contemporary architectural tastes. The site was burdened with a myriad of strict design criteria enforced by the neighborhood covenants and architectural review board. Creating a distinct design challenge, the covenants included a narrow interpretation of a “mountain style” home which established predetermined roof pitches, glazing percentages and material palettes - at direct odds with the client‘s vision of a flat-roofed, glass, “contemporary” home.
Our solution finds inspiration and opportunities within the site covenant’s strict definitions. It promotes and celebrates the client’s outdoor lifestyle and resolves the definition of a contemporary “mountain style” home by reducing the architecture to its most basic vernacular forms and relying upon local materials.
The home utilizes a simple base, middle and top that echoes the surrounding mountains and vegetation. The massing takes its cues from the prevalent lodgepole pine trees that grow at the mountain’s high altitudes. These pine trees have a distinct growth pattern, highlighted by a single vertical trunk and a peaked, densely foliated growth zone above a sparse base. This growth pattern is referenced by placing the wood-clad body of the home at the second story above an open base composed of wood posts and glass. A simple peaked roof rests lightly atop the home - visually floating above a triangular glass transom. The home itself is neatly inserted amongst an existing grove of lodgepole pines and oriented to take advantage of panoramic views of the adjacent meadow and Continental Divide beyond.
The main functions of the house are arranged into public and private areas and this division is made apparent on the home’s exterior. Two large roof forms, clad in pre-patinated zinc, are separated by a sheltering central deck - which signals the main entry to the home. At this connection, the roof deck is opened to allow a cluster of aspen trees to grow – further reinforcing nature as an integral part of arrival.
Outdoor living spaces are provided on all levels of the house and are positioned to take advantage of sunrise and sunset moments. The distinction between interior and exterior space is blurred via the use of large expanses of glass. The dry stacked stone base and natural cedar cladding both reappear within the home’s interior spaces.
This home offers a unique solution to the client’s requests while satisfying the design requirements of the neighborhood covenants. The house provides a variety of indoor and outdoor living spaces that can be utilized in all seasons. Most importantly, the house takes its cues directly from its natural surroundings and local building traditions to become a prototype solution for the “modern mountain house”.
Overview
Ranch Creek Ranch
Winter Park, Colorado
Completion Date
October, 2007
Services
Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

Yard was just plain basic front yard with rock. Keeping the same rock to reduce the cost, I added some artificial turf and pulled the rock back then re distributed it throughout the rest of the yard where it was thin. I added some trees plants and irrigation. Last I added some concrete paver walk way in the form of steppers.

A vineyard in Southwest Michigan marries contemporary elements with native landscaping. Craig Bergmann Landscape Design created a landscape suited for the traditional farmhouse architecture and stunning countryside. A formal garden room for growing herbs and cut flowers is surrounded by espaliered fruit trees and an open cedar lattice fence. A scree garden accents the pool and reduces overall maintenance for the property. Mass plantings of native grasses add dramatic, bold statements.
Photography by Linda Oyama Bryan

In earlier times this 1920’s foursquare-style house contained a beautiful, generous dining room. At some point, a previous owner constructed a guest bathroom within the space reducing its grace and openness. Our clients asked us to remove and relocate the bath and restore the space to its original proportions. They requested built-in cabinets where the bath had been and new wood sash windows. In addition, the owner asked for a small greenhouse to hold her prized Meyer lemon tree. Photos by: Matt Swain Photography

Jared McKenna Photography
Example of a mountain style exterior home design in Boston
Example of a mountain style exterior home design in Boston

Our goal with all of these designs was to creatively exceed customers expectations while reducing water usage, keeping costs down and delivering a beautiful garden that would stand the test of time. Wherever possible our hardscape elements are permeable, and existing healthy plantings and trees remain. All of our landscape designs focus on bringing seasonal color, texture and scent to your garden spaces.

The two mounds are hugelkultur beds reserved for annual vegetables. They have a core of well aged wood that will slowly release nutrients and heat over time as it breaks down. The wood also absorbs an incredible amount of water over the winter and spring thus drastically reducing the amount of watering needed over the dry summer. There are three keyhole garden beds on the far side of the dry creek as well. Two are for annual vegetables while the middle one has a combination of asparagus and delicious little alpine strawberries.
2016 Mark Wolfe Photography. www.mwolfephotography.com

Phase one of this Littleton, Colorado, backyard landscape renovation focused on reducing sod and creating a more intentional, water-wise outdoor environment. The design was carefully personalized around the homeowners’ goals while considering the health and long-term needs of the property’s existing mature trees.
New landscape edging and decorative boulders add structure, dimension and natural texture throughout the yard. A balanced combination of mulch, river rock and planting beds complements the home’s architecture while reducing lawn area and helping create a lower-maintenance Colorado landscape. Two new trees and additional plantings were thoughtfully integrated with the existing landscape for a cohesive, established appearance.
A stepping-stone garden path now leads through the mulched planting area, adding both function and visual interest. The irrigation system was also updated to support the redesigned planting beds and encourage efficient water use. At the front of the home, custom seasonal porch containers provide welcoming color and a polished finishing touch.
Completed in July 2026, this first phase establishes a strong foundation for the property’s continued transformation. The homeowners are taking a thoughtful, phased approach to their Littleton landscape design, with a custom outdoor kitchen now underway as the next step in creating a personalized and functional outdoor living space.

Phase one of this Littleton, Colorado, backyard landscape renovation focused on reducing sod and creating a more intentional, water-wise outdoor environment. The design was carefully personalized around the homeowners’ goals while considering the health and long-term needs of the property’s existing mature trees.
New landscape edging and decorative boulders add structure, dimension and natural texture throughout the yard. A balanced combination of mulch, river rock and planting beds complements the home’s architecture while reducing lawn area and helping create a lower-maintenance Colorado landscape. Two new trees and additional plantings were thoughtfully integrated with the existing landscape for a cohesive, established appearance.
A stepping-stone garden path now leads through the mulched planting area, adding both function and visual interest. The irrigation system was also updated to support the redesigned planting beds and encourage efficient water use. At the front of the home, custom seasonal porch containers provide welcoming color and a polished finishing touch.
Completed in July 2026, this first phase establishes a strong foundation for the property’s continued transformation. The homeowners are taking a thoughtful, phased approach to their Littleton landscape design, with a custom outdoor kitchen now underway as the next step in creating a personalized and functional outdoor living space.

Phase one of this Littleton, Colorado, backyard landscape renovation focused on reducing sod and creating a more intentional, water-wise outdoor environment. The design was carefully personalized around the homeowners’ goals while considering the health and long-term needs of the property’s existing mature trees.
New landscape edging and decorative boulders add structure, dimension and natural texture throughout the yard. A balanced combination of mulch, river rock and planting beds complements the home’s architecture while reducing lawn area and helping create a lower-maintenance Colorado landscape. Two new trees and additional plantings were thoughtfully integrated with the existing landscape for a cohesive, established appearance.
A stepping-stone garden path now leads through the mulched planting area, adding both function and visual interest. The irrigation system was also updated to support the redesigned planting beds and encourage efficient water use. At the front of the home, custom seasonal porch containers provide welcoming color and a polished finishing touch.
Completed in July 2026, this first phase establishes a strong foundation for the property’s continued transformation. The homeowners are taking a thoughtful, phased approach to their Littleton landscape design, with a custom outdoor kitchen now underway as the next step in creating a personalized and functional outdoor living space.

Phase one of this Littleton, Colorado, backyard landscape renovation focused on reducing sod and creating a more intentional, water-wise outdoor environment. The design was carefully personalized around the homeowners’ goals while considering the health and long-term needs of the property’s existing mature trees.
New landscape edging and decorative boulders add structure, dimension and natural texture throughout the yard. A balanced combination of mulch, river rock and planting beds complements the home’s architecture while reducing lawn area and helping create a lower-maintenance Colorado landscape. Two new trees and additional plantings were thoughtfully integrated with the existing landscape for a cohesive, established appearance.
A stepping-stone garden path now leads through the mulched planting area, adding both function and visual interest. The irrigation system was also updated to support the redesigned planting beds and encourage efficient water use. At the front of the home, custom seasonal porch containers provide welcoming color and a polished finishing touch.
Completed in July 2026, this first phase establishes a strong foundation for the property’s continued transformation. The homeowners are taking a thoughtful, phased approach to their Littleton landscape design, with a custom outdoor kitchen now underway as the next step in creating a personalized and functional outdoor living space.

Phase one of this Littleton, Colorado, backyard landscape renovation focused on reducing sod and creating a more intentional, water-wise outdoor environment. The design was carefully personalized around the homeowners’ goals while considering the health and long-term needs of the property’s existing mature trees.
New landscape edging and decorative boulders add structure, dimension and natural texture throughout the yard. A balanced combination of mulch, river rock and planting beds complements the home’s architecture while reducing lawn area and helping create a lower-maintenance Colorado landscape. Two new trees and additional plantings were thoughtfully integrated with the existing landscape for a cohesive, established appearance.
A stepping-stone garden path now leads through the mulched planting area, adding both function and visual interest. The irrigation system was also updated to support the redesigned planting beds and encourage efficient water use. At the front of the home, custom seasonal porch containers provide welcoming color and a polished finishing touch.
Completed in July 2026, this first phase establishes a strong foundation for the property’s continued transformation. The homeowners are taking a thoughtful, phased approach to their Littleton landscape design, with a custom outdoor kitchen now underway as the next step in creating a personalized and functional outdoor living space.

Phase one of this Littleton, Colorado, backyard landscape renovation focused on reducing sod and creating a more intentional, water-wise outdoor environment. The design was carefully personalized around the homeowners’ goals while considering the health and long-term needs of the property’s existing mature trees.
New landscape edging and decorative boulders add structure, dimension and natural texture throughout the yard. A balanced combination of mulch, river rock and planting beds complements the home’s architecture while reducing lawn area and helping create a lower-maintenance Colorado landscape. Two new trees and additional plantings were thoughtfully integrated with the existing landscape for a cohesive, established appearance.
A stepping-stone garden path now leads through the mulched planting area, adding both function and visual interest. The irrigation system was also updated to support the redesigned planting beds and encourage efficient water use. At the front of the home, custom seasonal porch containers provide welcoming color and a polished finishing touch.
Completed in July 2026, this first phase establishes a strong foundation for the property’s continued transformation. The homeowners are taking a thoughtful, phased approach to their Littleton landscape design, with a custom outdoor kitchen now underway as the next step in creating a personalized and functional outdoor living space.
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