Search results for "Reduce utility" in Home Design Ideas

M-S Pro Architects announce the completion of an indoor swimming pool in a state-of-the-art, single storey family home set in a picturesque location on the outskirts of Bratislava - one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, was chosen to craft the ceiling of the swimming pool, which is designed to emulate rippling waves as well as for the terrace deck and structural beams.
Sustainability and a desire to recreate the close proximity often seen between wood and water in the natural environment were primary focuses in the design of this project. This led a requirement for a low maintenance wood, compatible humidity and with advanced durability, for the swimming pool ceiling. In addition, a high level of precision when cutting the wood was required in order to achieve the desired appearance of waves.
Supplied by Leading Market, Kebony was carefully selected for the pool ceiling, which consists of 490 lamellae of timber, due to its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. Kebony was also installed throughout the exterior of this property, both for the spacious outdoor terrace and the exterior and interior beams. One of the reasons to choose Kebony was the unified look of wood in all these different applications.
Developed in Norway, the patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction.
Tomáš Hubinský, Lead Architect at M-S Pro, commented: “From conception through to completion, the creation of this ceiling has been a real feat. Despite the challenges faced by such an intricate design, Kebony was the perfect material to convey our desired effect of waves rippling along the ceiling. We will continue to incorporate Kebony into our interior and exterior designs, with wood fast becoming the first choice material for all architects.”
Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, explained: “The distinctive nature of this design cleverly portrays the capability of Kebony, demonstrating both the aesthetic and performance qualities of the product. We would be honoured to work with M-S Pro in the future and look forward to seeing how they utilise Kebony in their future projects.”

Why are White Shaker Cabinets Still Considered a Classic?
Every few years, if you remodel your kitchen because it feels old, then white shaker cabinets are what you need. Most homeowners feel the need to revamp their kitchen not because the cabinets have worn out but because the interior is a bit old-fashioned. One of the best solutions to this issue is to utilize white shaker cabinets. These are classic, timeless kitchen elements that last longer complements everything, and rarely make your kitchen look outdated.
For this reason, in this article, we have discussed why you need white shaker cabinets in your kitchen and how you can style them.
What is a White Shaker Cabinet?
White shaker cabinets are not new. In fact, these cabinets date back to 1700 when this style was found in every home. These cabinets have a classic look because of recessed door panels, a five-piece door, and a traditional look of pine, maple, or chestnut. Of course. white shaker cabinets are unique and attractive at the same time.
The material used to make these cabinets also makes them durable. You can easily purchase it in less pricing than other wood cabinets, and you can clean it easily. The simplistic structure of white shaker cabinets also makes them complement every type of kitchen; modern or traditional. You can find these cabinets in other light finishes as well, such as peach, off-white, brown, wood brown, etc. The reason we are focusing on white is that this color is timeless and the design of the shaker cabinet is too, which together makes the best combination. You can perfectly strike a chord between every kitchen element if you pair it with white shaker cabinets .
Why White?
The color which is always in style is white. It is highly unlikely to ruin your interior with this color if well-coordinated and properly lit. This is why white shaker cabinets are highly preferred by users.
Here are some reasons to choose white shaker cabinets over other options:
Timeless
Over years, our idea of perfect design changes, and our understanding of the interior also modify. This changes the way we want our kitchen interiors. Hence, if you select vibrant kitchen cabinets and off colors for your countertop, flooring, and paint, then you may end up changing it every few years.
To avoid that from happening, just use white shaker cabinets. In multiple decades, white shaker cabinets have never ceased being classic. White is timeless and it never goes out of trend. Even when you need to change the paint or fittings, you can reduce the cost of cabinets for multiple years.
Versatile
White shaker cabinets are versatile because you have an array of options. You can incorporate multiple elements in your kitchen and tweak color coding and design of countertop, flooring, and paint. For instance, with white shaker cabinets, you can pair white textured back tiles. You can even pair your white cabinets with a black marble countertop; two timeless interior elements together!
Clean
White is the color of clean. In hospitals, bathrooms, and hotel rooms, we find a lot of white because it is clean, fresh, and peaceful. This is why everyone is automatically attracted to this color; it looks clean.
However, you may actually have to make efforts to keep these white shaker cabinets clean from dust and dirt.
Complements Everything
Since cabinets form a big portion of your kitchen, it is necessary to make cabinets complement other interior elements. With white shaker cabinets, you don’t even need to worry about that. White compliments every choice of appliance, countertop, artwork, and flooring. If you decide to get marble grey flooring with white cabinets, you can make that work. If you want colorful kitchen furniture, white complements that too. If you wish to use artwork or warm lighting in your kitchen, white automatically goes well with it.
How to Style White Shaker Cabinets?
If you are styling your kitchen with new white shaker cabinets, here’s what you should keep in mind:
• If your kitchen is small, then white is definitely your color. It reflects more light, hence, makes your space look larger and shinier.
• When you have an open kitchen, you need to follow the same theme to the adjoining rooms and slowly phase it out. This consistency won’t make anything look odd.
• If the rest of the house is filled with artwork and colors, you need the same for your kitchen as well. All white may steal away the classic of shaker cabinets.
• Pair your wall textures and flooring choices with appliances, white cabinets, knobs, and other elements for the best look.
• If the theme for the rest of the house is subtle, then you can even design an all-white kitchen with white shaker cabinets.
Conclusion
Whether you are planning to revamp your kitchen/house or sell your property, white shaker cabinets are always classic. They make a statement in your kitchen and offer a new and clean look all the time. Just focus on coordinating other interior elements of your kitchen and stop worrying about cabinets. White shaker cabinets are durable, beautiful, and timeless! Purchase these classic units now.
For this reason, in this article, we have discussed why you need white shaker cabinets in your kitchen and how you can style them.
What is a White Shaker Cabinet?
White shaker cabinets are not new. In fact, these cabinets date back to 1700 when this style was found in every home. These cabinets have a classic look because of recessed door panels, a five-piece door, and a traditional look of pine, maple, or chestnut. Of course. white shaker cabinets are unique and attractive at the same time.
The material used to make these cabinets also makes them durable. You can easily purchase it in less pricing than other wood cabinets, and you can clean it easily. The simplistic structure of white shaker cabinets also makes them complement every type of kitchen; modern or traditional. You can find these cabinets in other light finishes as well, such as peach, off-white, brown, wood brown, etc. The reason we are focusing on white is that this color is timeless and the design of the shaker cabinet is too, which together makes the best combination. You can perfectly strike a chord between every kitchen element if you pair it with white shaker cabinets .
Why White?
The color which is always in style is white. It is highly unlikely to ruin your interior with this color if well-coordinated and properly lit. This is why white shaker cabinets are highly preferred by users.
Here are some reasons to choose white shaker cabinets over other options:
Timeless
Over years, our idea of perfect design changes, and our understanding of the interior also modify. This changes the way we want our kitchen interiors. Hence, if you select vibrant kitchen cabinets and off colors for your countertop, flooring, and paint, then you may end up changing it every few years.
To avoid that from happening, just use white shaker cabinets. In multiple decades, white shaker cabinets have never ceased being classic. White is timeless and it never goes out of trend. Even when you need to change the paint or fittings, you can reduce the cost of cabinets for multiple years.
Versatile
White shaker cabinets are versatile because you have an array of options. You can incorporate multiple elements in your kitchen and tweak color coding and design of countertop, flooring, and paint. For instance, with white shaker cabinets, you can pair white textured back tiles. You can even pair your white cabinets with a black marble countertop; two timeless interior elements together!
Clean
White is the color of clean. In hospitals, bathrooms, and hotel rooms, we find a lot of white because it is clean, fresh, and peaceful. This is why everyone is automatically attracted to this color; it looks clean.
However, you may actually have to make efforts to keep these white shaker cabinets clean from dust and dirt.
Complements Everything
Since cabinets form a big portion of your kitchen, it is necessary to make cabinets complement other interior elements. With white shaker cabinets, you don’t even need to worry about that. White compliments every choice of appliance, countertop, artwork, and flooring. If you decide to get marble grey flooring with white cabinets, you can make that work. If you want colorful kitchen furniture, white complements that too. If you wish to use artwork or warm lighting in your kitchen, white automatically goes well with it.
How to Style White Shaker Cabinets?
If you are styling your kitchen with new white shaker cabinets, here’s what you should keep in mind:
• If your kitchen is small, then white is definitely your color. It reflects more light, hence, makes your space look larger and shinier.
• When you have an open kitchen, you need to follow the same theme to the adjoining rooms and slowly phase it out. This consistency won’t make anything look odd.
• If the rest of the house is filled with artwork and colors, you need the same for your kitchen as well. All white may steal away the classic of shaker cabinets.
• Pair your wall textures and flooring choices with appliances, white cabinets, knobs, and other elements for the best look.
• If the theme for the rest of the house is subtle, then you can even design an all-white kitchen with white shaker cabinets.
Conclusion
Whether you are planning to revamp your kitchen/house or sell your property, white shaker cabinets are always classic. They make a statement in your kitchen and offer a new and clean look all the time. Just focus on coordinating other interior elements of your kitchen and stop worrying about cabinets. White shaker cabinets are durable, beautiful, and timeless! Purchase these classic units now.

This is garage we were able to help utilize the height of their garage and give them back the floor space that they had lost. There is always a lot of room along the walls and up the walls that aren't used correctly to reduce clutter.
Find the right local pro for your project

M-S Pro Architects announce the completion of an indoor swimming pool in a state-of-the-art, single storey family home set in a picturesque location on the outskirts of Bratislava - one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, was chosen to craft the ceiling of the swimming pool, which is designed to emulate rippling waves as well as for the terrace deck and structural beams.
Sustainability and a desire to recreate the close proximity often seen between wood and water in the natural environment were primary focuses in the design of this project. This led a requirement for a low maintenance wood, compatible humidity and with advanced durability, for the swimming pool ceiling. In addition, a high level of precision when cutting the wood was required in order to achieve the desired appearance of waves.
Supplied by Leading Market, Kebony was carefully selected for the pool ceiling, which consists of 490 lamellae of timber, due to its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. Kebony was also installed throughout the exterior of this property, both for the spacious outdoor terrace and the exterior and interior beams. One of the reasons to choose Kebony was the unified look of wood in all these different applications.
Developed in Norway, the patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction.
Tomáš Hubinský, Lead Architect at M-S Pro, commented: “From conception through to completion, the creation of this ceiling has been a real feat. Despite the challenges faced by such an intricate design, Kebony was the perfect material to convey our desired effect of waves rippling along the ceiling. We will continue to incorporate Kebony into our interior and exterior designs, with wood fast becoming the first choice material for all architects.”
Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, explained: “The distinctive nature of this design cleverly portrays the capability of Kebony, demonstrating both the aesthetic and performance qualities of the product. We would be honoured to work with M-S Pro in the future and look forward to seeing how they utilise Kebony in their future projects.”

The client wanted to utilize the front yard better and replace their steep entry stairs. Levitch created a more graceful winding stair and added a small deck at the top that's a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or the sunset. We used minimal concrete over wood frame construction to reduce weight and potential waterproofing concerns while maintaining a traditional look in keeping with the home. Since the entry upgrades were done in conjunction with landscaping, the owner wanted something that looked organic. We introduced the owner to an architectural metalsmith and created different models for the railing before the owner chose a final design.
Photography by Treve Johnson

M-S Pro Architects announce the completion of an indoor swimming pool in a state-of-the-art, single storey family home set in a picturesque location on the outskirts of Bratislava - one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, was chosen to craft the ceiling of the swimming pool, which is designed to emulate rippling waves as well as for the terrace deck and structural beams.
Sustainability and a desire to recreate the close proximity often seen between wood and water in the natural environment were primary focuses in the design of this project. This led a requirement for a low maintenance wood, compatible humidity and with advanced durability, for the swimming pool ceiling. In addition, a high level of precision when cutting the wood was required in order to achieve the desired appearance of waves.
Supplied by Leading Market, Kebony was carefully selected for the pool ceiling, which consists of 490 lamellae of timber, due to its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. Kebony was also installed throughout the exterior of this property, both for the spacious outdoor terrace and the exterior and interior beams. One of the reasons to choose Kebony was the unified look of wood in all these different applications.
Developed in Norway, the patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction.
Tomáš Hubinský, Lead Architect at M-S Pro, commented: “From conception through to completion, the creation of this ceiling has been a real feat. Despite the challenges faced by such an intricate design, Kebony was the perfect material to convey our desired effect of waves rippling along the ceiling. We will continue to incorporate Kebony into our interior and exterior designs, with wood fast becoming the first choice material for all architects.”
Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, explained: “The distinctive nature of this design cleverly portrays the capability of Kebony, demonstrating both the aesthetic and performance qualities of the product. We would be honoured to work with M-S Pro in the future and look forward to seeing how they utilise Kebony in their future projects.”

This is garage we were able to help utilize the height of their garage and give them back the floor space that they had lost. There is always a lot of room along the walls and up the walls that aren't used correctly to reduce clutter.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

This backyard garden, showcased one year into its spring growth, features a rain garden and dry creek bed. The lawn conversion enhances interest for both wildlife and people while effectively utilizing rainwater. With the use of drought-tolerant native plants, the garden also significantly reduces the water bill.

To reduce pavement on the site, a bed of gravel has instead been utilized for the front landscape, and entrance to the Piedmont House.
Mid-sized modern blue split-level mixed siding exterior home idea in Austin with a shingle roof
Mid-sized modern blue split-level mixed siding exterior home idea in Austin with a shingle roof

The six-story structure was created to house the “Korean Experience” within the 2010 World Exposition. The exterior features the Korean alphabet in various sizes and transparencies in a collage offset with digitally printed metal panels. The interior features pixelated mountains and the Han River running through the exhibit area along with live performance venues, VIP lounge and restaurants.
A unique tension façade support system comprised of a thin net of vertical and horizontal rods reduce the visual massing of the support members. The two-sided composite cladding is finished on both sides with a high gloss architectural coating, while the inside surface of the cladding acts as a reflector for the LED lights within the wall cavity. We utilized digital printing technology to recreate pixelated art images to support the architect’s design vision.

Losing large specimen trees is never desirable. But when the unimaginable happens, we are presented with an opportunity to rethink and refresh, even in traditional residential settings.
We replaced the lawn area beneath the remaining London plane with a fine fescue seed mix. Our design strategy was to hold space and create immediate impact while reducing maintenance needs as the landscape matured. Into this base, we planted evergreen basal foliage, long bloomers and early spring/late fall color to create an immersive all-season groundcover that will slowly intermingle. Annually, this low mow is cut no lower than 4” (thereby safeguarding habitat) while the tidily trimmed perimeter utilizes remnant turf grass as visible cues to care.
Dissecting the rectilinear green space, permeable hardscaping offers a gently curved path towards the front entryway; an invitation to pause and observe the landscape’s diverse textures and activity up close. Within which, a legacy planting of new specimen trees.
Traditional shrub heavy foundation plantings are often static and rigid; this perennial rich redesign is structured yet airy to retain design cohesion with the naturalistic stylized meadow and offer vibrant textural all-season interest.
This project blends different landscape styles to create a biodiverse habitat that is ecologically beneficial, beautiful and resilient. In high summer, a doe finds refuge for her fawn while the family’s children delight in the buzzing activity of smaller inhabitants, native bees and assorted pollinators, that now call this habitat home.

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard.
In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority.
We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy.
We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife.
Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals!
Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

This attic kid's room needed storage for stuff other than toys, so we installed tall deep cabinets for things like luggage and out-of-season clothing. Meanwhile, the kids also have toy storage galore. The entry door is a Dutch door so that the top can be left open so the kids won't feel closed in. Photo by Harry Chamberlain

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

The Setup
For this primary bathroom project, the homeowners sought to transform their outdated, beige-toned space into a bright, functional sanctuary. The existing bathroom felt cramped and lifeless, with a small shower and limited storage options. The goal was to create a fresh, updated bathroom that maximizes the existing footprint while addressing specific desires for a more open, organized space with timeless materials.
Design objectives:
Brighten the bathroom and eliminate the dated beige color scheme
Install a freestanding tub in a compact space
Create a larger, more open shower without encroaching on the existing foot print too much
Incorporate hidden storage solutions
Maintain the existing bathroom layout while improving functionality
Update lighting and fixtures to create a contemporary feel
The Remodel
Design challenges to be solved:
- Compact Space Utilization – The small bathroom required careful planning to accommodate a freestanding tub while maintaining functionality and avoiding overcrowding.
- Hidden Storage Integration – The clients wanted a discreet hamper solution that wouldn’t clutter the limited floor space.
- Shower Niche Placement – With plumbing limitations and the clients’ desire to preserve their wavy accent tile wall, finding the perfect niche spot became a creative puzzle.
- Tile and Finish Coordination – Selecting complementary white tile and floor materials that worked harmoniously together.
- Larger Shower Space – Make the shower feel more open and brighter
The Renewed Space
Design solutions:
- Strategic Tub Placement – The freestanding tub was carefully positioned to maximize space, with its faucet strategically placed to allow easy access while preserving walking room. We reduced the counter depth just a bit by the tub, allowing more room for hamper cabinet and window access.
- Concealed Hamper Storage – A custom pull-out hamper was integrated into the vanity (right side, by tub), providing discreet storage within an 18-inch depth constraint.
- Shower Plumbing Wall Niche – We shifted the niche left, just enough to work around the plumbing infrastructure and still score a roomy storage spot that looks intentional.
- Sophisticated Selections – Porcelanosa curvy white tile, Kohler brushed gold fixtures, and a neutral grey tile floor created a simple, timeless aesthetic that will be loved years to come.
- Open Shower – Replacing the side wall with a clear glass surround, continuing the tile on the ceiling and extending the footprint opened up this area to the room while allowing more natural lighting into the shower space.
This bathroom transformation shows how thoughtful design turns challenges into opportunities. Brushed gold fixtures add warmth to the fresh white palette, while the perfectly balanced floor tile brings just the right depth. A partially glass-fronted vanity introduces subtle charm, giving the space a unique edge. Once cramped and outdated, this bathroom now feels bright, spacious, and serene—a testament to how every design detail makes a difference.

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard.
In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority.
We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy.
We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife.
Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals!
Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

M-S Pro Architects announce the completion of an indoor swimming pool in a state-of-the-art, single storey family home set in a picturesque location on the outskirts of Bratislava - one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, was chosen to craft the ceiling of the swimming pool, which is designed to emulate rippling waves as well as for the terrace deck and structural beams.
Sustainability and a desire to recreate the close proximity often seen between wood and water in the natural environment were primary focuses in the design of this project. This led a requirement for a low maintenance wood, compatible humidity and with advanced durability, for the swimming pool ceiling. In addition, a high level of precision when cutting the wood was required in order to achieve the desired appearance of waves.
Supplied by Leading Market, Kebony was carefully selected for the pool ceiling, which consists of 490 lamellae of timber, due to its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. Kebony was also installed throughout the exterior of this property, both for the spacious outdoor terrace and the exterior and interior beams. One of the reasons to choose Kebony was the unified look of wood in all these different applications.
Developed in Norway, the patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction.
Tomáš Hubinský, Lead Architect at M-S Pro, commented: “From conception through to completion, the creation of this ceiling has been a real feat. Despite the challenges faced by such an intricate design, Kebony was the perfect material to convey our desired effect of waves rippling along the ceiling. We will continue to incorporate Kebony into our interior and exterior designs, with wood fast becoming the first choice material for all architects.”
Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, explained: “The distinctive nature of this design cleverly portrays the capability of Kebony, demonstrating both the aesthetic and performance qualities of the product. We would be honoured to work with M-S Pro in the future and look forward to seeing how they utilise Kebony in their future projects.”

BEAT THE HEAT. DO IT IN STYLE.
Our Premier Radiance® shingles provide more than just a roof over your head. Infused with solar-reflective granules, this shingle reflects heat-producing ultraviolet rays from the sun back into the atmosphere, which may reduce heat transfer into your home. Premier Radiance is available in several vibrant colors, so you don’t need to compromise on style.
By utilizing PABCO®’s proven cool technology, Premier Radiance solar reflective shingles are perfect for hotter climates where air conditioning use is high. Premier Radiance meets UL790 Class A Fire Resistance Standard and certain colors are available with Algae Defender®.

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.

Losing large specimen trees is never desirable. But when the unimaginable happens, we are presented with an opportunity to rethink and refresh, even in traditional residential settings.
We replaced the lawn area beneath the remaining London plane with a fine fescue seed mix. Our design strategy was to hold space and create immediate impact while reducing maintenance needs as the landscape matured. Into this base, we planted evergreen basal foliage, long bloomers and early spring/late fall color to create an immersive all-season groundcover that will slowly intermingle. Annually, this low mow is cut no lower than 4” (thereby safeguarding habitat) while the tidily trimmed perimeter utilizes remnant turf grass as visible cues to care.
Dissecting the rectilinear green space, permeable hardscaping offers a gently curved path towards the front entryway; an invitation to pause and observe the landscape’s diverse textures and activity up close. Within which, a legacy planting of new specimen trees.
Traditional shrub heavy foundation plantings are often static and rigid; this perennial rich redesign is structured yet airy to retain design cohesion with the naturalistic stylized meadow and offer vibrant textural all-season interest.
This project blends different landscape styles to create a biodiverse habitat that is ecologically beneficial, beautiful and resilient. In high summer, a doe finds refuge for her fawn while the family’s children delight in the buzzing activity of smaller inhabitants, native bees and assorted pollinators, that now call this habitat home.

PROJECT | Duplicate-Duplex
TYPE | private residence / home-studio
LOCATION | Phayathai Rd., Bangkok, Thailand
OWNER | Ms. Najaree Ratanajiajaroen / Chanon Treenet
ARCHITECT | TOUCH Architect Co.,Ltd.
FLOOR AREA | 64 sq.m.
FLOOR AREA (by proposing) | 75 sq.m.
COMPLETION | 2018
PHOTOGRAPHER | Chalermwat Wongchompoo
CONTRACTOR | Legend Construction Group
A major pain point of staying in 64 sq.m. of duplex condominium unit, which is used for a home-studio for an animator and an artist, is that there is not enough space for dwelling. Moreover, a double-volume space of living area with a huge glass curtain wall, faces West. High temperature occurs all day long, since it allows direct sunlight to come inside.
In order to solve both mentioned problems, three addition items are proposed which are, GRID PARTITION, EXTENSION DECK, and STEPPING SPACE.
A glass partition not only dividing space between kitchen and living, but also helps reduce electricity charge from air-condition. Grid-like of double glass frame is for stuff and stationery hanging, as to serve the owners’ activities.
Extension deck would help filtrating heat from direct sunlight, since an existing high glass facade facing West.
An existing staircase for going up to the second-floor bedroom, is added by a proposed space above, since this condominium unit has no enough space for dwelling or storage. In order to utilize the space in a small condominium, creating another staircase above the existing one helps increase the space.
The grid partition and the extension deck help ‘decrease’ the electricity charge, while the extension deck and the stepping space help ‘increase’ the space for 11 sq.m.
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