SANTA BARBARA, CA / DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL This urban infill, artist loft duplex was located in an overlooked, but well-located, light-commercial zone. It was also the first new residential construction built in the area for decades, the project is located within a 10-square-block area zoned for light-commercial and affectionately dubbed the “Funk Zone” by resident artists and city planners. Only two blocks walking distance to the beach, and a similar distance to the downtown commercial district, this pedestrian-oriented project ideally suits the lifestyles of the owners. Although the two units share equal footprints, the southerly unit features a double-height, north-facing living space. The northerly unit supplants this volume with additional living space. The siting also allows for secure private courtyard entries, maximization of natural light and view-swept, rooftop living space. The design incorporates a raised plinth required by flood zone restrictions to create a peaceful, intimate environment within the somewhat chaotic surrounding context. The disciplined and restrained approach towards the building’s image was intended to make reference to the much-loved Meridian Studios by George Washington Smith. Two roof-decks with outdoor fireplaces and shade trellises extend outdoor living space, contribute ocean and mountain views and provide both refuge and release. Cost-effective materials were selected in order to adhere to the strict budget and to relate to the industrial surroundings. Over-sized pivot doors, “industrial” staircases and cabinetry were constructed on-site by the owners to conserve design integrity within the extremely limited budget. 2000 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Honor Award

Awakening Your Senses | Our private living space is a mirror of our personality. A charming fusion of different styles and objects, of memories and emotions. In the course of time, everything finds its place - whether intentionally or at random, whether it be something handed down to you by your grandmother or discovered while you were travelling, whether it be modern or classic in origin. In this way, every living space tells its own, very individual, story. It is the story and the desires of the people who live in this space and who provide it with a character all of its own.The change and the interaction of personal styles is the foundation of the new Axor Urquiola collection. Take advantage of this new freedom to release your own, invigorating mix of styles and create your personal retreat. With Axor Urquiola, the line between bathroom and living area, between today and tomorrow becomes fluid. It offers an invigorating freedom that awakens our senses - every day anew. | Available at www.shopstudio41.com

SANTA BARBARA, CA / DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL This urban infill, artist loft duplex was located in an overlooked, but well-located, light-commercial zone. It was also the first new residential construction built in the area for decades, the project is located within a 10-square-block area zoned for light-commercial and affectionately dubbed the “Funk Zone” by resident artists and city planners. Only two blocks walking distance to the beach, and a similar distance to the downtown commercial district, this pedestrian-oriented project ideally suits the lifestyles of the owners. Although the two units share equal footprints, the southerly unit features a double-height, north-facing living space. The northerly unit supplants this volume with additional living space. The siting also allows for secure private courtyard entries, maximization of natural light and view-swept, rooftop living space. The design incorporates a raised plinth required by flood zone restrictions to create a peaceful, intimate environment within the somewhat chaotic surrounding context. The disciplined and restrained approach towards the building’s image was intended to make reference to the much-loved Meridian Studios by George Washington Smith. Two roof-decks with outdoor fireplaces and shade trellises extend outdoor living space, contribute ocean and mountain views and provide both refuge and release. Cost-effective materials were selected in order to adhere to the strict budget and to relate to the industrial surroundings. Over-sized pivot doors, “industrial” staircases and cabinetry were constructed on-site by the owners to conserve design integrity within the extremely limited budget. 2000 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Honor Award

Photo credit: Mike Sinclair A translucent stairwell was designed to allow excess heat to rise and release from the home during the summer months and dramatically mirrors the nearby city skyline. Light is filtered through highly-insulating Kalwall panels resulting in a warm glow that radiates to the interior and exterior. Low-maintenance, natural materials such as stucco, iron wood, steel and glass create a clean modern palette while advanced framing construction techniques decreased the amount of wood wasted versus conventional framing methods. Green design elements include Geothermal Heating and Cooling, Insulation Wrapped Enclosure “Perfect Wall System”, Radiant Heat Slab, Low or No VOC Finishes, Recycled Content Counters, and Advanced Framing and Engineered Prefabricated Joists. The third level private solarium and sun deck offer more than a sanctuary with panoramic views as it opens up the roof deck for gardening.

Brick pavers "lead" to raised seating area. Julianna Fecskes Phillips www.AboutInsideOut.com
Design ideas for a traditional brick landscaping in San Francisco.

Modern Retreat | Safety Habitat, Perched at Heart. Living in solitude is the lofty ideal of ancient and modern human. The source of Chinese Seclusion Culture is streamed from far away: “As I pick chrysanthemums beneath the eastern fence, my eyes fall leisurely on the Southern Mountain." A paradise-like life lets innumerable people in longing. Looking at current day, privacy has become the expression of an attitude, a lifestyle choice. The real privacy is not about where one lives, but in the internal, physical and mental fatigue that can be placed in a home. Modern Retreat should be hidden in the heart. For modern people, if one maintains a self-sustaining practice of perseverance, follow morality and good conscience, abstinence, one can also be retained out of a pure world without being in a deep secluded valley . Real privacy is not to hideaway. The most essential element is the freedom of mind and tranquility. If people can do the things they enjoy, they are quite complete in a perfect world of their own. The spiritual world, is self-purification, under certain conditions, as long as their individually initiated. The environmental impact can be changed on their own, and can be found everywhere in the joy of life. In each city, people have a heart over normalized horticultural habitat. Enjoying the quality life does not mean deliberately escaping from the city, across thousands of miles. In the most cosmopolitan cities, it is a bucolic refuge in the midst of a great bustling city. The comfort of a home will expand into the neighbourhood when you meet acquaintances everywhere around where you live. Modern Retreat should be hidden within the city. The architectural design would have an indoor planting garden of choice. People would go to work, but once they are home and close their doors, it is their own private life where they can pretend that they are sitting in the mountain forests. For a Yin Yang disposition, ambition and pursuing righteousness fit together perfectly. One house is one world. “Home” is where we can stop to rest and relax, the place one can return to. For home design, it must go beyond being livable, the concept of the “Happy Home” is advanced to the peaceful realm. To live comfortably and privately at your own home, it is necessary for the modern home to be arranged in a "less is more" philosophy. Home goods should be simple and elegant yet practical, but without losing the taste and style, so that residents of the home can find clear air and quiet freedom. No matter how busy or tiring work is, we will be able to find peace and quiet from your home to heal and release the pressure. Modern Retreat is not the Valley of Orchards, the seclusion is not free, personalized, romantic and the ideal of Walden, but it is conceptual to the peace of mind and family atmosphere.

SANTA BARBARA, CA / DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL This urban infill, artist loft duplex was located in an overlooked, but well-located, light-commercial zone. It was also the first new residential construction built in the area for decades, the project is located within a 10-square-block area zoned for light-commercial and affectionately dubbed the “Funk Zone” by resident artists and city planners. Only two blocks walking distance to the beach, and a similar distance to the downtown commercial district, this pedestrian-oriented project ideally suits the lifestyles of the owners. Although the two units share equal footprints, the southerly unit features a double-height, north-facing living space. The northerly unit supplants this volume with additional living space. The siting also allows for secure private courtyard entries, maximization of natural light and view-swept, rooftop living space. The design incorporates a raised plinth required by flood zone restrictions to create a peaceful, intimate environment within the somewhat chaotic surrounding context. The disciplined and restrained approach towards the building’s image was intended to make reference to the much-loved Meridian Studios by George Washington Smith. Two roof-decks with outdoor fireplaces and shade trellises extend outdoor living space, contribute ocean and mountain views and provide both refuge and release. Cost-effective materials were selected in order to adhere to the strict budget and to relate to the industrial surroundings. Over-sized pivot doors, “industrial” staircases and cabinetry were constructed on-site by the owners to conserve design integrity within the extremely limited budget. 2000 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Honor Award

Jason Wells Photography
Trendy patio photo in San Francisco

Concrete stamped patio in the backyard of this modern contemporary villa. Huge full panel, black bi folding doors. Stucco fiber cement siding.
Patio - large modern backyard stamped concrete patio idea in Indianapolis with no cover

Awakening Your Senses | Our private living space is a mirror of our personality. A charming fusion of different styles and objects, of memories and emotions. In the course of time, everything finds its place - whether intentionally or at random, whether it be something handed down to you by your grandmother or discovered while you were travelling, whether it be modern or classic in origin. In this way, every living space tells its own, very individual, story. It is the story and the desires of the people who live in this space and who provide it with a character all of its own.The change and the interaction of personal styles is the foundation of the new Axor Urquiola collection. Take advantage of this new freedom to release your own, invigorating mix of styles and create your personal retreat. With Axor Urquiola, the line between bathroom and living area, between today and tomorrow becomes fluid. It offers an invigorating freedom that awakens our senses - every day anew. | Available at www.shopstudio41.com

SANTA BARBARA, CA / DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL This urban infill, artist loft duplex was located in an overlooked, but well-located, light-commercial zone. It was also the first new residential construction built in the area for decades, the project is located within a 10-square-block area zoned for light-commercial and affectionately dubbed the “Funk Zone” by resident artists and city planners. Only two blocks walking distance to the beach, and a similar distance to the downtown commercial district, this pedestrian-oriented project ideally suits the lifestyles of the owners. Although the two units share equal footprints, the southerly unit features a double-height, north-facing living space. The northerly unit supplants this volume with additional living space. The siting also allows for secure private courtyard entries, maximization of natural light and view-swept, rooftop living space. The design incorporates a raised plinth required by flood zone restrictions to create a peaceful, intimate environment within the somewhat chaotic surrounding context. The disciplined and restrained approach towards the building’s image was intended to make reference to the much-loved Meridian Studios by George Washington Smith. Two roof-decks with outdoor fireplaces and shade trellises extend outdoor living space, contribute ocean and mountain views and provide both refuge and release. Cost-effective materials were selected in order to adhere to the strict budget and to relate to the industrial surroundings. Over-sized pivot doors, “industrial” staircases and cabinetry were constructed on-site by the owners to conserve design integrity within the extremely limited budget. 2000 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Honor Award

Awakening Your Senses | Our private living space is a mirror of our personality. A charming fusion of different styles and objects, of memories and emotions. In the course of time, everything finds its place - whether intentionally or at random, whether it be something handed down to you by your grandmother or discovered while you were travelling, whether it be modern or classic in origin. In this way, every living space tells its own, very individual, story. It is the story and the desires of the people who live in this space and who provide it with a character all of its own.The change and the interaction of personal styles is the foundation of the new Axor Urquiola collection. Take advantage of this new freedom to release your own, invigorating mix of styles and create your personal retreat. With Axor Urquiola, the line between bathroom and living area, between today and tomorrow becomes fluid. It offers an invigorating freedom that awakens our senses - every day anew. | Available at www.shopstudio41.com

Awakening Your Senses | Our private living space is a mirror of our personality. A charming fusion of different styles and objects, of memories and emotions. In the course of time, everything finds its place - whether intentionally or at random, whether it be something handed down to you by your grandmother or discovered while you were travelling, whether it be modern or classic in origin. In this way, every living space tells its own, very individual, story. It is the story and the desires of the people who live in this space and who provide it with a character all of its own.The change and the interaction of personal styles is the foundation of the new Axor Urquiola collection. Take advantage of this new freedom to release your own, invigorating mix of styles and create your personal retreat. With Axor Urquiola, the line between bathroom and living area, between today and tomorrow becomes fluid. It offers an invigorating freedom that awakens our senses - every day anew. | Available at www.shopstudio41.com

Eichler X-100 Entry: A Threshold Between Architecture and Experience The entry to the Eichler X-100 is not a conventional front door—it’s an intentional transition, a carefully choreographed sequence that shifts you from the outside world into a fully immersive architectural environment. Designed by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, the entry reflects a core principle of Eichler design: arrival should be felt, not just seen. A Garden Before the Door Rather than approaching a traditional façade, visitors are guided into an entry courtyard—a private, inward-facing space that immediately softens the transition from street to home. This space acts as a buffer, both visually and emotionally, creating a sense of calm and separation. The path is often defined by concrete stepping pads set within planted areas, reinforcing the home’s circular and geometric design language. Movement becomes deliberate—slowed, grounded, and connected to the landscape. Light as a Guide Above, translucent skylights filter natural light into the entry sequence, creating shifting patterns of brightness and shadow throughout the day. This interplay of light transforms the entry into something dynamic—never static, always evolving. Rather than a single moment, the entry unfolds over time. Blurring Interior and Exterior The X-100’s entry challenges the idea of where the home actually begins. With interior gardens visible from the moment you arrive, the boundary between outside and inside becomes intentionally ambiguous. Glass, open sightlines, and planted spaces work together so that by the time you reach the front door, you are already inside the architectural experience. A Compressed-to-Open Reveal True to mid-century modern design principles, the entry creates a subtle sense of compression before release. The approach is quiet and modest—almost understated—before opening into the expansive, light-filled interior beyond. This contrast heightens the impact of arrival, making the interior feel even more dramatic. A Philosophy of Arrival The Eichler X-100 entry is not about grandeur—it’s about intention. It invites you to slow down, to notice light, material, and landscape, and to engage with the home on a deeper level. It’s a reminder that in great architecture, even the act of entering becomes part of the design itself.

Awakening Your Senses | Our private living space is a mirror of our personality. A charming fusion of different styles and objects, of memories and emotions. In the course of time, everything finds its place - whether intentionally or at random, whether it be something handed down to you by your grandmother or discovered while you were travelling, whether it be modern or classic in origin. In this way, every living space tells its own, very individual, story. It is the story and the desires of the people who live in this space and who provide it with a character all of its own.The change and the interaction of personal styles is the foundation of the new Axor Urquiola collection. Take advantage of this new freedom to release your own, invigorating mix of styles and create your personal retreat. With Axor Urquiola, the line between bathroom and living area, between today and tomorrow becomes fluid. It offers an invigorating freedom that awakens our senses - every day anew. | Available at www.shopstudio41.com

Concrete stamped patio in the backyard of this modern contemporary villa. Huge full panel, black bi folding doors. Stucco fiber cement siding.
Example of a large minimalist backyard stamped concrete patio design in Indianapolis with no cover

AWARD WINNING DUPLEX DESIGN Bob-a-day Park Little Bay duplex in historical precinct This Little Bay duplex is the winner of the HIA Housing Awards 2019 for category: – Townhouse/Villa Development 2-10 dwellings ‘HIA NSW Region’ and a finalist for category: – Residential Interior Design ‘HIA NSW Region’ Judges said, “A functional design with a light and bright living area that has excellent cross flow ventilation and innovative design with sustainable features.” Congratulating SSRB Developments with Edifice Design, Architects on such an outstanding achievement, HIA Executive Director – NSW, David Bare, said “The awards recognise excellence in residential construction and these awards provide a tremendous opportunity for HIA members to showcase their projects and highlight building and design excellence.” [HIA Media Release 19 October 2019] Set in Little Bay’s old Prince Henry Hospital precinct, this dual occupancy is designed to complement its rare historic and coastal location. The two dwelling requirement and contextual fit make the building unique, shaped and functioning as follows: Design Subtly distinguished separate dwellings — while still appearing as a single residence. Contemporary but synergistic with heritage setting — contemporary detailing with a scale (height, setbacks) in keeping with the historic “Flower’s Building” and materials/colour selections (face brick, boarded cladding, stone) that complements, not competes with, its heritage, seaside setting. Streetscape and contextual fit: The Ewing Avenue frontage and northern neighbour are addressed by a darker, quieter core element, clad in metal and light coloured, boarded features that extend from the ground to its flat parapeted roof. The darker, northern side anchors the lighter and more open, glazed southern side that overlooks Bob A Day Park and sits beneath a flat planar roof. External walls are layered horizontally with boarded cladding to the first floor, flat rendered wall at the ground floor and a face brick basement. Balconies, views and privacy — generous floor to ceiling horizontal louvred windows fill rooms with sunlight and views to the park and ocean. The linear effect is further accentuated by both dwellings having projected outdoor balconies with the southern balcony having a continuum of louvres to either open or close for sunlight, stargazing or privacy. Façade finishes and an entry of stone, copper and wood — texture and colour, accentuated by a copper panelled front door, timber louvres above and a feature stone blade wall, clearly defines the entry. Slender metal awnings and sliding panels also provide further articulation to the facades as well as privacy. An entry of stone, copper and wood reflect façade finishes — texture and colour, accentuated by a copper panelled front door, timber louvres above and a feature stone blade wall, clearly define the entry. Slender metal awnings and sliding panels also provide further articulation to the façades as well as privacy. A welcoming sky lit void foyer — a large atrium with skylight window brightens the entryway and provides main circulation to the hall and stair. Linear stair and lift amenity — a streamlined timber stairway with vertically lined balustrade is a focal point of the entry hall. A lift with ceramic tiles to floor and steel finishes services the main dwelling. A handcrafted bespoke artisan sandstone wall with fireplace — is a centrepiece dividing the main living room from the eating and kitchen areas. An unusual partially sunken roof terrace — which provides an entertainment area of spectacular district and ocean views while remaining relatively private, quiet and sheltered. An exterior ‘living green wall’ — which is also viewable from the living room. A sunny, north east plunge pool — which is overlooked by two semi enclosed entertainment balconies. Large water tanks totalling 7000 litres — which services toilets, laundry and gardens. An extensive solar panel system — totalling over 10 KWs. Client brief Dual occupancy required for accommodating two separate dwellings, the primary dwelling for parents long term and the secondary dwelling for extended family. 1. Quantitative requirements Each dwelling with: 2 residential levels + roof terrace + basement carpark main external balcony off the main living area private garden setting full ducted air conditioning separation by a vertical, fire and acoustically rated, common wall. Primary dwelling (southside) — for main family: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, laundry, open planned living, kitchen and dining areas, a separate TV room, roof terrace and serviced by a lift (basement to level 1) 5,000 litre rainwater tank servicing the toilets and laundry 5.4 KW solar panel system 2 car basement car park. Secondary dwelling (northside) — for extended family: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, laundry, open planned living, kitchen, dining, a separate TV room Plunge pool 2,000 litre rainwater tank servicing the toilets and laundry 4.8 kW solar panel system 1 car basement car park + 1 car hardstand. 2. Qualitative requirements: Generally: Maximise sun, light and outlook to all rooms. Extensive glazing and use of skylights. Rooms to be designed as contemporary spaces with seamless, clean lines. Colour selections to be light, non jarring, using colours from whites to neutrals. Use of natural materials such as timber and stone. Open planned living areas — kitchen, dining and living with a strong spatial connection to encourage family together time. Main dwelling to have a separate TV room so that living areas remain unaffected by media intrusions. Bedrooms grouped together on the ground floor to ensure district and ocean views are prioritised for the living areas. Maximise louvred glazing to southern side of primary residence to overlook Bob A Day Park. Ocean views maximised where possible, most likely achieved across to the north east. Multi-layered complex approval process From the outset, there were numerous multi-layered approval stages through which to navigate. This ensured a vigorous, disciplined design approach. Stages included: The Prince Henry Design Review Panel (PHDRP) — appointed by Landcom to monitor the historic Prince Henry development site Randwick City Council — Development Application NSW State Heritage Department — approval required given the project’s proximity to the historic “Flowers” building. Randwick Council — the Construction Certificate was particularly involved with difficulties around strict adherence to; setbacks, height and floor space ratios and alignments with the southern setback of the “Flowers” Building, a flat roof geometry and guides around the use of external colour and materials. Randwick Council jurisdiction Photographer: Aimee Crouch

Today’s client does not seek spectacle. They seek atmosphere. Rather than leaning into grandeur, Pizzale approached the redesign with restraint and emotional intelligence. The guiding principle was comfort elevated by refinement. From the moment one steps inside, the space offers release rather than reverence. It invites clients to sit, to linger, to feel at home. This is luxury without intimidation.

Backing onto a private golf course north of Toronto, this classic pool has all the essential amenities. Accessible from the basement or main floor walkout, a bi-level cedar deck leads to the patio of architectural stamped concrete. There's ample room for lounging or entertaining. The pool's blue granite liner is framed by Wiarton flagstone coping, while three sheer descent waterfalls on a raised feature wall and an elevated spill over spa add sound and drama. The pool equipment is discreetly out of view behind the feature wall and berms and trees lend privacy. (20 x 40, rectangular)