This product combination features a rare aesthetic match in the looks of interior and exterior wooden flooring. On top of that, application is nearly unlimited, even in circumstances with extreme changes in humidity and temperature. This is a result of a meticulous attitude and wise use of raw materials during manufacturing. This particular floor finish in anthracite shades is based on application of natural hardwax oils on engineered oak flooring inside, and on solid ash flooring outside. The oak and ash wood have both been pretreated with 100% natural processes resulting in a dark, warm appearance into the deepest grains. The thick top layer of the engineered oak floorboard (6+mm) provides that the floor and the dark colour will remain for a lifetime. The pretreatment of the solid ash flooring also highly improves its stability and durability, and is now even suitable along a pool! The outside terrace or patio will now be a TRUE extension of the living room, and designed for a smooth transition. No standard products, but personalized as desired. Last but not least exterior siding and paneling can even be matched. ‘WOODlife-Inside out’ is available in European oak, (thermo) ash and Douglas fir.

This product combination features a rare aesthetic match in the looks of interior and exterior wooden flooring. On top of that, application is nearly unlimited, even in circumstances with extreme changes in humidity and temperature. This is a result of a meticulous attitude and wise use of raw materials during manufacturing. This particular floor finish in anthracite shades is based on application of natural hardwax oils on engineered oak flooring inside, and on solid ash flooring outside. The oak and ash wood have both been pretreated with 100% natural processes resulting in a dark, warm appearance into the deepest grains. The thick top layer of the engineered oak floorboard (6+mm) provides that the floor and the dark colour will remain for a lifetime. The pretreatment of the solid ash flooring also highly improves its stability and durability, and is now even suitable along a pool! The outside terrace or patio will now be a TRUE extension of the living room, and designed for a smooth transition. No standard products, but personalized as desired. Last but not least exterior siding and paneling can even be matched. ‘WOODlife-Inside out’ is available in European oak, (thermo) ash and Douglas fir.

This product combination features a rare aesthetic match in the looks of interior and exterior wooden flooring. On top of that, application is nearly unlimited, even in circumstances with extreme changes in humidity and temperature. This is a result of a meticulous attitude and wise use of raw materials during manufacturing. This particular floor finish in anthracite shades is based on application of natural hardwax oils on engineered oak flooring inside, and on solid ash flooring outside. The oak and ash wood have both been pretreated with 100% natural processes resulting in a dark, warm appearance into the deepest grains. The thick top layer of the engineered oak floorboard (6+mm) provides that the floor and the dark colour will remain for a lifetime. The pretreatment of the solid ash flooring also highly improves its stability and durability, and is now even suitable along a pool! The outside terrace or patio will now be a TRUE extension of the living room, and designed for a smooth transition. No standard products, but personalized as desired. Last but not least exterior siding and paneling can even be matched. ‘WOODlife-Inside out’ is available in European oak, (thermo) ash and Douglas fir.

This product combination features a rare aesthetic match in the looks of interior and exterior wooden flooring. On top of that, application is nearly unlimited, even in circumstances with extreme changes in humidity and temperature. This is a result of a meticulous attitude and wise use of raw materials during manufacturing. This particular floor finish in anthracite shades is based on application of natural hardwax oils on engineered oak flooring inside, and on solid ash flooring outside. The oak and ash wood have both been pretreated with 100% natural processes resulting in a dark, warm appearance into the deepest grains. The thick top layer of the engineered oak floorboard (6+mm) provides that the floor and the dark colour will remain for a lifetime. The pretreatment of the solid ash flooring also highly improves its stability and durability, and is now even suitable along a pool! The outside terrace or patio will now be a TRUE extension of the living room, and designed for a smooth transition. No standard products, but personalized as desired. Last but not least exterior siding and paneling can even be matched. ‘WOODlife-Inside out’ is available in European oak, (thermo) ash and Douglas fir.

This product combination features a rare aesthetic match in the looks of interior and exterior wooden flooring. On top of that, application is nearly unlimited, even in circumstances with extreme changes in humidity and temperature. This is a result of a meticulous attitude and wise use of raw materials during manufacturing. This particular floor finish in anthracite shades is based on application of natural hardwax oils on engineered oak flooring inside, and on solid ash flooring outside. The oak and ash wood have both been pretreated with 100% natural processes resulting in a dark, warm appearance into the deepest grains. The thick top layer of the engineered oak floorboard (6+mm) provides that the floor and the dark colour will remain for a lifetime. The pretreatment of the solid ash flooring also highly improves its stability and durability, and is now even suitable along a pool! The outside terrace or patio will now be a TRUE extension of the living room, and designed for a smooth transition. No standard products, but personalized as desired. Last but not least exterior siding and paneling can even be matched. ‘WOODlife-Inside out’ is available in European oak, (thermo) ash and Douglas fir.

Bridle Path Residence — Grand Traditional Entrance This Bridle Path Residence entry is designed around the idea of a formal architectural arrival, where craftsmanship, proportion, and heritage-inspired detailing create an immediate sense of permanence. Rather than treating the foyer as simply a passage into the home, the design gives the entrance its own identity and establishes a sophisticated visual language from the moment of arrival. The custom wood entry door is the defining architectural element. Richly stained timber brings warmth and depth to the predominantly light interior, while the extensive decorative glasswork introduces a handcrafted quality. The intricate leaded-glass pattern combines geometric structure with ornamental curves, creating a focal point that feels timeless rather than tied to a particular trend. The surrounding architecture intentionally remains restrained. Crisp white wall panelling and tailored trim provide a quiet backdrop for the richness of the door, allowing the craftsmanship of the entry to take center stage. This contrast between the clean architectural envelope and the detailed timber and glasswork gives the foyer a refined sense of hierarchy. The marble floor reinforces the formality of the entrance. Its light field and dark border create a tailored, almost estate-inspired foundation, while the small geometric insets add another layer of detail without competing with the door. The reflective stone also amplifies natural and artificial light, making the relatively compact entry feel brighter and more expansive. Above, the crystal chandelier introduces a moment of understated glamour. Its cascading form draws the eye upward toward the coffered ceiling and reinforces the verticality of the foyer. The combination of sparkling crystal, polished stone, stained wood, and painted millwork creates a carefully balanced material palette. The staircase and railing extend the traditional character of the entrance into the circulation space. Decorative metalwork adds rhythm and craftsmanship along the stair edge, while the open railing maintains visual connection between the levels. A sculptural artwork positioned along the stair further reinforces the idea that the circulation areas are treated as curated architectural spaces rather than secondary zones. The overall design is rooted in timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Rich natural wood, ornamental glazing, marble, refined millwork, decorative metalwork, and crystal lighting are brought together with disciplined proportions so that the space feels luxurious without becoming overly ornate. The result is a grand yet welcoming entrance with a distinctly sophisticated, enduring character.

This was a rather dirty Terracotta kitchen floor located at a house in Winchmore Hill in Buckinghamshire, not to be confused with the Winchmore Hill in London. The sealer on the tiles had worn off some time ago and now the dirt was becoming trapped in the pores of the Terracotta making it impossible to clean. Deep Cleaning Terracotta Tile To deep clean into the pores of the Terracotta a diluted solution of Tile Doctor Pro Clean, which is a strong tile cleaner sage to use on tiled floors, was applied to kitchen floor and left to soak in for around ten minutes. Then with the aid of a commercial rotary machine the solution was scrubbed into the tiles to release the many years of accumulated ingrained soiling which was removed from the floor using a wet vacuum. Although this deep cleaned the tile the grout lines needed further attention and were treated with Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up solution and then washed down with fresh water which was removed with a wet vacuum. There was still evidence of sealer remaining on the floor in some areas so the next step in the process was to apply Tile Doctor Remove and Go again working it into the tile using a scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine. Remove and Go as its name suggests is used to remove waxes and sealants from tile and stone. It certainly did the job and once the resultant slurry was vacuumed up and the floor given a final rinse to remove any chemicals used in the process the floor was looking much cleaner and left to dry overnight ready for our return Sealing Terracotta Tile The next day came back to do the sealing and checked the floor first for any spots we might had missed and also to ensure it had dried sufficiently. Tile Doctor Seal and Go was then applied in coats to fully seal the floor. As well as adding protection Seal and Go adds a nice subtle satin finish to Terracotta and being water based it doesn’t give off an odour when it’s drying.

This Ceramic Tiled kitchen floor at a property in Wickersley was proving to be a pain for our clients, whatever they did the grout just looked dark, dirty, and unsightly. No amount of scrubbing would make a difference and eager to find a solution they wasted a lot of money on various products trying to clean the grout lines, but nothing had worked. Ceramic tiles are glazed which makes them very easy to clean, grout however is a different story. Wickersley is in Rotherham close to the 3 main motorways in South Yorkshire, the M1, M18 and A1. The village took its’ name from the Wickersley family who eventually moved to Sheffield and built the famous Broom Hall, incredibly we restored 100sqm of stone flooring in that very house not too long back. It was a beautiful restoration. On the first visit we tried a few of our products to clean the grout lines up but sometimes grout just can’t be cleaned, if the staining has penetrated the surface layer and gone right down into the grout it is stained forever. Grinding the grout out and putting in new grout is a big messy expensive job. For this reason, our grout recolouring service is an ideal option and the best thing about it is once it is recoloured the grout is protected and stain resistant. Tile Doctor have a range of ten grout colours to choose from and in this case our client chose the light grey colour. They were happy to go ahead with our quote and just thankful that we were able to do it relatively inexpensively and without making a huge mess! Work started by treating the grout lines with an acidic pre-treater that comes with the Grout Colourant kit that Tile Doctor sell, Tile Doctor Grout Colourant Pre-Treat cleaner, this gets rid of any contamination and prepares the grout for the colourant, so you get a superior bond. Once dry the Light Grey Grout Colourant was applied the grout lines with a small brush. A steady hand is required, and you need to ensure any excess is immediately wiped away before it dries. It is quite a slow job, but very satisfying when you see the difference it makes. Glazed tiles are sealed during manufacture, so we do not need to apply a sealer like we do on most of our jobs. The customer was over the moon with the transformation, the grubby grout lines had been irradicated and because the grout colourant forms a barrier over the grout, they will remain looking good for a long time to come. For aftercare cleaning I recommended using Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner which is pH neutral and gentle enough to use on a regular basis, it also has a nice fresh smell. Matthew Lovett South Yorkshire TIle Doctor

A local cleaning contractor called us in to work on the Terracotta tiled floors at a council building in Amersham. The Terracotta had not been deep cleaned and resealed for about ten years and the sealer had worn off leaving the tile vulnerable to dirt becoming ingrained in the pores of the tile. The grout had also suffered the same fate and had almost gone black in many areas. This is a common problem with Terracotta which is quite porous and once those pores become ingrained with dirt the tile becomes difficult to clean effectively. The solution is to seal the tile however sealers wear off over time and this was basically the problem. After discussing the issues we agreed on a plan of action to deep clean the Terracotta tile and grout and then re-seal to protect it. Due to the busy nature of the building we agreed to do the work between Christmas and New Year when we knew the building would be empty. We started by applying a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Oxy-Gel which is a strong tile cleaning product that being in a gel form ensures it sits on the tile for longer, giving it a longer effective dwell time so it can really eat into and loose the dirt. After approximately twenty minutes the gel was scrubbed into the tile with a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine. This broke down most of the dirt and removed any remaining sealer. Once the whole floor had been treated in this manner it was rinsed thoroughly with water which was then extracted using a wet vacuum. With the soiled cleaning solution removed I could see the next step would be to spot clean stubborn staining and clean the grout. For this task I used a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean scrubbing it in by hand using stiff brushes and aided with a hand-held steamer to help treat the stubborn staining. Once done the floor was given a final rinse and then as much moisture as possible removed with the wet vacuum. We then left the floor to dry off completely and came back a couple of days later to seal the Terracotta tile. I mentioned earlier that Terracotta is porous; in fact it’s probably the most porous material I deal with, so to fully seal the floor I had to apply eight coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go which will provide complete and long lasting protection against staining and dirt. Seal and Go also adds an appealing satin sheen to the tile and the new seal will make it much easier to clean in future. The floor tile and grout now look much healthier and I’m sure the council will be very impressed when they go back to work after the holidays. Happy New Year… Andrew Newstead North Buckinghamshire Tile Doctor

Becky Hulsey, Envision Virtual Tours The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity Awaits…. Have you dreamed of owning your own spectacular waterfall, a serene trout pond, or a one of a kind mountain lodge filled with high end touches, all near Lake Burton? If the answer is yes…..then “The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls” is for you! Located just off HW 76 .3 miles to Anchorage Marina, this unique 2.8 acre property borders the National Forest, boasts a fully remodeled 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2000+ square foot rock lodge that is adjacent to its own private, spectacular 60 foot waterfall all surrounded by native landscape such as rhododendron and mountain laurel. Tumbling under the 40 foot suspension bridge, the pristine, crystal clear water continues to ramble on its way to large pond ready to be stocked with trout. Picture yourself fly fishing for a trout dinner right at your front door, or delight your friends or family while entertaining on your new porch or extensive, multi-level deck that connects your new home to your own waterfall. The kids or grandkids will be entertained for hours wading in the pool at the base of the waterfall, exploring the crooks and crannies among the stream’s boulders while looking for salamanders, or panning for “fool’s gold” in the stream. Just imagine….The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls has all this and more! As you walk up the front steps to The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls, you will notice the craftsmanship of this uniquely one of a kind home made from local stone and granite from a period gone by. If you look closely at some of the stones, you will find raw garnets, some the size of a nail head. Upon opening the front door constructed of solid oak and a tasteful piece of leaded glass, you will be amazed at the spaciousness of the lodge room. Once upon a time, the 20 x 30 foot room with 10 foot ceilings was the entire home. The focal piece of the room is the new floor to ceiling field stone fireplace, hand honed solid maple mantel, rounded hearth, accentuated by a hand-cut keystone, and flanked by raw cedar columns. The new gas logs can be remotely controlled with programmable heat. A built-in floor to ceiling cherry wood wall unit, with granite serving surface, highlights a side wall and is topped off with a large piece of stained glass from an English pub. The mood lighting behind the stained glass and the antique library ladder really highlights this unique bookcase. Distinctive lighting fixtures and fans provide dining area lighting and circulation from the cool breezes off of Lake Burton. On the bottom, the solid oak 1.5 inch flooring is a remnant of the past on the top, the height of the ceilings is enhanced by double crown moldings throughout and a touch of the outdoors is brought indoors by the three new skylights. Surrounded by rustic cedar window boxes, additional ambient light streams through the four windows facing south, and the new French doors. As you open the French doors to the new porch, you are immediately struck by the sights and sound produced by the rushing water as it cascades over the spectacular multilevel waterfall. You will also notice that the mountain has literally been carved away as you view the layers and striations in the granite that surround the back of the porch. The peaked cathedral ceiling sports a glass apex and the bead board on the ceiling accentuated by the raw cedar plank framing and the five cedar trees used as cornerstones all bring the outdoors within your reach. The addition of “E-Z Breeze” vinyl windows along with the cast iron gas stove will allow you and your family to enjoy the beauty and continually changing scenery at The Lodge at Gold Mine Fall during all four seasons. Opening the Adirondack style door on the other side of the lodge room allows you to step into the Lodge’s addition built at a later date. The four foot wide hallway boasts stained glass light fixtures and an architectural feature from the new stairwell that divides the living and the bedroom spaces. Knowing that the east wall in the kitchen and study were once on the home’s exterior allowed us to investigate and reveal the true character of these walls by removing the two layers of drywall and 4 inches of plaster exposing a striking addition to both rooms…… beautiful granite rock walls. The hallway flows into the granite breakfast bar which fully complements the newly exposed granite wall. From the Viking SS refrigerator to gas Jenn Air ceramic cooktop and microwave the appliances are a chef’s delight. Lighting is a critical component in a gourmet kitchen and the light from the double window is enhanced by two spotlights over the cooking area, LED task lighting under the cabinets, mood lighting over the top cabinets, and four “Murano” hand blown glass pendant lights over the sink and bar area. Scoring points in the design category, the full wood “Thomasville” two tone glazed cabinets that are country white and palomino scream style and sophistication, and are accentuated by the cool copper glass backsplash and refined stainless steel hardware. The porcelain, two bowl farmhouse sink is large enough for your biggest pots while the stainless steel sink guards will protect it from scratches. The SS faucet is professional quality and the Insinkerator will help the chef in the house save time with instant 190 degree water. An eight foot long exposed cedar tree trunk hangs over the cooking area allowing the chef to hang his/her favorite utensils and pots or pans in full lodge style. And who wouldn’t crave a large walk in pantry with commercial grade slides that will up to 120 pounds. With all these features, the cook/cooks in the family will love spending time in this room. Across from the kitchen is a study/office area which can be closed off from the hallway by a double barn door. Except for the remarkable exposed granite rock wall mentioned earlier, the entire room has been paneled with raw cedar boards treated with Australian Tree Oil for true lodge feel. The triple crank out window provides a superb view of the pond and blazing Japanese maple trees in the fall. Outside, the hallway leads to the utility room which has been fully upgraded with all the modern amenities. The oak cabinetry with granite tops also has an extra deep sink with commercial kitchen sprayer. The sink area is surrounded by white subway tile while slate and green glass mini tile accents bring the outdoor colors inside. The doggy door, new exterior door and crank out window provide access to the back yard and additional light. From the new “Rinnai” point of use, gas hot water heater to the new “LG” full size, stackable washer and dryer, this utility room delivers. The master bedroom has four windows which provide outstanding light and air circulation. To take the chill off of nippy evenings, this bedroom also has its own romantic fireplace with travertine marble surround, remote controlled gas logs, and a beautiful antique oak and mirror mantle. To top it off, the en-suite bath contains high end fixtures, a spacious vanity, and floor to ceiling rain shower with independent valves allowing you to turn on the shower and not get wet. Multiple safety handrails and a fold down shower seat give bathers assurance and provide an additional measure of safety. The earthy color tiles, glass tile accents and hand blown light fixtures continue the lodge theme in this end of the house. Located across the hall, the guest bedroom is light and airy with its white window boxes and double crown molding, and also has an attached bathroom. This bathroom also has an entrance door leading to the hallway and doubles as the guest bathroom for the house. Its antique oak vanity and mirror, stained glass lights and wrought iron accents remind me of a past era while the vessel sink, modern fixtures, and floor to ceiling travertine and glass tile rain shower all bring the bathroom up to modern standards. Located at the end of the hallway, and next to the guest bathroom, is the handcrafted stairwell leading to the sleeping loft. The distinctive maple stair treads with their grain and raw edge being displayed, were milled locally in Clayton and then installed from underneath so that no screw or nail heads are visible. The staircase was completed with wrought iron spindles, raw cedar handrail and floor to ceiling end post. Upon your entry into the sleeping loft, you will notice the amount of light that enters through the two skylights and large window facing the pond. The sound of water rushing over the pond’s spillway is a delightful addition to this large sleeping loft. Finished with engineered hardwood flooring and two built in double beds with tree trunks for legs, the room can accommodate four additional twin beds. The sleeping loft is also equipped with a kitchenette and a distinctive cedar and rock walled bathroom. The bath features an antique dresser vanity with marble vessel sink, distinctive fixtures and a floor to ceiling polished travertine marble shower with rain head. This bathroom also has an exterior door leading to a secondary upstairs staircase in the back yard. Just envision the great sleepovers the kids or grandkids will have here or how your out of town friends or family will just love this special area designed with their comfort and needs in mind. Originally constructed in 1925 by “off Broadway” star Rose Grant, this property is rich in history. In the early years, this home was one of the first in Rabun County to generate its own electric from the waterfall. Several small cabins were also built on the property and rented out to guests who came for the waterfall, swim in the pond and connect with nature. Other notable residents were Mrs. and Doctor Fowler who was a local pediatrician. According to an aged newspaper article, Mrs. Fowler was very interested in the indigenous flora and fauna and grew a variety of native plants on the property including some that were rare or endangered. Many metal name tags still remain along the various paths on the property thus reminding you of times gone by and the true beauty of property. Lastly, this solidly built home has just been structurally solidified, become more energy efficient, and reconfigured to further usable space all while retaining the Lodge’s original charm. After removing the flooring in the kitchen, hall and both bathrooms, the home’s structure and roof were fortified with numerous concrete footers to support both bathrooms, kitchen, and stairwell walls that extend from floor to roof. To make this home more comfortable, energy efficient, and bring it up to modern standards, the electrical system was upgraded to 220 service with the wiring, outlets, electrical panels and fixtures replaced throughout the entire home. A whole house surge protector was also installed to protect against damage that may occur with lightning strikes. Speaking of electric…..the pond’s newly poured formed concrete wall contains a pipe enabling you to install your own hydro-electric system. And whether you might decide to tie into the grid or store you energy in a battery system, you could generate your own electric 24/7. The homes plumbing was also replaced with new pipes, energy/water efficient fixtures in each bathroom (including three Toto toilets), and a new cistern was installed behind the garage with a laboratory grade water filtration system. The task of water heating was completed by a gas Rinnai point of use hot water heater in the utility room and all windows were replaced with Anderson thermal pane and 6 Velux skylights were mounted to bring the outdoors inside. The home’s HVAC system was top of the line several years ago and both sets of new gas logs are controlled with remotes. Formerly a summer home, all exterior walls were studded out with insulation added, and whole house fans were installed in the attic and upstairs bathroom. Although many of these upgrades may not be visible, they allow the home to be more energy efficient and more comfortable……allowing The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls to become your four season retreat.

Bridle Path Residence — Luxury Wellness Bathroom & Hydrotherapy Suite This Bridle Path Residence bathroom is conceived as a private hydrotherapy retreat, bringing a resort-like wellness experience into the home while maintaining the architectural detailing and craftsmanship of the residence. The design is less about creating a conventional bathroom and more about establishing a dedicated space for relaxation, recovery, and ritual. The hydrotherapy tub becomes the central sculptural element of the room. Its generous curved profile creates a soft, organic focal point against the highly detailed wall treatment, while the integrated jets and ergonomic form emphasize the room's wellness-driven purpose. Positioning the tub within the main architectural composition gives it the presence of a luxury amenity rather than treating it as a standard fixture. The walls are enveloped in a small-format decorative mosaic with an intricate, almost textile-like pattern. This repeated surface creates remarkable visual depth and gives the room a distinctly crafted quality. The subtle variation within the mosaic prevents the predominantly light palette from feeling flat, while its fine geometry provides a counterpoint to the smooth, sculptural tub. A particularly thoughtful feature is the integrated sauna viewing window, which creates a visual relationship between the hydrotherapy area and the warm timber sauna beyond. The opening turns the sauna into part of the overall composition and establishes a clear sequence of wellness experiences—hydrotherapy, heat, and showering—within one cohesive suite. The adjacent shower introduces a contrasting material language. Large-format marble-look surfaces create a cleaner, more serene backdrop, while the vertical patterned accent strip adds a strong decorative moment. This controlled use of pattern prevents the space from becoming visually overwhelming and gives the shower its own identity. The sauna itself introduces warmth through natural timber, creating an immediate sensory contrast with the cool, pale surfaces surrounding it. The wood adds depth and reinforces the feeling of a private spa retreat, while the glass enclosure maintains openness and allows the different wellness zones to remain visually connected. The flooring continues the decorative approach with a carefully patterned layout that complements the wall mosaic without simply repeating it. This creates a layered surface treatment in which scale, geometry, and texture work together to give the room a highly customized character. Even the circulation area is treated as part of the design experience. The glass door and open stair connection allow light to move through the space, while the traditional architectural detailing visible beyond the bathroom establishes continuity with the broader residence. The overall concept is residential wellness with an emphasis on craftsmanship and sensory experience. Decorative mosaic, natural timber, glass, stone-inspired surfaces, sculptural plumbing, and carefully integrated wellness features create a room that feels more like a private boutique spa than a conventional home bathroom.

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

Living room - traditional formal dark wood floor living room idea in Phoenix with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a media wall

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

If you want a polished stone floor to keep its appearance, then it will need a regular maintenance plan in place, without it the stone will lose its polish and start to look dull and un-inviting which was the story with this Travertine tiled floor installed throughout much of the grout floor of this house in the village of Great Wilbraham near Cambridge. I was able to find out from the owner that the floor was last treated six years ago with Lithofin Stain Stop which is a solvent based impregnating sealer which like all sealers will wear off after a few years. Naturally this depends on the amount of wear the floor receives and what tends to happen is this process occurs more rapidly in the high traffic areas leading to an uneven appearance. The best course of action now would be to remove what was left of the sealer and re-polish and seal the floor. During my inspection of the floor I had noticed a number of irregular holes in one of the Travertine tiles which needed filling with a colour matching filler; this worked out quite well and as you can see from the photographs below the result looked entirely natural. After protecting the clients skirting boards with protective film we proceeded to burnish the floor through with a set of Tile Doctor Diamond encrusted honing pads. During the application of the first coarse pad we also added a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean combined with NanoTech Ultra-Clean to aid the removal of sealer residues from the pores of the Travertine. The floor was then rinsed and the soiled solution extracted using a wet vacuum. With the sealer remove we were now able to concentrate on building up the polish on the stone by applying the remaining pads from Medium, Fine through to Very Fine, each lubricated with a little water and ensuring to rinse in-between the application of each pad. With the floor now clean and the polish restored the last step was to protect it so it would keep its appearance for as long as possible. There are a number of solutions for this but for a long durable shine I opted to work Tile Doctor Shine Powder into the Travertine. The powder is applied liberally to the floor and then ground in using a slow speed floor rotary machine fitted with a white or tan buffing pad lubricated with water. The shine on the floor has now been restored and the client has a beautiful and durable finish to their Travertine tiles. Mick Conlon Cambridge Tile Doctor

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.