Search results for "Replicating" in Home Design Ideas

Inspired by the Louisiana architecture of A. Hays Town, this client set out to replicate a Louisiana courtyard in the midst of this creekside estate. A pool was the centerpiece of the design, and it was anchored by an antique brick clad spa. The spa, strategically placed on the home's main axis, was specifically purposed to replicate a courtyard fountain.
The vegetation includes a mixture of trimmed boxwood hedges, ferns, and azaleas, as well as a variety of other broad leafed plants. The potted plants add seasonal interest and year-round decor.
This project also features the best in outdoor living. A copper screened cabana house includes an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and temperature controls for year round comfort. There is an outdoor firepit and seating area, sheltered by a vine covered trellis.

Prior to its near-total reconstruction, the Jett Residence was an overgrown structure hidden in a grove of trees in Iowa City, IA. The strikingly-renovated cottage now serves as a retreat house for its owners. Originally built in 1853, the residence retains a significant portion of the original, locally-made red brick. An original, vaulted stone root cellar—rumored to have been part of the Underground Railroad—also remains on the property.
The owners were deeply involved in working with Neumann Monson Architects, Iowa City, in planning the renovation, according to co-owner Bobby Jett. The interior design of the 1,870 sq. ft. cottage offers a highly contemporary flair within the historic setting.
The most prominent feature of the exterior is the RHEINZINK roof. “Everyone loves the roof,” Jett said. “They’ve never seen anything like it.” Approximately 2,500 sq. ft. of RHEINZINK Square Tiles were utilized. The 0.8mm prePATINA blue-grey Square Tiles were installed in a diamond pattern.
Selection of the RHEINZINK Square Tiles was inspired by an old black and white photo of the house taken more half a century ago. “At that time, the roof of the house had diamond shaped shingles. We wanted to replicate that look,” according to Jett. “The architect suggested that RHEINZINK could provide the look and durability we wanted.”
“We definitely wanted to replicate the roof’s visual pattern that we saw in the old photo but obviously wanted it to have more permanence and durability,” said Tim Schroeder, vice president at Neumann Monson Architects. “We’ve worked with zinc before and thought it would be a good complement to the dormers that would provide a nice crisp appearance. The RHEINZINK was definitely a nod to the historic element but provided a progressive look as well.”
Fabrication of the Square Tiles was done by RHEINZINK systems partner Sheet Metal Supply (SMS), Mundelein, IL.
Installation of the RHEINZINK Square Tiles was performed by Natural Metal Associates, Mont Vernon, NH. The owner of Natural Metal Associates, Lou Rondeau, has extensive hands-on experience with zinc fabrication methods and techniques. “I knew this was a unique project and I really wanted to be a part of it,” Rondeau said. Rondeau was accompanied by an apprentice and personally did the hand-cutting and folding associated with detailing the valleys and edges. The work also included installation of the RHEINZINK half-round 5½” gutter system.
The installation was completed in nine days, according to Rondeau. “Zinc is a premium material that’s a real pleasure to work with,” he said.

The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers http://www.themasonscompany.com/ has provided historic preservation consulting and contracting services on countless structures throughout entire Midwest region including several dozen on the National Register of Historic Places. We believe that a multi-disciplinary approach to the planning of all aspects of historic preservation projects is necessary to preserve the heritage of our built environment. As active participants in the preservation community we are appreciative of the limited resources available for the preservation and maintenance of the cultural heritage embodied in historic structures. We endeavor to provide historically appropriate, sensitive, creative, and responsible solutions to the stewards of these treasures. Our solutions are applicable to the repair of all structures including, Brick, Stone, Masonry Restoration, Fountain, Water features - buildings, high-rise structures, parking structures, airports, bridges, tanks, plaza decks, and historic structures.
The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers is an operated business which provides high quality masonry restoration and fountain repair service in the state of Arkansas, Nebraska, Des Moines IA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN, Denver Co, Oklahoma City, Springfield IL, Dallas TX, Florida and entire Midwest region. Our commitment to quality and a standard of excellence on every level is the foundation the company has been built upon. Our skilled and conscientious craftsmen specialize in the historic repair, renovation, replication and restoration of any structure we are contracted to work on. Our nearly 30 years of experience assures efficiency, safety and quality by using the proper materials and installation procedures. This unparalleled experience has earned us a reputation for providing clients with the highest quality repair and installation services available.
Find the right local pro for your project

Nestled in the lush landscape, a modern reinterpretation of a once-fallen barn now features a charming guest cottage with stylish details and contemporary amenities. Situated along a narrow lot in Germantown, New York, the cottage completes a cluster of existing buildings, forming an intimate courtyard on one side. Steel effect folding patio doors fully open the living areas to the expansive fields and the Catskill Mountains beyond.
The homeowners, a young family with parents living abroad, envisioned a cozy yet modern ADU for extended stays. Designed by Lauren Cawse, AIA, architect and partner at The Art of Building, the year-round retreat draws inspiration from traditional local barns while embracing a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
Captivating Guest Cottage Design Enhances the Senses with Steel Effect Folding Patio Doors
The modern ADU design started with the site itself. Positioned between residential and commercial neighbors, the elongated property required a careful balance of privacy and openness. Architect Lauren Cawse approached the layout by redefining the existing house and garage as the east and west sides of an outdoor room, with the new cottage forming its southern boundary. This arrangement created a clear courtyard near the main residence while directing the 800-square-foot guest house toward the open meadow and the distant Catskill Mountains.
“The unique character of the site and its history inspired the architectural direction,” says Cawse. “The intent was to create a secondary structure in the compound in clear contrast to the modern farmhouse style of the house and garage.”
A Barn-Inspired Exterior Adds Visual Flair
The exterior envelope evokes a traditional barn with a simple gable shape, weathered wood siding, cedar shingles, and a foundation veneer made of local fieldstone. A large sliding barn door adds a complementary feature to the courtyard-facing side, creating a dynamic opening that maintains uninterrupted views through the cottage to the meadow beyond.
Steel effect folding patio doors surrounding the structure add a modern touch of transparency, and simulated divided lites allow the contemporary glass wall systems to harmonize with the traditional elements of the modern ADU design.
“The goal was to fully open the living areas to the outdoors, framing views to the meadows and mountains,” says Cawse. “The positioning of the NanaWall systems frames the views and, when open, dissolves the boundary between inside and out.”
Interior Design That Mirrors Nature’s Tranquility
Inside, the design program features a simple layout with one bedroom, a full bath, a kitchenette, and a living area with a wood-burning stove. The interior, a collaboration between The Art of Building and the homeowners, is defined by an understated palette and tactile materials that reflect the natural setting. Color is introduced through the framed glass views on all sides of the structure. Reclaimed timber collar ties span the ceiling overhead, while stone surfaces and naturally patinated metal accents add quiet texture throughout.
Custom hand-painted Delft tiles along the kitchen backsplash add personal detail, and terra cotta flooring in the bathroom brings warmth and old-world charm. Soaring ceilings and abundant daylight create a peaceful play of light and shadow, shifting subtly with the seasons and emphasizing the cottage’s connection to the natural landscape outside.
Sleek Steel Effect Folding Patio Doors Elevate the Modern ADU Design Aesthetic
Three customized steel effect folding patio doors define the living space, each aligned to respond to a different edge of the site. The largest, spanning nearly 20 feet wide and just under eight feet tall, opens directly onto the stone patio, allowing the main gathering area to extend fully into the landscape. Along the side of the living room, a smaller 10-foot-wide system introduces more light and ventilation, nearly creating an open corner condition if not for the structural post that supports the façade and roofline.
At the rear, a fourth ten-foot-wide system features a French door swing panel configuration that opens toward the courtyard, strengthening the design connection to the main residence. All steel effect folding patio doors were specified with a low-maintenance, water-rated Performance Sill to safeguard against inclement weather while providing a seamless, barrier-free transition to the outdoor patio.
Unique Customizations for Visual Appeal and a Steel Effect
Each folding patio door system is configured to open outward, maximizing usable floor space in the compact interior and allowing furniture placement to remain uninterrupted. By stacking outward, the steel effect folding patio doors, specified in a SE Classic Bronze powder coat, ensure every inch of the cottage is optimized. Simulated divided lites create a consistent rhythm across windows and doors, maintaining alignment with the traditional barn-inspired exterior.
In the bedroom, a three-panel, 10-foot-wide system mirrors these customizations, matching the steel effect divided-lite pattern and outward-opening configuration, extending the indoor-outdoor connection while preserving visual continuity throughout the ADU.
“The divided lites were crucial to the architectural vision, and while budget prohibited a steel and glass system, NanaWall Systems’ thin frames provide the open and airy feeling we hoped to attain,” says Cawse. “Simulated divided lites transition the thoroughly modern element of the glass walls to remain in harmony with the otherwise traditional palette.”
Matching Windows and Doors: Create a Cohesive Design Program
Alongside the larger openings in the living areas and bedroom, a smaller 3-foot-tall NanaWall tilt turn window was added to the bathroom. This window-sized NanaWall system perfectly matches the divided lite panels and sleek frames of the steel effect folding patio doors, creating a cohesive modern ADU design throughout. The compact opening provides ventilation and natural light, enhancing the spa-like atmosphere along with natural stone flooring. The matching glass lines and sleek profiles of the NanaWall Generation 4 comprehensive product line further unify visual consistency, allowing each system to fit into the architectural style seamlessly.
“This project had three bifold glass walls, a pair of double French doors with sidelites, and a single tilt turn window,” says architect Lauren Cawse. “Being able to work with a single manufacturer provided aesthetic cohesiveness and simplified coordination.”
Sustainability Where It Matters Most
New York weather can vary from hot 85-degree summers to cold 26-degree winters. Creating an efficient living space was a primary goal. To achieve this, the design included Timber HP-insulated walls and floors with a heat pump system for effective heating and cooling. Additionally, the steel effect folding patio doors and windows were specified with double-glazed panels to ensure a tight building envelope.
Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces for Relaxing and Entertaining
In-house landscape designer Liz Pulver worked closely with the team to conceive open-air spaces that enhanced the connection between inside and outside. To the south end of the lot, the landscape transitions into an “enhanced meadow,” allowing the cottage to feel embedded within the surrounding fields rather than set apart from them. A circular pool was designed to mimic a natural pond with a modest footprint. Around it, a minimalist fence and sunken stone ha-ha wall offer discreet safety for young children.
Limited space due to existing infrastructure and zoning setbacks left only a small footprint for the swimming pool, prompting the designer to propose a circular form that maximized the usable swimming area. “We felt that the perfect way to integrate a pool into the property and to honor the landscape would be to treat the pool as a piece of art itself,” says Pulver. “The result is a beautiful round pool that serves as both a functional retreat and a sculptural moment.”
Final Thoughts: A Barn-Inspired Design for Contemporary Living
This modern ADU design skillfully combines modern features with the enduring charm of traditional barns. The outcome is a welcoming living space that stands out amid a stunning landscape. Natural materials that mimic the beauty of the outdoors, expansive steel effect folding patio doors that fill the space with fresh air and natural light, and a restrained interior design work together to create an inviting retreat for everyday living, throughout the seasons.
“When entering the site, the cottage feels as though it was always there,” says Cawse. “It achieves its two opposing goals by creating a feeling of intimacy and enclosure near the house while also functioning as a threshold to the expansive fields and views beyond.”
Explore how NanaWall folding patio doors elevate other ADU spaces in our inspiring project photo gallery!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Slimline Steel Effect?
Steel Effect is a folding patio door design option that replicates the appearance of traditional steel-framed glass doors. It combines the look of steel with the performance benefits of aluminum, including energy efficiency, low maintenance, greater design flexibility, and lower cost.
How does a NanaWall Steel Effect aluminum system compare to traditional steel-framed glass doors?
NanaWall Slimline Steel Effect folding patio doors replicate the narrow frames of traditional steel doors with improved weather and thermal performance and easier operation. They are lighter, more corrosion-resistant, and feature a thermally broken design for better energy efficiency and lower long-term maintenance.
What are the benefits of Steel Effect folding glass walls?
Steel Effect folding glass walls deliver the narrow sightlines and grid patterns of traditional steel, combined with the performance and low maintenance of aluminum. The slimline steel effect option offers all the benefits of our Generation 4 product line, including the FourFold / SixFold floating panel set option and smooth operation with Gothic arch stainless steel rollers on a stainless steel track.
Can Slimline Steel Effect glass walls be customized?
Yes, these systems offer a high level of customization to suit different architectural styles, including simulated divided lites specified in various patterns, popular SE colors for a true steel effect look, and a contemporary glass stop option for a refined look. Contact your local NanaWall representative for additional options here.
How energy-efficient and weather-resistant are Slimline Steel Effect folding patio doors?
Steel effect folding systems are engineered for strong thermal and weather performance. Thermally broken frames and high-performance glazing help improve energy efficiency. Each NanaWall system has been independently tested for air, water, structural integrity, and forced entry with excellent results.

THE SETUP
Imagine how thrilled Diana was when she was approached about designing a kitchen for a client who is an avid traveler and Francophile. ‘French-country’ is a very specific category of traditional design that combines French provincial elegance with rustic comforts. The look draws on soothing hues, antique accents and a wonderful fusion of polished and relic’d finishes.
Her client wanted to feel like she was in the south of France every time she walked into her kitchen. She wanted real honed marble counters, vintage finishes and authentic heavy stone walls like you’d find in a 400-year old château in Les Baux-de-Provence.
Diana’s mission: capture the client’s vision, design it and utilize Drury Design’s sourcing and building expertise to bring it to life.
Design Objectives:
Create the feel of an authentic vintage French-country kitchen
Include natural materials that would have been used in an old French château
Add a second oven
Omit an unused desk area in favor of a large, tall pantry armoire
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Finding real stone for the walls, and the craftsmen to install it
Accommodate for the thickness of the stones
Replicating château beam architecture
Replicating authentic French-country finishes
Find a spot for a new steam oven
Design Solutions:
Source and sort true stone. Utilize veteran craftsmen to apply to the walls using old-world techniques
Furr out interior window casings to adjust for the thicker stone walls
Source true reclaimed beams
Utilize veteran craftsmen for authentic finishes and distressing for the island, tall pantry armoire and stucco hood
Modify the butler’s pantry base cabinet to accommodate the new steam oven
THE RENEWED SPACE
Before we started work on her new French-country kitchen, the homeowner told us the kitchen that came with the house was “not my kitchen.”
“I felt like a stranger,” she told us during the photoshoot. “It wasn’t my color, it wasn’t my texture. It wasn’t my style… I didn’t have my stamp on it.”
And now?
“I love the fact that my family can come in here, wrap their arms around it and feel comfortable,” she said. “It’s like a big hug.”

Bud Kane has remodeled nearly every room in his own home over many years. Now reaching his 70’s, he contemplated heading up a major kitchen and laundry room renovation himself, planning on doing the carpentry work with his own hands. “I was not convinced I would ever meet anyone who could do it as well as I could do it myself”, said Bud. Ruth and Bud spent 5 years visiting kitchen firms and interviewing designers. They couldn’t however bring themselves to pull the trigger on the project, until they met Advance Design Studio in 2015.
“No one understood what I wanted”, said Ruth. She was continually frustrated by experiences with designers who weren’t hearing what was important to her. “Everyone kept designing my kitchen with what they thought it should look like; I couldn’t find anyone who would listen to me”!
When they met designer Scott Christensen from Advance Design Studio, they liked him right away. He listened to Ruth and designed a kitchen that she loved, all the while interjecting years of wisdom and design expertise that Ruth appreciated. “The finished product is better than I expected”, says Ruth. “I respected Scott’s opinions and together we created the perfect place for me to bake with my grandkids and truly enjoy the kitchen and laundry room I’ve been dreaming of for many years!”
The kitchen transformation began with removing the home’s soffits, and extending new painted maple cabinetry to the ceiling with the addition of an elegant crown molding. Ruth’s new Vita Mix holds a coveted place on her counter, and adjustments were planned to size the cabinets in conjunction with the under cabinet decorative light molding to fit this appliance just right. “This one small detail was really important to me”, says Ruth smiling. An elegant new island replaced the original island, complete with room for 3 stools where her grandchildren will sit to make home-made pasta every Thanksgiving, and cookies at Christmas time. “Traditions are very important in my family, and making my kitchen work to suit cherished activities with my family was the number one reason this renovation was so desired”, replied Ruth when asked about the island.
A picture perfect new tea station replaced a cluttered unused desk area, creating a wonderful place to prepare hot drinks for sipping any season of the year while overlooking the couple’s wonderfully manicured gardens from the lovely 3 season’s room just off the kitchen. The soft sage island bead panel detail was repeated on the backsplash, replicating the feel of a fine old piece of furniture.
The biggest problem with the laundry room was 3 doors, one from the garage, one from the closet, and one to the hallway. “Scott designed a pocket door, and oh what a dream it is now to bring groceries in from the garage!” exclaims Bud who grew to disdain this task! Doing laundry is now a breeze in this attractive new space that doubles as a wonderful pantry for the kitchen with room to store food items that didn’t have a home in the poorly designed original space.
New Hickory distressed wood flooring was laid both in the kitchen and leading to the hall foyer. Soft gray wood-replicating porcelain was placed in the laundry area, making for an easily cleanable surface for what doubles as a mud room from the garage. Creamy tumbled marble graces an unobtrusive backsplash spilling onto shiny granite counter tops in a rich earthy pattern of fall colors that mimic colors throughout the home. Advance is known details that included custom crafted furniture toe kicks, luxurious crown moldings, and beaded under cabinet moldings. The kitchen is complete with a glass display cabinet showing Ruth’s treasured china tea collection.
Early on, it was initially only their intention of purchasing cabinets for the new design. They were so impressed however with Advance Design’s complete program for budgeting, design, installation and management that it became clear to them both that they wanted Advance to handle the entire project from start to finish. “After seeing the quality work they did, coupled with the in-house team completely dedicated to our satisfaction, it became apparent there was no other choice but to hire them to handle everything. And we’re so glad we did, we have not one regret”, says Bud.
“The attention to detail by the carpentry crew more than satisfied my perfectionist expectations of the finished carpentry,” exclaimed Bud. “Every one of Advance Design’s people we encountered from design through construction was wonderful. We’ve never met a group of people so dedicated to making sure we were happy with every single detail, and every single part of this experience”, said Ruth and Bud.
Designer: Scott Christensen
Photographer: Joe Nowak

Modern Outdoor Pool in a Private Residence Using Porcea Coast and Porcea Birch Timber
Porcea Coast is a light beige outdoor porcelain tile, available in 2 cm thickness. Outdoor porcelain is suitable for all applications including patios, walkways, pool decks, pedestrian commercial traffic, building facades, veneers, and even vehicular traffic with a concrete base.
Porcea Birch Timber is a light brown wood outdoor porcelain, designed to replicate the knots and patterns found in real wood. It is available in nice plank sizes in order to truly replicate wooden decking, however unlike wooden decking that needs to be re-stained and oiled every few years, outdoor wooden porcelain is virtually bulletproof. Outdoor wood design porcelain tiles can withstand freeze thaw cycles, salt/chemicals, and is abrasion resistant. Unlike real wood, it will not splinter or require any ongoing maintenance. Exclusive to Porcea Stone, this product is also available in 1 cm thickness for an indoor application and to allow that same look to continue outdoors with the 2 cm outdoor porcelain pavers.
![25.) Port Orchard, WA - [House of the Year - 1997]](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c3210c7a04c123e3_0401-w360-h360-b0-p0--.jpg)
COLUMN DESIGN NUMBER: Design #108
COLUMN DESIGN: Authentic Replication wood columns. Octagonal, plain, tapered shaft with Roman Doric capitals and Ionic (Attic) base moldings / plinths.
COLUMN MATERIAL: Paint-Grade Wood
COLUMN SIZE: 8" x 6'-05"
PROJECT LOCATION: Port Orchard, Washington
PROJECT COMMENTS: Country Living Magazine, featured (4) of Chadsworth's Authentic Replication (Architectural) wood columns for the House of the Year – in Port Orchard, Washington. The columns were Octagonal, plain, tapered columns with Roman Doric capitals and Attic bases.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ROGER TURK (NORTHLIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY), EXTERIOR, RESIDENTIAL

This residence started out as a standard production home. We completely transformed the typical tub and walk in shower to a full sized wet area. Here we used a polished porcelain tile that replicates the elegance of marble. The floor is comprised of river rock (a pebble style tile), which helps elevate the the modern look around it. The main floor tile is also a porcelain tile which replicates natural stone. The library is organized neatly, still keeping with the sleek and sharp look of the other parts of the home. There is even a hidden doorway!

Nestled in the lush landscape, a modern reinterpretation of a once-fallen barn now features a charming guest cottage with stylish details and contemporary amenities. Situated along a narrow lot in Germantown, New York, the cottage completes a cluster of existing buildings, forming an intimate courtyard on one side. Steel effect folding patio doors fully open the living areas to the expansive fields and the Catskill Mountains beyond.
The homeowners, a young family with parents living abroad, envisioned a cozy yet modern ADU for extended stays. Designed by Lauren Cawse, AIA, architect and partner at The Art of Building, the year-round retreat draws inspiration from traditional local barns while embracing a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
Captivating Guest Cottage Design Enhances the Senses with Steel Effect Folding Patio Doors
The modern ADU design started with the site itself. Positioned between residential and commercial neighbors, the elongated property required a careful balance of privacy and openness. Architect Lauren Cawse approached the layout by redefining the existing house and garage as the east and west sides of an outdoor room, with the new cottage forming its southern boundary. This arrangement created a clear courtyard near the main residence while directing the 800-square-foot guest house toward the open meadow and the distant Catskill Mountains.
“The unique character of the site and its history inspired the architectural direction,” says Cawse. “The intent was to create a secondary structure in the compound in clear contrast to the modern farmhouse style of the house and garage.”
A Barn-Inspired Exterior Adds Visual Flair
The exterior envelope evokes a traditional barn with a simple gable shape, weathered wood siding, cedar shingles, and a foundation veneer made of local fieldstone. A large sliding barn door adds a complementary feature to the courtyard-facing side, creating a dynamic opening that maintains uninterrupted views through the cottage to the meadow beyond.
Steel effect folding patio doors surrounding the structure add a modern touch of transparency, and simulated divided lites allow the contemporary glass wall systems to harmonize with the traditional elements of the modern ADU design.
“The goal was to fully open the living areas to the outdoors, framing views to the meadows and mountains,” says Cawse. “The positioning of the NanaWall systems frames the views and, when open, dissolves the boundary between inside and out.”
Interior Design That Mirrors Nature’s Tranquility
Inside, the design program features a simple layout with one bedroom, a full bath, a kitchenette, and a living area with a wood-burning stove. The interior, a collaboration between The Art of Building and the homeowners, is defined by an understated palette and tactile materials that reflect the natural setting. Color is introduced through the framed glass views on all sides of the structure. Reclaimed timber collar ties span the ceiling overhead, while stone surfaces and naturally patinated metal accents add quiet texture throughout.
Custom hand-painted Delft tiles along the kitchen backsplash add personal detail, and terra cotta flooring in the bathroom brings warmth and old-world charm. Soaring ceilings and abundant daylight create a peaceful play of light and shadow, shifting subtly with the seasons and emphasizing the cottage’s connection to the natural landscape outside.
Sleek Steel Effect Folding Patio Doors Elevate the Modern ADU Design Aesthetic
Three customized steel effect folding patio doors define the living space, each aligned to respond to a different edge of the site. The largest, spanning nearly 20 feet wide and just under eight feet tall, opens directly onto the stone patio, allowing the main gathering area to extend fully into the landscape. Along the side of the living room, a smaller 10-foot-wide system introduces more light and ventilation, nearly creating an open corner condition if not for the structural post that supports the façade and roofline.
At the rear, a fourth ten-foot-wide system features a French door swing panel configuration that opens toward the courtyard, strengthening the design connection to the main residence. All steel effect folding patio doors were specified with a low-maintenance, water-rated Performance Sill to safeguard against inclement weather while providing a seamless, barrier-free transition to the outdoor patio.
Unique Customizations for Visual Appeal and a Steel Effect
Each folding patio door system is configured to open outward, maximizing usable floor space in the compact interior and allowing furniture placement to remain uninterrupted. By stacking outward, the steel effect folding patio doors, specified in a SE Classic Bronze powder coat, ensure every inch of the cottage is optimized. Simulated divided lites create a consistent rhythm across windows and doors, maintaining alignment with the traditional barn-inspired exterior.
In the bedroom, a three-panel, 10-foot-wide system mirrors these customizations, matching the steel effect divided-lite pattern and outward-opening configuration, extending the indoor-outdoor connection while preserving visual continuity throughout the ADU.
“The divided lites were crucial to the architectural vision, and while budget prohibited a steel and glass system, NanaWall Systems’ thin frames provide the open and airy feeling we hoped to attain,” says Cawse. “Simulated divided lites transition the thoroughly modern element of the glass walls to remain in harmony with the otherwise traditional palette.”
Matching Windows and Doors: Create a Cohesive Design Program
Alongside the larger openings in the living areas and bedroom, a smaller 3-foot-tall NanaWall tilt turn window was added to the bathroom. This window-sized NanaWall system perfectly matches the divided lite panels and sleek frames of the steel effect folding patio doors, creating a cohesive modern ADU design throughout. The compact opening provides ventilation and natural light, enhancing the spa-like atmosphere along with natural stone flooring. The matching glass lines and sleek profiles of the NanaWall Generation 4 comprehensive product line further unify visual consistency, allowing each system to fit into the architectural style seamlessly.
“This project had three bifold glass walls, a pair of double French doors with sidelites, and a single tilt turn window,” says architect Lauren Cawse. “Being able to work with a single manufacturer provided aesthetic cohesiveness and simplified coordination.”
Sustainability Where It Matters Most
New York weather can vary from hot 85-degree summers to cold 26-degree winters. Creating an efficient living space was a primary goal. To achieve this, the design included Timber HP-insulated walls and floors with a heat pump system for effective heating and cooling. Additionally, the steel effect folding patio doors and windows were specified with double-glazed panels to ensure a tight building envelope.
Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces for Relaxing and Entertaining
In-house landscape designer Liz Pulver worked closely with the team to conceive open-air spaces that enhanced the connection between inside and outside. To the south end of the lot, the landscape transitions into an “enhanced meadow,” allowing the cottage to feel embedded within the surrounding fields rather than set apart from them. A circular pool was designed to mimic a natural pond with a modest footprint. Around it, a minimalist fence and sunken stone ha-ha wall offer discreet safety for young children.
Limited space due to existing infrastructure and zoning setbacks left only a small footprint for the swimming pool, prompting the designer to propose a circular form that maximized the usable swimming area. “We felt that the perfect way to integrate a pool into the property and to honor the landscape would be to treat the pool as a piece of art itself,” says Pulver. “The result is a beautiful round pool that serves as both a functional retreat and a sculptural moment.”
Final Thoughts: A Barn-Inspired Design for Contemporary Living
This modern ADU design skillfully combines modern features with the enduring charm of traditional barns. The outcome is a welcoming living space that stands out amid a stunning landscape. Natural materials that mimic the beauty of the outdoors, expansive steel effect folding patio doors that fill the space with fresh air and natural light, and a restrained interior design work together to create an inviting retreat for everyday living, throughout the seasons.
“When entering the site, the cottage feels as though it was always there,” says Cawse. “It achieves its two opposing goals by creating a feeling of intimacy and enclosure near the house while also functioning as a threshold to the expansive fields and views beyond.”
Explore how NanaWall folding patio doors elevate other ADU spaces in our inspiring project photo gallery!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Slimline Steel Effect?
Steel Effect is a folding patio door design option that replicates the appearance of traditional steel-framed glass doors. It combines the look of steel with the performance benefits of aluminum, including energy efficiency, low maintenance, greater design flexibility, and lower cost.
How does a NanaWall Steel Effect aluminum system compare to traditional steel-framed glass doors?
NanaWall Slimline Steel Effect folding patio doors replicate the narrow frames of traditional steel doors with improved weather and thermal performance and easier operation. They are lighter, more corrosion-resistant, and feature a thermally broken design for better energy efficiency and lower long-term maintenance.
What are the benefits of Steel Effect folding glass walls?
Steel Effect folding glass walls deliver the narrow sightlines and grid patterns of traditional steel, combined with the performance and low maintenance of aluminum. The slimline steel effect option offers all the benefits of our Generation 4 product line, including the FourFold / SixFold floating panel set option and smooth operation with Gothic arch stainless steel rollers on a stainless steel track.
Can Slimline Steel Effect glass walls be customized?
Yes, these systems offer a high level of customization to suit different architectural styles, including simulated divided lites specified in various patterns, popular SE colors for a true steel effect look, and a contemporary glass stop option for a refined look. Contact your local NanaWall representative for additional options here.
How energy-efficient and weather-resistant are Slimline Steel Effect folding patio doors?
Steel effect folding systems are engineered for strong thermal and weather performance. Thermally broken frames and high-performance glazing help improve energy efficiency. Each NanaWall system has been independently tested for air, water, structural integrity, and forced entry with excellent results.

This Luxury Villa was fitted with our exclusive Porcelain Sukabumi Tiles that replicates the natural stone from Bali, Indonesia. The reason it is replicated is for its longevity and durability. This dynamic tile gives you different shades of greens and blues depending on water depth, sunlight and you bespoke design patterns.

This residence started out as a standard production home. We completely transformed the typical tub and walk in shower to a full sized wet area. Here we used a polished porcelain tile that replicates the elegance of marble. The floor is comprised of river rock (a pebble style tile), which helps elevate the the modern look around it. The main floor tile is also a porcelain tile which replicates natural stone. The library is organized neatly, still keeping with the sleek and sharp look of the other parts of the home. There is even a hidden doorway!

Description: The beauty of Vintage Casual design come to life with the aged brown rough sawn finish flowing over a replicated oak grain along with the case pilaster detailing and ample storage space for their most treasured items makes the “Devon” youth bedroom collection the perfect way to create that cottage getaway your child will never want to leave.
Special Features: Vintage aged brown rough sawn finish over replicated oak grain. Substantial warm pewter color drawer handles. Left side facing or right side facing storage steps option for loft bed. Loft can be configured with a combination of chests or a twin caster bed. Headboard legs have 4 height options for optimal relationship to bedding height.
Dimensions:
Queen Panel Bed:
Headboard: 63.39” W x 2.20” D x 54.37” H
Footboard: 63.39” W x 2.68” D x 19.29” H
Rails: 62.28” W x 81.89” D x 7.17” H
King Panel Bed:
Headboard: 79.92” W x 2.20” D x 54.37” H
Footboard: 79.92” W x 2.68” D x 19.29” H
Rails: 78.78” W x 81.89” D x 7.17” H
Dresser: 61.26” W x 15.91” D x 42.74” H
Mirror: 39.80” W x 2.48” D x 32.87” H
2-Drawer Media Chest: 44.72” W x 19.76” D x 44.07” H
Media Chest (optional fireplace): 47.40” W x 19.76” D x 44.72” H
5-Drawer Chest: 34"W x 16"D x 54"H
1-Drawer Night Stand: 24.21” W x 15.91” D x 25.81” H
2-Drawer Night Stand: 24"W x 16"D x 29"H
Pricing Options:
Queen Panel Bed: $499
King Panel Bed: $699
Dresser: $599
Mirror: $139
2-Drawer Media Chest: $499
5- drawer chest: $419
Media Chest w/ fireplace: $729
1-Drawer Night Stand: $199
2-Drawer Night Stand: $229

This Virginia couple recently moved into a five-acre lot in Haymarket, VA with the expectation of adding an in-law suite to the right side of their home.
The addition provides complete independence, with its own garage, secondary garage/storage space with built-in ramp, workshop, a master suite and closet, an aging-in-place bathroom, kitchen, and a main living area, along with a front porch overlooking the front of the home.
This couple wanted to maintain the exterior integrity with a seamless connection between the interior and exterior of the home. Matching the front gables, stone and siding fronts, replicating the fascia, windows and doors, garage doors and other details.
The front porch leads to the front door of the main living and kitchen area towards the rear portion. A side door leads into the mudroom and existing home.
The rear side includes a master bedroom suite which leads towards twelve feet of French doors on the back deck of the existing home, connecting the new deck to the existing porch. A large closet space with built-ins is placed just off the bedroom and connects to the master bathroom suite. This bathroom is equipped with large walk-in shower, frameless glass door, a soaking tub, beautiful tile setting, and double vanity space giving the luxury one needs.
The lead staircase connects the upstairs level to the basement level, which includes one multipurpose room, second garage, storage and a workshop. Lots of windows and doors allow plenty of daylight to enter this addition. Outside of the French doors, one can walk onto the basketball court and soccer.
Every element of the existing home was replicated for this addition such as, matching cabinetry, trim work, 10 foot ceiling, wide size wood plank, granite countertops and much more.
The front garage provides direct access from driveway and the interior ramp serves as a walkway.
This family is delighted to have their loved one living just few steps away from them.

Inspired by the Louisiana architecture of A. Hays Town, this client set out to replicate a Louisiana courtyard in the midst of this creekside estate. A pool was the centerpiece of the design, and it was anchored by an antique brick clad spa. The spa, strategically placed on the home's main axis, was specifically purposed to replicate a courtyard fountain.

This residence started out as a standard production home. We completely transformed the typical tub and walk in shower to a full sized wet area. Here we used a polished porcelain tile that replicates the elegance of marble. The floor is comprised of river rock (a pebble style tile), which helps elevate the the modern look around it. The main floor tile is also a porcelain tile which replicates natural stone. The library is organized neatly, still keeping with the sleek and sharp look of the other parts of the home. There is even a hidden doorway!

Reclaimed wood flooring in kitchen area of San Francisco Loft.
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in San Francisco
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in San Francisco

THE SETUP
Imagine how thrilled Diana was when she was approached about designing a kitchen for a client who is an avid traveler and Francophile. ‘French-country’ is a very specific category of traditional design that combines French provincial elegance with rustic comforts. The look draws on soothing hues, antique accents and a wonderful fusion of polished and relic’d finishes.
Her client wanted to feel like she was in the south of France every time she walked into her kitchen. She wanted real honed marble counters, vintage finishes and authentic heavy stone walls like you’d find in a 400-year old château in Les Baux-de-Provence.
Diana’s mission: capture the client’s vision, design it and utilize Drury Design’s sourcing and building expertise to bring it to life.
Design Objectives:
Create the feel of an authentic vintage French-country kitchen
Include natural materials that would have been used in an old French château
Add a second oven
Omit an unused desk area in favor of a large, tall pantry armoire
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Finding real stone for the walls, and the craftsmen to install it
Accommodate for the thickness of the stones
Replicating château beam architecture
Replicating authentic French-country finishes
Find a spot for a new steam oven
Design Solutions:
Source and sort true stone. Utilize veteran craftsmen to apply to the walls using old-world techniques
Furr out interior window casings to adjust for the thicker stone walls
Source true reclaimed beams
Utilize veteran craftsmen for authentic finishes and distressing for the island, tall pantry armoire and stucco hood
Modify the butler’s pantry base cabinet to accommodate the new steam oven
THE RENEWED SPACE
Before we started work on her new French-country kitchen, the homeowner told us the kitchen that came with the house was “not my kitchen.”
“I felt like a stranger,” she told us during the photoshoot. “It wasn’t my color, it wasn’t my texture. It wasn’t my style… I didn’t have my stamp on it.”
And now?
“I love the fact that my family can come in here, wrap their arms around it and feel comfortable,” she said. “It’s like a big hug.”

This Virginia couple recently moved into a five-acre lot in Haymarket, VA with the expectation of adding an in-law suite to the right side of their home.
The addition provides complete independence, with its own garage, secondary garage/storage space with built-in ramp, workshop, a master suite and closet, an aging-in-place bathroom, kitchen, and a main living area, along with a front porch overlooking the front of the home.
This couple wanted to maintain the exterior integrity with a seamless connection between the interior and exterior of the home. Matching the front gables, stone and siding fronts, replicating the fascia, windows and doors, garage doors and other details.
The front porch leads to the front door of the main living and kitchen area towards the rear portion. A side door leads into the mudroom and existing home.
The rear side includes a master bedroom suite which leads towards twelve feet of French doors on the back deck of the existing home, connecting the new deck to the existing porch. A large closet space with built-ins is placed just off the bedroom and connects to the master bathroom suite. This bathroom is equipped with large walk-in shower, frameless glass door, a soaking tub, beautiful tile setting, and double vanity space giving the luxury one needs.
The lead staircase connects the upstairs level to the basement level, which includes one multipurpose room, second garage, storage and a workshop. Lots of windows and doors allow plenty of daylight to enter this addition. Outside of the French doors, one can walk onto the basketball court and soccer.
Every element of the existing home was replicated for this addition such as, matching cabinetry, trim work, 10 foot ceiling, wide size wood plank, granite countertops and much more.
The front garage provides direct access from driveway and the interior ramp serves as a walkway.
This family is delighted to have their loved one living just few steps away from them.
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