Search results for "Reports" in Home Design Ideas

THE SETUP
These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order.
Design Objectives:
Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home
Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house
Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet
Allow for workspace in the grill area
Include island seating
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home
Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality
Specifying materials that will withstand the elements
Design Solutions:
A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior
A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food
Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home
Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates
Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island
A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space
Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night
THE RENEWED SPACE
From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

THE SETUP
These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order.
Design Objectives:
Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home
Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house
Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet
Allow for workspace in the grill area
Include island seating
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home
Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality
Specifying materials that will withstand the elements
Design Solutions:
A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior
A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food
Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home
Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates
Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island
A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space
Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night
THE RENEWED SPACE
From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

THE SETUP
These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order.
Design Objectives:
Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home
Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house
Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet
Allow for workspace in the grill area
Include island seating
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home
Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality
Specifying materials that will withstand the elements
Design Solutions:
A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior
A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food
Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home
Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates
Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island
A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space
Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night
THE RENEWED SPACE
From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!
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THE SETUP
These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order.
Design Objectives:
Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home
Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house
Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet
Allow for workspace in the grill area
Include island seating
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home
Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality
Specifying materials that will withstand the elements
Design Solutions:
A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior
A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food
Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home
Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates
Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island
A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space
Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night
THE RENEWED SPACE
From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

THE SETUP
These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order.
Design Objectives:
Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home
Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house
Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet
Allow for workspace in the grill area
Include island seating
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home
Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality
Specifying materials that will withstand the elements
Design Solutions:
A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior
A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food
Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home
Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates
Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island
A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space
Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night
THE RENEWED SPACE
From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

THE SETUP
These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order.
Design Objectives:
Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home
Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house
Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet
Allow for workspace in the grill area
Include island seating
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home
Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality
Specifying materials that will withstand the elements
Design Solutions:
A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior
A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food
Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home
Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates
Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island
A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space
Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night
THE RENEWED SPACE
From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

THE SETUP
These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order.
Design Objectives:
Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home
Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house
Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet
Allow for workspace in the grill area
Include island seating
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home
Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality
Specifying materials that will withstand the elements
Design Solutions:
A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior
A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food
Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home
Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates
Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island
A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space
Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night
THE RENEWED SPACE
From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

This transitional home blends a modern aesthetic with a character home in a historic neighborhood of Metro Vancouver. Featuring custom architectural concrete, paving stones, horizontal cedar fencing and siding, backyard metal trellis and a very unique and modern landscape, this home is a perfect space for entertaining.

Large spectacular, chic, completely updated 1-bedroom suite in the popular well-run Lord James Complex! This bright unit has big picture windows that welcome in an abundance of natural light. Recently custom upgraded gourmet kitchen featuring granite countertop & breakfast bar, plus expensive stainless-steel appliances. Newer easy-care wide plank laminate floors, fresh paint, and decor throughout the unit make this place better than brand new. You will be sure to enjoy the spacious deck that faces your beautiful manicured courtyard garden, gazebo & serene koi pond. The pleasant & peaceful surroundings make this one of the best outlooks possible on the quiet side of the complex. The unit includes separate storage locker, plus plenty of in-suite storage with separate utility/laundry room. One parking spot & RV parking available. Professionally managed, smoke-free & fully remediated (with depreciation report) building allowing all ages and pets. Attractive interior halls with many recreation amenities including one right outside your front door, lounge/library set up. Close to marinas, beautiful public beaches, local shopping, restaurants & on major bus routes. Everything you need and more in beautiful Sidney by the Sea! | Karen Love* (250) 727-5868 | www.KarenLove.com RE/MAX Alliance |

THE SETUP
These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order.
Design Objectives:
Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home
Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house
Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet
Allow for workspace in the grill area
Include island seating
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home
Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality
Specifying materials that will withstand the elements
Design Solutions:
A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior
A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food
Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home
Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates
Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island
A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space
Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night
THE RENEWED SPACE
From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

Recently, TaskRabbit challenged a group of 10 Taskers to build a Tiny House in the middle of Manhattan in just 72 hours – all for a good cause.
Building a fully outfitted tiny house in 3 days was a tall order – a build like this often takes months – but we set out to prove the power of collaboration, showing the kind of progress that can be made when people come together, bringing their best insights, skills and creativity to achieve something that seems impossible.
It was quite a week. New York was wonderful (and quite lovely, despite a bit of rain), our Taskers were incredible, and TaskRabbit’s Tiny House came together in record time, due to the planning, dedication and hard work of all involved.
A Symbol for Change
The TaskRabbit Tiny House was auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going to our partner, Community Solutions, a national nonprofit helping communities take on complex social challenges – issues like homelessness, unemployment and health inequity – through collaboration and creative problem solving. This Tiny House was envisioned as a small symbol of the change that is possible when people have the right tools and opportunities to work together. Through our three-day build, our Taskers proved that amazing things can happen when we put our hearts into creating substantive change in our communities.
The Winning Bid
We’re proud to report that we were able to raise $26,600 to support Community Solutions’ work. Sarah, a lovely woman from New Hampshire, placed the winning bid – and it’s nice to know our tiny home is in good hands.
#ATinyTask: Behind the Scenes
The Plans
A lot of time and effort went into making sure this Tiny Home was as efficient, cozy and welcoming as possible. Our master planners, designer Lesley Morphy and TaskRabbit Creative Director Scott Smith, maximized every square inch in the little house with comfort and style in mind, utilizing a lofted bed, lofted storage, a floor-to-ceiling tiled shower, a compost toilet, and custom details throughout. There’s a surprising amount of built-in storage in the kitchen, while a conscious decision was made to keep the living space open so you could actually exist comfortably without feeling cramped.
The Build
Our Taskers worked long, hard shifts while our team made sure they were well fed, hydrated and in good spirits. The team brought amazing energy and we couldn’t be prouder of the way they worked together. Stay tuned, as we’ll be highlighting more of our Tiny House Taskers’ stories in coming days – they were so great that we want to make sure all of you get to know them better.
The Final Product
Behold, the completed Tiny House! For more photos, be sure to check out our Facebook page.
This was an incredibly inspiring project, and we really enjoyed watching the Tiny House come to life right in the middle of Manhattan. It was amazing to see what our Taskers are capable of, and we’re so glad we were able to support Community Solutions and help fight homelessness, unemployment and health inequity with #ATinyTask.

This client came to us with a unique challenge: create a modern design that matches her fun and funky personality but to make it as "green" and chemical free as possible. We rose to the challenge, researching the best options for sustainable, green and chemical free furnishings. The upholstery pieces are made from sustainable and chemical free materials, the dining table is made of sustainable wood with a chemical free finish. The rugs are from a fair-trade company that supports education for women in India. The client had hired a Feng Shui expert to provide her with a report which we used to design the space. The wallpaper behind the living room sofa is custom designed and custom-made. It is a map made up of hundred of small photos that the homeowner provided to us. It represents the area in her home that will bring travel and connect her to the people she loves. The large, colorful art piece in the dining area is hung in the area of the home that will bring joy around family and children. The hearts and pink/red colored wallpaper in the den will evoke love and relationships.
The client has a colorful, fun personality and we wanted to infuse the design with it. A white backdrop allows all of the pinks, reds, navy blues and turquoises to pop, creating a lively, modern feeling. The textures in the floor and wall coverings and in the fabrics create a lived in, collected feeling and add a touch of bohemian chic style. The new modern cable and walnut stair banister is in keeping with the original modern feel of the row house and keeps the narrow staircase from feeling tight and closed in.
This was a fun, creative and unique project for us. This particular client was one of Olamar's first clients eight years ago when we first opened our doors. At that time the house was nothing but a condemned shell that the client renovated, with our assistance. At that time we designed the kitchen, which is still in excellent condition and still looks amazing!
Photographer: Greg Tinius

THE SETUP
These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order.
Design Objectives:
Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home
Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house
Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet
Allow for workspace in the grill area
Include island seating
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home
Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality
Specifying materials that will withstand the elements
Design Solutions:
A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior
A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food
Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home
Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates
Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island
A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space
Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night
THE RENEWED SPACE
From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

As part of our service we advise customers on best practice for maintaining the appearance of the floor and I’m happy to report this client in Ampthill who has a Terracotta tiled floor that we had fully restored a few years ago had followed to the letter.
Having two dogs and two children, the floor gets a lot of traffic and as expected over a period of time the sealer does wear thin in the busier areas. Should the sealer become too damaged dirt can get underneath and gradually the seal will deteriorate to the point where restoration will be needed again.
By keeping on top of the maintenance our client has kept a beautiful terracotta floor in great condition however as the sealer was wearing he called us back to do a maintenance clean and top up the sealer an activity which we are able to complete in one day rather than the several days needed to do a full restoration.
To maintain the floor, I applied a Tile Doctor fine diamond burnishing pad fitted to a rotary machine and with a little water sprayed onto the tiles to lubricate the process the top was burnished, this took the dirt off the top of the tiles and left a clean surface to top up the seal. The floor was then rinsed to remove the soil generated by the process.
Having removed any damaged sealer an industrial air mover was switched on to get the floor as dry as possible, we then tested the damp levels at various intervals until the floor was dry for re-sealing.
To re-seal two coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go we applied to the floor allowing the first coat to dry before applying the second. Once the second coat had dried a white polishing pad was used to buff the tiles.
Andrew Evans
Bedfordshire Tile Doctor

As Sheila Gibson Stoodley writes in an article about this project in Robb Report, “Brian Hemingway is sensitive to light in the best way possible.”
“The Vancouver, British Columbia-based architect wanted this 22,000-square-foot home near Boston to glow like a lantern at night, and he attained that goal on behalf of the homeowners.” The wood and stone
that Hemingway favored for the home informed the space’s color palette. So critical were these materials that settling on a shade of stain for the Douglas fir and the finishes to be used on the Virginia Mist granite took
months of consultation.
Walker Zanger, the stone supplier, worked with the owner and with Colin Flavin, a Boston-based architect who partnered with Hemingway, to choose, detail, and fabricate the granite.
The stone is used indoors and out, heightening the boundary-blurring effect that the design team desired. Though the owners are ardent art collectors, they did not build their home to showcase specific works; the
real artists here are the architects, Hemingway and Flavin. So deft were they at inviting nature into their creation that, from certain angles, it can be hard to tell where the outdoors stops and starts.
“There are deliberately no window treatments so that Mother Nature weaves the most beautiful textural backgrounds,” said interior designer Andrew Sheinman, of New York’s Pembrooke & Ives. He oversaw the
interiors, working alongside his colleague Michael Lewis. “The seasons change the look and aspect of the house,” said Sheinman, “and we wanted to play on this.”
Bleu de Savoie marble, from France, is used in the baths, to contrast with the Virginia Mist granite and soften the palette and give the baths a spa-like serenity. Hand-chiseled Oxford Black granite is used on exterior landscape walls, to tie the Virginia Mist seamlessly to the natural stone outcroppings.

As Sheila Gibson Stoodley writes in an article about this project in Robb Report, “Brian Hemingway is sensitive to light in the best way possible.”
“The Vancouver, British Columbia-based architect wanted this 22,000-square-foot home near Boston to glow like a lantern at night, and he attained that goal on behalf of the homeowners.” The wood and stone
that Hemingway favored for the home informed the space’s color palette. So critical were these materials that settling on a shade of stain for the Douglas fir and the finishes to be used on the Virginia Mist granite took
months of consultation.
Walker Zanger, the stone supplier, worked with the owner and with Colin Flavin, a Boston-based architect who partnered with Hemingway, to choose, detail, and fabricate the granite.
The stone is used indoors and out, heightening the boundary-blurring effect that the design team desired. Though the owners are ardent art collectors, they did not build their home to showcase specific works; the
real artists here are the architects, Hemingway and Flavin. So deft were they at inviting nature into their creation that, from certain angles, it can be hard to tell where the outdoors stops and starts.
“There are deliberately no window treatments so that Mother Nature weaves the most beautiful textural backgrounds,” said interior designer Andrew Sheinman, of New York’s Pembrooke & Ives. He oversaw the
interiors, working alongside his colleague Michael Lewis. “The seasons change the look and aspect of the house,” said Sheinman, “and we wanted to play on this.”
Bleu de Savoie marble, from France, is used in the baths, to contrast with the Virginia Mist granite and soften the palette and give the baths a spa-like serenity. Hand-chiseled Oxford Black granite is used on exterior landscape walls, to tie the Virginia Mist seamlessly to the natural stone outcroppings.

Inspiration for a transitional screened-in porch remodel in New York with decking and a roof extension

Photo by Ketti Kupper
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard landscaping in Los Angeles.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard landscaping in Los Angeles.

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgment as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work, and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design.
Landscape Architect
Design Workshop, Aspen, CO
Landscape Contractor/
Installer
Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO
Stone Installer
JD Masonry, Arvada, CO
Stone Suppliers
Coldspring, Cold Spring, MN
Gallegos Corporation, Vail, CO
Through a collective dialogue between landscape, architecture and interior design, a new vision reimagines the disturbed site into a livable landscape, emblematic of our American West. The residence – an ensemble of structures designed in a modern ranch vernacular – is effortlessly unified through layered, interconnected outdoor gathering spaces and regional materials that elaborates upon the experience of moving between structures, heightening and renewing one’s sense of place. Upon entering the courtyard, one is immediately aware of seamless and unfolding relationships between architecture and landscape through a sophisticated, regional palette of natural stone, water, and plants. Set upon architectural focal points, two perpendicular sandstone paths descend into the space and converge upon a monolithic, hand-carved granite fountain. The design of the fountain is purposefully quiet, both in its detailing and operation. The feature includes a recessed interior, allowing water to become still before it reaches the surface, with lightly cleft sides, allowing the water to delicately bounce as it descends into the geometric lower granite basin. The landscape architect’s selection of various stone material extends the tones of the home’s granite walls and contextual surroundings into the garden, but also be detailed in a manner that balances rural and modern qualities. The majority of the paving is constructed of rectilinear gray sandstone with a natural finish and snapped edges, laid in a staggered running bond organization. Throughout the garden, thoughtful attention was also given to the configuration and layout of terraces, pathways, and steps. In doing so, this ensured that the edges of the terrace and its interface to other elements were designed so that no “leftover” stone paver pieces would be found. Within the central courtyard, split-faced stone stairs descend into a rectilinear plinth of lawn, punctuated by a carved granite fire pit. Leveraging the property’s existing topographic relief, a shallow infinity-edge dipping pool abstracts the transparent and cavity-like pools found throughout the Rocky Mountains. The design purposefully achieves the illusion of a larger water feature with the distant pond and offers a refreshing recreational element. Containing the infinity edge, a designed granite escarpment emerges from the meadow, juxtaposing the geometric water feature and providing informal seating ledges. The site’s prior use required the landscape architect to incorporate a highly technical and complex sub-surface structural system. The initial geotechnical report identified the building envelopes rested on 12 feet of man-placed fill. Assuming a 1 percent settlement, the team faced concerns that the terraces would settle up to 12 inches. In response, a grid of structural micro-piles provides the necessary foundation for the construction of terraces immediately outside of the architecture, under the water features and site walls. The solution enabled the crisp detailing and design resolution of the architectural structures to seamlessly connect with the horizontal stone terraces.

As Sheila Gibson Stoodley writes in an article about this project in Robb Report, “Brian Hemingway is sensitive to light in the best way possible.”
“The Vancouver, British Columbia-based architect wanted this 22,000-square-foot home near Boston to glow like a lantern at night, and he attained that goal on behalf of the homeowners.” The wood and stone
that Hemingway favored for the home informed the space’s color palette. So critical were these materials that settling on a shade of stain for the Douglas fir and the finishes to be used on the Virginia Mist granite took
months of consultation.
Walker Zanger, the stone supplier, worked with the owner and with Colin Flavin, a Boston-based architect who partnered with Hemingway, to choose, detail, and fabricate the granite.
The stone is used indoors and out, heightening the boundary-blurring effect that the design team desired. Though the owners are ardent art collectors, they did not build their home to showcase specific works; the
real artists here are the architects, Hemingway and Flavin. So deft were they at inviting nature into their creation that, from certain angles, it can be hard to tell where the outdoors stops and starts.
“There are deliberately no window treatments so that Mother Nature weaves the most beautiful textural backgrounds,” said interior designer Andrew Sheinman, of New York’s Pembrooke & Ives. He oversaw the
interiors, working alongside his colleague Michael Lewis. “The seasons change the look and aspect of the house,” said Sheinman, “and we wanted to play on this.”
Bleu de Savoie marble, from France, is used in the baths, to contrast with the Virginia Mist granite and soften the palette and give the baths a spa-like serenity. Hand-chiseled Oxford Black granite is used on exterior landscape walls, to tie the Virginia Mist seamlessly to the natural stone outcroppings.
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