We've created an interior that became the embodiment of the main principles of our studio: modernity, functionality, democracy and honesty. The use of natural colors and simple shapes made it possible to visually expand the space of a small apartment. The task of interior solutions - successfully resolve life is to master the lifestyle, make elegant and robust framework for everyday life scenarios for young families. Not to activate the space, but to make it possible to fill a new home. Each design solution creates a story from life that recreates happiness and family comfort.

On March 19, ChopChop Kids, the publisher of ChopChop, The Fun Cooking Magazine for Families celebrated the opening of their new test kitchen in Belmont, MA. Designed by Deborah Berke Partners, the space is used for photoshoots, cooking classes, and recipe development for the non-profit magazine devoted to teaching children about nutrition and wellness through food. As an organization, ChopChop believes that cooking and eating together as a family is a vital step in resolving the obesity and hunger epidemics. Porcelanosa products used: Residence Line G-037 Blanco Snow G-017 Roble negro (ISLAND) G-10 Roble Tierra photos: Michael Granacki Photography (Michaelgranacki.format.com) architect: Deborah Berke Partners

The issue of the lot’s steep grade was resolved by designing a pool with one side protruding above grade. This enables it to double as a retaining wall. The resulting 3-step drop in elevation led to the creation of a 300 sq. ft. section of lower patio. The backyard now offers a selection of separate lounge areas.

Open concept kitchen - contemporary light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Boston with open cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

The owners requested that their home harmonize with the spirit of the surrounding Colorado mountain setting and enhance their outdoor recreational lifestyle - while reflecting their contemporary architectural tastes. The site was burdened with a myriad of strict design criteria enforced by the neighborhood covenants and architectural review board. Creating a distinct design challenge, the covenants included a narrow interpretation of a “mountain style” home which established predetermined roof pitches, glazing percentages and material palettes - at direct odds with the client‘s vision of a flat-roofed, glass, “contemporary” home. Our solution finds inspiration and opportunities within the site covenant’s strict definitions. It promotes and celebrates the client’s outdoor lifestyle and resolves the definition of a contemporary “mountain style” home by reducing the architecture to its most basic vernacular forms and relying upon local materials. The home utilizes a simple base, middle and top that echoes the surrounding mountains and vegetation. The massing takes its cues from the prevalent lodgepole pine trees that grow at the mountain’s high altitudes. These pine trees have a distinct growth pattern, highlighted by a single vertical trunk and a peaked, densely foliated growth zone above a sparse base. This growth pattern is referenced by placing the wood-clad body of the home at the second story above an open base composed of wood posts and glass. A simple peaked roof rests lightly atop the home - visually floating above a triangular glass transom. The home itself is neatly inserted amongst an existing grove of lodgepole pines and oriented to take advantage of panoramic views of the adjacent meadow and Continental Divide beyond. The main functions of the house are arranged into public and private areas and this division is made apparent on the home’s exterior. Two large roof forms, clad in pre-patinated zinc, are separated by a sheltering central deck - which signals the main entry to the home. At this connection, the roof deck is opened to allow a cluster of aspen trees to grow – further reinforcing nature as an integral part of arrival. Outdoor living spaces are provided on all levels of the house and are positioned to take advantage of sunrise and sunset moments. The distinction between interior and exterior space is blurred via the use of large expanses of glass. The dry stacked stone base and natural cedar cladding both reappear within the home’s interior spaces. This home offers a unique solution to the client’s requests while satisfying the design requirements of the neighborhood covenants. The house provides a variety of indoor and outdoor living spaces that can be utilized in all seasons. Most importantly, the house takes its cues directly from its natural surroundings and local building traditions to become a prototype solution for the “modern mountain house”. Overview Ranch Creek Ranch Winter Park, Colorado Completion Date October, 2007 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

Historic properties require special skill and vision. With a nod to the period style of this home and modern updates, we created an extremely functional kitchen within a small footprint. The property was gutted top to bottom and structural issues resolved. Playing with natural textures, faux elements and neutral colors, the blend of old and new make this little kitchen a powerhouse!

We've created an interior that became the embodiment of the main principles of our studio: modernity, functionality, democracy and honesty. The use of natural colors and simple shapes made it possible to visually expand the space of a small apartment. The task of interior solutions - successfully resolve life is to master the lifestyle, make elegant and robust framework for everyday life scenarios for young families. Not to activate the space, but to make it possible to fill a new home. Each design solution creates a story from life that recreates happiness and family comfort.

Our clients came to us with specific remodeling goals: to create a more functional mid-century home with an updated and larger kitchen, to resolve the public circulation through their master bedroom, have a unified feel versus a house with multiple additions, and expanded views of the lovely Huron River, which is right outside their backyard. Our solutions focused on creating a new circulation system that reconnects the entire floor plan into a cohesive whole, and reinforces the connection to the outdoor courtyards.

A young family with kids purchased their first home and contacted me with the task to design an upbeat and energetic space for them, which also will have all the functionality they needed. There were some restrains - a load-bearing beam ran across the space leaving very little wall space on the left available. We've chosen European size appliances and creatively resolved the corner to allow the sink placement. and added a ton of color and shine.

The backyard had persistent drainage issues, so Betz resolved the problem by adjusting the levels and slopes on all new surfaces. Another challenge was the overgrown hedge and shrubs which used up valuable space. They were removed from across the back and a portion of one side, then replaced with new fencing.

When the Owners approached Goggans Architecture about renovation of a 90’s era oceanfront house, it was clear there would be a lot more to the renovation than mere updates and remedying deferred maintenance. One of the most significant issues was how to integrate an outdoor pool given the pool had to be within the building envelope, and the house was already abutting the setback on its ocean side. A second significant challenge was how to provide a roof top deck over a pitched roof house with an attic, that was functional and attractive. Finally, creating better access from the parking area to the kitchen was a priority. Goggans Architecture addressed the placement of a pool by creating a walled courtyard at the front, or landward side, of the house. The pool was placed on one side of the entry walkway, while its composition was balanced by a parterre garden on the other side of the walkway. The roof top deck was resolved by adding a new staircase and passageway through former attic space. By using a motorized roof hatch, the Owners could ascend to the roof deck which perched just below the roof ridge, hidden from view from the street. Relocating an underneath stair from one side of the house to a point that was closer to the kitchen resolved the access issue. These strategic moves created other opportunities, such as expansion of the master bathroom to a portion of the front porch, while allowing an exterior stair from the bath directly to the pool. Other enhancements included placement of a large folding door in the Great room, renovation and expansion of the kitchen and exterior decks, reorganization, and replacement of the fenestration, updating all baths and interior and exterior finishes. The extensive renovation reflects the holistic approach of Goggans Architecture, marrying landscape architecture, architecture, and interiors.

This backyard began with no aesthetic appeal, and also came with drainage issues. Their son has a passion for golf, so they wanted to incorporate that into their newly landscaped yard. Our team worked on the re-level of the yard to resolve the issue with flooding during major rains, and are continually working on updating overall drainage systems, through interlocked natural stones and underground drainage gutters and piping. Our next step will involve updating the natural grass in the back portion of the yard.

This backyard began with no aesthetic appeal, and also came with drainage issues. Their son has a passion for golf, so they wanted to incorporate that into their newly landscaped yard. Our team worked on the re-level of the yard to resolve the issue with flooding during major rains, and are continually working on updating overall drainage systems, through interlocked natural stones and underground drainage gutters and piping. Our next step will involve updating the natural grass in the back portion of the yard.

Sleek and sophisticated has never looked better. This wine wall is a the center of the home, having both aesthetic and practical value. Lit with LED strips, illuminating the area, resulting in a refined and resolved look

A flush fitting rising glass ventilation unit is integrated seamlessly with the hob and boasts a state-of-the-art automatic splash guard. Challenging ducting and venting requirements are resolved with collaborative solutions.

Our goal for this tiny Bathroom Remodel was to transform it into a functional spacious timeless classic. Rather than using a conventional medicine cabinet, that is limited in storage, we adding cabinetry along the left entry wall to aid storage. An offset, floor to ceiling, linen tower effortlessly added value to the space and helps introduce crown molding onto the ceiling. With the exception of the shower, the crown wraps throughout the bathroom and rest on top of shiplap & help resolve the bathrooms inherit demand for style and texture. Further efforts to unify and establish a classic look, can be seen through the use of bathroom fixtures. The matt black finish found within the bathroom’s fixtures and accessories help create a bold and powerful statement that welcomes anyone and everyone's curiosity into the space.

Sleek and sophisticated has never looked better. This wine wall is a the center of the home, having both aesthetic and practical value. Lit with LED strips, illuminating the area, resulting in a refined and resolved look

Entryway - transitional entryway idea in Salt Lake City

This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!