Morpurgo Architects was retained by a Fortune 100 CEO and his wife, owners of this grand brick manor house, to renovate the lower level of their home and increase the existing area for a spa and entertainment. Above this new space, we created an expansive deck, accessible from the kitchen and the first floor living areas. Our firm surmounted numerous challenges presented by the significant height of the deck and our clients’ desire for immediacy to the pond below. We mitigated and resolved the height differences by designing a system of stairs and platforms that provide overlooks to the landscape, thereby facilitating transitions among the many levels. Between the first floor and the lower level, we have constructed a mezzanine that is situated between two levels of stairs. This spacious landing prompts one to pause and view the family room through a wood-arched ceiling, with flanking wood display cases, before entering this well-appointed social area that contains the family room with a fireplace, pub, billiard room and solarium. A separate apartment, full-service cabana with kitchen and two bathrooms, sauna and a gym were also developed to satisfy the owner’s program. Morpurgo Architects is known for its fastidious detailing, exemplified in this magnificent home by walnut-blasted oak paneling and built-ins that the firm designed to enhance the family’s entertainment space.

After finding a great neighborhood nestled in charming Keizer, Oregon, our clients went about leaving their mark on their new home. The kitchen was just too cramped and dark with the wood stained cabinets. We snagged a little unused space in the rarely used formal dining room and pushed the face of the cabinets, oven, and microwave flush with the wall. Trading unused space in the formal dining room gained us nearly two feet of prime work area in the kitchen. With the space issue resolved we tackled brightening up the area. Replacing the black appliances with stainless steel KitchenAid microwave, oven, and a french door bottom mount fridge really helped. The full height Daltile Rittenhouse 3”x6” subway tile backsplash in Biscuit with Oyster Grey grout helped keep the kitchen bright while adding enough color to keep it from feeling “institutional”. The two-tone quartz, Basix Portabello on the outer counter tops and Polarstone Pietra Danae on the island, along with the sleek Blanco Biscotti undermount sink add form and function. Being able to wipe the counter tops directly into the sink is a joy everyone should experience. We added a custom wine bar and the Navy Blue statement island to make this kitchen really stand out. The result was very happy clients who love spending time in their home.

This project was nearly a complete gut renovation of an existing Victorian built in the 1890’s. We did save or rebuild major elements such as the exterior millwork, ornate entry stair and stained glass windows. An addition to the south side of the house integrated the rooflines and exterior details to create a seamless blend between the old and new. The goal of the project was to modernize the house and interior layout while still keeping the feel of a traditional home. Major elements in the scope included a completely new open kitchen, expanded living room, new master bedroom and bath suite, all new family baths and powder room. The renovation also included a library to house the owner’s extensive book collection as well as a basement workout and family room area. One primary request of the owners was to rid the house of a bat infestation problem due to poorly detailed roof vents. Once we rebuilt the roof soffits and provided new insulation for the house, the bat issue was resolved.

The Angelino ADU is a two-story ADU in Burbank, California, designed as a two-bedroom accessory dwelling unit that balances privacy, natural light, and efficient residential living on a constrained site. Positioned between two existing units, the project places a 1,000-square-foot upper-level residence above a generous three-car garage, creating a well-resolved living environment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. The design was shaped by the challenge of building alongside taller multifamily structures, where privacy, daylight, and ventilation all had to be carefully considered. Strategic window placement and thoughtfully located skylights bring natural light deep into the interior while maintaining a strong sense of seclusion. This approach also supports cross ventilation throughout the living spaces, contributing to a more comfortable and functional home. Rather than treating the ADU as a secondary structure, the project was designed as a complete residential environment with a clear emphasis on livability, efficiency, and contemporary use. The result is a thoughtfully planned Burbank accessory dwelling unit that responds to site constraints with practical spatial organization, natural light, and everyday comfort.

Morpurgo Architects was retained by a Fortune 100 CEO and his wife, owners of this grand brick manor house, to renovate the lower level of their home and increase the existing area for a spa and entertainment. Above this new space, we created an expansive deck, accessible from the kitchen and the first floor living areas. Our firm surmounted numerous challenges presented by the significant height of the deck and our clients’ desire for immediacy to the pond below. We mitigated and resolved the height differences by designing a system of stairs and platforms that provide overlooks to the landscape, thereby facilitating transitions among the many levels. Between the first floor and the lower level, we have constructed a mezzanine that is situated between two levels of stairs. This spacious landing prompts one to pause and view the family room through a wood-arched ceiling, with flanking wood display cases, before entering this well-appointed social area that contains the family room with a fireplace, pub, billiard room and solarium. A separate apartment, full-service cabana with kitchen and two bathrooms, sauna and a gym were also developed to satisfy the owner’s program. Morpurgo Architects is known for its fastidious detailing, exemplified in this magnificent home by walnut-blasted oak paneling and built-ins that the firm designed to enhance the family’s entertainment space.

Cerno’s mission is to design and build original products in California. To make this possible we advocate for creativity and ingenuity in every step of the process. Our philosophy is grounded in the utmost respect for the materials, the craftsmanship and our entire team. The Plura is a simple, straight forward fixture that is excellently executed. With the Plura it was about resolving the seams and edges and their relationships to one another. The result is a scalable fixture that has a sharp, sophisticated feel. Features: Wood Grain Will Vary Energy Efficient LED Light Source Handmade Eco-Friendly Switch Location: Hardwired Damp Location rated to accommodate any room in the home including bathrooms, kitchens, covered patios, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, entryways, foyers, and everything in between. Specifications: Included canopy measures as 5"" Width x 0.3"" Thick Voltage: 120-277V AC Requires 1 x 32.5-Watt LED Module (Integrated) 2815 Lumes, 90 CRI, 2700K (Warm) Color Temperature Compatible with TRIAC / ELV Dimmer / 0-10V Dimmers

Morpurgo Architects was retained by a Fortune 100 CEO and his wife, owners of this grand brick manor house, to renovate the lower level of their home and increase the existing area for a spa and entertainment. Above this new space, we created an expansive deck, accessible from the kitchen and the first floor living areas. Our firm surmounted numerous challenges presented by the significant height of the deck and our clients’ desire for immediacy to the pond below. We mitigated and resolved the height differences by designing a system of stairs and platforms that provide overlooks to the landscape, thereby facilitating transitions among the many levels. Between the first floor and the lower level, we have constructed a mezzanine that is situated between two levels of stairs. This spacious landing prompts one to pause and view the family room through a wood-arched ceiling, with flanking wood display cases, before entering this well-appointed social area that contains the family room with a fireplace, pub, billiard room and solarium. A separate apartment, full-service cabana with kitchen and two bathrooms, sauna and a gym were also developed to satisfy the owner’s program. Morpurgo Architects is known for its fastidious detailing, exemplified in this magnificent home by walnut-blasted oak paneling and built-ins that the firm designed to enhance the family’s entertainment space.

This East Troy home on Booth Lake had a few drainage issues that needed to be resolved, but one thing was clear, the homeowners knew with the proper design features, their property had amazing potential to be a fixture on the lake. Starting with a redesign of the backyard, including retaining walls and other drainage features, the home was then ready for a radical facelift. We redesigned the entry of the home with a timber frame portico/entryway. The entire portico was built with the old-world artistry of a mortise and tenon framing method. We also designed and installed a new deck and patio facing the lake, installed an integrated driveway and sidewalk system throughout the property and added a splash of evening effects with some beautiful architectural lighting around the house. A Timber Tech deck with Radiance cable rail system was added off the side of the house to increase lake viewing opportunities and a beautiful stamped concrete patio was installed at the lower level of the house for additional lounging. Lastly, the original detached garage was razed and rebuilt with a new design that not only suits our client’s needs, but is designed to complement the home’s new look. The garage was built with trusses to create the tongue and groove wood cathedral ceiling and the storage area to the front of the garage. The secondary doors on the lakeside of the garage were installed to allow our client to drive his golf cart along the crushed granite pathways and to provide a stunning view of Booth Lake from the multi-purpose garage. Photos by Beth Welsh, Interior Changes

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!

This project was nearly a complete gut renovation of an existing Victorian built in the 1890’s. We did save or rebuild major elements such as the exterior millwork, ornate entry stair and stained glass windows. An addition to the south side of the house integrated the rooflines and exterior details to create a seamless blend between the old and new. The goal of the project was to modernize the house and interior layout while still keeping the feel of a traditional home. Major elements in the scope included a completely new open kitchen, expanded living room, new master bedroom and bath suite, all new family baths and powder room. The renovation also included a library to house the owner’s extensive book collection as well as a basement workout and family room area. One primary request of the owners was to rid the house of a bat infestation problem due to poorly detailed roof vents. Once we rebuilt the roof soffits and provided new insulation for the house, the bat issue was resolved.

Troia Light Travertine develops its warm cream and amber tonality across millions of years of sedimentary compression. Cut into a two-piece freestanding pedestal sink — a soft rectangular basin set above a cylindrical column — the geometry is resolved with quiet architectural authority. The honed, partially filled surface leaves authentic textures intact for an earthy, tactile depth, allowing the stone's inherent tonal variance to read as material fact rather than decoration. At 33.5 inches in overall height, this monolithic natural stone fixture occupies a freestanding installation with a visual weight that commands minimalist interiors. Architectural Specifications: • Material: Premium Troia Light Travertine from Turkey • Form: Two-piece freestanding pedestal sink (soft square basin + cylindrical column) • Dimensions: 15" Width x 16" Depth x 33.5" Overall Height • Configuration: 1 Faucet Hole (Designed for a single-hole deck-mount faucet) • Installation: Freestanding / Floor-mount • Finish: Honed and Partially Filled (Matte surface balancing usability with organic texture) • Drain: Compatible with standard 1.5" (4 cm) drain fittings (no overflow) • Design Language: Classic silhouette, Earthy luxury, Monolithic presence`

Renovation is stressful. Wouldn’t it be nice to let someone else oversee product selections, manage day-to-day issues, and bring your project to a successful completion? The owners of a two-family in Arlington recently did just that, flying off to Florida just as we began renovating their first floor unit. Of course, before they left we thoroughly discussed all aspects of the work order, which included renovating the kitchen and bathroom, painting the bedroom, and adding a laundry closet. We reviewed color and material selections, and set up a schedule for regular briefings. A handful of issues did come up. But because we had planned ahead, we were able to resolve them with very little stress for our clients. For instance, the client had chosen a bright yellow paint color for the kitchen walls, but once the new cabinets, countertop, and flooring had been installed, it was clear that yellow would clash. We suggested a more complementary Benjamin Moore Lancaster Whitewash shade instead. In the bathroom, the clients had selected a deep inset mirrored medicine cabinet. But when the wall behind the vanity was opened, it revealed a pipe running up the wall, too close for the inset model. In this small space, a bump-out medicine cabinet would be awkward, so instead we placed a mirror over the sink and two smaller inset cabinets on either side – a solution that pleased the homeowners, who now have his-and-hers storage spaces. Finally, the homeowners had resigned themselves to the fact that the laundry closet would be too small for storing detergent and other needs. However once the units were in place, we realized that a small custom shelf could be built and had it installed to the delight of the homeowners. Photo by Shelly Harrison

The Angelino ADU is a two-story ADU in Burbank, California, designed as a two-bedroom accessory dwelling unit that balances privacy, natural light, and efficient residential living on a constrained site. Positioned between two existing units, the project places a 1,000-square-foot upper-level residence above a generous three-car garage, creating a well-resolved living environment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. The design was shaped by the challenge of building alongside taller multifamily structures, where privacy, daylight, and ventilation all had to be carefully considered. Strategic window placement and thoughtfully located skylights bring natural light deep into the interior while maintaining a strong sense of seclusion. This approach also supports cross ventilation throughout the living spaces, contributing to a more comfortable and functional home. Rather than treating the ADU as a secondary structure, the project was designed as a complete residential environment with a clear emphasis on livability, efficiency, and contemporary use. The result is a thoughtfully planned Burbank accessory dwelling unit that responds to site constraints with practical spatial organization, natural light, and everyday comfort.

Nestled in the heart of Dallas, our clients enjoy a 4-acre estate where they have developed the property for a "park" and "garden" like feel with lots of privacy and sound barrier from the neighbors and busy street along the front. They travel a lot for work and want to be able to come home and enjoy their own backyard oasis that is properly maintained and cared for. They also have 4 grandchildren who live on part of the property and roam around everywhere, so having lots of manicured lawn space to drive their toys around on, explore, etc. is important too. We service the property one day per week, since they retain a full-time porter. However, he is stretched thin as doesn't tend to much of the landscaping as needed as he's typically working on other side projects for the client. In order to complete our maintenance work within 5 hours on our service day, we work diligently with the client and the client’ assistant to constantly communicate issues we see and/or need to have resolved. Thankfully our client is very quick to respond and allows us an abundance of freedom to make necessary improvements when deemed necessary. Additionally, last minute work functions and/or parties are often hosted at their house. We often times have to respond quickly with an extra service visit, service date change, seasonal color change, bed mulching, etc. to help get it ready for their company. We value the trust and communication we have with this client and look forward to working with them for years to come!

Morpurgo Architects was retained by a Fortune 100 CEO and his wife, owners of this grand brick manor house, to renovate the lower level of their home and increase the existing area for a spa and entertainment. Above this new space, we created an expansive deck, accessible from the kitchen and the first floor living areas. Our firm surmounted numerous challenges presented by the significant height of the deck and our clients’ desire for immediacy to the pond below. We mitigated and resolved the height differences by designing a system of stairs and platforms that provide overlooks to the landscape, thereby facilitating transitions among the many levels. Between the first floor and the lower level, we have constructed a mezzanine that is situated between two levels of stairs. This spacious landing prompts one to pause and view the family room through a wood-arched ceiling, with flanking wood display cases, before entering this well-appointed social area that contains the family room with a fireplace, pub, billiard room and solarium. A separate apartment, full-service cabana with kitchen and two bathrooms, sauna and a gym were also developed to satisfy the owner’s program. Morpurgo Architects is known for its fastidious detailing, exemplified in this magnificent home by walnut-blasted oak paneling and built-ins that the firm designed to enhance the family’s entertainment space.

The Angelino ADU is a two-story ADU in Burbank, California, designed as a two-bedroom accessory dwelling unit that balances privacy, natural light, and efficient residential living on a constrained site. Positioned between two existing units, the project places a 1,000-square-foot upper-level residence above a generous three-car garage, creating a well-resolved living environment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. The design was shaped by the challenge of building alongside taller multifamily structures, where privacy, daylight, and ventilation all had to be carefully considered. Strategic window placement and thoughtfully located skylights bring natural light deep into the interior while maintaining a strong sense of seclusion. This approach also supports cross ventilation throughout the living spaces, contributing to a more comfortable and functional home. Rather than treating the ADU as a secondary structure, the project was designed as a complete residential environment with a clear emphasis on livability, efficiency, and contemporary use. The result is a thoughtfully planned Burbank accessory dwelling unit that responds to site constraints with practical spatial organization, natural light, and everyday comfort.

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!

This project was nearly a complete gut renovation of an existing Victorian built in the 1890’s. We did save or rebuild major elements such as the exterior millwork, ornate entry stair and stained glass windows. An addition to the south side of the house integrated the rooflines and exterior details to create a seamless blend between the old and new. The goal of the project was to modernize the house and interior layout while still keeping the feel of a traditional home. Major elements in the scope included a completely new open kitchen, expanded living room, new master bedroom and bath suite, all new family baths and powder room. The renovation also included a library to house the owner’s extensive book collection as well as a basement workout and family room area. One primary request of the owners was to rid the house of a bat infestation problem due to poorly detailed roof vents. Once we rebuilt the roof soffits and provided new insulation for the house, the bat issue was resolved.

Nestled in the heart of Dallas, our clients enjoy a 4-acre estate where they have developed the property for a "park" and "garden" like feel with lots of privacy and sound barrier from the neighbors and busy street along the front. They travel a lot for work and want to be able to come home and enjoy their own backyard oasis that is properly maintained and cared for. They also have 4 grandchildren who live on part of the property and roam around everywhere, so having lots of manicured lawn space to drive their toys around on, explore, etc. is important too. We service the property one day per week, since they retain a full-time porter. However, he is stretched thin as doesn't tend to much of the landscaping as needed as he's typically working on other side projects for the client. In order to complete our maintenance work within 5 hours on our service day, we work diligently with the client and the client’ assistant to constantly communicate issues we see and/or need to have resolved. Thankfully our client is very quick to respond and allows us an abundance of freedom to make necessary improvements when deemed necessary. Additionally, last minute work functions and/or parties are often hosted at their house. We often times have to respond quickly with an extra service visit, service date change, seasonal color change, bed mulching, etc. to help get it ready for their company. We value the trust and communication we have with this client and look forward to working with them for years to come!