Perched on a hillside cul-de-sac lot in Brentwood CA, the Gagne Residence enjoys an unusually private street condition and views toward the ocean, city, and surrounding tree lined hills. To maximize dwelling and garden area on the mostly sloped site, the house is broken into two general volumes, one volume responding to the level and orientation of the street, the other, wrapping and descending along the hill’s contour, acting as retainer while providing a third dwelling level and preserving ample area for a garden. Photo credit: Eric Staudenmaier

Placed on a large site with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy at the rear boundary, this one story residence presents a modest, composed public façade to the street while opening to the rear yard with two wings surrounding a large loggia or “outdoor living room.” With its thick walls, overhangs, and ample cross ventilation, the project demonstrates the simple idea that a building should respond carefully to its environment. Laura Hull Photography

Named after a local crustacean, the Periwinkle Project design by Beaumont Concepts promotes harmony with the natural coastal surrounds and addresses sustainability from construction to consumption of resources over the life cycle of the home. The compact, cost effective home is successful in responding to constraints of the site. The home sits comfortably within the site and actively benefits from it with passive solar principals and energy efficiency and environmentally conscious provision of thermal mass.

The design of this residence began as a collaboration between Alka Construction and Rush Dixon Architects to continue Fulton Neighborhood’s “unique modern living” approach to the built environment. The collective goal was to create a “lowcountry modern” aesthetic that responds to the site. Prior to the commencement of construction the current homeowner purchased the property; we were then able to customize the design to their priorities and preferences.

Interestingly the only area of site on which a house could be built requires an east-west orientation; ideal for our southern climate. The design responds with large south-facing windows; perfect for daylighting and natural ventilation

The owners of this waterfront property were in search of an estate that would afford retirement in style. They envisioned Sunday family dinners, pool parties for their grandchildren, and philanthropic galas with one hundred guests. Our charge was to design a residence that could support events of a grand scale without losing the intimacy of their home. Taking our inspiration from the shingle-style homes on Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Cod, we developed a layout that responds to the 270-degree water views and the mountains beyond.

The design of this residence began as a collaboration between Alka Construction and Rush Dixon Architects to continue Fulton Neighborhood’s “unique modern living” approach to the built environment. The collective goal was to create a “lowcountry modern” aesthetic that responds to the site. Prior to the commencement of construction the current homeowner purchased the property; we were then able to customize the design to their priorities and preferences.

"I cannot say enough good things about the Innovative Construction team and work product. They remodeled our water-damaged, 1930s basement, and exceeded all of our expectations - before and after photos simply cannot do this project justice. The original basement included an awkward staircase in an awkward location, one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen and small living space. We had a difficult time imagining that it could be much more than that. Innovative Construction's design team was creative, and thought completely out of the box. They relocated the stairwell in a way we did not think was possible, opening up the basement to reconfigure the bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, living space, but also adding an office and finished storage room. The end result is as functional as it is beautiful. As with all construction, particularly a renovation of an old house, there will be inconveniences, it will be messy, and plenty of surprises behind the old walls. The Innovative Construction team maintained a clean and safe work site for 100% of the project, with minimal disruption to our daily lives, even when there was a large hole cut into our main living room floor to accommodate new stairs down to the basement. The team showed creativity and an eye for design when working around some of the unexpected "character" revealed when opening the walls. The team effectively uses technology to keep everyone on the same page about changes, requests, schedules, contracts, invoices, etc. Everyone is friendly, competent, helpful, and responsive. I felt heard throughout the process, and my requests were responded to quickly and thoroughly. I recommend Innovative Construction without reservation."

Cortney brought this figurine back from Trancoso, Brazil, where the family has their vacation home. Along with other various vessels, bowls, and boxes, this painted lady shows the creative side of jewelry storage. When purchasing items for the home, Robert and Cortney select pieces that they respond to first. "We buy things we love and find ways to make it work", she says. "It isn't about the worth of the piece, it is about how it makes you feel. Don't feel like you have to follow anyone else's rules." Photo: Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2014 Houzz Design: Cortney and Robert Novogratz

Named after a local crustacean, the Periwinkle Project design by Beaumont Concepts promotes harmony with the natural coastal surrounds and addresses sustainability from construction to consumption of resources over the life cycle of the home. The compact, cost effective home is successful in responding to constraints of the site. The home sits comfortably within the site and actively benefits from it with passive solar principals and energy efficiency and environmentally conscious provision of thermal mass.

This is a terraced home that responds to its sloping site near the Shawangunk Mountains. Separated into two volumes anchored by a glass corridor, the private entry volume houses the guest suites. The lower volume opens to a glass-enclosed rear facade that showcases expansive wooded views in our clients’ bedrooms and main living area.

Low-water shrubs and soft textures frame the home while responding to the Northern California climate.
Inspiration for a contemporary landscaping in San Francisco.

The organic clustering of forms pleasantly responds to the ridgelines in the background when one first approaches the home. Photographer: Vance Fox
Inspiration for a contemporary brown wood house exterior remodel

The transformation of the bedroom was enhanced by replacing two small, portal windows with a large picture window that literally brings the surrounding forest into delightful, enchanting focus. From this vantage point the owners delight in watching a menagerie of wild animals and birds, and the forest responding to changing seasons and coastal weather. Built-in bookshelves pay gracious homage to the owner's large book collection

Named after a local crustacean, the Periwinkle Project design by Beaumont Concepts promotes harmony with the natural coastal surrounds and addresses sustainability from construction to consumption of resources over the life cycle of the home. The compact, cost effective home is successful in responding to constraints of the site. The home sits comfortably within the site and actively benefits from it with passive solar principals and energy efficiency and environmentally conscious provision of thermal mass.

Named after a local crustacean, the Periwinkle Project design by Beaumont Concepts promotes harmony with the natural coastal surrounds and addresses sustainability from construction to consumption of resources over the life cycle of the home. The compact, cost effective home is successful in responding to constraints of the site. The home sits comfortably within the site and actively benefits from it with passive solar principals and energy efficiency and environmentally conscious provision of thermal mass.

We created custom millwork to respond to the functional and unique aesthetic inclinations of our clients, including a custom media wall accented by an ocean-blue Roman Clay background and a custom built-in bench and dining nook for social gatherings.

Our clients used an empty nest as the motivation for a long-desired relocation to a walkable neighborhood in Seattle. The small segmented rooms of the house they purchased did not support their lifestyle or preferred manner of entertaining. Our design responded by opening the kitchen, stair, living, and dining rooms into a shared space. The two-sided fireplace and the waterfall kitchen countertop serve as islands to delineate the space without dividing it.