The designers were forced by site constraints to place the front door substantially pointed at the side of the neighbor's property. Deed restrictions prohibited a conventional privacy fence, and a fortress-like barrier was undesirable. The designer only had a little space to fit both plantings and the new metal screening. They worked out a patchwork of interesting metal mesh and other metal panels, along with more conventional iron fence pales and stock wire, to visually tie the new metal screening to fences found elsewhere on the property. An ARDA for Design Details goes to Hobbs’ Ink Designer: Janet Hobbs From: Bee cave, Texas

Cabinets – ARAN Cucine (Italy) Model – Doga and Volare Appliances – MIELE Computer desk – PIANCA (Italy) Countertop – Caserstone Countertop fabrication – Bay StoneWorks

The project involved a large program that would yield a massive home on a limited and restricted site. The design strategy involved deconstructing the volume into pavilions that could generate a dialogue between built form and landscape and create intimate connections between the golf course and the living spaces. Robin Hill

If you were to look up “classic summer cottage” in the dictionary, there should be a picture of this house. Located in a densely populated community of historic summer cottages, this new gambrel-style home was designed to maintain the beach cottage feel of its predecessor. Due to strict zoning and easement restrictions the new construction had to be designed within the same footprint and volume of its former self. The new design allows for a more open floor plan, more living space, and an almost 180-degree view of the ocean. Filled with natural light and a palette of colors and materials reminiscent of seashells, this four-bedroom home is the quintessential summer retreat. Glass foldaway doors extend the main living area to a covered porch with gas fireplace. A fully finished basement suite, with walk-out access to a gas grilling patio and the beach, is perfect for guests. The interiors are an artful blend of modern fixtures along with some slightly more traditional materials that are in keeping with the cottage vibe. © Eric Roth Photography

This family loves to cook and entertain and they were restricted by their confining kitchen. We took care of that by opening up the space and removing a wall to the dining room and one to the living room which made it a large welcoming and lovely eat in kitchen.

This lakefront second home in the Irish Hills offered expansive lake views, yet the yard provided little usable space beyond the existing deck. The slope toward the water restricted gathering areas and made site access during construction especially complex. The goal was to extend the living environment beyond the deck. To create a series of spaces that felt connected to the water, social with corn hole tournaments and a cozy place to unwind in the evening after docking the boat, cast in warm, soft lighting.

The project involved a large program that would yield a massive home on a limited and restricted site. The design strategy involved deconstructing the volume into pavilions that could generate a dialogue between built form and landscape and create intimate connections between the golf course and the living spaces. Robin Hill

The project involved a large program that would yield a massive home on a limited and restricted site. The design strategy involved deconstructing the volume into pavilions that could generate a dialogue between built form and landscape and create intimate connections between the golf course and the living spaces. Robin Hill

Photo by Leonid Furmansky
Inspiration for a mid-century modern multicolored split-level mixed siding house exterior remodel in Austin with a shed roof

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area and screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for a shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear-facing exercise has great views of the lake through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below.

If you were to look up “classic summer cottage” in the dictionary, there should be a picture of this house. Located in a densely populated community of historic summer cottages, this new gambrel-style home was designed to maintain the beach cottage feel of its predecessor. Due to strict zoning and easement restrictions the new construction had to be designed within the same footprint and volume of its former self. The new design allows for a more open floor plan, more living space, and an almost 180-degree view of the ocean. Filled with natural light and a palette of colors and materials reminiscent of seashells, this four-bedroom home is the quintessential summer retreat. Glass foldaway doors extend the main living area to a covered porch with gas fireplace. A fully finished basement suite, with walk-out access to a gas grilling patio and the beach, is perfect for guests. The interiors are an artful blend of modern fixtures along with some slightly more traditional materials that are in keeping with the cottage vibe. © Eric Roth Photography

Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

Located in the well-established community of Northwood, close to Grande Dunes, this superior quality craftsman styled 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom energy efficient home designed by CRG Companies will feature a Hardie board exterior, Trex decking, vinyl railings and wood beadboard ceilings on porches, a screened-in porch with outdoor fireplace and carport. The interior features include 9’ ceilings, thick crown molding and wood trim, wood-look tile floors in main living areas, ceramic tile in baths, carpeting in bedrooms, recessed lights, upgraded 42” kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a huge tile shower and free standing soaker tub in the master bathroom. The home will also be pre-wired for home audio and security systems. Detached garage can be an added option. No HOA fee or restrictions, 98' X 155' lot is huge for this area, room for a pool.

This beautiful pool house was not without its challenges. There were height restrictions and conservation authorities had to approve everything first, as well as obtaining the permits and building the structure without going to the committee of adjustment. It was a very enjoyable project as our clients made a few great changes along the way and we communicated well. The pool and landscaping were executed by Elite Crete Pools.

The late-19th-century row houses on this block are very charming – and very narrow. PLANT gutted the interior of one and extended it at the rear and up to a third-floor deck with commanding views of downtown. The addition’s minimal presence on the street made it possible to enlarge the house while meeting stringent local restrictions on heritage-block alterations. Although the addition elongates what was already a skinny house, it floods it with light. The expanded kitchen now steps down into a new, garden-bordering lounge with seating by a small fireplace. Overhead, a skewed bar of open shelving blazes an orange trail through the kitchen and lounge, concealing the mechanical ductwork. One of the house’s owners is a minimalist who favours a neutral palette; the other is a collector who loves colour. With the minimalist in mind, we unified the interior with a grey and white palette. At the same time, the ground floor’s crowning expanse of orange shelving satisfies the maximalist’s craving for colour and provides a highly visible – yet clutter-taming – system for displaying possessions.

DaVinci fireplaces are a modular design that comes in segments measured by feet. They feature a hi-tech air flow system that will keep the glass cool to the touch. These units come single-sided, see-thru, corner unit, or 4-sided glass enclosure. Glass height normally comes in 12", 20", 30", or 36" but can be adjusted. Power venting allows for easy unlimited venting configurations and installation in almost any room. Onsite assembly to eliminate space restrictions such as small stairwells or elevators. Glass media paired with multi-coloured LED lights will make your fire feature a unique experience that you control with a user friendly remote.

DaVinci fireplaces are a modular design that comes in segments measured by feet. They feature a hi-tech air flow system that will keep the glass cool to the touch. These units come single-sided, see-thru, corner unit, or 4-sided glass enclosure. Glass height normally comes in 12", 20", 30", or 36" but can be adjusted. Power venting allows for easy unlimited venting configurations and installation in almost any room. Onsite assembly to eliminate space restrictions such as small stairwells or elevators. Glass media paired with multi-coloured LED lights will make your fire feature a unique experience that you control with a user friendly remote.

This project entailed a rear yard renovation including the design and installation of a covered patio tucked into the corner of the property. The structure provides a sense of defined space without restricting views of the natural beauty of the surrounding woods. The 16’x 20’ structure includes a rugged masonry fireplace juxtaposed with smooth, light-colored columns. The outdoor room is truly a year-round oasis with an outdoor tv, infrared heating, custom-made gas lanterns, recessed lighting, and a ceiling fan. All elements are controlled by a home automation system. Reclaimed brick pavers surround the patio and complement the texture of the exposed aggregate. Plantings, walkways, and low walls work together to enhance the sense of privacy in this intimate gathering space..

The project involved a large program that would yield a massive home on a limited and restricted site. The design strategy involved deconstructing the volume into pavilions that could generate a dialogue between built form and landscape and create intimate connections between the golf course and the living spaces. Robin Hill