Design-Build Garage Addition & Remodel in Mt. Airy, MD Talon Construction Inc. recently completed this custom design-build garage addition and remodel in Mt. Airy, Maryland, creating a beautiful, high-performance space that blends modern functionality with timeless curb appeal. Designed to complement the existing property, this detached three-car garage features architectural roofing, maintenance-free vinyl siding, stone veneer accents, and black carriage-style garage doors for a clean, upscale appearance. Inside, the garage was fully finished to provide a bright, open, and versatile environment for vehicle storage, workshop use, hobby space, entertaining, or a future home gym. The vaulted ceiling design creates a spacious feel, while recessed LED lighting and modern ceiling fans improve comfort and energy efficiency throughout the space. A professionally installed epoxy garage floor coating delivers durability, easy maintenance, and a polished showroom-quality finish. As a trusted design-build contractor serving Mt. Airy, Frederick County, and surrounding Maryland communities, Talon Construction Inc. handled every phase of the project. To include the planning, custom garage design, permitting, construction, exterior finishing, and interior detailing. The completed garage addition not only enhances everyday functionality but also adds long-term value and architectural consistency to the property.

A 100-year-old farmhouse in Central Maryland was totally renovated and now sports a brand new RHEINZINK roof that gives it an authentic old-world look and feel. The property, which was originally a dairy farm, has been in the owner’s family since the 1920’s. The renovation involved gutting virtually the entire house and keeping only the frame. The asphalt roof, which had started leaking, was replaced with approximately 4,700 sq. ft. RHEINZINK’s PrePATINA graphite-grey Double Lock Standing Seam Panels. Fabrication and installation of the RHEINZINK panels was done by Hardin Construction, Union Bridge, MD. According to Craig Hardin, president, “The owner contacted me and said he wanted a roof on the house that would last for generations. We considered various metal material options but quickly settled on RHEINZINK because of its low to no maintenance and the color. The graphite-grey develops a nice patina that complements the house and makes the roof look like it’s always been there.” “Another factor that steered us toward RHEINZINK was their European detailing techniques,” Hardin said. “You don’t see any other metal roofs around here that have the kind of detailing and seaming techniques like this one.” Prior to doing the job, Hardin attended a how-to workshop at RHEINZINK America headquarters in Woburn, MA. The workshops, led by technical training manager Lou Rondeau, provide practical instruction in the installation of RHEINZINK roofing, façade and gutter systems. “These are hands-on sessions,” Rondeau said, “and they can really contribute to the craftsmanship of installers.” Hardin explained his approach to the project. “We’re a small company and I’m personally involved in the actual installation. Unlike larger companies with large crews that have to move fast, we really take the time to pay close attention to the detailing and finish work. This project is really distinctive in that regard,” Hardin said. In addition to the main roof, the RHEINZINK panels were used on the front porch, a screened-in back porch and a small, freestanding outbuilding. The stone outbuilding once enclosed a cold water spring where the dairy farm’s milk was stored. It now welcomes visitors to the property. The RHEINZINK distributor on the project was Sheet Metal Supply, Mundelein, IL.

John & Kim contacted LU Design Build to help them design, create and build a custom workshop. They enjoy building, crafting and designing ornaments and furniture of all sorts. They wanted a nice customized workshop to expand their tools and their abilities to build different and larger type projects. They also wanted to enhance the area around their in-ground pool because this is a favorite part of their home. For this project, we met with John & Kim and went over their desires for their space and functionality for their workshop and pool area. LU Design Build pulled in a partner architect to help draft the workshop concept. In the custom workshop area, we added metal roofing, custom gutters, and custom awning brackets that John actually built. It had custom dormers to let in lots of natural light. The workshop was also designed with vaulted ceilings to allow adequate air space and circulation. We chose a white washed shiplap to keep the space bright and open. In the pool area, we relocated the stairs coming off the deck and a landing area to create a better flow. LU Design Build also partnered with Frisella Outdoor Lighting. Frisella helped source and install the pool deck hardscape, retaining walls & soft landscaping. Since these two spaces were a long time dream of John and Kim, LU Design Build wanted to fit their design style and functionality so that they can stay for a long time and truly love their backyard and workshop.

Architect: Andre Tchelistcheff Architects New York. NY Builder: Xhema of Greenwich CT Installer: TRM Enterprises Bridgehampton NY Back story. Northern has worked with both Xhema and TRM many tiles. We have worked with Andre before he branched out on his own. Originally Xhema’s contact was to replace the roof and repair the garage, which as some point had been made into an indoor swimming pool without adequate ventilation. The budget was about $8m and there were 20 drawings. By the time the job was 6 months old the scope of work has expanded to over $30m and over 200 drawings had been produced. Northern was contacted to visit the site and evaluate the existing roof. Although the house had been added to over the years the same tile was used but due to the location of the house the color of the tile varied considerably from the front to the back. Northern identified a large number of custom details which would require us to: 1) Match the existing Field tile in size, thickness (it was actually thicker at the butt and reduced to ½” where the tile is overlapped) , surface texture and the color. 2) Make tiles that are curved in their length to suit the curved rafter on the gabled dormers. 3) Make the curved tiles to suit the low slope octagonal tower. 4) Make the curved tiles and Arris style hips to suit the hipped dormers with the curved rafters. 5) Make the segmented tiles to suit the round turret. 6) Make the custom arris style hip tiles for the octagonal tower. 7) Make the custom Arris style hip to suit the different roof pitches as well as the varying splays at the eaves. 8) Make the custom pieces to suit the swept valleys Simon broke down each section of the roof. He indented all items for each section and agreed the measure etc with the installers. This ‘Project Bible’ became an invaluable tool for the installer, our tile makers and us. We shipped some samples from the original roof to Sahtas who replicated tall the details. I was visiting factory and delayed my return to the Saturday so that the tiles coming out of the kiln late Friday night could be wrapped and packed into newly purchase suit cases. I arrived home late Saturday evening and Simon picked me up Sunday afternoon and drove us down to Greenwich for an 8 am meeting with the clients. When we unpacked the tiles they were still warm and Hilfiger signed off on the color, although his wife suggested we make them a bit darker a ‘as he has a dreadful sense of color!’ We took Vincent Liot, owner of TRM to the factory twice so that he could oversee the prototyping of all the myriad custom pieces. This was an invaluable move as he pre-approved all the pieces before they were shipped. The installation was completed and everyone was very pleased with the final outcome. The Hilfiger’s estate manager told me that a group of friends who were staying the weekend after all the work was completed were heard to ask Mr. Hilfiger ‘I thought you were having a new roof’…to which he responded ‘we did but you can’t tell, which as the plan” …perfect! In refection this is probably the most complicated roof Northern has ever had the pleasure to supply. We learned a lot of very valuable lessons but in future when we are asked how did we do it we will answer ‘that is for us to know and for you to pay for!’

Home office - mid-century modern freestanding desk light wood floor home office idea in Los Angeles with white walls and no fireplace

Architect: Andre Tchelistcheff Architects New York. NY Builder: Xhema of Greenwich CT Installer: TRM Enterprises Bridgehampton NY Back story. Northern has worked with both Xhema and TRM many tiles. We have worked with Andre before he branched out on his own. Originally Xhema’s contact was to replace the roof and repair the garage, which as some point had been made into an indoor swimming pool without adequate ventilation. The budget was about $8m and there were 20 drawings. By the time the job was 6 months old the scope of work has expanded to over $30m and over 200 drawings had been produced. Northern was contacted to visit the site and evaluate the existing roof. Although the house had been added to over the years the same tile was used but due to the location of the house the color of the tile varied considerably from the front to the back. Northern identified a large number of custom details which would require us to: 1) Match the existing Field tile in size, thickness (it was actually thicker at the butt and reduced to ½” where the tile is overlapped) , surface texture and the color. 2) Make tiles that are curved in their length to suit the curved rafter on the gabled dormers. 3) Make the curved tiles to suit the low slope octagonal tower. 4) Make the curved tiles and Arris style hips to suit the hipped dormers with the curved rafters. 5) Make the segmented tiles to suit the round turret. 6) Make the custom arris style hip tiles for the octagonal tower. 7) Make the custom Arris style hip to suit the different roof pitches as well as the varying splays at the eaves. 8) Make the custom pieces to suit the swept valleys Simon broke down each section of the roof. He indented all items for each section and agreed the measure etc with the installers. This ‘Project Bible’ became an invaluable tool for the installer, our tile makers and us. We shipped some samples from the original roof to Sahtas who replicated tall the details. I was visiting factory and delayed my return to the Saturday so that the tiles coming out of the kiln late Friday night could be wrapped and packed into newly purchase suit cases. I arrived home late Saturday evening and Simon picked me up Sunday afternoon and drove us down to Greenwich for an 8 am meeting with the clients. When we unpacked the tiles they were still warm and Hilfiger signed off on the color, although his wife suggested we make them a bit darker a ‘as he has a dreadful sense of color!’ We took Vincent Liot, owner of TRM to the factory twice so that he could oversee the prototyping of all the myriad custom pieces. This was an invaluable move as he pre-approved all the pieces before they were shipped. The installation was completed and everyone was very pleased with the final outcome. The Hilfiger’s estate manager told me that a group of friends who were staying the weekend after all the work was completed were heard to ask Mr. Hilfiger ‘I thought you were having a new roof’…to which he responded ‘we did but you can’t tell, which as the plan” …perfect! In refection this is probably the most complicated roof Northern has ever had the pleasure to supply. We learned a lot of very valuable lessons but in future when we are asked how did we do it we will answer ‘that is for us to know and for you to pay for!’

Architect: Andre Tchelistcheff Architects New York. NY Builder: Xhema of Greenwich CT Installer: TRM Enterprises Bridgehampton NY Back story. Northern has worked with both Xhema and TRM many tiles. We have worked with Andre before he branched out on his own. Originally Xhema’s contact was to replace the roof and repair the garage, which as some point had been made into an indoor swimming pool without adequate ventilation. The budget was about $8m and there were 20 drawings. By the time the job was 6 months old the scope of work has expanded to over $30m and over 200 drawings had been produced. Northern was contacted to visit the site and evaluate the existing roof. Although the house had been added to over the years the same tile was used but due to the location of the house the color of the tile varied considerably from the front to the back. Northern identified a large number of custom details which would require us to: 1) Match the existing Field tile in size, thickness (it was actually thicker at the butt and reduced to ½” where the tile is overlapped) , surface texture and the color. 2) Make tiles that are curved in their length to suit the curved rafter on the gabled dormers. 3) Make the curved tiles to suit the low slope octagonal tower. 4) Make the curved tiles and Arris style hips to suit the hipped dormers with the curved rafters. 5) Make the segmented tiles to suit the round turret. 6) Make the custom arris style hip tiles for the octagonal tower. 7) Make the custom Arris style hip to suit the different roof pitches as well as the varying splays at the eaves. 8) Make the custom pieces to suit the swept valleys Simon broke down each section of the roof. He indented all items for each section and agreed the measure etc with the installers. This ‘Project Bible’ became an invaluable tool for the installer, our tile makers and us. We shipped some samples from the original roof to Sahtas who replicated tall the details. I was visiting factory and delayed my return to the Saturday so that the tiles coming out of the kiln late Friday night could be wrapped and packed into newly purchase suit cases. I arrived home late Saturday evening and Simon picked me up Sunday afternoon and drove us down to Greenwich for an 8 am meeting with the clients. When we unpacked the tiles they were still warm and Hilfiger signed off on the color, although his wife suggested we make them a bit darker a ‘as he has a dreadful sense of color!’ We took Vincent Liot, owner of TRM to the factory twice so that he could oversee the prototyping of all the myriad custom pieces. This was an invaluable move as he pre-approved all the pieces before they were shipped. The installation was completed and everyone was very pleased with the final outcome. The Hilfiger’s estate manager told me that a group of friends who were staying the weekend after all the work was completed were heard to ask Mr. Hilfiger ‘I thought you were having a new roof’…to which he responded ‘we did but you can’t tell, which as the plan” …perfect! In refection this is probably the most complicated roof Northern has ever had the pleasure to supply. We learned a lot of very valuable lessons but in future when we are asked how did we do it we will answer ‘that is for us to know and for you to pay for!’

Architect: Andre Tchelistcheff Architects New York. NY Builder: Xhema of Greenwich CT Installer: TRM Enterprises Bridgehampton NY Back story. Northern has worked with both Xhema and TRM many tiles. We have worked with Andre before he branched out on his own. Originally Xhema’s contact was to replace the roof and repair the garage, which as some point had been made into an indoor swimming pool without adequate ventilation. The budget was about $8m and there were 20 drawings. By the time the job was 6 months old the scope of work has expanded to over $30m and over 200 drawings had been produced. Northern was contacted to visit the site and evaluate the existing roof. Although the house had been added to over the years the same tile was used but due to the location of the house the color of the tile varied considerably from the front to the back. Northern identified a large number of custom details which would require us to: 1) Match the existing Field tile in size, thickness (it was actually thicker at the butt and reduced to ½” where the tile is overlapped) , surface texture and the color. 2) Make tiles that are curved in their length to suit the curved rafter on the gabled dormers. 3) Make the curved tiles to suit the low slope octagonal tower. 4) Make the curved tiles and Arris style hips to suit the hipped dormers with the curved rafters. 5) Make the segmented tiles to suit the round turret. 6) Make the custom arris style hip tiles for the octagonal tower. 7) Make the custom Arris style hip to suit the different roof pitches as well as the varying splays at the eaves. 8) Make the custom pieces to suit the swept valleys Simon broke down each section of the roof. He indented all items for each section and agreed the measure etc with the installers. This ‘Project Bible’ became an invaluable tool for the installer, our tile makers and us. We shipped some samples from the original roof to Sahtas who replicated tall the details. I was visiting factory and delayed my return to the Saturday so that the tiles coming out of the kiln late Friday night could be wrapped and packed into newly purchase suit cases. I arrived home late Saturday evening and Simon picked me up Sunday afternoon and drove us down to Greenwich for an 8 am meeting with the clients. When we unpacked the tiles they were still warm and Hilfiger signed off on the color, although his wife suggested we make them a bit darker a ‘as he has a dreadful sense of color!’ We took Vincent Liot, owner of TRM to the factory twice so that he could oversee the prototyping of all the myriad custom pieces. This was an invaluable move as he pre-approved all the pieces before they were shipped. The installation was completed and everyone was very pleased with the final outcome. The Hilfiger’s estate manager told me that a group of friends who were staying the weekend after all the work was completed were heard to ask Mr. Hilfiger ‘I thought you were having a new roof’…to which he responded ‘we did but you can’t tell, which as the plan” …perfect! In refection this is probably the most complicated roof Northern has ever had the pleasure to supply. We learned a lot of very valuable lessons but in future when we are asked how did we do it we will answer ‘that is for us to know and for you to pay for!’

John & Kim contacted LU Design Build to help them design, create and build a custom workshop. They enjoy building, crafting and designing ornaments and furniture of all sorts. They wanted a nice customized workshop to expand their tools and their abilities to build different and larger type projects. They also wanted to enhance the area around their in-ground pool because this is a favorite part of their home. For this project, we met with John & Kim and went over their desires for their space and functionality for their workshop and pool area. LU Design Build pulled in a partner architect to help draft the workshop concept. In the custom workshop area, we added metal roofing, custom gutters, and custom awning brackets that John actually built. It had custom dormers to let in lots of natural light. The workshop was also designed with vaulted ceilings to allow adequate air space and circulation. We chose a white washed shiplap to keep the space bright and open. In the pool area, we relocated the stairs coming off the deck and a landing area to create a better flow. LU Design Build also partnered with Frisella Outdoor Lighting. Frisella helped source and install the pool deck hardscape, retaining walls & soft landscaping. Since these two spaces were a long time dream of John and Kim, LU Design Build wanted to fit their design style and functionality so that they can stay for a long time and truly love their backyard and workshop.

Our Barnyard Bonanza was created to mimic a Barn Style Cottage featuring an indoor coop and storage shed area with a predator proof run in Fullerton, CA (Orange County). Coop measures 11' L X 7' D X 7.5' H @ peak, run measures 8' W X 8' D X 6.5' T. Features an elevated floor, quaint front porch, 9 light front door, barn style rear door, 24x24 windows on each side, inside divider for coop/storage area, automatic coop door and more! materials include predator proof wire on run, T1-11 siding with solid red weatherproofing stain and white trim, galvanized corrugated roofing with opposing ridge cap.

David Swift
Example of a mountain style exterior home design in Salt Lake City

Architect: Andre Tchelistcheff Architects New York. NY Builder: Xhema of Greenwich CT Installer: TRM Enterprises Bridgehampton NY Back story. Northern has worked with both Xhema and TRM many tiles. We have worked with Andre before he branched out on his own. Originally Xhema’s contact was to replace the roof and repair the garage, which as some point had been made into an indoor swimming pool without adequate ventilation. The budget was about $8m and there were 20 drawings. By the time the job was 6 months old the scope of work has expanded to over $30m and over 200 drawings had been produced. Northern was contacted to visit the site and evaluate the existing roof. Although the house had been added to over the years the same tile was used but due to the location of the house the color of the tile varied considerably from the front to the back. Northern identified a large number of custom details which would require us to: 1) Match the existing Field tile in size, thickness (it was actually thicker at the butt and reduced to ½” where the tile is overlapped) , surface texture and the color. 2) Make tiles that are curved in their length to suit the curved rafter on the gabled dormers. 3) Make the curved tiles to suit the low slope octagonal tower. 4) Make the curved tiles and Arris style hips to suit the hipped dormers with the curved rafters. 5) Make the segmented tiles to suit the round turret. 6) Make the custom arris style hip tiles for the octagonal tower. 7) Make the custom Arris style hip to suit the different roof pitches as well as the varying splays at the eaves. 8) Make the custom pieces to suit the swept valleys Simon broke down each section of the roof. He indented all items for each section and agreed the measure etc with the installers. This ‘Project Bible’ became an invaluable tool for the installer, our tile makers and us. We shipped some samples from the original roof to Sahtas who replicated tall the details. I was visiting factory and delayed my return to the Saturday so that the tiles coming out of the kiln late Friday night could be wrapped and packed into newly purchase suit cases. I arrived home late Saturday evening and Simon picked me up Sunday afternoon and drove us down to Greenwich for an 8 am meeting with the clients. When we unpacked the tiles they were still warm and Hilfiger signed off on the color, although his wife suggested we make them a bit darker a ‘as he has a dreadful sense of color!’ We took Vincent Liot, owner of TRM to the factory twice so that he could oversee the prototyping of all the myriad custom pieces. This was an invaluable move as he pre-approved all the pieces before they were shipped. The installation was completed and everyone was very pleased with the final outcome. The Hilfiger’s estate manager told me that a group of friends who were staying the weekend after all the work was completed were heard to ask Mr. Hilfiger ‘I thought you were having a new roof’…to which he responded ‘we did but you can’t tell, which as the plan” …perfect! In refection this is probably the most complicated roof Northern has ever had the pleasure to supply. We learned a lot of very valuable lessons but in future when we are asked how did we do it we will answer ‘that is for us to know and for you to pay for!’

the existing historic stone walls were meticulously dismantled and salvaged so they could be re-used. Using small bobcat excavation equipment and hand shovels, the rear yard was removed entirely, the rear of the house was underpinned and a new reinforced concrete garage was built from property line to property line in place of the entire rear yard of the home with deep planting wells at the north property line for larger planning specimens. The historic stone walls were meticulously re-built, the existing historic metal stair from the yard to the alley was replaced, a new black steel picket safety fence was installed and the rear yard and the landscaping was restored. Kathy Ma, Studio By Mak http://www.studiobymak.com/#/special/splash/studio-by-mak/

Three structures are located on a 6,500 sqft, sloped lot. The main house is squeezed between front setbacks, a drainage easements through the middle, an access easement to the north and a 30’ topography following height limit. The street level contains an office, a bedroom, an entry and a garage. The lower level contains indoor /outdoor living spaces separated by a glass wall. Sharing this glass wall is the master bedroom. The Studio 420 is located to the west of the drainage easement and contains the parts and tools needed to repair their grown up toys (a dune buggy, motor cycles, an antique sports car, and a three wheeled vehicle). The Studio 120 became the third structure. This structure is a utility room that blocks the neighbor’s views into their backyard and is as backdrop for outdoor dining. The home’s form is a reaction to being pinched between site constraints and the need to live an outdoor life while being indoors.

This coastal, contemporary Tiny Home features a warm yet industrial style kitchen with stainless steel counters and husky tool drawers with black cabinets. the silver metal counters are complimented by grey subway tiling as a backsplash against the warmth of the locally sourced curly mango wood windowsill ledge. I mango wood windowsill also acts as a pass-through window to an outdoor bar and seating area on the deck. Entertaining guests right from the kitchen essentially makes this a wet-bar. LED track lighting adds the right amount of accent lighting and brightness to the area. The window is actually a french door that is mirrored on the opposite side of the kitchen. This kitchen has 7-foot long stainless steel counters on either end. There are stainless steel outlet covers to match the industrial look. There are stained exposed beams adding a cozy and stylish feeling to the room. To the back end of the kitchen is a frosted glass pocket door leading to the bathroom. All shelving is made of Hawaiian locally sourced curly mango wood. A stainless steel fridge matches the rest of the style and is built-in to the staircase of this tiny home. Dish drying racks are hung on the wall to conserve space and reduce clutter.

Magnolia - Carlsbad, California 3,000+ sf two-story home, four bedrooms, 3.5 baths, plus a connected two-stall garage/ exercise space with bonus room above. Magnolia is a significant transformation of the owner's childhood home. Features like the steep 12:12 metal roofs softening to 3:12 pitches; soft arch-shaped Doug-fir beams; custom-designed double gable brackets; exaggerated beam extensions; a detached arched/ louvered carport marching along the front of the home; an expansive rear deck with beefy brick bases with quad columns, large protruding arched beams; an arched louvered structure centered on an outdoor fireplace; cased out openings, detailed trim work throughout the home; and many other architectural features have created a unique and elegant home along Highland Ave. in Carlsbad, California.

"I have about 25 of my closest friends to seat in this room every Friday evening after dinner," she reported, "not sure how to pull that off..." I do. ...Gotta have a bit of Western Lodge Style in the mix, do you? What would the Metropolitan Museum of Art find interesting as a nod to that aesthetic, only modernized in some way? Maybe if I take sustainably harvested deer antlers and compact them tightly, then section off the whole piece like a long rice crispy treat, capped with leather that's adorned with gilded tooling to match the stencil work on the ceiling recreated from photo documents? Done. Pack 'em in, Nancy! Plenty of room for everyone. Photography by Steve Voelker

This home remodel for a young family with toddlers focused on creating a modern, open-concept design with a neutral color palette. The interior features a spacious layout for easy movement, ample natural light, and sleek, minimalist finishes. Outside, we designed a safe, engaging space with a play area, garden, and comfortable seating, all tailored to support an active family lifestyle. Safety and functionality were prioritized with child-proofing, eco-friendly materials, and smart storage solutions, creating a beautiful, family-friendly environment that grows with the family.

This galley style kitchen design is a bright space featuring Dura Supreme Highland door style in a white finish. The kitchen cabinets are contrasted by a Silestone countertop in charcoal soapstone color with a suede finish, accessorized by Top Knobs polished chrome hardware. A paneled Sub-Zero refrigerator and Asko dishwasher match the cabinetry. A custom wood hood with a Modern Aire hood liner also matches the white cabinets, giving the kitchen a fluid appearance. The kitchen cabinets include ample customized storage solutions, like the pantry cabinet with roll out shelves, narrow pull out spice rack, and tray divider. A large C-Tech undermount sink pairs with a Riobel pull down sprayer faucet and soap dispenser. A Wolf double wall oven and range offer the perfect tools for cooking favorite meals, along with a Sharp microwave drawer. The bright space includes Andersen windows and a large skylight, which offers plenty of natural light. Hafele undercabinet lighting keeps the work spaces well lit, and accents the porcelain tile backsplash. Photos by Linda McManus