Across the country, builders and architects are embracing sustainable building and design practices more than ever before. The use of eco-friendly products and materials help to create living environments that are not only sensitive to nature, but still achieves the look and feel desired by the original design. Eldorado Stone is proud to be part of a growing number of award-winning projects that have won the highest levels in sustainable building practices and products available today. Whether it’s a traditional or contemporary design, Eldorado’s versatility and appeal offers an authentic architectural statement while adding the warmth and texture that only stone can provide. Studio26homes, a design/ build firm dedicated to creating highly efficient, healthy homes, recently completed a 4,700+ sf project in Orefield, PA. The private residence earned the Gold rating from the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) National Green Building Guidelines certification program as the 19th certified project of any level in the country. To reach the gold standard, Orefield had to earn at least 395 points and ended up surpassing that requirement with a grand total of 542 points. Studio26homes hadn’t used Eldorado Stone before this project and were pleased to find that Eldorado is not only passionate about what they do but also back up their products should any problems arise. The fact that Eldorado Stone is locally manufactured, offers low maintenance, is competitively priced, and features the geometric shape they were looking for provided further confirmation that this was the company to work with. They chose Eldorado’s Castle Stone and were originally going to only apply it onto the fireplace and chimney. However, because the product complemented the home’s shade of red, they chose to do a more dramatic application, which resulted in great satisfaction for both the team and the homeowners. Eldorado Stone Profile Featured: Custom Castle Stone Builder: studio26homes, Orefield, PA Website: www.studio26homes.com Architect: Alan Mascord Design Associates, Portland, OR Website: www.mascord.com Mason: CM Masonry, Allentown, PA Website: www.cmmasonry.com

Across Nuuanu Stream and nestled into the side of the valley, this gracious local-style home reflects the island sensitivity and the individualism of the owner. The residence sits on several terraces, taking advantage of the natural topography, with a view of Nuuanu Stream and the surrounding forest.

This 1920’s house was updated top to bottom to accommodate a growing family. Modern touches of glass partitions and sleek cabinetry provide a sensitive contrast to the existing divided light windows and traditional moldings. Exposed steel beams provide structural support, and their bright white color helps them blend into the composition. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

This pond has a 44 mil liner to ensure a leak free swimming structure. The liner material is sensitive to sunlight and will eventually breakdown over the years if it is exposed. As a result, our team spent 3 days meticulously covering the entire pond liner with stone. Each small boulder is hand placed to ensure a perfect fit and not tear the liner in the building process. The amount of patients and effort by our crew is incredible and the result is always beautiful! The waterfall which adds to the natural feel of the pond was created with large stone shelves and a bog for natural filtration. All of our water features use natural filtration processes and no chemicals. We create a simulated bog which the water is pumped into and cleaned naturally though various levels of sand, stone and wetland plants.

This house west of Boston was originally designed in 1958 by the great New England modernist, Henry Hoover. He built his own modern home in Lincoln in 1937, the year before the German émigré Walter Gropius built his own world famous house only a few miles away. By the time this 1958 house was built, Hoover had matured as an architect; sensitively adapting the house to the land and incorporating the clients wish to recreate the indoor-outdoor vibe of their previous home in Hawaii. The house is beautifully nestled into its site. The slope of the roof perfectly matches the natural slope of the land. The levels of the house delicately step down the hill avoiding the granite ledge below. The entry stairs also follow the natural grade to an entry hall that is on a mid level between the upper main public rooms and bedrooms below. The living spaces feature a south- facing shed roof that brings the sun deep in to the home. Collaborating closely with the homeowner and general contractor, we freshened up the house by adding radiant heat under the new purple/green natural cleft slate floor. The original interior and exterior Douglas fir walls were stripped and refinished. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

This Spanish Revival takes its place among the graceful and genteel tradition of Santa Barbara architecture. Located in a secreted area of Montecito, the house is tucked amidst a wooded glen along a riparian creek bed. Carefully sited at the top of a rolling green, the building provides a strong form in the natural landscape. With its reference to historical precedent, the house is both undeniably familiar and tangibly rich. Site sensitivity and pure spatial relationships combine in new ways, showing that what’s old can be new again. An entry courtyard concealed behind a pair of wooden doors of Moorish design begins the entry sequence. The courtyard, wrapped around an existing mature oak tree, creates an outdoor room, which establishes an interplay between interior and exterior spaces, a theme that recurs throughout the house. An exercise in scale and proportion, the 5,000-square-foot residence is imbued with classic detail and richness found in the Spanish Colonial architecture characteristic of George Washington Smith and others. Interior spaces are created through pure and varied geometric volumes, and are elaborated by opened beamed ceilings, groin vaults and Moorish arches.

This pond has a 44 mil liner to ensure a leak free swimming structure. The liner material is sensitive to sunlight and will eventually breakdown over the years if it is exposed. As a result, our team spent 3 days meticulously covering the entire pond liner with stone. Each small boulder is hand placed to ensure a perfect fit and not tear the liner in the building process. The amount of patients and effort by our crew is incredible and the result is always beautiful! The waterfall which adds to the natural feel of the pond was created with large stone shelves and a bog for natural filtration. All of our water features use natural filtration processes and no chemicals. We create a simulated bog which the water is pumped into and cleaned naturally though various levels of sand, stone and wetland plants.

Inspiration for a landscaping in Phoenix.

Minimalist? Maximalist? Yes. The Odin collection pairs a clean, Scandinavian design with a wealth of leading-edge technologies including the next generation of Brizo’s revolutionary SmartTouch® Technology. SmartTouchPlus™ adds proximity sensing to our existing touch technology, allowing for both hands-free and touch-sensitive operation.

A growing family needed extra space in their 1930 Bungalow. We designed an addition sensitive to the neighborhood and complimentary to the original design that includes a generously sized one car garage, a 350 square foot screen porch and a master suite with walk-in closet and bathroom. The original upstairs bathroom was remodeled simultaneously, creating two new bathrooms. The master bathroom has a curbless shower and glass tile walls that give a contemporary vibe. The screen porch has a fir beadboard ceiling and the floor is random width white oak planks milled from a 120 year-old tree harvested from the building site to make room for the addition. photo by Skot Weidemann

Example of a classic bathroom design in Milwaukee

Renovation of this remarkable 1936 Monte Copper Tudor demonstrates how we sensitively transform historic homes to beautifully perform in contemporary life. The challenge was to connect first floor spaces, including the kitchen; dining room; and a lower family room added in a previous addition. The family room received thoughtful and appropriate detailing along with a graceful and functional two-sided bar element linking it with the kitchen. The kitchen was expanded and reimagined with a seamless addition. Diagonal views and openings allow all the rooms to function as a connected whole.

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

Renovation of this remarkable 1936 Monte Copper Tudor demonstrates how we sensitively transform historic homes to beautifully perform in contemporary life. The challenge was to connect first floor spaces, including the kitchen; dining room; and a lower family room added in a previous addition. The family room received thoughtful and appropriate detailing along with a graceful and functional two-sided bar element linking it with the kitchen. The kitchen was expanded and reimagined with a seamless addition. Diagonal views and openings allow all the rooms to function as a connected whole.

Cleanse the clutter in your bathroom by selecting a coordinated collection of bath furniture with spare sensibility. Dura Supreme’s “Style Six” furniture series is designed to create sleek, minimalist appeal. Bookended on both sides and across the top, a set of doors and/or drawers are suspended beneath the countertop. If preferred, a floating shelf can be added for additional and attractive storage underneath. An offset sink is sensitive to space limitations and maximizes countertop capacity in this small bathroom. Louvered linen storage adds drama and coordinated beautifully with the vanity style. Style Six furniture series offers 10 different configurations (for single sink vanities, double sink vanities, or offset sinks), and an optional floating shelf (vanity floor). Any combination of Dura Supreme’s many door styles, wood species, and finishes can be selected to create a one-of-a-kind bath furniture collection. The bathroom has evolved from its purist utilitarian roots to a more intimate and reflective sanctuary in which to relax and reconnect. A refreshing spa-like environment offers a brisk welcome at the dawning of a new day or a soothing interlude as your day concludes. Our busy and hectic lifestyles leave us yearning for a private place where we can truly relax and indulge. With amenities that pamper the senses and design elements inspired by luxury spas, bathroom environments are being transformed from the mundane and utilitarian to the extravagant and luxurious. Bath cabinetry from Dura Supreme offers myriad design directions to create the personal harmony and beauty that are a hallmark of the bath sanctuary. Immerse yourself in our expansive palette of finishes and wood species to discover the look that calms your senses and soothes your soul. Your Dura Supreme designer will guide you through the selections and transform your bath into a beautiful retreat. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

Cleanse the clutter in your bathroom by selecting a coordinated collection of bath furniture with spare sensibility. Dura Supreme’s “Style Six” furniture series is designed to create sleek, minimalist appeal. Bookended on both sides and across the top, a set of doors and/or drawers are suspended beneath the countertop. If preferred, a floating shelf can be added for additional and attractive storage underneath. An offset sink is sensitive to space limitations and maximizes countertop capacity in this small bathroom. Louvered linen storage adds drama and coordinated beautifully with the vanity style. Style Six furniture series offers 10 different configurations (for single sink vanities, double sink vanities, or offset sinks), and an optional floating shelf (vanity floor). Any combination of Dura Supreme’s many door styles, wood species, and finishes can be selected to create a one-of-a-kind bath furniture collection. The bathroom has evolved from its purist utilitarian roots to a more intimate and reflective sanctuary in which to relax and reconnect. A refreshing spa-like environment offers a brisk welcome at the dawning of a new day or a soothing interlude as your day concludes. Our busy and hectic lifestyles leave us yearning for a private place where we can truly relax and indulge. With amenities that pamper the senses and design elements inspired by luxury spas, bathroom environments are being transformed from the mundane and utilitarian to the extravagant and luxurious. Bath cabinetry from Dura Supreme offers myriad design directions to create the personal harmony and beauty that are a hallmark of the bath sanctuary. Immerse yourself in our expansive palette of finishes and wood species to discover the look that calms your senses and soothes your soul. Your Dura Supreme designer will guide you through the selections and transform your bath into a beautiful retreat. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

A dry riverbed/ rock swale carries water from the home's downspout around a shade garden to infiltrate in the lawn. Plants include Ostrich Fern, Sensitive Fern, Carex 'evergold', Native Bottlebrush Buckeye, Astilbe, Anemone, Virginia Bluebells, Japanese Painted Fern, Woodland Phlox, and Jack Frost Brunnera. Several types of stone were used to create the rock swale: Smooth Blue Mexican Pebble Beach Stone, Granite and Quartz Boulders.

Rachel Weill
Photo of a landscaping in San Francisco.

Cleanse the clutter in your bathroom by selecting a coordinated collection of bath furniture with spare sensibility. Dura Supreme’s “Style Six” furniture series is designed to create sleek, minimalist appeal. Bookended on both sides and across the top, a set of doors and/or drawers are suspended beneath the countertop. If preferred, a floating shelf can be added for additional and attractive storage underneath. An offset sink is sensitive to space limitations and maximizes countertop capacity in this small bathroom. Louvered linen storage adds drama and coordinated beautifully with the vanity style. Style Six furniture series offers 10 different configurations (for single sink vanities, double sink vanities, or offset sinks), and an optional floating shelf (vanity floor). Any combination of Dura Supreme’s many door styles, wood species, and finishes can be selected to create a one-of-a-kind bath furniture collection. The bathroom has evolved from its purist utilitarian roots to a more intimate and reflective sanctuary in which to relax and reconnect. A refreshing spa-like environment offers a brisk welcome at the dawning of a new day or a soothing interlude as your day concludes. Our busy and hectic lifestyles leave us yearning for a private place where we can truly relax and indulge. With amenities that pamper the senses and design elements inspired by luxury spas, bathroom environments are being transformed from the mundane and utilitarian to the extravagant and luxurious. Bath cabinetry from Dura Supreme offers myriad design directions to create the personal harmony and beauty that are a hallmark of the bath sanctuary. Immerse yourself in our expansive palette of finishes and wood species to discover the look that calms your senses and soothes your soul. Your Dura Supreme designer will guide you through the selections and transform your bath into a beautiful retreat. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator