This charming Mequon cottage was in desperate need of TLC, so we updated everything from head to toe. Several walls on the main level were removed to create an open concept living space. The kitchen was expanded and includes new countertops, ceiling-height cabinets, lighting, fixtures, appliances and a backsplash. The main level floors were replaced and the upper level was refinished. Two existing bathrooms were updated and a third master bathroom was added! The four car garage was given a major face lift which included new siding, garage doors, and an addition of a rec room on the second level. Heating throughout the the garage building was added including in the newly created office space which also includes it’s own bathroom. Updates to the mechanicals, well, septic, and landscaping completed the project and make it one of our largest transformations to date!

This 3.5-acre commercial project features complete site improvements, including retention, storm water, fill, septic, parking lot, well, and on-site 15,000-gallon water storage for fire suppression.

This 3.5-acre commercial project features complete site improvements, including retention, storm water, fill, septic, parking lot, well, and on-site 15,000-gallon water storage for fire suppression.

Geometric Pool with Spa: -Customized “design” to comply with setbacks to well/septic (initially client wanted a true rectangle) -Raised Spa with Blue Ridge & Tower Hill Granite veneer -Extra-large top step / sun-shelf -Dark Grey imported Granite coping -Paramount PV-R in-floor cleaning system (pool is 99% vacuum free without the need of any type robot) -Limestone Patio

This redesign of an outdated landscape for a waterfront home on Cape Cod reacts directly to the site conditions and existing topography. An elevated septic system has been regraded and replanted with native species to more fluidly blend with the undulations of the natural landscape, while a fountain and reflecting pool mark the level of the 100-year flood, to which the site is susceptible. The shifting series of wood decks and boardwalks appear to float and hint at the natural processes at work on the site, while providing outdoor dining and relaxation areas anchored by a bold red screen fence that ties the landscape to the architecture. Scott Carman

Design work started with a modest design focused on improving the kitchen, living, dining and outdoor living areas. However, a feasibility study determined that a better option was to fully remodel the existing dwelling, resulting in reclaiming some of the front veranda to increase the size of the living and dining areas. The remaining section created an alcove to the main bedroom, increasing privacy and creating a dedicated outdoor area. A large awning, cantilevered so as not to impose on the existing septic, created a separate outdoor living area. A teak facade, that will weather to grey in the salty sea air over time, was added to extend high above the box gutter, conceal the solar panels and cap the ends of the separation walls. The roof was repitched and the internal ceilings raked upwards from the teak facade, thereby increasing the internal volume and allowing for the addition of high-light windows in rooms on the ridge side of the dwelling to capture the vista, increase natural light, ventilation and sense of space. A skillion roof outside the back kitchen area was strategically positioned out of sight from the inside of the home and created a second outdoor area in the rear courtyard, serving as the main entry point. A gate house was incorporated in the rear fence to enhance the entry. The rear courtyard reclaimed an existing parking bay to create space for the cellar/music room.

Inspiration for a contemporary landscaping in Charlotte.

Our client purchased what had been a custom home built in 1973 on a high bank waterfront lot. They did their due diligence with respect to the septic system, well and the existing underground fuel tank but little did they know, they had purchased a house that would fit into the Three Little Pigs Story book. The original idea was to do a thorough cosmetic remodel to bring the home up to date using all high durability/low maintenance materials and provide the homeowners with a flexible floor plan that would allow them to live in the home for as long as they chose to, not how long the home would allow them to stay safely. However, there was one structure element that had to change, the staircase. The staircase blocked the beautiful water/mountain few from the kitchen and part of the dining room. It also bisected the second-floor master suite creating a maze of small dysfunctional rooms with a very narrow (and unsafe) top stair landing. In the process of redesigning the stairs and reviewing replacement options for the 1972 custom milled one inch thick cupped and cracked cedar siding, it was discovered that the house had no seismic support and that the dining/family room/hot tub room and been a poorly constructed addition and required significant structural reinforcement. It should be noted that it is not uncommon for this home to be subjected to 60-100 mile an hour winds and that the geographic area is in a known earthquake zone. Once the structural engineering was complete, the redesign of the home became an open pallet. The homeowners top requests included: no additional square footage, accessibility, high durability/low maintenance materials, high performance mechanicals and appliances, water and energy efficient fixtures and equipment and improved lighting incorporated into: two master suites (one upstairs and one downstairs), a healthy kitchen (appliances that preserve fresh food nutrients and materials that minimize bacterial growth), accessible bathing and toileting, functionally designed closets and storage, a multi-purpose laundry room, an exercise room, a functionally designed home office, a catio (second floor balcony on the front of the home), with an exterior that was not just code compliant but beautiful and easy to maintain. All of this was achieved and more. The finished project speaks for itself.

Our client purchased what had been a custom home built in 1973 on a high bank waterfront lot. They did their due diligence with respect to the septic system, well and the existing underground fuel tank but little did they know, they had purchased a house that would fit into the Three Little Pigs Story book. The original idea was to do a thorough cosmetic remodel to bring the home up to date using all high durability/low maintenance materials and provide the homeowners with a flexible floor plan that would allow them to live in the home for as long as they chose to, not how long the home would allow them to stay safely. However, there was one structure element that had to change, the staircase. The staircase blocked the beautiful water/mountain few from the kitchen and part of the dining room. It also bisected the second-floor master suite creating a maze of small dysfunctional rooms with a very narrow (and unsafe) top stair landing. In the process of redesigning the stairs and reviewing replacement options for the 1972 custom milled one inch thick cupped and cracked cedar siding, it was discovered that the house had no seismic support and that the dining/family room/hot tub room and been a poorly constructed addition and required significant structural reinforcement. It should be noted that it is not uncommon for this home to be subjected to 60-100 mile an hour winds and that the geographic area is in a known earthquake zone. Once the structural engineering was complete, the redesign of the home became an open pallet. The homeowners top requests included: no additional square footage, accessibility, high durability/low maintenance materials, high performance mechanicals and appliances, water and energy efficient fixtures and equipment and improved lighting incorporated into: two master suites (one upstairs and one downstairs), a healthy kitchen (appliances that preserve fresh food nutrients and materials that minimize bacterial growth), accessible bathing and toileting, functionally designed closets and storage, a multi-purpose laundry room, an exercise room, a functionally designed home office, a catio (second floor balcony on the front of the home), with an exterior that was not just code compliant but beautiful and easy to maintain. All of this was achieved and more. The finished project speaks for itself.

The homeowners wanted to better use their outdoor space to feel like an extension of their home with several separate lounge and entertaining spaces. While they desired to keep the lawn for their kids, they also wanted to ensure there were enough private areas for adults. While these factors are typical for an Alderwood project, the challenges of this landscape made the final design incredibly unique. Rather quickly, our design team learned that a large septic system ran right underneath most of the backyard. Coordinating with city workers, the building architect, and the clients, our landscape architect crafted a unique design that worked around the drain constraints and accomplished each desire on the clients' list.

Entryway - transitional entryway idea in Orlando

Set among mature pine and willow trees, the Bow Bog Road Residence transforms a once-neglected property into a refined modern home that feels inseparable from its natural setting. The original structure was removed while the existing foundation was preserved, presenting a unique design challenge: how to create a contemporary residence that respected the site’s constraints while maximizing light, views, and connection to the surrounding landscape. RWH Architects designed a modern post-and-beam home with a carefully integrated addition that expands the livable footprint while maintaining a modest, single-story profile. The home’s form follows the contours of the land, appearing grounded and intentional—almost as if it has always existed within the wooded setting. Inside, exposed timber beams and tongue-and-groove ceilings bring warmth and craftsmanship to the open living spaces. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and clerestory glazing flood the interior with natural light while framing views of the ever-changing New England foliage. A dramatic stone fireplace anchors the great room, creating a sense of permanence and balance between natural materials and modern design. The home is thoughtfully arranged for both comfort and flexibility, featuring a primary suite, guest suite, and two additional bedrooms. A sunroom serves as a transitional space between indoors and out, seamlessly connecting the living areas to the surrounding landscape. The custom kitchen introduces a darker wood palette, offering a rich contrast to the lighter finishes used throughout the home. Sustainability was a core consideration in the design. The residence operates fully off-grid, utilizing geothermal heating and cooling, solar power, a private septic system, and a 1,000-foot well—delivering modern amenities while minimizing environmental impact. The Bow Bog Road Residence reflects RWH Architects’ commitment to site-responsive design, craftsmanship, and sustainable living, resulting in a home that balances contemporary comfort with a deep connection to nature. “Robert was excellent to work with and very receptive to our desires with our new home build, working with us across several significant revisions on a beautiful custom home. Truly a pleasure to work with.” — Jeff Craig, Homeowner

Future kitchen garden level
Photo of a mid-sized modern partial sun backyard gravel retaining wall landscape in Vancouver.

This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Charlotte.

The Haven ADU features 900 GFA in a compact 28′×36′ footprint, offering 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a covered entryway. It includes 9′ ceilings, LED lighting, solar-ready infrastructure, and ADA options. BuildX provides a complete, move-in-ready ADU home with premium standard selections and full project management, covering architectural plans, permits, engineered foundation, complete exterior build, and a single connection point for high-efficiency heat-pump HVAC, along with finished interiors, including kitchen and bath. Customization options for both exterior and interior selections are available, with upgrades to enhance specific areas without compromising clarity or control. The starting price reflects the ADU building package with premium selections, while total project pricing is confirmed after property evaluation and defining the engineered site development scope, including utilities, excavation, drainage, and sewer tie-in or septic conditions.

The homeowners wanted to better use their outdoor space to feel like an extension of their home with several separate lounge and entertaining spaces. While they desired to keep the lawn for their kids, they also wanted to ensure there were enough private areas for adults. While these factors are typical for an Alderwood project, the challenges of this landscape made the final design incredibly unique. Rather quickly, our design team learned that a large septic system ran right underneath most of the backyard. Coordinating with city workers, the building architect, and the clients, our landscape architect crafted a unique design that worked around the drain constraints and accomplished each desire on the clients' list.

Beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers peaceful living on a generous wooded lot. Light-filled interior features an open concept living area with vaulted ceilings in beautiful family room with built-ins and looks into the kitchen area and the private backyard area also has adjacent bathroom. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout, and large windows showcasing the natural wooded views. The stylish kitchen boasts warm wood oak cabinetry, lots of countertops, stainless appliances, and connects seamlessly to the dining area and breakfast bar connects to the family room. A cozy living room with wood-burning fireplace and built-in shelving and newly refinished hardwood floors provides the perfect retreat. The spacious primary bedroom features refinished hardwood floors, ample natural light, while two additional bedrooms offer versatile space and feature newly refinished hardwood floors. Additional highlights include an inviting screened porch, attached one-car garage, updated bathrooms with modern fixtures, a private backyard with established landscaping and a fire pit area. The huge lower level is ready for further expansion! Located minutes from town amenities while maintaining a private, natural setting surrounded by nature. 2 minutes to Hopewell School! This is a great location for getting anywhere in Glastonbury. Home has updated 200 amp service, Cair and septic leaching fields are new

Client wanted pool, cabana, water features and plenty of outdoor living space. Challenges were the topography and the septic system. Solution was a multi-terrace living space that incorporated the pool and formal ponds. Both sitting walls and retaining walls were designed and built to provide function and beauty. Bluestone was used for the upper terrace floor while, white/lt. gray granite was used for the lower terrace floor (cooler on the feet). The plantings and lighting finished it off with just the right amount of color and texture day and night.

We placed stones around the septic tank lids to keep the gravel from covering & hiding them.
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional drought-tolerant and partial sun hillside gravel retaining wall landscape in Sacramento for summer.