Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by John Sutton Photography.

D-Trac Construction was contracted to address install issues from a previous contractor related to the workmanship and install of the exterior hardie board package. Because of the issues, the local county would not pass building permit inspection due to non-compliance with the Alberta Building Code and the Safety Codes Act. Issues and corrective actions included: 1. Aluminum J and corner trim does not allow for the plank to be sealed (caulked at termination). Corrective Action: Install 5/4" Smart Trim and color match caulk at all terminations. 2. Flashing detail on primary head flashings are cut and bent, creating point of entry on each end dam at the back side of drip. Corrective Action: Install new primary head flashings using the fold method to create end dam. 3: Incorrect stagger on plank install, Not enough distance between butt joints on stagger, no slip plates at butt joints. Corrective Action: Install new plank using a either a 24" or 32" stagger pattern, with aluminum slip plates behind all butt joints. 4: Many terminations through plank siding have no trim block, not sealed correctly. Corrective Action: Install 5/4" trim blocks to allow plank to be sealed(caulked to termination. At the end of the project, a final inspection was completed and the local county passed the building permit inspection.

This spacious, coastal style kitchen has an abundance of natural light which illuminates the natural tones & textures of the slate flooring, marble countertops, stone hearth, and wooden elements within this space. This kitchen is equipped with a Wolf range, microwave and warming drawers, and two built-in Sub-Zero refrigerators. With breath taking views throughout the kitchen and living area, it becomes the perfect oasis.

Mid-sized arts and crafts l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Taking inspiration from white sand beaches of the east coast and captures the spirit of the Coastal Beach Decor, Our Coastal Beach White Oak Drop Leaf Kitchen Console Table brings the outside garden style into your home, the table top is finished in terrace gray and x-style pedestal base finished in distressed white washed linen. Featuring a piano-hinged flip top that extends the depth of the table top for use as a desk, kitchen table or console table. This expandable console table will look great in your kitchen, living room or home office. Dimensions: 57W x 18-36"D x 31H Handcrafted from select hardwood solids and White oak veneers Table depth increases to 36 inches with leaves out Features two tones, with a Terrace Gray top and Washed Linen base Matching Side Chair, Dining Table, Coffee Table also available Chairs not included Dust with a clean cloth

Water-wise Carex gives way to Mediterranean and succulent plantings beyond wrought-iron fence. Photo by Gabriel Frank
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean partial sun backyard gravel formal garden in San Luis Obispo.

Cape Code natural stone veneer from the Quarry Mill gives this outdoor grill a distinguished look. Cape Cod contains a neutral range of light grays and tans. That narrow band of colors makes this stone a great background in just about any atmosphere or décor. The range of shapes include mostly irregular edges with a few rectangular sides. As a result, this stone is typically used in more rustic décors or utility projects like fireplaces, large accent walls, siding, and landscaping walls.

Modern Italian Sideboard Continental by Cattelan Italia Made in Italy The Continental by Cattelan Italia is a modern italian sideboard. It features a wooden frame covered in frosted glass available in white or graphite color. The central doors of the Continental buffet are made of clear and lacquered glass. The focal point of the buffet is its central section, which interior is covered with mirrored glass and features light. Also there are two metal legs available in a white or graphite lacquered steel finish. The sideboard is available in two versions of different height. The high version, apart from four doors, features also two drawers and a much higher central section that can be used as a bar. Features: Designed by Paolo Cattelan 4-Door sideboard Wooden structure covered with frosted glass available in white or graphite lacquered color The central doors are made of clear and lacquered glass. The central section is covered with mirrored glass and features built-in light Two metal legs in either white or graphite lacquered steel finish Available in two versions of different height The high sideboard version has also two drawers The starting price is for the Continental High Sideboard. Dimensions: High Sideboard: W87" x D18" x H37" Low Sideboard: W87" x D18" x H29"

A fabulous craft room with loads of custom built in storage is tucked under the eaves upstairs in the newly finished out 2nd floor of the existing home.

This fun project turned a cold, drafty attic into a family gathering space which functions as an effective “hat” on the house. Structural, mechanical, and spatial gymnastics were required to beef up the floor joists and rafters, relocate ducts, and provide a code-approved stair. The old subfloor was repurposed as interior cladding, contrasting nicely with the painted built-ins. We were fortunate to collaborate with Home Ec (interior design), as their signature eclectic style makes all their projects come to life. Photographer: Michael Kohnhorst

This lot has a large ditch running from front to back at the foot of a hill. we had to build a land bridge to get the heavy equipment and materials to the site. Then we had to excavate the build site out of the side of the slope which turned out to be solid rock. I also built the walk bridge to comply with code to support and hide the power lines buried between the shop and house. The siding is Hardie Plank, and the doors are 8.5' tall and wide that swing in because a traditional garage door would have interfered with the boat lift mounted on the second floor which is connected to a 4' x 8' work bench / lift platform used to bring tools and large pieces of furniture to the second floor for painting.

Custom cabinet work made from semi custom cabinets. Art carpentry made among a quartz countertop white with grey thick veins and a 4 inch backsplash from same material. two under-mount sinks and 2 tall faucets. Full paint, ceramic floor 12 x 24 tiles, electrical upgrade up to code with GFCI outlets and plumbing upgrade to copper pipes and finishing with three mirrors for a better symmetrical looks on this super nice vanity area

Lower levels are becoming an extension of the home. Once you are comfortable on the couch you don,t want to go upstairs to fill your wine glass. The wine bar was built in a gutted closet. It provides chilled wine and wine storage as well as glassware, and dishes. No need to ever leave the basement!

Product Code: SS-101-1000-K Dimensions: H50½ W82 L87 Characteristics: •Walnut solids and veneers •Walnut veneer on panels and side rails •Steel posts on headboard and footboard •Footboard height: 17″ Additional Products Displayed: SS-101-1000-K Hawkins King Bed SS-101-1200 Hawkins Dresser SS-101-2600 Hawkins Bench SS-101-1600 Hawkins Night Stand SS-101-1601 Hawkins Demi-Lune Bedside Table SS-101-1400 Hawkins Round Mirror SS-105-9805-CH Zara Metal Framed Chair

Beach style kids' room photo in Chicago

Portraits of Home by Rachael Ormond
Example of a mid-sized transitional 3/4 gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile alcove shower design in Nashville with a pedestal sink, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

This fun project turned a cold, drafty attic into a family gathering space which functions as an effective “hat” on the house. Structural, mechanical, and spatial gymnastics were required to beef up the floor joists and rafters, relocate ducts, and provide a code-approved stair. The old subfloor was repurposed as interior cladding, contrasting nicely with the painted built-ins. We were fortunate to collaborate with Home Ec (interior design), as their signature eclectic style makes all their projects come to life. Photographer: Michael Kohnhorst

Douglass Hill Photography
Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Phoenix with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, a farmhouse sink and white countertops

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income. FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own. SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio. MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch. SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf) RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property. COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort. ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements. OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income. PROJECT TEAM ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry Lisa Finch - Original Artwork European Architectural Supply - Windows Eric Roth Photography - Photography