The steep hillside lot had been developed with a single-family residence (1965), which was at the maximum area for local zoning; therefore, the only way to enlarge the residence was to add a basement. During the cost analysis process, it became clear that supporting the house while creating a basement – and then substantially remodeling the remaining structure – would require far more effort and treasure than to replace the house entirely. Located just over one mile from the San Andreas Fault, the Owners tasked the design team to find a superior solution to the “Life Safety” standard required by Code. The team combined advances in seismic analysis and building technology to create for the owners one of the most seismically resilient houses built in the US. The newly designed house takes full advantage of the potential of this beautiful site. The home centers on large public rooms opening to outdoor spaces and the use of natural light. On the top level, the kitchen and family room sit side-by-side creating a shared space, with an expansive floor-to-ceiling folding door system allowing the rooms to open completely to the south-facing upper terrace and garage roof deck. An outdoor cooking area supports both family dinners as well as large gatherings of friends and family. Also on the top level, a living room and lounge area open to a large deck cantilevered high above the ground and oriented to the northern views. The feeling of being “in the trees” enhances the connection to the impressive landscape.

The steep hillside lot had been developed with a single-family residence (1965), which was at the maximum area for local zoning; therefore, the only way to enlarge the residence was to add a basement. During the cost analysis process, it became clear that supporting the house while creating a basement – and then substantially remodeling the remaining structure – would require far more effort and treasure than to replace the house entirely. Located just over one mile from the San Andreas Fault, the Owners tasked the design team to find a superior solution to the “Life Safety” standard required by Code. The team combined advances in seismic analysis and building technology to create for the owners one of the most seismically resilient houses built in the US. The newly designed house takes full advantage of the potential of this beautiful site. The home centers on large public rooms opening to outdoor spaces and the use of natural light. On the top level, the kitchen and family room sit side-by-side creating a shared space, with an expansive floor-to-ceiling folding door system allowing the rooms to open completely to the south-facing upper terrace and garage roof deck. An outdoor cooking area supports both family dinners as well as large gatherings of friends and family. Also on the top level, a living room and lounge area open to a large deck cantilevered high above the ground and oriented to the northern views. The feeling of being “in the trees” enhances the connection to the impressive landscape.

Photography by Mike Butler
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary painted straight home design remodel in Miami with painted risers

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2017 Houzz
Inspiration for a 1950s bathroom remodel in San Francisco

Trendy patio photo in San Diego

Some of our goals and solutions were obvious in this Timeless Style Renovation, other challenges required loads of plotting and planning. Our client inherited his Marlton, New Jersey childhood home and for years chose to keep it ‘as is’ out of respect for his family and because (truth) it was going to be a significant investment — the entire house needed to be refreshed! Flooring, fireplace, removal of walls, windows enlarged, many pocket doors added, all bathrooms redesigned, electric/ gas not to code (from 1965), a massive 300lb safe to incorporate/ tuck away somewhere, planning for a future potential main level in-law suite — the list was very long! Inspiration was easy: they had won awards for their stunning koi pond and landscaping, and they love to entertain. Getting these high powered professionals who were used to running divisions of huge corporations to hand over the reins … NOT so easy. Thankfully, they now can’t stop singing our praises! See their other amazing rooms here.

Photo of a mid-sized modern full sun backyard concrete paver formal garden in Seattle.

ARCHITECTURE: Honor Award PROJECT: Uptown Lofts on Fifth CLIENT: ACTION-Housing, Inc. ARCHITECTURE FIRM: FortyEighty Architecture ENGINEERS: Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc.; Keystone Structural Solutions; Iams Consulting, LLC CONTRACTORS: Mosites Construction Company PHOTOGRAPHER: FortyEighty Architecture DESCRIPTION: The Uptown Lofts on Fifth are two new multi-unit apartment buildings constructed on opposite sides of Fifth Avenue in Uptown, a neighborhood of Pittsburgh that suffers from steady population decline due to a lack of adequate housing. The developer for the project, ACTION-Housing, Inc., serves a mission to empower people to build secure and self-sufficient lives through decent, affordable housing, and has worked to demonstrate the importance of energy efficiency through various projects. This project was designed to allow for a comparison of the operational performance of the two buildings – one designed to meet Passive House standards and the other designed to meet the requirements of the current energy code. JURY COMMENTS: This is the project the jury discussed the most. Perhaps not best in any one category, this project achieved so much in so many categories. Architecture is about richness, layers of meanings, and social responsibility. This project surpassed others by doing so much in terms of being solidly designed in the context of its neighborhood, with aggressive sustainable goals, and all on a very tight budget. It is serving as a demonstration to the greater sustainable community with two test buildings from which to compare the ROI on a project designed to meet passive house standards versus a building meeting the current energy codes. Most importantly, this building brings a high level of dignity to an all too often overlooked user in a neglected part of town.

The Elliott Bay House is located on an urban site facing Puget Sound in Washington State. The architectural massing of the house has been wrapped around a south-facing, courtyard dominated by a large reflecting pool with two “floating” basalt boulders. The main living space has sweeping westerly views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The east side of the living space is the courtyard with reflecting pool, providing a sense of intimacy and quiet in contrast to the dramatic views on the west side. Similar to other FINNE projects, a strong sense of “crafted modernism” is present in the house. A water jet-cut steel fence and gate leads to the house entry. Stainless steel stands elevate the basalt boulders in the pool so they hover slightly above the water’s surface. Roof drainage from the living space drops onto the basalt boulder in a 10-ft. waterfall. Exterior siding is custom stained red cedar with two different patterns and colors. The striking steel and wood stairs have water jet-cut steel railings with a pattern based on hand-drawn ink brush strokes. The beech interior cabinets have a custom topographic milled pattern called “imaginary landscape.” Freeform steel lighting bars in the ceiling tie together the kitchen and dining spaces. The house is highly energy efficient and sustainable. All roof drainage is directed to the reflecting pool for collection. The house is insulated 30% higher than code. Radiant heating is used throughout; generous glass areas provide natural lighting and ventilation; large overhangs are used for sun and snow protection; interior wood is FSC certified. The house has been pre-wired for photovoltaic roof panels, and an electric vehicle charging station has been installed in the garage.

Despite being in the middle of the home's first floor, the kitchen felt cut off from the rest of the house. By removing the end wall by the foyer, removing the code violating ducting on the dining room side and lifting up the header over the eating bar, the kitchen was given equal billing with the other spaces on the first floor. The gray cabinetry with stainless steel accents provide a neutral backdrop for the homeowners' McKenzie Childs collectables. The power receptacle over the eating bar includes a USB receptacle for convenient charging of electronic devices. Photo by Iklil Gregg courtesy WestSound Home and Garden

Some of our goals and solutions were obvious in this Timeless Style Renovation, other challenges required loads of plotting and planning. Our client inherited his Marlton, New Jersey childhood home and for years chose to keep it ‘as is’ out of respect for his family and because (truth) it was going to be a significant investment — the entire house needed to be refreshed! Flooring, fireplace, removal of walls, windows enlarged, many pocket doors added, all bathrooms redesigned, electric/ gas not to code (from 1965), a massive 300lb safe to incorporate/ tuck away somewhere, planning for a future potential main level in-law suite — the list was very long! Inspiration was easy: they had won awards for their stunning koi pond and landscaping, and they love to entertain. Getting these high powered professionals who were used to running divisions of huge corporations to hand over the reins … NOT so easy. Thankfully, they now can’t stop singing our praises! See their other amazing rooms here.

Contemporary Snaidero CODE kitchen with a mid century modern vibe. The light front cabinets (in Feather Grey melamine), combined with the chrome hardware and the light grey Caesarstone cemento countertops on both wall sides of the kitchen, are contrasted by darker grey island (Beton Oak melamine) and black Doomos Dekton countertop on the island. Museum wood flooring and the very modern style light fixture above the long island, complete the look. Stainless steel Mieel range and hood paneled appliances and open shelving to store dishes, other kitchenware and art are a perfect combination. White subway tile for backsplash and while museum grade wall painting.

Flair sideboard with structure veneered ash and outline in solid ash. Doors veneered ash or in Cimento® (concrete). Wooden shelves inside. Available finishings: WG wengé, NC walnut, TB tobacco, open pore matt lacquered. Made in Italy Call 1-800-880-7154 for a quote

SPECIAL ORDER. Usually leaves our warehouse within 6-12 weeks. Free shipping and assembly within New York City. Enter Coupon code 'NYC' on checkout. Made in Canada by Up Huppe Modern Sideboard Wolfgang by Up Huppe. The Wolfgang dining collection embraces simplicity, minimalism and functionality - the three main principles that derive Scandinavian design, which is the source of inspiration for this collection. The sideboard features one open-storage section with 2 smoked glass shelves in it and three equally sized closed-storage - door-cabinets, each with an adjustable shelf inside. The doors of the Wolfgang sideboard close softly and quietly thanks to hidden self-closing slow motion slides. A matching Outline buffet is also available to complete the design of your dining room and provide even more storage space. The sideboard as well as the buffet are designed by Joel Dupras and feature sides that extend beyond the width of the solid base, creating a semi-floating effect. The Wolfgang dining furniture collection also includes dining table (available in 5 sizes) and dining chairs (side chair and armchair). Available in a variety of finishes according to our color samples. The starting price is for the Wolfgang Sideboard. Dimensions: Sideboard: W72" x D19" x H30" Buffet: W48" x D19" x H42"

Scott Amundson
Elegant home bar photo in Minneapolis

Project Developer John Audet https://www.houzz.com/pro/jaudet/john-audet-case-design-remodeling-inc Designer Zahra Keihani https://www.houzz.com/pro/zkeihani/zahra-keihani-case-design-remodeling-inc?lt=hl Photography by Dan Gross

Description: This item is artisan crafted with meticulous care out of reclaimed old pine wood that was salvaged from old houses in rural towns of China. The Reclaimed pine has been bleached to bring out its natural texture and charm. Given its handmade and hand-finished nature, variations in the wood or metal work are to be expected and celebrated. Each item is unique and no two are exactly alike. Item Code: SAL06 Primary Materials: Reclaimed Bleached Pine Wood Secondary Materials: 95% RECLAIMED WOOD Dimensions: 22 W x 22 D x 22 H Port of Origin: NINGBO, CHINA

Elegant exterior home photo in Chicago

The U-shaped element surrounding the sideboard manages any spills, but also provides a backrest for the homeowners to tuck in and read while facing the windows. We added the wall sconces -- switched separately and dimmable -- to make serving and reading easy and enjoyable. Leaded glass window is existing.