This cedar deck was built to solve several problems our client had with his exterior space. The backyard was severely sloped to the building and the foundation was subject to drainage from the nearby properties. The existing deck was rotten and poorly built and too small for the family's needs. It was decided to excavate the yard and build concrete retaining walls to level the yard, provide storage space under the deck and provide easy access to the basement doors.

As code begins to require tighter and tighter houses we are locked in with chemicals that are used to build, decorate, furnish and clean our homes. This project was a stab at solving this significant health problem. Here are some key features that helped us create this self-purifying master bathroom: - Air Purifying Paint - Air Filtering Plants as per NASA research (pots cut into stone countertops) - Low Energy indirect LED light strips - Low VOC materials used throughout including underlayment, glues & grout - Water-blown spray foam insulation Photography: Gil Jacobs

The existing house was narrow, so it was a challenge to lay out the house in a way that felt functional and generous. We were creative in solving these spatial problems, making the bathroom more of a linear layout. The double vanity spans the width of the bathroom while the shower and toilet are behind the camera.

PROJECT | Duplicate-Duplex TYPE | private residence / home-studio LOCATION | Phayathai Rd., Bangkok, Thailand OWNER | Ms. Najaree Ratanajiajaroen / Chanon Treenet ARCHITECT | TOUCH Architect Co.,Ltd. FLOOR AREA | 64 sq.m. FLOOR AREA (by proposing) | 75 sq.m. COMPLETION | 2018 PHOTOGRAPHER | Chalermwat Wongchompoo CONTRACTOR | Legend Construction Group A major pain point of staying in 64 sq.m. of duplex condominium unit, which is used for a home-studio for an animator and an artist, is that there is not enough space for dwelling. Moreover, a double-volume space of living area with a huge glass curtain wall, faces West. High temperature occurs all day long, since it allows direct sunlight to come inside. In order to solve both mentioned problems, three addition items are proposed which are, GRID PARTITION, EXTENSION DECK, and STEPPING SPACE. A glass partition not only dividing space between kitchen and living, but also helps reduce electricity charge from air-condition. Grid-like of double glass frame is for stuff and stationery hanging, as to serve the owners’ activities. Extension deck would help filtrating heat from direct sunlight, since an existing high glass facade facing West. An existing staircase for going up to the second-floor bedroom, is added by a proposed space above, since this condominium unit has no enough space for dwelling or storage. In order to utilize the space in a small condominium, creating another staircase above the existing one helps increase the space. The grid partition and the extension deck help ‘decrease’ the electricity charge, while the extension deck and the stepping space help ‘increase’ the space for 11 sq.m.

This is a simple addition to the back deck to create an outdoor kitchen and outdoor dining area. A fire pit by the water creates another seating area out in the lawn and gives a perfect place to watch the sun set. The steps and walls improve the access to the boat dock and solve an erosion problem. Photographed by: Emerald Coast Real Estate Photography

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com Project Entry: Pembrooke Estate Rain Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Sustainable Landscape &60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: The client contracted our company to solve multiple existing drainage problems. In a heavy rain event the existing French drain system would overflow, causing water to pool in the driveway. After investigating the system we found that the capacity of the French drain was undersized for the amount of storm water from the large rain events received in recent years. As a result of our findings and at the request of the homeowner, we designed a storm water management system to capture all storm water from the structures on the property and regenerate the underground aquifers for the volume of a 5.8” rainstorm. In addition to the new drain system, the homeowners wanted a rain garden to provide a backdrop for an existing formal garden, provide a habitat for wildlife, and provide screening from an adjacent neighbor. Throughout the design process many challenges were presented, including an existing gas line, which ran directly through the area that best suited the bioswale. The existence of the gas line caused us to alter the shape and depth of the bioswale in some areas. We also inspected the existing downspouts to make sure there were no obstructions that would impede the system’s efficiency, and then conducted a test pit dig to make sure we had sufficient percolation rates for disposal of storm water. To effectively capture the storm water runoff, the existing downspouts were piped from the main house and the large detached garage to a large catch basin located at the low point in the driveway. The driveway catch basin contains two outlet pipes at different elevations within the basin allowing water from smaller rain events to enter the bioswale and rain garden area to percolate into the soil before excess water overflows into a sediment trap which filters out any debris and is then piped to an underground StormTech® pit to slowly percolate into the ground. The other outlet pipe in the driveway catch basin is used for larger storm water events, taking the water directly to the StormTech® pit. Accepting and slowing the velocity of the storm water, mitigation of erosion, and filtering out pollutants contained in the “first flush” of rainfall are the primary functions of the bioswale and rain garden. Planting these areas with mostly native plant species helps carry out these functions while attracting and providing shelter for wildlife. The ‘Niobe’ weeping willow is the centerpiece of the rain garden, connecting with the axis of the existing formal garden. To screen the neighboring property we chose Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ for its graceful evergreen habit and tolerance of wet sites. ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood and Panicum ‘Cloud Nine’ were used for screening as well as winter interest. To provide deciduous structure to the garden Taxodium distichum and Magnolia virginiana were used in conjunction with witch hazel. Mostly native wetland perennials were used due to their tolerance of wet conditions and occasional drought. The area above the StormTech® pit provides space for the client’s family to relax. The rain garden and bioswale provide screening, storm water management, a habitat for wildlife, and plants that enhance the adjacent formal garden. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

Our Interior Designers tell clients, “Be true to yourself, and you will love the results.” This kitchen remodel reflects that motto. The owners of this Salem area ranch home had a long-standing appreciation of the classic white, black, and red color combination. So when C&R Senior Interior Designer Linda Stewart selected the new color palette, she stayed close to that theme. A challenge in nearly every older kitchen is the new refrigerator sizes. Remember the day when you could replace your refrigerator and the new one would fit perfectly in the existing space? Not anymore. Now, the super-sized refrigerators wreck havoc on most kitchen spaces. If, by luck, it happens to fit beneath the upper cabinet, it more than likely protrudes out into the room. This kitchen had that issue. The refrigerator stuck out a good six inches from the cabinet edge, seriously affecting the visual flow. And with that much added depth, reaching the cabinet above was almost impossible. C&R solved this problem with a custom cabinet and side pantry that extends the full depth of the refrigerator. This accomplished two good things: added architectural interest and a refrigerator proportional to the kitchen as a whole. Terry Poe Photography

West Seattle offers great views to Puget Sound and this house is no exception. It almost felt like we were in the water from the second and third floor. The bamboo floors were getting a tremendous amount of fading and the air conditioning was having a difficult time keeping up with the heat. We installed 3M Prestige 50 to keep the view and solve the problems from the sun.

Entertaining friends and family doesn't work well when rooms are small and closed off. So when our clients decided to remodel, they knew they wanted to open up the space to accommodate large gatherings. Also important were ample storage and quality appliances that would hold up to the demands of cooking creative meals several nights a week. As is sometimes the case with remodeling, solving one problem can create another. Opening up the space involved removing a wall, which sacrificed critical square footage for cabinetry and appliances. We knew the wall needed to come down so we were challenged with making sure every available cabinet space in the kitchen was being utilized as thoughtfully and creatively as possible. A tall pantry was added next to the refrigerator to allow for storage of pots and pans, as well as food, while another pantry in the adjacent dining room housed all dishes and silverware. A small bar area was created in an unused section in the back of the home to store coffee and tea accessories and drinkware. Finally, a small island in the center of the kitchen offered the ideal location for the microwave and most-used pots and pans. With the expanded space, smart use of storage options and top-notch appliances, our clients are enjoying working in their new kitchen and have already hosted a ravioli-making class! Matt Villano Photography

Designed by Akram Aljahmi of Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia, PA in collaboration with Property Remodeling Group, this transitional inspired kitchen design features white and grey finishes complemented by a bold splash of blue tile. The kitchen design features Merillat Classic kitchen cabinets in Portrait door style with 5 piece drawer head in 2 finishes. The wall cabinets features a painted white Cotton finish and the base cabinets feature a painted grey Graphite finish. Kitchen countertops are engineered quartz in the color Carrera Marmi from Q by MSI. The kitchen also features a stunning blue herringbone tile back splash with 3x10 tiles. According to the client, "Akram solved a fundamental function problem that I could not see a solution for. His re-imagining of how the main floor of our home could function was a dramatic shift that I can't wait to experience as part of day-to-day life. Really appreciate his space plan and layout, as well as his support selecting finishes. Akram and team were great to work with!". Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Basement Bath Bryn Mawr PA. Want a basement bath from scratch? Sure, no problem its nothing a little jackhammering concrete and digging trenches for plumbing can’t solve. We changed a doorway to an unfinished storage area to a spacious full bath and hall with access to the remaining storage area. Now family and guests have a more convenient bath when hanging out in the finished basement. The clients also wanted a full shower for the kids after sports, guests staying over, or after a workout in the adjoining fitness room. Some interesting ceiling work was needed to go around the homes existing mechanicals while still maintaining a comfortable ceiling height. Durable and stylish vinyl floating floors are a great choice for the flooring. The Dreamline shower system looks clean and bright. The new bath and hall blend seamlessly with the already finished basement and seem original to the space.

One feature palm was salvaged when this seven year old Mediterranean style residence on the Caloosahatchee River underwent a complete landscape and hardscape remodel in the beginning of 2015. The landscape had not been properly maintained for a few years prior to when the new owners purchased in 2014, was overgrown and unhealthy and therefore was in need of a complete evaluation and landscape overhall. The original red brick concrete pavers were removed and replaced with a gold travertine blend with ivory travertine border for accent. The front entry stair was expanded and redesigned for a more significant and welcoming front door. The side yard had a significant slope from the foundation of the house to the seawall and had significant erosion damage. This space was re-graded, grading and drainage was repaired and re-routed and a 70 foot long retaining wall was installed. The retaining wall not only solved the stormwater washout problem, but also provided a level space for a private side yard tropical palm garden and pathway to access both the pool deck and the walk along the seawall. The stairs to the pool deck, dock and landing were all completely modified for ease of use. Aside from the tropical and beautiful landscape that was installed, the most significant visual and aesthetic improvement to this property was the addition of three 9 foot tall by 5 foot wide natural stone water walls with stone basins that were designed to fit within the archways at the driveway entry and designed to complement the architecture of the residence. These water walls offer ambient noise, visual interest and have completely improved the use and entry experience for the homeowner and visitors. Tropical shade bromeliads, alocasias, cordylines and ferns dress up the new landscape beds at the entry and along the front foundation where previously red brick intersected the foundation walls for a mundane solution. Other elements of interest include the cable wire espalier that was installed in front of the archway on both sides of the entry way for colorful bougainvillea trellis vine to climb and soften the tall walls and eventually connect over the arch. Confederate jasmine vine will soften the garage corner on the cable wire trellis installed and there is also a 4 foot wide by 18 foot tall cable wire espalier on a tall, once stark, wall on the pool deck. Three pool planters were reconfigured and planted with large triple princess palms and bold blue-tone pottery was selected to add interest and color to the pool deck. Micro-drip irrigation was connected to the pool planters and pottery for a low maintenance solution. This project was a collaborative effort with an ideal client who was open to all design ideas, who worked closely with the design team, and was a great success for both the client and R.S. Walsh Landscaping.

“While researching about IKEA cabinets the one problem that came up repeatedly was the ordering process due to the number of parts needed. I came across IKD during our search, which helped to solve this issue. When I went to IKD’s site and read the testimonials, I was convinced that this would enable me to be the most successful at designing my dream kitchen,” she says. To complement the Rustic Country kitchen look, Teresa also selected a variety of high-end appliances, including a Whirlpool refrigerator; a Bosch dishwasher; a GE microwave; a Frigidaire Gallery Gas Range freestanding oven; quartz countertops; white matte brick tile for the backsplash and pendant lighting from Lowes. This established the clean, simple look she wanted as well. The results are a warm and open IKEA kitchen with a lot of homegrown flavor! It includes a large center island (which provides ample storage options and countertop space as well as an Old Farmer’s meat market sign); a custom-covered rustic hood; Luxury vinyl flooring from Lumbar Liquidators and plenty of natural lighting to highlight the paintings of barns, pigs and other farm animals found throughout the space and the adjoining living room.

And then there was storage. A friendly trip to IKEA solved the problem. Of course I had to embellish the storage cabinet with lighting and strong sleek handles. We went from a tossed space to a sleek stay-cation.

New windows, floors, powder room and basement: We gave the home new windows, new hardwood floors, and paint throughout. We created a new main floor powder room and a new finished basement containing a living area, three-piece bathroom and new bedroom with egress (tilt and turn) windows. Flipped around and redesigned kitchen: We created a new kitchen. The footprint of the kitchen stayed the same, but we flipped it around and redesigned it. Now it has a walk-in pantry area and more floorspace going in and out, which optimized the flow of traffic. We replaced the old non-functioning mudroom with a new one. Disappearing balcony and drafty door: To create a new space using a balcony in a bedroom, we extended the second storey out to line up with the first floor, and this increased the square footage. In that room we turned a drafty door into a window. We reinstated the rear deck, using as many of the original pieces as we could: There was a leaking roof problem because the original roof pitches were causing ice damming. We designed a new roof to prevent that in the future. New windows, stucco, and the challenge of asbestos: Another challenge was installing new windows in the original stucco finish, which contained asbestos. We waterproofed those properly, future proofing them from leaks. We solved the situation by installing a 5-inch trim around the perimeter of the window. Specialists cut the asbestos back (we had to set up a containment perimeter around each window), and then we placed windows that are five inches wider than the window frames. We used special flashing tapes and sealed them all up behind the stucco.

Design drawing to solve a problem of an off-center viewing position. Sometimes a space requires an asymmetrical design. If done well, that can work very nicely. Design drawing by Will Eick, HomeComing Woodworks.

This small kitchen was updated by refacing the cabinets with two tone colors that gave enough contrast to bring the kitchen from an outdated space to a beautiful inviting space. To solve the storage problem, we installed a new pantry. The bead-board backing on the peninsula gave an added interest to the space. The upper cabinets were done in a mist color, while the lower cabinets were done in a midnight color. To finish the new look, we installed an Aria quartz countertop and an igloo ceramic subway tile backsplash. Now this kitchen is ready to be shared with their family and friends.

This amazing renovation focused on solving a series of problems that a previous kitchen expansion had created. By rearranging the appliance placement, updating the cabinetry, designing all new storage solutions and maximizing the amazing outdoor views; we cured the spit personality disorder plaguing the existing kitchen. The home now has a beautifully redesigned kitchen and living space perfect for entertaining, relaxing and enjoying the outside views. Vaulted ceilings with bright skylights, reflective glass wall tiles, sleek sophisticated Cambria quartz counter tops, fingerprint-free faucet, multi-functional Prolific kitchen sink by Kohler, stainless steel appliances, creative storage solutions, all new lighting and timeless shaker cabinets by Wellborn lend to the now bright, open, vivacious and flawless function of this newly renovated galley style kitchen. White base cabinets along the outside walls contrast perfectly with the dark grey island cabinets. Linear satin nickel door and drawer pulls coordinate with the stainless steel appliances and sink. An eclectic blend of vintage and modern furnishings, artwork and rugs create a comfortable balance that feels and looks timeless. Breathtaking backyard views are artfully framed by new Pella windows and doors with integral blinds between the glass. Calm, inviting neutral tones provide the perfect backdrop for this refined design. Photos by: Kimberly Kerl

Removing the kitchen walls required a structural alternative to the existing load-bearing ridge beam. Installation of eight 4x8 Douglas Fir rafter ties solved the problem and provided an aesthetic windfall. The new rafter ties also provided mounting surface for the extensive LED Up and Down lighting. We designed a large floating soffit to anchor the kitchen without walls. Suspended from the rafter ties above the island, the soffit also provides a surface to mount unique LED task lighting in this otherwise high-ceilinged space.