This redesign of an outdated landscape for a waterfront home on Cape Cod reacts directly to the site conditions and existing topography.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

This space started out as a three-season room that intended to provide a more direct connection from their home to their wooded lot and lovely gardens. As the design developed, the program shifted to a room that could be enjoyed all year around.

Preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday is turning out to be a bit different. Gone this year is the uncle who throws crumbs of food and bits of trash in the fireplace. Or the kids that like to poke the fireplace logs sending sparks in every direction. This year, we get to create our own scene. Once you and your family have finished the delicious meal, now it’s time to make the rounds of Internet calls. Whether you use Zoom, Facebook, Skype or any other system, one thing is for sure…you need a warm, inviting, good-looking background. The fireplace is the perfect go-to background, especially when you can see and hear the crackling of the fire. Put a little extra time in decorating around the fireplace, and of course, include the cookies and pumpkin pie. To ensure chaos isn’t erupting behind you, make sure your fireplace and chimney is ready to go. Begin with a Chimney & Fireplace Inspection By getting a chimney inspection you’ll help to ensure smoke goes up and out of the house, debris is not blocking it and any animals are safely living outside of your chimney. You certainly don’t want your online guests to think you smoked the turkey in the fireplace. Chimney backup or a Smokey fireplace is usually caused by an insufficient draft in the flue. However, there are lots of other reasons for smoke backup including the partially open dampers, too small of a flue or a dirty chimney. This is one situation that’s best left to a certified technician to identify and repair. Debris knows how to make its way into the chimney. Leaves, twigs, paper, plastic, and anything else flying around on windy days, has this special radar, and when it finds a chimney, it’ll try to make its way in. If the chimney doesn’t have a chimney cap, or if it was blown off or shifted from the high winds, debris found a new home! Animals are wonderful to watch outside. We’ve watched a couple of the squirrels in our yard go from a lean body to a very plump size, all in preparation for winter. What comes next is a cozy place to sleep. The chimney is a perfect. It’s warm and protects the animals from the outdoor elements. If there isn’t a chimney cap or if the cap is loose or moved in a way to squeeze in…perfect! What is a 14 Point Inspection? A 14 point chimney inspection for your fireplace tells us a story about the events that occurred over the past year’s freeze and thaw cycle. It reveals to us any wear and tear, the frequency of use and the age of the chimney. This is great information to have in order to stay on top of any necessary chimney repairs and know the current conditions of worthiness for use. Since the chimney is high on the roof, we take pictures of your chimney to show you the current condition. If any repairs are needed, you can see it for yourself. You have a little time before the ‘live’ internet chat on Thanksgiving Day. As part of your preparations, get your chimney swept and inspected today. Call 877-244-6349.

THE SETUP Upon moving to Glen Ellyn, the homeowners were eager to infuse their new residence with a style that resonated with their modern aesthetic sensibilities. The primary bathroom, while spacious and structurally impressive with its dramatic high ceilings, presented a dated, overly traditional appearance that clashed with their vision. Design objectives: Transform the space into a serene, modern spa-like sanctuary. Integrate a palette of deep, earthy tones to create a rich, enveloping ambiance. Employ a blend of organic and natural textures to foster a connection with nature. THE REMODEL Design challenges: Take full advantage of the vaulted ceiling Source unique marble that is more grounding than fanciful Design minimal, modern cabinetry with a natural, organic finish Offer a unique lighting plan to create a sexy, Zen vibe Design solutions: To highlight the vaulted ceiling, we extended the shower tile to the ceiling and added a skylight to bathe the area in natural light. Sourced unique marble with raw, chiseled edges that provide a tactile, earthy element. Our custom-designed cabinetry in a minimal, modern style features a natural finish, complementing the organic theme. A truly creative layered lighting strategy dials in the perfect Zen-like atmosphere. The wavy protruding wall tile lights triggered our inspiration but came with an unintended harsh direct-light effect so we sourced a solution: bespoke diffusers measured and cut for the top and bottom of each tile light gap. THE RENEWED SPACE The homeowners dreamed of a tranquil, luxurious retreat that embraced natural materials and a captivating color scheme. Our collaborative effort brought this vision to life, creating a bathroom that not only meets the clients’ functional needs but also serves as a daily sanctuary. The carefully chosen materials and lighting design enable the space to shift its character with the changing light of day. “Trust the process and it will all come together,” the home owners shared. “Sometimes we just stand here and think, ‘Wow, this is lovely!'”

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets. The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate. While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home. What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment. The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge. Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture General Contractor: Kasten Builders Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022 Location: Point Richmond, CA

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

RWH Architect presents the Whistle Hill Lot 8 Residence, a statement home that reflects a bold shift toward modern, refined design. This contemporary residence is defined by its clean lines, dramatic vertical expressions, and a sophisticated mix of architectural forms that culminate in a truly forward-thinking home. From the moment visitors step into the central courtyard that connects the detached garage to the main house, the project introduces a new level of architectural intention rarely seen in the region. The detached garage, featuring an expansive 18' x 8' door, creates a strong street presence and anchors the courtyard entry sequence. Passing through the courtyard leads to a welcoming entry foyer designed with built-in hooks and a bench, creating a comfortable—and functional—moment of arrival. Just beyond the entry is a private study with custom built-in bookshelves, a space tailored for work, reading, or quiet focus. The main floor unfolds into a sophisticated open-concept layout where the kitchen, great room, and dining areas flow effortlessly together. The kitchen includes a walk-in pantry, a pot filler for convenience, and a dedicated dog-feeding station that integrates seamlessly into the cabinetry. The great room stands as the heart of the home, featuring a built-in wood-burning fireplace and oversized sliding doors that extend the living space out to a covered patio. A centrally located half bath near the kitchen completes the first-floor program. All bedrooms are located on the second floor to preserve privacy and capitalize on natural light. The master suite is designed as a luxurious retreat, offering a screened-in porch, a spacious walk-in closet, and a unique bathroom where the walk-in shower wraps around a freestanding tub, creating a spa-like environment that blends innovation with comfort. The laundry room is conveniently positioned on the same floor. Two additional bedrooms share a well-appointed bathroom, completing the second-floor layout. Several design challenges shaped the evolution of this project and ultimately elevated its architectural clarity. One of the primary challenges was organizing the home around a detached garage while maintaining a cohesive architectural experience. RWH resolved this by creating a courtyard that acts as a transitional outdoor room, visually linking the structures and providing a dramatic yet functional entry sequence. Another challenge involved balancing large modern window systems with the bold vertical elements that define the façade. By carefully proportioning the glazing and framing it within thoughtful material changes, RWH maintained a strong contemporary identity while ensuring visual harmony. Integrating the built-in fireplace, open-concept layout, and large patio openings required complex structural solutions; RWH overcame this by using discreetly integrated structural steel that allowed for wide spans without compromising the home’s clean, minimalist interior aesthetic. Designing the master bathroom’s combined shower-and-tub layout also presented a unique challenge, requiring careful grading, waterproofing, and spatial planning. Through strategic detailing and 3D modeling, RWH delivered a seamless spa-like experience that feels both inventive and intuitively functional. The Whistle Hill Lot 8 Residence stands as a testament to a new architectural direction in the area—one that embraces innovative forms, curated materials, and a lifestyle-driven floor plan. With its modern massing, intentional interior flow, and elevated details, this home reflects RWH Architect’s commitment to pushing residential design into its next era.

THE SETUP Upon moving to Glen Ellyn, the homeowners were eager to infuse their new residence with a style that resonated with their modern aesthetic sensibilities. The primary bathroom, while spacious and structurally impressive with its dramatic high ceilings, presented a dated, overly traditional appearance that clashed with their vision. Design objectives: Transform the space into a serene, modern spa-like sanctuary. Integrate a palette of deep, earthy tones to create a rich, enveloping ambiance. Employ a blend of organic and natural textures to foster a connection with nature. THE REMODEL Design challenges: Take full advantage of the vaulted ceiling Source unique marble that is more grounding than fanciful Design minimal, modern cabinetry with a natural, organic finish Offer a unique lighting plan to create a sexy, Zen vibe Design solutions: To highlight the vaulted ceiling, we extended the shower tile to the ceiling and added a skylight to bathe the area in natural light. Sourced unique marble with raw, chiseled edges that provide a tactile, earthy element. Our custom-designed cabinetry in a minimal, modern style features a natural finish, complementing the organic theme. A truly creative layered lighting strategy dials in the perfect Zen-like atmosphere. The wavy protruding wall tile lights triggered our inspiration but came with an unintended harsh direct-light effect so we sourced a solution: bespoke diffusers measured and cut for the top and bottom of each tile light gap. THE RENEWED SPACE The homeowners dreamed of a tranquil, luxurious retreat that embraced natural materials and a captivating color scheme. Our collaborative effort brought this vision to life, creating a bathroom that not only meets the clients’ functional needs but also serves as a daily sanctuary. The carefully chosen materials and lighting design enable the space to shift its character with the changing light of day. “Trust the process and it will all come together,” the home owners shared. “Sometimes we just stand here and think, ‘Wow, this is lovely!'”

THE SETUP Upon moving to Glen Ellyn, the homeowners were eager to infuse their new residence with a style that resonated with their modern aesthetic sensibilities. The primary bathroom, while spacious and structurally impressive with its dramatic high ceilings, presented a dated, overly traditional appearance that clashed with their vision. Design objectives: Transform the space into a serene, modern spa-like sanctuary. Integrate a palette of deep, earthy tones to create a rich, enveloping ambiance. Employ a blend of organic and natural textures to foster a connection with nature. THE REMODEL Design challenges: Take full advantage of the vaulted ceiling Source unique marble that is more grounding than fanciful Design minimal, modern cabinetry with a natural, organic finish Offer a unique lighting plan to create a sexy, Zen vibe Design solutions: To highlight the vaulted ceiling, we extended the shower tile to the ceiling and added a skylight to bathe the area in natural light. Sourced unique marble with raw, chiseled edges that provide a tactile, earthy element. Our custom-designed cabinetry in a minimal, modern style features a natural finish, complementing the organic theme. A truly creative layered lighting strategy dials in the perfect Zen-like atmosphere. The wavy protruding wall tile lights triggered our inspiration but came with an unintended harsh direct-light effect so we sourced a solution: bespoke diffusers measured and cut for the top and bottom of each tile light gap. THE RENEWED SPACE The homeowners dreamed of a tranquil, luxurious retreat that embraced natural materials and a captivating color scheme. Our collaborative effort brought this vision to life, creating a bathroom that not only meets the clients’ functional needs but also serves as a daily sanctuary. The carefully chosen materials and lighting design enable the space to shift its character with the changing light of day. “Trust the process and it will all come together,” the home owners shared. “Sometimes we just stand here and think, ‘Wow, this is lovely!'”

These clients loved the historic details of their classic Portland Bungalow, but wished for modern updates to improve livability. We were able to capture square footage to the kitchen by removing an unused chimney allowing us to increase additional work surface with the addition of a narrow island. Where traffic flow previously moved directly across the work triangle, the new layout keeps cooking activities within one zone of the kitchen and shifting traffic flow to another zone, allowing their daughter and four-legged family members to run through the space freely! High-end appliances create a luxury cooking experience. Crisp surfaces and colors create a light and bright space while classically sized crown and trim profiles draw the eye up and around the room offering a feeling of expanse in a modestly sized footprint. The blue and white color pallet offer a subtle reminder to coastal and tropical environments … the client’s favorite place to escape!

This spacious home in the foothills of Northwest Corvallis is an absolute beauty! Remodeling the kitchen and laundry room greatly expanded the possibilities for storage and organization and created an entirely fresh appeal. The ceilings throughout the home had been paneled with warm, gorgeous wood. To build on that detail, we incorporated hints of wood in the new design at the range hood, sink cabinetry, desktop, and open shelving. There was also existing tile flooring that the homeowner wanted to keep, so light, neutral cabinetry was the perfect complement to the wood and tile, brightening the entire space. The two-tiered wrap around peninsula offers an abundance of room for guests to sit and eat or visit with those in the kitchen. It also serves to delineate the kitchen from the living area. Although the kitchen’s footprint wasn’t altered, we did move the stove to the back wall. This change optimized functionality and set a dramatic focal point. The professional-style, six-burner gas range is sure to be a high-performer when cooking any meal. On special occasions when numerous dishes are on the menu, the convection microwave will come in handy, operating as a second oven or a microwave. The under-counter dish drawers provide efficient storage and eliminate the need for pulling serving pieces down from an overhead cabinet. A custom pegboard organizer holds each dish securely in place to prevent shifting when the drawer is opened and closed. Conveniently located near the dishwasher, it makes unloading a breeze! Open shelving provides additional room to keep items close at hand and adds to the cottage feel. These homeowners have chosen to shelve small appliances in their newly remodeled laundry room that’s directly off the kitchen. In this way, it serves as a second “pantry.” Adjacent to the kitchen, there is now a beautiful workspace. Its glass upper cabinets are a fantastic place to display pottery, dishware, and cookbooks. We borrowed a few inches on the end of a bordering kitchen cabinet to construct a message center and mail sorting console. What a clever way to create a spot for pending paperwork while keeping it tucked behind the cabinet doors.

These clients loved the historic details of their classic Portland Bungalow, but wished for modern updates to improve livability. We were able to capture square footage to the kitchen by removing an unused chimney allowing us to increase additional work surface with the addition of a narrow island. Where traffic flow previously moved directly across the work triangle, the new layout keeps cooking activities within one zone of the kitchen and shifting traffic flow to another zone, allowing their daughter and four-legged family members to run through the space freely! High-end appliances create a luxury cooking experience. Crisp surfaces and colors create a light and bright space while classically sized crown and trim profiles draw the eye up and around the room offering a feeling of expanse in a modestly sized footprint. The blue and white color pallet offer a subtle reminder to coastal and tropical environments … the client’s favorite place to escape!

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

The P+M House is a new infill home for a family of four in Saskatoon’s Varsity View neighborhood. Constructed of daylight, natural wood, and human interaction, it strives to create a rich, family-focused environment that pulls nature and ever-changing sunlight into the heart of the house. Situated at the doorsteps of President Murray Park and the U of S campus, the home opens to the South, affronting an established street while allowing a row of towering American elms to provide natural shading and focus to the interior spaces. The house is divided into four program zones: public, private, parents, and kids. The internal organization is a direct result of a daylight management concept, where dark-craving spaces are condensed and allocated to areas with low-light access, while providing strategic separation between zones. Left behind as a result are airy, light-filled living spaces that offer internal / external views, space for family interaction, while taking maximum advantage of limited South and West light. The architecture begins with a main floor sectional shift that breaks the house into front & back, creating an internal topography that lets South light reach the back of the house. A trio of continuous, interlocking walls then give shape and order to the primary spaces, while openings in or between these walls extend the interior spaces into the yard and let daylight wash the heart of the house. The highly-insulated house is the result of a thoughtful process that sought to leverage the site’s severe environmental constraints (minimal southern exposure in an extreme cold climate, where temps reach 40 below) and turn them into opportunities. The house is composed of a 2800 sf main house, a 650 sf basement suite, and a 600 sf garage. It is constructed of reinforced concrete, 2x staggered stud walls, exposed spruce posts / glulam beams, and open-web engineered wood trusses. It is clad in stucco and western red cedar; with triple-glazed fiberglass windows and natural white oak finishes throughout. Architectural Design: METAAMO studio w/ Oxbow Architecture All Imagery Copyright 2017 Metaamo Studio, All Rights Reserved. No commercial use without prior written approval.

These clients loved the historic details of their classic Portland Bungalow, but wished for modern updates to improve livability. We were able to capture square footage to the kitchen by removing an unused chimney allowing us to increase additional work surface with the addition of a narrow island. Where traffic flow previously moved directly across the work triangle, the new layout keeps cooking activities within one zone of the kitchen and shifting traffic flow to another zone, allowing their daughter and four-legged family members to run through the space freely! High-end appliances create a luxury cooking experience. Crisp surfaces and colors create a light and bright space while classically sized crown and trim profiles draw the eye up and around the room offering a feeling of expanse in a modestly sized footprint. The blue and white color pallet offer a subtle reminder to coastal and tropical environments … the client’s favorite place to escape!

These clients loved the historic details of their classic Portland Bungalow, but wished for modern updates to improve livability. We were able to capture square footage to the kitchen by removing an unused chimney allowing us to increase additional work surface with the addition of a narrow island. Where traffic flow previously moved directly across the work triangle, the new layout keeps cooking activities within one zone of the kitchen and shifting traffic flow to another zone, allowing their daughter and four-legged family members to run through the space freely! High-end appliances create a luxury cooking experience. Crisp surfaces and colors create a light and bright space while classically sized crown and trim profiles draw the eye up and around the room offering a feeling of expanse in a modestly sized footprint. The blue and white color pallet offer a subtle reminder to coastal and tropical environments … the client’s favorite place to escape!

A minimal insertion into a densely wooded landscape, the Collector’s Pavilion provides the owners with an 8,000 sf private fitness space and vintage automobile gallery. On a gently sloping site in amongst a grove of trees, the pavilion slides into the topography - mimicking and contrasting the surrounding landscape with a folded roof plane that hovers over a board formed concrete base. The clients’ requirement for a nearby room to display a growing car collection as well as provide a remote area for personal fitness carries with it a series of challenges related to privacy and security. The pavilion nestles into the wooded site - finding a home in a small clearing - and merges with the sloping landscape. The building has dual personalities, serving as a private and secure bunker from the exterior, while transforming into a warm and inviting space on the interior. The use of indirect light and the need to obscure direct views from the public right away provides the client with adequate day light for day-to-day use while ensuring that strict privacy is maintained. This shifting personality is also dramatically affected by the seasons - contrasting and merging with the surrounding environment depending on the time of year. The Collector’s Pavilion employs meticulous detailing of its concrete to steel to wood connections, exploring the grounded nature of poured concrete in conjunction with a delicate wood roof system that floats above a grid of steel. Above all, the Pavilion harmonizes with it’s natural surroundings through it’s materiality, formal language, and siting. Overview Chenequa, WI Size 8,000 sf Completion Date May 2013 Services Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

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

These clients loved the historic details of their classic Portland Bungalow, but wished for modern updates to improve livability. We were able to capture square footage to the kitchen by removing an unused chimney allowing us to increase additional work surface with the addition of a narrow island. Where traffic flow previously moved directly across the work triangle, the new layout keeps cooking activities within one zone of the kitchen and shifting traffic flow to another zone, allowing their daughter and four-legged family members to run through the space freely! High-end appliances create a luxury cooking experience. Crisp surfaces and colors create a light and bright space while classically sized crown and trim profiles draw the eye up and around the room offering a feeling of expanse in a modestly sized footprint. The blue and white color pallet offer a subtle reminder to coastal and tropical environments … the client’s favorite place to escape!