This Foothills Contemporary House stands at the edge of a steep mountain slope, looking down into a deep ravine and out to distant snowy peaks. Conforming to its rugged site, this house stacks three stories tall and stretches along a north-south axis, framing views of the vast western landscape from almost every living space in the house. This home is characterized by a dynamic geometry of simple forms shifting in and out of alignment, stacking and sometimes perforating each other.

This Foothills Contemporary House stands at the edge of a steep mountain slope, looking down into a deep ravine and out to distant snowy peaks. Conforming to its rugged site, this house stacks three stories tall and stretches along a north-south axis, framing views of the vast western landscape from almost every living space in the house. This home is characterized by a dynamic geometry of simple forms shifting in and out of alignment, stacking and sometimes perforating each other.

The tightly constrained footprint of the affectionately named “Box on the Rock” is a response to a limited budget and difficult site. Shallow underground hillside waterways run across the site often daylighting in unexpected and unwanted locations. These necessitated relatively expensive pier footings thus motivating an extremely efficient 2,000 sq ft footprint. With no initial resources to develop the wild scrub and rock landscape of the 3-acre property, the home becomes a lone outpost settling the higher ground of the larger natural site --a literal box on a rock. Given these limitations, the architecture of this outpost needs to provide for all indoor and outdoor functions within its area. With the extremes of the wine country microclimate on the exposed site, this becomes an even more critical requirement for year-round comfort. The central courtyard and the cantilevered deck are strategically carved out of the diagrammatic box to ensure that over the course of the day, temperate options for both sun and shade are always available. In particular, the geometry of the overhang at the front cantilevered deck and the inward angle of its exterior glass walls are carefully calibrated to capture morning sun and winter warming while shielding the internal space from the harshest summer glare. Later in the day the central courtyard comes alive as the sunniest developed outdoor space, yet one that is naturally cooled by capturing the valley cross breezes. With an economy of means, this simple form morphs to amplify the experience of the dramatic site and create an expansive feeling home that belies its small footprint. Each adjustment to the diagrammatic box negotiates the functional and environmental needs to foster self-contained and site-specific living with a minimal environmental impact. Photo by Bruce Damonte

This bathroom showcases a refined, minimalist design defined by its custom marble-wrapped vanity and clean vertical tile cladding. A large round mirror adds soft geometry, reflecting natural light and expanding the space visually. The seamless floor transition in matching marble enhances the spa-like feel, while the warm wood shelf offers contrast and functional elegance. Framed by a simple doorway, the composition highlights craftsmanship, material continuity, and modern restraint.

A contemporary exterior that balances clean geometry with a warm, natural material palette. Vertical cedar siding wraps the home in rich texture, allowing the wood to weather beautifully within its surroundings. Crisp black windows and a standing seam black metal roof provide a strong, modern contrast, sharpening the home’s lines and emphasizing its simple form. Copper gutters add a subtle layer of warmth and craftsmanship, offering a detail that will patina gracefully over time. Together, the materials create a refined exterior that feels both modern and grounded.

The simple material palette of stained white oak hardwood floors and modern gray walls set the stage for the play of light, foliage and wind from the outside. The austerity and permanence of the cast-in-place concrete, the warmth of the cedar, and the changing color of the sky play against the sunlight and the garden to provide a fluid and changing atmosphere. The organic forms of the northwest-inspired interior garden is a welcome softening contrast to the rigor of the floor plan geometry.

Virginia AIA Honor Award for Excellence in Residential Design | Vernacular geometries and contemporary openness. This house is designed around the simple concept of placing main living spaces and private bedrooms in separate volumes, and linking the two wings with a well-organized kitchen. In doing so, the southern living space becomes a pavilion that enjoys expansive glass openings and a generous porch. Maintaining a geometric self-confidence, this front pavilion possesses the simplicity of a barn, while its large, shadowy openings suggest shelter from the elements and refuge within.

The cabin typology redux came out of the owner’s desire to have a house that is warm and familiar, but also “feels like you are on vacation.” The basis of the “Hewn House” design starts with a cabin’s simple form and materiality: a gable roof, a wood-clad body, a prominent fireplace that acts as the hearth, and integrated indoor-outdoor spaces. However, rather than a rustic style, the scheme proposes a clean-lined and “hewned” form, sculpted, to best fit on its urban infill lot. The plan and elevation geometries are responsive to the unique site conditions. Existing prominent trees determined the faceted shape of the main house, while providing shade that projecting eaves of a traditional log cabin would otherwise offer. Deferring to the trees also allows the house to more readily tuck into its leafy East Austin neighborhood, and is therefore more quiet and secluded. Natural light and coziness are key inside the home. Both the common zone and the private quarters extend to sheltered outdoor spaces of varying scales: the front porch, the private patios, and the back porch which acts as a transition to the backyard. Similar to the front of the house, a large cedar elm was preserved in the center of the yard. Sliding glass doors open up the interior living zone to the backyard life while clerestory windows bring in additional ambient light and tree canopy views. The wood ceiling adds warmth and connection to the exterior knotted cedar tongue & groove. The iron spot bricks with an earthy, reddish tone around the fireplace cast a new material interest both inside and outside. The gable roof is clad with standing seam to reinforced the clean-lined and faceted form. Furthermore, a dark gray shade of stucco contrasts and complements the warmth of the cedar with its coolness. A freestanding guest house both separates from and connects to the main house through a small, private patio with a tall steel planter bed. Photo by Charles Davis Smith

Our doors offer several key advantages: - The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms. - Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress. - High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration. Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles. Model - 0188 Iron Color - Black Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This model has a strong, balanced look with six horizontal glass openings that add rhythm and light to the solid iron surface. The long pull handle runs in line with the door’s clean geometry, giving it a confident, well-proportioned appearance that fits both contemporary and transitional exteriors. Door thickness - 3 11/16" Frame thickness - 3 13/16" Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - 2 Long Black Pull Handles VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site. A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

Our doors offer several key advantages: - The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms. - Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress. - High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration. Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles. Model - 0188 Iron Color - Black Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This model has a strong, balanced look with six horizontal glass openings that add rhythm and light to the solid iron surface. The long pull handle runs in line with the door’s clean geometry, giving it a confident, well-proportioned appearance that fits both contemporary and transitional exteriors. Door thickness - 3 11/16" Frame thickness - 3 13/16" Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - 2 Long Black Pull Handles VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site. A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

A classic, traditionally-inspired design with simplified decorative components and high functionality. Impressive geometry and uncomplicated style features give the this collection an ageless yet fashion-forward presence. Simple yet elegant. By MOEN - Available at Broedell Plumbing Supply.

Dining room - contemporary dining room idea in Chicago

The simple material palette of stained white oak hardwood floors and modern gray walls set the stage for the play of light, foliage and wind from the outside. The austerity and permanence of the cast-in-place concrete, the warmth of the cedar, and the changing color of the sky play against the sunlight and the garden to provide a fluid and changing atmosphere. The organic forms of the northwest-inspired interior garden is a welcome softening contrast to the rigor of the floor plan geometry.

Mountain style deck photo in Other

A contemporary exterior that balances clean geometry with a warm, natural material palette. Vertical cedar siding wraps the home in rich texture, allowing the wood to weather beautifully within its surroundings. Crisp black windows and a standing seam black metal roof provide a strong, modern contrast, sharpening the home’s lines and emphasizing its simple form. Copper gutters add a subtle layer of warmth and craftsmanship, offering a detail that will patina gracefully over time. Together, the materials create a refined exterior that feels both modern and grounded.

Modern and minimal, Brooklyn Modern Dining Table by Tonin Casa will surely become a welcoming destination in your house. Made in Italy, Brooklyn Designer Extension Dining Table features straight linear design and abundance for customization that’s meant to correspond with any décor palette and space you are working with.

We expanded a formerly dark, small, outdated kitchen and made it open, bright and airy. The glass doors and open plate rack of the kitchen cabinets add depth, color and geometry to the room. The door knobs and cabinet hardware are round simple forms, a detail that echoes the round table and art form shapes on the walls. Photography Peter Rymwid

In this composition, restraint becomes the defining characteristic. The clean geometry of the horizontal black rod railing pairs effortlessly with warm wood elements, allowing the staircase to integrate with quiet confidence rather than overt display. The treads, newels, and handrail are finished in a refined taupe-brown stain that adds depth and softness, while crisp white risers introduce a subtle luminosity that enhances the surrounding architecture. The result is a staircase that feels effortless at first glance yet reveals itself as a carefully considered study in proportion, material balance, and disciplined design. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

The kitchen is open to the central room and the sink faces the view but is discreetly placed behind the wall. The Range and oven are to the left. Notice the simple limited color and shapes make a pleasing pattern and a backdrop for art and the mosaic triled kitchen..