This remodel negotiates the owner’s desire for a modern home with the municipality’s desire to maintain the home’s ‘historic’ character.  To satisfy these potentially conflicting interests, our strategy restores the house’s shell while completely gutting the interior to achieve greater connections to the landscape beyond and between previously disconnected levels on the interior. At the exterior, new doors and windows with black frames hint at the elegant and restrained aesthetic that guides the design throughout. Similarly, a new cantilevered deck at the rear and new French doors at the front create connections to outside that echo the new spatial openness of the reorganized interior. The original home, although two stories, functioned like a single story home. To remedy this, the primary formal move was to remove the center of the home and insert a new, open stair that visually and physically connects the two levels. To take advantage of this, the lower level was enlarged and completely refinished to provide two new bedrooms, a music room, a playroom, and a bathroom. Similarly, the upper level was completed updated with a new master suite, an updated bathroom, new finishes in the main living spaces, and a new Henrybuilt Kitchen.

This remodel negotiates the owner’s desire for a modern home with the municipality’s desire to maintain the home’s ‘historic’ character.  To satisfy these potentially conflicting interests, our strategy restores the house’s shell while completely gutting the interior to achieve greater connections to the landscape beyond and between previously disconnected levels on the interior. At the exterior, new doors and windows with black frames hint at the elegant and restrained aesthetic that guides the design throughout. Similarly, a new cantilevered deck at the rear and new French doors at the front create connections to outside that echo the new spatial openness of the reorganized interior. The original home, although two stories, functioned like a single story home. To remedy this, the primary formal move was to remove the center of the home and insert a new, open stair that visually and physically connects the two levels. To take advantage of this, the lower level was enlarged and completely refinished to provide two new bedrooms, a music room, a playroom, and a bathroom. Similarly, the upper level was completed updated with a new master suite, an updated bathroom, new finishes in the main living spaces, and a new Henrybuilt Kitchen.

This remodel negotiates the owner’s desire for a modern home with the municipality’s desire to maintain the home’s ‘historic’ character.  To satisfy these potentially conflicting interests, our strategy restores the house’s shell while completely gutting the interior to achieve greater connections to the landscape beyond and between previously disconnected levels on the interior. At the exterior, new doors and windows with black frames hint at the elegant and restrained aesthetic that guides the design throughout. Similarly, a new cantilevered deck at the rear and new French doors at the front create connections to outside that echo the new spatial openness of the reorganized interior. The original home, although two stories, functioned like a single story home. To remedy this, the primary formal move was to remove the center of the home and insert a new, open stair that visually and physically connects the two levels. To take advantage of this, the lower level was enlarged and completely refinished to provide two new bedrooms, a music room, a playroom, and a bathroom. Similarly, the upper level was completed updated with a new master suite, an updated bathroom, new finishes in the main living spaces, and a new Henrybuilt Kitchen.

These clients enjoy cooking and entertaining, so their vision was to open and connect three separate rooms—the kitchen, sitting, and formal dining rooms—to create a single open and modern space where everyone could engage and participate in the activities. Opening these spaces required complex structural engineering. The wall removals required supporting the loads from the second floor and meeting the engineering requirements for shear wall and lateral support. These beams and their connections to the posts they sit on were a challenge to install because of the complex nature of the home's original framed. All these loads had to be carried through the finished basement below and rest on new footings below the basement floor. The center kitchen island was expansive, with a single slab countertop that would provide both workspace and counter seating. This slab, at 64x120 and 789 lbs., required careful planning for on-site labor, transfer routing, and precision installation. Natural daylight now floods the space from all directions. Recessed can lighting runs throughout the space, all on dimmers for maximum control of ambiance. The Better Builders design team guided the selection of hardwoods, staircase details, cabinetry, countertops, tile, and color. The muted palette and clean lines work well with our couple’s eclectic furnishings and artworks. Now, traffic and activities flow better, and every inch of the previously divided space is utilized and enjoyed. The outcome is exactly as our homeowners envisioned…and as we intended.

Set among mature pine and willow trees, the Bow Bog Road Residence transforms a once-neglected property into a refined modern home that feels inseparable from its natural setting. The original structure was removed while the existing foundation was preserved, presenting a unique design challenge: how to create a contemporary residence that respected the site’s constraints while maximizing light, views, and connection to the surrounding landscape. RWH Architects designed a modern post-and-beam home with a carefully integrated addition that expands the livable footprint while maintaining a modest, single-story profile. The home’s form follows the contours of the land, appearing grounded and intentional—almost as if it has always existed within the wooded setting. Inside, exposed timber beams and tongue-and-groove ceilings bring warmth and craftsmanship to the open living spaces. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and clerestory glazing flood the interior with natural light while framing views of the ever-changing New England foliage. A dramatic stone fireplace anchors the great room, creating a sense of permanence and balance between natural materials and modern design. The home is thoughtfully arranged for both comfort and flexibility, featuring a primary suite, guest suite, and two additional bedrooms. A sunroom serves as a transitional space between indoors and out, seamlessly connecting the living areas to the surrounding landscape. The custom kitchen introduces a darker wood palette, offering a rich contrast to the lighter finishes used throughout the home. Sustainability was a core consideration in the design. The residence operates fully off-grid, utilizing geothermal heating and cooling, solar power, a private septic system, and a 1,000-foot well—delivering modern amenities while minimizing environmental impact. The Bow Bog Road Residence reflects RWH Architects’ commitment to site-responsive design, craftsmanship, and sustainable living, resulting in a home that balances contemporary comfort with a deep connection to nature. “Robert was excellent to work with and very receptive to our desires with our new home build, working with us across several significant revisions on a beautiful custom home. Truly a pleasure to work with.” — Jeff Craig, Homeowner

Equal elements of visual proportion and harmony was essential to a successfully designed room. In terms of color, the boldness of the tiles black and white pattern with its overall whimsical pattern made the selection a perfect fit for a playful and innovative room. . I liked the way the different shapes blend into each other, hardly indistinguishable from one another, yet decipherable. His shapes are visual mazes, archetypal ideograms of a sort. At a distance, they form a pattern; up close, they form a story. Many of the themes are about people and their connections to each other. Some are visually explicit; others are more reflective and discreet. Most are just fun and whimsical, appealing to children and to the uninhibited in us. They are also primitive in their bold lines and graphic imagery. Many shapes are of monsters and scary beings, relaying the innate fears of childhood and the exterior landscape of the reality of city life. In effect, they are graffiti like patterns, yet indelibly marked in our subconscious. In addition, the basic black, white, and red colors so essential to Haring’s work express the boldness and basic instincts of color and form. In addition, my passion for both design and art found their aesthetic confluence in the expression of this whimsical statement of idea and function.

Set among mature pine and willow trees, the Bow Bog Road Residence transforms a once-neglected property into a refined modern home that feels inseparable from its natural setting. The original structure was removed while the existing foundation was preserved, presenting a unique design challenge: how to create a contemporary residence that respected the site’s constraints while maximizing light, views, and connection to the surrounding landscape. RWH Architects designed a modern post-and-beam home with a carefully integrated addition that expands the livable footprint while maintaining a modest, single-story profile. The home’s form follows the contours of the land, appearing grounded and intentional—almost as if it has always existed within the wooded setting. Inside, exposed timber beams and tongue-and-groove ceilings bring warmth and craftsmanship to the open living spaces. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and clerestory glazing flood the interior with natural light while framing views of the ever-changing New England foliage. A dramatic stone fireplace anchors the great room, creating a sense of permanence and balance between natural materials and modern design. The home is thoughtfully arranged for both comfort and flexibility, featuring a primary suite, guest suite, and two additional bedrooms. A sunroom serves as a transitional space between indoors and out, seamlessly connecting the living areas to the surrounding landscape. The custom kitchen introduces a darker wood palette, offering a rich contrast to the lighter finishes used throughout the home. Sustainability was a core consideration in the design. The residence operates fully off-grid, utilizing geothermal heating and cooling, solar power, a private septic system, and a 1,000-foot well—delivering modern amenities while minimizing environmental impact. The Bow Bog Road Residence reflects RWH Architects’ commitment to site-responsive design, craftsmanship, and sustainable living, resulting in a home that balances contemporary comfort with a deep connection to nature. “Robert was excellent to work with and very receptive to our desires with our new home build, working with us across several significant revisions on a beautiful custom home. Truly a pleasure to work with.” — Jeff Craig, Homeowner

This remodel negotiates the owner’s desire for a modern home with the municipality’s desire to maintain the home’s ‘historic’ character.  To satisfy these potentially conflicting interests, our strategy restores the house’s shell while completely gutting the interior to achieve greater connections to the landscape beyond and between previously disconnected levels on the interior. At the exterior, new doors and windows with black frames hint at the elegant and restrained aesthetic that guides the design throughout. Similarly, a new cantilevered deck at the rear and new French doors at the front create connections to outside that echo the new spatial openness of the reorganized interior. The original home, although two stories, functioned like a single story home. To remedy this, the primary formal move was to remove the center of the home and insert a new, open stair that visually and physically connects the two levels. To take advantage of this, the lower level was enlarged and completely refinished to provide two new bedrooms, a music room, a playroom, and a bathroom. Similarly, the upper level was completed updated with a new master suite, an updated bathroom, new finishes in the main living spaces, and a new Henrybuilt Kitchen.

This San Diego remodel masterfully blends the aesthetic style of this home with the necessities of a functional lifestyle. This standard builder grade kitchen was in need of a modern update which was accomplished with thoughtful accents, color selections and more. Replacing the outdated cabinets with a classic white and black pallet made the pairing feel modern or traditional, depending on the use of accessories and surrounding materials. Stacking cabinets took advantage of gorgeous, high ceilings and brought volume to the space, while delivering multiple storage options with a custom feel. For this particular client, we added touches of grey marble and dramatic blue glass to bring a contemporary edge to this kitchen. In addition, the wood look porcelain tile throughout the space brings kitchen, dining, and family room together to create an open concept with connection and flow and virtually zero maintenance for a busy family.

This project consists of an addition to a 1960’s single family residence that included a complete renovation of the interior plan and finishes. The primary goal of this program was to better connect the home to the lake, by visually drawing connections and physically building the house towards the water. Furthermore, to create new, accessible, usable indoor and outdoor living space that linked the owners to all the benefits of their site.

Set among mature pine and willow trees, the Bow Bog Road Residence transforms a once-neglected property into a refined modern home that feels inseparable from its natural setting. The original structure was removed while the existing foundation was preserved, presenting a unique design challenge: how to create a contemporary residence that respected the site’s constraints while maximizing light, views, and connection to the surrounding landscape. RWH Architects designed a modern post-and-beam home with a carefully integrated addition that expands the livable footprint while maintaining a modest, single-story profile. The home’s form follows the contours of the land, appearing grounded and intentional—almost as if it has always existed within the wooded setting. Inside, exposed timber beams and tongue-and-groove ceilings bring warmth and craftsmanship to the open living spaces. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and clerestory glazing flood the interior with natural light while framing views of the ever-changing New England foliage. A dramatic stone fireplace anchors the great room, creating a sense of permanence and balance between natural materials and modern design. The home is thoughtfully arranged for both comfort and flexibility, featuring a primary suite, guest suite, and two additional bedrooms. A sunroom serves as a transitional space between indoors and out, seamlessly connecting the living areas to the surrounding landscape. The custom kitchen introduces a darker wood palette, offering a rich contrast to the lighter finishes used throughout the home. Sustainability was a core consideration in the design. The residence operates fully off-grid, utilizing geothermal heating and cooling, solar power, a private septic system, and a 1,000-foot well—delivering modern amenities while minimizing environmental impact. The Bow Bog Road Residence reflects RWH Architects’ commitment to site-responsive design, craftsmanship, and sustainable living, resulting in a home that balances contemporary comfort with a deep connection to nature. “Robert was excellent to work with and very receptive to our desires with our new home build, working with us across several significant revisions on a beautiful custom home. Truly a pleasure to work with.” — Jeff Craig, Homeowner

Expansive Glass Wall Transforms Home into Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Retreat For this Campbell, CA, homeowner, the goal was to blur the boundaries between inside and out. The goal was to expand the living areas into the outdoor patio, making the home feel larger, more welcoming, and better suited for both relaxing and entertaining. Bringing the homeowner’s vision to life, Brad Cox, Architect, Inc., specified two aluminum framed folding glass walls to connect the primary living spaces to the outdoors. View all 2025 NanaAward Winners Expanding Space with Light and Openness with Folding Glass Walls The installation of NanaWall folding glass walls reimagined the home’s main living area as a continuous flow between the kitchen, dining, and outdoor patio. When fully open, the doors erase the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, creating a single, interconnected space for day-to-day living. Even when closed, the floor-to-ceiling glass panels flood the home with natural light, establishing a bright, uplifting atmosphere that enhances comfort and connection to nature. A Seamless Connection to the Outdoor Environment According to the homeowner, “With the folding glass walls, our outdoor space became a true extension of our home. When open, the doors completely remove the barrier between the interior and the outside, allowing the two areas to merge into one continuous, functional space.” The result is a living space that feels larger, more inviting, and perfectly adapted to the rhythms of family life and social gatherings alike. “One of the most compelling reasons we chose NanaWall was how their doors create a truly open living space between indoors and outdoors. Choosing NanaWall also meant choosing high-quality craftsmanship and design flexibility. Their systems are built to withstand various weather conditions while maintaining energy efficiency, security, and ease of use,” — Homeowner.

Free-standing direct-vent gas stove installation in a charming Seattle home. The homeowners wanted the warmth and ambiance of a wood stove without the maintenance, smoke, ash, or hassle of cordwood. We installed a high-efficiency direct-vent gas stove in the corner of their open-concept living room, with a code-compliant single-wall vent pipe routed straight up through the ceiling. The clean black exterior and authentic flame complement the home's mid-century modern aesthetic — leather sofa, light wood floors, natural light, and lush greenery — without overpowering the space. Scope of work: - Site assessment and gas line evaluation - Hearth pad installation and floor protection - Free-standing direct-vent gas stove installation - Single-wall vent pipe through ceiling and roof - Code-compliant clearances and termination - Gas line connection and leak testing - Final commissioning and homeowner walkthrough Installation completed in a single day. Family-owned. Licensed and bonded in Washington State.

Expansive Glass Wall Transforms Home into Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Retreat For this Campbell, CA, homeowner, the goal was to blur the boundaries between inside and out. The goal was to expand the living areas into the outdoor patio, making the home feel larger, more welcoming, and better suited for both relaxing and entertaining. Bringing the homeowner’s vision to life, Brad Cox, Architect, Inc., specified two aluminum framed folding glass walls to connect the primary living spaces to the outdoors. View all 2025 NanaAward Winners Expanding Space with Light and Openness with Folding Glass Walls The installation of NanaWall folding glass walls reimagined the home’s main living area as a continuous flow between the kitchen, dining, and outdoor patio. When fully open, the doors erase the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, creating a single, interconnected space for day-to-day living. Even when closed, the floor-to-ceiling glass panels flood the home with natural light, establishing a bright, uplifting atmosphere that enhances comfort and connection to nature. A Seamless Connection to the Outdoor Environment According to the homeowner, “With the folding glass walls, our outdoor space became a true extension of our home. When open, the doors completely remove the barrier between the interior and the outside, allowing the two areas to merge into one continuous, functional space.” The result is a living space that feels larger, more inviting, and perfectly adapted to the rhythms of family life and social gatherings alike. “One of the most compelling reasons we chose NanaWall was how their doors create a truly open living space between indoors and outdoors. Choosing NanaWall also meant choosing high-quality craftsmanship and design flexibility. Their systems are built to withstand various weather conditions while maintaining energy efficiency, security, and ease of use,” — Homeowner.

Expansive Glass Wall Transforms Home into Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Retreat For this Campbell, CA, homeowner, the goal was to blur the boundaries between inside and out. The goal was to expand the living areas into the outdoor patio, making the home feel larger, more welcoming, and better suited for both relaxing and entertaining. Bringing the homeowner’s vision to life, Brad Cox, Architect, Inc., specified two aluminum framed folding glass walls to connect the primary living spaces to the outdoors. View all 2025 NanaAward Winners Expanding Space with Light and Openness with Folding Glass Walls The installation of NanaWall folding glass walls reimagined the home’s main living area as a continuous flow between the kitchen, dining, and outdoor patio. When fully open, the doors erase the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, creating a single, interconnected space for day-to-day living. Even when closed, the floor-to-ceiling glass panels flood the home with natural light, establishing a bright, uplifting atmosphere that enhances comfort and connection to nature. A Seamless Connection to the Outdoor Environment According to the homeowner, “With the folding glass walls, our outdoor space became a true extension of our home. When open, the doors completely remove the barrier between the interior and the outside, allowing the two areas to merge into one continuous, functional space.” The result is a living space that feels larger, more inviting, and perfectly adapted to the rhythms of family life and social gatherings alike. “One of the most compelling reasons we chose NanaWall was how their doors create a truly open living space between indoors and outdoors. Choosing NanaWall also meant choosing high-quality craftsmanship and design flexibility. Their systems are built to withstand various weather conditions while maintaining energy efficiency, security, and ease of use,” — Homeowner.

Set in the rolling hills of Asheville, NC, the Avant-Garde Manor is a masterpiece of custom home design. Honored with the NC Stars Award for Best Single Family Custom Home (4501–5500 square feet), this stunning collaboration with Buchanan Construction LLC reflects a balance of natural elements, modern sophistication, and warm, welcoming design. Every detail of this 5,296-square-foot home was thoughtfully crafted by our interior design team to create a luxurious modern farmhouse that feels at home in its scenic surroundings. A Blend of Warmth and Sophistication Step into the living room, where light wood beams stretch across the vaulted ceilings and natural light streams in through the unique, expansive windows. The interplay of textures—light wood flooring, warm-toned cabinetry, and natural stone countertops—sets the tone for a home that is both refined and inviting. Touches like elegant accent lighting and carefully chosen fixtures elevate the space, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. These details, paired with the white walls and warm wood tones, make every room feel cohesive and timeless. Designed for Everyday Functionality The Avant-Garde Manor balances elegance with practicality, especially in its thoughtfully designed mudroom and laundry spaces. The mudroom features a built-in bench with hidden storage and plenty of hooks for coats and bags, leading into a laundry room outfitted with cabinetry, shelving, and hanging racks. It’s a setup that keeps your home organized, no matter how hectic the day gets. These spaces were designed with busy lives in mind, proving that function and beauty can coexist effortlessly. A Wine Cellar That Steals the Show One of the home’s standout features is the wine cellar, a space that combines functionality with artistry. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors reveal warm wood shelving, while a custom bar area with natural stone countertops, a beverage fridge, and glass-front cabinets adds sophistication. Built-in lighting completes the ambiance, making it a perfect spot for hosting guests or unwinding after a long day. Located just outside the wine cellar, a cozy bar area ties the space into the rest of the home, providing a seamless transition between entertaining and relaxation. Natural Light and Scenic Views Large windows throughout the home ensure that natural light is a constant presence, brightening every room while framing the breathtaking views of Asheville’s landscape. This thoughtful use of light not only enhances the interiors but also creates a sense of harmony between the home and its surroundings. From the living areas to the bedrooms, this connection to nature helps define the Avant-Garde Manor’s unique charm—a luxurious retreat that feels effortlessly connected to the outdoors. A Patio That Blends Luxury and Nature Just outside the living room, the large patio deck extends the living space into the outdoors, offering a seamless connection to nature. Perfectly framed by large glass panels that showcase the lush greenery surrounding the property, the patio’s open-concept design creates a serene, retreat-like atmosphere. The deck features a striking geometric wood-look pattern in rich natural tones, adding a unique and elegant touch. We chose this contemporary, cream-colored seating to brighten up the space and bring some modern luxury to the deck. The grand, stacked stone fireplace, with earthy hues brings texture and rustic charm to the space. Built for Every Moment The Avant-Garde Manor was designed to adapt to every kind of moment, from quiet evenings by the double-sided fireplace to lively gatherings in the open-concept kitchen. Custom details like accent walls, built-in desks, and elegant light fixtures make this home as functional as it is beautiful. Whether entertaining guests or enjoying the peace and quiet of Asheville’s natural beauty, this award-winning modern farmhouse is a true reflection of comfortable luxury.

Expansive Glass Wall Transforms Home into Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Retreat For this Campbell, CA, homeowner, the goal was to blur the boundaries between inside and out. The goal was to expand the living areas into the outdoor patio, making the home feel larger, more welcoming, and better suited for both relaxing and entertaining. Bringing the homeowner’s vision to life, Brad Cox, Architect, Inc., specified two aluminum framed folding glass walls to connect the primary living spaces to the outdoors. View all 2025 NanaAward Winners Expanding Space with Light and Openness with Folding Glass Walls The installation of NanaWall folding glass walls reimagined the home’s main living area as a continuous flow between the kitchen, dining, and outdoor patio. When fully open, the doors erase the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, creating a single, interconnected space for day-to-day living. Even when closed, the floor-to-ceiling glass panels flood the home with natural light, establishing a bright, uplifting atmosphere that enhances comfort and connection to nature. A Seamless Connection to the Outdoor Environment According to the homeowner, “With the folding glass walls, our outdoor space became a true extension of our home. When open, the doors completely remove the barrier between the interior and the outside, allowing the two areas to merge into one continuous, functional space.” The result is a living space that feels larger, more inviting, and perfectly adapted to the rhythms of family life and social gatherings alike. “One of the most compelling reasons we chose NanaWall was how their doors create a truly open living space between indoors and outdoors. Choosing NanaWall also meant choosing high-quality craftsmanship and design flexibility. Their systems are built to withstand various weather conditions while maintaining energy efficiency, security, and ease of use,” — Homeowner.

This remodel negotiates the owner’s desire for a modern home with the municipality’s desire to maintain the home’s ‘historic’ character.  To satisfy these potentially conflicting interests, our strategy restores the house’s shell while completely gutting the interior to achieve greater connections to the landscape beyond and between previously disconnected levels on the interior. At the exterior, new doors and windows with black frames hint at the elegant and restrained aesthetic that guides the design throughout. Similarly, a new cantilevered deck at the rear and new French doors at the front create connections to outside that echo the new spatial openness of the reorganized interior. The original home, although two stories, functioned like a single story home. To remedy this, the primary formal move was to remove the center of the home and insert a new, open stair that visually and physically connects the two levels. To take advantage of this, the lower level was enlarged and completely refinished to provide two new bedrooms, a music room, a playroom, and a bathroom. Similarly, the upper level was completed updated with a new master suite, an updated bathroom, new finishes in the main living spaces, and a new Henrybuilt Kitchen.

This remodel negotiates the owner’s desire for a modern home with the municipality’s desire to maintain the home’s ‘historic’ character.  To satisfy these potentially conflicting interests, our strategy restores the house’s shell while completely gutting the interior to achieve greater connections to the landscape beyond and between previously disconnected levels on the interior. At the exterior, new doors and windows with black frames hint at the elegant and restrained aesthetic that guides the design throughout. Similarly, a new cantilevered deck at the rear and new French doors at the front create connections to outside that echo the new spatial openness of the reorganized interior. The original home, although two stories, functioned like a single story home. To remedy this, the primary formal move was to remove the center of the home and insert a new, open stair that visually and physically connects the two levels. To take advantage of this, the lower level was enlarged and completely refinished to provide two new bedrooms, a music room, a playroom, and a bathroom. Similarly, the upper level was completed updated with a new master suite, an updated bathroom, new finishes in the main living spaces, and a new Henrybuilt Kitchen.