The goal was to build an oasis for the homeowners’ young children that could be enjoyed for generations while preserving the architectural integrity and historical features of their home. We designed and built the front landscaping at the home, and did the building at the back of the home. The pool and pool cabana were already existing on site. We added multiple retaining walls, a pergola, a patio, staircases and landings, walkways, privacy walls and privacy plantings, and significant gardens to this project. We re-used existing brick from the site, as well as the existing water feature. The water feature, driveway walls, and front pillars were all made of Reclaimed Brick. Indiana Limestone was used for the water feature cap, wall copings, front walkway, and front stepping stones. The profile of the coping stone was custom-made for this project to mimic the molding details on the exterior of the home. All backyard retaining walls were made of Ebel Riada Natural Walling Stone, and Owen Sound Brown Flagstone was used for all backyard walkways, patios, and stepping stones. The joints in the flagstone pool patio were filled with artificial turf. We built a new pergola, which we installed below the Wisteria before removing the existing pergola. Lifting the plant and structure opened up the back-patio doors of the home, transforming the view inside and out.

The goal was to build an oasis for the homeowners’ young children that could be enjoyed for generations while preserving the architectural integrity and historical features of their home. We designed and built the front landscaping at the home, and did the building at the back of the home. The pool and pool cabana were already existing on site. We added multiple retaining walls, a pergola, a patio, staircases and landings, walkways, privacy walls and privacy plantings, and significant gardens to this project. We re-used existing brick from the site, as well as the existing water feature. The water feature, driveway walls, and front pillars were all made of Reclaimed Brick. Indiana Limestone was used for the water feature cap, wall copings, front walkway, and front stepping stones. The profile of the coping stone was custom-made for this project to mimic the molding details on the exterior of the home. All backyard retaining walls were made of Ebel Riada Natural Walling Stone, and Owen Sound Brown Flagstone was used for all backyard walkways, patios, and stepping stones. The joints in the flagstone pool patio were filled with artificial turf. We built a new pergola, which we installed below the Wisteria before removing the existing pergola. Lifting the plant and structure opened up the back-patio doors of the home, transforming the view inside and out.

Scott Buley, High Tech Turf & Trees, LandscapeMakeover.biz, Rain Garden Nursery. Scott pieced these stones together on site, to act as a naturalized retainer. This is a U.S. Soil Conservation Service learning center. They train people interested in building Rain Gardens. We saved several nearly 100 yr old trees and specimens on this historic site, and added irrigation, etc..

The goal was to build an oasis for the homeowners’ young children that could be enjoyed for generations while preserving the architectural integrity and historical features of their home. We designed and built the front landscaping at the home, and did the building at the back of the home. The pool and pool cabana were already existing on site. We added multiple retaining walls, a pergola, a patio, staircases and landings, walkways, privacy walls and privacy plantings, and significant gardens to this project. We re-used existing brick from the site, as well as the existing water feature. The water feature, driveway walls, and front pillars were all made of Reclaimed Brick. Indiana Limestone was used for the water feature cap, wall copings, front walkway, and front stepping stones. The profile of the coping stone was custom-made for this project to mimic the molding details on the exterior of the home. All backyard retaining walls were made of Ebel Riada Natural Walling Stone, and Owen Sound Brown Flagstone was used for all backyard walkways, patios, and stepping stones. The joints in the flagstone pool patio were filled with artificial turf. We built a new pergola, which we installed below the Wisteria before removing the existing pergola. Lifting the plant and structure opened up the back-patio doors of the home, transforming the view inside and out.

The goal was to build an oasis for the homeowners’ young children that could be enjoyed for generations while preserving the architectural integrity and historical features of their home. We designed and built the front landscaping at the home, and did the building at the back of the home. The pool and pool cabana were already existing on site. We added multiple retaining walls, a pergola, a patio, staircases and landings, walkways, privacy walls and privacy plantings, and significant gardens to this project. We re-used existing brick from the site, as well as the existing water feature. The water feature, driveway walls, and front pillars were all made of Reclaimed Brick. Indiana Limestone was used for the water feature cap, wall copings, front walkway, and front stepping stones. The profile of the coping stone was custom-made for this project to mimic the molding details on the exterior of the home. All backyard retaining walls were made of Ebel Riada Natural Walling Stone, and Owen Sound Brown Flagstone was used for all backyard walkways, patios, and stepping stones. The joints in the flagstone pool patio were filled with artificial turf. We built a new pergola, which we installed below the Wisteria before removing the existing pergola. Lifting the plant and structure opened up the back-patio doors of the home, transforming the view inside and out.

The goal was to build an oasis for the homeowners’ young children that could be enjoyed for generations while preserving the architectural integrity and historical features of their home. We designed and built the front landscaping at the home, and did the building at the back of the home. The pool and pool cabana were already existing on site. We added multiple retaining walls, a pergola, a patio, staircases and landings, walkways, privacy walls and privacy plantings, and significant gardens to this project. We re-used existing brick from the site, as well as the existing water feature. The water feature, driveway walls, and front pillars were all made of Reclaimed Brick. Indiana Limestone was used for the water feature cap, wall copings, front walkway, and front stepping stones. The profile of the coping stone was custom-made for this project to mimic the molding details on the exterior of the home. All backyard retaining walls were made of Ebel Riada Natural Walling Stone, and Owen Sound Brown Flagstone was used for all backyard walkways, patios, and stepping stones. The joints in the flagstone pool patio were filled with artificial turf. We built a new pergola, which we installed below the Wisteria before removing the existing pergola. Lifting the plant and structure opened up the back-patio doors of the home, transforming the view inside and out.

The goal was to build an oasis for the homeowners’ young children that could be enjoyed for generations while preserving the architectural integrity and historical features of their home. We designed and built the front landscaping at the home, and did the building at the back of the home. The pool and pool cabana were already existing on site. We added multiple retaining walls, a pergola, a patio, staircases and landings, walkways, privacy walls and privacy plantings, and significant gardens to this project. We re-used existing brick from the site, as well as the existing water feature. The water feature, driveway walls, and front pillars were all made of Reclaimed Brick. Indiana Limestone was used for the water feature cap, wall copings, front walkway, and front stepping stones. The profile of the coping stone was custom-made for this project to mimic the molding details on the exterior of the home. All backyard retaining walls were made of Ebel Riada Natural Walling Stone, and Owen Sound Brown Flagstone was used for all backyard walkways, patios, and stepping stones. The joints in the flagstone pool patio were filled with artificial turf. We built a new pergola, which we installed below the Wisteria before removing the existing pergola. Lifting the plant and structure opened up the back-patio doors of the home, transforming the view inside and out.

The goal was to build an oasis for the homeowners’ young children that could be enjoyed for generations while preserving the architectural integrity and historical features of their home. We designed and built the front landscaping at the home, and did the building at the back of the home. The pool and pool cabana were already existing on site. We added multiple retaining walls, a pergola, a patio, staircases and landings, walkways, privacy walls and privacy plantings, and significant gardens to this project. We re-used existing brick from the site, as well as the existing water feature. The water feature, driveway walls, and front pillars were all made of Reclaimed Brick. Indiana Limestone was used for the water feature cap, wall copings, front walkway, and front stepping stones. The profile of the coping stone was custom-made for this project to mimic the molding details on the exterior of the home. All backyard retaining walls were made of Ebel Riada Natural Walling Stone, and Owen Sound Brown Flagstone was used for all backyard walkways, patios, and stepping stones. The joints in the flagstone pool patio were filled with artificial turf. We built a new pergola, which we installed below the Wisteria before removing the existing pergola. Lifting the plant and structure opened up the back-patio doors of the home, transforming the view inside and out.

The goal was to build an oasis for the homeowners’ young children that could be enjoyed for generations while preserving the architectural integrity and historical features of their home. We designed and built the front landscaping at the home, and did the building at the back of the home. The pool and pool cabana were already existing on site. We added multiple retaining walls, a pergola, a patio, staircases and landings, walkways, privacy walls and privacy plantings, and significant gardens to this project. We re-used existing brick from the site, as well as the existing water feature. The water feature, driveway walls, and front pillars were all made of Reclaimed Brick. Indiana Limestone was used for the water feature cap, wall copings, front walkway, and front stepping stones. The profile of the coping stone was custom-made for this project to mimic the molding details on the exterior of the home. All backyard retaining walls were made of Ebel Riada Natural Walling Stone, and Owen Sound Brown Flagstone was used for all backyard walkways, patios, and stepping stones. The joints in the flagstone pool patio were filled with artificial turf. We built a new pergola, which we installed below the Wisteria before removing the existing pergola. Lifting the plant and structure opened up the back-patio doors of the home, transforming the view inside and out.

The goal was to build an oasis for the homeowners’ young children that could be enjoyed for generations while preserving the architectural integrity and historical features of their home. We designed and built the front landscaping at the home, and did the building at the back of the home. The pool and pool cabana were already existing on site. We added multiple retaining walls, a pergola, a patio, staircases and landings, walkways, privacy walls and privacy plantings, and significant gardens to this project. We re-used existing brick from the site, as well as the existing water feature. The water feature, driveway walls, and front pillars were all made of Reclaimed Brick. Indiana Limestone was used for the water feature cap, wall copings, front walkway, and front stepping stones. The profile of the coping stone was custom-made for this project to mimic the molding details on the exterior of the home. All backyard retaining walls were made of Ebel Riada Natural Walling Stone, and Owen Sound Brown Flagstone was used for all backyard walkways, patios, and stepping stones. The joints in the flagstone pool patio were filled with artificial turf. We built a new pergola, which we installed below the Wisteria before removing the existing pergola. Lifting the plant and structure opened up the back-patio doors of the home, transforming the view inside and out.

The goal was to build an oasis for the homeowners’ young children that could be enjoyed for generations while preserving the architectural integrity and historical features of their home. We designed and built the front landscaping at the home, and did the building at the back of the home. The pool and pool cabana were already existing on site. We added multiple retaining walls, a pergola, a patio, staircases and landings, walkways, privacy walls and privacy plantings, and significant gardens to this project. We re-used existing brick from the site, as well as the existing water feature. The water feature, driveway walls, and front pillars were all made of Reclaimed Brick. Indiana Limestone was used for the water feature cap, wall copings, front walkway, and front stepping stones. The profile of the coping stone was custom-made for this project to mimic the molding details on the exterior of the home. All backyard retaining walls were made of Ebel Riada Natural Walling Stone, and Owen Sound Brown Flagstone was used for all backyard walkways, patios, and stepping stones. The joints in the flagstone pool patio were filled with artificial turf. We built a new pergola, which we installed below the Wisteria before removing the existing pergola. Lifting the plant and structure opened up the back-patio doors of the home, transforming the view inside and out.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

A summer house built around salvaged barn beams. Not far from the beach, the secluded site faces south to the ocean and views. The large main barn room embraces the main living spaces, including the kitchen. The barn room is anchored on the north with a stone fireplace and on the south with a large bay window. The wing to the east organizes the entry hall and sleeping rooms.

A former summer camp, this site came with a unique set of challenges. An existing 1200 square foot cabin was perched on the shore of Thorndike Pond, well within the current required setbacks. Three additional outbuildings were part of the property, each of them small and non-conforming. By limiting reconstruction to the existing footprints we were able to gain planning consent to rebuild each structure. A full second story added much needed space to the main house. Two of the outbuildings have been rebuilt to accommodate guests, maintaining the spirit of the original camp. Black stained exteriors help the buildings blend into the landscape. The project was a collaboration with Spazio Rosso Interior Design. Photographs by Sean Litchfield

This photo captures the welcoming entryway of the Renovation/Additions in Northern New Mexico project by Gayla Bechtol Architect: Handcrafted details: The carved wood front door and exposed log columns emphasize craftsmanship rooted in regional traditions. Stone foundation and steps: Locally sourced stone grounds the structure in its landscape, providing both durability and textural richness. Stucco walls with bright accents: The warm adobe-toned plaster contrasts beautifully with the bold blue window trim, adding a touch of vibrancy. Curved portal roofline: The sweeping porch roof softens the geometry and creates an inviting flow, blending protection with elegance. Integration with site: Natural flagstone paving and native plantings transition seamlessly from the home to the garden, reinforcing the home’s dialogue with nature. This entryway embodies the essence of Northern New Mexico architecture—rooted in place, handcrafted, and deeply connected to its environment. Project by Gayla Bechtol

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Inspiration for a transitional gray two-story wood exterior home remodel in Toronto with a metal roof and a gray roof

This house west of Boston was originally designed in 1958 by the great New England modernist, Henry Hoover. He built his own modern home in Lincoln in 1937, the year before the German émigré Walter Gropius built his own world famous house only a few miles away. By the time this 1958 house was built, Hoover had matured as an architect; sensitively adapting the house to the land and incorporating the clients wish to recreate the indoor-outdoor vibe of their previous home in Hawaii. The house is beautifully nestled into its site. The slope of the roof perfectly matches the natural slope of the land. The levels of the house delicately step down the hill avoiding the granite ledge below. The entry stairs also follow the natural grade to an entry hall that is on a mid level between the upper main public rooms and bedrooms below. The living spaces feature a south- facing shed roof that brings the sun deep in to the home. Collaborating closely with the homeowner and general contractor, we freshened up the house by adding radiant heat under the new purple/green natural cleft slate floor. The original interior and exterior Douglas fir walls were stripped and refinished. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography