Brand new construction Accessory Dwelling Unit in your backyard for one low, guaranteed price. Includes all permitting, site prep, construction, fixtures, and appliances!

Sited on a quiet street in Palo Alto, this new home is a warmer take on the popular modern farmhouse style. Rather than high contrast and white clapboard, earthy stucco and warm stained cedar set the scene of a forever home for an active and growing young family. The heart of the home is the large kitchen and living spaces opening the entire rear of the house to a lush, private backyard. Downstairs is a full basement, designed to be kid-centric with endless spaces for entertaining. A private master suite on the second level allows for quiet retreat from the chaos and bustle of everyday. Interior Design: Jeanne Moeschler Interior Design Photography: Reed Zelezny

Exceptional custom-built 1 ½ story walkout home on a premier cul-de-sac site in the Lakeview neighborhood. Tastefully designed with exquisite craftsmanship and high attention to detail throughout. Offering main level living with a stunning master suite, incredible kitchen with an open concept and a beautiful screen porch showcasing south facing wooded views. This home is an entertainer’s delight with many spaces for hosting gatherings. 2 private acres and surrounded by nature.

The owners had a charming but modest cape with low ceilings and small rooms on a narrow, deep, sloping site. The house is located in a suburban town, but the property feels almost rural because of the neighbors’ farmland on two sides. The owners wanted to add a great room that would take advantage of the views and connect with the landscape on two levels. The addition is a barn-like structure, in keeping with the rural character of the site and the simple forms of the original house. The great room is on the upper, entry level, and there is a bedroom suite and storage on the lower, terrace level.

This charming cape located in Bonnet Shores, Narragansett, RI was in need of updating and adding to in support of this five person family. We approached this project with an attitude of creating a comfortable, small scale addition / renovation that would not overwhelm the area. We instead created an addition that has a great amount of detail and functionality while adding just the right amount of space for everyone in the family. As this is a vacation home located by the ocean; we wanted to create enough space for entertaining and the flow of the living areas was an important consideration. The entertainment room is small enough for movie watching, the living room is spacious enough for entertaining or curling up with a book, the sun porch is perfectly positioned to capture the sun’s rays while offering views to the private beach club. The family can go easily from the enlarged kitchen to the screened porch with views to the private beach to the southwest and to the Jamestown bridge to the northeast. The bedrooms are spacious enough for each family member with one doubling as a comfortable guest suite. The master bedroom suite offers the same views to the southwest and northeast, appreciating the views to the beach club and Jamestown Bridge. The evening views from the master offer the Jamestown Bridge fully lit in spectacular glory. We outfitted the master with a second floor balcony space to the southwest that serves perfectly for morning coffee or evening cocktails. This home exemplifies how we approach our designs. We did not simply want to add large spaces for the sake of additional living area. We wanted to provide a comfortable environment for this family and offer the detail that maintains the character of the existing cape charm without overdeveloping the site, which is the largest parcel in Bonnet Shores. This project was featured in the February issue of Builder / Architect magazine 2011! Eric Roth Photography

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

This larger home, constructed on Martha’s Vineyard, is a collection of informal, dormered gable components and grounding one-story, shed-roof elements that reduce its overall scale. Designed to take advantage of a gently sloping up-Island property, this 5500 sq. ft. (not including finished basement) six-bedroom home includes staggered floor levels that climb from the front of the site to the rear. Generous, open living space on the entry level -- anchored on the west end by a fireplace and on the east end by the kitchen -- borders a dining area that’s nestled under a roof which also shelters the adjacent wrap-around porch. A deck off the rear of the dining space extends around the kitchen and is easily accessible from the nearby family room, too. Bedrooms occupy the other above-grade levels, including, at the upper-most level, the master suite comprised of a study, roof deck, master bath, walk-in closets and the master bedroom. A clean-lined interior of warm neutrals sets a soothing tone in which the Island landscape is welcomed through expansive windows, porches and decks. Clad in white cedar shingles with a red cedar roof, the West Tisbury House will softly weather in-tune with its meadow site. Katie Hutchison Studio collaborated with Geoffrey Koper Architect of Yarmouth Port, Mass. on the West Tisbury House. Kitchen fit-out and interior finishes, fixtures, and furnishings by others. This larger home, constructed on Martha’s Vineyard, is a collection of informal, dormered gable components and grounding one-story, shed-roof elements that reduce its overall scale. Designed to take advantage of a gently sloping up-Island property, this 5500 sq. ft. (not including finished basement) six-bedroom home includes staggered floor levels that climb from the front of the site to the rear. Generous, open living space on the entry level -- anchored on the west end by a fireplace and on the east end by the kitchen -- borders a dining area that’s nestled under a roof which also shelters the adjacent wrap-around porch. A deck off the rear of the dining space extends around the kitchen and is easily accessible from the nearby family room, too. Bedrooms occupy the other above-grade levels, including, at the upper-most level, the master suite comprised of a study, roof deck, master bath, walk-in closets and the master bedroom. A clean-lined interior of warm neutrals sets a soothing tone in which the Island landscape is welcomed through expansive windows, porches and decks. Clad in white cedar shingles with a red cedar roof, the West Tisbury House will softly weather in-tune with its meadow site. Katie Hutchison Studio collaborated with Geoffrey Koper Architect of Yarmouth Port, Mass. on the West Tisbury House. Kitchen fit-out and interior finishes, fixtures, and furnishings by others. photo by Katie Hutchison

A 6,000 square foot 2-story new home complex in Milpitas was designed to facilitate the owners’ large business parties and gatherings, to have rooms for the kids to come back to upstairs, and a ground floor master suite with a huge walk-in closet. Several separate structures make up the dwelling: The main house, 3-car garage with carport for overflow parking, and a separate entertainment and recreation building separated by a courtyard from the main house. The business activities include gatherings in the hundreds of people, so parking was maximized and guests can flow in through a separate gate to party in the courtyard and recreation building. Inside this structure is a wet bar, billiard room, workout gym and home theater. The main house ground floor has formal and informal living rooms, open kitchen and master suite with views and expansive windows in every direction. The house is sited on the crestline of a hill with views of the San Francisco Bay and private golf course below. The indoor-outdoor aspect of the house is further accentuated with outside living and dining areas. High ceilings and expansive glass walls dissolve the sense of enclosure taking advantage of the site’s openness and privacy. The owner’s suite is downstairs in anticipation of aging-in-place, and upstairs there are three bedrooms and four bathrooms plus a sitting area lounge and casual TV loft area. The house sits on one acre at the top of a low hill range overlooking Milpitas. The city was very cognizant of the importance of keeping a low profile at this crestline and required extensive story poles and photo evidence of the proper height and siting so as not to be seen from certain selected vantage points. GENERAL CONTRACTOR: JCD Builders Inc. LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Morf Chang Landscape Architecture / ODS Architecture PHOTOGRAPHS: Paul Dyer Photography

A couple from the Chicago area created a home they can enjoy and reconnect with their fully grown sons and expanding families, to fish and ski. Reclaimed post and beam barn from Vermont as the primary focus with extensions leading to a master suite; garage and artist’s studio. A four bedroom home with ample space for entertaining with surrounding patio with an exterior fireplace Reclaimed board siding; stone and metal roofing

Custom Home Great Room, wonderful views of nature and wooded site
Living room - large craftsman open concept living room idea in Cleveland with white walls, a wood stove, a stone fireplace and a tv stand

The owner proposed a Rustic Modern aesthetic, and the design highlights trees harvested from the site as columns for the timber frame structure. Nestled into a Western slope the house enjoys dramatic views to the East. Conceived as the ultimate family house, the main floor is the heart of the residence, and the third floor houses the master bedroom suite with guest rooms lower level. Photo by Tom Bodell

Exceptional custom-built 1 ½ story walkout home on a premier cul-de-sac site in the Lakeview neighborhood. Tastefully designed with exquisite craftsmanship and high attention to detail throughout. Offering main level living with a stunning master suite, incredible kitchen with an open concept and a beautiful screen porch showcasing south facing wooded views. This home is an entertainer’s delight with many spaces for hosting gatherings. 2 private acres and surrounded by nature.

Interior Design / Complete Renovation / Materials & Furniture Procurement Turning an office at Porto downtown into a residential studio perfectly suited for short term rental. All stages were done by our team: Materials procurement & selection, Contractors procurement, Site supervision, furniture procurement & selection.

This contemporary home at approximately 3200 sq ft, was designed for the spec market in the fantastic neighbourhood of Parkdale. The site’s proximity to Memorial Drive led to designing a private courtyard-like area in the back which the kitchen and dining room face into. This home (complete with nanny suite) was designed with a young professional family in mind. See this project and more at www.beginwithdesign.com Photos: Carol Ellergodt

This contemporary home at approximately 3200 sq ft, was designed for the spec market in the fantastic neighbourhood of Parkdale. The site’s proximity to Memorial Drive led to designing a private courtyard-like area in the back which the kitchen and dining room face into. This home (complete with nanny suite) was designed with a young professional family in mind. See this project and more at www.beginwithdesign.com Photos: Carol Ellergodt

Sited on the existing footprint of a 1950 ranch house, this sustainably-designed suburban home offers vast yet modest living spaces that extend into its landscape creating a new modernist aesthetic. In this semi-rural atmosphere the sunlight is brought into the spaces through its hidden light wells, sliding glass panels, and large glass inlets. The ten foot high by twenty four foot sliding panel of glass provides a flowing connection between interior and exterior. Spaces within are edited with it’s carefully placed walls, colors, and light creating senses of openness allowing all the senses to engaged in this modern dialogue of contrasts. www.bernardandre.com

The project began with a 1970's, split-level ranch, on a spectacular hilltop site with a view to Mt. Hood. The house was transformed and updated by expanding the living room, renovating the kitchen and interior surfaces, and adding a second level master bedroom suite it now sits comfortably on the narrow site and takes full advantage of natural light and distant views. Improvements to the site include new terraces, walls and stairs, wrought iron railings and a long, linear reflecting pool. The new entry garden and pool provide a quiet transition from the street to the newly canopied teak entry doors. This residence was undertaken by Jim as project architect with Richard Brown Architects, AIA, LLP.

Exceptional custom-built 1 ½ story walkout home on a premier cul-de-sac site in the Lakeview neighborhood. Tastefully designed with exquisite craftsmanship and high attention to detail throughout. Offering main level living with a stunning master suite, incredible kitchen with an open concept and a beautiful screen porch showcasing south facing wooded views. This home is an entertainer’s delight with many spaces for hosting gatherings. 2 private acres and surrounded by nature.

A 6,000 square foot 2-story new home complex in Milpitas was designed to facilitate the owners’ large business parties and gatherings, to have rooms for the kids to come back to upstairs, and a ground floor master suite with a huge walk-in closet. Several separate structures make up the dwelling: The main house, 3-car garage with carport for overflow parking, and a separate entertainment and recreation building separated by a courtyard from the main house. The business activities include gatherings in the hundreds of people, so parking was maximized and guests can flow in through a separate gate to party in the courtyard and recreation building. Inside this structure is a wet bar, billiard room, workout gym and home theater. The main house ground floor has formal and informal living rooms, open kitchen and master suite with views and expansive windows in every direction. The house is sited on the crestline of a hill with views of the San Francisco Bay and private golf course below. The indoor-outdoor aspect of the house is further accentuated with outside living and dining areas. High ceilings and expansive glass walls dissolve the sense of enclosure taking advantage of the site’s openness and privacy. The owner’s suite is downstairs in anticipation of aging-in-place, and upstairs there are three bedrooms and four bathrooms plus a sitting area lounge and casual TV loft area. The house sits on one acre at the top of a low hill range overlooking Milpitas. The city was very cognizant of the importance of keeping a low profile at this crestline and required extensive story poles and photo evidence of the proper height and siting so as not to be seen from certain selected vantage points. GENERAL CONTRACTOR: JCD Builders Inc. LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Morf Chang Landscape Architecture / ODS Architecture PHOTOGRAPHS: Paul Dyer Photography