A tea pot, being a vessel, is defined by the space it contains, it is not the tea pot that is important, but the space. Crispin Sartwell Located on a lake outside of Milwaukee, the Vessel House is the culmination of an intense 5 year collaboration with our client and multiple local craftsmen focused on the creation of a modern analogue to the Usonian Home. As with most residential work, this home is a direct reflection of it’s owner, a highly educated art collector with a passion for music, fine furniture, and architecture. His interest in authenticity drove the material selections such as masonry, copper, and white oak, as well as the need for traditional methods of construction. The initial diagram of the house involved a collection of embedded walls that emerge from the site and create spaces between them, which are covered with a series of floating rooves. The windows provide natural light on three sides of the house as a band of clerestories, transforming to a floor to ceiling ribbon of glass on the lakeside. The Vessel House functions as a gallery for the owner’s art, motorcycles, Tiffany lamps, and vintage musical instruments – offering spaces to exhibit, store, and listen. These gallery nodes overlap with the typical house program of kitchen, dining, living, and bedroom, creating dynamic zones of transition and rooms that serve dual purposes allowing guests to relax in a museum setting. Through it’s materiality, connection to nature, and open planning, the Vessel House continues many of the Usonian principles Wright advocated for. Overview Oconomowoc, WI Completion Date August 2015 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

Believe it or not, this award-winning home began as a speculative project. Typically speculative projects involve a rather generic design that would appeal to many in a style that might be loved by the masses. But the project’s developer loved modern architecture and his personal residence was the first project designed by architect C.P. Drewett when Drewett Works launched in 2001. Together, the architect and developer envisioned a fictitious art collector who would one day purchase this stunning piece of desert modern architecture to showcase their magnificent collection. The primary views from the site were southwest. Therefore, protecting the interior spaces from the southwest sun while making the primary views available was the greatest challenge. The views were very calculated and carefully managed. Every room needed to not only capture the vistas of the surrounding desert, but also provide viewing spaces for the potential collection to be housed within its walls. The core of the material palette is utilitarian including exposed masonry and locally quarried cantera stone. An organic nature was added to the project through millwork selections including walnut and red gum veneers. The eventual owners saw immediately that this could indeed become a home for them as well as their magnificent collection, of which pieces are loaned out to museums around the world. Their decision to purchase the home was based on the dimensions of one particular wall in the dining room which was EXACTLY large enough for one particular painting not yet displayed due to its size. The owners and this home were, as the saying goes, a perfect match! Project Details | Desert Modern for the Magnificent Collection, Estancia, Scottsdale, AZ Architecture: C.P. Drewett, Jr., AIA, NCARB | Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Builder: Shannon Construction | Phoenix, AZ Interior Selections: Janet Bilotti, NCIDQ, ASID | Naples, FL Custom Millwork: Linear Fine Woodworking | Scottsdale, AZ Photography: Dino Tonn | Scottsdale, AZ Awards: 2014 Gold Nugget Award of Merit Feature Article: Luxe. Interiors and Design. Winter 2015, “Lofty Exposure”

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

This house design fits perfectly on a lot couched next to a prominent live oak that provides shade to and views from various living spaces in the house. The front porch and side porch are both positioned so that visitors can experience its beauty as they enter from the street or guest parking. This 8,000 sf home features many of the typical custom home amenities which includes 4 bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths, his and her offices, a walk-through butler pantry and walk-in pantry and a large upstairs playroom that has its own laundry closet. An emphasis on outdoor living is desired with a large vaulted ceiling space featuring natural wood beams covering a cooking dining and sitting area with an outdoor fireplace. A half bath and storage closet give support to this area that also opens up to a pool that can be viewed and accessed from the living room and back porch. Easy access is also provided to a 2-car garage and storage room from the outdoor living areas. This home makes the most of a beautiful site and belongs to it.

Common elderberry blossom in early June in central Maryland. Curtis Adams, 2015
This is an example of a rustic landscaping in DC Metro.

Foundation Wall Cracks Foundation wall cracks are the most common source of seepage in residential basements across CT and RI. Some of the common causes of these cracks are structure settling, concrete shrinkage or poor site conditions related to soil type and compaction, drainage or concrete strength. Most wall cracks are small in nature and typically pose no structural risk. Some horizontal cracks may reveal a more serious issue and may require crack repair from a structural engineer. Locating the cause of the problem and understanding the cracking pattern is the key to a successful repair. Our crack repair specialists are trained in many repair procedures.

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

In 2019, California's hills and deserts were filled with poppy and lupine as a result of a banner rain year. Millions headed out to the hills to capture the beauty. We can make it much easier on ourselves! It is entirely possible to have a super bloom in our home gardens every year. Location: Wildlife Garden | Authentic Foothills Garden at the Sierra Madre City Hall Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

Designed by Hunter and Miranda Mantell-Hecathorn and built by the skilled MHB team, this stunning family home is a must see on the tour! Indicative of their high quality, this home has many features you won’t see in other homes on the tour. A few include: oversized Kolbe Triple-Pane windows; 12” thick, double-stud walls; a 6.5kW solar PV system; and is heated and cooled by only two small, highly efficient central units. The open floor plan was designed with entertaining and large family gatherings in mind. Whether seated in the living room with 12’ ceilings and massive windows with views of the Ponderosas or seated at the island in the kitchen you won’t be far from the action. The large covered back porch and beautiful back yard allows the kids to play while the adults relax by the fire pit. This home also utilizes a Control4 automation system, which allows the owners total control of lighting, audio, and comfort systems from anywhere. With a HERS score of 11, this home is 89% more efficient than the typical new home. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders has been building high quality homes since 1975 and is proud to be 100% committed to building their homes to the rigorous standards of Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready and Energy Star Programs, and have won national DOE awards for their innovative homes. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders also prides itself in being a true hands-on family-run company. They are personally on site daily to assure the MHB high standards are being met. Honesty, efficiency, transparency are a few qualities they strive for in every aspect of the business.

This is an example of a landscaping in Minneapolis.

Designed by Hunter and Miranda Mantell-Hecathorn and built by the skilled MHB team, this stunning family home is a must see on the tour! Indicative of their high quality, this home has many features you won’t see in other homes on the tour. A few include: oversized Kolbe Triple-Pane windows; 12” thick, double-stud walls; a 6.5kW solar PV system; and is heated and cooled by only two small, highly efficient central units. The open floor plan was designed with entertaining and large family gatherings in mind. Whether seated in the living room with 12’ ceilings and massive windows with views of the Ponderosas or seated at the island in the kitchen you won’t be far from the action. The large covered back porch and beautiful back yard allows the kids to play while the adults relax by the fire pit. This home also utilizes a Control4 automation system, which allows the owners total control of lighting, audio, and comfort systems from anywhere. With a HERS score of 11, this home is 89% more efficient than the typical new home. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders has been building high quality homes since 1975 and is proud to be 100% committed to building their homes to the rigorous standards of Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready and Energy Star Programs, and have won national DOE awards for their innovative homes. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders also prides itself in being a true hands-on family-run company. They are personally on site daily to assure the MHB high standards are being met. Honesty, efficiency, transparency are a few qualities they strive for in every aspect of the business.

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

A rustic stone path meanders through a wooded site to arrive at the entry of this 2,800-square-foot home on Martha’s Vineyard, completed in 2001. The path sets the tone for the project itself: simple, functional, and integrated with the natural environment. The couple that commissioned the residence uses it as a summer getaway for family and friends. A master bedroom wing, a guest wing, and a central living, dining, and kitchen area provide a variety of spaces for living and entertaining. Augmenting these spaces are a porch, terrace, and roof deck—providing places for quite reading, gathering for drinks, or taking in unobstructed views of the night sky. The house generates human interaction and connections with the natural world. Ground level terraces and rooftop decks promote this interactivity while large sliding windows and doors literally bring the outdoors inside and encourage individuals to venture outside. The typical inside vs. outside boundaries of traditional buildings are dissolved.

A rustic stone path meanders through a wooded site to arrive at the entry of this 2,800-square-foot home on Martha’s Vineyard, completed in 2001. The path sets the tone for the project itself: simple, functional, and integrated with the natural environment. The couple that commissioned the residence uses it as a summer getaway for family and friends. A master bedroom wing, a guest wing, and a central living, dining, and kitchen area provide a variety of spaces for living and entertaining. Augmenting these spaces are a porch, terrace, and roof deck—providing places for quite reading, gathering for drinks, or taking in unobstructed views of the night sky. The house generates human interaction and connections with the natural world. Ground level terraces and rooftop decks promote this interactivity while large sliding windows and doors literally bring the outdoors inside and encourage individuals to venture outside. The typical inside vs. outside boundaries of traditional buildings are dissolved.

Renovations typically involve hundreds of tiny little decisions With ready solutions developed by Modern Citi Group, you will only need to make one decision: which of the beautifully designed remodeling packages to choose for your space. The kitchen package MODERN comes fully designed and priced out with an itemized breakdown of labor, building & decoration materials, manufacturing, permits, inspections, approvals and all other associated costs. All materials are pre selected (hand-picked) by our creative design team. You may select this package in its original configuration (as shown on pictures), or customize it to make it your very own. Choosing Modern Citi Group for your project you can expect the highest quality craftsmanship, effective management of the site operations, backed by a technical expertise, meticulous attention to detail and a complete transparency throughout the entire project.

Renovations typically involve hundreds of tiny little decisions With ready solutions developed by Modern Citi Group, you will only need to make one decision: which of the beautifully designed remodeling packages to choose for your space. The kitchen package MODERN comes fully designed and priced out with an itemized breakdown of labor, building & decoration materials, manufacturing, permits, inspections, approvals and all other associated costs. All materials are pre selected (hand-picked) by our creative design team. You may select this package in its original configuration (as shown on pictures), or customize it to make it your very own. Choosing Modern Citi Group for your project you can expect the highest quality craftsmanship, effective management of the site operations, backed by a technical expertise, meticulous attention to detail and a complete transparency throughout the entire project.

These homeowners sought us out after learning the builder typically installs cabinets that are finished on site. Being used to manufactured custom cabinetry, we were a perfect fit to supply these for several rooms in their home, including these three bathrooms! Each has a slightly different style, but they all scream "gorgeous!" In the two hall/guest baths in the home, we went with KitchenCraft cabinetry, their Lexington door style with an Alabaster finish. We splurged a little more in the master by installing WW Woods Eclipse line. Maple cabinets with their Aspen door style in a Dovetail Gray finish are simply stunning,

This bathroom remodel in Clinton, MA focused on upgrading an outdated and inefficient space into a clean, modern, and highly functional bathroom. The project included full demolition, plumbing updates, new tile installation, vanity replacement, lighting upgrades, and detailed finish work. Our team maintained a clean and organized job site throughout the entire process, ensuring each phase was completed efficiently and with attention to detail. The layout was optimized to improve usability, while the selected materials provided durability and a timeless appearance. The final result is a bright, refreshed bathroom designed for everyday comfort, featuring improved lighting, clean finishes, and a practical layout suited for a typical residential home.

This uniquely designed home in Seattle, Washington recently underwent a dramatic transformation that provides both a fresh new aesthetic and improved functionality. Renovations on this home went above and beyond the typical “face-lift” of the home remodel project and created a modern, one-of-a-kind space perfectly designed to accommodate the growing family of the homeowners. Shielded on three sides by the thick foliage of massive evergreen trees and a carpet of ferns, the jungle-like feel of the landscape provides a sense of solitude and privacy that are hard to come by in the area. The unconventional angular shape of the building works well on the sloping site in which the perimeter comes to a sharp point and required a unique re-imagining of spaces. This distinctive shape is most clearly displayed in the renovations of the custom kitchen and expanded third-floor master suite, each uses the diagonal wall as a means of adding interest and direction in the space.