The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

This photo shows my final design of the addition. A piece of my design that is viewed in this image is the use of the side-by-side windows. I wanted to bring that window idea into my addition, but I also wanted to change it up a little. I used the site as a guide and created the windows to go along the slope of the site, with the back end of the addition underneath grade. I also wanted to incorporate these in order to add some natural light into the back portion of the addition, which is what these types of windows allowed me to do.

The intrigue of the home’s powerful facade lies in the locally sourced puddingstone archway inviting you in. The custom designed bronze door with leaded sidelights opens into the foyer from underneath the covered walkway to the right, in essence hidden from the street. The wide-open central expanse allows one a sneak preview of the stone patio and back yard beyond, highlighting the 120-foot-tall Beech tree that has been thriving on the site for over two hundred years. The challenge of designing this 6,300 square foot home and pool house was the narrow but deep one-acre lot. John Meyer’s master planning of a strong front elevation hides the “sideways configuration” of the floorplan. To the left of the archway is a 3-car garage below an entertainment room, with a master bedroom suite on the top floor bridging the main house behind the central eyebrow over the archway. The sense of having been on the site for decades was the intent of the design abundant in the use of stone and masonry. The carved stonework shapes the main and secondary archways as full ovals. Slate detailing is set between the sunburst oval window, balancing interest with the keystones framing the five windows across the bridge. Rough cut boulders give weight to the structure’s base, while straight runs of stone border the shingles under the roof’s eaves and shaped stones guide corner edges downward along the retaining walls. The granite steps and bluestone patio lead one back to the lighted base of the Beech tree, terrace and on-axis pool area beyond. The roof is double thick slate, and the circular drive is crushed stone with granite edging. Like the longevity of the Beech tree, this unique design will stand proudly in its neighborhood for years to come.

Natural, drought resistant features make for a beautiful Zen feel in this relaxing outdoor space.
Patio - mid-sized contemporary backyard gravel patio idea in Vancouver

Dakin has been working with the owners of this site realize their dream of cultivating a rich and meaningful landscape around their home. Because of their deep engagement with their land and garden, the landscape has guided the entire design process, from architecture to civil engineering to landscape design. All architecture on site is oriented toward the garden, a park-like, multi-use environment that includes a walking labyrinth, restored prairie, a Japanese garden, an orchard, vegetable beds, berry brambles, a croquet lawn and a charred wood outdoor shower. Dakin pays special attention to materials at every turn, selecting an antique sugar bowl for the outdoor fire pit, antique Japanese roof tiles to create blue edging, and stepping stones imported from India. In addition to its diversity of garden types, this permacultural paradise is home to chickens, ducks, and bees. A complex irrigation system was designed to draw alternately from wells and cisterns. 3x5lion.png Dakin has also had the privilege of creating an arboretum of diverse and rare trees that she based on Olmsted’s design for Central Park. Trees were selected to display a variety of seasonally shifting delights: spring blooms, fall berries, winter branch structure. Mature trees onsite were preserved and sometimes moved to new locations.

Nestled into the pines and fog, Gerrish Island made quite an eerie first impression. A winding driveway guided by a rhythm of trees so mature only the trunks could be seen through the car windows. The tree canopy created a darkened tunnel, its curves never providing clues to when it would end. The awe came from the pure excitement of what we would find around the bend. It was clad in age; dark weathered shingles, a mossy green trim, and craggy stonework. The screens had seen better days and the windows let in scant natural light. It had certainly been something special to its previous owners – a backdrop to highly anticipated summer escapes, grassy yard games, and beach days. It had been a special place to someone – empty now – but with the promise of huge potential. READ MORE >> The new owner of this turn-of-the-century shingle style home saw this potential too, asking us to imbue the home with that same sense of nostalgia, but in present day context for a modern day family. We documented the home inside and out, piecing together a loose timeline to its beginnings and its earlier additions and renovations. The style of the home, its massing and siting, were originally done brilliantly and would remain intact. Wherever we could keep the original stonework we did. It provided such a strong connection to the site and the tremendous amount of existing stone outcropping common to the Island. The original porch facing west, cold and enclosed, was demolished, making way for a new wrap around porch that now glows as the sunsets. Another screened porch to the back was fully winterized and made into a new family room. The interior was stripped back to the studs and reworked, only minimally, to improve flow or eliminate small rooms no longer necessary for present day living. New systems were installed and the kitchen was updated and reconfigured opening up to the new family room. Years later we were asked back to add a garage; something the home had never had. More flattering still, after the property sold again, the newest owners asked us to design a rear ‘L’ shaped addition to house. The design evolved to look like an original porch that had been enclosed, to house a more traditional butler’s pantry, mudroom, and an interior connection to the garage’s second floor where we would eventually design two additional guest suites. We were happy to be apart of what we thought was the second life for this home and ended up being a third life for another family who also saw this home and its unique property as too GOOD to pass up. - See more at: http://sommastudios.com/project/gerrish-island/#sthash.8X5r548R.dpuf

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

Set on a site defined by wetlands, steep slopes, and a canopy of mature trees, this home was designed as a response to both the challenges and the beauty of the land. Every design decision was guided by the unique topography, with the architecture embracing the hillside and integrating seamlessly into its natural contours. The garage is accessed at the street level, with a gradual ascent leading to the main living floor. This level was thoughtfully positioned to sit at grade with the side of the property, opening directly to the landscape and creating effortless indoor-outdoor connections. The primary living spaces flow outward, anchored by expansive windows that frame woodland views and flood the interiors with natural light. This design not only maximizes the stunning surroundings but also grounds the home in a strong relationship to its environment. The upper level houses the private spaces of the home, including a serene primary suite, additional bedrooms, and a spacious recreation room designed for gathering. Large windows and open interiors allow for sweeping views of the wooded, private property, bringing the natural surroundings into the heart of daily living. The result is a home that balances elegance and comfort while celebrating the character of its site. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design + Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com + Built by: Rainier Custom Homes + Photography: Anastasiya Homes

The intrigue of the home’s powerful facade lies in the locally sourced puddingstone archway inviting you in. The custom designed bronze door with leaded sidelights opens into the foyer from underneath the covered walkway to the right, in essence hidden from the street. The wide-open central expanse allows one a sneak preview of the stone patio and back yard beyond, highlighting the 120-foot-tall Beech tree that has been thriving on the site for over two hundred years. The challenge of designing this 6,300 square foot home and pool house was the narrow but deep one-acre lot. John Meyer’s master planning of a strong front elevation hides the “sideways configuration” of the floorplan. To the left of the archway is a 3-car garage below an entertainment room, with a master bedroom suite on the top floor bridging the main house behind the central eyebrow over the archway. The sense of having been on the site for decades was the intent of the design abundant in the use of stone and masonry. The carved stonework shapes the main and secondary archways as full ovals. Slate detailing is set between the sunburst oval window, balancing interest with the keystones framing the five windows across the bridge. Rough cut boulders give weight to the structure’s base, while straight runs of stone border the shingles under the roof’s eaves and shaped stones guide corner edges downward along the retaining walls. The granite steps and bluestone patio lead one back to the lighted base of the Beech tree, terrace and on-axis pool area beyond. The roof is double thick slate, and the circular drive is crushed stone with granite edging. Like the longevity of the Beech tree, this unique design will stand proudly in its neighborhood for years to come.

On your visit to Leicht San Diego, you will step into a modern, state-of-the-art kitchen showroom, of beautiful LEICHT designs. An experienced kitchen designer will be there to greet you and help match your style with kitchen elements by LEICHT. We understand that the construction process can be confusing and overwhelming, however, your kitchen designer will guide you through every step. To learn more, visit the Leicht modern kitchen showroom: Studio Europa | Leicht San Deigo 2064 Kettner BLVD Suite 14 San Diego, CA 92101. P: (619) 460-8600 @ Info@studioeuropaleicht.com

This Roswell residence was a full-service project, from site planning through architecture, landscape, and finishing details. The design was guided by the homeowner’s strong vision for historically accurate interiors and timeless character, which required careful attention to every element, from custom flooring to specialty finishes and architectural detailing. Collaboration was at the heart of this project. Working closely with the clients allowed us to tailor the home to their lifestyle while achieving the authenticity they were seeking. Special design touches and unique features were integrated throughout, creating a residence that feels both personal and enduring. While the corner lot and neighborhood guidelines required thoughtful planning and coordination with the city, these considerations became a backdrop to the overall design process. The result is a home that harmonizes with its setting, while standing out for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and charm.

Nestled along South Boulder Creek with sweeping Flatirons views, Creekside is a custom modern mountain home shaped by one guiding principle: dissolve the boundary between light, landscape, and daily living. From the first conversations, the project began not with a floor plan, but with the land itself—carefully evaluating a rare, delicate site and letting its rhythms, constraints, and beauty set the tone for every decision. Designed for a couple building their forever home in the Boulder foothills, the residence balances crisp modernity with the warmth and honesty of natural materials. Expansive glazing and clean lines are grounded by timber, stone, and tactile finishes—quietly luxurious rather than showy. The clients had spent years “chasing the light” from home to home; here, that pursuit became something more intentional. Instead of chasing the sun, the architecture invites sunlight to travel through the house across the day and seasons. Light is treated as a living element, orchestrated to create moments of surprise and calm. An interior window captures southern exposure at the upper level, guiding it through the loft and filtering it into the northern living room below—an atmospheric shift that changes hour by hour. A glass stair bridge adds levitation and clarity, linking front and back, public and private. Beneath it, a serene Zen garden winds under floating stairs, creating a quiet pause in the home’s circulation. Facing the creek, the home opens into a composition of glass and crisp geometry, framing moving water and long bands of daylight. Peaked roofs, timber beams, and stone cladding nod to regional vernacular, rooting the modern form in its mountain context. Set beside a sensitive riparian corridor, Creekside demanded exceptional care, including meticulous deconstruction of an existing structure with 94% landfill diversion. Performance was treated as a design feature: HERS 4, ENERGY STAR certification, a 15.8 kWh solar array, 30 kW battery backup, 1 ACH air-sealed construction, and air-source heat pumps—proof that stewardship and comfort can coexist beautifully.

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

Nestled along South Boulder Creek with sweeping Flatirons views, Creekside is a custom modern mountain home shaped by one guiding principle: dissolve the boundary between light, landscape, and daily living. From the first conversations, the project began not with a floor plan, but with the land itself—carefully evaluating a rare, delicate site and letting its rhythms, constraints, and beauty set the tone for every decision. Designed for a couple building their forever home in the Boulder foothills, the residence balances crisp modernity with the warmth and honesty of natural materials. Expansive glazing and clean lines are grounded by timber, stone, and tactile finishes—quietly luxurious rather than showy. The clients had spent years “chasing the light” from home to home; here, that pursuit became something more intentional. Instead of chasing the sun, the architecture invites sunlight to travel through the house across the day and seasons. Light is treated as a living element, orchestrated to create moments of surprise and calm. An interior window captures southern exposure at the upper level, guiding it through the loft and filtering it into the northern living room below—an atmospheric shift that changes hour by hour. A glass stair bridge adds levitation and clarity, linking front and back, public and private. Beneath it, a serene Zen garden winds under floating stairs, creating a quiet pause in the home’s circulation. Facing the creek, the home opens into a composition of glass and crisp geometry, framing moving water and long bands of daylight. Peaked roofs, timber beams, and stone cladding nod to regional vernacular, rooting the modern form in its mountain context. Set beside a sensitive riparian corridor, Creekside demanded exceptional care, including meticulous deconstruction of an existing structure with 94% landfill diversion. Performance was treated as a design feature: HERS 4, ENERGY STAR certification, a 15.8 kWh solar array, 30 kW battery backup, 1 ACH air-sealed construction, and air-source heat pumps—proof that stewardship and comfort can coexist beautifully.

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

Roof and Gutter Installation in Charlotte When Joshua Tetner contacted Triumph Roofing, he needed a comprehensive solution for his home in Charlotte. His roof and gutters had sustained significant wear over the years, and it was time for a complete upgrade. Joshua sought a professional team to handle the project efficiently while keeping the process clear and straightforward. The estimated cost for the project was $16,000. We recommended a full roof and gutter installation to restore the functionality and appearance of his home. Joshua appreciated the detailed project breakdown provided by Yuriy, one of our skilled professionals, who worked closely with him to ensure every aspect of the installation was understood and approved. Professionalism at Every Step From the start, Yuriy guided Joshua through the entire process. He walked him step by step through the installation plan, costs, and payments, ensuring there were no surprises along the way. Yuriy also worked directly with Joshua’s insurance company to facilitate claims, saving time and reducing stress for the client. This level of service set the foundation for a seamless project experience. The Installation Process On the scheduled day, our team began by removing the old, worn-out roofing and gutter system. We installed a new, durable roofing system designed to withstand Charlotte’s weather conditions and added high-quality gutters to ensure efficient water drainage. Yuriy remained on-site often, inspecting the work and its progress, ensuring every detail met Triumph Roofing’s high standards. Our expert crew completed the project efficiently, leaving Joshua with a home that was both protected and visually refreshed. The combination of a new roof and a state-of-the-art gutter system enhanced the home’s durability and curb appeal. Client Feedback Joshua shared his experience with glowing words: "Yuriy and Triumph Roofing were awesome to work with. Yuriy was very professional and walked through everything step by step, breaking down installation and cost/payments from both sides. He worked directly with my insurance company to help facilitate the process, which was extremely helpful. The work was excellent, and Yuriy was on-site often, inspecting the work and its progress, making sure it was being done as I expected. Thanks, Yuriy, for a job more than well done!!" This project highlights Triumph Roofing’s commitment to providing high-quality roof and gutter installation services in Charlotte. From expert craftsmanship to unmatched professionalism, we strive to exceed expectations on every project.

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

The intrigue of the home’s powerful facade lies in the locally sourced puddingstone archway inviting you in. The custom designed bronze door with leaded sidelights opens into the foyer from underneath the covered walkway to the right, in essence hidden from the street. The wide-open central expanse allows one a sneak preview of the stone patio and back yard beyond, highlighting the 120-foot-tall Beech tree that has been thriving on the site for over two hundred years. The challenge of designing this 6,300 square foot home and pool house was the narrow but deep one-acre lot. John Meyer’s master planning of a strong front elevation hides the “sideways configuration” of the floorplan. To the left of the archway is a 3-car garage below an entertainment room, with a master bedroom suite on the top floor bridging the main house behind the central eyebrow over the archway. The sense of having been on the site for decades was the intent of the design abundant in the use of stone and masonry. The carved stonework shapes the main and secondary archways as full ovals. Slate detailing is set between the sunburst oval window, balancing interest with the keystones framing the five windows across the bridge. Rough cut boulders give weight to the structure’s base, while straight runs of stone border the shingles under the roof’s eaves and shaped stones guide corner edges downward along the retaining walls. The granite steps and bluestone patio lead one back to the lighted base of the Beech tree, terrace and on-axis pool area beyond. The roof is double thick slate, and the circular drive is crushed stone with granite edging. Like the longevity of the Beech tree, this unique design will stand proudly in its neighborhood for years to come.