weekend retreat for two with the capacity to sleep up to sixteen for family gatherings. A modern-rustic cabin designed to have a minimal site impact, blend with its natural surroundings, and utilize locally-sourced, energy efficient, renewable and economical building methods and materials.

After losing their family home in the Tubbs fire, our clients were determined to rebuild in a way that honors the place they have called home for most of their lives. Perched on a hill just off-of Mark West Springs Road in Sonoma County wine country, this single-story home, curves around the site in a welcoming gesture. Walking through the house, you discover varied outdoor spaces which echo cozy, light-filled interiors. The design utilizes traditional forms, modern lines and natural materials to create a serene dwelling.

Kate Benjamin Photography
Kitchen pantry - mid-sized rustic l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen pantry idea in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Family room - contemporary family room idea in Las Vegas

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home. The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living. The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home. The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play. The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Energy Efficient features include: • The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade • 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques • Foil covered roof sheathing • Extensive use of blown in cellulous • All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass • Tank-less water heaters • Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV. Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency. These items include: • 2x6 walls with staggered studs • Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting • Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows • ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls. The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

weekend retreat for two with the capacity to sleep up to sixteen for family gatherings. A modern-rustic cabin designed to have a minimal site impact, blend with its natural surroundings, and utilize locally-sourced, energy efficient, renewable and economical building methods and materials.

Located in the heart of DUMBO Brooklyn at a former industrial site, this historic building was converted into luxury loft condominiums in 2000. The owners of this 2,500 square foot loft wanted a clean, and uncomplicated space which would showcase the incredible views to the west of Manhattan, and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. By utilizing a bright palette of white lacquered cabinets, Danby marble countertops, custom painted built-in millwork, and contrasting refinished original dark oak factory floors, we were able to achieve a truly special residential Brooklyn backdrop. A new open contemporary kitchen and dining area, entry and master closets, custom lighting and hardware were all part of the loft renovation and interior design.

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

Located in the heart of DUMBO Brooklyn at a former industrial site, this historic building was converted into luxury loft condominiums in 2000. The owners of this 2,500 square foot loft wanted a clean, and uncomplicated space which would showcase the incredible views to the west of Manhattan, and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. By utilizing a bright palette of white lacquered cabinets, Danby marble countertops, custom painted built-in millwork, and contrasting refinished original dark oak factory floors, we were able to achieve a truly special residential Brooklyn backdrop. A new open contemporary kitchen, entry and master closets, custom lighting and hardware were all part of the loft renovation and interior design.

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

This is a prototypical home specially designed with a 200% structural engineering safety factor to easily withstand 150+ mph winds and designed to be extremely durable, low/no maintenance, effectively flood-proofed, super-structured, armored, super-insulted, and extremely energy-efficient. Every effort was made to make the house “fit” the site; it utilizes a Southern coastal vernacular archetype; it is oriented on the site to take advantage of year-round sun sets and moon rises and to minimize solar heat gain; and careful attention has been given to the breathtaking views. It is designed to harmoniously take advantage of both the latest in currently available technology and a site blessed with unparalleled natural beauty. We have attempted to provide an example of enduring environmentally-sensitive design without any compromise of convenience, aesthetics, or quality of life. www.waringarchitects.com www.facebook.com/waring architects

This is a prototypical home specially designed with a 200% structural engineering safety factor to easily withstand 150+ mph winds and designed to be extremely durable, low/no maintenance, effectively flood-proofed, super-structured, armored, super-insulted, and extremely energy-efficient. Every effort was made to make the house “fit” the site; it utilizes a Southern coastal vernacular archetype; it is oriented on the site to take advantage of year-round sun sets and moon rises and to minimize solar heat gain; and careful attention has been given to the breathtaking views. It is designed to harmoniously take advantage of both the latest in currently available technology and a site blessed with unparalleled natural beauty. We have attempted to provide an example of enduring environmentally-sensitive design without any compromise of convenience, aesthetics, or quality of life. www.waringarchitects.com

This is a prototypical home specially designed with a 200% structural engineering safety factor to easily withstand 150+ mph winds and designed to be extremely durable, low/no maintenance, effectively flood-proofed, super-structured, armored, super-insulted, and extremely energy-efficient. Every effort was made to make the house “fit” the site; it utilizes a Southern coastal vernacular archetype; it is oriented on the site to take advantage of year-round sun sets and moon rises and to minimize solar heat gain; and careful attention has been given to the breathtaking views. It is designed to harmoniously take advantage of both the latest in currently available technology and a site blessed with unparalleled natural beauty. We have attempted to provide an example of enduring environmentally-sensitive design without any compromise of convenience, aesthetics, or quality of life. www.waringarchitects.com

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

New View Photograghy
Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Raleigh with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, an island, stainless steel appliances, marble countertops and subway tile backsplash

This private residence sits on a rural 25 acre site, and was designed to resemble the regional quaint farmhouses the client adored. As a single story floor plan, the home separates the bedrooms from the open living spaces centered in the plan, allowing for plenty of natural daylight and high vaulted ceilings. The farmhouse design of the home boasts a seamless connection with the site, utilizing large windows and broad sliding glass doors leading to expansive wrap around porches.

Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean climate and bold architecture of the home, a garden exhibiting strength and simplicity was envisioned. A highly geometric design was developed for the site that utilizes bold forms and strong architectural lines to give structure and organization to the garden. Simple, honest materials such as concrete, wood, gravel and stone are fundamental components of the design. Decomposed granite is utilized to create walkways and a circular gathering space, providing a casual feel and providing balance to the strong forms of the garden. Stone display terraces in back contribute to the sculptural layout of the garden, while providing space for the owner’s collection of garden art.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home. The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living. The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home. The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play. The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Energy Efficient features include: • The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade • 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques • Foil covered roof sheathing • Extensive use of blown in cellulous • All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass • Tank-less water heaters • Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV. Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency. These items include: • 2x6 walls with staggered studs • Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting • Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows • ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls. The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

This is a prototypical home specially designed with a 200% structural engineering safety factor to easily withstand 150+ mph winds and designed to be extremely durable, low/no maintenance, effectively flood-proofed, super-structured, armored, super-insulted, and extremely energy-efficient. Every effort was made to make the house “fit” the site; it utilizes a Southern coastal vernacular archetype; it is oriented on the site to take advantage of year-round sun sets and moon rises and to minimize solar heat gain; and careful attention has been given to the breathtaking views. It is designed to harmoniously take advantage of both the latest in currently available technology and a site blessed with unparalleled natural beauty. We have attempted to provide an example of enduring environmentally-sensitive design without any compromise of convenience, aesthetics, or quality of life. www.waringarchitects.com