Skyline Structure - Photos & Ideas

Nestled in a secluded mountaintop location is the captivating Contemporary Mountaintop Escape. Complementing its natural surroundings, the 2,955 square foot, four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence captures the panoramic view of the skyline and offers high-quality finishes with modern interior design. The exterior features a timber frame porch, standing seam metal roof, custom chimney cap, Barnwood siding, and a glass garage door. Reclaimed timber derived from the homeowner’s family farmhouse is incorporated throughout the structure. It is decoratively used on the exterior as well as on the interior accent walls and ceiling beams. Other central interior elements include recessed lighting, flush baseboards, and caseless windows and doors. Hickory engineered flooring is displayed upstairs, and exposed concrete slab and foundation walls complement the downstairs decor. The rustic and luxurious great room offers a wood-burning fireplace with an onsite extricated boulder hearth, reclaimed timber ceiling beams, a full reclaimed accent wall, and a charming stucco chimney. The main floor also exhibits a reclaimed, sliding barn door to enclose the in-home office space. The kitchen is situated near the great room and is defined by stainless steel appliances that include a Thermador refrigerator/freezer, an induction range, and a coordinating farmhouse sink. Other standout features are leathered granite countertops, floating reclaimed timber shelves, and stunning ebony-colored drawers. The home’s lower level provides ideal accommodations for hosting family and friends. It features a spacious living area with access to a multi-purpose mudroom complete with a kitchen. This level also includes two guest bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. All bedrooms, including the master bedroom, have caseless windows and doors, floating reclaimed shelves, and flush baseboards. The master bathroom showcases a modern floating vanity with boulder vessel sinks, wall-mounted faucets, and large format floor tile.

Forest Road

Nico van der Meulen Architects

Forest Road villa. The light-filled unique and eco-friendly home designed by Nico van der Meulen Architects is situated in Inanda, with views of the Sandton skyline to the north. The stand is 1511 sq.m. and the glass, steel and stone clad built home faces 15° east of north. Approaching the home, the first view is of the cantilevered porte cochere screen of suspended steel tubes with double sliding garage doors clad in dark limestone to blend with the wall. A steel sculpture by Regardt van der Meulen twirls on a podium next to the front door built of privacy glass. Upon entering the transparency of the house becomes evident with views out over the multi-level hall, lounge, spa and pool to the water feature and the garden beyond, as well as over the double volume family room, dining room, lanai and kitchen. A steel and glass structure enables the whole of the living/kitchen/ breakfast area to open totally through the use of frameless concertina doors to the lanai, pool and garden. Although the spa, pool and water feature are three separate bodies of water, the effect created was that it is one interconnected system flowing into each other. Sliding glass panels hide the bar and kitchen when not in use, creating a more intimate setting, while a skylight lit catwalk between the main suite and guest bedrooms allows views of the living spaces and garden through the brise soleil on the north side. On the catwalk a study, pyjama lounge and kitchenette are hidden behind sliding wooden panels. The study and pyjama lounge leads onto an expansive private balcony. The LED illuminated polished concrete and wood staircase cantilevers out of the wall with vertical steel bars acting as balustrades and supports at the same time. A recessed illuminated handrail forms a graphic line in the wall, while a hidden horizontal sliding door enables the owner to cut the upper floor off from the ground floor for security. The lanai and brise soleil on the north side cantilevers 18 meters by 6 meters unsupported by columns, partially over the pool. The lanai consists of a seating area, dining area and bar cum barbeque, seamlessly connected with the living spaces and kitchen, while the brise soleil consists of suspended steel tubes, to create both privacy and sun control. The breakfast room is situated on the north-east corner of the kitchen, to bask in the morning and winter sun. The main suite is also placed on the north-east corner of the first floor, divided by sliding smoked glass screens. The bathroom with a free-standing spa bath gets the morning and winter sun, while the bedroom is exposed to the winter sun. Expansive his and her dressing rooms are situated behind the bedroom and bathroom. On the opposite side of the building are two guest suites, both north facing with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in cupboards. A geothermal system is used to heat and cool the home, and also to heat the pool and spa. Nine boreholes were sunk to a depth of 100 meter for this purpose, and a special room created in the basement to house the equipment. The photo voltaic panels on the roof have an output of 10KVA, while rain water is harvested and the whole house is double glazed, except for the frameless concertina doors. Also in the basement is a home theatre with an adjoining light-well which allows winter sun to penetrate even this space through sliding doors into the atrium created at the bottom of the light-well. A window looks into the spa. The kitchen and built-in cupboards were built by Dada and Porro respectively, and imported from Italy by M Square Lifestyle necessities, while the interior design was done by M Square Lifestyle design. All the furniture was also supplied by M Square Lifestyle Necessities.

Central Park Apartment

Neumann & Rudy Architecture

**Paragraph 1: Spatial Composition & Architectural Volume** This terrace operates as an outdoor room in the fullest architectural sense — a compressed foreground plane opening onto one of the most consequential borrowed landscapes in the world. The composition is organized along a strong diagonal: an L-shaped seating arrangement anchors the lower left and right quadrants, its low-slung horizontality deliberately calibrated to sit beneath the sightline of the parapet rail so that the vista remains uninterrupted from a seated position. The spatial logic is one of layered thresholds. First, the intimate zone of the furniture group; second, the clipped boxwood hedge set within a matte-dark planter, functioning as a green datum line and soft balustrade; third, the slender vertical picket railing, whose rhythmic cadence reads as a fine-grained screen rather than a barrier; and finally the middle-ground canopy of Central Park and the distant supergraphic of the Billionaires' Row skyline. To the left, a mature juniper mass performs as a living pilaster, terminating the composition and screening the adjacent stone masonry wall — a rough-hewn ashlar remnant of the prewar building envelope that grounds the scheme in its architectural provenance. The stepped stone paving and the raked geometry of the railing as it descends to the right introduce a subtle asymmetry, preventing the picturesque from becoming static. **Paragraph 2: Materiality, Color & Texture** The material palette is disciplined to the point of austerity, precisely so the horticulture and the skyline may carry the chromatic load. Powder-coated aluminum in a deep graphite-bronze forms the furniture armature — slender, squared-section framing with an almost Miesian restraint — paired with performance-grade upholstery in a warm dove grey whose greige undertone reads neither cold nor sallow against the surrounding foliage. The single decorative gesture, ikat-patterned scatter cushions in charcoal and ecru, introduces a hand-loomed irregularity that humanizes the machined frames. Underfoot, large-format bluestone or cast-stone pavers in a cool grey provide a matte, granular ground plane, echoed in the honed surface of the low cocktail table. Against this monochrome scaffolding, the botanical register supplies saturation: the dense, glossy, small-leaf texture of the boxwood; the feathery, blue-green needling of the juniper; trailing ivy softening the planter edge; and, in the near foreground, the blowsy, dessicating panicles of hydrangea in blush, sage and antique rose. A ceramic vessel of coral-and-butter garden roses and a pair of banded stoneware cups on a rimmed tray introduce warm terracotta accents — small, deliberate points of chromatic heat within an otherwise tonal field. **Paragraph 3: Lighting, Atmosphere & Style Profile** The scheme is lit almost entirely by ambient, high-latitude daylight, diffused through a stratus-laced sky that acts as an enormous softbox. The result is shadowless modeling: the upholstery reads as luminous rather than glaring, the foliage retains full chromatic depth without specular hotspots, and the pale limestone and glass towers beyond are rendered in atmospheric perspective, receding into a silvered haze. No artificial fixtures assert themselves in the frame — a confident editorial choice that keeps the scheme legible as a daytime sanctuary and defers entirely to the natural theatre of the site. The prevailing mood is one of cultivated repose: urbane but unhurried, private without being hermetic. Stylistically, the project synthesizes into what might be termed **Refined Metropolitan Naturalism** — a hybrid of Soft Minimalism's tonal restraint and reductive geometry with the structured horticultural formality of a classical English terrace garden. The vocabulary is contemporary and materially honest, yet it observes the compositional manners of the prewar building it inhabits, treating the skyline not as backdrop but as the primary work of art around which the entire interior architecture of the terrace has been quietly framed.

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Roof terrace with views over the city

Storm Architects - Exclusive Architecture Studio

Discover Our Transformation of a Historic Gem in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid! We are thrilled to unveil our latest project in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid - a timeless treasure originally designed in 1890 by the renowned architect, Jacob Klinkhamer. Embracing the rich history of this distinguished house, we have transformed it into a welcoming and contemporary home, meticulously tailored to suit the needs of its new family. Preserving the heritage and beauty of the street façade, which holds a protected municipal monument status, we ensured that only minor adjustments were made to maintain its historical charm. However, behind the elegant exterior, a comprehensive interior renovation and structural overhaul awaited. From deepening the basement floor to introducing an elevator shaft, we left no stone unturned in reimagining this space for modern living. Every aspect of the layout was thoughtfully rearranged to maximize functionality and create a seamless flow between the rooms. The result? A harmonious blend of classic and contemporary design, reflecting the spirit of the past while embracing the comforts of today. The crowning jewel of this project is the addition of a stunning modern roof terrace, providing breathtaking views of the city skyline and the perfect spot for relaxation and entertainment. We invite you to explore the transformation of this historic gem on our website. Witness the marriage of old-world charm with modern elegance, and see how we transformed a house into a cherished home. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.storm-architects.com/projects/klinkhamer-huis

Restored original balcony

Storm Architects - Exclusive Architecture Studio

Flexible garden design with free-standing garden furniture

Storm Architects - Exclusive Architecture Studio

Completely green and natural back garden

Storm Architects - Exclusive Architecture Studio

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Columbus, OH

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Rear façade with monotone plaster

Storm Architects - Exclusive Architecture Studio

Eastern Parkway

TimeLine Renovations Inc.

The kitchen, the most important room in the home. For everyday with the family to entertaining friends. Even though they just purchased this new apartment and have never actually cooked 1 meal, they knew that the existing kitchen was all wrong. Everything needed to get renovated prior to them moving in. Besides the lime green walls, the kitchen layout just didn't work for such a large room and had all appliances on 1 elevation. We played around with a couple of different layouts but nothing was really making sense. Until we came up with the idea to close off the existing doorway from the hallway into kitchen and relocate it. That gave us the ability to bring in some completely new ideas and configure the entire layout. Everything we did from here featured the Manhattan skyline view through the window: from prepping at the island to having lunch in the banquette seat. We kept to the traditional design to keep the integrity of the "pre-war" building. Originally we wanted to keep all the cabinetry white but then decided to bring in some walnut elements. In which we built the island, the banquette table, floating shelves and even dressed up the existing structural columns. The cabinetry is all custom made using 3/4 plywood boxes and maple doors. All feature have soft close doors and drawers, roll out shelves. We improved the lighting by adding low voltage recessed lights, under cabinet lights, ceiling fan and also lights inside the glass door cabinets. Each are on separate zones with dimmers. The banquette seat serves as two functions, one side to conceal the under window radiator and the side for storage. The wire mesh front for the radiator was also used on the storage side for a uniform look. The small hallway wall leading into kitchen from the dining room is painted with a grey chalk board paint, for "on the go" quick memo...

Kanso Home

Studio Dhi

Kanso home A Balanced Retreat for the Quietly Powerful In the heart of bustling Wadala, amidst the towering silhouettes of Mumbai’s skyline, lies a home that whispers rather than shouts—one that celebrates calm over clutter and intention overindulgence. Designed under the concept “Stillness in Structure,” this residence for the wonderful couple and their beautiful daughter, at Dosti Eastern Bay stands as a meditative retreat—an ode to balance, warmth, and quiet sophistication. The central design narrative revolves around creating a sanctuary that embodies restraint and timeless grace. Every surface, curve, and finish has been curated to exude composure. The palette—woven from taupes, soft greys, dusty beiges, and stone whites—becomes the visual language of serenity. Lighting plays a quiet yet profound role—concealed within coves or diffused through sheer drapes—casting a soft glow that mirrors the homeowners’ gentle temperament. The overall effect is of a space that breathes, inviting introspection and ease. The Living Core: Connection and Continuity The living and dining areas are designed as fluid extensions of one another, encouraging conversation and connection. With earthy finishes, clean silhouettes, and subtle textural layering, the rooms flow seamlessly into a balcony that becomes a serene escape. Soft furnishings transform the space into an urban oasis—a moment of stillness above the city’s rhythm. The dining corner, defined by warm tones and minimalist lighting, balances functionality with grace. Custom cabinetry with clean lines anchors the space, offering both utility and sculptural beauty. The Private Realms The master bedroom continues the home’s philosophy of quiet luxury. With muted undertones, warm timber, and linen textures, it exudes a sense of grounded comfort. A tailored study nook and soft lighting create an atmosphere conducive to focus and rest in equal measure. The daughter’s room, in contrast, introduces a tender narrative—pastel hues of blush, sage, and mauve meet whimsical elements. It balances playfulness and calm, ensuring the design grows gracefully with its young occupant. Meanwhile, the guest bedroom embodies understated hospitality—tones of beige and olive layered with soft fabrics and tactile finishes. It maintains harmony with the home’s larger aesthetic, while introducing subtle individuality through its bespoke furniture details. Crafted Details and Quiet Precision Every element—from custom joinery and door designs to the utility layout and curtain treatments—reflects an unwavering attention to proportion and texture. Rounded corners, soft lighting coves, and flush detailing enhance spatial fluidity. Even the kitchen area is designed with the same philosophy—functional minimalism executed with warmth and precision An Ode to Intentional Living “Stillness in Structure” transcends mere visual beauty—it’s a state of being. The home tells the story of two individuals who find strength in subtlety and meaning in moderation. It’s a space that nurtures the rhythm of everyday life while offering a meditative counterpoint to the world outside.

Cedar Cat Enclosure

Zeigler Homestead Services

Deck Pergola, Charleston South Carolina

Canter Construction

Client had an existing deck and pergola off of the back of their home that was not properly built in the original construction. This caused sagging of some of the support beams and overall an unsafe structure. In order to give this a thicker and better look, we used 6X6 beams (instead of 4x4's) and properly bolted all members so that the structure did not move.

North Road Barn

Bensonwood

Patrick Ziselberger
Farmhouse home design photo in Boston