While the homeowners' choice to build their new ultra-insulated passive house on an urban infill lot made sense on many levels, it also led to some major challenges. A massive basalt outcrop dominated the site, resulting in the lot remaining vacant for decades as the neighborhood grew around it. The architect sited the home on top of the outcrop with retaining walls around the home to create a flat plane to build on. Even pushing the limits this way resulted in limited outdoor space, but the intimate courtyard areas provide make the most of what's available. The natural basalt retaining walls create a sheer drop along one side of the house, so decorative metal screens alternate with vertical continuations of the basalt wall.

Home design - mid-sized contemporary home design idea in Other

While the homeowners' choice to build their new ultra-insulated passive house on an urban infill lot made sense on many levels, it also led to some major challenges. A massive basalt outcrop dominated the site, resulting in the lot remaining vacant for decades as the neighborhood grew around it. The architect sited the home on top of the outcrop with retaining walls around the home to create a flat plane to build on. Even pushing the limits this way resulted in limited outdoor space, but the intimate courtyard areas provide make the most of what's available. The landscape makes extensive use of the natural basalt available from the site. The house is truly integrated into its surroundings, reflecting the homeowners' desire to build in low-impact ways

This is an example of a rustic landscaping in Seattle.

Inspiration for a rustic home design remodel in Seattle

While the homeowners' choice to build their new ultra-insulated passive house on an urban infill lot made sense on many levels, it also led to some major challenges. A massive basalt outcrop dominated the site, resulting in the lot remaining vacant for decades as the neighborhood grew around it. The architect sited the home on top of the outcrop with retaining walls around the home to create a flat plane to build on. Even pushing the limits this way resulted in limited outdoor space, but the intimate courtyard areas provide make the most of what's available. A narrow walkway leads to a private courtyard area off the master bedroom. The elevation of the house and its mature trees provide more privacy than usual, but additional trees in and around the space will provide additional screening as they grow.

After remodeling their 1905 Craftsman house, the homeowners were ready to tackle the yard. The front was easily spruced up with a new walkway and plantings, but the steep, wooded backyard was a much bigger challenge. Rebuilding a failing retaining wall was the first step to creating access to the previously overgrown space. A custom gate echoes a motif from inside the house. Concrete patios with natural stone steps provide space for a hot tub and fire pit, completely transforming the dangerous eyesore.

After remodeling their 1905 Craftsman house, the homeowners were ready to tackle the yard. The front was easily spruced up with a new walkway and plantings, but the steep, wooded backyard was a much bigger challenge. Rebuilding a failing retaining wall was the first step to creating access to the previously overgrown space. A custom gate echoes a motif from inside the house. Concrete patios with natural stone steps provide space for a hot tub and fire pit, completely transforming the dangerous eyesore.

After remodeling their 1905 Craftsman house, the homeowners were ready to tackle the yard. The front was easily spruced up with a new walkway and plantings, but the steep, wooded backyard was a much bigger challenge. Rebuilding a failing retaining wall was the first step to creating access to the previously overgrown space. Concrete patios with natural stone steps provide space for a hot tub and fire pit, completely transforming the dangerous eyesore.

After remodeling their 1905 Craftsman house, the homeowners were ready to tackle the yard. The front was easily spruced up with a new walkway and plantings, but the steep, wooded backyard was a much bigger challenge. Rebuilding a failing retaining wall was the first step to creating access to the previously overgrown space. Concrete patios with natural stone steps provide space for a hot tub and fire pit, completely transforming the dangerous eyesore.

While the homeowners' choice to build their new ultra-insulated passive house on an urban infill lot made sense on many levels, it also led to some major challenges. A massive basalt outcrop dominated the site, resulting in the lot remaining vacant for decades as the neighborhood grew around it. The architect sited the home on top of the outcrop with retaining walls around the home to create a flat plane to build on. Even pushing the limits this way resulted in limited outdoor space, but the intimate courtyard areas provide make the most of what's available. A double-fall poured-concrete water feature is paired with a linear fire pit to create a dynamic statement in the main courtyard. It is visible from the main living areas and the master bedroom for year-round enjoyment. The upper basin is integrated into the basalt rock wall, with basalt columns forming part of the surround.

While the homeowners' choice to build their new ultra-insulated passive house on an urban infill lot made sense on many levels, it also led to some major challenges. A massive basalt outcrop dominated the site, resulting in the lot remaining vacant for decades as the neighborhood grew around it. The architect sited the home on top of the outcrop with retaining walls around the home to create a flat plane to build on. Even pushing the limits this way resulted in limited outdoor space, but the intimate courtyard areas provide make the most of what's available. A narrow walkway leads to a private courtyard area off the master bedroom. The elevation of the house and its mature trees provide more privacy than usual, but additional trees in and around the space will provide additional screening as they grow.

While the homeowners' choice to build their new ultra-insulated passive house on an urban infill lot made sense on many levels, it also led to some major challenges. A massive basalt outcrop dominated the site, resulting in the lot remaining vacant for decades as the neighborhood grew around it. The architect sited the home on top of the outcrop with retaining walls around the home to create a flat plane to build on. Even pushing the limits this way resulted in limited outdoor space, but the intimate courtyard areas provide make the most of what's available. The landscape makes extensive use of the natural basalt available from the site. The house is truly integrated into its surroundings, reflecting the homeowners' desire to build in low-impact ways

This home design features five bedrooms and five bathrooms with and amazing spiral staircase and unforgettable foyer.
Beige two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Charlotte

After remodeling their 1905 Craftsman house, the homeowners were ready to tackle the yard. The front was easily spruced up with a new walkway and plantings, but the steep, wooded backyard was a much bigger challenge. Rebuilding a failing retaining wall was the first step to creating access to the previously overgrown space. A custom gate echoes a motif from inside the house. Concrete patios with natural stone steps provide space for a hot tub and fire pit, completely transforming the dangerous eyesore.

Inspiration for a kitchen remodel in Los Angeles

After remodeling their 1905 Craftsman house, the homeowners were ready to tackle the yard. The front was easily spruced up with a new walkway and plantings, but the steep, wooded backyard was a much bigger challenge. Rebuilding a failing retaining wall was the first step to creating access to the previously overgrown space. Concrete patios with natural stone steps provide space for a hot tub and fire pit, completely transforming the dangerous eyesore.

While the homeowners' choice to build their new ultra-insulated passive house on an urban infill lot made sense on many levels, it also led to some major challenges. A massive basalt outcrop dominated the site, resulting in the lot remaining vacant for decades as the neighborhood grew around it. The architect sited the home on top of the outcrop with retaining walls around the home to create a flat plane to build on. Even pushing the limits this way resulted in limited outdoor space, but the intimate courtyard areas provide make the most of what's available. A double-fall poured-concrete water feature is paired with a linear fire pit to create a dynamic statement in the main courtyard. It is visible from the main living areas and the master bedroom for year-round enjoyment. The lower fall drains into a catch basin hidden under the gravel walkway for a seamless look and less water loss.

Photo of a rustic landscaping in Seattle.