Front entry sidewalk in Prodeck Rubber
Inspiration for a front yard patio remodel in Tampa

This immersive water feature experience is like nothing we’ve ever seen or lit before! This large water feature circumstance is at least 40 feet wide with multiple waterfalls and viewing vignettes. Each sitting area provides a different experience. Some areas are purposefully darker and more intimate than others. You can walk from the patio area to the firepit, situated in the back corner. Then from the sitting area and back to the patio all while enjoying this beautiful experience. Never fearing that you'll fall in! During their evening consultation, the homeowners were greatly involved. They even chose specific fixtures. With our design guidance, we included various color tones for high impact and minimal light glare. We used multiple uplights, path lights and submersible lights in a mixture of 2700 K (Kelvin). We also used the Sunset tone in the water feature to create a waterscape that was relaxing. That's the beauty of hiring Northwest Outdoor Lighting. You can choose how involved you want to be. Our designers are flexible! We know we'll select the best products based on function and aesthetics. But having homeowners get involved in the design process means you'll love it that much more! The extensive backyard lawn and trees were also lit with flush in-grade well lights. This makes mowing and lawn care so much easier. Highlighting the tall evergreens creates a safe environment for when the puppies need to go out at night. No scary animals are lurking in dark corners now. Path lights have been added to all the walkways. After having the water feature unlit for years, the water feature has now become the homeowner’s pride and joy!

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgment as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work, and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor/ Installer Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Installer JD Masonry, Arvada, CO Stone Suppliers Coldspring, Cold Spring, MN Gallegos Corporation, Vail, CO Through a collective dialogue between landscape, architecture and interior design, a new vision reimagines the disturbed site into a livable landscape, emblematic of our American West. The residence – an ensemble of structures designed in a modern ranch vernacular – is effortlessly unified through layered, interconnected outdoor gathering spaces and regional materials that elaborates upon the experience of moving between structures, heightening and renewing one’s sense of place. Upon entering the courtyard, one is immediately aware of seamless and unfolding relationships between architecture and landscape through a sophisticated, regional palette of natural stone, water, and plants. Set upon architectural focal points, two perpendicular sandstone paths descend into the space and converge upon a monolithic, hand-carved granite fountain. The design of the fountain is purposefully quiet, both in its detailing and operation. The feature includes a recessed interior, allowing water to become still before it reaches the surface, with lightly cleft sides, allowing the water to delicately bounce as it descends into the geometric lower granite basin. The landscape architect’s selection of various stone material extends the tones of the home’s granite walls and contextual surroundings into the garden, but also be detailed in a manner that balances rural and modern qualities. The majority of the paving is constructed of rectilinear gray sandstone with a natural finish and snapped edges, laid in a staggered running bond organization. Throughout the garden, thoughtful attention was also given to the configuration and layout of terraces, pathways, and steps. In doing so, this ensured that the edges of the terrace and its interface to other elements were designed so that no “leftover” stone paver pieces would be found. Within the central courtyard, split-faced stone stairs descend into a rectilinear plinth of lawn, punctuated by a carved granite fire pit. Leveraging the property’s existing topographic relief, a shallow infinity-edge dipping pool abstracts the transparent and cavity-like pools found throughout the Rocky Mountains. The design purposefully achieves the illusion of a larger water feature with the distant pond and offers a refreshing recreational element. Containing the infinity edge, a designed granite escarpment emerges from the meadow, juxtaposing the geometric water feature and providing informal seating ledges. The site’s prior use required the landscape architect to incorporate a highly technical and complex sub-surface structural system. The initial geotechnical report identified the building envelopes rested on 12 feet of man-placed fill. Assuming a 1 percent settlement, the team faced concerns that the terraces would settle up to 12 inches. In response, a grid of structural micro-piles provides the necessary foundation for the construction of terraces immediately outside of the architecture, under the water features and site walls. The solution enabled the crisp detailing and design resolution of the architectural structures to seamlessly connect with the horizontal stone terraces.

This immersive water feature experience is like nothing we’ve ever seen or lit before! This large water feature circumstance is at least 40 feet wide with multiple waterfalls and viewing vignettes. Each sitting area provides a different experience. Some areas are purposefully darker and more intimate than others. You can walk from the patio area to the firepit, situated in the back corner. Then from the sitting area and back to the patio all while enjoying this beautiful experience. Never fearing that you'll fall in! During their evening consultation, the homeowners were greatly involved. They even chose specific fixtures. With our design guidance, we included various color tones for high impact and minimal light glare. We used multiple uplights, path lights and submersible lights in a mixture of 2700 K (Kelvin). We also used the Sunset tone in the water feature to create a waterscape that was relaxing. That's the beauty of hiring Northwest Outdoor Lighting. You can choose how involved you want to be. Our designers are flexible! We know we'll select the best products based on function and aesthetics. But having homeowners get involved in the design process means you'll love it that much more! The extensive backyard lawn and trees were also lit with flush in-grade well lights. This makes mowing and lawn care so much easier. Highlighting the tall evergreens creates a safe environment for when the puppies need to go out at night. No scary animals are lurking in dark corners now. Path lights have been added to all the walkways. After having the water feature unlit for years, the water feature has now become the homeowner’s pride and joy!

This immersive water feature experience is like nothing we’ve ever seen or lit before! This large water feature circumstance is at least 40 feet wide with multiple waterfalls and viewing vignettes. Each sitting area provides a different experience. Some areas are purposefully darker and more intimate than others. You can walk from the patio area to the firepit, situated in the back corner. Then from the sitting area and back to the patio all while enjoying this beautiful experience. Never fearing that you'll fall in! During their evening consultation, the homeowners were greatly involved. They even chose specific fixtures. With our design guidance, we included various color tones for high impact and minimal light glare. We used multiple uplights, path lights and submersible lights in a mixture of 2700 K (Kelvin). We also used the Sunset tone in the water feature to create a waterscape that was relaxing. That's the beauty of hiring Northwest Outdoor Lighting. You can choose how involved you want to be. Our designers are flexible! We know we'll select the best products based on function and aesthetics. But having homeowners get involved in the design process means you'll love it that much more! The extensive backyard lawn and trees were also lit with flush in-grade well lights. This makes mowing and lawn care so much easier. Highlighting the tall evergreens creates a safe environment for when the puppies need to go out at night. No scary animals are lurking in dark corners now. Path lights have been added to all the walkways. After having the water feature unlit for years, the water feature has now become the homeowner’s pride and joy!

This immersive water feature experience is like nothing we’ve ever seen or lit before! This large water feature circumstance is at least 40 feet wide with multiple waterfalls and viewing vignettes. Each sitting area provides a different experience. Some areas are purposefully darker and more intimate than others. You can walk from the patio area to the firepit, situated in the back corner. Then from the sitting area and back to the patio all while enjoying this beautiful experience. Never fearing that you'll fall in! During their evening consultation, the homeowners were greatly involved. They even chose specific fixtures. With our design guidance, we included various color tones for high impact and minimal light glare. We used multiple uplights, path lights and submersible lights in a mixture of 2700 K (Kelvin). We also used the Sunset tone in the water feature to create a waterscape that was relaxing. That's the beauty of hiring Northwest Outdoor Lighting. You can choose how involved you want to be. Our designers are flexible! We know we'll select the best products based on function and aesthetics. But having homeowners get involved in the design process means you'll love it that much more! The extensive backyard lawn and trees were also lit with flush in-grade well lights. This makes mowing and lawn care so much easier. Highlighting the tall evergreens creates a safe environment for when the puppies need to go out at night. No scary animals are lurking in dark corners now. Path lights have been added to all the walkways. After having the water feature unlit for years, the water feature has now become the homeowner’s pride and joy!

This immersive water feature experience is like nothing we’ve ever seen or lit before! This large water feature circumstance is at least 40 feet wide with multiple waterfalls and viewing vignettes. Each sitting area provides a different experience. Some areas are purposefully darker and more intimate than others. You can walk from the patio area to the firepit, situated in the back corner. Then from the sitting area and back to the patio all while enjoying this beautiful experience. Never fearing that you'll fall in! During their evening consultation, the homeowners were greatly involved. They even chose specific fixtures. With our design guidance, we included various color tones for high impact and minimal light glare. We used multiple uplights, path lights and submersible lights in a mixture of 2700 K (Kelvin). We also used the Sunset tone in the water feature to create a waterscape that was relaxing. That's the beauty of hiring Northwest Outdoor Lighting. You can choose how involved you want to be. Our designers are flexible! We know we'll select the best products based on function and aesthetics. But having homeowners get involved in the design process means you'll love it that much more! The extensive backyard lawn and trees were also lit with flush in-grade well lights. This makes mowing and lawn care so much easier. Highlighting the tall evergreens creates a safe environment for when the puppies need to go out at night. No scary animals are lurking in dark corners now. Path lights have been added to all the walkways. After having the water feature unlit for years, the water feature has now become the homeowner’s pride and joy!

This immersive water feature experience is like nothing we’ve ever seen or lit before! This large water feature circumstance is at least 40 feet wide with multiple waterfalls and viewing vignettes. Each sitting area provides a different experience. Some areas are purposefully darker and more intimate than others. You can walk from the patio area to the firepit, situated in the back corner. Then from the sitting area and back to the patio all while enjoying this beautiful experience. Never fearing that you'll fall in! During their evening consultation, the homeowners were greatly involved. They even chose specific fixtures. With our design guidance, we included various color tones for high impact and minimal light glare. We used multiple uplights, path lights and submersible lights in a mixture of 2700 K (Kelvin). We also used the Sunset tone in the water feature to create a waterscape that was relaxing. That's the beauty of hiring Northwest Outdoor Lighting. You can choose how involved you want to be. Our designers are flexible! We know we'll select the best products based on function and aesthetics. But having homeowners get involved in the design process means you'll love it that much more! The extensive backyard lawn and trees were also lit with flush in-grade well lights. This makes mowing and lawn care so much easier. Highlighting the tall evergreens creates a safe environment for when the puppies need to go out at night. No scary animals are lurking in dark corners now. Path lights have been added to all the walkways. After having the water feature unlit for years, the water feature has now become the homeowner’s pride and joy!

This immersive water feature experience is like nothing we’ve ever seen or lit before! This large water feature circumstance is at least 40 feet wide with multiple waterfalls and viewing vignettes. Each sitting area provides a different experience. Some areas are purposefully darker and more intimate than others. You can walk from the patio area to the firepit, situated in the back corner. Then from the sitting area and back to the patio all while enjoying this beautiful experience. Never fearing that you'll fall in! During their evening consultation, the homeowners were greatly involved. They even chose specific fixtures. With our design guidance, we included various color tones for high impact and minimal light glare. We used multiple uplights, path lights and submersible lights in a mixture of 2700 K (Kelvin). We also used the Sunset tone in the water feature to create a waterscape that was relaxing. That's the beauty of hiring Northwest Outdoor Lighting. You can choose how involved you want to be. Our designers are flexible! We know we'll select the best products based on function and aesthetics. But having homeowners get involved in the design process means you'll love it that much more! The extensive backyard lawn and trees were also lit with flush in-grade well lights. This makes mowing and lawn care so much easier. Highlighting the tall evergreens creates a safe environment for when the puppies need to go out at night. No scary animals are lurking in dark corners now. Path lights have been added to all the walkways. After having the water feature unlit for years, the water feature has now become the homeowner’s pride and joy!

Chicagoland Home Products arrived in Gurnee, Illinois with storage solutions that helped a garage to become all that it could be. In fact, if garages could talk and fill out surveys, 100% of those surveyed would want to be like this one. Every garage wants to be more than a place to park a car or a home to the haphazardly stored. The Gurnee goal was to deliver a custom garage storage package that, among other things, helped kids easily access their play brooms and shovels. Part of that solution, also, gave the children a way to put away their rakes and little lawnmowers. What parent wouldn’t be pleased to see a child’s playthings neatly placed on hooks and shelves, specifically designed, to be within reach of the child? It’s just possible this would make it easier to pull the car into the garage without stopping to clear a path. Since it works for kids to have a storage solution of their own, why not give equal opportunity for the adults to put away their toys and tools? With custom garage storage like this, your golf clubs, shoes and accessories, will have a home. They will want to leap out of your vehicle and onto their convenient shelves. Just about anything can be hung on the slat wall – it is perfect for holding lawn equipment, tools and even more toys. With so many things needing to be recharged these days, note the convenient work surface and charging area. One other thing, those garages that were surveyed, wanted to look good too. While your garage can choose what fits its own style, this garage wanted its storage to be wrapped in a Merapi finish with square brushed chrome handles. Now, it looks good, has lots of room, is accessible for kids and adults, is organized, and ready to handle the challenges that you give it.

The owners of this property were avid entertainers who enjoy opening up their space for friends and family. The design's primary objective was to create an inviting space for mingling and socializing. Situated in Houston's West University area on a compact lot, our focus was on accommodating gatherings of varying sizes. The focal point of this design is a bubbling water feature, that enhances the space with a touch of color and soothing water sounds, complemented by a base of Mexican beach pebbles. Stamped and stained concrete compose the walkway and patio, purposefully designed to encourage conversation around the water feature and to provide a dedicated outdoor dining and gathering area. Understanding the owners' love for their canine companions, we integrated pet-friendly synthetic turf. This sustainable and low-maintenance choice offers a space where owners can enjoy quality moments with their beloved pets. We built a Western Red Cedar Fence around the property and installed Eagleston Holly trees at the perimeter for enhanced privacy. These trees will mature to an impressive 15 feet. Texas native plants, Loropetalum and Variegated Ginger, were thoughtfully incorporated throughout the design. In the evenings, carefully positioned soft LED lighting adds allure and highlights specific facets of the design. We obscured the A/C by installing an A/C screen that matches the Western Red Cedar Fence. The result of this design is an elevated space, ideal for hosting, while remaining low-maintenance and sustainable. This ensures that owners can fully embrace quality time with their family and pets, without the burden of extensive upkeep.

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgment as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work, and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor/ Installer Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Installer JD Masonry, Arvada, CO Stone Suppliers Coldspring, Cold Spring, MN Gallegos Corporation, Vail, CO Through a collective dialogue between landscape, architecture and interior design, a new vision reimagines the disturbed site into a livable landscape, emblematic of our American West. The residence – an ensemble of structures designed in a modern ranch vernacular – is effortlessly unified through layered, interconnected outdoor gathering spaces and regional materials that elaborates upon the experience of moving between structures, heightening and renewing one’s sense of place. Upon entering the courtyard, one is immediately aware of seamless and unfolding relationships between architecture and landscape through a sophisticated, regional palette of natural stone, water, and plants. Set upon architectural focal points, two perpendicular sandstone paths descend into the space and converge upon a monolithic, hand-carved granite fountain. The design of the fountain is purposefully quiet, both in its detailing and operation. The feature includes a recessed interior, allowing water to become still before it reaches the surface, with lightly cleft sides, allowing the water to delicately bounce as it descends into the geometric lower granite basin. The landscape architect’s selection of various stone material extends the tones of the home’s granite walls and contextual surroundings into the garden, but also be detailed in a manner that balances rural and modern qualities. The majority of the paving is constructed of rectilinear gray sandstone with a natural finish and snapped edges, laid in a staggered running bond organization. Throughout the garden, thoughtful attention was also given to the configuration and layout of terraces, pathways, and steps. In doing so, this ensured that the edges of the terrace and its interface to other elements were designed so that no “leftover” stone paver pieces would be found. Within the central courtyard, split-faced stone stairs descend into a rectilinear plinth of lawn, punctuated by a carved granite fire pit. Leveraging the property’s existing topographic relief, a shallow infinity-edge dipping pool abstracts the transparent and cavity-like pools found throughout the Rocky Mountains. The design purposefully achieves the illusion of a larger water feature with the distant pond and offers a refreshing recreational element. Containing the infinity edge, a designed granite escarpment emerges from the meadow, juxtaposing the geometric water feature and providing informal seating ledges. The site’s prior use required the landscape architect to incorporate a highly technical and complex sub-surface structural system. The initial geotechnical report identified the building envelopes rested on 12 feet of man-placed fill. Assuming a 1 percent settlement, the team faced concerns that the terraces would settle up to 12 inches. In response, a grid of structural micro-piles provides the necessary foundation for the construction of terraces immediately outside of the architecture, under the water features and site walls. The solution enabled the crisp detailing and design resolution of the architectural structures to seamlessly connect with the horizontal stone terraces.

Chicagoland Home Products arrived in Gurnee, Illinois with storage solutions that helped a garage to become all that it could be. In fact, if garages could talk and fill out surveys, 100% of those surveyed would want to be like this one. Every garage wants to be more than a place to park a car or a home to the haphazardly stored. The Gurnee goal was to deliver a custom garage storage package that, among other things, helped kids easily access their play brooms and shovels. Part of that solution, also, gave the children a way to put away their rakes and little lawnmowers. What parent wouldn’t be pleased to see a child’s playthings neatly placed on hooks and shelves, specifically designed, to be within reach of the child? It’s just possible this would make it easier to pull the car into the garage without stopping to clear a path. Since it works for kids to have a storage solution of their own, why not give equal opportunity for the adults to put away their toys and tools? With custom garage storage like this, your golf clubs, shoes and accessories, will have a home. They will want to leap out of your vehicle and onto their convenient shelves. Just about anything can be hung on the slat wall – it is perfect for holding lawn equipment, tools and even more toys. With so many things needing to be recharged these days, note the convenient work surface and charging area. One other thing, those garages that were surveyed, wanted to look good too. While your garage can choose what fits its own style, this garage wanted its storage to be wrapped in a Merapi finish with square brushed chrome handles. Now, it looks good, has lots of room, is accessible for kids and adults, is organized, and ready to handle the challenges that you give it.

Prodeck Rubber pour in place rubber used on a front entry and sidwalk, non skid surface, water drains thru rubber surface and is anti-fungal. Prodeck Rubber Tuscan color shown here.

Chicagoland Home Products arrived in Gurnee, Illinois with storage solutions that helped a garage to become all that it could be. In fact, if garages could talk and fill out surveys, 100% of those surveyed would want to be like this one. Every garage wants to be more than a place to park a car or a home to the haphazardly stored. The Gurnee goal was to deliver a custom garage storage package that, among other things, helped kids easily access their play brooms and shovels. Part of that solution, also, gave the children a way to put away their rakes and little lawnmowers. What parent wouldn’t be pleased to see a child’s playthings neatly placed on hooks and shelves, specifically designed, to be within reach of the child? It’s just possible this would make it easier to pull the car into the garage without stopping to clear a path. Since it works for kids to have a storage solution of their own, why not give equal opportunity for the adults to put away their toys and tools? With custom garage storage like this, your golf clubs, shoes and accessories, will have a home. They will want to leap out of your vehicle and onto their convenient shelves. Just about anything can be hung on the slat wall – it is perfect for holding lawn equipment, tools and even more toys. With so many things needing to be recharged these days, note the convenient work surface and charging area. One other thing, those garages that were surveyed, wanted to look good too. While your garage can choose what fits its own style, this garage wanted its storage to be wrapped in a Merapi finish with square brushed chrome handles. Now, it looks good, has lots of room, is accessible for kids and adults, is organized, and ready to handle the challenges that you give it.

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgment as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work, and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor/ Installer Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Installer JD Masonry, Arvada, CO Stone Suppliers Coldspring, Cold Spring, MN Gallegos Corporation, Vail, CO Through a collective dialogue between landscape, architecture and interior design, a new vision reimagines the disturbed site into a livable landscape, emblematic of our American West. The residence – an ensemble of structures designed in a modern ranch vernacular – is effortlessly unified through layered, interconnected outdoor gathering spaces and regional materials that elaborates upon the experience of moving between structures, heightening and renewing one’s sense of place. Upon entering the courtyard, one is immediately aware of seamless and unfolding relationships between architecture and landscape through a sophisticated, regional palette of natural stone, water, and plants. Set upon architectural focal points, two perpendicular sandstone paths descend into the space and converge upon a monolithic, hand-carved granite fountain. The design of the fountain is purposefully quiet, both in its detailing and operation. The feature includes a recessed interior, allowing water to become still before it reaches the surface, with lightly cleft sides, allowing the water to delicately bounce as it descends into the geometric lower granite basin. The landscape architect’s selection of various stone material extends the tones of the home’s granite walls and contextual surroundings into the garden, but also be detailed in a manner that balances rural and modern qualities. The majority of the paving is constructed of rectilinear gray sandstone with a natural finish and snapped edges, laid in a staggered running bond organization. Throughout the garden, thoughtful attention was also given to the configuration and layout of terraces, pathways, and steps. In doing so, this ensured that the edges of the terrace and its interface to other elements were designed so that no “leftover” stone paver pieces would be found. Within the central courtyard, split-faced stone stairs descend into a rectilinear plinth of lawn, punctuated by a carved granite fire pit. Leveraging the property’s existing topographic relief, a shallow infinity-edge dipping pool abstracts the transparent and cavity-like pools found throughout the Rocky Mountains. The design purposefully achieves the illusion of a larger water feature with the distant pond and offers a refreshing recreational element. Containing the infinity edge, a designed granite escarpment emerges from the meadow, juxtaposing the geometric water feature and providing informal seating ledges. The site’s prior use required the landscape architect to incorporate a highly technical and complex sub-surface structural system. The initial geotechnical report identified the building envelopes rested on 12 feet of man-placed fill. Assuming a 1 percent settlement, the team faced concerns that the terraces would settle up to 12 inches. In response, a grid of structural micro-piles provides the necessary foundation for the construction of terraces immediately outside of the architecture, under the water features and site walls. The solution enabled the crisp detailing and design resolution of the architectural structures to seamlessly connect with the horizontal stone terraces.

Situated in a neighborhood of grand Victorians, this shingled Foursquare home seemed like a bit of a wallflower with its plain façade. The homeowner came to Cummings Architects hoping for a design that would add some character and make the house feel more a part of the neighborhood. The answer was an expansive porch that runs along the front façade and down the length of one side, providing a beautiful new entrance, lots of outdoor living space, and more than enough charm to transform the home’s entire personality. Designed to coordinate seamlessly with the streetscape, the porch includes many custom details including perfectly proportioned double columns positioned on handmade piers of tiered shingles, mahogany decking, and a fir beaded ceiling laid in a pattern designed specifically to complement the covered porch layout. Custom designed and built handrails bridge the gap between the supporting piers, adding a subtle sense of shape and movement to the wrap around style. Other details like the crown molding integrate beautifully with the architectural style of the home, making the porch look like it’s always been there. No longer the wallflower, this house is now a lovely beauty that looks right at home among its majestic neighbors. Photo by Eric Roth

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgement as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Architect Poss Architecture, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Supplier/Installer Gallegos Corporation, Wolcott, CO Stone Quarry Arkins Park Stone, Loveland, CO Within walled boundaries, Woody Creek Garden embraces its high alpine environment through explorations of stone and water that serve as unifying elements of form in the design of the various outdoor spaces. Through striking and distinctively detailed stonework, water is portrayed in its various states and forms – atmospheric mist, single rivulets, cascades, and still pools. Two courtyards interlink the residence allowing each room to enjoy the visual landscape. In the entrance courtyard, the sound from a carved 24”x 24” cut-granite fountain reverberates throughout the walled space. Placed for gathering and quiet contemplation, a pin-wheel arrangement of sculptural, granite slabs provide a honed surface for sitting while providing year-round interest. Each stone was individually specified with intentionally spaced core fractures, utilizing the extraction method to serve as sculpted details. Large sandstone pavers, set in sand and cut in an irregular, but geometric fashion bring a sense of modernity to the space. Throughout the property, stone detailing seek to heighten one’s experience of the landscape and views. Upon the home’s entry, an 18” rectilinear cut in the freestanding stone wall frames a distant peak, creating a singular reference to the outside world in this encased space. Emerging from the center of an organically-shaped carved sandstone slab, water is carried along a narrow 2” runnel sandstone cap, disappearing into the framed horizon. This glimpse to the west is the only opening in the tightly enclosed courtyard. From its opposite aspect, the feature creates a welcoming gesture at the home’s front entrance. The slender rivulet of water trickles from the sandstone slab above onto a honed granite plane, set within a sandstone terrace In contrast, a second promontory courtyard commands a strong presence over its alpine setting, leaving the steeply sloping site undisturbed. A 12’x 40’ reflecting pool – a thin sheet of water over honed black granite – captures the form and silence of the everchanging natural environment on its taut surface. Along its edge, water flows over a ½” radius edge, disappearing into a recirculating slot. Commissioned by Italian artist Bruno Romeda, a bronze sculpture rests upon an elevated granite plinth. Along its western edge, designers crafted a two-tiered, infinity edge detail. In the first vertical drop, water flows between the pool and perimeter stone walls, landing onto an intermediate bench, while the second drop introduces a chamfered edge, allowing water to embrace the vertical relief without splashing. Sandstone terraces provide continuous access to the various landscape features of the garden. At the base of the battered perimeter walls, a sandstone path leads to a fire pit, encircled by lichen-covered boulders. Along the courtyard’s eastern perimeter, water appears to emerge from the hillside, fracturing and falling against the irregular vertical stone wall, melting in a curtain-like formation behind the spa. The colors, distinctive detailing and striking stonework were selected based on their appropriateness to the context. From above, a rectilinear pool lies behind the wall, silently mirroring the sky above and offering no ostensible connection to the structure or to its source.