Search results for "Strengthened" in Home Design Ideas

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard.
THEME
The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course.
FOCUS
The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities.
STORAGE
The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps.
GROWTH
The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years.
SAFETY
Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course.
This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

A rear elevation of the double height extension, showing the 6m tall sliding doors.
Trendy brown three-story brick townhouse exterior photo in London
Trendy brown three-story brick townhouse exterior photo in London

Masterful design and elegance, quality craftsmanship, and~Smart Home Features. Over 5,300 square feet of living space on a fantastic 8400 sq ft flat lot in Green Tree Manor! Entertainers Kitchen with stacked cabinetry, butlers pantry, Quartz countertop with huge waterfall island and Viking Appliances. Gorgeous stained cedar beams in the family room along with a gas fireplace. Private Office/Playroom off the family room. Dining Room with board and batten chair rail. Fantastic Mud-Room off the garage. The upper floor includes the Master Suite with Tray Ceiling, 2 Walk-In Closets, a luxurious bath with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a huge glass-enclosed shower. 3 additional large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Upper-level laundry room and bonus room, great for a second home office, homework space, etc. Fully tiled Lower Level with extra tall ceilings, enormous rec-room, additional bedroom/guest room and full bath along with a Bonus room perfect for a home-gym or extra storage. 6" wide plank hardwood floors and craftsman style finishes throughout. Fully pre-wired for home audio, 2 security cameras, and enhanced wifi to strengthen signal throughout the house.
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Built in 1949, this Edina home had a strong horizontal presence on the site, but through subsequent renovations the overall massing was lacking clarity and refinement and the entry was diminutive and uninviting. The roof and siding materials were aging, and important interior spaces were cramped and closed in. The house needed better light, better connection internally and out, and exterior updates to clarify and enhance the strengths of the home.
The primary design evolved out of a celebration of the existing horizontality of the home and a recognition that a bigger home was not needed. By layering materiality and color, a new identity was created. A new cedar entry canopy slips out from under the previous roof line, extending further towards the street. This added warmth at the entry is echoed along the facade, creating a graceful rhythm and texture. The previous additions were re-clad with a darker material palette in order to anchor and unify the ends of the home. As the grade slopes down towards the back yard, horizontal bands are exposed, revealing the layering top to bottom. Combined, these few shifts in color and materiality allowed for a complete transformation of the home.
The interior is reflective of the material and color palette used outside. The main living spaces are opened up and connected while strengthening the original symmetry of the more formal linear alignment of rooms. A whole new kitchen relocates the center of the home and makes more fluid the daily life of this young family. The house is fully transformed inside and out, all without adding more square feet.
Project Team:
Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-in-Charge
Nate Dodge

Masterful design and elegance, quality craftsmanship, and~Smart Home Features. Over 5,300 square feet of living space on a fantastic 8400 sq ft flat lot in Green Tree Manor! Entertainers Kitchen with stacked cabinetry, butlers pantry, Quartz countertop with huge waterfall island and Viking Appliances. Gorgeous stained cedar beams in the family room along with a gas fireplace. Private Office/Playroom off the family room. Dining Room with board and batten chair rail. Fantastic Mud-Room off the garage. The upper floor includes the Master Suite with Tray Ceiling, 2 Walk-In Closets, a luxurious bath with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a huge glass-enclosed shower. 3 additional large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Upper-level laundry room and bonus room, great for a second home office, homework space, etc. Fully tiled Lower Level with extra tall ceilings, enormous rec-room, additional bedroom/guest room and full bath along with a Bonus room perfect for a home-gym or extra storage. 6" wide plank hardwood floors and craftsman style finishes throughout. Fully pre-wired for home audio, 2 security cameras, and enhanced wifi to strengthen signal throughout the house.

Throughout this new build home, a wide array of minimal windows sliding doors were installed in a range of configurations to flood the internal living spaces with natural light.

Yolseuiloyan: Nahuatl word that means "the place where the heart rests and strengthens." The project is a sustainable eco-tourism complex of 43 cabins, located in the Sierra Norte de Puebla, Surrounded by a misty forest ecosystem, in an area adjacent to Cuetzalan del Progreso’s downtown, a magical place with indigenous roots.
The cabins integrate bio-constructive local elements in order to favor the local economy, and at the same time to reduce the negative environmental impact of new construction; for this purpose, the chosen materials were bamboo panels and structure, adobe walls made from local soil, and limestone extracted from the site. The selection of materials are also suitable for the humid climate of Cuetzalan, and help to maintain a mild temperature in the interior, thanks to the material properties and the implementation of bioclimatic design strategies.
For the architectural design, a traditional house typology, with a contemporary feel was chosen to integrate with the local natural context, and at the same time to promote a unique warm natural atmosphere in connection with its surroundings, with the aim to transport the user into a calm relaxed atmosphere, full of local tradition that respects the community and the environment.
The interior design process integrated accessories made by local artisans who incorporate the use of textiles and ceramics, bamboo and wooden furniture, and local clay, thus expressing a part of their culture through the use of local materials.

Designed to bring family life and entertaining together, this open-concept renovation combines the kitchen, dining, and living areas into one cohesive environment. Exposed timber beams define the architecture while introducing warmth, texture, and a sense of craftsmanship throughout the space.
Custom white oak cabinetry and a bright central island provide a timeless foundation, balancing functionality with a clean and welcoming aesthetic. Large windows and glass doors frame views of the surrounding landscape, allowing natural light to flood the interior and strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor living.
A restrained palette of natural wood, soft neutrals, and thoughtfully integrated lighting creates a calm atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and comfortable. The result is a highly functional gathering space designed for everyday living, shared meals, and effortless entertaining.

The Loyal Heights Addition expanded the existing home to create a more open, functional living environment centered around daily life and gathering. The design introduced a larger, more usable kitchen and dining area, improving both circulation and connection between spaces. A vaulted ceiling paired with strategically placed skylights brings in natural light deep into the space, enhancing the sense of volume and openness. Extending from the main living area, a compact deck provides an inviting outdoor space for seating and grilling, strengthening the home’s connection to the outdoors and supporting year-round indoor-outdoor living. Additionally, the primary suite was reconfigured to create a dedicated bedroom, bathroom, and closet area.
+ Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design
+ Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design
www.h2darchitects.com
+ Builder: GT Residential Contracting
+ Photography: Anastasiya Homes

Yolseuiloyan: Nahuatl word that means "the place where the heart rests and strengthens." The project is a sustainable eco-tourism complex of 43 cabins, located in the Sierra Norte de Puebla, Surrounded by a misty forest ecosystem, in an area adjacent to Cuetzalan del Progreso’s downtown, a magical place with indigenous roots.
The cabins integrate bio-constructive local elements in order to favor the local economy, and at the same time to reduce the negative environmental impact of new construction; for this purpose, the chosen materials were bamboo panels and structure, adobe walls made from local soil, and limestone extracted from the site. The selection of materials are also suitable for the humid climate of Cuetzalan, and help to maintain a mild temperature in the interior, thanks to the material properties and the implementation of bioclimatic design strategies.
For the architectural design, a traditional house typology, with a contemporary feel was chosen to integrate with the local natural context, and at the same time to promote a unique warm natural atmosphere in connection with its surroundings, with the aim to transport the user into a calm relaxed atmosphere, full of local tradition that respects the community and the environment.
The interior design process integrated accessories made by local artisans who incorporate the use of textiles and ceramics, bamboo and wooden furniture, and local clay, thus expressing a part of their culture through the use of local materials.

Masterful design and elegance, quality craftsmanship, and~Smart Home Features. Over 5,300 square feet of living space on a fantastic 8400 sq ft flat lot in Green Tree Manor! Entertainers Kitchen with stacked cabinetry, butlers pantry, Quartz countertop with huge waterfall island and Viking Appliances. Gorgeous stained cedar beams in the family room along with a gas fireplace. Private Office/Playroom off the family room. Dining Room with board and batten chair rail. Fantastic Mud-Room off the garage. The upper floor includes the Master Suite with Tray Ceiling, 2 Walk-In Closets, a luxurious bath with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a huge glass-enclosed shower. 3 additional large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Upper-level laundry room and bonus room, great for a second home office, homework space, etc. Fully tiled Lower Level with extra tall ceilings, enormous rec-room, additional bedroom/guest room and full bath along with a Bonus room perfect for a home-gym or extra storage. 6" wide plank hardwood floors and craftsman style finishes throughout. Fully pre-wired for home audio, 2 security cameras, and enhanced wifi to strengthen signal throughout the house.

Built in 1949, this Edina home had a strong horizontal presence on the site, but through subsequent renovations the overall massing was lacking clarity and refinement and the entry was diminutive and uninviting. The roof and siding materials were aging, and important interior spaces were cramped and closed in. The house needed better light, better connection internally and out, and exterior updates to clarify and enhance the strengths of the home.
The primary design evolved out of a celebration of the existing horizontality of the home and a recognition that a bigger home was not needed. By layering materiality and color, a new identity was created. A new cedar entry canopy slips out from under the previous roof line, extending further towards the street. This added warmth at the entry is echoed along the facade, creating a graceful rhythm and texture. The previous additions were re-clad with a darker material palette in order to anchor and unify the ends of the home. As the grade slopes down towards the back yard, horizontal bands are exposed, revealing the layering top to bottom. Combined, these few shifts in color and materiality allowed for a complete transformation of the home.
The interior is reflective of the material and color palette used outside. The main living spaces are opened up and connected while strengthening the original symmetry of the more formal linear alignment of rooms. A whole new kitchen relocates the center of the home and makes more fluid the daily life of this young family. The house is fully transformed inside and out, all without adding more square feet.
Project Team:
Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-in-Charge
Nate Dodge

Masterful design and elegance, quality craftsmanship, and~Smart Home Features. Over 5,300 square feet of living space on a fantastic 8400 sq ft flat lot in Green Tree Manor! Entertainers Kitchen with stacked cabinetry, butlers pantry, Quartz countertop with huge waterfall island and Viking Appliances. Gorgeous stained cedar beams in the family room along with a gas fireplace. Private Office/Playroom off the family room. Dining Room with board and batten chair rail. Fantastic Mud-Room off the garage. The upper floor includes the Master Suite with Tray Ceiling, 2 Walk-In Closets, a luxurious bath with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a huge glass-enclosed shower. 3 additional large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Upper-level laundry room and bonus room, great for a second home office, homework space, etc. Fully tiled Lower Level with extra tall ceilings, enormous rec-room, additional bedroom/guest room and full bath along with a Bonus room perfect for a home-gym or extra storage. 6" wide plank hardwood floors and craftsman style finishes throughout. Fully pre-wired for home audio, 2 security cameras, and enhanced wifi to strengthen signal throughout the house.

Built in 1949, this Edina home had a strong horizontal presence on the site, but through subsequent renovations the overall massing was lacking clarity and refinement and the entry was diminutive and uninviting. The roof and siding materials were aging, and important interior spaces were cramped and closed in. The house needed better light, better connection internally and out, and exterior updates to clarify and enhance the strengths of the home.
The primary design evolved out of a celebration of the existing horizontality of the home and a recognition that a bigger home was not needed. By layering materiality and color, a new identity was created. A new cedar entry canopy slips out from under the previous roof line, extending further towards the street. This added warmth at the entry is echoed along the facade, creating a graceful rhythm and texture. The previous additions were re-clad with a darker material palette in order to anchor and unify the ends of the home. As the grade slopes down towards the back yard, horizontal bands are exposed, revealing the layering top to bottom. Combined, these few shifts in color and materiality allowed for a complete transformation of the home.
The interior is reflective of the material and color palette used outside. The main living spaces are opened up and connected while strengthening the original symmetry of the more formal linear alignment of rooms. A whole new kitchen relocates the center of the home and makes more fluid the daily life of this young family. The house is fully transformed inside and out, all without adding more square feet.
Project Team:
Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-in-Charge
Nate Dodge

Masterful design and elegance, quality craftsmanship, and~Smart Home Features. Over 5,300 square feet of living space on a fantastic 8400 sq ft flat lot in Green Tree Manor! Entertainers Kitchen with stacked cabinetry, butlers pantry, Quartz countertop with huge waterfall island and Viking Appliances. Gorgeous stained cedar beams in the family room along with a gas fireplace. Private Office/Playroom off the family room. Dining Room with board and batten chair rail. Fantastic Mud-Room off the garage. The upper floor includes the Master Suite with Tray Ceiling, 2 Walk-In Closets, a luxurious bath with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a huge glass-enclosed shower. 3 additional large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Upper-level laundry room and bonus room, great for a second home office, homework space, etc. Fully tiled Lower Level with extra tall ceilings, enormous rec-room, additional bedroom/guest room and full bath along with a Bonus room perfect for a home-gym or extra storage. 6" wide plank hardwood floors and craftsman style finishes throughout. Fully pre-wired for home audio, 2 security cameras, and enhanced wifi to strengthen signal throughout the house.

This kitchen beautifully captures the spirit of modern farmhouse design, blending warmth, simplicity, and refined craftsmanship into a space designed for both everyday living and elevated entertaining.
Natural wood cabinetry defines the aesthetic, introducing organic texture and a sense of timeless comfort. The clean lines and flat-panel design provide a contemporary edge, creating the perfect balance between rustic charm and modern sophistication.
At the center, a generously sized island anchors the space — designed as a multifunctional hub for cooking, gathering, and connection. The contrast between the warm wood surfaces and deep-toned lower cabinetry adds depth and visual interest while maintaining the calm, cohesive palette.
Statement pendant lighting floats effortlessly above, bringing a subtle industrial touch that complements the farmhouse style. The sleek fixtures and matte finishes enhance the kitchen’s modern character without disrupting its inviting atmosphere.
Large black-framed windows flood the space with natural light, strengthening the indoor-outdoor connection and highlighting the harmony of materials. Every detail, from hardware selection to layout flow, was thoughtfully curated to create a kitchen that feels welcoming, functional, and effortlessly elegant.

This stunning kitchen blends sleek modern design with warm, natural elements to create a perfect balance of elegance and functionality. The custom-built white cabinetry provides a seamless, minimalist aesthetic, complemented by black hardware for a striking contrast.
A spacious waterfall island serves as the centerpiece, featuring a textured quartz countertop and a unique wood-accented base with a chevron pattern, adding depth and warmth to the space. The island is designed for both entertaining and practicality, complete with an undermount sink and a sleek, modern faucet.
The full-height cabinetry offers ample storage, while built-in stainless steel appliances—including a double oven—maximize efficiency. A quartz backsplash extends behind the cooktop, framed by two perfectly positioned windows that bring in natural light and create an airy, open feel.
Thoughtful lighting design, including an elongated modern pendant and under-cabinet lighting, enhances both style and functionality. This kitchen is a testament to modern craftsmanship and attention to detail, combining clean lines with inviting textures for a timeless, high-end look.

Architectural Details: Window, Recessed Baseboards, and Reveals
The architectural details in this home contribute significantly to its modern and minimalist aesthetic. The A-frame window, a prominent feature in the master bedroom, is a striking example. Its expansive size and unique shape flood the interior with natural light and offer panoramic views. The white frame of the window creates a clean and crisp contrast against the surrounding walls.
Throughout the house, recessed baseboards create a seamless transition between the walls and the light wood flooring, emphasizing the clean lines and minimalist design. This detail contributes to the feeling of spaciousness and avoids any visual clutter.
Window reveals, also consistently used throughout the home, further enhance the clean and modern look. The subtle recess around the windows adds depth and dimension to the walls, creating a refined and sophisticated finish.
Key Features:
Large A-frame window in the master bedroom
Recessed baseboards throughout the house
Window reveals throughout the house
Consistent use of white frames and trim
Emphasis on clean lines and minimalist design
Style: Modern, Minimalist

Yolseuiloyan: Nahuatl word that means "the place where the heart rests and strengthens." The project is a sustainable eco-tourism complex of 43 cabins, located in the Sierra Norte de Puebla, Surrounded by a misty forest ecosystem, in an area adjacent to Cuetzalan del Progreso’s downtown, a magical place with indigenous roots.
The cabins integrate bio-constructive local elements in order to favor the local economy, and at the same time to reduce the negative environmental impact of new construction; for this purpose, the chosen materials were bamboo panels and structure, adobe walls made from local soil, and limestone extracted from the site. The selection of materials are also suitable for the humid climate of Cuetzalan, and help to maintain a mild temperature in the interior, thanks to the material properties and the implementation of bioclimatic design strategies.
For the architectural design, a traditional house typology, with a contemporary feel was chosen to integrate with the local natural context, and at the same time to promote a unique warm natural atmosphere in connection with its surroundings, with the aim to transport the user into a calm relaxed atmosphere, full of local tradition that respects the community and the environment.
The interior design process integrated accessories made by local artisans who incorporate the use of textiles and ceramics, bamboo and wooden furniture, and local clay, thus expressing a part of their culture through the use of local materials.

Internal view of the double height kitchen space at Kingston Road. The 4.5m tall sliding glass doors to the rear span almost the entire rear elevation of the double height kitchen extension, bringing in light and connecting the internal space to the garden.
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