stucco and textured dark brick walls establish a strong connection to the courtyard entry space and natural landscape beyond
Example of a small 1960s black one-story brick exterior home design in Orange County with a shingle roof and a gray roof

This contemporary custom home was designed to emphasize clean architectural lines, expansive natural light, and a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor living spaces. Large floor-to-ceiling windows, elevated outdoor decks, and carefully balanced exterior materials help create a modern aesthetic while still feeling warm and livable within the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape. The homeowners played a significant role throughout the design process, working closely with Pacific Home Source to shape the overall layout, functionality, and architectural direction of the home. Every space was thoughtfully considered to support both everyday living and entertaining, while maximizing views, openness, and natural light throughout the residence. The project combines modern design principles with practical family-focused living, resulting in a home that feels refined, comfortable, and highly personalized to the clients’ vision. From the dramatic glazing and open living areas to the seamless outdoor integration, this residence reflects a collaborative design process and a shared commitment to creating a timeless contemporary Northwest home.

Mountain Cabin - Merit Award Winner The use of natural materials and a soft color palette complement the mountain views and contemporary lines. Extensive use of glass maintains a strong connection to the landscape, creating a sophisticated space that support the family and their style. Category: Residential 1 A Mountain Cabin, Whitefish, MT INVISION Architecture, Des Moines and Waterloo, IA Michael Bechtel, AIA, Designer Bear Mountain Builders, Contractor Photo: Gibeon Photography

This historic home in Oak Park was in need of updating, with deferred maintenance inside and out requiring extensive work. This created an opportunity to rethink the house for a modern family in the 21st century, with an updated plan, a strong connection to the yard from the kitchen and new mudroom, covered patio, and flexible rooms for work-at-home, gym, or guest functions. The insulation and mechanical systems were upgraded to Phius levels, and a solar PV array added to meet annual net zero energy performance. With minimal upfront energy expenditure, the home’s operational carbon was reduced by 100%, and the house is a delightful place for the young family to grow into.

Inside, the formerly compartmentalized first floor was opened into a fluid, flowing plan. Floor-to-ceiling windows and large sliding doors invite natural light and frame views of tree canopies, reinforcing the home’s strong connection to its setting. Large picture windows bring the landscape into everyday experience.

Brickyard is home to clients passionate about contemporary architecture. They envisioned a private refuge that maintains a strong connection to nature while preserving walkable access to city life. The project brief included space to accommodate their extended family and a lounge with skyline views. Constructed from steel, brick and glass, the home has a refined modern aesthetic that nods to Chicago’s industrial history. Its L-shaped footprint creates an open plan sanctuary that shelters a landscaped yard. A perforated screen wall defines the front elevation, adding privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Made from custom tapered bricks, this sculptural element casts dynamic shadows and evokes a sense of movement across the facade as the sun shifts through the day. This design elevates the material, creating a luxurious texture that transforms the building’s exterior.

Jacob Lilley Architects Location: Lexington, MA, USA A new garage, kids play room above and a mudroom met the need for more space. A renovated kitchen, bedroom and other living spaces created a refreshed sense of home. The strategic location of the mudroom as an intermediary connector solved problems with this 19th-century home siting seven feet above the ground with limited access to the rear yard. The connector between the garage and existing house is a stair that unifies the various levels and develops a strong connection to the yard. Photographed by: Eric Roth

This project, located within the Camino Del Mar 'beach community', posed an interesting challenge. The project sits within the low lying areas of the San Dieguito River flood plain which required that the building finished floor be set at an elevation 7'-0" above the existing grade. Our goal in dealing with the flood plain requirements and the floor area restrictions was to create a simple, efficient plan that would maximize light, air and privacy, as well as have a strong connection between indoor and outdoor living. We have chosen durable materials appropriate to the neighborhood context that would perform well under a marine environment and satisfy the client's desire for an "autheticity of materials" with a contemporary aesthetic.

A strong connection to the porch and the water is maintained throughout the design
Example of a transitional living room design in Richmond

The clients were inspired to renovate following exposure to Zen architecture while honeymooning in Japan. The architectural brief was to deliver a modern Australian home that serves as a private, meditative retreat that would also cater to a buzzing family as their relationship evolves; and transform into a welcoming and generous entertaining space. The home would need to maximise the potential of the sites orientation and create a strong connection to generous and versatile outdoor spaces including sheltered entertaining areas and spacious areas for planting and lawn. It was essential that elements of the existing residence be retained where possible to reduce waste, however disguised so that the final product was effectively a new home.

SDH Studio - Architecture and Design Location: Golden Beach, Florida, USA Conceptualized as minimalist assembly of structures on the edge of the canal in Golden Beach, the design emphasizes the views of the water while creating a strong connection between the interior and the exterior of the home.

Located in Washington, DC, this compartmentalized 1930s home underwent a whole house renovation to update it for modern life. The new tailored Kitchen and Family Room addition opens up the floor plan to create light-filled spaces with a strong connection to the exterior landscape beyond. Modifications to the remainder of the house elevate the more private rooms with an understated elegance. Stone terraces and gardens create magical outdoor rooms that act as a beautiful backdrop to the home and new detached Garage. Photo Credit: Gordon Beall Photography

Michael Moran/OTTO photography. The objective of this award-winning gut renovation was to create a spatially dynamic, light-filled, and energy-efficient home with a strong connection to Long Island Sound. The design strategy is straightforward: a gabled roof covers a central “spine” corridor that terminates with cathedral ceilinged spaces at both ends. The relocated approach and entry deposit visitors into the front hall with its curvilinear, cantilevered stair. A two-story, windowed family gathering space lies ahead – a straight shot to the water beyond. The design challenge was to utilize the existing house footprint and structure, while raising the top of foundation walls to exceed new flood regulations, reconfiguring the spatial organization, and using innovative materials to produce a tight thermal envelope and contemporary yet contextually appropriate facades.

This custom traditional residence was designed to combine timeless architectural character with the scale and functionality of a modern luxury home. Located in Gig Harbor, the project emphasizes detailed craftsmanship throughout, including exposed timber trusses, custom stonework, layered rooflines, and carefully integrated exterior detailing that give the home a warm and established presence. Pacific Home Source worked closely with the homeowners and project team to develop a design that balanced elegance, durability, and livability while maintaining a strong connection to Pacific Northwest architecture. Special attention was given to the fine details throughout the home, from the structural timber elements and covered outdoor spaces to the carefully proportioned entry sequence and custom material selections. The finished home reflects a high level of coordination and craftsmanship and we are thrilled with how the project ultimately came together.

This ground floor addition was done for a family living in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood. Often clients come to us wanting to expand their house and vertical additions are cost prohibitive. The ground floor of a house can be reconfigured to provide wonderful living spaces and a strong connection to the outdoors.

Lindsey Boice Photography Six bedroom / eight bath two story residence 4,000 square feet plus attached garage Light filled open floor plan with strong connection to pool and back yard

Dining, cooking, lounging all packed into this modestly sized backyard. An emphasis was put on enjoying evening gatherings and watching the game on the big screen – built-in audio/visual, lighting, and a strong connection to inside are what truly make this an awesome outdoor living room space.

This Pacific Northwest boathouse retreat was designed to create a strong connection between the home and the surrounding waterfront environment. Natural cedar siding, expansive outdoor decks, and modern detailing help blend the structure into the wooded shoreline while maximizing views and outdoor living opportunities. Pacific Home Source worked closely with the homeowners to develop a functional and inviting design that balances modern architecture with the relaxed feel of waterfront living. The project emphasizes entertaining, indoor-outdoor flow, and durable materials suited for the Pacific Northwest climate.

This project started as a kitchen remodel and evolved into a complete transformation. CLT Design/Build converted five separate rooms (living, dining, family, flex and kitchen) into one large great room that is flooded with natural light. CLT Design/Build added windows, removed walls and relocated the kitchen to improve flow, and create a strong connection to the outdoors.