The clients for this house, descendants of a timber farming family, wanted a weekend house on their property in the Piney Woods. They imagined spending weekends and holidays year-round in a house suitable for three generations at once, including aging parents and children side-by-side. The house, taking clues from the historic 'dogtrot' prototype, sets two bars (a two-story bedroom wing and a one-story living wing) straddling an open porch that buffers rowdiness at night and accommodates everyone for meals and games around the clock. The porch is high, screened and louvered for breezes and against the sun in the summer, with operable translucent panels on the north side that close to deflect winter winds. The house, sited along the verge of the woods and the pasture, recalls the structure of the trees in its design while letting in filtered light (as in the woods) to interior spaces. The house was the cover article for the "TexasArchitect" issue on East Texas. I have sense designed a renovation for the owners mid-century modern house in the city. Paul Hester, Photographer

Photo: Joe Mansfield
Living room - small modern concrete floor living room idea in Portland

Lowell Management Services, Lake Geneva, WI. Scott Lowell, Builder. Geneva Cabinet Company, Cabinetry. Colorful Cabana Room poolside is adjacent to the private guest suite with a refreshment kitchen, lounge sitting area for entertaining and a bath with shower. Built in storage maximizes convenience in the Changing area. Cabinetry is by Geneva Cabinet Company using Medallion Cabinetry with Potters Mill door in a Cappuccino glaze finish in the Kitchenette and Islander finish in the pool bath.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Large minimalist home design photo in Minneapolis

Beach style brick floor, brown floor and wall paneling mudroom photo in DC Metro with white walls

Dick Wood
Example of a farmhouse porcelain tile mudroom design in Charleston with green walls

Iron Window Guards from First Impression Ironworks are crafted uniquely for your home. Our wrought iron window guards are an investment that will add value to your home, since each railing is custom built to your home’s specifications and made from the highest quality materials. Each wrought iron window railing, whether solid steel, horizontal iron railing, or wrought iron and wood railing, is expertly made in Arizona by our talented iron artisans. Our wrought iron is sourced here in the U.S.A., using only 100% American steel. All Iron Window Guards are crafted from the strongest, most robust steel. We’re here to bring your dreams to life with customization available for whatever needs fit your home best, whether it’s iron gates, sunscreens, sidelights, transoms, or elegant iron hardware. Create the first impression you’ve always wanted for your home today with your vision and our expertise!

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Bring the inside out with beautiful weather-safe furnishings from Grange Furniture, and outdoor fabrics for your pillows and cushions, all available at steve mckenzie's in Atlanta. Acrylic stemware looks luxurious, but you'll have no fear entertaining outside with these fabulous glasses! Christina Wedge Photography

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

The value-priced NewStyle™ hybrid shutters are plantation-style shutters that blend the beauty of real wood and advanced modern-day materials to create a stunning and durable window covering for any room. Durable hybrid material LONG-LASTING BEAUTY Combining the look of wood with the resilience and durability of man-made materials. UltraGrain™ THE LOOK OF REAL WOOD A grain-like finish for a charming and natural beauty that mimics the look of genuine wood. Durable hybrid material LONG-LASTING BEAUTY Combining the look of wood with the resilience and durability of man-made materials. UltraGrain™ THE LOOK OF REAL WOOD A grain-like finish for a charming and natural beauty that mimics the look of genuine wood. Truemill® dovetail construction SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP Truemill® dovetail construction is one of the oldest and strongest forms of joinery used in woodworking, valued for durability and a long lifespan. Finetech® finish EASY DUSTING The Finetech® Finish coating provides a lasting, micro-smooth satin finish that makes cleanup as simple as dusting with a soft, dry cloth. UV protection SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR VALUABLES Protect furniture, flooring and artwork from fading with 99% protection from harmful UV rays when louvers are closed.

Pergola with Ipe decking and outdoor kitchen. Photo: Carolyn Watson Boardwalk Builders, Rehoboth Beach, DE www.boardwalkbuilders.com
Mid-sized beach style backyard deck photo with a pergola

The value-priced NewStyle™ hybrid shutters are plantation-style shutters that blend the beauty of real wood and advanced modern-day materials to create a stunning and durable window covering for any room. Durable hybrid material LONG-LASTING BEAUTY Combining the look of wood with the resilience and durability of man-made materials. UltraGrain™ THE LOOK OF REAL WOOD A grain-like finish for a charming and natural beauty that mimics the look of genuine wood. Durable hybrid material LONG-LASTING BEAUTY Combining the look of wood with the resilience and durability of man-made materials. UltraGrain™ THE LOOK OF REAL WOOD A grain-like finish for a charming and natural beauty that mimics the look of genuine wood. Truemill® dovetail construction SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP Truemill® dovetail construction is one of the oldest and strongest forms of joinery used in woodworking, valued for durability and a long lifespan. Finetech® finish EASY DUSTING The Finetech® Finish coating provides a lasting, micro-smooth satin finish that makes cleanup as simple as dusting with a soft, dry cloth. UV protection SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR VALUABLES Protect furniture, flooring and artwork from fading with 99% protection from harmful UV rays when louvers are closed.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Iron Window Guards from First Impression Ironworks are crafted uniquely for your home. Our wrought iron window guards are an investment that will add value to your home, since each railing is custom built to your home’s specifications and made from the highest quality materials. Each wrought iron window railing, whether solid steel, horizontal iron railing, or wrought iron and wood railing, is expertly made in Arizona by our talented iron artisans. Our wrought iron is sourced here in the U.S.A., using only 100% American steel. All Iron Window Guards are crafted from the strongest, most robust steel. We’re here to bring your dreams to life with customization available for whatever needs fit your home best, whether it’s iron gates, sunscreens, sidelights, transoms, or elegant iron hardware. Create the first impression you’ve always wanted for your home today with your vision and our expertise!

Iron Window Guards from First Impression Ironworks are crafted uniquely for your home. Our wrought iron window guards are an investment that will add value to your home, since each railing is custom built to your home’s specifications and made from the highest quality materials. Each wrought iron window railing, whether solid steel, horizontal iron railing, or wrought iron and wood railing, is expertly made in Arizona by our talented iron artisans. Our wrought iron is sourced here in the U.S.A., using only 100% American steel. All Iron Window Guards are crafted from the strongest, most robust steel. We’re here to bring your dreams to life with customization available for whatever needs fit your home best, whether it’s iron gates, sunscreens, sidelights, transoms, or elegant iron hardware. Create the first impression you’ve always wanted for your home today with your vision and our expertise!

Iron Railings from First Impression Ironworks are crafted uniquely for your home. Our wrought iron railings are an investment that will add value to your home, since each railing is custom built to your home’s specifications and made from the highest quality materials. Each wrought iron railing, whether solid steel, horizontal iron railing, or wrought iron and wood railing, is expertly made in Arizona by our talented iron artisans. Our wrought iron is sourced here in the U.S.A., using only 100% steel. All iron railings are crafted from the strongest, most robust steel. We’re here to bring your dreams to life with customization available for whatever needs fit your home best, whether it’s iron gates, sunscreens, sidelights, transoms, or elegant iron hardware. Create the first impression you’ve always wanted for your home today with your vision and our expertise!

The value-priced NewStyle™ hybrid shutters are plantation-style shutters that blend the beauty of real wood and advanced modern-day materials to create a stunning and durable window covering for any room. Durable hybrid material LONG-LASTING BEAUTY Combining the look of wood with the resilience and durability of man-made materials. UltraGrain™ THE LOOK OF REAL WOOD A grain-like finish for a charming and natural beauty that mimics the look of genuine wood. Durable hybrid material LONG-LASTING BEAUTY Combining the look of wood with the resilience and durability of man-made materials. UltraGrain™ THE LOOK OF REAL WOOD A grain-like finish for a charming and natural beauty that mimics the look of genuine wood. Truemill® dovetail construction SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP Truemill® dovetail construction is one of the oldest and strongest forms of joinery used in woodworking, valued for durability and a long lifespan. Finetech® finish EASY DUSTING The Finetech® Finish coating provides a lasting, micro-smooth satin finish that makes cleanup as simple as dusting with a soft, dry cloth. UV protection SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR VALUABLES Protect furniture, flooring and artwork from fading with 99% protection from harmful UV rays when louvers are closed.