Not everyone has the backyard that suits a hardscape patio. Those situations sometimes call for a different approach....especially in this case! We built a second-level deck and pergola for this family outside of Greenfield. Cedar all around! They also wanted to retain their beautiful views. So we used a cable railing system that is safe and effective at preventing falls, but also perfect for maximizing those views. I think it turned out well, don't you? Sun-Dried tomatoes anyone?

We were brought into this project by Earthscapes of Wilton CT to install a glass fence on top of a stone wall to separate the pool area from the patios and hours without obscuring the view. The fence involved two changes in elevation and was mounted on both a stone wall and stone patio. Each of the glass panels was supported by stainless steel posts set into the wall and patio. The gate is self closing with a dampening mechanism that prevents slamming.

We were brought into this project by Earthscapes of Wilton CT to install a glass fence on top of a stone wall to separate the pool area from the patios and hours without obscuring the view. The fence involved two changes in elevation and was mounted on both a stone wall and stone patio. Each of the glass panels was supported by stainless steel posts set into the wall and patio. The gate is self closing with a dampening mechanism that prevents slamming.

Decorative beams made of quarter sawn Mahogany were designed to define the rooms and bring character to the ceiling. We concealed the building's concrete support beams cladding them in the same rich wood as the ceiling beams. The cleverly designed TV enclosure conceals another support beam in it's center post. Carrying the Mahogany detail into the kitchen gave us the ability to beautifully fill the space above the cabinets and continue the natural wood look reminiscent of wood deck sailing vessels giving a nod to the nautical location of the condo. Oversized Mahogany doors and casements help to complete the look. The limestone floor was special ordered directly from the quarry to insure the least amount of artifact inclusions. Creating a flawless refined appearance. To prevent fading from the wonderful wash of sunlight flooding through wall to ceiling windows, we tinted the windows and covered the sofa in indoor/outdoor Perennial fabric known for it's versatility and its resistance to stains, fading, and damage. RaRah Photo

This is an example of a mid-sized craftsman wood green front porch design with a roof extension.

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

The two vanity areas were designed to both have tall wall cabinets sitting on the counters. These tall cabinets provided the needed storage to prevent the counters from getting cluttered with every day items. Deep drawers provided additional storage. Installing added trim above the wall cabinets and mounting it to the ceiling helped to visually support the tall ceiling height. Amanda Tromp www.pureleephoto.com

We were brought into this project by Earthscapes of Wilton CT to install a glass fence on top of a stone wall to separate the pool area from the patios and hours without obscuring the view. The fence involved two changes in elevation and was mounted on both a stone wall and stone patio. Each of the glass panels was supported by stainless steel posts set into the wall and patio. The gate is self closing with a dampening mechanism that prevents slamming.

THEME The main theme for this room is an active, physical and personalized experience for a growing boy. This was achieved with the use of bold colors, creative inclusion of personal favorites and the use of industrial materials. FOCUS The main focus of the room is the 12 foot long x 4 foot high elevated bed. The bed is the focal point of the room and leaves ample space for activity within the room beneath. A secondary focus of the room is the desk, positioned in a private corner of the room outfitted with custom lighting and suspended desktop designed to support growing technical needs and school assignments. STORAGE A large floor armoire was built at the far die of the room between the bed and wall.. The armoire was built with 8 separate storage units that are approximately 12”x24” by 8” deep. These enclosed storage spaces are convenient for anything a growing boy may need to put away and convenient enough to make cleaning up easy for him. The floor is built to support the chair and desk built into the far corner of the room. GROWTH The room was designed for active ages 8 to 18. There are three ways to enter the bed, climb the knotted rope, custom rock wall, or pipe monkey bars up the wall and along the ceiling. The ladder was included only for parents. While these are the intended ways to enter the bed, they are also a convenient safety system to prevent younger siblings from getting into his private things. SAFETY This room was designed for an older child but safety is still a critical element and every detail in the room was reviewed for safety. The raised bed includes extra long and higher side boards ensuring that any rolling in bed is kept safe. The decking was sanded and edges cleaned to prevent any potential splintering. Power outlets are covered using exterior industrial outlets for the switches and plugs, which also looks really cool.

This bright treatment room combines practical clinical equipment with custom storage, durable flooring and balanced overhead lighting. Clean surfaces and an uncluttered layout support hygiene and efficient patient care, while warm-neutral finishes prevent the room from feeling institutional. Completed by Homewrap Construction in the Greater Toronto Area.

This property had a natural slope that required quite a bit of grading work in order to install the new deck on level ground and prevent drainage issues. Also, a structure had to be built on piers to support the new deck and kitchen/living space.

We were brought into this project by Earthscapes of Wilton CT to install a glass fence on top of a stone wall to separate the pool area from the patios and hours without obscuring the view. The fence involved two changes in elevation and was mounted on both a stone wall and stone patio. Each of the glass panels was supported by stainless steel posts set into the wall and patio. The gate is self closing with a dampening mechanism that prevents slamming.

There are several engineered components in the main support structure for this deck creation. Large subterranean footings were used to reduce the number of footings needed and to allow the structure to extend for long distances. Glulam beams were used as the main substructure which then held the intermediate structure directly below the deck surface. The siding was removed from the house so that the wall framing could be modified to carry the additional loads from the structure. The final piece of the substructure installation was comprehensive sealing and flashing at all the house integration points to prevent any water damage.

We were brought into this project by Earthscapes of Wilton CT to install a glass fence on top of a stone wall to separate the pool area from the patios and hours without obscuring the view. The fence involved two changes in elevation and was mounted on both a stone wall and stone patio. Each of the glass panels was supported by stainless steel posts set into the wall and patio. The gate is self closing with a dampening mechanism that prevents slamming.

Reinforced structure, Repair and Refinishing of Wood Bridge in Webster Groves, MO. The torrential rain of July caused the creek above this bridge in Webster Groves to flood and sweeping the bridge 1-2 feet away from its original placement. In addition, supporting posts beneath the bridge that were not originally anchored, slipped and floated away. In order to prevent future movement of the wood bridge and to ensure proper post support, we anchored a ledger to a concrete block, replaced wood support beams, and tied all supporting elements using strong Simpson Strong Ties. After reinforcing the structure to ensure flooding would not negatively impact the bridge, we cleaned all existing wood, replaced rotted bridge boards, and applied a clear natural stain with built-in UV protection that should protect the wood of the bridge and provide an attractive cosmetic appearance for about two years, when it will need to be refinished again. A fun and good outcome for the project.

Reinforced structure, Repair and Refinishing of Wood Bridge in Webster Groves, MO. The torrential rain of July caused the creek above this bridge in Webster Groves to flood and sweeping the bridge 1-2 feet away from its original placement. In addition, supporting posts beneath the bridge that were not originally anchored, slipped and floated away. In order to prevent future movement of the wood bridge and to ensure proper post support, we anchored a ledger to a concrete block, replaced wood support beams, and tied all supporting elements using strong Simpson Strong Ties. After reinforcing the structure to ensure flooding would not negatively impact the bridge, we cleaned all existing wood, replaced rotted bridge boards, and applied a clear natural stain with built-in UV protection that should protect the wood of the bridge and provide an attractive cosmetic appearance for about two years, when it will need to be refinished again. A fun and good outcome for the project.

Reinforced structure, Repair and Refinishing of Wood Bridge in Webster Groves, MO. The torrential rain of July caused the creek above this bridge in Webster Groves to flood and sweeping the bridge 1-2 feet away from its original placement. In addition, supporting posts beneath the bridge that were not originally anchored, slipped and floated away. In order to prevent future movement of the wood bridge and to ensure proper post support, we anchored a ledger to a concrete block, replaced wood support beams, and tied all supporting elements using strong Simpson Strong Ties. After reinforcing the structure to ensure flooding would not negatively impact the bridge, we cleaned all existing wood, replaced rotted bridge boards, and applied a clear natural stain with built-in UV protection that should protect the wood of the bridge and provide an attractive cosmetic appearance for about two years, when it will need to be refinished again. A fun and good outcome for the project.

Living room - farmhouse medium tone wood floor living room idea in Orange County with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

This property had a natural slope that required quite a bit of grading work in order to install the new deck on level ground and prevent drainage issues. Also, a structure had to be built on piers to support the new deck and kitchen/living space.