This East Troy home on Booth Lake had a few drainage issues that needed to be resolved, but one thing was clear, the homeowners knew with the proper design features, their property had amazing potential to be a fixture on the lake. Starting with a redesign of the backyard, including retaining walls and other drainage features, the home was then ready for a radical facelift. We redesigned the entry of the home with a timber frame portico/entryway. The entire portico was built with the old-world artistry of a mortise and tenon framing method. We also designed and installed a new deck and patio facing the lake, installed an integrated driveway and sidewalk system throughout the property and added a splash of evening effects with some beautiful architectural lighting around the house. A Timber Tech deck with Radiance cable rail system was added off the side of the house to increase lake viewing opportunities and a beautiful stamped concrete patio was installed at the lower level of the house for additional lounging. Lastly, the original detached garage was razed and rebuilt with a new design that not only suits our client’s needs, but is designed to complement the home’s new look. The garage was built with trusses to create the tongue and groove wood cathedral ceiling and the storage area to the front of the garage. The secondary doors on the lakeside of the garage were installed to allow our client to drive his golf cart along the crushed granite pathways and to provide a stunning view of Booth Lake from the multi-purpose garage. Photos by Beth Welsh, Interior Changes

This project represents an increasingly popular type of project - combining 2 bedrooms into a single master suite. The house is a 1910 craftsman, with 4 bedrooms on the second floor. Typical of older homes, the master bedroom had a very small bathroom, and very little closet space. The owners decided to sacrifice an adjacent guest bedroom to create a spacious master suite. The new rooms include a large bathroom, with hers and his vanities, separate toilet room, custom tile shower and soaking tub. The extra space also allowed us to install a luxurious custom walk-in closet. Design Criteria: - Increase size and utility of closet space. - Create a large, luxury bathroom with distinctly separate hers/his spaces. Special Features: - Custom tile shower, with frameless glass door - Platform soaking tub w/ custom tile deck - His/Hers vanities with quartz countertops. - Separate toilet room. - Room-sized walk-in closet with custom cabinet system. - Custom 5-Panel doors and built-up mouldings to match the original woodwork.

Our 4553 sq. ft. model currently has the latest smart home technology including a Control 4 centralized home automation system that can control lights, doors, temperature and more. This incredible master bathroom has custom cabinetry with his and her sinks, TV, and remote control sound, and lights. The standing shower area is enclosed and features a elegant sitting tub and a three headed UMoen shower set up where you can control your shower experience with an app. The master bathroom is complete with a walk in closet and several natural light skylights to help increase brightness day and night.

As working from home becomes the reality for so many professionals, light control is increasingly important. From reducing glare to optimal productivity, the right shade systems have a big impact. PowerView motorized shades offer touch of a button control, adjusting even on a schedule to give you the ideal atmosphere in your home office.

Steam Showers Inc. Enjoy the pleasures of the Ariel DZ961F8 Steam Shower in your home. These units are fully loaded with a steam shower enclosure, a built-in steam generator, and a FM radio which are all designed to greatly increase your therapeutic experience. We are confident that you will indulge in a state of complete relaxation and tranquility with all of these features within these steam bath enclosures. Look below for the features and detailed specifications of this steam shower. DZ961F8 Dimensions: 59" x 35.4" x 89.2" ETL listed (US & Canada electrical safety) 220v Steam Sauna (6KW Generator) Cleaning Function Acupuncture Massage Rainfall Ceiling Shower Handheld Showerhead 6 Body Massage Jets Chromatherapy Lighting Computer Control Panel With Timer FM Radio 2 Stools Wooden Floorboard Aromatherapy System (Oils not Included) Ventilation Fan Drain with Trap Include Retrofit (Standard Bathtub Size) Available in L/R

The ever increasing screen size of today’s modern sleek TV’s offer very exciting visual opportunities. When choosing an entertainment system for it, functionality should be a key ingredient. Functionality becomes the issue as soon as you start to connect the TV to the cable box, DVD player, amplifier, surround sound speakers and subwoofers…and any of the other numerous components, including computers and gaming devices. Beyond the initial hook up, there will likely be future needs for components to be upgraded or replaced. A properly designed media entertainment center can make this not only easier but also make a statement as an artful furniture addition to the living room, man Cave or bedroom.

These homeowners had a sloping front yard that needed to be updated. Instead of leveling, we designed a few lovely natural stone veneer steps encased with LED lighting, two natural stone pillars and matching attached walls on either side. For enhanced elegance, we included a front yard water feature with a river runway that carries toward the front of the patio. In the backyard, we created a hybrid patio comprised of pavers and artificial turf that boast an oversized focal point water feature. This water feature was custom designed using the same natural stone veneers showcased in the front yard and a beautiful blue glass detail for increased ambiance.

This project represents an increasingly popular type of project - combining 2 bedrooms into a single master suite. The house is a 1910 craftsman, with 4 bedrooms on the second floor. Typical of older homes, the master bedroom had a very small bathroom, and very little closet space. The owners decided to sacrifice an adjacent guest bedroom to create a spacious master suite. The new rooms include a large bathroom, with hers and his vanities, separate toilet room, custom tile shower and soaking tub. The extra space also allowed us to install a luxurious custom walk-in closet. Design Criteria: - Increase size and utility of closet space. - Create a large, luxury bathroom with distinctly separate hers/his spaces. Special Features: - Custom tile shower, with frameless glass door - Platform soaking tub w/ custom tile deck - His/Hers vanities with quartz countertops. - Separate toilet room. - Room-sized walk-in closet with custom cabinet system. - Custom 5-Panel doors and built-up mouldings to match the original woodwork.

Our client desired a functional, tasteful, and improved environment to compliment their home. The overall goal was to create a landscape that was subtle and not overdone. The client was highly focused on their deck environment that would span across the rear of the house with an area for a Jacuzzi as well. A portion of the deck has a screened in porch due to the naturally buggy environment since the home is situated in the woods and a low area. A mosquito repellent injection system was incorporated into the irrigation system to help with the bug issue. We improved circulation of the driveway, increased the overall curb appeal of the entrance of the home, and created a scaled and proportional outdoor living environment for the clients to enjoy. The client has religious guidelines that needed to be adhered to with the overall function and design of the landscape, which included an arbor over the deck to support a Sukkah and a Green Egg smoker to cook Kosher foods. Two columns were added at the driveway entrance with lights to help define their driveway entrance since it's the end of a long pipe-stem. New light fixtures were also added to the rear of the house. Our client desired multiple amenities with a limited budget, so everything had to be value engineered through the design and construction process. There is heavy deer pressure on the site, a mosquito issue, low site elevations, flat topography, poor soil, and overall poor drainage of the site. The original driveway was not sized appropriately and the front porch had structural issues, as well as leaked water onto the landing below. The septic tank was also situated close to the rear of the house and had to be contemplated during the design process. Photography: Morgan Howarth. Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen, Surrounds Inc.

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

Onsite rainwater capture has become an issue of ever-increasing importance in semi-arid California, particularly as we realize the need to conserve water on a ongoing basis. This project employs the use of rainwater infiltration by diverting existing downspouts into a dry creek. Instead of being diverted into the storm drain system and wasted, the water is recharged back into the ground. Soils are able to hold the moisture and plant watering needs decrease. In addition to being functional, rock features such as dry creeks contribute to the aesthetic and create a beautiful contrast to the plant material.

Embarking on a garage remodeling project is a transformative endeavor that can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the space. By investing in tailored storage solutions such as cabinets, wall-mounted organizers, and overhead racks, one can efficiently declutter the area and create a more organized storage system. Flooring upgrades, such as epoxy coatings or durable tiles, not only improve the garage's appearance but also provide a resilient surface. Adding custom workbenches or tool storage solutions contributes to a more efficient and user-friendly workspace. Additionally, incorporating proper lighting and ventilation ensures a well-lit and comfortable environment. A remodeled garage not only increases property value but also opens up possibilities for alternative uses, such as a home gym, workshop, or hobby space, making it a worthwhile investment for both practicality and lifestyle improvement.

We removed the tub, and relocated the entrance to the walk in closet to the bedroom to enable increasing the size of the shower for 2 people. We added a bench and large wall to wall niche that tied into the accent tiles and quartz slabs on the shower walls. The valves for the shower heads are located on the inside of each ponywall for easy access prior to entering the shower. The door to the water closet was relocated and replaced with a barn door. New cabinets with a storage tower, quartz countertops and new plumbing and light fixtures complete the new design. Added features include radiant heated floors and water purifying system.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

Kitchen update for this 1940's cottage in Chevy Chase. Lexington, Kentucky. A fresh mix of white and grey cabinets centered around a custom color commercial style range. Increased storage dramatically for this home and used an under cabinet light and electrical system that eliminated unsightly outlets and switches in the backsplash.

Made from a single piece, chunky 10 cm diameter column, the outdoor shower bends to create its own multi-jet shower head for a steady flow of fresh, warm rinsing water. It is fitted with a simple to use, progressive mixing valve. Turn to the right to start your shower. When you turn the handle more, the flow rate and water temperature increases from cold water and minimum flow to your desired levels. The shower comes with anti-lime nozzles, ground fixing and water supply system and even its own integrated water emptying mechanism. The 2.25 metre high unit is crafted from high grade austenitic stainless steel AISI 316L, which includes molybdenum for markedly increased corrosion resistance, ideal for these kinds of outdoor architectural features. It would combine well with either of our outdoor baths – the Pamela or the Lacus.

The ever increasing screen size of today’s modern sleek TV’s offer very exciting visual opportunities. When choosing an entertainment system for it, functionality should be a key ingredient. Functionality becomes the issue as soon as you start to connect the TV to the cable box, DVD player, amplifier, surround sound speakers and subwoofers…and any of the other numerous components, including computers and gaming devices. Beyond the initial hook up, there will likely be future needs for components to be upgraded or replaced. A properly designed media entertainment center can make this not only easier but also make a statement as an artful furniture addition to the living room, man Cave or bedroom.

Hammer & Hand built this custom listening room for a Portland audiophile. To isolate the room from the rest of the home and improve the listening experience the space includes a self-contained minisplit heat pump and a dedicated cryogenically-treated electricity system. Tibetan bowls allow the client to tune the room. Noted acoustic engineer Art Noxon positioned gray bass traps along the walls of the room so bass frequencies penetrate the walls instead of bouncing around the room. The team removed a bathroom to increase the size of the space to 11 x 17. Double sound attenuating doors lock sound into the room and keep the rest of the home quiet. A small storage room adjoining the listening room includes a custom built bookshelf for holding records, CDs, and other items. Photos by Jeff Amram Photography.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain