Technical Support - Photos & Ideas

This contemporary new residence near the ocean in Ft. Lauderdale, FL is partially clad with a unique wall panel system fabricated from RHEINZINK’s PROTECT LINE of architectural zinc. The PROTECT LINE has a clear coating that provides durable surface protection in aggressive climates. The transparent coating slows down the aging process and preserves the initial appearance of the zinc. Approximately 1,000 sq. ft. of PROTECT LINE blue-grey RHEINZINK was fabricated by Architectural Innovative Metals, Inc. (AIM), Dallas, into AIM’s Ingot Design Series wall panel system. The Ingot Design Series is a pressure-equalized system that offers superior design flexibility and durability in both dry joint and rain screen applications. The RHEINZINK panels were prominently installed as column covers, elevator shaft façade and accent panels. According to AIM project manager Chance Johnson, “This is a high-end residence and the use of the RHEINZINK was perfect for the contemporary design and the applications. Our Ingot Design Series is a one piece, modular unit with no extrusions or additional clips. It’s a great system.” The RHEINZINK panels were installed by Allied Roofing & Sheet Metal, Ft. Lauderdale. The distributor was Old Country Millworks (OCM), Los Angeles. The residence was built by A.V.I. Contractors, Inc., Weston, FL. RHEINZINK America, Inc. led the introduction of architectural zinc in North America and continues to offer one of the industry’s most reliable, trusted brands. Architects and contractors are supported by unparalleled customer service, technical assistance and installer training. RHEINZINK is readily available through an established network of qualified distributors and systems partners across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ideal for roofing, façade and gutter applications, RHEINZINK is environmentally friendly, 100% recyclable and offers a potential lifespan of 100 years or more. For more information on RHEINZINK, call 781-729-0812 or visit www.rheinzink.us.

Bainbridge Island Waterfront Estate

Shuler Architecture

The Owners of this luxurious waterfront estate acquired this property after the previous owners defaulted on their loan and stopped construction. We were initially engaged to inspect and assess the structural integrity of the building shell and work with a geo-technical engineer to evaluate the condition of the site’s soil. Tests determined that the site’s previous use as a sawmill and Native American fishing ground rendered the soil unfit for construction activity. In response to the lack of soil bearing capacity, our solution employs expansive footings supported by hundreds of piles throughout the entire project site. After completing our inspection of the structure, we were engaged to completely redesigned this home to accommodate our clients’ growing family and extensive art collection. Stylistically, this highly detailed structure borrows from the grand bungalows of the Greene brothers in Pasadena, California while employing sophisticated climate, lighting, AV and security systems. To ensure our clients’ art collection was properly displayed and protected, we worked with specialists from the Seattle Art Museum to develop appropriate lighting and climate control systems. Finally, we engaged the best craftsman we know – general contractor, interior designer, landscape architect, cabinet maker, blacksmith, custom woodworker and stone mason – to execute what ultimately became our clients’ very personal and unique statement for their home.

Full Kitchen Renovation, San Diego, CA

Evergreen Remodeling & Construction

“I want mid-century modern, but livable.” The homeowner was an architect herself, so this project came with high expectations and a very specific vision. She’d been sketching ideas for months, and when we finally sat down together, she handed us a folder full of reference images—all clean lines, warm wood, and that perfect balance between minimalism and comfort. What we created exceeded even her expectations. The kitchen embodies understated sophistication with horizontal-grain walnut cabinets that wrap three walls in warm, organic beauty. We designed them as flat-panel, slab-front doors—no fussy details, just pure material honesty. The upper cabinets sit flush against the ceiling, maximizing storage while maintaining those clean modernist lines. The island became the functional heart of the space—topped with crisp white quartz that provides contrast against all that rich wood. It’s sized perfectly for quick breakfast with a barstool, but doesn’t overwhelm the compact footprint. That white subway tile backsplash keeps things classic and bright, while polished concrete floors ground everything with industrial-cool texture. Technically, this renovation required opening up the space to create better flow. We removed a wall section (you can see that dramatic archway leading from the living area) and installed a steel beam to maintain structural support. The new layout connects seamlessly to the backyard through those floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors—very California indoor-outdoor living. The vaulted ceiling with skylights was already there, but we added recessed LED lighting to ensure the workspace stays bright even on overcast days. All new electrical, upgraded plumbing, and a ventilation system hidden behind that streamlined range hood.

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A Symphony of Digital Wellness & Artisan Knotty Alder Craftsmanship

Elite Empire Construction Inc.

Custom Culinary Suite: Precision Built-In Integration A true gourmet kitchen requires a seamless marriage between professional appliances and artisan cabinetry. This view highlights the custom-fitted appliance wall, where a stainless steel double wall oven is perfectly recessed into floor-to-ceiling knotty wood cabinetry. The layout is designed for maximum efficiency without sacrificing the home’s warm, rustic aesthetic. Technical & Design Highlights: Flush-Mount Appliance Installation: Expertly framed built-ins provide a sleek, streamlined look that ensures heavy-duty appliances feel like a natural part of the furniture. Under-Cabinet Task Lighting: Integrated LED lighting beneath the upper cabinets illuminates the expansive granite workspaces, enhancing both functionality and the visual texture of the honeycomb tile backsplash. Cohesive Material Palette: The dark, honed stone countertops and stainless steel hardware provide a modern, industrial edge that balances the traditional warmth of the wood. Architectural Sightlines: The placement of the prep sink and primary cooking zone allows for an open view into the living area, anchored by a substantial timber support post that reinforces the home’s structural integrity.

Family Room

ODS Architecture

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by John Sutton Photography.

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present

Klopf Architecture

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Home Theater

Hi Solutions- The Autonomous Home Company

Build Your Dream Home Theater with HI Solutions Transform your living space into the ultimate cinema experience with HI Solutions. Whether you have an unfinished basement, an unused room, or even just your living room, our expert team can create a custom home theater that exceeds your expectations. Why Choose HI Solutions for Your Home Theater? Expert Consultation: Our specialists work with you to design a home theater that fits your space and lifestyle. We consider every detail, from room acoustics to seating arrangements, ensuring a perfect setup. Customized Solutions: No matter the size or shape of your space, we tailor our designs to meet your specific needs. From luxurious, dedicated theater rooms to versatile living room setups, HI Solutions brings your vision to life. High-Quality Equipment: We use the latest in audio-visual technology, including 4K projectors, surround sound systems, and smart home integration. Enjoy crystal-clear visuals and immersive sound that make you feel like you're part of the action. Professional Installation: Our experienced technicians handle everything from wiring and mounting to system calibration, ensuring a seamless installation. We take care of the technical details so you can focus on enjoying your new home theater. Ongoing Support: HI Solutions offers comprehensive support and maintenance services, ensuring your home theater continues to perform at its best. We're always here to help with any questions or upgrades. Unfinished Space? Unused Room? Living Room? We’ve Got You Covered Unfinished Basement: Turn your basement or attic into a state-of-the-art home theater. HI Solutions can transform even the most challenging spaces into a cinematic paradise. Unused Room: Maximize the potential of any spare room by converting it into a dedicated theater room. Our designs optimize space and functionality, giving you a private escape for movie nights. Living Room: Create a multi-functional living room with a high-quality theater setup. We seamlessly integrate technology into your existing decor, providing an exceptional entertainment experience without compromising style. Get Started with HI Solutions Today

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Millersburg, OH

Schlabach Woodworks21 Reviews

Franklin County's Reclaimed Wood Professionals

Photos images: Courtesy of the Homeowners At the end of a dirt road in southern Vermont is a stunning timber and stone residence designed to resemble a small medieval Anglo-Norman manor house originally constructed in the 16th century. According to the owners, a husband and wife with a keen interest in both ancient and modern architecture, the 5,000 sq. ft. home was built slowly over eleven years by highly skilled craftsmen in order to complete all of the authentic hand-planed interior details. The craftsmen then spent an additional two years building the adjacent “ancient“ barn. “We always knew we wanted to take down a delapidated 19th-century hay barn and replace it with something of the period of the house,“ the husband said. The owners designed the barn and began to consider zinc for the roof after looking at northern European architecture and discovering that zinc has been used extensively in Europe for 300 years. Approximately 4,200 sq. ft. of RHEINZINK prePATINA bright rolled Double Lock Standing Seam Roof Panels were utilized to roof the white oak structure. The bright rolled material was selected deliberately in order to achieve the “naturally aged look“ that the owners were seeking. “It’s gone almost immediately to a soft grey which is what we hoped would happen. As the years go by, the color of the weathering white oak and the aging zinc will come together in a dusty grey. Seeing this building in the fog five years from now will feel like seeing a 500-year-old ghost barn floating in the hills of Vermont.“ Installation of the RHEINZINK panels was done by Cold Hollow Contracting, Burlington, VT. “These folks had serious zinc-roofing experience and were clearly the most craft-oriented of all the roofers we met with,“ according to the husband. The main focus was getting an “old look“ as quickly as possible, said Tim Heaghney, co-owner of Cold Hollow Contracting. “That’s really what makes the bright rolled so special—it ages quickly. We fabricated the 28 ft. panels on site and did the flashing fabrication in our shop. Many of the normal sheet metal skills apply to the zinc although we relied heavily on the RHEINZINK installation manual as well as personal support from their technical people. We used a radius cut and fold at the eve termination as opposed to the typical detail used in steel and copper where it‘s just cut at the 90 for the drip edge. The roof was steep but we do a lot of steeples and domes so we’re comfortable working at heights.“ The installers also utilized RHEINZINK’s AIR-Z structured underlayment to provide an air-gap behind the zinc. The RHEINZINK distributor on the project was Beacon Sales, Shelburne, VT

Kitchen Remodeling and Renovation, Rancho Santa Fe, CA

Evergreen Remodeling & Construction

“I want a kitchen that looks like a showroom, but where I can actually cook.” The homeowner knew from day one: she loved hosting dinner parties and needed a space that allowed her to cook to perfection and looked spectacular. After twenty years of living with oak cabinets and laminate countertops, she was ready for her dream kitchen. What we created is sophisticated elegance with just enough personality to keep it interesting. The foundation is classic: pristine white cabinets that reach the ceiling, creating a sense of height and offering ample storage. But it’s the details that make this kitchen special. That navy blue island defines the entire space, a bold choice the homeowner initially hesitated to make, but now claims is her favorite design decision. Combined with brass hardware throughout the house and those gorgeous Moroccan-inspired pendant lights, it creates a sense of understated luxury. The real showstopper is the backsplash behind the cooktop. We sourced tiles with intricate designs that resemble an art installation; It’s the kind of detail that makes guests pause mid-conversation to take a closer look. The arched niche that frames it adds architectural interest and sets the kitchen area apart like a stage set. Technically, this renovation was a lot of work. We relocated the plumbing to accommodate the island sink, upgraded the electrical system to support commercial-grade appliances, and installed a powerful, concealed ventilation system in the custom-made range hood. The marble-look porcelain flooring extends throughout the house in large-format tiles: practical, durable, and absolutely luminous. The glass-fronted display cabinets on the left were custom-made for her grandmother’s porcelain collection, which finally had the display it deserved, with interior LED lighting illuminating everything. Three months after completion, she hosted Thanksgiving for eighteen people. “This kitchen handled it beautifully,” she wrote to us afterward, “and everyone wanted to know who designed it.” That’s the kind of feedback that makes our work worthwhile and is our best advertising.

Statement Powder Room: Vertical Herringbone Wall

The Design House

Small spaces deserve big design. For this Flower Mound powder room, we turned a standard wall into a work of art using a floor-to-ceiling Herringbone Tile Accent. Installing heavy tile in a vertical herringbone pattern is technically difficult—gravity works against you, and every cut at the ceiling and floor must be precise. Our in-house tile artisans executed this perfectly, ensuring the pattern remained centered and straight. The "Operator" Execution: The Tile Work: We used a textured, Taupe Brick-Look Porcelain laid in a herringbone pattern to add height and drama to the small room. By running the tile all the way behind the vanity and mirror, we created a seamless, high-end look. The Vanity: To keep the small footprint feeling open, we installed a Modern White Floating Vanity. This requires precise blocking behind the wall for support—structural work our team handled before the tile went up. The Stone: We topped the vanity with a Carrara-Look White Quartz featuring a thick mitered edge. Fabricated by our shop, Stonemeyer Granite, this edge profile gives the stone a substantial, luxurious feel that standard thin countertops lack. The Finish: A large Mirrored-Frame Mirror and polished nickel fixtures bounce light around the room, contrasting beautifully with the matte tile texture. Materials Used: Accent Wall: 3x12 Textured Porcelain (Herringbone Layout) Countertop: White Carrara Quartz (Mitered Edge) Vanity: Custom Floating Cabinet (White Lacquer) Mirror: Beveled Mirrored Frame If you want to turn your boring guest bath into a luxury powder room in Flower Mound, contact The Design House for a design-build consultation.