Night exterior shot of the villa’s main entry facade. One side of the gate is decorated with rough stacked black stone accent wall equipped with directional wall lamp to highlight the entrance sense of ceremony; the other side adopts smooth textured stucco wall with minimalist rectangular entrance porch and elevated entrance step. Black metal grille decorative windows and hidden line entry door adopt anti-rust metal technology to adapt to Senegal coastal humid air. The front lawn is laid with white stepping stone path leading from the courtyard gate to the doorway, combining simple landscaping and pedestrian access, forming the first impression facade design of this private courtyard villa.

For this project, we removed the old sod and excavated 3 to 4 inches of topsoil. We capped the sprinklers and then spread a base of crushed aggregate, which was packed down. The artificial turf was laid out and trimmed. Then seamed and staked into place, we spread infill and power broomed the turf so the blades would stand up straight. We used Tigerturf (Tiger Cool) Everglade Fescue. Created by Tencate, a worldwide innovator of space-age yarns for NASA and Boeing, TigerCool® yarns are engineered with heat reflective color pigments and advanced U.V. inhibitors that reduce surface temperatures. A series of solar panel tests indicate that artificial grass featuring TigerCool® technology successfully reduces turf temperatures by 30% and up to 17 degrees! That’s a difference that you can feel. The homeowner also selected a border of river rocks with a slight wave that gives a lush cool grassy Island effect. Photo by Greg Hawks

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH. Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System. Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits. The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary. Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind. Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH. Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System. Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits. The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary. Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind. Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

WKD’s design specialty in quality historic preservation ensured that the integrity of this home’s interior and exterior architecture was kept intact. The design mission was to preserve, restore and renovate the home in a manner that celebrated its heritage, while recognizing and accommodating today’s lifestyle and technology. Drawing from the home’s original details, WKD re-designed a friendly entry (including the exterior landscape approach) and kitchen area, integrating it into the existing hearth room. We also created a new stair to the second floor, eliminating the small, steep winding stair. New colors, wallpaper, furnishings and lighting make for a family friendly, welcoming home. The project has been published several times. Click below to read:       October 2014 Northshore Magazine       Spring 2013 Kitchen Trends Magazine       Spring 2013 Bathroom Trends Magazine Photographer: MIchael Lee

Klopf Architecture and Outer space Landscape Architects designed a new warm, modern, open, indoor-outdoor home in Los Altos, California. Inspired by mid-century modern homes but looking for something completely new and custom, the owners, a couple with two children, bought an older ranch style home with the intention of replacing it. Created on a grid, the house is designed to be at rest with differentiated spaces for activities; living, playing, cooking, dining and a piano space. The low-sloping gable roof over the great room brings a grand feeling to the space. The clerestory windows at the high sloping roof make the grand space light and airy. Upon entering the house, an open atrium entry in the middle of the house provides light and nature to the great room. The Heath tile wall at the back of the atrium blocks direct view of the rear yard from the entry door for privacy. The bedrooms, bathrooms, play room and the sitting room are under flat wing-like roofs that balance on either side of the low sloping gable roof of the main space. Large sliding glass panels and pocketing glass doors foster openness to the front and back yards. In the front there is a fenced-in play space connected to the play room, creating an indoor-outdoor play space that could change in use over the years. The play room can also be closed off from the great room with a large pocketing door. In the rear, everything opens up to a deck overlooking a pool where the family can come together outdoors. Wood siding travels from exterior to interior, accentuating the indoor-outdoor nature of the house. Where the exterior siding doesn’t come inside, a palette of white oak floors, white walls, walnut cabinetry, and dark window frames ties all the spaces together to create a uniform feeling and flow throughout the house. The custom cabinetry matches the minimal joinery of the rest of the house, a trim-less, minimal appearance. Wood siding was mitered in the corners, including where siding meets the interior drywall. Wall materials were held up off the floor with a minimal reveal. This tight detailing gives a sense of cleanliness to the house. The garage door of the house is completely flush and of the same material as the garage wall, de-emphasizing the garage door and making the street presentation of the house kinder to the neighborhood. The house is akin to a custom, modern-day Eichler home in many ways. Inspired by mid-century modern homes with today’s materials, approaches, standards, and technologies. The goals were to create an indoor-outdoor home that was energy-efficient, light and flexible for young children to grow. This 3,000 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom new house is located in Los Altos in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, and Chuang-Ming Liu 
Landscape Architect: Outer space Landscape Architects 
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers 
Staging: Da Lusso Design 
Photography ©2018 Mariko Reed 
Location: Los Altos, CA
 Year completed: 2017

In our busy lives, creating a peaceful and rejuvenating home environment is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Built less than five years ago, this Stinson Beach Modern home is your own private oasis. Surrounded by a butterfly preserve and unparalleled ocean views, the home will lead you to a sense of connection with nature. As you enter an open living room space that encompasses a kitchen, dining area, and living room, the inspiring contemporary interior invokes a sense of relaxation, that stimulates the senses. The open floor plan and modern finishes create a soothing, tranquil, and uplifting atmosphere. The house is approximately 2900 square feet, has three (to possibly five) bedrooms, four bathrooms, an outdoor shower and spa, a full office, and a media room. Its two levels blend into the hillside, creating privacy and quiet spaces within an open floor plan and feature spectacular views from every room. The expansive home, decks and patios presents the most beautiful sunsets as well as the most private and panoramic setting in all of Stinson Beach. One of the home's noteworthy design features is a peaked roof that uses Kalwall's translucent day-lighting system, the most highly insulating, diffuse light-transmitting, structural panel technology. This protected area on the hill provides a dramatic roar from the ocean waves but without any of the threats of oceanfront living. Built on one of the last remaining one-acre coastline lots on the west side of the hill at Stinson Beach, the design of the residence is site friendly, using materials and finishes that meld into the hillside. The landscaping features low-maintenance succulents and butterfly friendly plantings appropriate for the adjacent Monarch Butterfly Preserve. Recalibrate your dreams in this natural environment, and make the choice to live in complete privacy on this one acre retreat. This home includes Miele appliances, Thermadore refrigerator and freezer, an entire home water filtration system, kitchen and bathroom cabinetry by SieMatic, Ceasarstone kitchen counter tops, hardwood and Italian ceramic radiant tile floors using Warmboard technology, Electric blinds, Dornbracht faucets, Kalwall skylights throughout livingroom and garage, Jeldwen windows and sliding doors. Located 5-8 minute walk to the ocean, downtown Stinson and the community center. It is less than a five minute walk away from the trail heads such as Steep Ravine and Willow Camp.

This Glenview, IL Split-Level Style Home was remodeled by Siding & Windows Group with James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap Siding and HardieTrim Smooth Boards in ColorPlus Technology Color Arctic White. Also re-did White Columns and installed Fypon Shutters in Black.

On this spectacular mountain site, the clients wanted to build a 4,200-square-foot residence that did not appear to be a big, prestigious house. They didn’t want a McMansion; they wanted a living space integrated into the landscape – a home nestled among the trees and rock outcroppings. The clients decided to demolish an existing farmhouse on the site, but they also sought to recreate the views afforded by that older home. Siting the fireplace and living room at the same location, the new residence was built on a similar footprint, but with a focus on energy efficiency. The rambling, rustic Montana-lodge style exterior belies the technology inside. The fireplace – with help from the geothermal radiant heat system – is enough to keep the clients warm and toasty through the worst winter gales. A natural ventilation system also keeps the home allergen-free. Careful coordination with the engineer allowed the structure to appear hunkered into the site, creating a humble front façade. The house’s floor plan strategically winds its way around the trees and boulders – framing intimate views of the landscape from the master bedroom and offering magnificent vistas from the deck. Through attention to design and careful construction, the project saved nearly all of the more than 30 mature trees directly adjacent to the building footprint. Blasting of the some larger rocks was required to make room for the driveway, but the completed home now looks and functions as an established part of the landscape.

On this spectacular mountain site, the clients wanted to build a 4,200-square-foot residence that did not appear to be a big, prestigious house. They didn’t want a McMansion; they wanted a living space integrated into the landscape – a home nestled among the trees and rock outcroppings. The clients decided to demolish an existing farmhouse on the site, but they also sought to recreate the views afforded by that older home. Siting the fireplace and living room at the same location, the new residence was built on a similar footprint, but with a focus on energy efficiency. The rambling, rustic Montana-lodge style exterior belies the technology inside. The fireplace – with help from the geothermal radiant heat system – is enough to keep the clients warm and toasty through the worst winter gales. A natural ventilation system also keeps the home allergen-free. Careful coordination with the engineer allowed the structure to appear hunkered into the site, creating a humble front façade. The house’s floor plan strategically winds its way around the trees and boulders – framing intimate views of the landscape from the master bedroom and offering magnificent vistas from the deck. Through attention to design and careful construction, the project saved nearly all of the more than 30 mature trees directly adjacent to the building footprint. Blasting of the some larger rocks was required to make room for the driveway, but the completed home now looks and functions as an established part of the landscape.

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH. Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System. Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits. The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary. Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind. Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

In our busy lives, creating a peaceful and rejuvenating home environment is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Built less than five years ago, this Stinson Beach Modern home is your own private oasis. Surrounded by a butterfly preserve and unparalleled ocean views, the home will lead you to a sense of connection with nature. As you enter an open living room space that encompasses a kitchen, dining area, and living room, the inspiring contemporary interior invokes a sense of relaxation, that stimulates the senses. The open floor plan and modern finishes create a soothing, tranquil, and uplifting atmosphere. The house is approximately 2900 square feet, has three (to possibly five) bedrooms, four bathrooms, an outdoor shower and spa, a full office, and a media room. Its two levels blend into the hillside, creating privacy and quiet spaces within an open floor plan and feature spectacular views from every room. The expansive home, decks and patios presents the most beautiful sunsets as well as the most private and panoramic setting in all of Stinson Beach. One of the home's noteworthy design features is a peaked roof that uses Kalwall's translucent day-lighting system, the most highly insulating, diffuse light-transmitting, structural panel technology. This protected area on the hill provides a dramatic roar from the ocean waves but without any of the threats of oceanfront living. Built on one of the last remaining one-acre coastline lots on the west side of the hill at Stinson Beach, the design of the residence is site friendly, using materials and finishes that meld into the hillside. The landscaping features low-maintenance succulents and butterfly friendly plantings appropriate for the adjacent Monarch Butterfly Preserve. Recalibrate your dreams in this natural environment, and make the choice to live in complete privacy on this one acre retreat. This home includes Miele appliances, Thermadore refrigerator and freezer, an entire home water filtration system, kitchen and bathroom cabinetry by SieMatic, Ceasarstone kitchen counter tops, hardwood and Italian ceramic radiant tile floors using Warmboard technology, Electric blinds, Dornbracht faucets, Kalwall skylights throughout livingroom and garage, Jeldwen windows and sliding doors. Located 5-8 minute walk to the ocean, downtown Stinson and the community center. It is less than a five minute walk away from the trail heads such as Steep Ravine and Willow Camp. Presented by Cristina di Grazia Cristina di Grazia +1 415.710.1048­ +1 415.381.7300­ Decker Bullock Sotheby's International Realty

On this spectacular mountain site, the clients wanted to build a 4,200-square-foot residence that did not appear to be a big, prestigious house. They didn’t want a McMansion; they wanted a living space integrated into the landscape – a home nestled among the trees and rock outcroppings. The clients decided to demolish an existing farmhouse on the site, but they also sought to recreate the views afforded by that older home. Siting the fireplace and living room at the same location, the new residence was built on a similar footprint, but with a focus on energy efficiency. The rambling, rustic Montana-lodge style exterior belies the technology inside. The fireplace – with help from the geothermal radiant heat system – is enough to keep the clients warm and toasty through the worst winter gales. A natural ventilation system also keeps the home allergen-free. Careful coordination with the engineer allowed the structure to appear hunkered into the site, creating a humble front façade. The house’s floor plan strategically winds its way around the trees and boulders – framing intimate views of the landscape from the master bedroom and offering magnificent vistas from the deck. Through attention to design and careful construction, the project saved nearly all of the more than 30 mature trees directly adjacent to the building footprint. Blasting of the some larger rocks was required to make room for the driveway, but the completed home now looks and functions as an established part of the landscape.

WKD’s design specialty in quality historic preservation ensured that the integrity of this home’s interior and exterior architecture was kept intact. The design mission was to preserve, restore and renovate the home in a manner that celebrated its heritage, while recognizing and accommodating today’s lifestyle and technology. Drawing from the home’s original details, WKD re-designed a friendly entry (including the exterior landscape approach) and kitchen area, integrating it into the existing hearth room. We also created a new stair to the second floor, eliminating the small, steep winding stair. New colors, wallpaper, furnishings and lighting make for a family friendly, welcoming home. The project has been published several times. Click below to read:       October 2014 Northshore Magazine       Spring 2013 Kitchen Trends Magazine       Spring 2013 Bathroom Trends Magazine Photographer: MIchael Lee

On this spectacular mountain site, the clients wanted to build a 4,200-square-foot residence that did not appear to be a big, prestigious house. They didn’t want a McMansion; they wanted a living space integrated into the landscape – a home nestled among the trees and rock outcroppings. The clients decided to demolish an existing farmhouse on the site, but they also sought to recreate the views afforded by that older home. Siting the fireplace and living room at the same location, the new residence was built on a similar footprint, but with a focus on energy efficiency. The rambling, rustic Montana-lodge style exterior belies the technology inside. The fireplace – with help from the geothermal radiant heat system – is enough to keep the clients warm and toasty through the worst winter gales. A natural ventilation system also keeps the home allergen-free. Careful coordination with the engineer allowed the structure to appear hunkered into the site, creating a humble front façade. The house’s floor plan strategically winds its way around the trees and boulders – framing intimate views of the landscape from the master bedroom and offering magnificent vistas from the deck. Through attention to design and careful construction, the project saved nearly all of the more than 30 mature trees directly adjacent to the building footprint. Blasting of the some larger rocks was required to make room for the driveway, but the completed home now looks and functions as an established part of the landscape.

On this spectacular mountain site, the clients wanted to build a 4,200-square-foot residence that did not appear to be a big, prestigious house. They didn’t want a McMansion; they wanted a living space integrated into the landscape – a home nestled among the trees and rock outcroppings. The clients decided to demolish an existing farmhouse on the site, but they also sought to recreate the views afforded by that older home. Siting the fireplace and living room at the same location, the new residence was built on a similar footprint, but with a focus on energy efficiency. The rambling, rustic Montana-lodge style exterior belies the technology inside. The fireplace – with help from the geothermal radiant heat system – is enough to keep the clients warm and toasty through the worst winter gales. A natural ventilation system also keeps the home allergen-free. Careful coordination with the engineer allowed the structure to appear hunkered into the site, creating a humble front façade. The house’s floor plan strategically winds its way around the trees and boulders – framing intimate views of the landscape from the master bedroom and offering magnificent vistas from the deck. Through attention to design and careful construction, the project saved nearly all of the more than 30 mature trees directly adjacent to the building footprint. Blasting of the some larger rocks was required to make room for the driveway, but the completed home now looks and functions as an established part of the landscape.

On this spectacular mountain site, the clients wanted to build a 4,200-square-foot residence that did not appear to be a big, prestigious house. They didn’t want a McMansion; they wanted a living space integrated into the landscape – a home nestled among the trees and rock outcroppings. The clients decided to demolish an existing farmhouse on the site, but they also sought to recreate the views afforded by that older home. Siting the fireplace and living room at the same location, the new residence was built on a similar footprint, but with a focus on energy efficiency. The rambling, rustic Montana-lodge style exterior belies the technology inside. The fireplace – with help from the geothermal radiant heat system – is enough to keep the clients warm and toasty through the worst winter gales. A natural ventilation system also keeps the home allergen-free. Careful coordination with the engineer allowed the structure to appear hunkered into the site, creating a humble front façade. The house’s floor plan strategically winds its way around the trees and boulders – framing intimate views of the landscape from the master bedroom and offering magnificent vistas from the deck. Through attention to design and careful construction, the project saved nearly all of the more than 30 mature trees directly adjacent to the building footprint. Blasting of the some larger rocks was required to make room for the driveway, but the completed home now looks and functions as an established part of the landscape.

This backyard patio design is inspired by our Para patio slab. Large-scale, ultra-smooth texture and fine lines best describe the all-new Para HD. Manufactured with Techo-Bloc’s patented High Definition technology, an extremely tight surface texture with pores that are virtually invisible. The Para HD provides contemporary styling and design flexibility. Each of its three sizes are packaged and sold separately allowing your projects to reflect your personal creativity. This 60 mm product is available in a 500 mm x 250 mm, 500 mm x 500 mm and 500 mm x 750 mm. It is available in both hyper smooth and polished textures. Check out our website to shop the look! https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/slabs/para/

On this spectacular mountain site, the clients wanted to build a 4,200-square-foot residence that did not appear to be a big, prestigious house. They didn’t want a McMansion; they wanted a living space integrated into the landscape – a home nestled among the trees and rock outcroppings. The clients decided to demolish an existing farmhouse on the site, but they also sought to recreate the views afforded by that older home. Siting the fireplace and living room at the same location, the new residence was built on a similar footprint, but with a focus on energy efficiency. The rambling, rustic Montana-lodge style exterior belies the technology inside. The fireplace – with help from the geothermal radiant heat system – is enough to keep the clients warm and toasty through the worst winter gales. A natural ventilation system also keeps the home allergen-free. Careful coordination with the engineer allowed the structure to appear hunkered into the site, creating a humble front façade. The house’s floor plan strategically winds its way around the trees and boulders – framing intimate views of the landscape from the master bedroom and offering magnificent vistas from the deck. Through attention to design and careful construction, the project saved nearly all of the more than 30 mature trees directly adjacent to the building footprint. Blasting of the some larger rocks was required to make room for the driveway, but the completed home now looks and functions as an established part of the landscape.