Architect: Cheryl Hughes, Seattle | Location: Leschi neighborhood | 6400 SF | Steep terrain, landslide area Technical Features: Complex 60’ deep concrete pile foundation; Imported cement board siding installed on a rain screen system; Lindal windows executed at an unusually large scale, pushing the manufacturer’s abilities to new levels; Oil-finished end-grain fir floors. Simple and precise execution of the details create a warm nurturing environment.

Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States A 2000 sf. contemporary mountain home with detached garage-studio. This cozy green design includes passive and active solar, high efficiency windows, an ultra-efficient boiler with radiant heating, and timber and stone harvested on-site. House was carefully sited to nestle in among existing exposed rocks, feature trees, and steep terrain, with the great room and large deck oriented to capture sweeping mountain views.

Modern-style homes shine in the rustic mountains, complimenting the ruggedness of the terrain with clean lines and a neutral color pallette.
Contemporary white two-story exterior home idea in Salt Lake City

Despite the small and challenging terrain, this backyard upgrade included a pool and a Wild Ride slide, granite swim-up bar with 3 vinyl-covered in-pool stools, pool waterfalls (that help form part of a natural-looking retaining wall), diving rock, Tiki (Hula) patio umbrellas, outdoor shower, and lush plantings. www.deckandpatio.com

Red Ledges is premier community located nor Heber Valley in the mountains of Utah 45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport ... It is characterized by beautiful topography, wide open spaces, fascinating terrain formations and some of the most beautiful mountain views in any Place ... Starting at $ 1,900,000 USD. * This property is subject to change of value and confirmation of availability without previous notice. The informative data should be confirmed by documents provided by the owner or official authorities.

Designed as a private sanctuary, Ventana House is a place to retreat and reflect. Located on a steep hillside overlooking the urban sprawl, the residence feels worlds away from the city below. Its cast-in-place concrete walls anchor the structure into the rugged terrain, grounding the architecture within the landscape. This mass is contrasted by a delicate scrim that appears to float above the living spaces, all tucked safely beneath the deep shadows of a large cowboy hat roof—an essential shield against the desert sun.

Custom designed metal fire pit surrounded by a floating ipe bench. Set within a wooded hillside, beautiful steel risers retain a gravel patio carved into the sloping terrain.

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

VanBrouck & Associates: Inspired by the classical architecture of Palladio, this Italian villa was designed with a procession of beautifully proportioned, ordered spaces, with strong axial sightlines, to draw the eye through the spaces and beckon the individual to explore. Beautifully sited on acreage, the interior and exterior spaces are thoughtfully orchestrated to interact together, and to connect to the land. Stone loggias, at the entry, rear, and side of the residence, visually and literally extend the interior living spaces. View-lines extend through the house from the open courtyard and infinite landscape vistas of the front to the wooded terrain of the rear. Gentle cross-breezes flow and natural light streams into the rooms from a series of French doors lyrically arranged throughout the spaces.

VanBrouck & Associates: Inspired by the classical architecture of Palladio, this Italian villa was designed with a procession of beautifully proportioned, ordered spaces, with strong axial sightlines, to draw the eye through the spaces and beckon the individual to explore. Beautifully sited on acreage, the interior and exterior spaces are thoughtfully orchestrated to interact together, and to connect to the land. Stone loggias, at the entry, rear, and side of the residence, visually and literally extend the interior living spaces. View-lines extend through the house from the open courtyard and infinite landscape vistas of the front to the wooded terrain of the rear. Gentle cross-breezes flow and natural light streams into the rooms from a series of French doors lyrically arranged throughout the spaces.

Retaining walls and a deck work together to create a welcoming front entry courtyard above challenging terrain.
This is an example of a mid-sized southwestern stamped concrete front porch design in Denver.

The home sits into an extremely steep, half-acre lot that shares a property line with a ski resort and allows for ski-in, ski-out access to the mountain’s 61 trails. This unique location and challenging terrain informed the home’s siting, footprint, program, design, interior design, finishes, and custom made furniture. Credit: Samyn-D'Elia Architects

Mid-sized minimalist backyard balcony deck photo in New York with no cover

VanBrouck & Associates: Inspired by the classical architecture of Palladio, this Italian villa was designed with a procession of beautifully proportioned, ordered spaces, with strong axial sightlines, to draw the eye through the spaces and beckon the individual to explore. Beautifully sited on acreage, the interior and exterior spaces are thoughtfully orchestrated to interact together, and to connect to the land. Stone loggias, at the entry, rear, and side of the residence, visually and literally extend the interior living spaces. View-lines extend through the house from the open courtyard and infinite landscape vistas of the front to the wooded terrain of the rear. Gentle cross-breezes flow and natural light streams into the rooms from a series of French doors lyrically arranged throughout the spaces.

Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States A 2000 sf. contemporary mountain home with detached garage-studio. This cozy green design includes passive and active solar, high efficiency windows, an ultra-efficient boiler with radiant heating, and timber and stone harvested on-site. House was carefully sited to nestle in among existing exposed rocks, feature trees, and steep terrain, with the great room and large deck oriented to capture sweeping mountain views.

Custom designed metal fire pit surrounded by a floating ipe bench. Set within a wooded hillside, beautiful steel risers retain a gravel patio carved into the sloping terrain.

Mr. and Mrs. had retired after spending years in ministry for God. They retired on a lake and had a beautiful view and front porch to enjoy the gorgeous view. We had completed a bathroom remodel for them the year before and had discussed adding a front porch. In the spring of 2020 we finalized the drawings, design and colors. Now, as they enjoy their retirement, not only will they have a great view of every sunset, they can continue to minister to people as they walk by their new front porch.

Architect: Cheryl Hughes, Seattle | Location: Leschi neighborhood | 6400 SF | Steep terrain, landslide area Technical Features: Complex 60’ deep concrete pile foundation; Imported cement board siding installed on a rain screen system; Lindal windows executed at an unusually large scale, pushing the manufacturer’s abilities to new levels; Oil-finished end-grain fir floors. Simple and precise execution of the details create a warm nurturing environment.

Mr. and Mrs. had retired after spending years in ministry for God. They retired on a lake and had a beautiful view and front porch to enjoy the gorgeous view. We had completed a bathroom remodel for them the year before and had discussed adding a front porch. In the spring of 2020 we finalized the drawings, design and colors. Now, as they enjoy their retirement, not only will they have a great view of every sunset, they can continue to minister to people as they walk by their new front porch.