The challenge of this project was to design a cohesive architectural facade and a highly functional, secure, and beautiful landscape for a vibrant family with two children and a dog. The design needed to elevate the character of the two-story house while transforming the sloping outdoor terrain into an active, multi-level garden

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

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

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary partial sun mulch landscaping in New York.

Roger Wade
Example of a mountain style exterior home design in Burlington

The Elements design team was pleased to assist this client with this new construction. Located in a new development south of West Des Moines, this custom contemporary showpiece home takes advantage of the exceptional scenery and terrain. The interior features top of the line amenities in this large open sophisticated yet comfortable home.

Three steps below the lounge/dining terrace are the pool, patio and cabana. All surfaces are low maintenance including the small sections of artificial turf lawn plus the inserts in the white acid etched concrete patio. The pool has a 2’ elevated feature wall which doubles as a retaining wall to cope with the sloping terrain.

Modest, contemporary mountain home in Shenandoah Valley, CO. Home enhance the extraordinary surrounding scenery through the thoughtful integration of building elements with the natural assets of the site and terrain. contemporary wooden staircase with wrought iron railings.

This estate is surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a big city but you would never know it when enjoying this backyard oasis. The aquatic environment was designed and carefully constructed to architecturally blend with the existing natural beauty, mature trees and rolling topography. The dramatic pool sits between multiple trees, nestled into the rolling terrain, and embraces the organic limb structures of Live Oaks. These limbs were carefully considered while designing this environment and fluidly divide spaces and accentuate views. The pools include an upper diving pool with grotto, large waterfalls, resort size water lounge, infinity edge spa, steps up to an underground slide and a 32 linear foot disappearing water fall. This waterfall pulls guest to the equally stunning lower pool that is connected by a natural staircase that elegantly wraps around the pool and stream. The lower pool is a shallow play pool where the slide exits, has ample seating, includes another massive water lounge and is designed for volleyball and just having a great time. This awesome aquatic family entertaining environment also includes a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, bar, pizza oven, multiple televisions, kamado style gill, many elevations, dry creek beds, artisan crafted hand railing, custom slide, elegant lighting, surround sound audio design, and much more!! Photography: Daniel Driensky

The challenge of this project was to design a cohesive architectural facade and a highly functional, secure, and beautiful landscape for a vibrant family with two children and a dog. The design needed to elevate the character of the two-story house while transforming the sloping outdoor terrain into an active, multi-level garden

The weather and terrain offered a real challenge for this Lagrange home. The Amendola team works in any weather, and this backyard restoration features a four-season room and large patio and outdoor fireplace. Set on a hill, the home’s extensive retaining walls allowed the homeowners to reclaim space in their yard for endless entertaining.

This project transformed a basic builder-grade deck and unlandscaped yard into a beautifully designed outdoor living space. The renovation included elevating the architectural finish of the deck with low-maintenance fascia, trim, and wrapped columns as well as the addition of a pergola for shade and style. A new fireplace was added to create a cozy seating arrangement, adding both privacy and visual interest. The landscaping was enhanced with a patio and a gas fire pit seating area, perfect for relaxation and gatherings. Additionally, a dining area was incorporated to facilitate hosting and entertaining. To address the yard’s excessive slope, a retaining wall was constructed, leveling the terrain and providing a more functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space.

Kirk Bianchi created the design for this residential resort next to a desert preserve. The overhang of the homes patio suggested a pool with a sweeping curve shape. Kirk positioned a raised vanishing edge pool to work with the ascending terrain and to also capture the reflections of the scenery behind. The fire pit and bbq areas are situated to capture the best views of the superstition mountains, framed by the architectural pergola that creates a window to the vista beyond. A raised glass tile spa, capturing the colors of the desert context, serves as a jewel and centerpiece for the outdoor living space.

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

Example of a beach style multicolored two-story mixed siding house exterior design with a shed roof

Mountain Arch by Fox Construction is built into a steep hillside with a multi-level contemporary mountain layout that steps with the terrain. Flat and low-slope rooflines, natural stone retaining walls, wood siding, expansive glazing, and layered outdoor terraces connect the home closely to the mountain setting.

In addition to comfortable outdoor furniture, plus four chaise lounges sheltered by umbrellas, the patio has ample room for a large 8-person outdoor dining table. On warm summer evenings the long shadows of the setting sun create an ambiance and helps to define the terrain of the valley in the distance.

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Design: Murphy & Co. Design | Interiors: Manor House Interior Design | Landscaping: TOPO | Photography: Landmark Photography