This is an example of a mid-sized rustic backyard brick landscaping in Detroit.

Perched upon a small plateau in a rugged terrain, the house is surrounded by a powerful landscape. The building’s linear organization and expanse of glass has a dynamic relationship with its surroundings. Its siting, layout and structure combine to achieve a flexible, open living environment with generous access to the light, spectacular views and the outdoors. The house is modularly planned, with a corridor to the east linking a series of semi-enclosed spaces facing the west. Broad sliding glass panels open to blur indoor/outdoor spatial boundaries and multiple bands of clerestory glass wash the interior with light and provide for natural ventilation. A perimeter structural frame paired with internal shear walls support the building. The steel and wood trusses provide a rhythm to the interior open spaces while connecting interior and exterior structural systems. The robust exterior column structure allows a structure-free glass envelope. A.I.A. Western Mountain Region Design Award of Merit 2003 A.I.A. Wyoming Chapter Design Award of Honor 2004 A.I.A. Wyoming Chapter Design Award of Merit 2001 Project Year: Pre-2005

Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020.

Located in the picturesque landscape of Limassol, Cyprus, residence showcases our experience in blending modern architecture with the rugged beauty of the mountainous terrain. Our approach to this project was guided by the principle of enhancing the natural landscape, rather than imposing on it. The uniqueness of Stone lies in its partial integration into the mountain itself. This design choice not only pays respect to the local geography but also serves practical purposes, offering improved thermal insulation and structural stability. Thoughtful planning of the residence reflects our understanding of the client’s lifestyle and needs. For example, the main entrance, garage, and a dedicated workspace suited for remote work - an increasingly common aspect of modern life - are located on the ground floor. The first floor emphasizes privacy and comfort. The master bedroom, kids‘ bedrooms provide personal space for retreat while a shared terrace connects these spaces, offering stunning mountain views. The basement is where architectural ingenuity truly shines. Envisioned as a space for relaxation and entertaining, this floor seamlessly transitions between indoor and outdoor living. One side of the basement is partially integrated into the mountainside, creating a cozy nook for relaxation, while the other side opens onto a spacious terrace with an open pool and outdoor theater. Size / 810 sq.m. Year / 2024 Location / Limassol, Cyprus

Inspired by the breathtaking natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island, the Wanaka house plan by Schumacher Homes seamlessly unites award-winning architecture with nature. This sophisticated 2,842-square-foot floor plan is uniquely engineered to fit a sloped lot or hillside property, effortlessly blending into its scenic surroundings while maximizing views and footprint efficiency on rolling terrain. Boasting a striking contemporary exterior style accented by sleek mono-pitch roof lines and subtle Mid-Century Modern elements, this custom 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom layout is perfectly tailored for modern living. The heart of the home features an open-concept great room that shines brightly with streams of natural light pouring from a dramatic, two-story wall of windows. This expansive living area flows seamlessly into an integrated covered porch, creating the ultimate indoor-outdoor living experience for relaxing or entertaining. For a private retreat, the deluxe owner's suite includes a luxury primary bathroom designed to help you unwind, complete with an elegant freestanding soaking tub, a double vanity sink, and a spacious walk-in closet. Blending mountain modern elegance with smart architectural functionality, this plan delivers the perfect balance of style and structural design.

A modern cabana along the Hudson River Set just above the waterline, the Hudson Pool Cabana is a quiet architectural retreat designed for effortless summer living. This modern pool house embraces its riverside setting with a warm, minimalist material palette and an open connection to the surrounding landscape. With pergolas constructed of cedar that will naturally silver over time, the structure nestles into the terrain with quiet confidence. At its heart is a streamlined kitchen that opens wide to the pool terrace, thanks to custom lift-up glass panels that transform the façade and dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. This gesture invites conversation, movement, and hospitality to flow freely between interior and exterior spaces. Inside, the cabana is grounded in simplicity—clean lines, natural finishes, and purposeful details. A full bath and changing area support long days in and around the pool, while pergolas offer shelter and shade when the sun begins to dip over the Hudson River. At once practical and poetic, this riverside cabana elevates the everyday into something serene and enduring—a modern companion to the water's edge.

Inspired by the breathtaking natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island, the Wanaka house plan by Schumacher Homes seamlessly unites award-winning architecture with nature. This sophisticated 2,842-square-foot floor plan is uniquely engineered to fit a sloped lot or hillside property, effortlessly blending into its scenic surroundings while maximizing views and footprint efficiency on rolling terrain. Boasting a striking contemporary exterior style accented by sleek mono-pitch roof lines and subtle Mid-Century Modern elements, this custom 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom layout is perfectly tailored for modern living. The heart of the home features an open-concept great room that shines brightly with streams of natural light pouring from a dramatic, two-story wall of windows. This expansive living area flows seamlessly into an integrated covered porch, creating the ultimate indoor-outdoor living experience for relaxing or entertaining. For a private retreat, the deluxe owner's suite includes a luxury primary bathroom designed to help you unwind, complete with an elegant freestanding soaking tub, a double vanity sink, and a spacious walk-in closet. Blending mountain modern elegance with smart architectural functionality, this plan delivers the perfect balance of style and structural design.

Hampden Place Residence is a paired single-family residential design in Pacific Palisades, California, developed for a hillside site with an emphasis on privacy, views, and contemporary living. Conceived as two 3,500-square-foot homes, the project explores how modern residential architecture can respond to challenging topography through careful massing, terraced site planning, and a strong relationship between interior space and landscape. The design is defined by expansive glazing, warm material tones, broad exterior terraces, and a stepped architectural composition that follows the natural grade of the property. Large openings bring light deep into the interiors while framing long views across the site, and the overall layout balances openness with a sense of retreat appropriate to hillside living. A sequence of terraces, stairs, and retaining walls extends the homes into the landscape, creating outdoor spaces that feel integrated with the architecture rather than separate from it. The result is a contemporary Pacific Palisades residential design shaped around site sensitivity, livability, and a clear connection between house, terrain, and horizon. AKDA Architects works with homeowners on custom home design, rebuild planning, and site-responsive hillside residential projects in Pacific Palisades and throughout Los Angeles.

This custom residence blends vernacular mountain architecture with refined contemporary detailing, creating a timeless retreat that feels deeply rooted in its natural setting. Composed of simple gabled forms, the home is clad in locally inspired stone masonry paired with dark standing-seam metal accents and roofing, establishing a strong yet understated material palette. The architecture emphasizes durability, authenticity, and a connection to the landscape. Thick stone walls provide a sense of permanence while contrasting with the clean lines of the metal-clad entry volume. Carefully proportioned windows frame views of the surrounding forest and allow warm interior light to animate the façade. A central stone chimney serves as both a visual anchor and a traditional hearth element, reinforcing the home's lodge-inspired character. Set among native grasses, boulders, and mature pines, the residence appears seamlessly integrated into the terrain. The restrained massing, natural materials, and muted color palette create a quiet architectural presence that complements rather than competes with the surrounding environment. The result is a contemporary mountain home that balances rustic warmth with modern simplicity, offering a sophisticated interpretation of regional residential design.

A modern cabana along the Hudson River Set just above the waterline, the Hudson Pool Cabana is a quiet architectural retreat designed for effortless summer living. This modern pool house embraces its riverside setting with a warm, minimalist material palette and an open connection to the surrounding landscape. With pergolas constructed of cedar that will naturally silver over time, the structure nestles into the terrain with quiet confidence. At its heart is a streamlined kitchen that opens wide to the pool terrace, thanks to custom lift-up glass panels that transform the façade and dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. This gesture invites conversation, movement, and hospitality to flow freely between interior and exterior spaces. Inside, the cabana is grounded in simplicity—clean lines, natural finishes, and purposeful details. A full bath and changing area support long days in and around the pool, while pergolas offer shelter and shade when the sun begins to dip over the Hudson River. At once practical and poetic, this riverside cabana elevates the everyday into something serene and enduring—a modern companion to the water's edge.

HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner Lopez Outdoor Living Williamsburg, VA Mid Atlantic Enterprise, Inc. The main objective for this project was to turn this Disabled American Veteran’s useless, hilly backyard into a complete outdoor living destination. This meant created a functional place for the client’s needs while being an exciting place for his young family to play and entertain. A major challenge in this project was altering the terrain to suit the design plan. We had to clear-cut the entire backyard and remove over 3,000 cubic yards of earth. Severe drainage issues also had to be corrected before installing the hardscape. To accommodate the elevation changes of the property and to support the necessary ADA compliant ramp, we had to construct two walls. One wall serves as a freestanding and retaining wall specially constructed on a large concrete footer and reinforced with rebar and concrete. We built everything custom; a new deck and pergola to blend the home and hardscape. This included a fully functional outdoor kitchen to meet the entertaining requirements of the clients, a gunite pool & spa large enough to accommodate the client’s ever-growing family, two fire bowls and a fire pit to add the “wow” factor the clients sought. In addition, a shed was built to complement the home while providing much needed storage space. We installed a full landscape; which included five 25 ft Magnolia trees to provide instant privacy in place of the overgrown woody area that was removed. To provide safety at night, we completed the project with strategically placed landscape lighting.

Le terrain, se composant auparavant principalement d'une pelouse et de haies, a été transformé en un jardin structuré avec plusieurs pièces extérieures. Les éléments-clés du plan consistent en une série de structures métalliques habillées de jasmin étoilé, qui se répètent d'un bout à l'autre du jardin. En alternant espaces ouverts et espaces clôturés, elles invitent le visiteur à s'aventurer et à découvrir des endroits cosy et revigorants. Une aura de mystère rajoute une dimension supplémentaire à cet univers. Le tracé en zig-zag de la pelouse centrale évoque de manière ludique le dessin des panneaux métalliques. Ifs taillés en cône, yuccas géants, palmiers cycas et cyprès s'entremêlent afin de créer d'éclatants tableaux.

Le terrain, se composant auparavant principalement d'une pelouse et de haies, a été transformé en un jardin structuré avec plusieurs pièces extérieures. Les éléments-clés du plan consistent en une série de structures métalliques habillées de jasmin étoilé, qui se répètent d'un bout à l'autre du jardin. En alternant espaces ouverts et espaces clôturés, elles invitent le visiteur à s'aventurer et à découvrir des endroits cosy et revigorants. Une aura de mystère rajoute une dimension supplémentaire à cet univers. Le tracé en zig-zag de la pelouse centrale évoque de manière ludique le dessin des panneaux métalliques. Ifs taillés en cône, yuccas géants, palmiers cycas et cyprès s'entremêlent afin de créer d'éclatants tableaux.

Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020.

A modern cabana along the Hudson River Set just above the waterline, the Hudson Pool Cabana is a quiet architectural retreat designed for effortless summer living. This modern pool house embraces its riverside setting with a warm, minimalist material palette and an open connection to the surrounding landscape. With pergolas constructed of cedar that will naturally silver over time, the structure nestles into the terrain with quiet confidence. At its heart is a streamlined kitchen that opens wide to the pool terrace, thanks to custom lift-up glass panels that transform the façade and dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. This gesture invites conversation, movement, and hospitality to flow freely between interior and exterior spaces. Inside, the cabana is grounded in simplicity—clean lines, natural finishes, and purposeful details. A full bath and changing area support long days in and around the pool, while pergolas offer shelter and shade when the sun begins to dip over the Hudson River. At once practical and poetic, this riverside cabana elevates the everyday into something serene and enduring—a modern companion to the water's edge.

Ce jardin urbain a été conçu pour dynamiser un terrain de forme carré et offrir une palette florale généreuse, grâce à une composition habile de massifs abondamment plantés. Des courbes énergisantes entourent une sélection de plantes aimant le soleil : agrumes, lantana, pistachier lentisque, pittosporum nain, sauge de Russie, lavande, lys d'un jour, agapanthe, menthe des chats et fines herbes. Des fleurs à couleurs complémentaires envoient une invitation au "carpe diem", en tant qu'expressions éphémères d'une beauté intemporelle. Outre son effet apaisant, la pièce d'eau sert d'écran acoustique par rapport au contexte urbain environnant. L'attention portée aux détails et les contours inattendus font de ce jardin à la fois une peinture à contempler et un espace pour des fêtes intimes.

Le terrain, se composant auparavant principalement d'une pelouse et de haies, a été transformé en un jardin structuré avec plusieurs pièces extérieures. Les éléments-clés du plan consistent en une série de structures métalliques habillées de jasmin étoilé, qui se répètent d'un bout à l'autre du jardin. En alternant espaces ouverts et espaces clôturés, elles invitent le visiteur à s'aventurer et à découvrir des endroits cosy et revigorants. Une aura de mystère rajoute une dimension supplémentaire à cet univers. Le tracé en zig-zag de la pelouse centrale évoque de manière ludique le dessin des panneaux métalliques. Ifs taillés en cône, yuccas géants, palmiers cycas et cyprès s'entremêlent afin de créer d'éclatants tableaux.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional drought-tolerant and shade backyard stone garden path in Orange County.

For a family putting down lasting roots in Park City, this 10,000-square-foot estate within the gated enclave of Quarry Mountain Ranch is conceived as both sanctuary and legacy. Designed to evolve alongside its owners, the home balances permanence with a deep sensitivity to the land it inhabits. Thoughtfully positioned within an alpine meadow shaped by the gentle flow of McLeod Creek, the residence embraces its setting. The waterway threads through the property, sustaining native grasses and drawing elk, deer, and migratory birdlife, grounding daily life in the rhythms of season and landscape. Broad planes of glass and sheltering rooflines frame uninterrupted views of ski slopes and distant ridgelines, while long sightlines pull natural light deep into the interior. Terraces and covered outdoor rooms mediate between house and meadow, creating spaces for gathering, reflection, and year-round connection to the outdoors. A restrained palette of wood and stone echoes the textures of the terrain, lending warmth and durability to the home’s contemporary expression. A separate guest house extends the architectural language, forming a discreet compound that supports family life, hospitality, and the enduring cadence of alpine living. Architecture: Advanced Design Interior Design: Erin Brewer Design