project type: new construction architect: lake + flato architects location: scottsdale, az date: winter 2009 area: 4,500 sf
Inspiration for a southwestern patio remodel in Phoenix with a fire pit

Even small spaces need great design. Container and small space gardens - decks, alcoves and patios are all great spots to "green" up with planted pots. Add color, texture and warmth to your small spaces - or drama to a large space - with a well-designed container. Birdbaths, fountains, troughs and more make great containers. Irrigation can be run to your containers or Oyas (water vessels) can be planted in the containers to provide irrigation and to keep your plants healthy.

Cathy Stancil Photography
This is an example of a transitional front yard landscaping in San Francisco.

Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

Built by Pearson Landscape | photography by Paul Finkel
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary full sun and drought-tolerant front yard concrete paver landscaping in Austin.

A beautiful shade garden.
Inspiration for a traditional stone landscaping in DC Metro.

This is an example of a contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel landscaping in Las Vegas.

Design ideas for a traditional shade backyard gravel landscaping in Columbus with a fire pit for summer.

Example of a trendy three-story exterior home design in Las Vegas

Architect: Sarah Susanka, AIA Photography: Jim Westphalen Integration of Prairie-style architecture and Japanese garden. Palette of patterned and textures borrowed from the surroundings. Sequence of places makes a continuous necklace around the home.

Design ideas for a large southwestern drought-tolerant and full sun side yard concrete paver garden path in Phoenix for fall.

Wes Stearns
Inspiration for a traditional side yard landscaping in Charlotte.

Inspiration for a farmhouse white one-story gable roof remodel in San Francisco

Inspiration for a large 1950s entryway remodel in Austin

Outdoor patio shower - large transitional backyard outdoor patio shower idea in San Francisco

Example of a mid-sized minimalist backyard concrete paver and rectangular natural pool house design in Orange County

Eric Rorer
Large 1950s gray two-story mixed siding gable roof photo in San Francisco

A one of a kind hand made urn recirculates water to deliver a relaxing sound feature. The fountain is surrounded with drought tolerant Mediterranean plants as well as succulents & Dimondia ground cover.Karen Miller Decomposed granite is seen in the immediate foreground; decorative crushed gravel & Arizona Rosa sandstone completes the picture.

Photo of a large contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Orange County.