We started by levelling the top area into two terraced lawns of low water Kurapia and nearly doubling the space on the lower level with retaining walls. We built a striking new pergola with a graphic steel-patterned roof to make a covered seating area. Along with creating shade, the roof casts a movie reel of shade patterns throughout the day. Now there is ample space to kick back and relax, watching the sun spread its glow on the surrounding hillside as it makes its slow journey down the horizon towards sunset. An aerodynamic fan keeps the air pleasantly cool and refreshing. At night the backyard comes alive with an ethereal lighting scheme illuminating the space and making it a place you can enjoy well into the night. It’s the perfect place to end the day.

Mid-sized 1960s gray one-story mixed siding gable roof idea in Minneapolis

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Spaces and Faces Photography

When asked to renovate an existing pseudo-Mediterranean home located directly on the ocean, the owner had one main request; to open up the views towards the ocean. Architecturally, it was important to respect the character of the existing house but larger openings would evidently alter the appearance of the house. Therefore, the design approach became one of reduction, rather than addition. Using order, proportion and more subdued color tones drawn from a limited material palette, the house naturally started to appear more sophisticated. On the exterior, a theater style stair leads you from an exterior loggia to the pool deck all the while never taking the focus of your attention away from the serenity of the ocean ahead. The procession of spaces from exterior, covered trellis, covered loggia, interior and vice versa became the driving force behind the spatial experience of the home and its relationship to its beach-front context.

Perched on a forested hillside above Missoula, the Pattee Canyon Residence provides a series of bright, light filled spaces for a young family of six. Set into the hillside, the home appears humble from the street while opening up to panoramic views towards the valley. The family frequently puts on large gatherings for friends of all ages; thus, multiple “eddy out” spaces were created throughout the home for more intimate chats. Exposed steel structural ribs and generous glazing in the great room create a rhythm and draw one’s gaze to the folding horizon. Smaller windows on the lower level frame intimate portraits of nature. Cedar siding and dark shingle roofing help the home blend in with its piney surroundings. Inside, rough sawn cabinetry and nature inspired tile provide a textural balance with the bright white spaces and contemporary fixtures.

Pergola with Ipe decking and cable rail off of screened in porch. photo: Carolyn Watson Boardwalk Builders, Rehoboth Beach, DE www.boardwalkbuilders.com

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard stone and round partial sun and lap pool fountain remodel for spring in Austin

Extensive and well balanced living area with an open floor plan that provides efficient use of materials from reclaimed wood and other sustainable sources. This cleanly design provides a very efficient and connected space.

Complementing the Home This homeowner approached the experts at Braen Supply to help him select materials for his newly constructed home. The style and design of the house was already completed, therefore, the selected materials needed to complement the features of the home. The homeowner’s one request was to find a patio stone that would emulate a bluestone; however, it would not absorb as much heat as bluestone, allowing swimmers to comfortably move from the pool to the patio without having to worry about shoes. Working With the Experts The experts at Braen Supply were able to find the perfect material to meet the homeowner’s needs and then used that to find materials for the façade, fireplace and outdoor kitchen, while still maintaining a concise look throughout the home. The materials that were selected gave the home a unique, yet classic look.

The basement stage was created for this musical family, complete with nearby closet for amps, wiring and storage. A nearby lounge with swivel lounge chairs give guests a place to relax as they enjoy the performance. By Normandy Design Build Remodeling designer Jennifer Runner, AKBD

Located on a wooded lot on the south side of Mount Orford in Estrie, this country house is designed to enjoy views of the wooded slope down to a stream at the bottom of the valley and rising to the opposite cliff. The south offers a splendid view of distant mountains. Of modest size, the house is simple, modern and showcases natural materials. It opens towards the forest and the landscape while preserving the intimacy of the customers. The interior is spacious; the living spaces are communicating and friendly, with a high ceiling above the living room and a large picture window in front of the master bedroom, on the mezzanine. The living areas open onto an outdoor terrace that anchors the house to its rocky terrain, protected from the weather and hidden from the street. The rock of the land is highlighted at the edge of the terrace, where a rock face down the slope. A large roof overhang protects the house from the sun in the summer, and the low-level concrete floors absorb sunlight in the winter. The house has been designed according to the criteria of LEED and Novoclimat.

Large 30" x 30" tile floor from AKDO in a Palace of Versailles pattern set the tone for adding european style to this newly built condominium. We wanted to bring the gold accents found in the adjacent dining and living room into the kitchen. So we chose this large open fretwork chandelier from Restoration Hardware in an antique gold finish. The simple geometric shape ties in well with, but doesn't compete with the other geometric patterns in the room. We know many people are afraid to, but we love mixing metals. We chose to center the light on the doorway and windows over the sink vs. the island. As you look towards the kitchen from the adjacent rooms this alignment proved the right choice for the overall space. The X pattern in the floor tile is repeated in the mullions on the cabinet doors which are backed by mirror. A great solution if you don't wish to see inside the cabinets. The backsplash tile is a beautiful handmade Porcelain in an arabesque design. The blue green colors complement the gorgeous Quartzite materials used for the counters. We chose to polish the island and add an ogee edge while honing the perimeters.

See what our client say about Paul Lopa Designs: We hired Paul Lopa to remodel our master bathroom. During the project, we increased the work to include upgrading all moldings and replaced all interior doors including our front door. We are very pleased with his work. There were no hidden costs, he followed through on every last detail and did so in a timely manner. He guided us toward materials that were of a higher quality to prevent problems down the road. His team was respectful of our home and did their best to protect our belongings from the renovation destruction. We will definitely hire Paul Lopa again for future renovations. Haw, Ron

This East Austin house is both an exhibition space and a home to its curators. At the street front, the façade of the 100 year-old home is relatively unchanged and matches the character of the surrounding neighborhood. Inside, the intersection of old / new construction, public / private zones, art / life creates a layered experience that pushes the suburban form towards a more urban typology. When the gallery is not in use, the living room and dining room spill out into the public spaces. Large pocket doors close off the private spaces during gallery hours to divide home from exhibit. A pecan tree at the heart of the site informs the footprint of the 900 sf addition. The gallery wraps around the resulting courtyard and main gallery entrance. Vestiges of the historic home punctuate the contemporary interior and remind visitors of the intrinsic value of the old materials. Salvaged long leaf pine used at the floors and walls brings warmth to the entry, and is seen again at the courtyard soffit. Photography by: Casey Woods

Located on a wooded lot on the south side of Mount Orford in Estrie, this country house is designed to enjoy views of the wooded slope down to a stream at the bottom of the valley and rising to the opposite cliff. The south offers a splendid view of distant mountains. Of modest size, the house is simple, modern and showcases natural materials. It opens towards the forest and the landscape while preserving the intimacy of the customers. The interior is spacious; the living spaces are communicating and friendly, with a high ceiling above the living room and a large picture window in front of the master bedroom, on the mezzanine. The living areas open onto an outdoor terrace that anchors the house to its rocky terrain, protected from the weather and hidden from the street. The rock of the land is highlighted at the edge of the terrace, where a rock face down the slope. A large roof overhang protects the house from the sun in the summer, and the low-level concrete floors absorb sunlight in the winter. The house has been designed according to the criteria of LEED and Novoclimat.

This new home sits perched atop a cliff with views stretching from the bay to the ocean. The two distinct bars, positioned in response to the pie shaped site and the natural topographic features, splay out towards the view while physically connected by a glass volume. One bar houses all the private spaces, while the other houses the more public spaces. Serving as the entry/gallery, the glass volume both joins and separates the functions associated with the two bars. The forward volume captures the Northern light for the artist's painting studio located within. ©cesar rubio

Located on a wooded lot on the south side of Mount Orford in Estrie, this country house is designed to enjoy views of the wooded slope down to a stream at the bottom of the valley and rising to the opposite cliff. The south offers a splendid view of distant mountains. Of modest size, the house is simple, modern and showcases natural materials. It opens towards the forest and the landscape while preserving the intimacy of the customers. The interior is spacious; the living spaces are communicating and friendly, with a high ceiling above the living room and a large picture window in front of the master bedroom, on the mezzanine. The living areas open onto an outdoor terrace that anchors the house to its rocky terrain, protected from the weather and hidden from the street. The rock of the land is highlighted at the edge of the terrace, where a rock face down the slope. A large roof overhang protects the house from the sun in the summer, and the low-level concrete floors absorb sunlight in the winter. The house has been designed according to the criteria of LEED and Novoclimat.

When asked to renovate an existing pseudo-Mediterranean home located directly on the ocean, the owner had one main request; to open up the views towards the ocean. Architecturally, it was important to respect the character of the existing house but larger openings would evidently alter the appearance of the house. Therefore, the design approach became one of reduction, rather than addition. Using order, proportion and more subdued color tones drawn from a limited material palette, the house naturally started to appear more sophisticated. On the exterior, a theater style stair leads you from an exterior loggia to the pool deck all the while never taking the focus of your attention away from the serenity of the ocean ahead. The procession of spaces from exterior, covered trellis, covered loggia, interior and vice versa became the driving force behind the spatial experience of the home and its relationship to its beach-front context.

This East Austin house is both an exhibition space and a home to its curators. At the street front, the façade of the 100 year-old home is relatively unchanged and matches the character of the surrounding neighborhood. Inside, the intersection of old / new construction, public / private zones, art / life creates a layered experience that pushes the suburban form towards a more urban typology. When the gallery is not in use, the living room and dining room spill out into the public spaces. Large pocket doors close off the private spaces during gallery hours to divide home from exhibit. A pecan tree at the heart of the site informs the footprint of the 900 sf addition. The gallery wraps around the resulting courtyard and main gallery entrance. Vestiges of the historic home punctuate the contemporary interior and remind visitors of the intrinsic value of the old materials. Salvaged long leaf pine used at the floors and walls brings warmth to the entry, and is seen again at the courtyard soffit. Photography by: Casey Woods