This project was the result of the owner’s desire to install a swimming pool and outdoor living space inspired by tropical resorts they had visited on family vacations. The one element asked for specifically was a large waterfall spilling into the pool. The challenge for the designers was how to achieve the look the owner’s wished without the use of clichéd items such as thatched huts and tiki torches. The designers decided lush full plantings using plants found in the northeast region that met certain design criteria would be the primary way of giving the tropical feel. Boulder outcroppings, irregular stone paving and fire bowls along the back of the pool would complete the look. The property is located in a newer subdivision with homes on both sides and a school to the rear. A walkway connects the neighborhood and the school along one side. The desired privacy would be addressed by the placement of plants and trees around the perimeter in mounded beds. Placing the waterfall to the rear of the pool helped block the view of the school beyond. The township had restrictions on the amount of impervious material allowable on site. The patio was designed to the maximum allowable size with square footage going to where it would be most usable. Planting beds were cut into the patio to decrease unnecessary square footage, divide spaces, and allow for more places to add plants and trees. A rectangular swimming pool was chosen to make it easier to install an automatic pool cover. The pool was designed, with input from the landscape designers, and contracted separately by the owner. The landscape designers chose the location of pool and waterfall so that it was prominently placed to be the focal point of the backyard. The pool includes a curving sunbathing shelf running from end to end, finished in a lighter color to make it more visible, with removable umbrellas for shade and to add to the resort feel. To tie into the boulders used throughout the design, a large boulder was used as a substitute for a diving board. The yard sloped down towards the back of the property which required a large amount of soil to be added and large boulder retaining wall along the back. For the planting design, the designers choose to focus on plants with larger leaves, various leaf colors and textures, and plants with large flowers in bold colors. These plants were then arranged into a loose lush planting scheme mixed with more traditional northeast plants such as pines, grasses, and roses. Unique plants such as hardy bananas were added for their tropical and exotic look. The full planting beds help to nestle in and enclose the living space. Broken flagstone was chosen for the patio and intentionally left irregular at the edges. PA flagstone was avoided and a stone with gold and brown tones was chosen. Boulder outcroppings added to the natural and tropical theme. The fire pit was designed with a large built-in bench to increase the amount of seating. The designers chose a rounded smooth shape and incorporated the same stone as the pool coping for the caps and bench. For entertaining guests the outdoor kitchen was outfitted with a large gas grill, beverage taps, refrigerator, sink and a dedicated lobster cooker. The kitchen was finished with granite countertops and stainless steel cabinets. Two strategically placed fire bowls, along with the low voltage lighting, add additional interest to the space at night. While the designers were faced with many challenges the resulting design incorporated enough elements to achieve the desired look and feel. Using plants appropriate to the northeast that fit the design criteria and carefully choosing hardscaping materials was essential. The owner’s feel they now have their own tropical theme resort right in their Pennsylvania backyard.

Completed in 2019, this is a home we completed for client who initially engaged us to remodeled their 100 year old classic craftsman bungalow on Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill. During our initial conversation, it became readily apparent that their program was much larger than a remodel could accomplish and the conversation quickly turned toward the design of a new structure that could accommodate a growing family, a live-in Nanny, a variety of entertainment options and an enclosed garage – all squeezed onto a compact urban corner lot. Project entitlement took almost a year as the house size dictated that we take advantage of several exceptions in Seattle’s complex zoning code. After several meetings with city planning officials, we finally prevailed in our arguments and ultimately designed a 4 story, 3800 sf house on a 2700 sf lot. The finished product is light and airy with a large, open plan and exposed beams on the main level, 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 powder rooms, 2 fireplaces, 4 climate zones, a huge basement with a home theatre, guest suite, climbing gym, and an underground tavern/wine cellar/man cave. The kitchen has a large island, a walk-in pantry, a small breakfast area and access to a large deck. All of this program is capped by a rooftop deck with expansive views of Seattle’s urban landscape and Lake Union. Unfortunately for our clients, a job relocation to Southern California forced a sale of their dream home a little more than a year after they settled in after a year project. The good news is that in Seattle’s tight housing market, in less than a week they received several full price offers with escalator clauses which allowed them to turn a nice profit on the deal.

Completed in 2019, this is a home we completed for client who initially engaged us to remodeled their 100 year old classic craftsman bungalow on Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill. During our initial conversation, it became readily apparent that their program was much larger than a remodel could accomplish and the conversation quickly turned toward the design of a new structure that could accommodate a growing family, a live-in Nanny, a variety of entertainment options and an enclosed garage – all squeezed onto a compact urban corner lot. Project entitlement took almost a year as the house size dictated that we take advantage of several exceptions in Seattle’s complex zoning code. After several meetings with city planning officials, we finally prevailed in our arguments and ultimately designed a 4 story, 3800 sf house on a 2700 sf lot. The finished product is light and airy with a large, open plan and exposed beams on the main level, 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 powder rooms, 2 fireplaces, 4 climate zones, a huge basement with a home theatre, guest suite, climbing gym, and an underground tavern/wine cellar/man cave. The kitchen has a large island, a walk-in pantry, a small breakfast area and access to a large deck. All of this program is capped by a rooftop deck with expansive views of Seattle’s urban landscape and Lake Union. Unfortunately for our clients, a job relocation to Southern California forced a sale of their dream home a little more than a year after they settled in after a year project. The good news is that in Seattle’s tight housing market, in less than a week they received several full price offers with escalator clauses which allowed them to turn a nice profit on the deal.

We are delighted to have completed the radical transformation of a tired detached property in South Croydon. When they appointed Granit, our clients were living in the property which had previously been divided into a number of flats. The historic sub-division had resulted in an extremely poor use of space with redundant staircases, kitchens and bathrooms throughout. Our clients sought to reconfigure the property back into a single dwelling for his growing family. Our client had an eye for design and was keen to balance contemporary design whilst maintaining as much of the character of the original house. Maximising natural light, space and establishing a visual and physical connection were also key drivers for the design. Owing to the size of the property, it became apparent that reconfiguration rather than extension provided the solution to meet the brief. A metal clad ‘intervention’ was introduced to the rear facade. This created a strong horizontal element creating a visual balance with the vertical nature of the three storey gable. The metal cladding specified echoed the colour of the red brick string courses tying old with new. Slender frame sliding doors provide access and views of the large garden. The central circulation space was transformed by the introduction of a double height glazed slot wrapping up the rear facade and onto the roof. This allows daylight to permeate into the heart of the otherwise dark deep floor plan. The staircase was reconfigured into a series of landings looking down over the main void space below and out towards the tree canopies at the rear of the garden. The introduction of double pocket doors throughout the ground floor creates a series of interconnected spaces and the whitewashed Larch flooring flows seamlessly from room to room. A bold palette of colours and materials lends character and texture throughout the property. The end result is a spacious yet cosy environment for the family to inhabit for years to come.

We are delighted to have completed the radical transformation of a tired detached property in South Croydon. When they appointed Granit, our clients were living in the property which had previously been divided into a number of flats. The historic sub-division had resulted in an extremely poor use of space with redundant staircases, kitchens and bathrooms throughout. Our clients sought to reconfigure the property back into a single dwelling for his growing family. Our client had an eye for design and was keen to balance contemporary design whilst maintaining as much of the character of the original house. Maximising natural light, space and establishing a visual and physical connection were also key drivers for the design. Owing to the size of the property, it became apparent that reconfiguration rather than extension provided the solution to meet the brief. A metal clad ‘intervention’ was introduced to the rear facade. This created a strong horizontal element creating a visual balance with the vertical nature of the three storey gable. The metal cladding specified echoed the colour of the red brick string courses tying old with new. Slender frame sliding doors provide access and views of the large garden. The central circulation space was transformed by the introduction of a double height glazed slot wrapping up the rear facade and onto the roof. This allows daylight to permeate into the heart of the otherwise dark deep floor plan. The staircase was reconfigured into a series of landings looking down over the main void space below and out towards the tree canopies at the rear of the garden. The introduction of double pocket doors throughout the ground floor creates a series of interconnected spaces and the whitewashed Larch flooring flows seamlessly from room to room. A bold palette of colours and materials lends character and texture throughout the property. The end result is a spacious yet cosy environment for the family to inhabit for years to come.

A Family Retreat in Rural Ontario The clients for this project live abroad, and sought a Canadian homestead — an anchor — for their large, young family. During summer and winter holidays, the parents wanted their children immersed in an Ontario landscape like the one in which they were raised. To this end, they requested a “rustic, modern retreat” for their 100-acre property of forest, wetland, and meadows. The family sought a generous home to allow young teenagers and extended family to be comfortable in a remote area for long stays. They sought a casual, comfortable space for the family and their dogs that would encourage activities like hiking and snowshoeing — no fancy entertaining. Under One Roof The most powerful aspect of the design is the long, tent-like roof, which follows the site’s topography. The roof and its ridge beam became the design’s primary focus, shaping the circulation path through the home’s interior, ultimately extending a view toward the forest. A primary technical challenge was the roof’s structure, which despite its 60-metre length needed to seem light. The folds and angles of the steel roof are supported by the meandering ridge-beam. The roof cantilevers and tapers at all edges. At the entry side of the house, the roof lifts like a bird’s wing off the garage volume beneath, sheltering an outdoor terrace. Playing with Heavy and Light Monolithic slate-clad volumes anchor the home and define the space between the curtains of glass. These opaque volumes echo the property’s rock outcrops. The garage, bathrooms, stairs, and pantry are grouped inside, and appear to hold up the dynamic roof. Steel construction was chosen to avoid using the expected material of heavy timber for this forest getaway. Being cognizant of the clients’ desire for a warm interior, it was also important to avoid modernist tendencies for box-like forms. Because the main floor is lifted above the ground and the topography falls away, the main floor is in the treetops while simultaneously filling the lower recreation area with light. A Contemporary Approach to Warmth and Closeness The continuous space of the home, with only bedrooms and bathrooms closed off, is a layout that underscores closeness. The family areas and parents’ area are on the main level. The kids’ bedrooms are bundled into a single slate-clad volume, suspended like a cocoon above the main floor from a 40’ steel beam and accessed by a catwalk. Sustainability To avoid cutting trees, the home was placed on an existing cleared ridge overlooking a wildflower meadow. The home is heated and cooled via a geothermal unit with summer solar gain reduced by significant roof overhangs. The glass walls are triple-pane, and high-efficiency fixtures and equipment for the well and septic system help reduce the home’s environmental impact. Historically, the Canadian identity has been defined by our relationship to the land. Fulfilling the client’s mandate, the home honours that emotional connection through visual and material harmonization with its surroundings.

We are delighted to have completed the radical transformation of a tired detached property in South Croydon. When they appointed Granit, our clients were living in the property which had previously been divided into a number of flats. The historic sub-division had resulted in an extremely poor use of space with redundant staircases, kitchens and bathrooms throughout. Our clients sought to reconfigure the property back into a single dwelling for his growing family. Our client had an eye for design and was keen to balance contemporary design whilst maintaining as much of the character of the original house. Maximising natural light, space and establishing a visual and physical connection were also key drivers for the design. Owing to the size of the property, it became apparent that reconfiguration rather than extension provided the solution to meet the brief. A metal clad ‘intervention’ was introduced to the rear facade. This created a strong horizontal element creating a visual balance with the vertical nature of the three storey gable. The metal cladding specified echoed the colour of the red brick string courses tying old with new. Slender frame sliding doors provide access and views of the large garden. The central circulation space was transformed by the introduction of a double height glazed slot wrapping up the rear facade and onto the roof. This allows daylight to permeate into the heart of the otherwise dark deep floor plan. The staircase was reconfigured into a series of landings looking down over the main void space below and out towards the tree canopies at the rear of the garden. The introduction of double pocket doors throughout the ground floor creates a series of interconnected spaces and the whitewashed Larch flooring flows seamlessly from room to room. A bold palette of colours and materials lends character and texture throughout the property. The end result is a spacious yet cosy environment for the family to inhabit for years to come.

We are delighted to have completed the radical transformation of a tired detached property in South Croydon. When they appointed Granit, our clients were living in the property which had previously been divided into a number of flats. The historic sub-division had resulted in an extremely poor use of space with redundant staircases, kitchens and bathrooms throughout. Our clients sought to reconfigure the property back into a single dwelling for his growing family. Our client had an eye for design and was keen to balance contemporary design whilst maintaining as much of the character of the original house. Maximising natural light, space and establishing a visual and physical connection were also key drivers for the design. Owing to the size of the property, it became apparent that reconfiguration rather than extension provided the solution to meet the brief. A metal clad ‘intervention’ was introduced to the rear facade. This created a strong horizontal element creating a visual balance with the vertical nature of the three storey gable. The metal cladding specified echoed the colour of the red brick string courses tying old with new. Slender frame sliding doors provide access and views of the large garden. The central circulation space was transformed by the introduction of a double height glazed slot wrapping up the rear facade and onto the roof. This allows daylight to permeate into the heart of the otherwise dark deep floor plan. The staircase was reconfigured into a series of landings looking down over the main void space below and out towards the tree canopies at the rear of the garden. The introduction of double pocket doors throughout the ground floor creates a series of interconnected spaces and the whitewashed Larch flooring flows seamlessly from room to room. A bold palette of colours and materials lends character and texture throughout the property. The end result is a spacious yet cosy environment for the family to inhabit for years to come.

Light, bright and inviting, a beautiful entertainer’s kitchen that combines modern features with beachside characteristics. The open-plan layout connecting with a long Island bench, perfect when you need extra space to prepare a meal, it doubles as casual dining space for guests to eat around or enjoy a glass of wine while having a chat. Striking pendant lighting draws the eye towards the spectacular white profile joinery, that actually works to reflect natural lighting and maximise window views. The blue tone acts as a sophisticated backdrop, a statement against the stone countertop leading up and into the splash back, engineered stone in Casablanca form Stone Ambassador helps to open the space and creates the illusion of a larger area. White leather bar stools are a great casual seating option, and a contrast to the "Dulux Sharp Blue” colour palette used on the Island cabinetry. Smartly positioned bar is a nice addition in this entertainer's space, creating an elegant and also practical storage solution, kept away from plain sight but nearby and handy when situations call for a celebration or a relaxing sip before bed. This cleverly designed area is complete with wine fridge, wine rack and shelves for storage. The Ultimate adjoining laundry flowing directly from the kitchen, it’s vital that the design is both practical and functional. Materials continue into this space with the exception of the splash back, the use of textured tiles in a herringbone pattern adds an extra eye-catching element to this desirable laundry space. Ample storage is necessary in your laundry, this space includes a combination of cupboards, overhead, drawers and bench top space, and the inclusion of tall cupboards allowing you to store brooms, mops and vacuum cleaners out of sight. Elements of blue that echo the outside connecting the kitchen and garden, allowing a free- flowing design and plenty of natural light, throw open the doors and straight onto the pool.

Completed in 2019, this is a home we completed for client who initially engaged us to remodeled their 100 year old classic craftsman bungalow on Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill. During our initial conversation, it became readily apparent that their program was much larger than a remodel could accomplish and the conversation quickly turned toward the design of a new structure that could accommodate a growing family, a live-in Nanny, a variety of entertainment options and an enclosed garage – all squeezed onto a compact urban corner lot. Project entitlement took almost a year as the house size dictated that we take advantage of several exceptions in Seattle’s complex zoning code. After several meetings with city planning officials, we finally prevailed in our arguments and ultimately designed a 4 story, 3800 sf house on a 2700 sf lot. The finished product is light and airy with a large, open plan and exposed beams on the main level, 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 powder rooms, 2 fireplaces, 4 climate zones, a huge basement with a home theatre, guest suite, climbing gym, and an underground tavern/wine cellar/man cave. The kitchen has a large island, a walk-in pantry, a small breakfast area and access to a large deck. All of this program is capped by a rooftop deck with expansive views of Seattle’s urban landscape and Lake Union. Unfortunately for our clients, a job relocation to Southern California forced a sale of their dream home a little more than a year after they settled in after a year project. The good news is that in Seattle’s tight housing market, in less than a week they received several full price offers with escalator clauses which allowed them to turn a nice profit on the deal.

**I. Spatial Composition & Architectural Volume** This interior operates on a strategy of framed extension, in which the room's perceived volume is borrowed from the garden beyond rather than asserted through internal grandeur. The composition is governed by a rigorous orthogonal discipline: a full-height sliding glazing system, set within a deep oak-lined reveal, functions as both aperture and proscenium, its slender mullions dividing the exterior into a triptych of vegetal planes. The generous depth of that reveal — expressed as a substantial threshold plinth and continuous jamb casing — reads less as trim than as tectonic gesture, giving weight and thickness to the enclosure and reinforcing the sense of a pavilion pressed against a green wall. To the left, a floor-to-ceiling pocketing door of book-matched, quarter-sawn oak establishes a monolithic vertical counterpoint, its recessed flush pull the only interruption of an otherwise uninflected plane; the shallow return of the wall beyond it creates a compressed entry sequence that releases into the primary volume. The flat, shadowless plaster ceiling maintains a neutral lid over the composition, while the furniture plan is deliberately low-slung and horizontal — a deep sectional set parallel to the glazing, a leather-topped ottoman, and a low occasional table — so that no element rises to compete with the sightline. Circulation is implied along the wall's edge, funnelling toward the terrace and its al fresco dining vignette, which acts as the room's terminal focal point and extends the interior axis outward. **II. Materiality, Color & Texture** The palette is a study in low-contrast tonal layering, calibrated within a narrow band of warm neutrals and animated almost entirely by the saturated chlorophyll green of the ivy screen. Rift-cut white oak, finished in a matte oil that reveals rather than glosses its medullary figure, provides the room's structural warmth — appearing in the joinery, the window surround, and the herringbone parquet, whose fine chevron rhythm introduces a subtle graphic pattern at foot level. Walls are treated in what appears to be a woven grasscloth or linen-effect wallcovering in a pale oatmeal tone, its faint horizontal striation catching raking light and lending textile softness to the perimeter. Against this, the seating is upholstered in a tightly woven, undyed linen-cotton blend with a biscuit-tufted seat platform, its slubbed irregularity a deliberate foil to the precision of the millwork. The cushion program provides the composition's only chromatic incident: an indigo-ground ikat or *kasuri* resist-dyed weave, with its blurred weft-broken banding, paired with a heavier blanket-stitched wool in glaucous blue-grey and buff stripes. Underfoot, a hand-knotted silk-and-wool rug in slate and mineral grey carries an attenuated ogee lattice, its lustrous pile providing cool relief beneath the warmer wood tones. The plinth-mounted travertine or reconstituted-stone planter — matte, porous, faintly chalky — and the honed grey stone paving beyond introduce lithic gravity, balancing the prevailing softness with a mineral edge. **III. Lighting, Atmosphere & Style Profile** Illumination here is almost entirely diurnal and indirect: north-oriented or hedge-filtered daylight arrives diffuse and green-cast, washing the space in a soft, even luminance that suppresses hard shadow and privileges texture over drama. The ivory sheer, hung on a discreet recessed track, tempers glare while retaining silhouette legibility, and the adjacent pinch-pleated overdrape in a taupe-bronze silk-blend — with its subtle vertical striation and slight sheen — offers the option of full blackout while contributing a note of drapery-weight formality. Artificial sources are conspicuously concealed; no decorative fixture interrupts the ceiling plane, implying a scheme of recessed low-glare downlights or perimeter cove washing designed to sustain the daytime ambience after dusk. The resulting atmosphere is one of composed reticence — quiet, tactile, and deeply oriented toward the garden. Stylistically, the project synthesises Japandi restraint (the pocketing timber plane, the shadow-gap detailing, the reverence for the framed view) with the material sensuality and drapery conventions of European Soft Modernism, yielding a warm minimalism in which luxury is communicated through joinery tolerance, textile hand, and the disciplined editing of the palette rather than through ornament or statement furniture. It is an interior conceived as a calm neutral ground — an armature for light, landscape, and the slow accretion of daily life.

Phil and Rocio, little did you know how perfect your timing was when you came to us and asked for a “small but perfect home”. Fertile ground indeed as we thought about working on something like a precious gem, or what we’re calling a NEW Jewel. So many of our clients now are building smaller homes because they simply don’t need a bigger one. Seems smart for many reasons: less vacuuming, less heating and cooling, less taxes. And for many, less strain on the finances as we get to the point where retirement shines bright and hopeful. For the jewel of a home we wanted to start with 1,000 square feet. Enough room for a pleasant common area, a couple of away rooms for bed and work, a couple of bathrooms and yes to a mudroom and pantry. (For Phil and Rocio’s, we ended up with 1,140 square feet.) The Jewel would not compromise on design intent, envelope or craft intensity. This is the big benefit of the smaller footprint, of course. By using a pure and simple form for the house volume, a true jewel would have enough money in the budget for the highest quality materials, net-zero levels of insulation, triple pane windows, and a high-efficiency heat pump. Additionally, the doors would be handcrafted, the cabinets solid wood, the finishes exquisite, and craftsmanship shudderingly excellent. Our many thanks to Phil and Rocio for including us in their dream home project. It is truly a Jewel! From the homeowners (read their full note here): “It is quite difficult to express the deep sense of gratitude we feel towards everyone that contributed to the Jewel…many of which I don’t have the ability to send this to, or even be able to name. The artistic, creative flair combined with real-life practicality is a major component of our place we will love for many years to come. Please pass on our thanks to everyone that was involved. We look forward to visits from any and all as time goes by." –Phil and Rocio Read more about the first steps for this Jewel on our blog. Reclaimed Wood, Kitchen Cabinetry, Bedroom Door: Pioneer Millworks Entry door: NEWwoodworks Professional Photos: Loren Nelson Photography

This project was the result of the owner’s desire to install a swimming pool and outdoor living space inspired by tropical resorts they had visited on family vacations. The one element asked for specifically was a large waterfall spilling into the pool. The challenge for the designers was how to achieve the look the owner’s wished without the use of clichéd items such as thatched huts and tiki torches. The designers decided lush full plantings using plants found in the northeast region that met certain design criteria would be the primary way of giving the tropical feel. Boulder outcroppings, irregular stone paving and fire bowls along the back of the pool would complete the look. The property is located in a newer subdivision with homes on both sides and a school to the rear. A walkway connects the neighborhood and the school along one side. The desired privacy would be addressed by the placement of plants and trees around the perimeter in mounded beds. Placing the waterfall to the rear of the pool helped block the view of the school beyond. The township had restrictions on the amount of impervious material allowable on site. The patio was designed to the maximum allowable size with square footage going to where it would be most usable. Planting beds were cut into the patio to decrease unnecessary square footage, divide spaces, and allow for more places to add plants and trees. A rectangular swimming pool was chosen to make it easier to install an automatic pool cover. The pool was designed, with input from the landscape designers, and contracted separately by the owner. The landscape designers chose the location of pool and waterfall so that it was prominently placed to be the focal point of the backyard. The pool includes a curving sunbathing shelf running from end to end, finished in a lighter color to make it more visible, with removable umbrellas for shade and to add to the resort feel. To tie into the boulders used throughout the design, a large boulder was used as a substitute for a diving board. The yard sloped down towards the back of the property which required a large amount of soil to be added and large boulder retaining wall along the back. For the planting design, the designers choose to focus on plants with larger leaves, various leaf colors and textures, and plants with large flowers in bold colors. These plants were then arranged into a loose lush planting scheme mixed with more traditional northeast plants such as pines, grasses, and roses. Unique plants such as hardy bananas were added for their tropical and exotic look. The full planting beds help to nestle in and enclose the living space. Broken flagstone was chosen for the patio and intentionally left irregular at the edges. PA flagstone was avoided and a stone with gold and brown tones was chosen. Boulder outcroppings added to the natural and tropical theme. The fire pit was designed with a large built-in bench to increase the amount of seating. The designers chose a rounded smooth shape and incorporated the same stone as the pool coping for the caps and bench. For entertaining guests the outdoor kitchen was outfitted with a large gas grill, beverage taps, refrigerator, sink and a dedicated lobster cooker. The kitchen was finished with granite countertops and stainless steel cabinets. Two strategically placed fire bowls, along with the low voltage lighting, add additional interest to the space at night. While the designers were faced with many challenges the resulting design incorporated enough elements to achieve the desired look and feel. Using plants appropriate to the northeast that fit the design criteria and carefully choosing hardscaping materials was essential. The owner’s feel they now have their own tropical theme resort right in their Pennsylvania backyard.

We are delighted to have completed the radical transformation of a tired detached property in South Croydon. When they appointed Granit, our clients were living in the property which had previously been divided into a number of flats. The historic sub-division had resulted in an extremely poor use of space with redundant staircases, kitchens and bathrooms throughout. Our clients sought to reconfigure the property back into a single dwelling for his growing family. Our client had an eye for design and was keen to balance contemporary design whilst maintaining as much of the character of the original house. Maximising natural light, space and establishing a visual and physical connection were also key drivers for the design. Owing to the size of the property, it became apparent that reconfiguration rather than extension provided the solution to meet the brief. A metal clad ‘intervention’ was introduced to the rear facade. This created a strong horizontal element creating a visual balance with the vertical nature of the three storey gable. The metal cladding specified echoed the colour of the red brick string courses tying old with new. Slender frame sliding doors provide access and views of the large garden. The central circulation space was transformed by the introduction of a double height glazed slot wrapping up the rear facade and onto the roof. This allows daylight to permeate into the heart of the otherwise dark deep floor plan. The staircase was reconfigured into a series of landings looking down over the main void space below and out towards the tree canopies at the rear of the garden. The introduction of double pocket doors throughout the ground floor creates a series of interconnected spaces and the whitewashed Larch flooring flows seamlessly from room to room. A bold palette of colours and materials lends character and texture throughout the property. The end result is a spacious yet cosy environment for the family to inhabit for years to come.

Project Overview: The project was a highly designed energy efficient residential new build in Colchester, Vermont by Red HouseBuilding and architect Elizabeth Herrmann using our Shou Sugi Ban – Gendai that was oiled with a Light Gray prefinish. “Nestled into a steep Vermont hillside, this home was carefully designed and positioned to efficiently and thoughtfully take advantage of the challenging terrain and stunning mountain views. The house is characterized by a series of connected wedge-shaped volumes. Roof lines lift toward views and sunlight and provide airy, varied-height spaces within. Designed to make single-floor living possible, the home has all major living spaces including a bedroom suite and garage on the main level, with a dual-purpose guest room/office, bathroom, and dual-purpose art studio/exercise room below. Totaling just 2,200 square feet of finished area (with additional mechanical space and an unfinished garage), the house is small, though expansive in feel. A dramatically angled porch juts out over the hillside, expanding the living space by over 200 square feet in the warmer months. This home is also a high-performance, energy-efficient home that takes advantage of solar exposure. Solar panels located just above the house generate power. The home is heated and cooled by just two air source heat pumps. A natural, low-maintenance palette extends from interior to exterior including Shou Sugi Ban siding charred and stained a light gray, local maple wood flooring and cabinetry, and stone accents.” Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Light Gray Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 2400SF Designer: Elizabeth Herrmann Architecture + Design Builder: Red House Building Date: November 2018 Location: Colchester, VT

We are delighted to have completed the radical transformation of a tired detached property in South Croydon. When they appointed Granit, our clients were living in the property which had previously been divided into a number of flats. The historic sub-division had resulted in an extremely poor use of space with redundant staircases, kitchens and bathrooms throughout. Our clients sought to reconfigure the property back into a single dwelling for his growing family. Our client had an eye for design and was keen to balance contemporary design whilst maintaining as much of the character of the original house. Maximising natural light, space and establishing a visual and physical connection were also key drivers for the design. Owing to the size of the property, it became apparent that reconfiguration rather than extension provided the solution to meet the brief. A metal clad ‘intervention’ was introduced to the rear facade. This created a strong horizontal element creating a visual balance with the vertical nature of the three storey gable. The metal cladding specified echoed the colour of the red brick string courses tying old with new. Slender frame sliding doors provide access and views of the large garden. The central circulation space was transformed by the introduction of a double height glazed slot wrapping up the rear facade and onto the roof. This allows daylight to permeate into the heart of the otherwise dark deep floor plan. The staircase was reconfigured into a series of landings looking down over the main void space below and out towards the tree canopies at the rear of the garden. The introduction of double pocket doors throughout the ground floor creates a series of interconnected spaces and the whitewashed Larch flooring flows seamlessly from room to room. A bold palette of colours and materials lends character and texture throughout the property. The end result is a spacious yet cosy environment for the family to inhabit for years to come.

Completed in 2019, this is a home we completed for client who initially engaged us to remodeled their 100 year old classic craftsman bungalow on Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill. During our initial conversation, it became readily apparent that their program was much larger than a remodel could accomplish and the conversation quickly turned toward the design of a new structure that could accommodate a growing family, a live-in Nanny, a variety of entertainment options and an enclosed garage – all squeezed onto a compact urban corner lot. Project entitlement took almost a year as the house size dictated that we take advantage of several exceptions in Seattle’s complex zoning code. After several meetings with city planning officials, we finally prevailed in our arguments and ultimately designed a 4 story, 3800 sf house on a 2700 sf lot. The finished product is light and airy with a large, open plan and exposed beams on the main level, 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 powder rooms, 2 fireplaces, 4 climate zones, a huge basement with a home theatre, guest suite, climbing gym, and an underground tavern/wine cellar/man cave. The kitchen has a large island, a walk-in pantry, a small breakfast area and access to a large deck. All of this program is capped by a rooftop deck with expansive views of Seattle’s urban landscape and Lake Union. Unfortunately for our clients, a job relocation to Southern California forced a sale of their dream home a little more than a year after they settled in after a year project. The good news is that in Seattle’s tight housing market, in less than a week they received several full price offers with escalator clauses which allowed them to turn a nice profit on the deal.

This project is a reflection of modern design and style, and incorporates natural materials and features that had no limitations. Every attention to detail was considered and applied to the design and construction of this waterside beauty. The property is entered through a long meandering laneway, which is bordered with exposed aggregate concrete banding that visually connects to the parking area and the accenting paver design. On arrival, you are greeted with two very large planter box features that offer plantings of luxuriant seasonal interest and beauty. The perennials, shrubs and trees were all carefully selected to reflect the client’s tastes and lifestyle. The lighting design utilizes a wide variety of strategies and techniques, from shadowing and wall washing, to grazing and moonlighting. The result is a magical night garden that filled with wonder. The large patio terrace begins with an impressive 17’ long granite bar and outdoor kitchen, great for entertaining and cooking. Whether sunbathing, lounging or hot-tubbing, this outdoor living area is an adult’s paradise ready to be enjoyed. Large, terraced armourstone boulder walls retain and stabilize the shoreline. The client’s morning typically begins with a dip in the hot tub with its automated cover, and is an easy trek in the winter as the patio terrace has an in-ground heating system to keep the snow and ice clear. The furniture was specifically planned from the initial design, as sunbathing loungers, couches/armchairs and barstools are all matching and unified. Key landscape features from previous gardens were incorporated into this property, including their beloved NestRest hanging over the water’s edge. This unique focal point is anchored and cantilevered through a custom mast and boom system, reflecting the client’s love for sailing. The end result of this project is the epitome taste, style and a persistent dedication towards perfection.

Light, bright and inviting, a beautiful entertainer’s kitchen that combines modern features with beachside characteristics. The open-plan layout connecting with a long Island bench, perfect when you need extra space to prepare a meal, it doubles as casual dining space for guests to eat around or enjoy a glass of wine while having a chat. Striking pendant lighting draws the eye towards the spectacular white profile joinery, that actually works to reflect natural lighting and maximise window views. The blue tone acts as a sophisticated backdrop, a statement against the stone countertop leading up and into the splash back, engineered stone in Casablanca form Stone Ambassador helps to open the space and creates the illusion of a larger area. White leather bar stools are a great casual seating option, and a contrast to the "Dulux Sharp Blue” colour palette used on the Island cabinetry. Smartly positioned bar is a nice addition in this entertainer's space, creating an elegant and also practical storage solution, kept away from plain sight but nearby and handy when situations call for a celebration or a relaxing sip before bed. This cleverly designed area is complete with wine fridge, wine rack and shelves for storage. The Ultimate adjoining laundry flowing directly from the kitchen, it’s vital that the design is both practical and functional. Materials continue into this space with the exception of the splash back, the use of textured tiles in a herringbone pattern adds an extra eye-catching element to this desirable laundry space. Ample storage is necessary in your laundry, this space includes a combination of cupboards, overhead, drawers and bench top space, and the inclusion of tall cupboards allowing you to store brooms, mops and vacuum cleaners out of sight. Elements of blue that echo the outside connecting the kitchen and garden, allowing a free- flowing design and plenty of natural light, throw open the doors and straight onto the pool.