The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

Kasinger-Mastel
Inspiration for a large rustic enclosed dark wood floor living room remodel with a stone fireplace and beige walls

Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea

Imagine walking outside your home and pulling fresh fruit off the stem. Espalier fruit trees are like having an orchard in your own yard. Plus, in addition to producing delicious fruit, the ornamental shapes have a high wow-factor and require a small footprint. Fruiting espalier trees are available from River Road Farms in a variety of designs. Please call 800-297-1435 or email RIVERRD@USIT.NET for availability.

photography by Joe Dodd
Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard concrete paver patio design in San Francisco

Architectural Designer: Bruce Lenzen Design/Build - Interior Designer: Ann Ludwig - Photo: Spacecrafting Photography
Bathroom - large contemporary master porcelain tile bathroom idea in Minneapolis with a ribbon fireplace, a tile fireplace and a hot tub

A dark backyard was given a new life with dramatic additions of built in planting beds, custom cut salvaged pavers, green screen trellis and a ton of charm. The reclaimed barn doors add a focal point to the east wall while the custom built two-tier planting system allows vines to fill this garden which spans two floors of the client's home.

Mid-sized contemporary gray two-story wood exterior home idea in Seattle

Design ideas for a huge traditional driveway in Dallas.

Open concept kitchen - large transitional l-shaped marble floor, black floor and exposed beam open concept kitchen idea in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Michael Walmsley
Front door - mid-sized transitional front door idea in Seattle with a white front door

Patio - large rustic backyard stone patio idea with a roof extension and a fireplace

This Palm Springs backyard pool overlooks the San Jacinto Mountains to the west. Photography by Greg Hoppe.
Example of a mid-sized 1950s backyard custom-shaped and concrete pool design in Los Angeles

Example of a large trendy dining room design in Boston with no fireplace

A little 'oasis' was created in this compact urban yard as a 'mini pool' for a family with young children. The plunge-pool/spa with black slate interior and integrated rock feature, has a waterfall surrounded by the lush plantings. The deck is natural square-cut flagstone set on a concrete base. A natural cedar hedge and custom cedar side screens provide privacy. With equipment in the garage, insulated plumbing lines and a custom cover allow for year round use. (8 x 13, kidney shape)

Eden flagstone patio with cutom fire pit. Character chunks are used for seating.
Mountain style backyard stone patio photo in Milwaukee with a fire pit and no cover

Photo of a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard formal garden in New York.

Mid-sized trendy gray two-story wood exterior home photo in Seattle

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master white tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub remodel in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored walls, an integrated sink and a niche