A young family with a wooded, triangular lot in Ipswich, Massachusetts wanted to take on a highly creative, organic, and unrushed process in designing their new home. The parents of three boys had contemporary ideas for living, including phasing the construction of different structures over time as the kids grew so they could maximize the options for use on their land. They hoped to build a net zero energy home that would be cozy on the very coldest days of winter, using cost-efficient methods of home building. The house needed to be sited to minimize impact on the land and trees, and it was critical to respect a conservation easement on the south border of the lot. Finally, the design would be contemporary in form and feel, but it would also need to fit into a classic New England context, both in terms of materials used and durability. We were asked to honor the notions of “surprise and delight,” and that inspired everything we designed for the family. The highly unique home consists of a three-story form, composed mostly of bedrooms and baths on the top two floors and a cross axis of shared living spaces on the first level. This axis extends out to an oversized covered porch, open to the south and west. The porch connects to a two-story garage with flex space above, used as a guest house, play room, and yoga studio depending on the day. A floor-to-ceiling ribbon of glass wraps the south and west walls of the lower level, bringing in an abundance of natural light and linking the entire open plan to the yard beyond. The master suite takes up the entire top floor, and includes an outdoor deck with a shower. The middle floor has extra height to accommodate a variety of multi-level play scenarios in the kids’ rooms. Many of the materials used in this house are made from recycled or environmentally friendly content, or they come from local sources. The high performance home has triple glazed windows and all materials, adhesives, and sealants are low toxicity and safe for growing kids.

This beautiful Tudor house built in 1923 made a classic statement on a street in Glendale, California. The living room and dining room were just what you would expect with oak floors, crown molding and leaded glass windows. Then you walk through the door from the dining room into the kitchen and a time warp took you to a 1950’s kitchen with metal cabinets and a triangular cooktop peninsula. How do I change the kitchen to make it part of the house and add functions that every cook wants? The homeowners agreed that we needed to remove everything down to the studs and start fresh. We removed all the cabinets, soffit, ceiling and floor. Due to termite damage, the 2 windows and all the framing on the east wall was replaced. I presented two plans to the homeowners and we finalized one. We moved the sink from the diagonal corner and centered it under the smaller window. JRY & Co.

Striking home with mountain influenced design. Strategic outdoor lighting compliments metal, stone, and wood exterior.
Large trendy beige two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Denver with a shed roof

A young family with a wooded, triangular lot in Ipswich, Massachusetts wanted to take on a highly creative, organic, and unrushed process in designing their new home. The parents of three boys had contemporary ideas for living, including phasing the construction of different structures over time as the kids grew so they could maximize the options for use on their land. They hoped to build a net zero energy home that would be cozy on the very coldest days of winter, using cost-efficient methods of home building. The house needed to be sited to minimize impact on the land and trees, and it was critical to respect a conservation easement on the south border of the lot. Finally, the design would be contemporary in form and feel, but it would also need to fit into a classic New England context, both in terms of materials used and durability. We were asked to honor the notions of “surprise and delight,” and that inspired everything we designed for the family. The highly unique home consists of a three-story form, composed mostly of bedrooms and baths on the top two floors and a cross axis of shared living spaces on the first level. This axis extends out to an oversized covered porch, open to the south and west. The porch connects to a two-story garage with flex space above, used as a guest house, play room, and yoga studio depending on the day. A floor-to-ceiling ribbon of glass wraps the south and west walls of the lower level, bringing in an abundance of natural light and linking the entire open plan to the yard beyond. The master suite takes up the entire top floor, and includes an outdoor deck with a shower. The middle floor has extra height to accommodate a variety of multi-level play scenarios in the kids’ rooms. Many of the materials used in this house are made from recycled or environmentally friendly content, or they come from local sources. The high performance home has triple glazed windows and all materials, adhesives, and sealants are low toxicity and safe for growing kids. Photographer credit: Irvin Serrano

An amazing client who wanted to push the envelope on both material choice and green building integration. This single-family home with detached garage is to be a year round base for a professional athlete. The open plan interior is achieved by CLT panels which form the walls and roof, vaulted, with no interior beams or ties, and without the use of an exterior steel frame. Woodfibre insulation covers the solid timber construction and shō sugi ban treated wood exterior. The buildings are arranged around a vast triangular canopy, providing a connection between each building and shelter from the summer sun and winter snow. The envelope and windows all surpass passive house requirements, whilst underground tanks will collect and treat rainwater for household use. Work began in Summer 2018 and was completed late fall 2019.

An amazing client who wanted to push the envelope on both material choice and green building integration. This single-family home with detached garage is to be a year round base for a professional athlete. The open plan interior is achieved by CLT panels which form the walls and roof, vaulted, with no interior beams or ties, and without the use of an exterior steel frame. Woodfibre insulation covers the solid timber construction and shō sugi ban treated wood exterior. The buildings are arranged around a vast triangular canopy, providing a connection between each building and shelter from the summer sun and winter snow. The envelope and windows all surpass passive house requirements, whilst underground tanks will collect and treat rainwater for household use. Work began in Summer 2018 and was completed late fall 2019

An amazing client who wanted to push the envelope on both material choice and green building integration. This single-family home with detached garage is to be a year round base for a professional athlete. The open plan interior is achieved by CLT panels which form the walls and roof, vaulted, with no interior beams or ties, and without the use of an exterior steel frame. Woodfibre insulation covers the solid timber construction and shō sugi ban treated wood exterior. The buildings are arranged around a vast triangular canopy, providing a connection between each building and shelter from the summer sun and winter snow. The envelope and windows all surpass passive house requirements, whilst underground tanks will collect and treat rainwater for household use. Work began in Summer 2018 and was completed late fall 2019

Beautiful Beach Home with views of the ocean.
Large coastal three-story stone house exterior idea in Philadelphia

An amazing client who wanted to push the envelope on both material choice and green building integration. This single-family home with detached garage is to be a year round base for a professional athlete. The open plan interior is achieved by CLT panels which form the walls and roof, vaulted, with no interior beams or ties, and without the use of an exterior steel frame. Woodfibre insulation covers the solid timber construction and shō sugi ban treated wood exterior. The buildings are arranged around a vast triangular canopy, providing a connection between each building and shelter from the summer sun and winter snow. The envelope and windows all surpass passive house requirements, whilst underground tanks will collect and treat rainwater for household use. Work began in Summer 2018 and was completed late fall 2019.

Christopher Marona
Example of a large trendy beige two-story mixed siding exterior home design in Denver with a shed roof

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Inspiration for a 1960s home design remodel in Detroit

A young family with a wooded, triangular lot in Ipswich, Massachusetts wanted to take on a highly creative, organic, and unrushed process in designing their new home. The parents of three boys had contemporary ideas for living, including phasing the construction of different structures over time as the kids grew so they could maximize the options for use on their land. They hoped to build a net zero energy home that would be cozy on the very coldest days of winter, using cost-efficient methods of home building. The house needed to be sited to minimize impact on the land and trees, and it was critical to respect a conservation easement on the south border of the lot. Finally, the design would be contemporary in form and feel, but it would also need to fit into a classic New England context, both in terms of materials used and durability. We were asked to honor the notions of “surprise and delight,” and that inspired everything we designed for the family. The highly unique home consists of a three-story form, composed mostly of bedrooms and baths on the top two floors and a cross axis of shared living spaces on the first level. This axis extends out to an oversized covered porch, open to the south and west. The porch connects to a two-story garage with flex space above, used as a guest house, play room, and yoga studio depending on the day. A floor-to-ceiling ribbon of glass wraps the south and west walls of the lower level, bringing in an abundance of natural light and linking the entire open plan to the yard beyond. The master suite takes up the entire top floor, and includes an outdoor deck with a shower. The middle floor has extra height to accommodate a variety of multi-level play scenarios in the kids’ rooms. Many of the materials used in this house are made from recycled or environmentally friendly content, or they come from local sources. The high performance home has triple glazed windows and all materials, adhesives, and sealants are low toxicity and safe for growing kids.

A sleek grey sectional with tone on tone lavender velvet and bold stripe charcoal & purple pillows frames the fireplace. A custom painted grey coffee table with lavender upholstered triangular stools gives additional seating and storage. The carved lavender rug, silver & purple accessories coupled with the black and white art finish off the room.

This Desert Modern home is situated in the seclusion of a high desert homestead. Architectural features capture the colors and textures of the rugged surroundings. Sweeping vistas are captured through floor to ceiling window walls, protected from the glaring sun by triangular and curved Patio roof lines. The “see through” feeling blurs the distinction between inside and outside. Great Room is made for entertaining while watching amazing sunsets. Ceiling sections of wood planks, floating soffits and curved three-dimensional swirls add motion and subtle segmentation to the various areas. Kitchen has an open plan with an oversized Pantry. Serving Bar is situated in a corner glass wall, and is available to guests sitting outside. Master Suite provides a large seating area and window wall to enjoy the outside, whether during the day or evening. Patio is extensive across the back, providing a walk-on entrance to the infinity-edge Pool and raised Spa. Extensive seating areas, including Fire Pit, complete the enjoyment of the desert, day or night.

Readily available roof trusses were inverted to create ceiling interest and deep roof overhangs - a cost effective approach. Photo: Prakash Patel
Inspiration for a small contemporary brown two-story wood exterior home remodel in Richmond with a shed roof

Imagine a modern Lakewood home tailored for two veterans, blending accessibility with sleek design on a tricky lot. Jazz House turns a triangular site into a sunny haven, supporting mobility needs while celebrating life through light and space. The couple—a doctor and jazz musician—needed a home for limited mobility, with low thresholds and elevator prep. Close to transit for convenience, the design uses the lot's shape to invite winter sun and ease summer heat. Setbacks on the odd lot could have limited options, but an elongated build maximizes space and light. For injuries, accessible features create smooth movement, turning obstacles into a comfortable, future-proof setup. The concept focuses on clean, light-filled rooms with modern materials for a fresh feel. A private jazz studio adds personal touch, while the shape enhances views and flow. Modern methods ensure strength and style, built to handle Colorado's demands with efficiency in mind. Spacious with four bedrooms and three baths, big windows flood it with light. Private and shared areas, including the studio, make it versatile for work, music, and relaxation. Since 2015, Jazz House has been a supportive retreat that adapts to life. It offers ease, beauty, and connection to the city – a home where challenges become strengths for joyful living.

Example of a mid-sized trendy master beige tile, gray tile and porcelain tile ceramic tile alcove shower design in New York with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, a one-piece toilet and gray walls

Our overall design concept for the renovation of this space was to optimize the functional space for a family of five and accentuate the existing window. In the renovation, we eliminated a huge centrally located kitchen island which acted as an obstacle to the feeling of the space and focused on creating an elegant and balanced plan promoting movement, simplicity and precisely executed details. We held strong to having the kitchen cabinets, wherever possible, float off the floor to give the subtle impression of lightness avoiding a bottom heavy look. The cabinets were painted a pale tinted green to reduce the empty effect of light flooding a white kitchen leaving a softness and complementing the gray tiles. To integrate the existing dining room with the kitchen, we simply added some classic dining chairs and a dynamic light fixture, juxtaposing the geometry of the boxy kitchen with organic curves and triangular lights to balance the clean design with an inviting warmth.

This custom-designed home, secluded on 6 acres of woods and a pond, was constructed in 1986 and is demonstrative of the challenges of remodeling custom design homes. While the initial design worked for the original empty nesters, the new owner found aspects of the custom design deficient for their young family, best exemplified by the fact the kitchen was extremely small and did not have an oven. An interesting aspect of the original design was that it had a strong geometric form, in floor plan, that created interesting spaces for the original owner but introduced challenges in accommodating our client’s program. The original plan had triangular indentions and projections beyond a rectilinear footprint. To accommodate the owner’s program, we infilled one projection to encompass a fireplace and home stereo cabinets and removed an indentation to create more room for an expanded kitchen. The existing sunken living room floor was two steps down from the kitchen/dining area. We raised this floor flush with the other spaces to create a continuity of space. This allowed for more options in function and furnishings. The modern expression of the remodel was driven by our client’s passion for modern design, and it further enhanced the original design expression, staying respectful and true to the original design. Albers Design constructed the second phase of this project using our proprietary CMA Advantage™ construction delivery method