Murphy Mears Architects | Hester + Hardaway
Modern white two-story wood flat roof idea in Houston

The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment. The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home. Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition. The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions. The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns. Overview: Elm Grove Size: 2,800 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Completion Date: September 2014 Services: Architecture, Landscape Architecture Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design

The site in River Oaks, located across from a neighborhood shopping center, called for a rethinking of a typical front yard. The design creates a private courtyard garden with a small pool as the exterior focus for the living spaces as well as the master bedroom. Peter Molick Photography

Example of a classic l-shaped wet bar design in Chicago with open cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash and subway tile backsplash

Every space is unique and has spatial parameters. How our clients live and desire to use the outdoor space dictates the design layout. Materials that are weather resistant and hardy make the top of the list and do affect pricing. Plantings define areas, benches and stools allow flexible seating arrangements, bars are great for entertaining as well as simple dining while someone grills or makes cocktails. Ice makers, refrigerators, sinks, grills and lighting are some of the design elements that make outdoor living truly memorable and enjoyable.

Small rustic brown two-story wood exterior home idea in Burlington

A comfortable, formal dining space with pretty ceiling lighting Photo by Ashley Avila Photography
Example of a mid-sized beach style tray ceiling, dark wood floor, brown floor and wainscoting dining room design in Grand Rapids with blue walls

The raised back patio is just two steps down from the great room/kitchen. On the left is the mudroom which links the house to the garage and home theater. Just out of view is an outdoor fireplace.

Photography by Steve Tague | http://taguephoto.com/
Inspiration for a rustic patio remodel in Portland with a fire pit and a pergola

SCOTT PETERSEN
Example of a mountain style patio design in Salt Lake City with a roof extension

Example of a trendy bathroom design in New York

William Quarles
Inspiration for a coastal tile side porch remodel in Charleston with a roof extension

Glenn Layton Homes, LLC, "Building Your Coastal Lifestyle"
Mid-sized coastal green two-story wood exterior home idea in Jacksonville with a hip roof

The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment. The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home. Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition. The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions. The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns. Overview: Elm Grove Size: 2,800 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Completion Date: September 2014 Services: Architecture, Landscape Architecture Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design

Small and Delicate Deck lights：Using deck lights as step lights is an innovative approach that can provide illumination for indoor or outdoor stairs and enhance visual effects. By installing deck lights on the treads or sides of the stairs, it not only provides sufficient lighting but also enhances the beauty and modernity of the staircase. In addition, deck lights typically have features such as waterproofing and sun protection, making them suitable for outdoor use and ensuring the durability and reliability of stair lighting fixtures. Therefore, using deck lights as step lights is a practical and decorative design choice.

The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment. The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home. Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition. The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions. The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns. Overview: Elm Grove Size: 2,800 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Completion Date: September 2014 Services: Architecture, Landscape Architecture Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design

The second story sits slightly pulled back on all sides to make room for peripheral skylights, allowing natural light to permeate into the lower levels. Photo: Jim Bartsch

New deck and railing using Fiberon Composite Decking; railing was designed for unique shape of deck, not your typical square or rectangle Photo by Monica Daley

Design Builders, a Virginia Class A licensed contractor (license #2705141736) serving Fairfax County, completed this custom low-maintenance deck in Fairfax, VA. The project features AZEK decking — a premium capped polymer board chosen for its durability and fade resistance in Northern Virginia's climate — paired with Shoreline Railing and black Deckorators balusters for a clean, modern finish. Design Builders is an authorized AZEK dealer and installs composite and PVC decking systems throughout Fairfax County and surrounding Northern Virginia communities. Custom decks by Design Builders are typically priced from $30,000 for standard configurations, with premium material selections ranging $45,000–$60,000+.