This distinct home is defined by its asymmetrical facade, long, horizontal lines, and a minimalist interior that blurs typical lines of spatial design with one large open palette. The thoughtfully selected finishes and features create a cohesive and uncluttered environment. To complete the experience, the exterior rooftop spaces provide unobstructed views of the city, an almost surreal panoramic celebrating the architectural diversity of the surrounding neighborhood.

Materials: Gemstone Blue 6x6 Tile, Gold Travertine Coping, Aegean Sea Diamond Brite Plaster Mix, and Kahlua Creme Spray Deck
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard rectangular pool fountain remodel in New Orleans with decking

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint. Photo: Sergiu Stoian

This is a twist on the traditional Mt. Vernon Dip picket fence. The picket spacing is set a bit closer than normally seen and the dips are also less dramatic than what is typical with this style. The 4 post arbor and the custom gate makes this project really stand out.

This Grapevine project was designed to damage a minimum amount of trees on a nice hillside. A raised wall was incorporated on the back of the pool that acts as a retaining wall to provide a flat spot for the pool. On the upper terrace above we built the cabana. Two inch sawcut Limestone was used for all the veneer to give a clean tailored look to the project. The spa was elevated and white precast coping was used along with the pool. A dark pattern concrete was used for the deck color to contrast. On the cabana we tried to match the existing house style, precast columns were used instead of typical stone columns. The cabana was done in pine and painted white instead of the typical cedar application. A comp roof was used. Built in bar & cabinets to recess existing grill carts were installed. A fire pit was placed to the side of the cabana at the pool level. A finger ledge was used on the raised wall to provide safety. Sheer rain was used on the project to provide a focal point - It provides more of a visual effect against the white Austin stone vs. a sheer descent. A vaulted ceiling was done in the cabana to match the existing home. Patio was capped in pattern concrete to match the new pool deck as well.

Inspiration for a patio remodel in Los Angeles

This Grapevine project was designed to damage a minimum amount of trees on a nice hillside. A raised wall was incorporated on the back of the pool that acts as a retaining wall to provide a flat spot for the pool. On the upper terrace above we built the cabana. Two inch sawcut Limestone was used for all the veneer to give a clean tailored look to the project. The spa was elevated and white precast coping was used along with the pool. A dark pattern concrete was used for the deck color to contrast. On the cabana we tried to match the existing house style, precast columns were used instead of typical stone columns. The cabana was done in pine and painted white instead of the typical cedar application. A comp roof was used. Built in bar & cabinets to recess existing grill carts were installed. A fire pit was placed to the side of the cabana at the pool level. A finger ledge was used on the raised wall to provide safety. Sheer rain was used on the project to provide a focal point - It provides more of a visual effect against the white Austin stone vs. a sheer descent. A vaulted ceiling was done in the cabana to match the existing home. Patio was capped in pattern concrete to match the new pool deck as well. Designed by Mike Farley of Claffey Pools. Photo taken by Mike Farley

This project was designed, and developed by Rhodes Architecture + Light while Josh Meharry was a team member. Set along the Puget Sound coastline with views over the water of islands and the Olympic Peninsula beyond, Seaview Residence locates all of the primary living spaces along these panoramic views and provides a variety of framed views as well as the ability to completely open interior spaces to the natural environmment beyond. The house is broken up into three “blocks” situated around a central entry courtyard. The main living spaces spill out onto waterfront terraces and decks, while the guest block opens onto the vegetated garden court within. A glass jewelbox separates these two blocks and functions as both the main entrance and the stairs. This space incorporates open stairs and bridges with areas that are left open to visually connect all three levels and allow daylight to penetrate the interior of the residence. Horizontal screens were integrated along the stairs to provide a combined sense of openness and privacy between the main living areas and the private guest wing. The garage block screens the property from the street and provides a lower level apartment/ gym which opens onto it’s own sunken court. The roof incorporates a large photovoltaic array that provides more power than the house consumes. All roof stormwater runoff is treated by a bioretention planter in the entry courtyard, and the pavers used on the terraces are all pervious, allowing water to penetrate and be held by the soil below rather than being diverted to the public stormwater system. The eco-friendly exterior materials, a combination of resysta shingles, shou sugi ban charred boards, metal roofing, concrete and steel, were selected to remain maintenance free in the demanding coastline environment and to be a modern reflection of materials typically seen on coastal homes throughout the Pacific Northwest. The muted and light interior materials were selected to tie in with the natural colors, textures and materials found in the sand, pebbles, rocks, driftwood, and water which is typical along this coastline.

This Grapevine project was designed to damage a minimum amount of trees on a nice hillside. A raised wall was incorporated on the back of the pool that acts as a retaining wall to provide a flat spot for the pool. On the upper terrace above we built the cabana. Two inch sawcut Limestone was used for all the veneer to give a clean tailored look to the project. The spa was elevated and white precast coping was used along with the pool. A dark pattern concrete was used for the deck color to contrast. On the cabana we tried to match the existing house style, precast columns were used instead of typical stone columns. The cabana was done in pine and painted white instead of the typical cedar application. A comp roof was used. Built in bar & cabinets to recess existing grill carts were installed. A fire pit was placed to the side of the cabana at the pool level. A finger ledge was used on the raised wall to provide safety. Sheer rain was used on the project to provide a focal point - It provides more of a visual effect against the white Austin stone vs. a sheer descent. A vaulted ceiling was done in the cabana to match the existing home. Patio was capped in pattern concrete to match the new pool deck as well.

A typical post-1906 Noe Valley house is simultaneously restored, expanded and redesigned to keep what works and rethink what doesn’t. The front façade, is scraped and painted a crisp monochrome white—it worked. The new asymmetrical gabled rear addition takes the place of a windowless dead end box that didn’t. A “Great kitchen”, open yet formally defined living and dining rooms, a generous master suite, and kid’s rooms with nooks and crannies, all make for a newly designed house that straddles old and new. Structural Engineer: Gregory Paul Wallace SE General Contractor: Cardea Building Co. Interior Design: Ken Fulk Photographer: Open Homes Photography

An extra large second floor patio is perfect for outdoor entertaining. It’s the perfect vantage point to look out over the neighborhood, but its second story location also provides more privacy than a typical front porch. With ReAlta, we are introducing for the first time in Charlotte a fully solar community. Each beautifully detailed home will incorporate low profile solar panels that will collect the sun’s rays to significantly offset the home’s energy usage. Combined with our industry-leading Home Efficiency Ratings (HERS), these solar systems will save a ReAlta homeowner thousands over the life of the home. Credit: Brendan Kahm

This photo shows the expansion to the original A-Frame cottage. Typically additions to A-Frames prove to be very challenging, however we were able to seamlessly expand the home by integrating rooflines and architectural features. A detached garage was also renovated into a carriage house. Photo by Sidock Architects

In future, when the time comes to replace the liner in a vinyl pool, this turns out to be a great wallet-friendly-opportunity to give your pool a facelift and a brand new look. Note: vinyl pools have steel reinforced concrete walls underneath that are thicker and stronger than typical unite pools. So, they’re much more than just comfy on your feet. www.deckandpatio.com

Easy entry to screened-in room from deck. McHugh Architecture designed a unique 3-Seasons Room addition for a family in Brielle, NJ. The home is an old English Style Tudor home. Most old English Style homes tend to have darker elements, where the space can typically feel heavy and may also lack natural light. We wanted to keep the architectural integrity of the Tudor style while giving the space a light and airy feel that invoked a sense of calmness and peacefulness. The space provides 3 seasons of indoor-outdoor entertainment.

New york plantings townhouse patio design. Grren roof top garden design nyc with custom built planters and landscape lights. Greenroof is still in its infancy even though the concept has been around for a long time, even a hundred years or more. NY plantings has the concept and business model to service the trade by providing expert contracting services, experienced professional staff and project management that effectively and efficiently gets the job done. Who would be interested in working with nyp garden designers and landsp...nyc? Landscape architects, designers, garden designers, landscape design professionals, general contractors, property owners, property management companies, project managers and anyone who requires a company that first is a master garden and NY landscaping company. Tree planting, garden installation and complete plantings installations including personalized design touches such as specimen shrubs, flowering trees, dwarf conifers and trees, landscape boulders and moss rock, flowers and climbers. NY Plantings can work from a design concept only without requiring a detailed landscape drawing or garden plan. True enthusiasm and years of hands on experience mean that you don’t even need a detailed planting plan; in most cases lead designer, Todd Nappi makes suggestions or improvements to the typical NYC landscape Designer provided garden design plan that both achieve highly desirable results and can possibly even save money vs. the cost of the original rooftop garden design or traditional landscape. A high technical aptitude with experience in building rooftop and terrace gardens from scratch, solving challenging issues onsite and the ability to make the right decisions prove that NY Plantings is a resource as a landscape or rooftop garden contractor to the Landscape Design trade. Besides Gardening, Drip irrigation and landscape lighting NY Plantings has been also specializing in hard capes, outdoor construction such as decks, pergolas, custom built planter boxes, custom fence, lattice, trellis and living walls (vertical gardening) Nyc terrace garden and custom built planter design by newyorkplantings. Greenroof design and construction is the new frontier for any urban epicenter and NY Plantings green roofing installers are up to the task. As the green roof industry becomes more mature so will NY Plantings remain a resource as a contractor for providing and installing greenroof systems in Manhattan and the NY Metro areas. #newyorkplantings New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape contracting 432 E 14st New York, NY 10009 Call: 347-558-7051 site url: http://www.newyorkplantings.com/ info@newyorkplantings.com

This cool home garage is floored with the patented #RaceDeck garage flooring- the patented Snap Lock system allows for a fast and easy no tool install. USA Made

New york plantings townhouse patio design with green rooftop garden, custom built planters and landscape lights features. Greenroof is still in its infancy even though the concept has been around for a long time, even a hundred years or more. NY plantings has the concept and business model to service the trade by providing expert contracting services, experienced professional staff and project management that effectively and efficiently gets the job done. Landscape architects, designers, garden designers, landscape design professionals, general contractors, property owners, property management companies, project managers and anyone who requires a company that first is a master garden and NY landscaping company. Tree planting, garden installation and complete plantings installations including personalized design touches such as specimen shrubs, flowering trees, dwarf conifers and trees, landscape boulders and moss rock, flowers and climbers. NY Plantings can work from a design concept only without requiring a detailed landscape drawing or garden plan. True enthusiasm and years of hands on experience mean that you don’t even need a detailed planting plan; in most cases lead designer, Todd Nappi makes suggestions or improvements to the typical NYC landscape Designer provided garden design plan that both achieve highly desirable results and can possibly even save money vs. the cost of the original rooftop garden design or traditional landscape. A high technical aptitude with experience in building rooftop and terrace gardens from scratch, solving challenging issues onsite and the ability to make the right decisions prove that NY Plantings is a resource as a landscape or rooftop garden contractor to the Landscape Design trade. Besides Gardening, Drip irrigation and landscape lighting NY Plantings has been also specializing in hard capes, outdoor construction such as decks, pergolas, custom built planter boxes, custom fence, lattice, trellis and living walls (vertical gardening) Nyc terrace garden and custom built planter design by newyorkplantings. Greenroof design and construction is the new frontier for any urban epicenter and NY Plantings green roofing installers are up to the task. As the green roof industry becomes more mature so will NY Plantings remain a resource as a contractor for providing and installing greenroof systems in Manhattan and the NY Metro areas. #newyorkplantings New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape contracting 432 E 14st New York, NY 10009 Call: 347-558-7051 site url: http://www.newyorkplantings.com/ info@newyorkplantings.com

kurt jordan photography
Example of a beach style light wood floor kitchen design in Santa Barbara with glass-front cabinets, white cabinets and an island