Landscape by Stonepocket located in Minnetonka, Minnesota Creating a elegant landscape to blend with a home with such character and charm was a challenge in controlled resistant. Did not want the landscape to overwhelm the home, nor did I want a typical landscape for this style that usually involves a box hedge. Utilizing light in the front to create a perennial garden give the home a sense of place. Keep the planting mostly to whites and greens in the back unifies the space. photos by Stonepocket, Inc

A tea pot, being a vessel, is defined by the space it contains, it is not the tea pot that is important, but the space. Crispin Sartwell Located on a lake outside of Milwaukee, the Vessel House is the culmination of an intense 5 year collaboration with our client and multiple local craftsmen focused on the creation of a modern analogue to the Usonian Home. As with most residential work, this home is a direct reflection of it’s owner, a highly educated art collector with a passion for music, fine furniture, and architecture. His interest in authenticity drove the material selections such as masonry, copper, and white oak, as well as the need for traditional methods of construction. The initial diagram of the house involved a collection of embedded walls that emerge from the site and create spaces between them, which are covered with a series of floating rooves. The windows provide natural light on three sides of the house as a band of clerestories, transforming to a floor to ceiling ribbon of glass on the lakeside. The Vessel House functions as a gallery for the owner’s art, motorcycles, Tiffany lamps, and vintage musical instruments – offering spaces to exhibit, store, and listen. These gallery nodes overlap with the typical house program of kitchen, dining, living, and bedroom, creating dynamic zones of transition and rooms that serve dual purposes allowing guests to relax in a museum setting. Through it’s materiality, connection to nature, and open planning, the Vessel House continues many of the Usonian principles Wright advocated for. Overview Oconomowoc, WI Completion Date August 2015 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

During the planning phase we undertook a fairly major Value Engineering of the design to ensure that the project would be completed within the clients budget. The client identified a ‘Fords Garage’ style that they wanted to incorporate. They wanted an open, industrial feel, however, we wanted to ensure that the property felt more like a welcoming, home environment; not a commercial space. A Fords Garage typically has exposed beams, ductwork, lighting, conduits, etc. But this extent of an Industrial style is not ‘homely’. So we incorporated tongue and groove ceilings with beams, concrete colored tiled floors, and industrial style lighting fixtures. During construction the client designed the courtyard, which involved a large permit revision and we went through the full planning process to add that scope of work. The finished project is a gorgeous blend of industrial and contemporary home style.

A tea pot, being a vessel, is defined by the space it contains, it is not the tea pot that is important, but the space. Crispin Sartwell Located on a lake outside of Milwaukee, the Vessel House is the culmination of an intense 5 year collaboration with our client and multiple local craftsmen focused on the creation of a modern analogue to the Usonian Home. As with most residential work, this home is a direct reflection of it’s owner, a highly educated art collector with a passion for music, fine furniture, and architecture. His interest in authenticity drove the material selections such as masonry, copper, and white oak, as well as the need for traditional methods of construction. The initial diagram of the house involved a collection of embedded walls that emerge from the site and create spaces between them, which are covered with a series of floating rooves. The windows provide natural light on three sides of the house as a band of clerestories, transforming to a floor to ceiling ribbon of glass on the lakeside. The Vessel House functions as a gallery for the owner’s art, motorcycles, Tiffany lamps, and vintage musical instruments – offering spaces to exhibit, store, and listen. These gallery nodes overlap with the typical house program of kitchen, dining, living, and bedroom, creating dynamic zones of transition and rooms that serve dual purposes allowing guests to relax in a museum setting. Through it’s materiality, connection to nature, and open planning, the Vessel House continues many of the Usonian principles Wright advocated for. Overview Oconomowoc, WI Completion Date August 2015 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

A tea pot, being a vessel, is defined by the space it contains, it is not the tea pot that is important, but the space. Crispin Sartwell Located on a lake outside of Milwaukee, the Vessel House is the culmination of an intense 5 year collaboration with our client and multiple local craftsmen focused on the creation of a modern analogue to the Usonian Home. As with most residential work, this home is a direct reflection of it’s owner, a highly educated art collector with a passion for music, fine furniture, and architecture. His interest in authenticity drove the material selections such as masonry, copper, and white oak, as well as the need for traditional methods of construction. The initial diagram of the house involved a collection of embedded walls that emerge from the site and create spaces between them, which are covered with a series of floating rooves. The windows provide natural light on three sides of the house as a band of clerestories, transforming to a floor to ceiling ribbon of glass on the lakeside. The Vessel House functions as a gallery for the owner’s art, motorcycles, Tiffany lamps, and vintage musical instruments – offering spaces to exhibit, store, and listen. These gallery nodes overlap with the typical house program of kitchen, dining, living, and bedroom, creating dynamic zones of transition and rooms that serve dual purposes allowing guests to relax in a museum setting. Through it’s materiality, connection to nature, and open planning, the Vessel House continues many of the Usonian principles Wright advocated for. Overview Oconomowoc, WI Completion Date August 2015 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

A tea pot, being a vessel, is defined by the space it contains, it is not the tea pot that is important, but the space. Crispin Sartwell Located on a lake outside of Milwaukee, the Vessel House is the culmination of an intense 5 year collaboration with our client and multiple local craftsmen focused on the creation of a modern analogue to the Usonian Home. As with most residential work, this home is a direct reflection of it’s owner, a highly educated art collector with a passion for music, fine furniture, and architecture. His interest in authenticity drove the material selections such as masonry, copper, and white oak, as well as the need for traditional methods of construction. The initial diagram of the house involved a collection of embedded walls that emerge from the site and create spaces between them, which are covered with a series of floating rooves. The windows provide natural light on three sides of the house as a band of clerestories, transforming to a floor to ceiling ribbon of glass on the lakeside. The Vessel House functions as a gallery for the owner’s art, motorcycles, Tiffany lamps, and vintage musical instruments – offering spaces to exhibit, store, and listen. These gallery nodes overlap with the typical house program of kitchen, dining, living, and bedroom, creating dynamic zones of transition and rooms that serve dual purposes allowing guests to relax in a museum setting. Through it’s materiality, connection to nature, and open planning, the Vessel House continues many of the Usonian principles Wright advocated for. Overview Oconomowoc, WI Completion Date August 2015 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

A tea pot, being a vessel, is defined by the space it contains, it is not the tea pot that is important, but the space. Crispin Sartwell Located on a lake outside of Milwaukee, the Vessel House is the culmination of an intense 5 year collaboration with our client and multiple local craftsmen focused on the creation of a modern analogue to the Usonian Home. As with most residential work, this home is a direct reflection of it’s owner, a highly educated art collector with a passion for music, fine furniture, and architecture. His interest in authenticity drove the material selections such as masonry, copper, and white oak, as well as the need for traditional methods of construction. The initial diagram of the house involved a collection of embedded walls that emerge from the site and create spaces between them, which are covered with a series of floating rooves. The windows provide natural light on three sides of the house as a band of clerestories, transforming to a floor to ceiling ribbon of glass on the lakeside. The Vessel House functions as a gallery for the owner’s art, motorcycles, Tiffany lamps, and vintage musical instruments – offering spaces to exhibit, store, and listen. These gallery nodes overlap with the typical house program of kitchen, dining, living, and bedroom, creating dynamic zones of transition and rooms that serve dual purposes allowing guests to relax in a museum setting. Through it’s materiality, connection to nature, and open planning, the Vessel House continues many of the Usonian principles Wright advocated for. Overview Oconomowoc, WI Completion Date August 2015 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

Landscape by Stonepocket located in Minnetonka, Minnesota Creating a elegant landscape to blend with a home with such character and charm was a challenge in controlled resistant. Did not want the landscape to overwhelm the home, nor did I want a typical landscape for this style that usually involves a box hedge. Utilizing light in the front to create a perennial garden give the home a sense of place. Keep the planting mostly to whites and greens in the back unifies the space. photos by Stonepocket, Inc

The flooring that was originally envisioned for this house wasn't Wood Floor of the Year-caliber. When Steve Brattin, president at SVB Wood Floors in Grandview, Mo., got involved in the project, the designers were discussing a simple machine-sanded heart pine or reclaimed wood floor. But once Brattin visited the site—an old world traditional estate set on acreage with its own private lake—he knew it deserved more than a typical floor. "I chatted with the designers and said I would love to meet with the homeowners and have them in our showroom," he recalls. "I said I would really like to do something artistic with it." Brattin's mind was already envisioning the possibilities—something he says usually happens for him within a half hour of walking through a space. "I don't know how certain things come to me," he says, adding that often he draws things out and the designs don't end up being in the clients' budget. That wasn't the case here, however, and the final plans for the flooring called for five designs in various areas, including this Bordeaux parquet in the foyer. With the designs finalized, Brattin turned to Distinctive Floors' (Nashville, Tenn.) Dan Antes to create the walnut flooring, which called for hand-beveling with a circle-sawn and wire-brushed surface; in some areas the flooring was 10-inch plank. The width presented a challenge for Antes, as he had planned to contract out the circle-sawing, but the company he had in mind could handle widths only up to 81⁄2 inches. He decided he would have to do it himself. "We spent maybe $1,500 modifying $20,000 worth of equipment to end up with this awesome distressed product," he says. Due to a tight time frame to complete the job, once the flooring was milled, it was shipped to WD Flooring (Laona, Wis.) to be finished with hardwax oil—a choice Antes says he loves for its maintainability. The actual installation of all 3,000 square feet of flooring was uneventful, Brattin says, crediting his crew, experienced with high-end projects, for a great job. "They had a blast," he says. "They had so much fun out there on the project, and they do it quite frequently; it comes naturally for them at this point." Given the complexity of this job, from scribing around stone to large-scale chevron and mixed media, that's high praise. Antes, himself a Wood Floor of the Year winner and supplier to many more winning projects, sums up the scope of this job: "I think he could have entered any room in this house, really, and won."—K.M.W.

Finding a reputable contractor to design and build your kitchen remodel in Maryland with quality results involves several steps. Here are some general guidelines to help you find the right professional for your project: 1. Ask for Recommendations: Start by asking friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues who have recently completed kitchen remodels for recommendations. Personal referrals can be a valuable source of trustworthy contractors. 2. Check Online Reviews: Websites like Yelp, Angie's List, and Google Reviews can provide insights into the experiences of previous clients. Look for contractors with consistently positive feedback. 3. Check Credentials: Verify that the contractor has the necessary licenses and insurance to work in Maryland. You can typically check this information on your state's licensing board website. 4. Ask for References: Request references from the contractor and contact previous clients to inquire about their experiences. Visit some of their completed projects if possible. 5. Review Portfolios: Examine the contractor's portfolio of past kitchen remodels. Look for examples of work that match your style and preferences. 6. Check for Permits: Ensure that the contractor will handle any necessary permits and inspections for your remodel. Avoid contractors who suggest bypassing required permits, as this can lead to legal and safety issues. 7. Discuss Communication: Clear communication is crucial throughout the project. Discuss how the contractor will keep you updated on progress and address any concerns or changes during the remodel. 8. Get Everything in Writing: Never rely solely on verbal agreements. Ensure that all project details, warranties, and expectations are documented in a written contract. 9. Check for Red Flags: Be wary of contractors who pressure you into making quick decisions, lack a physical business address, or have a history of disputes or legal issues. 10. Trust Your Instincts: Choose a contractor you feel comfortable working with. Trust your instincts and select someone who listens to your ideas and concerns. 11. Visit Completed Projects: If possible, visit some of the contractors’ completed kitchen remodels to assess the quality of their work in person. Once you've completed your due diligence and gathered all the necessary information, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about which contractor to hire for your kitchen remodel in Maryland. Remember that quality results often come from working with experienced, licensed professionals who prioritize clear communication and transparency throughout the project.

Let's face it: times are changing. We're living in an era where technology advances at a fast pace and its developments have a significant impact on the surroundings. The need for environmental solutions has become more urgent with each passing day. While we live and adapt to our immediate environment, it doesn't mean that we have to settle with what's present, especially when our surrounding conditions are becoming detrimental to our wellbeing. This is the reason Singapore architects are looking into eco-friendly approaches when designing residential spaces. Singapore architects are becoming more proactive in integrating eco-friendly principles in their residential projects. Below are some of the standout reasons why: 1. You get to practice energy efficiency. In typical homes, electricity is powered by non-renewable sources. The continuous use of non-renewable energy increases carbon footprint and worsens air pollution, both of which negatively affect the environment. However, there are alternative sources of energy that can be included in your home's architectural design. These include solar panels and wind turbines that produce electricity that can keep the house powered. These methods do not produce toxic compounds or carbon emissions; they are also renewable and do not incur recurring expenses. 2. Eco-friendly architecture brings you closer to a more "natural environment." The emergence of urban landscapes has deprived today's generation of the opportunity to be one with nature. Individuals these days have to travel to the countryside to enjoy nature's beauty and all the amazing benefits it has to offer. Fortunately, eco-friendly architecture provides a route where you can better appreciate many of the benefits nature offers. As a homeowner, you must enjoy a calm, clean, and fresh indoor environment. Eco-friendly approaches to homes aim to provide this kind of atmosphere through the use of local materials, renewable energy sources, and incorporating nature's elements (such as sunlight and air ventilation) on the structural design. 3. You save money for maintenance and upkeep. Eco-friendly architecture is known for its low maintenance costs. At first glance, you may find it expensive to build a "green home." However, since it makes use of renewable energy sources and local resources for upkeep, operational costs become much cheaper compared to living in a conventional home. Also, green homes promote material efficiency. Apart from using local resources, eco-friendly construction involves building processes that generate as little waste as possible. Recycled and reusable materials are preferred in building the home, while the architectural design follows construction techniques that use less energy, water, and raw materials. 4. You enjoy better health. Living in a green home offers a lot of health benefits. For instance, eco-friendly architecture supports the use of natural materials and it discourages having plastic by-products in the building process. At the same time, eco-friendly architectural designs look into utilising vertical space to boost freedom of movement and air circulation. These spatial strategies allow you to breathe better even while indoors and move around the house without feeling cramped. Lastly, utilising vertical space offers more natural light to enter the home. Natural light is essential not just because it illuminates the house during the day, it also regulates the circadian rhythm, which dictates our body's waking and sleeping hours. In a nutshell Eco-friendly homes can help you save money and time, not to mention improve your health dramatically. Moreover, it can also help reduce your environmental footprint significantly. From improving air quality to helping regulate the effects of climate change, eco-friendly homes allow you to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

During the planning phase we undertook a fairly major Value Engineering of the design to ensure that the project would be completed within the clients budget. The client identified a ‘Fords Garage’ style that they wanted to incorporate. They wanted an open, industrial feel, however, we wanted to ensure that the property felt more like a welcoming, home environment; not a commercial space. A Fords Garage typically has exposed beams, ductwork, lighting, conduits, etc. But this extent of an Industrial style is not ‘homely’. So we incorporated tongue and groove ceilings with beams, concrete colored tiled floors, and industrial style lighting fixtures. During construction the client designed the courtyard, which involved a large permit revision and we went through the full planning process to add that scope of work. The finished project is a gorgeous blend of industrial and contemporary home style.

While KSI designers typically work directly with homeowners on their kitchen and bath design projects, we also love partnering with interior designers - and they love partnering with us! We make it easy for interior designers to create beautiful and functional spaces for their clients by offering our cabinetry knowledge and design expertise to compliment their skillset. When Interior Designer Shannon Lawrason came to KSI to select cabinetry for her new build home, I knew our collaboration would result in a truly breathtaking kitchen! As a client and an Interior Designer, Shannon had a vision from the beginning: Timeless beauty with a touch of classic elements. Everything involved in the mixture of textures – hardware selection, tile selections, marble, cabinetry materials – was fundamental to the execution of the design intent.

During the planning phase we undertook a fairly major Value Engineering of the design to ensure that the project would be completed within the clients budget. The client identified a ‘Fords Garage’ style that they wanted to incorporate. They wanted an open, industrial feel, however, we wanted to ensure that the property felt more like a welcoming, home environment; not a commercial space. A Fords Garage typically has exposed beams, ductwork, lighting, conduits, etc. But this extent of an Industrial style is not ‘homely’. So we incorporated tongue and groove ceilings with beams, concrete colored tiled floors, and industrial style lighting fixtures. During construction the client designed the courtyard, which involved a large permit revision and we went through the full planning process to add that scope of work. The finished project is a gorgeous blend of industrial and contemporary home style.

The primary objective of this project was to enhance the layout of the ground floor and expand the kitchen area. Similar to many single-family cottages constructed before the 2010s, the typical ground floor layout consisted of a kitchen, formal living room, formal dining room, dinette, vestibule, and a den. However, in recent years, the demand for formal spaces has waned while the desire for larger and more practical kitchens has significantly increased. To achieve this goal, we embarked on a project that involved demolishing the wall separating the existing kitchen from the formal dining room. This allowed us to expand the kitchen into the former formal dining room space. We relocated the dining room to what was previously the formal living room, effectively eliminating the need for a formal living room. The result is a new kitchen with significantly enhanced storage and prep areas, making it much more functional.

During the planning phase we undertook a fairly major Value Engineering of the design to ensure that the project would be completed within the clients budget. The client identified a ‘Fords Garage’ style that they wanted to incorporate. They wanted an open, industrial feel, however, we wanted to ensure that the property felt more like a welcoming, home environment; not a commercial space. A Fords Garage typically has exposed beams, ductwork, lighting, conduits, etc. But this extent of an Industrial style is not ‘homely’. So we incorporated tongue and groove ceilings with beams, concrete colored tiled floors, and industrial style lighting fixtures. During construction the client designed the courtyard, which involved a large permit revision and we went through the full planning process to add that scope of work. The finished project is a gorgeous blend of industrial and contemporary home style.

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

During the planning phase we undertook a fairly major Value Engineering of the design to ensure that the project would be completed within the clients budget. The client identified a ‘Fords Garage’ style that they wanted to incorporate. They wanted an open, industrial feel, however, we wanted to ensure that the property felt more like a welcoming, home environment; not a commercial space. A Fords Garage typically has exposed beams, ductwork, lighting, conduits, etc. But this extent of an Industrial style is not ‘homely’. So we incorporated tongue and groove ceilings with beams, concrete colored tiled floors, and industrial style lighting fixtures. During construction the client designed the courtyard, which involved a large permit revision and we went through the full planning process to add that scope of work. The finished project is a gorgeous blend of industrial and contemporary home style.

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…