Search results for "Typically lower" in Home Design Ideas

This project blends warm wood with industrial style concepts for a result that transcends typical modern minimalism. Created with a visionary architect and builder, the four-level structure features thick solid oak treads with extended noses that float against finished poplar stringers. Open risers preserve light flow from the adjacent wall of windows.
A horizontal stainless steel rod balustrade system flows from the lower-level recreation room to the fourth-level rooftop deck, creating visual continuity across the home's entire vertical span. The geometric design echoes custom millwork throughout the residence and connects the chef's kitchen and family room while celebrating natural light at every level.
1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

http://www.getSTACT.com
STACT wine racks are incredibly easy to specify and incorporate into wine cellars, wine rooms, kitchens, home bars, commercial bars, and restaurants. Our customers have found that when it comes to modern wine cellar solutions, our system offers a number of advantages versus other wine storage solutions available on the market, here are just a few:
✓ Quality - premium *furniture grade* solution is unique to the industry, with unrivalled refinement when it comes to materials, aesthetic and craftsmanship. Our panels feature a premium high-gloss painted finish (not a laminated surface). Each panel takes more than a week to complete, with meticulous attention to detail. Once numerous coats of lacquer have been applied, each panel is hand buffed to a mirror-like piano finish.
✓ Versatility - mount any way you wish, and designed to work equally well within both commercial and residential applications, our clients have found our modular system to be the most versatile, and easiest to specify, assemble, and install - whether for 9 bottles or 9,000 within a large scale wine cellar application (www.stact.co/cellars). Available on your choice of 10 finishes, mix and match STACT panels to create your own unique look (3,628,800 possible configurations).
✓ Convenience - designed for quick and easy *DIY installation*, our patented system comes ready-to-install to any drywall surface right out of the box, minimizing the costs associated with labor and installation when compared with many custom solutions you will find on the market. Avoiding the need for a dedicated wine cellar builder to produce and arrive on site for assembly and installation. In-stock items typically ship within 1 business day.
✓ Value - direct-to-client distribution model to effectively cut out retail markup. Builders and specifiers have found STACT to be a fraction of the price of what it would cost to develop and produce a comparable custom solution. Plus currently we are offering *free shipping worldwide*.
✓ Design pedigree - created by 2012 ICFF winning designer Eric Pfeiffer, our patented prefabricated ready-to-assemble modular design is unique to the industry.
✓ Space-saving - highest bottle capacity on the market (10.7 bottles / sq ft). Each panel supports 9-12 bottles depending on how they are configured.
✓ Security - superior bottle stability, versus other wall-mounted wine storage solutions on the market. The aircraft grade aluminum bottle support structure ensures a lower center of gravity there is a more substantial portion of the bottle resting below the contact points. Thus a minimalist design aesthetic is retained, while eliminating the need for unnecessary and unsightly materials/clutter such as rubber gaskets, straps, etc.
Learn more at www.getSTACT.com

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the building was erected on a shallow commercial lot between two 120 year old masonry buildings and a new residential rental building. 330 Grand Street is a mix of 725 SF 1BRs and 1050 SF 2BR apartments. It also contains a 1100 SF two story duplex as well as private and public rooftop space, large private balconies for most units and two large private terraces for the ground floor units.
330 Grand Street was originally designed and approved at the NYC DOB as a prefabricated modular building. During the pandemic, as shipping costs skyrocketed putting the project at risk, we suggested redesigning the building as a reinforced cast-in-place concrete structure. Concrete was readily available and prices had not been affected by the demand increase that many other materials suffered in the pandemic. We took this opportunity to raise floor to ceiling heights, enlarge high performance windows and redistribute the buildings MEPFS and Structural Systems to create very open floor plans.
The challenge was to create a luxurious sensorial living experience with very limited means. In a city with very high construction costs, low cost residential buildings in the area are usually devoid of good quality, design and character. Our approach was to aim high for the end user, prioritizing natural light, open space with long visual perspectives, high ceilings and as always, rejecting the use of predefined building templates.
Our biggest challenge was to ensure that the small spaces feel as clean cut, large and bright as possible. Several unique design decisions were made to ensure low cost and high quality;
Floor plans were laid out so that spaces were wide open and free of clutter from mechanical or structural interruptions. Therefore all infrastructure was placed in lateral demising walls, which in turn act as the unit’s storage and kitchen. The apartments feel wide open, are super quiet and have more storage space than any other comparable apartment in the city.
To solve the problem of the site’s shallow commercial lot which is typically prone to dark interior spaces we focused our attention on the building’s envelope. Instead of the usual small punched window openings, oversized high performance windows were designed to ensure that light penetrated as far as possible into the units. In the smaller 1BR units, the full 50’ depth of the lot is perceived by partitioning spaces with sliding pocket doors that can be retracted to allow deep visual perspectives, making the sight lines in the space feel longer, larger, more ample than normal. In addition to the full height glazing, each unit above the 2nd floor receives a 7 foot covered balcony, adding 120 to 240 sf to each apartment, something unusual in New York City buildings. The space is large enough for a full size dining table, when the weather permits being outside.
We also worked hard to ensure modularity. For example, all kitchen units are all identical throughout the building. The idea of modularity and the economy of the repetitive unit is exercised to the maximum through the building.
Hardware, appliances, flooring, wall coverings and material finishes are all carefully selected to feel bespoke, high quality and unique.
It was important to KURV that the result of this work manifest into something that would deeply connect with the end user and sustain relationships with the consumers of this space.
All images by KURV Architecture ©
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Master bath shower with skylight above. The shelf behind the toilet was a window in the existing brick outside wall. This was a typical small 2 story brick home in Bethesda with a walk out basement. The back faced south but there were very few windows making it dark inside. We added a 3 story addition to the back for a new master suite, new kitchen and dining room and a new play room on the lower level. We also added a large deck off the kitchen and a deck off the master bedroom.
The new south facing windows heat the house in the winter and the balcony and overhang shades the windows in the summer. The most dramatic feature of this addition is the new stainless steel stair and the new structural steel that replaced the original brick wall.
This is a classic example of passive solar design.

A Geranium Andrena (Andrena geranii) visits Virginia waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum). This mining bee is a specialist of Hydrophyllum spp.

The combination of light and dark cabinets is chic and different from your typical kitchen space; the addition of stainless steel completes the look (barstools, appliances, hardware, plumbing, and light fixture).
[Upper Cabinets: UltraCraft's Slab doorstyle in Maple Arctic with White finish.]
[Lower & Tall Cabinets + Island: UltraCraft Shaker doors in Cherry Briarwood, flat slab drawers.]
[Hardware: Wurth large stainless rod handles (varying sizes).]
[Outer countertops: Grey Quartzite.]
[Island countertop: White Fantastico granite.]
[Backsplash: White glass tiles with dark accent strip]

This project blends warm wood with industrial style concepts for a result that transcends typical modern minimalism. Created with a visionary architect and builder, the four-level structure features thick solid oak treads with extended noses that float against finished poplar stringers. Open risers preserve light flow from the adjacent wall of windows.
A horizontal stainless steel rod balustrade system flows from the lower-level recreation room to the fourth-level rooftop deck, creating visual continuity across the home's entire vertical span. The geometric design echoes custom millwork throughout the residence and connects the chef's kitchen and family room while celebrating natural light at every level.
1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

It was very important to our client for the pool and patio area to feel like an extension of their home. To incorporate this request into their design we engineered the pool wall to support the new patio columns and roof. The selection of finish materials was critical to creating a seamless transition between their indoor and outdoor living environment. The amazing views and natural surroundings were the perfect backdrop for the staggering 46 of vanishing edge. The work area was very intimidating with a 2:1 slope which creates many unique challenges. Extreme care had to be taken to protect the homes located downhill from the work area while all of the construction materials were transported 300 up the steep incline. At times a human chain passed building materials hand-to-hand because the slope was too step to safely operate equipment. The pool, spa and vanishing edges are locked into the hillside with a combination of piers and a keyway footing. Our structural & geotechnical engineer tested the soils on site and made 5 visits to the jobsite during construction to ensure that all site conditions were addressed. The outdoor patio area was lowered 2 below the pool to preserve the view of the lake and add to the illusion of the pool flowing down to the water below. While working to create a structurally sound vanishing edge pool and spa on a 26 degree slope there were some difficult plumbing needs that had to be met. The home owner requested the swimming pool equipment be located close to the house to avoid being seen when they entertain guests. On most jobsites this is an easy request to provide but this was not a typical construction site. This project required a 4 deep vault to ensure efficient operation of the hydraulic system for the equipment which is located uphill from the pool. Another challenge for our plumbing crew was to have the remote spa with a vanishing edge utilize equalized plumbing with the pool. The vanishing edge of the pool and spa had to match perfectly despite being located 30 apart. The pool and spa both incorporate a Paramount PCC2000 cleaning system. This project is a testament to what can be accomplished by a team of dedicated engineers, designers, contractors and craftsmen. Team work and education are the keys to success.

This powder room went from typical 1980's floral wallpaper to a stunning contemporary space. Black/blue polished tile on the floor offsets the white panels on the lower part of the wall. Then dark chocolate upper walls are contrasted against a lighted mirror and vanity top that sits on a floating glass front vanity. The whole space is a treat for the eyes.

This project blends warm wood with industrial style concepts for a result that transcends typical modern minimalism. Created with a visionary architect and builder, the four-level structure features thick solid oak treads with extended noses that float against finished poplar stringers. Open risers preserve light flow from the adjacent wall of windows.
A horizontal stainless steel rod balustrade system flows from the lower-level recreation room to the fourth-level rooftop deck, creating visual continuity across the home's entire vertical span. The geometric design echoes custom millwork throughout the residence and connects the chef's kitchen and family room while celebrating natural light at every level.
1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the building was erected on a shallow commercial lot between two 120 year old masonry buildings and a new residential rental building. 330 Grand Street is a mix of 725 SF 1BRs and 1050 SF 2BR apartments. It also contains a 1100 SF two story duplex as well as private and public rooftop space, large private balconies for most units and two large private terraces for the ground floor units.
330 Grand Street was originally designed and approved at the NYC DOB as a prefabricated modular building. During the pandemic, as shipping costs skyrocketed putting the project at risk, we suggested redesigning the building as a reinforced cast-in-place concrete structure. Concrete was readily available and prices had not been affected by the demand increase that many other materials suffered in the pandemic. We took this opportunity to raise floor to ceiling heights, enlarge high performance windows and redistribute the buildings MEPFS and Structural Systems to create very open floor plans.
The challenge was to create a luxurious sensorial living experience with very limited means. In a city with very high construction costs, low cost residential buildings in the area are usually devoid of good quality, design and character. Our approach was to aim high for the end user, prioritizing natural light, open space with long visual perspectives, high ceilings and as always, rejecting the use of predefined building templates.
Our biggest challenge was to ensure that the small spaces feel as clean cut, large and bright as possible. Several unique design decisions were made to ensure low cost and high quality;
Floor plans were laid out so that spaces were wide open and free of clutter from mechanical or structural interruptions. Therefore all infrastructure was placed in lateral demising walls, which in turn act as the unit’s storage and kitchen. The apartments feel wide open, are super quiet and have more storage space than any other comparable apartment in the city.
To solve the problem of the site’s shallow commercial lot which is typically prone to dark interior spaces we focused our attention on the building’s envelope. Instead of the usual small punched window openings, oversized high performance windows were designed to ensure that light penetrated as far as possible into the units. In the smaller 1BR units, the full 50’ depth of the lot is perceived by partitioning spaces with sliding pocket doors that can be retracted to allow deep visual perspectives, making the sight lines in the space feel longer, larger, more ample than normal. In addition to the full height glazing, each unit above the 2nd floor receives a 7 foot covered balcony, adding 120 to 240 sf to each apartment, something unusual in New York City buildings. The space is large enough for a full size dining table, when the weather permits being outside.
We also worked hard to ensure modularity. For example, all kitchen units are all identical throughout the building. The idea of modularity and the economy of the repetitive unit is exercised to the maximum through the building.
Hardware, appliances, flooring, wall coverings and material finishes are all carefully selected to feel bespoke, high quality and unique.
It was important to KURV that the result of this work manifest into something that would deeply connect with the end user and sustain relationships with the consumers of this space.
All images by KURV Architecture ©

Sunday, June 28, 3:30 to 5:00pm | Potomac, MD
Family Retreat by Lila Fendrick and Doug Stookey of Lila Fendrick Landscape Architecture and Garden Design
The landscape architects incorporated an adjoining lot to create this delightful family retreat where the clients spend time with their two sons growing vegetables, swimming, playing in splash pools, soaking in the hot tub, hiding in a below-grade fort, and running through a maze of paths formed by towering shrubs. The height differential between the owner’s house and the crest of the new lot presented opportunities for linking the two lots. The landscape architect designed dramatic lawn steps up to the new pool and pool house complex, designing tiers of waterfalls around a sunken spa, terracing the site with playfully hidden paths, and concealing a lower level parking area and garage. The project uses locally sourced Western Maryland stone on the pool house/guest house and Delaware River Jacks for the pebble paving. Utah-sourced quartzite-sandstone boulders reflect the clients’ appreciation for rugged western American landscapes. The variety of materials, linked by color and texture, and the unusual programming create a place of retreat and fun that feels far from the typical Washington, DC, area backyard. Photo by Gordon Beall

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the building was erected on a shallow commercial lot between two 120 year old masonry buildings and a new residential rental building. 330 Grand Street is a mix of 725 SF 1BRs and 1050 SF 2BR apartments. It also contains a 1100 SF two story duplex as well as private and public rooftop space, large private balconies for most units and two large private terraces for the ground floor units.
330 Grand Street was originally designed and approved at the NYC DOB as a prefabricated modular building. During the pandemic, as shipping costs skyrocketed putting the project at risk, we suggested redesigning the building as a reinforced cast-in-place concrete structure. Concrete was readily available and prices had not been affected by the demand increase that many other materials suffered in the pandemic. We took this opportunity to raise floor to ceiling heights, enlarge high performance windows and redistribute the buildings MEPFS and Structural Systems to create very open floor plans.
The challenge was to create a luxurious sensorial living experience with very limited means. In a city with very high construction costs, low cost residential buildings in the area are usually devoid of good quality, design and character. Our approach was to aim high for the end user, prioritizing natural light, open space with long visual perspectives, high ceilings and as always, rejecting the use of predefined building templates.
Our biggest challenge was to ensure that the small spaces feel as clean cut, large and bright as possible. Several unique design decisions were made to ensure low cost and high quality;
Floor plans were laid out so that spaces were wide open and free of clutter from mechanical or structural interruptions. Therefore all infrastructure was placed in lateral demising walls, which in turn act as the unit’s storage and kitchen. The apartments feel wide open, are super quiet and have more storage space than any other comparable apartment in the city.
To solve the problem of the site’s shallow commercial lot which is typically prone to dark interior spaces we focused our attention on the building’s envelope. Instead of the usual small punched window openings, oversized high performance windows were designed to ensure that light penetrated as far as possible into the units. In the smaller 1BR units, the full 50’ depth of the lot is perceived by partitioning spaces with sliding pocket doors that can be retracted to allow deep visual perspectives, making the sight lines in the space feel longer, larger, more ample than normal. In addition to the full height glazing, each unit above the 2nd floor receives a 7 foot covered balcony, adding 120 to 240 sf to each apartment, something unusual in New York City buildings. The space is large enough for a full size dining table, when the weather permits being outside.
We also worked hard to ensure modularity. For example, all kitchen units are all identical throughout the building. The idea of modularity and the economy of the repetitive unit is exercised to the maximum through the building.
Hardware, appliances, flooring, wall coverings and material finishes are all carefully selected to feel bespoke, high quality and unique.
It was important to KURV that the result of this work manifest into something that would deeply connect with the end user and sustain relationships with the consumers of this space.
All images by KURV Architecture ©

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

The homeowers' home is in the Napa Valley area of California where style is everything. The area has a rich history and the home has a magnificent view of Mt. Diablo.
The clients wanted to upgrade from the 80s tract look to early California Colonial look. They wanted attention to detail, and they wanted an indoor and outdoor "living" home because they wanted to spend as much time outdoors as indoors. They also wanted to construct an open, outside cabana style living room with a classic fireplace.
The home was completely remodeled. Every room and every surface, inside and out, to some extent, got a makeover. The existing "typical" California patio was made part of the structure with a 20x20, 400 square foot cabana style addition, with 14' ceilings under a new roof system. In an effort to bring the outside in, a two-tiered pre-cast concrete fountain was installed, providing just the right touch of ambiance. A pre-cast concrete fireplace with a double corbel Mediterranean mantle was then set and surrounded with tile. The floor was set with travertine and the walls were finished with a smooth finish plaster.
To create a more formal atmosphere, the cabana patio has Mediterranean archways with fabric curtains for inclement weather. The cabana patio is divided into two separate areas, one for enjoying a meal with friends, and the other for merely sitting and enjoying the beautiful Northern California weather. Each of the areas received Mission-style chandeliers; task lighting was provided by recessed can lights. Hacienda blend cap and pan roof tiles were applied to the entire roof and then finished with a copper Conestoga chimney top. Smooth stucco was applied and painted in a Fallbrook color.
A new, stamped concrete driveway accents and welcomes visitors The new front door is a custom round top plank door from Antigua Door with a round transom system, 2-1/4" thick Spanish cedar planks, round transom-lights, and a speakeasy opening with an inset diamond grill; it received a light glaze and was manually distressed.
The kitchen ceiling became a vaulted ceiling. The floor was covered with travertine set in a basket weave pattern and the back splash as set with 4x4, multi-color tiles set on a center grid pattern. The cabinet carcasses were custom manufactured Cimino doors and finished with an opaque conversion varnish with a two-art glaze. Display cabinets were inset with decorative wire grilles and then finished with a custom glaze. Bourdeux granite was used on the countertops. A new Thermodor gas range was installed with a custom built plaster range hood with a Vent-a-hood liner insert. This was particularly troublesome because structural members had to be modfied to accommodate the installation. New drywall was installed with an imperfect, smooth finish.
The family room also received a vaulted ceiling and ten-lite exterior, out-swing, wooden doors with a walnut finish and dark glaze. A flat screen TV was placed over the mantle with three surrounding speakers. The mantle is of hand-hewn alder, distressed, and finished with a dark glaze. The cabinetry matches that of the kitchen with Juliano upper doors, shaker lower doors with lattice inset to allow air cooling for the electronics, and a rope detail flanking either end. These were finished with a pigmented glaze. The inside fireplace mantle was constructed from a single, hand-hewn, irregular planed, 8" alder timber. The tile on the fireplace consisted of 4x8 Gamelan Border, 6x6 W.Z. Lambok, and 6x24 W.Z. Buyan in burnt umber from Walker Zanger.
The entry powder room received custom cabinets with custom furniture finish of opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. The floor received the same tile as the kitchen. The great room has a 14' ceiling, three 5-foot by 7-foot wood outswing doors with arched tops, and the tile used was the same as that used in the kitchen.
The custom front door has an arch and is made of knotty alder. The master bathroom was finished with custom furniture style cabinetry using opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. Countertops were Onyx. Inset into the ceiling is a custom, plaster dome with rope lighting and a central, Mission-style chandelier.
The shower is appointed with travertine tile and edging, and enclosed with custom frameless glass front panels and door. Then this well-appointed room was finished with a slipper style tub. In an effort to bring sound throughout the house, an RA, wireless radio system was installed with separate controls in each room. This was an afterthought of the clients, thus the use of wireless technology. Two spaces originally dedicated to smaller bedrooms, were converted into a state-of-the-art workout room replete with mirrors surrounding the walls. And a custom office was constructed in the other. The office, build in a "L" shape received the same cabinetry with places for computer, fax, etc., as the rest of the house and the closet received custom storage units.
California living at its best.

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the building was erected on a shallow commercial lot between two 120 year old masonry buildings and a new residential rental building. 330 Grand Street is a mix of 725 SF 1BRs and 1050 SF 2BR apartments. It also contains a 1100 SF two story duplex as well as private and public rooftop space, large private balconies for most units and two large private terraces for the ground floor units.
330 Grand Street was originally designed and approved at the NYC DOB as a prefabricated modular building. During the pandemic, as shipping costs skyrocketed putting the project at risk, we suggested redesigning the building as a reinforced cast-in-place concrete structure. Concrete was readily available and prices had not been affected by the demand increase that many other materials suffered in the pandemic. We took this opportunity to raise floor to ceiling heights, enlarge high performance windows and redistribute the buildings MEPFS and Structural Systems to create very open floor plans.
The challenge was to create a luxurious sensorial living experience with very limited means. In a city with very high construction costs, low cost residential buildings in the area are usually devoid of good quality, design and character. Our approach was to aim high for the end user, prioritizing natural light, open space with long visual perspectives, high ceilings and as always, rejecting the use of predefined building templates.
Our biggest challenge was to ensure that the small spaces feel as clean cut, large and bright as possible. Several unique design decisions were made to ensure low cost and high quality;
Floor plans were laid out so that spaces were wide open and free of clutter from mechanical or structural interruptions. Therefore all infrastructure was placed in lateral demising walls, which in turn act as the unit’s storage and kitchen. The apartments feel wide open, are super quiet and have more storage space than any other comparable apartment in the city.
To solve the problem of the site’s shallow commercial lot which is typically prone to dark interior spaces we focused our attention on the building’s envelope. Instead of the usual small punched window openings, oversized high performance windows were designed to ensure that light penetrated as far as possible into the units. In the smaller 1BR units, the full 50’ depth of the lot is perceived by partitioning spaces with sliding pocket doors that can be retracted to allow deep visual perspectives, making the sight lines in the space feel longer, larger, more ample than normal. In addition to the full height glazing, each unit above the 2nd floor receives a 7 foot covered balcony, adding 120 to 240 sf to each apartment, something unusual in New York City buildings. The space is large enough for a full size dining table, when the weather permits being outside.
We also worked hard to ensure modularity. For example, all kitchen units are all identical throughout the building. The idea of modularity and the economy of the repetitive unit is exercised to the maximum through the building.
Hardware, appliances, flooring, wall coverings and material finishes are all carefully selected to feel bespoke, high quality and unique.
It was important to KURV that the result of this work manifest into something that would deeply connect with the end user and sustain relationships with the consumers of this space.
All images by KURV Architecture ©

The unique functions of the home were achieved by the close collaboraton between the Owners and the Architect. A two story Octangonal structure was designed to provide a lowere level kitchen and work space.
The second story accommodes an office with a protected balcony.
The typical 3 feet roof overhangs allows winter heat gain and excludes the summer intense sun, while also protections the wall materials from snow and rain exposure.
photo: Scott Hoffner

Designed to feel anything but typical, this basement remodel was centered around warmth, character, and livability. The goal was to create a space that feels fully integrated with the home above, both in function and aesthetic.
An egress window was introduced to bring natural light into the new bedroom, transforming the lower level into a bright and comfortable extension of the home. The main living area is anchored by a custom built-in TV wall, creating a natural gathering space for movie nights and game days.
Just off the living area, a custom wet bar adds both convenience and visual interest, making entertaining effortless. Built-in storage solutions were thoughtfully incorporated throughout, keeping the space organized while adding depth and detail to the design.
The result is a basement that feels open, inviting, and intentionally designed for everyday living, seamlessly blending comfort, function, and style.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the building was erected on a shallow commercial lot between two 120 year old masonry buildings and a new residential rental building. 330 Grand Street is a mix of 725 SF 1BRs and 1050 SF 2BR apartments. It also contains a 1100 SF two story duplex as well as private and public rooftop space, large private balconies for most units and two large private terraces for the ground floor units.
330 Grand Street was originally designed and approved at the NYC DOB as a prefabricated modular building. During the pandemic, as shipping costs skyrocketed putting the project at risk, we suggested redesigning the building as a reinforced cast-in-place concrete structure. Concrete was readily available and prices had not been affected by the demand increase that many other materials suffered in the pandemic. We took this opportunity to raise floor to ceiling heights, enlarge high performance windows and redistribute the buildings MEPFS and Structural Systems to create very open floor plans.
The challenge was to create a luxurious sensorial living experience with very limited means. In a city with very high construction costs, low cost residential buildings in the area are usually devoid of good quality, design and character. Our approach was to aim high for the end user, prioritizing natural light, open space with long visual perspectives, high ceilings and as always, rejecting the use of predefined building templates.
Our biggest challenge was to ensure that the small spaces feel as clean cut, large and bright as possible. Several unique design decisions were made to ensure low cost and high quality;
Floor plans were laid out so that spaces were wide open and free of clutter from mechanical or structural interruptions. Therefore all infrastructure was placed in lateral demising walls, which in turn act as the unit’s storage and kitchen. The apartments feel wide open, are super quiet and have more storage space than any other comparable apartment in the city.
To solve the problem of the site’s shallow commercial lot which is typically prone to dark interior spaces we focused our attention on the building’s envelope. Instead of the usual small punched window openings, oversized high performance windows were designed to ensure that light penetrated as far as possible into the units. In the smaller 1BR units, the full 50’ depth of the lot is perceived by partitioning spaces with sliding pocket doors that can be retracted to allow deep visual perspectives, making the sight lines in the space feel longer, larger, more ample than normal. In addition to the full height glazing, each unit above the 2nd floor receives a 7 foot covered balcony, adding 120 to 240 sf to each apartment, something unusual in New York City buildings. The space is large enough for a full size dining table, when the weather permits being outside.
We also worked hard to ensure modularity. For example, all kitchen units are all identical throughout the building. The idea of modularity and the economy of the repetitive unit is exercised to the maximum through the building.
Hardware, appliances, flooring, wall coverings and material finishes are all carefully selected to feel bespoke, high quality and unique.
It was important to KURV that the result of this work manifest into something that would deeply connect with the end user and sustain relationships with the consumers of this space.
All images by KURV Architecture ©

The homeowers' home is in the Napa Valley area of California where style is everything. The area has a rich history and the home has a magnificent view of Mt. Diablo.
The clients wanted to upgrade from the 80s tract look to early California Colonial look. They wanted attention to detail, and they wanted an indoor and outdoor "living" home because they wanted to spend as much time outdoors as indoors. They also wanted to construct an open, outside cabana style living room with a classic fireplace.
The home was completely remodeled. Every room and every surface, inside and out, to some extent, got a makeover. The existing "typical" California patio was made part of the structure with a 20x20, 400 square foot cabana style addition, with 14' ceilings under a new roof system. In an effort to bring the outside in, a two-tiered pre-cast concrete fountain was installed, providing just the right touch of ambiance. A pre-cast concrete fireplace with a double corbel Mediterranean mantle was then set and surrounded with tile. The floor was set with travertine and the walls were finished with a smooth finish plaster.
To create a more formal atmosphere, the cabana patio has Mediterranean archways with fabric curtains for inclement weather. The cabana patio is divided into two separate areas, one for enjoying a meal with friends, and the other for merely sitting and enjoying the beautiful Northern California weather. Each of the areas received Mission-style chandeliers; task lighting was provided by recessed can lights. Hacienda blend cap and pan roof tiles were applied to the entire roof and then finished with a copper Conestoga chimney top. Smooth stucco was applied and painted in a Fallbrook color.
A new, stamped concrete driveway accents and welcomes visitors The new front door is a custom round top plank door from Antigua Door with a round transom system, 2-1/4" thick Spanish cedar planks, round transom-lights, and a speakeasy opening with an inset diamond grill; it received a light glaze and was manually distressed.
The kitchen ceiling became a vaulted ceiling. The floor was covered with travertine set in a basket weave pattern and the back splash as set with 4x4, multi-color tiles set on a center grid pattern. The cabinet carcasses were custom manufactured Cimino doors and finished with an opaque conversion varnish with a two-art glaze. Display cabinets were inset with decorative wire grilles and then finished with a custom glaze. Bourdeux granite was used on the countertops. A new Thermodor gas range was installed with a custom built plaster range hood with a Vent-a-hood liner insert. This was particularly troublesome because structural members had to be modfied to accommodate the installation. New drywall was installed with an imperfect, smooth finish.
The family room also received a vaulted ceiling and ten-lite exterior, out-swing, wooden doors with a walnut finish and dark glaze. A flat screen TV was placed over the mantle with three surrounding speakers. The mantle is of hand-hewn alder, distressed, and finished with a dark glaze. The cabinetry matches that of the kitchen with Juliano upper doors, shaker lower doors with lattice inset to allow air cooling for the electronics, and a rope detail flanking either end. These were finished with a pigmented glaze. The inside fireplace mantle was constructed from a single, hand-hewn, irregular planed, 8" alder timber. The tile on the fireplace consisted of 4x8 Gamelan Border, 6x6 W.Z. Lambok, and 6x24 W.Z. Buyan in burnt umber from Walker Zanger.
The entry powder room received custom cabinets with custom furniture finish of opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. The floor received the same tile as the kitchen. The great room has a 14' ceiling, three 5-foot by 7-foot wood outswing doors with arched tops, and the tile used was the same as that used in the kitchen.
The custom front door has an arch and is made of knotty alder. The master bathroom was finished with custom furniture style cabinetry using opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. Countertops were Onyx. Inset into the ceiling is a custom, plaster dome with rope lighting and a central, Mission-style chandelier.
The shower is appointed with travertine tile and edging, and enclosed with custom frameless glass front panels and door. Then this well-appointed room was finished with a slipper style tub. In an effort to bring sound throughout the house, an RA, wireless radio system was installed with separate controls in each room. This was an afterthought of the clients, thus the use of wireless technology. Two spaces originally dedicated to smaller bedrooms, were converted into a state-of-the-art workout room replete with mirrors surrounding the walls. And a custom office was constructed in the other. The office, build in a "L" shape received the same cabinetry with places for computer, fax, etc., as the rest of the house and the closet received custom storage units.
California living at its best.

Designed to feel anything but typical, this basement remodel was centered around warmth, character, and livability. The goal was to create a space that feels fully integrated with the home above, both in function and aesthetic.
An egress window was introduced to bring natural light into the new bedroom, transforming the lower level into a bright and comfortable extension of the home. The main living area is anchored by a custom built-in TV wall, creating a natural gathering space for movie nights and game days.
Just off the living area, a custom wet bar adds both convenience and visual interest, making entertaining effortless. Built-in storage solutions were thoughtfully incorporated throughout, keeping the space organized while adding depth and detail to the design.
The result is a basement that feels open, inviting, and intentionally designed for everyday living, seamlessly blending comfort, function, and style.
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