This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits. Click here for a virtual tour.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits. Click here for a virtual tour.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

Project Overview: Our team embarked on a thoughtful renovation journey, transforming an aging deck into a harmonious blend of indoor-outdoor living. The goal was to create a space that honors tradition while embracing modern comfort. Existing Deck Transformation: Original Deck: The existing deck, weathered by years of memories, retained its original purpose—a place where sunlight dances and conversations flow. Uncovered and open to the elements, it stood as a testament to countless gatherings and sun-kissed afternoons. Screen Porch Conversion: Half of the deck underwent a magical metamorphosis, emerging as a screen porch—a sanctuary where the outdoors and indoors intertwine. The screen porch now cradles moments of quiet contemplation, protected from bugs and gentle rain. Design Considerations: Seamless Transition: The transition between the deck and the screen porch is seamless, honoring the house’s original footprint. The shared boundary invites a gentle flow—a dance of light and shadow. Cantilevered Roof: To preserve the deck’s sunlit expanse, we cantilevered the roof over the screen porch. This architectural choice ensures that both spaces coexist harmoniously, each with its unique purpose. Functional Harmony: The deck, now partially covered, continues to serve as an alfresco haven for sunbathing, stargazing, and laughter. The screen porch beckons with its screened walls, inviting cozy evenings and whispered secrets. Legacy and Connection: This renovation isn’t just about wood and nails; it’s about honoring the past and embracing the future. The parents, their children, and grandchildren—all find solace here, under the same sky, within these transformed walls.

We were hired to add space to their cottage while still maintaining the current architectural style. We enlarged the home's living area, created a larger mudroom off the garage entry, enlarged the screen porch and created a covered porch off the dining room and the existing deck was also enlarged. On the second level, we added an additional bunk room, bathroom, and new access to the bonus room above the garage. The exterior was also embellished with timber beams and brackets as well as a stunning new balcony off the master bedroom. Trim details and new staining completed the look. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Project Overview: Our team embarked on a thoughtful renovation journey, transforming an aging deck into a harmonious blend of indoor-outdoor living. The goal was to create a space that honors tradition while embracing modern comfort. Existing Deck Transformation: Original Deck: The existing deck, weathered by years of memories, retained its original purpose—a place where sunlight dances and conversations flow. Uncovered and open to the elements, it stood as a testament to countless gatherings and sun-kissed afternoons. Screen Porch Conversion: Half of the deck underwent a magical metamorphosis, emerging as a screen porch—a sanctuary where the outdoors and indoors intertwine. The screen porch now cradles moments of quiet contemplation, protected from bugs and gentle rain. Design Considerations: Seamless Transition: The transition between the deck and the screen porch is seamless, honoring the house’s original footprint. The shared boundary invites a gentle flow—a dance of light and shadow. Cantilevered Roof: To preserve the deck’s sunlit expanse, we cantilevered the roof over the screen porch. This architectural choice ensures that both spaces coexist harmoniously, each with its unique purpose. Functional Harmony: The deck, now partially covered, continues to serve as an alfresco haven for sunbathing, stargazing, and laughter. The screen porch beckons with its screened walls, inviting cozy evenings and whispered secrets. Legacy and Connection: This renovation isn’t just about wood and nails; it’s about honoring the past and embracing the future. The parents, their children, and grandchildren—all find solace here, under the same sky, within these transformed walls.

ALL FOR THE VIEW! We took our client’s goals and added our design and craftsmanship to make a GREAT outdoor living space with an amazing deck and storage room two-story addition. The North Phoenix home faces north with a stunning view of Lookout Mountain Preserve and the northeast valley. Our client now has an incredible space to enjoy their scenic view. We created a large outdoor living area for entertaining. This beautiful adobe style home’s first floor was built below grade level. The second story of the home is dedicated to the main living space with the kitchen, living room, and dining room. By expanding the deck, and integrating an outdoor kitchen, we created a much larger living space for their home. We built a two-story addition to the back of the house which creates a storage room, of which the roof serves as an additional walk deck space for the new outdoor kitchen (check out the photos). This new uncovered deck directly extends from the existing deck so that it spans the width of the home. The storage room is a secure, temperature-controlled space. With a ceiling height of just over 9’0” and over 200 sq. ft., this room below the new deck addition is the perfect space for secure additional storage. Detail Note: The 4 Step Adobe style detail to the privacy wall complements the architectural style of the home and provides added privacy from the neighbors without blocking anyone’s view. The tall post is for a sail shade. A sliding glass door replaced a window for easy access from the inside kitchen.

Project Overview: Our team embarked on a thoughtful renovation journey, transforming an aging deck into a harmonious blend of indoor-outdoor living. The goal was to create a space that honors tradition while embracing modern comfort. Existing Deck Transformation: Original Deck: The existing deck, weathered by years of memories, retained its original purpose—a place where sunlight dances and conversations flow. Uncovered and open to the elements, it stood as a testament to countless gatherings and sun-kissed afternoons. Screen Porch Conversion: Half of the deck underwent a magical metamorphosis, emerging as a screen porch—a sanctuary where the outdoors and indoors intertwine. The screen porch now cradles moments of quiet contemplation, protected from bugs and gentle rain. Design Considerations: Seamless Transition: The transition between the deck and the screen porch is seamless, honoring the house’s original footprint. The shared boundary invites a gentle flow—a dance of light and shadow. Cantilevered Roof: To preserve the deck’s sunlit expanse, we cantilevered the roof over the screen porch. This architectural choice ensures that both spaces coexist harmoniously, each with its unique purpose. Functional Harmony: The deck, now partially covered, continues to serve as an alfresco haven for sunbathing, stargazing, and laughter. The screen porch beckons with its screened walls, inviting cozy evenings and whispered secrets. Legacy and Connection: This renovation isn’t just about wood and nails; it’s about honoring the past and embracing the future. The parents, their children, and grandchildren—all find solace here, under the same sky, within these transformed walls.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

Project Overview: Our team embarked on a thoughtful renovation journey, transforming an aging deck into a harmonious blend of indoor-outdoor living. The goal was to create a space that honors tradition while embracing modern comfort. Existing Deck Transformation: Original Deck: The existing deck, weathered by years of memories, retained its original purpose—a place where sunlight dances and conversations flow. Uncovered and open to the elements, it stood as a testament to countless gatherings and sun-kissed afternoons. Screen Porch Conversion: Half of the deck underwent a magical metamorphosis, emerging as a screen porch—a sanctuary where the outdoors and indoors intertwine. The screen porch now cradles moments of quiet contemplation, protected from bugs and gentle rain. Design Considerations: Seamless Transition: The transition between the deck and the screen porch is seamless, honoring the house’s original footprint. The shared boundary invites a gentle flow—a dance of light and shadow. Cantilevered Roof: To preserve the deck’s sunlit expanse, we cantilevered the roof over the screen porch. This architectural choice ensures that both spaces coexist harmoniously, each with its unique purpose. Functional Harmony: The deck, now partially covered, continues to serve as an alfresco haven for sunbathing, stargazing, and laughter. The screen porch beckons with its screened walls, inviting cozy evenings and whispered secrets. Legacy and Connection: This renovation isn’t just about wood and nails; it’s about honoring the past and embracing the future. The parents, their children, and grandchildren—all find solace here, under the same sky, within these transformed walls.

This remodel started out as a simple deck replacement. Most, strike that, ALL remodels have a tendency to start out with a conclusion. They tell us they want a new this or that. Simple right? And insufficient for the task at hand. That's when we start digging. We started asking why. And we keep asking. We do that to uncover the real motivation and desires that need to be satisfied. It’s how we define a meaningful scope of work. Almost anyone can slap on a new countertop or replace an old deck. But if you want a new space that literally changes the way you live, that’s on a whole different level. After several lengthy conversations, these homeowners realized they wanted something that was more of a living space they could use most of the year. But they also wanted it to be integrated into the surrounding nature and reflect the unique eclectic architecture of the house. And of course, they love to entertain, so it had to be inviting, comfortable, and mosquito-free. Initial conclusion: we want a new deck. Final scope and design: we gave them a 3 ½ season bug-free porch with a panoramic view, a breeze on command, and a tree house to entertain in. The Sunspace venting panels (not glass) provide unobstructed views with collapsible screens in multiple configurations to control the amount of airflow into the porch. The 18 x 20 footprint is large enough for large gatherings. The decking inside is Dektek concrete tiles with a beautiful stunning glaze and remarkable durability. On the outside, it's Wolf synthetic decking made of 94% recycled materials.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

We remodeled this unassuming mid-century home from top to bottom. An entire third floor and two outdoor decks were added. As a bonus, we made the whole thing accessible with an elevator linking all three floors. The 3rd floor was designed to be built entirely above the existing roof level to preserve the vaulted ceilings in the main level living areas. Floor joists spanned the full width of the house to transfer new loads onto the existing foundation as much as possible. This minimized structural work required inside the existing footprint of the home. A portion of the new roof extends over the custom outdoor kitchen and deck on the north end, allowing year-round use of this space. Exterior finishes feature a combination of smooth painted horizontal panels, and pre-finished fiber-cement siding, that replicate a natural stained wood. Exposed beams and cedar soffits provide wooden accents around the exterior. Horizontal cable railings were used around the rooftop decks. Natural stone installed around the front entry enhances the porch. Metal roofing in natural forest green, tie the whole project together. On the main floor, the kitchen remodel included minimal footprint changes, but overhauling of the cabinets and function. A larger window brings in natural light, capturing views of the garden and new porch. The sleek kitchen now shines with two-toned cabinetry in stained maple and high-gloss white, white quartz countertops with hints of gold and purple, and a raised bubble-glass chiseled edge cocktail bar. The kitchen’s eye-catching mixed-metal backsplash is a fun update on a traditional penny tile. The dining room was revamped with new built-in lighted cabinetry, luxury vinyl flooring, and a contemporary-style chandelier. Throughout the main floor, the original hardwood flooring was refinished with dark stain, and the fireplace revamped in gray and with a copper-tile hearth and new insert. During demolition our team uncovered a hidden ceiling beam. The clients loved the look, so to meet the planned budget, the beam was turned into an architectural feature, wrapping it in wood paneling matching the entry hall. The entire day-light basement was also remodeled, and now includes a bright & colorful exercise studio and a larger laundry room. The redesign of the washroom includes a larger showering area built specifically for washing their large dog, as well as added storage and countertop space. This is a project our team is very honored to have been involved with, build our client’s dream home.

This is a modern pool and spa set in with a wonderful modern home. The pool is surrounded by setting areas with a fire feature and the patio has a tv accent wall made of metal and stone. The epay wood deck and ceiling add a touch of warmth to the space. Photography by Vernon Wentz of Ad Imagery

A vacant, worn office space should be transformed into a show apartment / showroom. The existing space had been used as an office structure since the 1960s. Located on the 4th floor of a ten-floor reinforced concrete skeleton, the area is already high enough to receive a great amount of light, which is particularly noticeable at dawn and dusk: sunrises and sunsets conjure up the most spellbinding blends of light. The existing structure and also the technical equipment were completely outdated and needed to be completely rebuilt: suspended ceilings were removed and walls changed. The result is a modern city apartment of almost 100 m2 (about 1,070 sqft) – divided into a large living space, 2 rooms, 1 bathroom, 1 powder room and 1 utility room. The existing window facades could not be changed, but they are part of the concept anyway, namely to bring as much light as possible into the room. A controlled ventilation system ensures optimal air quality even with closed windows. The central kitchen element serves as a kind of separation of the living area and the dining area. Here customers and guests are served, people communicate, cook together, drink a glass of wine. Clients experience living. The rough reinforced concrete ribbed slaps were uncovered and painted white to give the room more height, which is accentuated by the lighting concept with ceiling-mounted spotlights. The dark oak floor creates a successful contrast to the brightly designed rooms. The wittily positioned pedestal areas hide all technical elements, such as the supply air openings of the living room ventilation. Flush-fitting door elements in the walls with a chalked brick look show in detail the special feature of the room. The central wall elements were deliberately not pulled up to the ceiling, but are separated by a glass element to show the continuity of the construction. Most of the furniture was designed by Wolfgang Pichler. Within the course of this project he was able to implement his holistic approach in the field of construction technology, architecture and furniture design and skillfully combine it with design classics. Scandinavian classics can be found in the concept just as much as pieces he collected during his career and furniture he developed for the company VITEO, which he founded in 2002. The project illustrates the added value of an architectural holistic approach.

Example of a farmhouse exterior home design in Austin

Inspiration for a transitional screened-in porch remodel in New York with decking and a roof extension

Jim Schmid Photography