morning terrace facing the pasture with large sliding doors to the main living spaces and view beyond
Example of a cottage wood exterior home design in Seattle with a metal roof and a brown roof

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Simplified lines come together to create dramatic planes and volumes across the exterior of the home. While Stein's designs often incorporate wavy roof lines, this home was designed to mimic the leaves of the Tulip Poplar trees, some of which still remain on the property. Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2013 Houzz

The existing condominium was spacious, but lacked definition. It was simply too rambling and shapeless to be comfortable or functional. The existing builder-grade kitchen did not have enough counter or cabinet space. And the existing window sills were too high to appreciate the views outside. To accommodate our clients' needs, we carved out the spaces and gave subtle definition to its boundaries without obstructing the views within or diminishing the sense of spaciousness. We raised the kitchen and dining space on a low platform to define it as well as to define the space of the adjacent living area. The platform also allowed better views to the exterior. We designed and fabricated custom concrete countertops for the kitchen and master bath. The concrete ceilings were sprayed with sound attenuating insulation to abate the echoes. The master bath underwent a transformation. To enlarge the feel of the space, we designed and fabricated custom shallow vanity cabinets and a concrete countertop. Protruding from the countertop is the curve of a generous semi-encased porcelain sink. The shower is a room of glass mosaic tiles. The mirror is a simple wall mirror with polished square edges topped by a sleek fluorescent vanity light with a high CRI. This project was published in New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles magazine. photo: Volume Zero LLC

Volume Zero LLC
Mid-sized eclectic galley porcelain tile eat-in kitchen photo in New Orleans with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Renovation of the existing master bath to enhance the quality of the space and the luxurious bathing experience. Removed an existing claustrophobic shower enclosure and incorporated the tub into a luxuriously large shower/wet area. Rather than bathing in a shower or tub cubicle, this combining of spaces into one larger space allows the homeowner to experience the entire room as part of the bathing or shower ritual. photo: Volume Zero LLC

This project is the renovation of an old Craftsman style single shotgun house. We removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room to open up the space. To hide possible clutter in the Kitchen, we designed and fabricated a low wall between the two spaces, using pre-finished wood flooring as the wall finish. Since the Dining Room also includes a small sitting area, we maximized space by designing and fabricating a custom banquette dining area with a built-in storage bench, upholstered bench cushions, and a dining table. photo: Volume Zero LLC

Interior and exterior renovation of a 1950's concrete block home which includes a master suite addition on the upper story, a new pool, new pool deck, new courtyard, and a new carport addition. photo: Volume Zero LLC

From the street, the Bowmanville House commands attention with its confident interplay of form, color, and texture. The design alternates between light and dark volumes, with white Trespa panels stacked above deep brown cladding and black accents. This layering not only enhances the home's visual depth but also anchors the structure firmly to its double-lot site. The elevated glass-fronted deck on the upper level creates a striking focal point, projecting outward as both an architectural feature and a functional living space. Beneath it, sheltered ground-level space adds versatility, offering shade and protection while reinforcing the building's sense of proportion. The black vertical stair at the side provides a crisp architectural line, while the arrangement of windows punctuates the facade with rhythm and balance. Every choice—from material selection to massing—reflects a modernist ethos tailored for family living in an urban neighborhood. This home doesn't just sit on the lot—it defines it. It's a bold gesture of contemporary design in a context where few homes push boundaries this way, setting a new precedent for how form and function can coexist beautifully.

Volume Zero LLC [architectural design studio]
Trendy bathroom photo in New Orleans

BEFORE we started the echo in this house was substantial. The ceilings will be filled in to accommodate a new bedroom, loft and bathroom. However, we plan on keeping the high ceiling over the entryway. The balcony will radius in the opposite direction to span to the front wall and create new living space with an open loft above.. Photo by Chris Doering for Truadditions 921947

Volume Zero LLC
Mid-sized eclectic galley porcelain tile eat-in kitchen photo in New Orleans with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Volume Zero LLC
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic galley porcelain tile eat-in kitchen remodel in New Orleans with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Volume Zero LLC
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic galley porcelain tile eat-in kitchen remodel in New Orleans with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This project is the renovation of an old Craftsman style single shotgun house. We removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room to open up the space. To hide possible clutter in the Kitchen, we designed and fabricated a low wall between the two spaces, using pre-finished wood flooring as the wall finish on the Dining side of the wall and ceramic pool tiles as the backsplash. We designed and fabricated custom concrete countertops. To enhance the airiness of the spaces, we removed the existing suspended ceiling to expose the high ceilings. We rehabilitated the large old wood windows and installed lightweight cafe curtains throughout the house to capture natural daylighting. photo: Volume Zero LLC

Renovation of a Craftsman-style single shotgun home. photo: Volume Zero LLC
Inspiration for an eclectic exterior home remodel in New Orleans

Volume Zero LLC
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized eclectic galley porcelain tile eat-in kitchen idea in New Orleans with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Volume Zero LLC
Example of a mid-sized eclectic galley porcelain tile eat-in kitchen design in New Orleans with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The existing Kitchen was extremely inefficient with very little counter space and few cabinets. We re-organized the Kitchen appliances to create an efficient work triangle, maximized cabinet storage by customizing the depth of the cabinets to create a continuous flow of cabinets (deep and shallow) as well as maximized usable counter space which used to be interrupted by the chimney flue. We added a new shallow work counter along the large window wall with tall storage flanking the windows, where our client can sit down while prepping for her dishes. This shallow counter can also be utilized as a serving counter while entertaining guests. Since the footprint remains small, we took advantage of the high ceilings and provided tall wall cabinets and pantry storage. A tall cabinet adjacent to the refrigerator houses the microwave, and what would be a dead corner for the countertop is saved for a toaster oven. photo: Volume Zero LLC