48 American Exterior Design Ideas

Kentucky Pool House
Kentucky Pool House
Tektoniks ArchitectsTektoniks Architects
Tektoniks Architects: Architects of Record / Kitchen Design Shadley Associates: Prime Consultant and Project Designer Photo Credits: JP Shadley - Shadley Associates
Gilded Age Home
Gilded Age Home
Commonwealth Home DesignCommonwealth Home Design
Architect: Susan Caughey Pierce Builder: Commonwealth Home Design Photographer: Greg Hadley
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Cook
Cook
Malcolm Davis ArchitectureMalcolm Davis Architecture
The Cook house at The Sea Ranch was designed to meet the needs an active family with two young children, who wanted to take full advantage of coastal living. As The Sea Ranch reaches full build-out, the major design challenge is to create a sense of shelter and privacy amid an expansive meadow and between neighboring houses. A T-shaped floor plan was positioned to take full advantage of unobstructed ocean views and create sheltered outdoor spaces . Windows were positioned to let in maximum natural light, capture ridge and ocean views , while minimizing the sight of nearby structures and roadways from the principle spaces. The interior finishes are simple and warm, echoing the surrounding natural beauty. Scuba diving, hiking, and beach play meant a significant amount of sand would accompany the family home from their outings, so the architect designed an outdoor shower and an adjacent mud room to help contain the outdoor elements. Durable finishes such as the concrete floors are up to the challenge. The home is a tranquil vessel that cleverly accommodates both active engagement and calm respite from a busy weekday schedule.

48 American Exterior Design Ideas

Torch Lake (Rapid City) Timber Design
Torch Lake (Rapid City) Timber Design
Edgewater Design GroupEdgewater Design Group
Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography
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