Photos by Katrine Mardini

Joseph St. Pierre

Featured in Feb/Mar 2013 issue of Organic Gardening Magazine, this Boston-area courtyard functions as an entryway, parking space, driveway turnaround, and outdoor room. New York bluestone planks set into a sea of pea gravel can bear the weight of vehicles while allowing rainwater to permeate the ground, preventing run-off. Curving 7-foot-high green walls of shade-loving native plants create privacy and beauty, while native birch trees (Betula papyrifera) in the entry planters provide a handsome complement to the four-story Silver LEED-certified house by Wolf Architects, Inc. Landscape Architect: Julie Moir Messervy Design Studio Landscape contractor: Robert Hanss, Inc. Green wall: g_space Photographed by Susan Teare for Organic Gardening Magazine.

Nathan Harmon Photography

Photography by Neil Rashba Photography

© Lauren Devon www.laurendevon.com

On the site of an old family summer cottage, nestled on a lake in upstate New York, rests this newly constructed year round residence. The house is designed for two, yet provides plenty of space for adult children and grandchildren to come and visit. The serenity of the lake is captured with an open floor plan, anchored by fireplaces to cozy up to. The public side of the house presents a subdued presence with a courtyard enclosed by three wings of the house. Photo Credit: David Lamb

Courtyard at Beach

This contemporary home sits comfortably amidst the treetops overlooking the surf break at Cane Garden Bay. The innovative use of materials combined with strict attention to detail has resulted in a very clean modern interpretation of the traditional Caribbean hillside home. A focus on sustainability through the planning process was layered over the imaginatIve design solutions resulting in the creation of a high quality living environment with minimal impact on the global environment. The open, free-flowing design results in a contemporary Caribbean home with a comfortable scale while making the most of the location’s spectacular views.

With a clear connection between the home and the Pacific Ocean beyond, this modern dwelling provides a west coast retreat for a young family. Forethought was given to future green advancements such as being completely solar ready and having plans in place to install a living green roof. Generous use of fully retractable window walls allow sea breezes to naturally cool living spaces which extend into the outdoors. Indoor air is filtered through an exchange system, providing a healthier air quality. Concrete surfaces on floors and walls add strength and ease of maintenance. Personality is expressed with the punches of colour seen in the Italian made and designed kitchen and furnishings within the home. Thoughtful consideration was given to areas committed to the clients’ hobbies and lifestyle. Photography by www.robcampbellphotography.com

Courtyard. Copyright, Jeff Green.

Mark Boisclair Photography

Mid-Century Modernism inspired our design for this new house in Noe Valley. The exterior is distinguished by cubic massing, well proportioned forms and use of contrasting but harmonious natural materials. These include clear cedar, stone, aluminum, colored stucco, glass railings, slate and painted wood. At the rear yard, stepped terraces provide scenic views of downtown and the Bay Bridge. Large sunken courts allow generous natural light to reach the below grade guest bedroom and office behind the first floor garage. The upper floors bedrooms and baths are flooded with natural light from carefully arranged windows that open the house to panoramic views. A mostly open plan with 10 foot ceilings and an open stairwell combine with metal railings, dropped ceilings, fin walls, a stone fireplace, stone counters and teak floors to create a unified interior.

Zac and Zac

IQ Glass UK