Photograph by Art Gray

The owners of this prewar apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan wanted to combine two dark and tightly configured units into a single unified space. StudioLAB was challenged with the task of converting the existing arrangement into a large open three bedroom residence. The previous configuration of bedrooms along the Southern window wall resulted in very little sunlight reaching the public spaces. Breaking the norm of the traditional building layout, the bedrooms were moved to the West wall of the combined unit, while the existing internally held Living Room and Kitchen were moved towards the large South facing windows, resulting in a flood of natural sunlight. Wide-plank grey-washed walnut flooring was applied throughout the apartment to maximize light infiltration. A concrete office cube was designed with the supplementary space which features walnut flooring wrapping up the walls and ceiling. Two large sliding Starphire acid-etched glass doors close the space off to create privacy when screening a movie. High gloss white lacquer millwork built throughout the apartment allows for ample storage. LED Cove lighting was utilized throughout the main living areas to provide a bright wash of indirect illumination and to separate programmatic spaces visually without the use of physical light consuming partitions. Custom floor to ceiling Ash wood veneered doors accentuate the height of doorways and blur room thresholds. The master suite features a walk-in-closet, a large bathroom with radiant heated floors and a custom steam shower. An integrated Vantage Smart Home System was installed to control the AV, HVAC, lighting and solar shades using iPads.

By moving four walls and replacing them with a column and four beams a new open living area was created.

Lower ceilings were left in the kitchen and den so that clerestory windows could enhance the floating nature of the roof above. Photo: William MacCollum

This contemporary renovation makes no concession towards differentiating the old from the new. Rather than razing the entire residence an effort was made to conserve what elements could be worked with and added space where an expanded program required it. Clad with cedar, the addition contains a master suite on the first floor and two children’s rooms and playroom on the second floor. A small vegetated roof is located adjacent to the stairwell and is visible from the upper landing. Interiors throughout the house, both in new construction and in the existing renovation, were handled with great care to ensure an experience that is cohesive. Partition walls that once differentiated living, dining, and kitchen spaces, were removed and ceiling vaults expressed. A new kitchen island both defines and complements this singular space. The parti is a modern addition to a suburban midcentury ranch house. Hence, the name “Modern with Ranch.”

Bruce Cole Photography

This home was a designed collaboration by the owner, Harvest Architecture and Cliff Spencer Furniture Maker. Our unique materials, reclaimed wine oak, enhanced her design of the kitchen, bar and entryway.

chadbourne + doss architects reimagines a mid century modern house. Nestled into a hillside this home provides a quiet and protected modern sanctuary for its family. The Kitchen is contained in bright white and aluminum. The Living spaces are a composition of black and wood. Large sliding glass doors open to a full length deck. Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

The kitchen was redesigned to accommodate more cooks in the kitchen by improving movement in and through the kitchen. A new glass door connects to an outdoor eating area. Photo credit: Dale Lang

KSID Studio used an imaginative approach to design a room for a visionary client with a large family. The room’s size, combined with the client’s request that it serve multiple functions, created a difficult design dilemma. We had to design the room in a way that turned a small space into one where the client could enjoy a variety of family activities. Our unique seating solutions, resulted in a fabulous room and a functional hub for an active and creative family. Karen Melvin photography

Mountain Peek is a custom residence located within the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana. The layout of the home was heavily influenced by the site. Instead of building up vertically the floor plan reaches out horizontally with slight elevations between different spaces. This allowed for beautiful views from every space and also gave us the ability to play with roof heights for each individual space. Natural stone and rustic wood are accented by steal beams and metal work throughout the home. (photos by Whitney Kamman)