Front Entry Garden Gates by Skiby & Sons , Hand carved Mexican style gates with wrought iron screen . Featured in Phoenix Home and Garden. Custom Built by Skiby & Sons Photo by KJ Skiby

Brandon Barre

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint. Photo: Sergiu Stoian

Handtrail wrought iron Courtyard Gate by Cantera Doors

This transitional Mediterranean designed home features metal welded aluminum gates by Gate Masters, aluminum exterior railings, concrete roof tiles and a concrete interlocking paver driveway. The architecture was designed by The Benedict Group and the landscape architecture was done by David Bodker Associates.

The family room's center French door, lunette dormer, and fireplace were aligned with the existing entrance walk from the street. The pair of custom designed entrance gates repeat the "sheaf of wheat" pattern of the balcony railing above the entrance.

Lori Dennis Interior Design Erika Bierman Photography

Lori Dennis Interior Design Erika Bierman Photography

Front entry walk and custom entry courtyard gate leads to a courtyard bridge and the main two-story entry foyer beyond. Privacy courtyard walls are located on each side of the entry gate. They are clad with Texas Lueders stone and stucco, and capped with standing seam metal roofs. Custom-made ceramic sconce lights and recessed step lights illuminate the way in the evening. Elsewhere, the exterior integrates an Engawa breezeway around the perimeter of the home, connecting it to the surrounding landscaping and other exterior living areas. The Engawa is shaded, along with the exterior wall’s windows and doors, with a continuous wall mounted awning. The deep Kirizuma styled roof gables are supported by steel end-capped wood beams cantilevered from the inside to beyond the roof’s overhangs. Simple materials were used at the roofs to include tiles at the main roof; metal panels at the walkways, awnings and cabana; and stained and painted wood at the soffits and overhangs. Elsewhere, Texas Lueders stone and stucco were used at the exterior walls, courtyard walls and columns.

Front entry walk and custom entry courtyard gate leads to a courtyard bridge and the main two-story entry foyer beyond. Privacy courtyard walls are located on each side of the entry gate. They are clad with Texas Lueders stone and stucco, and capped with standing seam metal roofs. Custom-made ceramic sconce lights and recessed step lights illuminate the way in the evening. Elsewhere, the exterior integrates an Engawa breezeway around the perimeter of the home, connecting it to the surrounding landscaping and other exterior living areas. The Engawa is shaded, along with the exterior wall’s windows and doors, with a continuous wall mounted awning. The deep Kirizuma styled roof gables are supported by steel end-capped wood beams cantilevered from the inside to beyond the roof’s overhangs. Simple materials were used at the roofs to include tiles at the main roof; metal panels at the walkways, awnings and cabana; and stained and painted wood at the soffits and overhangs. Elsewhere, Texas Lueders stone and stucco were used at the exterior walls, courtyard walls and columns.

A 43” diameter heritage pecan guided the plan of this neighborhood-scaled, modestly-priced, single-story, L-shaped house. In Austin’s seemingly perpetual drought, the goal was to create a symbiotic relationship between house and tree: to complement, not combat each other. The roof’s east/west parallel ridges create a valley directly across from the base, where water is collected at a grate, nourishing the tree. The roof also maximizes south facing surfaces, elevated at 15 degrees for future solar collection. The open, public spaces of the home maximize the north-south light. The private zone of the bedrooms and bathrooms include a generous gallery; its angled walls and large sliding doors are faceted about the tree. The pecan becomes a central focus for indoor and outdoor living, participating in the house in both plan and section. The design welcomes and nurtures the tree as integral to its success. Photo Credit: Chris Diaz

We offer a full range of "Prestige" sliding and driveway gates in a choice of material. See our sister website for our elegant range of designs, prices and installation (if required) costs. www.PrestigeGatesUK.co.uk

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

Arched bracket portico over front door. Designed and built by Georgia Front Porch.

Our company designs builds and installs custom driveway and entry gates for homes and businesses alike. Every gate is handmade from the highest quality steel and are made according to our highest fabrication standards.

The overall feeling of Asian eclecticism is found everywhere in this California residence located in The Vintage Club. DLD redesigned the interiors with new Brazilian wood ceilings and the exterior with new copper fascia and custom copper entry gates. “It’s like being a chef – you want to be able to use the finest ingredients, because that will allow the quality to show up in the finished dish.” Erhard Pfeiffer Photography