PROJECT Glass stairs and skylight separating two halves of a Hermosa Beach Strand Home. TEAM Architect: Ryan Knowlton, A.I.A. Builder: Tomaro Design Build Inc. NOTEWORTHY FEATURES Glass and Steel stairs with integrated guardrail lighting 250 square foot skylight with internal drainage system

Floating staircase with custom wood treads features a custom concrete backdrop and a large skylite for incredible lighting. PC Carsten Arnold

Gracious traditional foyer with mahagony door, distressed floors, and exquisite trim detail. Fabulous design by Stephen Fuller. Photos by TJ Getz.

Peter Kerze Photographer

photo: Woodie Williams

Cammie Owens

One of the biggest challenges when working on a historic home is how to blend new spaces into the existing structure. For this home – the Boardman Homestead, one of the oldest in Ipswich, Massachusetts – the owners wanted to add a first floor master suite without corrupting the exterior lines of the house. To accomplish this, we designed an independent structure that we connected to the original kitchen via a wing. Expansive, south-facing French doors bring in natural light and open from the bedroom onto a private, wooden patio. Inside, the suite features a wood-burning fireplace, en suite bathroom, and spacious walk-in closet. Combining these elements with a cathedral ceiling and a generous number of large windows creates a space that is open, light, and yet still cozy.

Chris Humphreys

Photographer: Adam Willis http://www.adamwillisphotography.com Builder: Tom Ganley Construction

Bark House Shingle Siding and Reclaimed Barnwood Siding, photo by Todd Bush

Interior Design by Sandra Meyers Interiors, Photo by Maxine Schnitzer