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.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

A zen bath washed in natural light, with reclaimed wood and raked shower glass. (Photos by Matthew Millman)

Divided into four distinct pods, this home relies on crisp, clean detailing and recti-linear forms to exude a contemporary Pacific Rim aesthetic. Photos: Crocodile Creative Builder/Developer: Rodell Developments

Masonite® Steel and Fiberglass Entry Systems Homeowners, remodelers, architects and builders rely on Masonite for a comprehensive line of beautiful and durable fiberglass entry doors and steel entry doors. This catalog features our extensive line of steel door and fiberglass door products shown in a range of panel designs and glass configurations that are sure to enhance any architectural style or design need.

Two custom-built moveable islands create flexible counter space in this long but relatively narrow kitchen. New walnut lower cabinets were meticulously matched to the uppers to create a seamless update consistent with the period architectural style of this 1908 Portland foursquare style home. Photo by Photo Art Portraits.

Photography by Derek Robinson

Don't let your interior doors be written off as some functional piece of hardware. Come to Glenview Haus and make your interior doors just as stunning as the rest of your home. Glenview Haus' Traditional Wood Interior Door Collection ensures that every door stands out with all the elegance and style. Our Traditional wooden doors are finely made by expert artisans and designed with all of your needs in mind.

Front door/ Great Room entry - hidden doors are located on either side of the front door to conceal coat closets. Photography: Garett + Carrie Buell of Studiobuell/ studiobuell.com

This traditionally-styled kitchen utilizes rich wood cabinetry, intricately patterned granite, and glass tile backsplash, and open shelves near the ceiling for display of dishes.

Visit Our Showroom! 15125 North Hayden Road Scottsdale, AZ 85260

http://www.lipsettphotographygroup.com/ This beautiful 2-level home is located in Birdie Lake Place - Predator Ridge’s newest neighborhood. This Executive style home offers luxurious finishes throughout including hardwood floors, quartz counters, Jenn-Air kitchen appliances, outdoor kitchen, gym, wine room, theater room and generous outdoor living space. This south-facing luxury home sits overlooking the tranquil Birdie Lake and the critically acclaimed Ridge Course. The kitchen truly is the heart of this home; with open concept living; the dining room, living room and kitchen are all connected. And everyone knows the kitchen is where the party is. The furniture and accessories really complete this home; Adding pops of colour to a natural space makes it feel more alive. What’s our favorite item in the house? Hands down, it’s the Red farm house bar stools.

Custom inset door cabinets, 2 toned marmoleum flooring. Copper bar sink. Sonoma tile backsplash. Copper accents. Mahogany wood work