Contemporary clean lines, fused with the original features of an Edwardian home. No tiles were used in this bathroom, only glass, RAL colour matched to the wall paint. Floorboards stained to match the rest of the house, with a waterproof lining underneath. Photo: Carole Poirot

Photo by Nat Rea

Rob Karosis, Photographer

Brandon Stengell

Zola Thermo Clad windows and doors.

Zola Thermo Clad windows and doors.

This custom home was thoughtfully designed for a young, active family in the heart of wine country. Designed to address the clients’ desire for indoor / outdoor living, the home embraces its surroundings and is sited to take full advantage of the panoramic views and outdoor entertaining spaces. The interior space of the three bedroom, 2.5 bath home is divided into three distinct zones: a public living area; a two bedroom suite; and a separate master suite, which includes an art studio. Casually relaxed, yet startlingly original, the structure gains impact through the sometimes surprising choice of materials, which include field stone, integral concrete floors, glass walls, Honduras mahogany veneers and a copper clad central fireplace. This house showcases the best of modern design while becoming an integral part of its spectacular setting.

Stephen Lee

Designer: Ruthie Alan, Photo Credit: Michael Robinson

J Horn , Ajax Builders

For this classic San Francisco William Wurster house, we complemented the iconic modernist architecture, urban landscape, and Bay views with contemporary silhouettes and a neutral color palette. We subtly incorporated the wife's love of all things equine and the husband's passion for sports into the interiors. The family enjoys entertaining, and the multi-level home features a gourmet kitchen, wine room, and ample areas for dining and relaxing. An elevator conveniently climbs to the top floor where a serene master suite awaits.

Troy Thies Photography

Jesse Snyder

The Eagle Harbor Cabin is located on a wooded waterfront property on Lake Superior, at the northerly edge of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, about 300 miles northeast of Minneapolis. The wooded 3-acre site features the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior, a lake that sometimes behaves like the ocean. The 2,000 SF cabin cantilevers out toward the water, with a 40-ft. long glass wall facing the spectacular beauty of the lake. The cabin is composed of two simple volumes: a large open living/dining/kitchen space with an open timber ceiling structure and a 2-story “bedroom tower,” with the kids’ bedroom on the ground floor and the parents’ bedroom stacked above. The interior spaces are wood paneled, with exposed framing in the ceiling. The cabinets use PLYBOO, a FSC-certified bamboo product, with mahogany end panels. The use of mahogany is repeated in the custom mahogany/steel curvilinear dining table and in the custom mahogany coffee table. The cabin has a simple, elemental quality that is enhanced by custom touches such as the curvilinear maple entry screen and the custom furniture pieces. The cabin utilizes native Michigan hardwoods such as maple and birch. The exterior of the cabin is clad in corrugated metal siding, offset by the tall fireplace mass of Montana ledgestone at the east end. The house has a number of sustainable or “green” building features, including 2x8 construction (40% greater insulation value); generous glass areas to provide natural lighting and ventilation; large overhangs for sun and snow protection; and metal siding for maximum durability. Sustainable interior finish materials include bamboo/plywood cabinets, linoleum floors, locally-grown maple flooring and birch paneling, and low-VOC paints.