Sloped to Fit: 14 Homes That Embrace the Hill as a Catalyst for Their Design

This article highlights the completion of a contemporary hillside home in Camelback Canyon, Phoenix, a collaborative project by PHX Architecture, Vallone Design, Greey|Pickett, and DLB Custom Homes. The homeowner's vision for a California contemporary aesthetic, combined with a resort-like ambiance, guided the design process. Architect Erik Peterson of PHX Architecture emphasized the project's unique location, which allowed for a broader range of material and color choices compared to more restrictive areas like Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. The home was strategically built on a steep hillside to maximize views of Echo Canyon, the desert, and city lights, achieving an effortless indoor-outdoor flow. The upper level encompasses the living room, dining room, kitchen, and primary suite, while guest rooms, a theater, and the garage are situated on the lower level. The primary suite is conceptualized as a private sanctuary, featuring an outdoor shower and a tranquil water feature, contrasting with the expansive views from the public areas. Interior designer Shane Mehrer of Vallone Design drew inspiration from the architectural elements, integrating exterior materials such as stone walls into the interior spaces. The design philosophy aimed for a streamlined yet comfortable aesthetic, a warm contemporary feel that balances with the sleek architecture. This is evident in the great room, which features warm wood flooring and natural stone, complemented by a custom sectional by A. Rudin upholstered in performance velvet, cowhide ottomans from Bernhardt, and an area rug from David E. Adler Fine Rugs. A unique sculptural lighting fixture was custom-designed for the great room to add visual interest and compensate for limited wall space for art. One of the most notable features of the home is the interior stairwell, which incorporates a large tree that was unable to be preserved during construction. The tree was transformed into an art piece within the stairwell, and a custom butterfly installation made from crushed glass by artist Matt Schwenk was commissioned, adding a personal touch for the homeowner. Landscape architect Russ Greey of Greey|Pickett designed the exteriors to align with the home’s minimalist aesthetic, incorporating synthetic turf and wood decking to extend the resort-like atmosphere. Greey also integrated butterfly motifs into the landscape, including backlit art panels and a mural on the guest house with individual fiber-optic lighting, further personalizing the outdoor spaces. The kitchen was designed to be clean and open, featuring counter stools by Vanguard Furniture, reflecting the minimalist and integrated design approach. The project, which took approximately two and a half years to complete, is described as a significant success, attributed to the cohesive teamwork of all involved designers and builders. This collaborative effort resulted in a sophisticated hillside residence that seamlessly blends contemporary design with its natural surroundings, offering both luxury and a profound connection to the landscape. #HillsideHome #MinimalistDesign #ContemporaryArchitecture #InteriorDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #ScottsdaleRealEstate #LuxuryHomes #CustomHomes #IndoorOutdoorLiving

Baldridge Architects, an Austin-based studio, completed the Roam Ranch project, a 4,362-square-foot single-family home situated on a working ranch outside Fredericksburg, Texas. This project merges modern architectural principles with the aesthetic of Central Texas. The clients, who had previously collaborated with Baldridge Architects on an urban dwelling in Austin, sought a rural escape to establish a new home on their 'Force of Nature' ranch. This ranch is dedicated to sustainable bison and turkey agriculture, necessitating a design that also accommodates business activities such as podcast recording and educational event hosting. The design process involved integrating two existing structures—a kitchen and dining area, and a separate bedroom volume—into the new development while ensuring a cohesive final product. The architects opted for corrugated polycarbonate roofing, consistent with the existing structures, for the entryway and carport. This material choice allows natural light to penetrate the adjoining rooms and unifies the various components of the expansive residence. The complete structure thoughtfully reinterprets the traditional Central Texas 'dog-trot' house, characterized by a central open breezeway connecting two enclosed sections. The comprehensive design incorporates multiple functional areas under a single roof, including additional bedrooms, a carport, a kitchen, office spaces, a great room, and a gym. A critical aspect of the project involved designing the new construction in a manner that allowed the clients, including a newborn, to continue residing in the existing structures without interruption. This logistical challenge was meticulously addressed, resulting in a design that conceals the complexities of its construction process behind a polished and functional facade. Subtle yet significant design details are evident throughout the home, such as a raw stone hearth seamlessly integrated with the floor and a flitch beam and steel structure providing robust support for the compound's cantilevered sections. These elements showcase the firm's attention to both aesthetics and structural integrity. The project team included Burton Baldridge as project architect, Brian Bedrosian as project manager, and Drew McMillian as senior designer. Duecker Construction Company served as the builder, and Dennis Duffy Engineering provided structural engineering expertise. The landscape architecture was pre-existing, handled by Campbell Landscape Architecture. Roam Ranch stands as an example of architecture that respects its rural context while embracing contemporary living and business needs. The home’s design reflects a deep understanding of its environment and the clients' unique lifestyle, blending a working ranch's demands with modern comforts and sustainable practices. The successful integration of existing structures with new additions, coupled with a practical approach to construction logistics, underscores the project's innovative and thoughtful execution. #ResidentialArchitecture #ModernHomeDesign #TexasHillCountry #SustainableAgriculture #BaldridgeArchitects #RuralLiving #ContemporaryDesign #IntegratedStructures #DogTrotHouse

The Campbell residence in Asheville, N.C., exemplifies the "mountain modern" style, a design trend gaining traction nationwide. Designed by Living Stone Design & Build, the house is strategically placed on a steeply sloping lot, with its front facade facing the top of the slope and the rear overlooking the road and the primary view. The design prioritizes conforming to the land's topography, making the house wider than deep to minimize its environmental impact. Drawing inspiration from the region's indigenous Craftsman-style homes, the residence emphasizes structural integrity and the use of natural materials. Local fieldstone and cedar, both stained and painted, are prominent, alongside heavy-timber post-and-beam construction and eave brackets, which are characteristic of the Craftsman aesthetic. To integrate a modern sensibility, the design incorporates clean lines and deep overhangs, which also serve the practical purpose of solar gain protection. Notably, the absence of corner boards and the use of mitered corners provide a full, clean reveal. HardiePlank paneling was utilized for the upper exterior walls and soffits as a cost-saving measure, while the mitered corners and stained accents were intentional design splurges. The blend of Craftsman and modern styles addresses the preferences of clients relocating from regions where modern design is more prevalent, creating a home that is both traditional in its essence and contemporary in its details. The exterior features a massive masonry presence, achieved with cost-efficiency in mind. The chimney at the rear elevation rests on a partial concrete foundation, saving costs and avoiding encroachment on the carport space. Steel support was integrated into the screened porch's flooring to manage the load from the chimney and fireplace. Additional exterior highlights include heavy cedar post-and-beam timber brackets beneath a triptych of windows on the front facade's bump-out. This bump-out houses a seating nook with built-in benches and a tabletop, designed to replace a traditional dining room. Meals are taken here or at a dining table with fold-down leaves, which functions as a credenza when not in use, optimizing space within the shallow house design. Both the nook's tabletop and the dining table were crafted by one of the homeowners from reclaimed boxcar wood. The architectural plan also incorporates two private home offices, each with its own porch, situated at the rear of the house to provide solitude and scenic views for work. Given Asheville's emphasis on outdoor living, a third, west-facing screened porch was included for family use, complete with an outdoor kitchen. Further cost-saving measures were implemented throughout the interior. An oversized barn door was constructed from scrap wood by the trim carpenter, avoiding the expense of custom-made options. In the master bedroom, prefabricated wood sheets from Home Depot were used for an accent wall, a more economical choice than individual wood pieces. Blocking within the wall during framing allowed for floating shelves, reducing the need for traditional end tables. The children's rooms featured carpeting and bunks built from scrap wood to manage expenses. A woodworking shop off the carport was also incorporated to cater to the homeowners' specific interests. The design, with significant homeowner input, resulted in a residence that supports family activities, work, entertaining, and aging in place, all within an aesthetically pleasing framework. #ModernCraftsman #MountainModern #HomeDesign #SlopingLot #NaturalMaterials #CostSavingMeasures #OutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #AshevilleArchitecture

This blog post compiles ten distinct residential projects that utilize stilts to elevate their structures, showcasing a variety of architectural solutions to challenging topographies and environmental considerations. The article emphasizes how this architectural approach enables construction in otherwise uninhabitable sites such as lakes, steep slopes, and coastal areas, thereby fostering a closer connection between inhabitants and nature while minimizing environmental impact. The piece also highlights the increasing relevance of stilt architecture in the face of climate change, particularly in enhancing resilience against rising sea levels and more frequent flooding, as indicated by recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The first example, Redshank in the UK by Lisa Shell, features a cross-laminated timber cabin protected by untreated oak and cork panels, elevated on three galvanized steel legs painted red, a tribute to the local wading bird. Stepping Stone House in the UK, by Hamish & Lyons, is an extension built over a lake, allowing swimmers beneath its white corrugated floor deck, supported by Y-shaped glue-laminated timber columns and featuring exaggerated eaves. In the Czech Republic, Šépka Architekti's House in the Orchard is a three-storey, bulbous home propped on a reinforced-concrete stalk and covered in polyurethane to resemble a rock formation, with a birch plywood interior. Cabin Lille Arøya in Norway, by Lund Hagem, is a boat-accessible summer home on a small island, balanced on slender stilts to navigate craggy boulders. Its black exterior blends with the surroundings, while the interior uses raw concrete and rough-sawn pine. Malan Vorster's Tree House in South Africa consists of four cylindrical towers on stilts, offering forest views from a sloped site, with Corten steel legs acting as structural columns and red cedar battens adorning the exterior. Viggsö in Sweden, by Arrhov Frick Arkitektkontor, is a timber-framed cabin lifted into the treetops by wooden legs, providing views of the Stockholm archipelago and featuring a white corrugated metal roof extending to a translucent plastic-covered terrace. The Building Descending the Stairs in Italy, by ElasticoFarm and Bplan Studio, is an apartment block elevated on angular metal stilts, designed to maximize sun exposure and offer views of the Venetian Lagoon, with each of its 47 flats having a private outdoor space. Brillhart Architecture's Stewart Avenue Residence in the USA addresses rising sea levels by integrating stilts as a deliberate architectural element, using a combination of skinny galvanized steel pipes and hollow concrete columns for utility rooms. Manshausen 2.0 in Norway, by Stinessen Arkitektur, comprises raised holiday cabins in the Arctic Circle, perched on metal stilts above a rocky coastal outcrop to withstand projected sea level rises, with aluminium panels protecting the CLT frame. Finally, Dock House in Chile, by SAA Arquitectura + Territorio, is a pine-clad home near the Pacific Ocean, elevated on a structural wooden plinth and diagonal pillars that vary in height to maintain a level floor on uneven terrain, providing ocean views. These projects collectively demonstrate the versatility and environmental benefits of stilt architecture, offering innovative solutions for diverse geographical and climatic challenges. #StiltArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #ClimateChangeResilience #SustainableArchitecture #CoastalHomes #InnovativeHousing #EnvironmentalDesign #ModernArchitecture #BuildingOnSlopes

This article showcases four distinct Colorado home design projects, highlighting the collaborative efforts of talented architects and interior designers in bringing homeowners' visions to life. Each project emphasizes unique design philosophies, material selections, and functional considerations tailored to individual needs and the Colorado landscape. First, the 'Longshot Ranch' in Eagle County is presented as a modern rustic barn designed by Forum Phi for a couple with contrasting aesthetic preferences. The husband desired a contemporary, modern aesthetic and a working ranch, while the wife preferred a rustic style and connection to civilization. The resulting 3,763-square-foot, two-bedroom barn, completed in 2021, successfully integrates residential living with agricultural space on a 35-acre plot. It features reclaimed white oak floors, oil-rubbed bronze, natural stone, and stainless steel in its interiors. The exterior utilizes reclaimed barnwood siding and wire-brushed Douglas Fir trim, complemented by a rusted metal roof. Emphasizing sustainability, the design incorporates passive solar gain through southeast orientation and steel solar shades, along with a 12 kW photovoltaic system. This project demonstrates a minimalistic approach to a rustic modern ranch, designed for environmental engagement and longevity. Next, 'Funk It Up' describes a whole-home remodel in Littleton’s Bowmar neighborhood, undertaken by Kimberly Timmons Interiors, Gruber Construction, and Red Pencil Architecture. The homeowners, Julia and Sam Wilder, sought a fun, functional, colorful, and sophisticated space for their three children, reflecting their personality. The original 1970s midcentury-modern ranch, characterized by a choppy floor plan and dated decor, underwent a complete transformation. The main living space was opened up, ceilings were vaulted, and the staircase was reconfigured to create an open and airy feel. The design maintained the home’s midcentury-modern architecture while incorporating bold color pairings like brushed gold accents, moody matte black wall coverings and cabinets, and pops of burnt orange and cool blue. Unique functional built-ins were integrated throughout the 4,000-square-foot, five-bedroom residence. The third project, 'Mountain Modern,' features a 7,500-square-foot Aspen home designed by Chicago-based architect Celeste Robbins of Robbins Architecture. This home is highlighted in her monograph, _The Meaningful Modern Home: Soulful Architecture and Interiors_. The design goal was to create a home that possessed scale, strength, and permanence to harmonize with the mountainous terrain, while also reflecting the quiet elegance of the valley's natural elements. Robbins drew inspiration from the Clyfford Still Museum for the facade, utilizing vertical board-formed concrete to create a textured pattern that complements the snowy peaks. This material is juxtaposed with expansive glass walls, including a 32-foot-wide motorized glass wall in the great room, which blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Shawn Henderson curated the interiors, combining custom, vintage, and contemporary pieces to achieve sophisticated yet comfortable living spaces. Finally, 'Buckhorn Ranch' showcases a luxurious, modern-meets-rustic home in Crested Butte, designed by Susie Ver Alvino of Blank Slate & Co. for the Hunter family. Completed in 2022, the 4,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, 5.5-bath home by architect Daniel J. Murphy and builder Ian Mason blends contemporary furnishings with comfortable accents. The interiors feature Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound paint, Bianco Montcarte marble countertops, and a custom steel hood in the kitchen. Thick wooden beams of locally handcut, raw-knifed, and burned Douglas fir adorn the kitchen and living room. Custom rugs, upholstery, and furniture are used throughout, with matte black painted window interiors to enhance visual impact. Design details include handcrafted marble mosaic bathroom tiles, plush Overland sheepskin rugs, and a 550-pound concrete bathtub in the primary suite. Phillip Jeffries wallcoverings and natural stone elements integrate the home with its Colorado surroundings. The home also incorporates practical amenities like a soaring refrigerated wine wall and features unique artistic touches such as a vintage chairlift seat from Crested Butte’s Teocalli lift on the front porch. #ColoradoHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #ModernRustic #SustainableDesign #MidcenturyModernRemodel #LuxuryInteriors #MountainModernArchitecture #ResidentialDesign

Metricon has unveiled its latest collection of display homes at SkyRidge, showcasing a fusion of thoughtful design and superior craftsmanship tailored for the contemporary home upgrader. These four residences are engineered to embody light-filled, intelligent, and insightful designs, seamlessly blending local Australian aesthetics with enduring functionality. Each home at SkyRidge is characterized by a cohesive layout that balances sophistication with practicality, ensuring that every space enhances the rhythm of daily life. The design philosophy centers on creating bright, fresh, and warm atmospheres, offering open social areas for gatherings, and incorporating intuitive zoning to provide both privacy and connection. This approach defines modern living at its peak. Adrian Popple, Metricon’s Design Director, emphasizes that customers seek more than just a house; they desire a home that feels welcoming and meticulously considered. This philosophy is evident across the SkyRidge display homes, where every space serves a purpose, the kitchen acts as the central hub, and natural light freely flows through open-plan living areas, culminating in a modern yet timeless expression. The collection includes the Waterford 47, which makes a bold statement in modern contemporary design with its Pacific façade, featuring striking cantilevers and geometric forms. This home offers a well-appointed guest suite, an entertainer’s kitchen with a butler’s pantry, and expansive living spaces with dramatic ceiling voids. Upstairs, it provides three bedrooms with ensuites and a secluded master suite. Its interiors are marked by sleek dark cabinetry, metallic accents, and statement tiles. The Vantage 48, with its Las Palmas façade, draws inspiration from Palm Springs, showcasing mid-century modern charm through clean lines and expressive details. It boasts grand voids and an arched window that illuminate the open-plan living and dining areas, extending seamlessly to an outdoor entertaining space. The upper level includes a master retreat and additional bedrooms. The interior design of the Vantage 48 features curved forms, pastel accents, and a sophisticated wine storage room. The Clara 27, presenting the Escape façade, blends traditional elements with modern sensibilities. It features a private bedroom wing, a media room, and open-plan living areas. The kitchen, equipped with a walk-in pantry and raked ceilings, is positioned as the heart of the home. Scandi Luxe interiors, incorporating veined tiles, soft hues, and brass finishes, contribute to its warm and understated luxury. Completing the collection is the Marion 40, featuring the classic Princeton façade, which combines refined aesthetics with functional design. A grand entry leads to a light-filled stair foyer and a study. The master suite upstairs includes two walk-in robes, a private balcony, and an indulgent ensuite. This home offers multi-zoned living to ensure both privacy and connection, with coastal-inspired interiors in crisp whites and soothing greys creating a serene atmosphere. Popple highlights the kitchen in the Marion 40 as a highly functional and welcoming space, enhanced by carefully selected lighting. These homes collectively underscore Metricon’s dedication to quality and innovation, providing prospective homebuyers with a vision of an elevated lifestyle. Located at Parkway Circuit, Worongary 4213, these display homes are open daily for exploration. #HomeDesign #ModernLiving #MetriconDisplayHomes #SkyRidge #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #FamilyHomes #LuxuryRealEstate #HomeUpgraders

This article is the second part of a five-week series detailing the design project of the Hilltop Estate, specifically focusing on its living and dining areas. The living room and dining room are presented as a cohesive, larger space, characterized by a high ceiling vault. The design approach emphasizes a sense of continuity, achieved through elements like uniform drapery and symmetrical chandeliers. The color palette employed throughout these spaces is softened, featuring peaceful and calming tones, with black accents strategically used to complement the bold steel windows. In the living room, a focal point is created by built-in shelving constructed around a limestone fireplace. The design pays meticulous attention to molding details and the selection of décor accessories. A notable feature within the built-in shelving is a flannel-textured wallpaper backdrop, adding a subtle textural dimension to the space. The article highlights the Studio McGee design approach of mixing furniture styles, illustrated by the use of spindle lounge chairs that complement a cream-colored sofa without being an exact set. Furthermore, a blue-gray sofa with a distinct shape and upholstery is incorporated, contributing to a diverse yet harmonious furniture arrangement. Shea McGee, the designer, articulates the design objective for the living space: to create an environment that feels elegant and refined but remains comfortable and practical for the clients' lifestyle. This balance between aesthetics and livability is a core principle guiding the design decisions for the Hilltop Estate. The dining room, which adjoins the living area, features two prominent long walls. These walls are utilized to introduce height and scale into the space. One wall is adorned with a sideboard and a mirror, which not only serves a functional purpose but also reflects the surrounding views, enhancing the room's spaciousness. The opposite wall features a large hutch, providing both aesthetic interest and valuable storage capacity, contributing to the room's overall functionality and style. The integration of these elements ensures that the dining room, while distinct, maintains the overarching design philosophy and aesthetic continuity established in the living room. The article underscores the thoughtful consideration given to every detail, from architectural features to furniture selection and decorative accents, all working in concert to create a sophisticated yet comfortable living and dining experience within the Hilltop Estate. The design aims to blend traditional and modern elements seamlessly, resulting in a timeless and inviting home. #HilltopEstate #InteriorDesign #LivingRoomDesign #DiningRoomDesign #HomeDecor #DesignContinuity #FurnitureStyling #StudioMcGee

The Illuminus Group, a development firm, collaborated with CLB Architects to design a residential property in a private enclave in Park City, Utah. The objective was to create a timeless, elegant residence that offered extensive amenities while harmonizing with the natural surroundings, thereby setting a new standard for thoughtful design in the region. The 4.9-acre site, situated on a steep slope in the Wasatch Mountains at 8,500 feet above sea level, provides commanding views of the Park City Mountain resort and the valley. CLB Architects, known for their experience in high-end mountain residences, approached the landscape with careful consideration. Their primary goal was to make the 18,000-square-foot house, named Monitor's Rest, as compact as possible to prevent it from sprawling extensively into the forest. The design incorporates an L-shape plan, built into the hillside, making it appear smaller than its actual size upon approach. A central courtyard provides a serene entry point, offering views of the sky and allowing natural light into the home. The exterior features a material palette of Croatian limestone, shou sugi ban cedar cladding, steel-framed windows, and a copper roof, chosen for their durability against harsh winters. The interior layout is designed to contrast with the enclosed courtyard. A limestone foyer serves as the central hub, directing visitors to the primary bedroom suite and office on one side, and the living and dining areas on the other. Straight ahead, a dramatic atrium with forest-facing windows leads down to guest bedrooms and a bowling alley. Common areas, including a large patio with an indoor-outdoor pool, are oriented southwest, offering a strong connection to the slope and environment. The property also features ski-in/ski-out access with a dedicated locker room, while spa and sports facilities are discreetly located in the back. For the interiors, CLB collaborated with David Ostrander, co-founder and creative director of Iluminus. A key challenge was to maintain a focused aesthetic despite the house's vastness. This was achieved through a consistent material selection, including hemlock ceilings, oak floors, and walls clad in oak or Croatian limestone. The primary bathroom exemplifies this pared-down approach with its Zen-like composition of wood, stone, and black metal, featuring narrow mirrors that allow views of the trees and a freestanding wood tub for a sense of calm. The adjacent bedroom similarly employs restrained design with oak paneling and custom furniture. A distinctive feature of the property is a 19-by-19-foot tower room at the back of the ground floor. This pop-up perch, inspired by national park watchtowers, offers 360-degree views and serves as a whimsical yet sophisticated retreat. It includes a wraparound balcony, a floating fireplace, a rosewood table, and a Mrirt rug, designed to be both fun and refined for all ages. Overall, Monitor's Rest successfully integrates extensive amenities and luxurious living with a deep respect for its mountainous setting, elevating the architectural standard in the Park City community. #ResidentialDesign #LuxuryHomes #MountainArchitecture #ParkCityUtah #CLBArchitects #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #WasatchMountains #ArchitecturalInnovation

The Summit Estate is a project located in Park City, Utah, combining modern architecture with a fun, eclectic aesthetic to create an elevated yet relaxed living experience. The design approach focuses on integrating the clients' bold preferences while maintaining the signature Studio McGee style. The entryway of the home establishes this unique aesthetic immediately. To counteract a potentially cold initial impression, large sections of drywall are covered with textural stone and raw timber, creating visual interest. A round table centrally located in the space promotes flow, complemented by additional seating along the room's edges. The art selections within the entryway serve as an initial introduction to the clients' distinctive and playful taste, highlighting the creative freedom given to the design team. The home features multiple bars, reflecting its design for hosting and entertaining. The first bar, situated near the entrance, showcases a color-blocked design using a velvety brown and a teal-tinged blue/black, seamlessly connecting to the main living area to facilitate social gatherings. The living room presented a design challenge, requiring a layout that maximizes views, provides comfortable seating around the fireplace, and encourages conversation, all while ensuring easy access to the kitchen and dining room. The design team curated a mood board featuring sophisticated pieces with an edgy appeal, such as a plaid-covered curved sofa, armchairs with sloped arms, and a coffee table with organic, chunky legs, to meet these requirements. In the kitchen and pantry area, a dark green Lacanche range serves as a central design element, blending with the cabinetry to create a statement. A plaster range hood directs attention upward, while a wood band connects exposed shelves. To balance an off-center range, the pantry door is designed to integrate discreetly into the cabinetry. The kitchen island features dramatic soapstone counters, providing ample seating with six barstools. The dining room is anchored by a custom-sized Orville Dining Table from McGee & Co., accommodating 12 guests. Upholstered benches are used on one side, offering a break in height and softening the space. A wooden hutch at the table's foot displays kitchen and dining accessories. The primary suite exemplifies the blend of modern design with classic elements. The walls are covered in dark charcoal grasscloth, complemented by wood beams on the ceiling and a sophisticated marble fireplace. A dark wood four-poster bed is the room's focal point, surrounded by an assortment of furniture chosen for its unique details. The en-suite bathroom features a green-stained vanity that highlights the wood grain, fitting the mountain home aesthetic, and unlacquered brass fixtures that are designed to develop a natural patina over time. Guest Bedroom One is noted for its ample natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and walls painted in Coriander Seed by Benjamin Moore, a sophisticated brown that acts as a neutral yet references the mountain landscape. The office is designed with a moody mountain aesthetic, featuring dark-stained wood wrapping the entire space, including herringbone flooring and vertical paneling on walls and ceiling. This wood paneling extends beyond the steel-frame windows to the exterior. The office also displays eclectic items like a plaid settee, vintage golf clubs, and a worn football. The mudroom and laundry room are designed with rich, wheat-toned walls (Rattan by Benjamin Moore) and rough-hewn wood tones consistent with the home’s overall design, emphasizing their utilitarian function within a luxury mountain home. Bar No. Two and the Wine Room are situated behind steel doors. The wine room is dedicated to bottle storage, while the second bar features blue-toned Zellige tiles, color-matched wood shelves, and a brass rail. The game room and lounge area, located in the basement, are designed to defy typical basement appearances. They include a shuffleboard table, a pool table, and a living space ideal for casual gatherings, reflecting a modern mountain home aesthetic. The powder bathroom features bold, small-scale patterned wallpaper that creates a significant visual impact against wood paneling. The bunk room utilizes a bold patterned wallpaper, with bunk beds painted in Dark Pewter by Benjamin Moore. The design maximizes space by positioning bottom bunks perpendicular to the top ones, allowing for nightstands and increased livability. The accompanying bunk bathroom features a long trough sink and subdued colors to highlight its luxurious materials. #SummitEstate #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #MountainLiving #EclecticDesign #HomeDecor #UtahDesign #StudioMcGee

This article explores ten unique homes that showcase the architectural technique of cantilevering, a design element popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright. Cantilevered structures create living spaces that appear to defy gravity, extending outwards and often dramatically over challenging terrains. The Bolton Residence, designed by \_naturehumaine, is a vacation home in an Eastern Quebec forest. Its geometric silhouette reinterprets classic gable roof barns with a contemporary twist. The architects utilized a narrower first-floor envelope and a wider, cantilevered upper level to manage a tight budget and steep terrain, minimizing excavation while creating a sculptural appearance. A centralized, multi-purpose fireplace acts as storage, a TV stand, and a staircase guardrail. The Balancing Barn, by MVRDV and Mole Architects, is a stainless steel-clad structure in Suffolk that projects 18 meters out and five meters off the ground, showcasing an extreme example of cantilevering. Midden Studio, a zinc-clad artist's studio by Studio Weave on the Scottish coast, floats over a stream. The design incorporates a "light soffit" to maximize views, and its cantilever increases internal volume without expanding the ground footprint. The studio, built with prefabricated materials to overcome remote site challenges, features a custom embossed standing seam zinc system. Altaïr House, by Bourgeois/Lechasseur Architects, features an upper level that juts out over the lower level, allowing the living room to integrate with surrounding trees and offer water views. This design enhances the connection between the interior living space and the natural environment. The Norwegian Sea Cabins, designed by Snorre Stinessen, are rentable glass cabins on Manshausen Island, Norway, that offer an immersive experience with nature. One cabin cantilevers from a natural ledge, providing a comfortable shelter that exposes visitors to the elements. These cabins feature two layers of larch wood construction with custom glazing, and strategically placed large glass expanses frame planned views. Aleph House, by Siegman Associates in Asheville, North Carolina, incorporates a modest cantilever from its second floor, inspired by the Hebrew alphabet's first letter. The lower level, with studios and guest rooms, blends into the natural contours, and a retractable door connects a woodworking studio to an outdoor workspace. The cantilevered second floor houses the communal living space. Crane Blvd, by Anonymous Architects, features two side-by-side residences on tiny, precipitous lots in Los Angeles. The architects stacked two stories on concrete pile foundations and used bay windows to extend the living space. The homes, while having identical floor plans, are offset and vary subtly in size and height to ensure privacy. Cantilever House, a prefab home by Anderson Anderson Architecture in the Washington wilderness, uses a steel frame on a concrete foundation bolted to a rock. This allowed the entire structure to cantilever, orienting the house towards waterfalls. The house provides a robust retreat from harsh weather, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The Berkshire House, designed by Framework Architecture, is a cantilevered cabin on a rock outcropping with a 20-foot drop, creating a treehouse effect. Its south face is almost entirely glass, with a roof canopy to manage solar gain. The exterior uses knotted pine planks to manage costs. Finally, Sandpath, an Oxford home by Adrian James Architects, uses a modest cantilever over a concrete wall to create a striking entrance. The house, built with structural insulated panels and an integrated steel frame, features a bedroom and family bathroom on the upper level that extend into the cantilevered façade. This design element adds lightness and drama to the home’s approach. #CantileveredHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #ModernArchitecture #HomeTours #StructuralInnovation #ResidentialDesign #UniqueHomes #BuildingTechniques

This article presents ten inspiring five-bedroom house plans and designs, highlighting their features, layouts, and suitability for various lifestyles. The focus is on providing ample space and flexibility for frequent guests, joint families, or party vacations, ensuring modern living amenities are included in each design. The plans cover a range of architectural styles, from single-story Florida-style homes to contemporary, European, French country, Southern, modern farmhouse, New American, country farmhouse, and traditional styles. One of the highlighted designs is a one-story, best-selling Florida-style house plan spanning 4376 square feet. This design uniquely blends modern luxury with classic style, featuring an open layout ideal for entertaining. It includes a large chef's kitchen, a great room with a gas fireplace, and abundant natural light. The main suite offers a private bathroom and outdoor patio access, complemented by four additional bedrooms and two bathrooms. The exterior boasts an inviting front porch and a patio, embodying the Florida aesthetic. The contemporary-style house plan is another option, ideal for growing families, offering 3599 square feet across three floors, complete with a three-car garage. The ground floor comprises a double-height foyer, formal living area, family room with a fireplace, an open kitchen with a large island, a breakfast area, and a versatile bedroom suite. The second floor features a spacious open loft and four bedrooms, including a luxurious primary suite with an en-suite bath and a large laundry room. This design emphasizes functionality and aesthetic appeal. The Northwest contemporary plan, spanning 3217 square feet, is designed for families and entertaining, featuring a large covered patio and outdoor living space to encourage enjoyment of the outdoors. The open floor plan facilitates social gatherings, while bedrooms offer private retreats. A European-style home is also detailed, with 3580 square feet, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a four-car garage, suitable for large gatherings and offering a contemporary yet timeless design. The French country house plan provides 3302 square feet with five bedrooms, a beautiful island kitchen, a great room with a fireplace, a separate den/study, a formal dining room, and two covered porches, alongside a two-car garage. Further options include a Southern style plan of 2903 square feet, which features an open floor plan combining the kitchen, living, and dining areas, a master suite downstairs, and four additional bedrooms upstairs, all complemented by a front porch. A transitional modern-style farmhouse plan offers 3152 square feet, five bedrooms, and four bathrooms, with a spacious master suite, an open-concept great room, a large kitchen, and a three-car garage. The New American house plan, at 2985 square feet, includes a two-story foyer, a large room with a fireplace, a gourmet kitchen, a spacious main suite, a formal dining room, a mudroom, and a two-car garage. The country farmhouse plan, spanning 2705 square feet, is characterized by a large great room, fireplace, spacious kitchen, two full baths, two half baths, a master bedroom with a luxurious bath, and large covered porches on both levels, along with a two-car garage. Finally, a traditional style five-bedroom house, covering 2963 square feet, offers five bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and a two-car garage, presenting a timeless design suitable for various family needs and budgets. #HousePlans #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalStyles #LuxuryHomes #FamilyHomes #ContemporaryDesign #FarmhouseDesign #SouthernStyle #EuropeanStyle

The article details the creation of Whimsy Valley, the Western North Carolina mountain retreat of photographer and historic preservationist Perry Vaile. Vaile and her husband embarked on a long journey to find and build their dream mountain home, ultimately settling on a property near Burnsville after a previous attempt in Chimney Rock was thwarted by a landslide specialist's warning, which proved prescient when the property was destroyed by Hurricane Helene. This experience highlighted the importance of thorough environmental assessments before purchasing land for construction. With the new property, Vaile collaborated with local contractor Chris Jarrett over two years to construct a home that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Her background in historic preservation influenced the architectural choices, such as incorporating bark siding as a nod to late 1800s architect Henry Bacon, who popularized this style in Linville, North Carolina. This design decision aimed to give the new build vernacular sensitivity and integrate it respectfully into the region's architectural history. The interior design reflects Vaile's photography career, lending her an eye for creating visually compelling spaces. She combined antique pieces, diverse patterns, and a carefully curated color palette to achieve a timeless yet whimsical atmosphere. The living room features vaulted ceilings, providing a sense of grandeur and allowing for the inclusion of a stained-glass window sourced from a decommissioned church, which casts magical light when illuminated by the south-facing sun. The kitchen is designed to evoke warmth and character, channeling an "eccentric grandma" aesthetic. A William Morris patterned backsplash complements soft blue cupboards, adding texture and personality to the space. The master bedroom is built around a blue patterned wallpaper, inspired by an inn Vaile photographed, and features antique doors from an architectural salvage center in New Orleans. For her daughters' bedroom, Vaile aimed for a playful yet chic English bed and breakfast feel, incorporating gingham curtains and wallpaper from House of Hackney, with wood paneling completed by Vaile and her husband. Outdoor elements were also carefully considered. Vaile, who always desired to live near water, created an artificial stream that mimics natural rock formations and winds through the yard, providing a soothing soundscape and a scenic place to relax. The master bathroom features a copper tub as a focal point and an antique dresser with a marble countertop and stone sink, a resourceful find from Facebook Marketplace. The home also includes a wraparound deck equipped with rocking chairs, designed to offer expansive views of the surrounding mountains. The property is further enlivened by six miniature ponies, which roam the grounds, adding to the idyllic, storybook ambiance of Whimsy Valley, where Vaile's mother also resides in a nearby cabin, fostering a nostalgic, close-knit family environment. #MountainRetreat #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #WesternNorthCarolina #WhimsyValley #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomHome #OutdoorLiving

Flexibility is an increasingly crucial aspect of contemporary house design, a concept that was central to the 'My Ideal House' competition, which emphasized future-proofing and adaptability. Families today seek homes that can accommodate their evolving needs and living preferences across different life stages. This article showcases five homes previously featured in 'Australian House & Garden' that embody this principle, presenting various ingenious flexible layouts. The first example is a Brisbane inner-east home designed for Louise and Matt. This pavilion-style residence fosters both independence and connectedness. Despite high visibility between the pavilions, the outdoor spaces separating them create distinct areas. This design allows parents to easily supervise children in different parts of the house, maintaining a sense of connection while providing individual spaces for work and play. Next, Carlo and Christine's inner-west Sydney home demonstrates how flexibility can maintain calm and order in a busy family environment. With two young children and demanding careers, efficient storage solutions are key to a clutter-free interior. A standout feature is a set of sliding doors next to the kitchen/dining area, which conceals a multipurpose room. This allows for quick tidying, as toys can be swiftly moved out of sight by simply closing the doors, contributing to a more organized living space. Emma and Bruce's dazzling duplex overhaul in Sydney's east provides another illustration of adaptable design. The family primarily uses an informal living area added at the rear of the house. The kitchen offers a full view of the backyard, enabling parents to watch their children in the pool. The new extension combines style with practicality, featuring a concrete floor, minimized sharp edges, and durable timber veneer, making it both elegant and child-friendly. Jason and Anna's Brisbane north Queenslander blends traditional and modern design. The front of the house contains spacious bedrooms for their two sons and frequent guests, while a new rear addition maximizes views and takes advantage of coastal breezes and seasonal changes. Living and dining areas can be reconfigured to prioritize access to the fireplace or the garden. The original wraparound verandahs offer separate relaxation zones for adults and children, enhancing the home's flexibility. Finally, John and Vanessa's inner-south Melbourne home focuses on integrating with the garden and providing distinct areas for different activities. Their goal was a contemporary family home that embraced the outdoors and included a separate space for Vanessa's business. The original slate roof's pitch allowed for the addition of a first-floor living room above a new bedroom section. This design ensures that each family member has their own space, yet common areas like the kitchen bench remain central for family gatherings. These homes collectively demonstrate diverse approaches to achieving flexibility, future-proofing, and adaptability in residential design, catering to the varied needs of modern families. #FlexibleHomes #ResidentialDesign #HomeLayouts #FamilyLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #InteriorDesign #HomeAdaptability

This article details the architectural design and construction of a modern, modest home on Elliott Island, Maryland, which received the 2020 Editor's Choice Award. The project, conceived as a weekend retreat for a family to spend time with the client's father, aimed to blend a rustic feel with contemporary design, harmonizing with the remote, fishing-shack-dominated community. David D. Quillin Architecture spearheaded the design, emphasizing measured proportions, a gentle aesthetic, and clean detailing. The home features an open floor plan designed to foster relaxed socializing, with common spaces oriented towards water views. A kitchen island and a stair cabinet effectively divide the main volume into distinct zones for different activities, accommodating both adults and children. The selection of Andy Bukovsky, a local master cabinetmaker but first-time general contractor, and Jerry Keith, the client's father who uses a wheelchair, as construction manager, influenced the design to incorporate accessibility from the outset. This collaborative effort underscored a shared commitment to unity and functionality within the home. Structural considerations were critical due to the home's waterfront location. Given that windows are concentrated on the rear side facing strong northwest winds, engineers recommended steel framing. The builder ingeniously addressed the challenge of integrating Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) with steel by welding bolts to beams and then bolting 2x lumber to them. A steel beam in the roof plate was designed to bear on a metal post, stopping short of the exterior wall, to avoid penetrating the SIPs. The at-grade positioning of the floor, combined with extensive glazing, creates a sensation of being directly on the beach, even when indoors. The master suite is spatially separated from the main house by a glass bridge, offering privacy and a treehouse-like retreat. This separation also subtly alludes to the historical evolution of island properties, which often develop as a collection of distinct structures. Pilings were used for the master suite's foundation where the topography sloped away and to protect the roots of nearby pine trees, also allowing natural runoff to flow beneath, creating a visible stream from the bedroom. In contrast, the main house is firmly rooted with a slab-on-grade foundation. The central living space, with its concentrated glazing on the north side, maximizes water views and features a creative play area for children, promoting a "loose and organic" atmosphere for family interaction rather than formality. Materials such as concrete, brick, wood, and metal contribute to the desired rustic camp aesthetic. A notable design element is the shared chimney for two fireplaces, one in the great room and another on the rear deck. The initial football-like shape of the chimney was modified to a 7-ft.-diameter drum reducing to a smaller tower, with 90-degree corners where brick meets siding, simplifying flashing and brick-cutting. An aesthetic highlight is the cedar siding, which weathers to a gray finish where exposed to the sun, but retains an orange-gold color at the recessed entry, creating a beacon effect and adding contrast to the color palette. This natural weathering process helps the house blend seamlessly into its surroundings, reflecting thoughtful decisions in its construction and design. #ModernHomeDesign #RuralArchitecture #WaterfrontProperty #AccessibleDesign #SustainableMaterials #CustomCabinetry #ArchitecturalAwards #ResidentialConstruction #FamilyLiving

This article details the design and execution of a mountainside residence in Aspen, Colorado, for an art-collecting couple, a project undertaken by CCY Architects in collaboration with David Kleinberg Design Associates. The house, situated on a 6-acre site straddling an aspen grove and forests, was conceived to harmoniously blend with its natural surroundings while providing an ideal backdrop for the clients' extensive art collection. The design process began with an unusual 90-foot entry path, atypical for Aspen homes due to heavy snowfall. This long approach was intentionally designed to feature a reflective PVD-coated stainless-steel sculpture by Swiss artist Not Vital, positioning it at the end of an allée of aspens. This strategic placement frames nature, draws visitors toward the entrance, and slows their pace before revealing a panoramic view, thereby establishing the home's dual focus on art and the outdoors from the outset. The architectural concept involves two distinct volumes of weathered steel and board-formed concrete, linked by a glass-walled corridor. The two-story main house accommodates the primary bedroom, living areas, and a downstairs rec room, while a single-story guest wing is positioned at the rear of the property. This layout allows nature to integrate seamlessly with the interior spaces and ensures that the 10,750-square-foot, five-bedroom residence can comfortably host anywhere from two to sixteen people. A significant challenge for the design team was the north-facing orientation of the site, which, while ideal for displaying art due to consistent light, posed difficulties for maximizing natural brightness in a vacation home. To counteract this, CCY Architects incorporated winged roofs equipped with south-facing clerestory windows to draw in additional light. Paradoxically, the pool and terrace were strategically placed on the north side of the house to capture the most sun. For the interiors, David Kleinberg Design Associates, a firm with prior experience working with the clients on other homes, implemented a restrained, neutral palette. This included black porcelain-tile flooring and white-oak ceilings and millwork. Triple-pane, full-height windows were installed to offer uninterrupted panoramic views of the valley and intimate glimpses of the surrounding woods. Kleinberg emphasized that the design ensures that “There’s always an event at the end of a room, where your eye is either directed at an art wall or a window wall.” The art collection, beyond the Not Vital sculpture, was curated in consultation with Kleinberg to integrate seamlessly into the home. Notable pieces include an Alexander Calder tapestry above a guest-room bed, a James Rosenquist painting at the top of the stairs, and a David Hockney drawing in the dining room that complements the mountain views. The dining area features three square oak tables that can be configured flexibly to accommodate different group sizes, highlighting the home's practical and livable aspects. The design successfully marries the grandeur of the art and views with interiors that are equally compelling, creating a multifaceted aesthetic experience. #ResidentialDesign #AspenArchitecture #CCYArchitects #DavidKleinbergDesignAssociates #ArtIntegration #MountainsideHome #ModernArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ColoradoLuxuryHomes

The article presents a curated collection of 20 modern country houses, emphasizing their diverse approaches to achieving rest and relaxation through design. These homes, characterized by rustic charm, natural light, indoor-outdoor living, and exposed wood beams, blend traditional accents with contemporary aesthetics. The selection highlights various architectural styles and regional influences, ranging from a transformed English-style manor in Connecticut to a Brazilian modular home nestled in nature, and a minimalist guesthouse in Sonoma Valley, California. Each featured property showcases unique design solutions tailored to its environment and the homeowners' preferences. Key examples include a Connecticut manor updated by Sanchez+Coleman Studio with a sophisticated black, white, and green palette, and a Brittany-style château in Westchester, New York, renovated by Amy Courtney Design to incorporate Japandi aesthetics and Scandinavian minimalism while preserving its 1930s craftsmanship. Rodrigo Ohtake's Brazilian modular home demonstrates an innovative use of steel prisms arranged around a central open-plan living space, connecting seamlessly with the surrounding forest. In Aspen, Rowland+Broughton reimagined a 1990s stone-and-glass retreat, enhancing views and integrating contemporary furnishings with existing oak millwork. Studio Arthur Casas designed a recreational complex for a horse farm in Brazil, featuring indoor and outdoor spaces for entertainment and accommodation, while Olson Kundig and Erica Colpitts Interior Design transformed a mid-century home in North Vancouver, British Columbia, drawing inspiration from the peaceful landscape and British aesthetic. Further explorations include Richard Shemtov’s Southampton retreat designed by Sawyer|Berson, modeled after traditional gable-roof barns with a rigorously pared-down style. Amalia Graziani's Hudson Valley farm restoration honors the property's past, focusing on preserving its natural beauty. In Jackson, Wyoming, Messana O’Rorke and Ankeny Architecture and Design created a mountain retreat blending the American West's past and present through stained cedar and stone volumes connected by glass-enclosed bridges. Aidlin Darling Design crafted a single-story modern country house with hilltop views in Northern California, prioritizing efficiency and accessibility. Other notable designs include Jan Henrik Jansen's unconventional round house in Denmark, SPG Architects' modern update of a Cape Cod residence, and Andreas Martin-Löf's playful weekend home near Stockholm featuring an infinity pool as a reflective element. The compilation also showcases a Michigan lake house by Desai Chia Architecture, noted for its glassy pavilion design that interacts with a cherry orchard and a bluff. Atelier Carvalho Araújo's minimalist yet rustic home in Portugal effectively masters a tricky site with a meandering stream. Nathanael Dorent and Lily Jencks conceived a stone-clad modern rustic country house in Scotland, known for its unexpected design. Nani Marquina's Costa Brava retreat serves as a collector’s paradise, with a whitewashed simplicity providing a backdrop for various collected ephemera. Architect Mathias Klotz designed a pair of cottages in Chile, characterized by clean-lined modernism and archetypal forms. Mork Ulnes Architects and Office of Charles de Lisle created a minimalist guesthouse in Sonoma Valley, California, comprising three stepped volumes. Finally, Hawk & Co., in collaboration with Brandon Architects, designed an indoor-outdoor oasis along the California Coast, blending rustic charm with industrial edge and naturalistic materials. The article provides a comprehensive overview of how modern country houses leverage design to offer tranquil and inspiring escapes. #ModernCountryHouses #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #RusticCharm #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #WeekendRetreats #ResidentialArchitecture #HomeRenovation

This article highlights a 1,400-square-foot house plan designed for starter or downsize homes, emphasizing its thoughtful details and flexible layout. The design addresses the market need for smaller, yet appealing, house plans, moving beyond the perception of them being 'boring.' The exterior of the house features a single-car garage measuring 14-foot by 22-foot, providing ample space for a vehicle and additional storage. A key design choice positions the garage set back from the main facade, ensuring it does not dominate the home's aesthetic. An eye-catching metal roof accent further enhances the entry, contributing to the overall curb appeal. The interior layout maximizes its modest square footage with strategic design choices. Upon entry, a dedicated office space is available, suitable for work or hobbies, offering flexibility for residents' needs without consuming excessive space. Across the hall from the office, a guest bedroom is conveniently located near a shared hall bath, providing comfort and privacy for visitors. The central area of the home boasts a vaulted ceiling, which creates an airy and expansive atmosphere, counteracting any potential feeling of confinement in a smaller home. The open-concept living space integrates a dining area capable of accommodating a dining table, alongside an inviting kitchen with an eating bar. This setup promotes a seamless flow between cooking, dining, and social interaction. The main suite, situated at the back of the plan, is designed with modern amenities. It includes a sleek custom shower, eliminating a traditional tub, and features two sinks for added convenience. A walk-in closet in the main suite provides generous storage, enhancing the functionality of the private quarters. Additionally, the laundry room is strategically placed for easy access and practical use, contributing to the home's overall efficiency. These design elements collectively aim to make the 1,400-square-foot home feel more spacious and adaptable to various lifestyles, whether for first-time homeowners or those looking to downsize. #HousePlans #SmallHomes #FlexibleLayout #HomeDesign #StarterHomes #DownsizeHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #AffordableHousing