GAF Timberline HD (Charcoal) 5" K-Style seamless Hidden Hanger Gutters & 2x3 Leaders (Clay) Installed by American Home Contractors, Florham Park, NJ Property located in Springfield, NJ www.njahc.com

Steam shower, with patterned tiles exiting the shower. Tiles: Cosmos Flooring Stone two-sided fireplace with up lighting underneath the top stone. Hardwood floors in the formal living room, porcelain wood grain tiles for the kitchen, dining, wine cellar and exterior patio. Pool and backyard landscaping are the only previous features that remained from the original home, minus a few walls on the interior and newly installed waterless grass for the ground cover. Designed with a standing seam metal roof, with internal drainage system for hidden gutters design. Rain chain and rain barrels for rain harvesting. Retrofitted with Hardy Frames prefabricated shear walls for up to date earthquake safety. Opening both walls to the backyard, there are now two 14' folding doors allowing the inside and outside to merge. http://www.hardyframe.com/HF/index.html Amy J Smith Photography

Envision Designs
Large mediterranean beige one-story mixed siding exterior home idea in Phoenix

GAF Timberline HD (Charcoal) 5" K-Style seamless Hidden Hanger Gutters & 2x3 Leaders (White) Installed by American Home Contractors, Florham Park, NJ Property located in Rutherford, NJ www.njahc.com

A wide multi-fold door completely opens the new dining room to the outdoors, while its generous veranda roof shades the interior space from the western sun. This porch features an outdoor countertop and sink for washing vegetables on their way from the garden to the kitchen and table. © www.edwardcaldwellphoto.com

The planning phase of this modern retreat was an intense collaboration that took place over the course of more than two years. While the initial design concept exceeded the clients' expectations, it also exceeded their budget beyond the point of comfort. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Each thought simply solidified the fact that the initial vision was absolutely what we all wanted to see come to fruition, and the decision was finally made to move forward. The main challenge of the site was elevation. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. The key to the design concept was to deftly place the project into the slope and utilize the elevation changes, without allowing them to dominate the yard, or overwhelm the senses. The unseen challenge on this project came in the form of hitting every underground issue possible. We had to relocate the sewer main, the gas line, and the electrical service; and since rock was sitting about 6" below the surface, all of these had to be chiseled through many feet of dense rock, adding to our projected timeline and budget. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. In small spaces, it is important to consider a multi-purpose approach. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. From here, it;s two steps up to the pool elevation, and the floating 'Leuder' limestone stepper pads that lead across the pool and hide the dam wall of the flush spa. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. To bring in some depth and texture, a 'Brownstone' ledgestone was used to face both the dropped beam on the pool, and the raised beam of the water feature wall. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. Colored concrete stepper pads lead to the 'Ipe' wood deck at the far end of the pool. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. 4" steel posts, painted charcoal grey, are set on an angle, 4' into the bedrock, to anchor the structure. Steel I-beams painted in green-yellow color--aptly called "frolic"--act as the base to the hefty cedar rafters of the roof structure, which has a slight pitch toward the rear. A hidden gutter on the back of the roof sends water down a copper rain chain, and into the drainage system. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey.

Photography by Celia Pearson
Inspiration for a small modern light wood floor sunroom remodel in DC Metro with a standard ceiling

The planning phase of this modern retreat was an intense collaboration that took place over the course of more than two years. While the initial design concept exceeded the clients' expectations, it also exceeded their budget beyond the point of comfort. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Each thought simply solidified the fact that the initial vision was absolutely what we all wanted to see come to fruition, and the decision was finally made to move forward. The main challenge of the site was elevation. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. The key to the design concept was to deftly place the project into the slope and utilize the elevation changes, without allowing them to dominate the yard, or overwhelm the senses. The unseen challenge on this project came in the form of hitting every underground issue possible. We had to relocate the sewer main, the gas line, and the electrical service; and since rock was sitting about 6" below the surface, all of these had to be chiseled through many feet of dense rock, adding to our projected timeline and budget. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. In small spaces, it is important to consider a multi-purpose approach. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. From here, it;s two steps up to the pool elevation, and the floating 'Leuder' limestone stepper pads that lead across the pool and hide the dam wall of the flush spa. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. To bring in some depth and texture, a 'Brownstone' ledgestone was used to face both the dropped beam on the pool, and the raised beam of the water feature wall. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. Colored concrete stepper pads lead to the 'Ipe' wood deck at the far end of the pool. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. 4" steel posts, painted charcoal grey, are set on an angle, 4' into the bedrock, to anchor the structure. Steel I-beams painted in green-yellow color--aptly called "frolic"--act as the base to the hefty cedar rafters of the roof structure, which has a slight pitch toward the rear. A hidden gutter on the back of the roof sends water down a copper rain chain, and into the drainage system. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey.

This trapezoidal shaped lot in Dallas sits on an assuming piece of land that terminates into a heavenly pond. This contemporary home has a warm mid-century modern charm. Complete with an open floor plan for entertaining, the homeowners also enjoy a lap pool, a spa retreat, and a detached gameroom with a green roof. Published: S Style Magazine, Fall 2015 - http://sstylemagazine.com/design/this-texas-home-is-a-metropolitan-oasis-10305863 Modern Luxury Interiors Texas, April 2015 (Cover) Photo Credit: Dror Baldinger

The planning phase of this modern retreat was an intense collaboration that took place over the course of more than two years. While the initial design concept exceeded the clients' expectations, it also exceeded their budget beyond the point of comfort. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Each thought simply solidified the fact that the initial vision was absolutely what we all wanted to see come to fruition, and the decision was finally made to move forward. The main challenge of the site was elevation. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. The key to the design concept was to deftly place the project into the slope and utilize the elevation changes, without allowing them to dominate the yard, or overwhelm the senses. The unseen challenge on this project came in the form of hitting every underground issue possible. We had to relocate the sewer main, the gas line, and the electrical service; and since rock was sitting about 6" below the surface, all of these had to be chiseled through many feet of dense rock, adding to our projected timeline and budget. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. In small spaces, it is important to consider a multi-purpose approach. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. From here, it;s two steps up to the pool elevation, and the floating 'Leuder' limestone stepper pads that lead across the pool and hide the dam wall of the flush spa. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. To bring in some depth and texture, a 'Brownstone' ledgestone was used to face both the dropped beam on the pool, and the raised beam of the water feature wall. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. Colored concrete stepper pads lead to the 'Ipe' wood deck at the far end of the pool. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. 4" steel posts, painted charcoal grey, are set on an angle, 4' into the bedrock, to anchor the structure. Steel I-beams painted in green-yellow color--aptly called "frolic"--act as the base to the hefty cedar rafters of the roof structure, which has a slight pitch toward the rear. A hidden gutter on the back of the roof sends water down a copper rain chain, and into the drainage system. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey.

Water flows over the corten rusted-steel edges of this courtyard waterfeature and down into a small channel also filled with pebbles. This whole structure was set to finish flush with only a half-inch gap between the water surface and a cast concrete seat wall that extends along the courtyard’s perimeter. The pool’s form is mirrored by a trapezoidal fire pit that sits in a snug corner of the space with a portal aperture just above that allows visitors to peer out at the desert scene beyond, and casting it's firelight out to incoming guests as a welcoming beacon of warmth. michaelwoodall.com

Covered outdoor area with a bronze tinted roof; Softening the direct sunlight to create a more comfortable space beneath.
Example of an eclectic deck design in Portland

Traditional two-story exterior home idea in Minneapolis

in Collaboration with Geoffrey De Sousa, Interior Designer
Contemporary exterior home idea in San Francisco

Spike Mafford Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary concrete exterior home remodel in Seattle

5” Gutters with 2x3 Downspouts All of our 5” aluminum gutters are custom rolled to your project’s exact measurements on site and are installed with all aluminum accessories to prevent rust. Gutters are rolled from heavy gauge .032 aluminum with a 20 year baked on enamel finish and are installed with concealed hidden hanger brackets. Coordinating 2x3 aluminum downspouts keep water away from your home’s foundation and landscaping. Many colors are available to match any exterior. 6” Gutters with 3x4 Downspouts 6” Gutters with 3x4 leaders have nearly double the water capacity and are a wise choice for homes with water problems and for commercial installations. 6” gutters are also custom rolled and have all the great color choices and installation benefits of 5” gutters- only in a larger size. Copper Gutters and Downspouts If you are looking to add instant value and architectural detail then consider adding copper gutters and downspouts to your home or business. Copper gutters are available in 5” and 6” K or half round gutter styles and coordinate with half round or square copper downspouts and exclusive copper scupper drains. Copper gutters have been gaining in popularity in recent years in both new homes and for remodeling projects.

This playhouse provides a true retreat for kids, encouraging them to play outside and stay in touch with nature. Designed as part of a larger fundraising effort for the Housing Assistance Corporation, a lucky family purchased two playhouse raffle tickets. Those tickets not only won the playhouse, but also helped to raise over $50,000 for Cape Cod Kids who receive services through emergency shelters and housing programs. Responsible green features make the playhouse good for the family and the environment. The structure is clad inside and out with rough-sawn spruce boards, which are naturally weather resistant. Rainwater is captured through integral roof gutters to be deposited in a catchment barrel. The attached succulent and herb garden can then be watered using the rainbarrel spigot. An outdoor chaise for one or two provides a spot to relax, and is movable to follow the sun. A reclaimed sail has been repurposed to provide shade for the large south facing window in the summer. When opened, windows on both sides capture passing breezes and allow for passive cooling. One gable end of the playhouse features hidden double storage shelves for toys and balls. The other gable end includes a climbing wall, recycled tires for a soft falling surface, and a hidden door that leads inside. Storage cubbies offer easy access spaces for toys and games, while a chalkboard encourages drawing and writing. Crank lights and a crank radio use kid power to operate. The blue racer rocker, made of recycled milk bottles, offers fun yet durable seating. In the corner, a kid-height sliding side door guarantees an easy second exit at all times. A ladder leads to the second floor loft area. Twin skylights provide daylighting and the ability to follow the evening stars with the telescope. Overall, the combination of fun for the winning family, environmental sensitivity, and funds raised for the Housing Assistance Corporation of Cape Cod made this playhouse a success on many levels. Architecture by ZeroEnergy Design Construction by Cape Associates Building Products by Shepley Wood Products Photos by Roe Osborn

Rob Karosis, Photographer
Traditional two-story exterior home idea in New York

Todd Mason, Halkin Photography
Mid-sized trendy gray two-story exterior home photo in New York