The Monument Series - Potomac Overlook Townhomes in National Harbor, MD

Our team was tasked to produce a truly unique proposal which worked with an extreme slope over this .5 acre site. We unlocked the value of the land by making the development feasible – as unusual challenge considering the preparatory works involved and required. Our solution presents 3-storey, 4-storey and 5-storey townhouses to the rear, though these appear as normal 1-storey and 2-storey properties from the front elevation. The properties gradually step down with the access road slope. Many ingenious solutions were sought and successfully found, through axis development, louvre systems for privacy and amenity, materiality in relation to context and structurally in relation to the challenging site. Materiality was derived from the historic use of the site – a chalk quarry – thus flint and stone are predominant and drive the vision forward, ensuring that the proposal fits into its surroundings, yet is able to provide high quality contemporary living standards. Our proposal provides 6 new-build dwellings in a location with measurable recorded housing demand, inside the settlement boundary, on a challenging brownfield site.

New Build House, Wimbledon

Pike & Partners

This new-build, low-carbon house, is situated on a conventional residential street in Wimbledon, London. Whilst there are references of 20th-century suburban architecture externally, the interior is decidedly modernist with an emphasis on open space, light and sharp minimalist detailing.

The scheme replaces an existing bungalow and garage on the steeply sloping site, providing a contemporary five bedroom dwelling that responds to the client’s requirements and challenges offered by the site constraints. The suburban site to the north of Brighton offered long distance views over the city towards the English Channel as well as the local rolling hills of the South Downs. These varied views and the natural topography of the site formed the basis for the design. The proposed dwelling is spread over four clearly defined floors, with each stepping back from the one below to follow the existing terrain. The ground floor is defined as a brick wall cut back into the hillside, creating a forecourt and clearly defining the entrance to the house. The three floors above are staggered and stepped apart from one another in order to dilute the visual mass of the dwelling and provide external space at each. Each is presented as a frame to the view, giving a lightweight appearance to the house.

Façade arrière mitoyenne

Atelier d'architecture Philippe Delannoy

Façades donnant sur la copropriété voisine - la "tour" de l'angle enferme l'escalier (extérieur) ; plus loin les grands pavées de verre de 30x30 rythmant aléatoirement la façade pour les chambres et les SdB.

Extension Garches

Agence Alexandra BOUSSAGOL - Architectes

L’extension de cette maison a permis d’agrandir la cuisine de l’ouvrir d’avantage sur le jardin et aussi de créer un studio indépendant. Une demande à été déposée en Mairie en respectant toutes les étapes. La verrière extérieure permet de moderniser cette maison ancienne et de lui ajouter une personnalité.

Toole Crossing

DVG Architecture and Planning P.C.

Sunset Park Townhouse

Jane Kim Architect

Exterior facade restored to its 1890's original style, complete with hand-carved details and hand-painted cedar siding.

Pembroke 2

Hanson Architects

Freshwater House

Richard Cole Architecture

A composition of concrete, recyled brick and copper cladding with a floating timber lined steel framed roof. Built an an extremely steep site, a garage was excavated at street level with a lift to the living areas and separate studio.

Parkhaven Apartments

Edwards White Architects

Apartment House in Jingumae 3-Chome

sin163 photography

Aria Bay Apartments

Jessica Chloe Photography

Stylish retirement living spaces

Bermondsey Street - Building Detail

HU-3361014

142 Bermondsey Street is a corner building in the heart of the Bermondsey Street Conservation Area, Southwark, London. The project involved the conversion, refurbishment and extension of an unlisted postwar steel frame warehouse, shop and flat. The design maximised the development potential, retaining the commercial use class, yet providing three unique urban residential units, achieved through increasing the height to introduce a roof top penthouse and creating a three storey live / work unit to the rear. The scope of the project included both the architecture and the interior design.

Macrae Road

Urban Creative

Required a creative solution to the front to achieve public art integration, and reduce the impact of scale disparity. The solution was to create 'a 'veil' inspired by Art Deco paterns that wrapped around the front coner entry of the building. The density of pattern was varied to achieve a 'lightness' and shadow/light play on the solid structure .

House in Hampstead

Akita Komar Architects

Contemporary Exterior Design Ideas with Four or More Storeys

The front exterior of your home – the driveway, front yard, verandah and entrance – is a fantastic place to start making that all-important first impression on house guests. Even mailboxes and house numbers can have a wonderful way of grabbing people’s attention. The architectural design should reflect the overall contemporary style of your house and the family that live there; while your choice of materials will help your house blend in with its surrounds. Browse the photos on Houzz for ideas and inspiration for the exterior of your contemporary house, and strike up a conversation with the architects and designers of your favourite picks. You’ll find house designs for contemporary, eclectic, modern, traditional styles and more.

How do I decide on the exterior style of my home?

Your location, overall sense of style, budget and current home layout will dictate the style of your exterior. If you’re renovating a period home, the materials and features you use should reflect the date in which it was built, while a unique colour scheme could add contemporary flair. New homes may prefer to look to modern or contemporary designs with structural simplicity, whereas, if you live by the ocean, a beach-style design may better suit your locale. That’s not to say you can’t build a new home that has period influences. If you’re a traditionalist, you can borrow architectural details from the Art Deco period, for instance, or use finishes that reflect more of a Scandinavian style, too.

What exterior house colours and materials should I use?

Traditional homes typically use brick and timber building materials, while stone, board-formed concrete and metal cladding are popular contemporary options. Again, the materials you use will depend on your location and the statement you want to make. Your budget will also affect your choice. Vinyl siding is affordable and easy to install, while stone is more expensive but durable and low maintenance. If you’re not ready to renovate but want to update the exterior of your home, you can still paint it. Look to your neighbours when choosing exterior house colours. Consider the streetscape and what type of colours are already in use, firstly, so you don’t replicate next door’s shade; and secondly, so you don’t stand out like a sore thumb. If you’re renovating a period home, you could paint features or intricate details in a bold, standout hue. Front doors, garage doors and window trims also look great in eye-catching colours, even if the rest of the house’s facade is neutral.

How can I maximise my home’s street appeal?

To spice up your home’s architectural design, landscape the surrounding area with plants and pathways that accent the contemporary style of your home. If you just need a quick revamp, look at your cement and pavers – these can split and crack over time; and repairing or replacing them can do wonders for your street appeal, especially if it’s a large area like your driveway. Plants, garden paths or low walls can can also add structure to your front yard. Light up your home with sufficient outdoor lighting to make walking up to the front door easy at night. You could use bollard lights along your entry path, or replace tiny wall sconces with statement pendant lighting at the entrance or on your verandah. Decorative elements such as house numbers, mailboxes and doormats will also add character. And if you're looking to sell your house, it may be worth hiring a stylist to help make the most of your property.