At Archadeck of Nova Scotia we love any size project big or small. But, that being said, we have a soft spot for the projects that let us show off our talents! This Halifax house was no exception. The owners wanted a space to suit their outdoor lifestyle with materials to last far into the future. The choices were quite simple: stone veneer, Timbertech composite decking and glass railing. What better way to create that stability than with a solid foundation, concrete columns and decorative stone veneer? The posts were all wrapped with stone and match the retaining wall which was installed to help with soil retention and give the backyard more definition (it’s not too hard on the eyes either). A set of well-lit steps will guide you up the multi-level deck. The built-in planters soften the hardness of the Timbertech composite deck and provide a little visual relief. The two-tone aesthetic of the deck and railing are a stunning feature which plays up contrasting tones. From there it’s a game of musical chairs; we recommend the big round one on a September evening with a glass of wine and cozy blanket. We haven’t gotten there quite yet, but this property has an amazing view (you will see soon enough!). As to not spoil the view, we installed TImbertech composite railing with glass panels. This allows you to take in the surrounding sights while relaxing and not have those pesky balusters in the way. In any Canadian backyard, there is always the dilemma of dealing with mosquitoes and black flies! Our solution to this itchy problem is to incorporate a screen room as part of your design. This screen room in particular has space for dining and lounging around a fireplace, perfect for the colder evenings! Ahhh…there’s the view! From the top level of the deck you can really get an appreciation for Nova Scotia. Life looks pretty good from the top of a multi-level deck. Once again, we installed a composite and glass railing on the new composite deck to capture the scenery. What puts the cherry on top of this project is the balcony! One of the greatest benefits of composite decking and railing is that it can be curved to create beautiful soft edges. Imagine sipping your morning coffee and watching the sunrise over the water. If you want to know more about composite decking, railing or anything else you’ve seen that sparks your interest; give us a call! We’d love to hear from you.

The major objective of this home was to craft something entirely unique; based on our client’s international travels, and tailored to their ideal lifestyle. Every detail, selection and method was individual to this project. The design included personal touches like a dog shower for their Great Dane, a bar downstairs to entertain, and a TV tucked away in the den instead of on display in the living room. Great design doesn’t just happen. It’s a product of work, thought and exploration. For our clients, they looked to hotels they love in New York and Croatia, Danish design, and buildings that are architecturally artistic and ideal for displaying art. Our part was to take these ideas and actually build them. Every door knob, hinge, material, color, etc. was meticulously researched and crafted. Most of the selections are custom built either by us, or by hired craftsman.

expansive covered porch with stunning lake views

Sited on a sloping and densely wooded lot along the Potomac River in the Falcon Ridge neighborhood where exceptional architecture on large, verdant lots is the norm, the owners of this new home required a plan flexible enough to accommodate a growing family, a variety of in-home entertainment options, and recreational pursuits for children and their friends. Stylistically, our clients desired an historic aesthetic reminiscent of an English baronial manor that projects the traditional values and culture of Virginia and Washington D.C. In short, this is a trophy home meant to convey power, status and wealth. Due to site constraints, house size, and a basement sport court, we employed a straightforward structural scheme overlaid with a highly detailed exterior and interior envelope. Featuring six fireplaces, coffered ceilings, a two-story entry foyer complete with a custom entry door, our solution employs a series of formally organized principal rooms overlooking private terraces and a large tract of pre-civil war Black Walnut trees. The large formal living area, dubbed the Hunt Room, is the home’s show piece space and is finished with cherry wainscoting, a Rumford fireplace, media center, full wet bar, antique-glass cabinetry and two sets of French doors leading to an outdoor dining terrace. The Kitchen features floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, top of the line appliances, walk-in pantry and a family-dining area. The sunken family room boasts custom built-ins, expansive picture windows, wood-burning fireplace and access to the conservatory which warehouses a grand piano in a radiused window bay overlooking the side yard.

A grand traditional, southern front porch with lattice trim. Designed and built by Georgia Front Porch.

Loggia with outdoor dining area and grill center. Oak Beams and tongue and groove ceiling with bluestone patio. Winner of Best of Houzz 2015 Richmond Metro for Porch

The rear loggia looking towards bar and outdoor kitchen; prominently displayed are the aged wood beams, columns, and roof decking, integral color three-coat plaster wall finish, chicago common brick hardscape, and McDowell Mountain stone walls. The bar window is a single 12 foot wide by 5 foot high steel sash unit, which pivots up and out of the way, driven by a hand-turned reduction drive system. The generously scaled space has been designed with extra depth to allow large soft seating groups, to accommodate the owners penchant for entertaining family and friends. Design Principal: Gene Kniaz, Spiral Architects; General Contractor: Eric Linthicum, Linthicum Custom Builders

The house was a traditional Foursquare. The heavy Mission-style roof parapet, oppressive dark porch and interior trim along with an unfortunate addition did not foster a cheerful lifestyle. Upon entry, the immediate focus of the Entry Hall was an enclosed staircase which arrested the flow and energy of the home. As you circulated through the rooms of the house it was apparent that there were numerous dead ends. The previous addition did not compliment the house, in function, scale or massing. Based on their knowledge and passion of historical period homes, the client selected Clawson Architects to re-envision the house using historical precedence from surrounding houses in the area and their expert knowledge of period detailing. The exterior and interior, as well as the landscaping of this 100-plus year old house were alterated and renovated, and a small addition was made, to update the house to modern-day living standards. All of this was done to create what is the inherent beauty of Traditional Old House Living. For the whole story and to see before and after images visit www.clawsonarchitects.com

David Tyson Design and photos Four season porch with Eze- Breeze window and door system, stamped concrete flooring, gas fireplace with stone veneer.

My goal was to design a serene and private weekend getaway that is discreetly luxurious. I wanted it to have an architecturally masculine and symmetrical structure that would serve as a foundation for layers of natural and raw elements such as clay, reclaimed wood, dark steel, distressed leather and textured stone. Modern Beach Retreat designed by Sharon Bonnemazou of Mode Interior Designs. Collin Miller photography

Ilya Zobanov - Gold Lens Media - @atlanta_photographer