Chad Dao

Suburban Steel Supply Co.

Staircase with wood flooring and dark metal railings.

Steel staircase design by- Dawn D Totty Interior designs

This popular style stair railing was custom made for this house. The design compliments the contemporary style of the house through the matte metal rails, and wood cap and stairs. Photo Credit: StudioQPhoto.com

L-shape outdoor staircase with tempered glass treads and stainless steel railing.

Photography by David Dietrich

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint. Photo: Sergiu Stoian

A beautifully crafted 6BR | 5BA designer home, thoughtfully curated to enhance everyday living through the union of art & functional home design. Upon arrival, a porte-cochère ushers you into the motor court. Notice how the architectural details & landscape elements flow continuously on all sides of the home. The attention to detail is paramount. Premium materials, paired selectively in black & white, deliver dramatic contrasts that abound in beauty. A cathedral ceiling in the heart of the home directs attention towards an impressive, floor-to-ceiling masonry fireplace showcasing a solid beam, heart pine mantel circa 1895. Recharge in the well-appointed master suite complete with heated floors, curbless shower, free-standing tub, & a luxurious custom closet. Brilliant lighting throughout. Dedicated home office (flex space with separate entrance), 2nd bedroom on main, & so much more!