I was initially contacted by the builder and architect working on this Modern European Cottage to review the property and home design before construction began. Once the clients and I had the opportunity to meet and discuss what their visions were for the property, I started working on their wish list of items, which included a custom concrete pool, concrete spa, patios/walkways, custom fencing, and wood structures. One of the largest challenges was that this property had a 30% (or less) hardcover surface requirement for the city location. With the lot size and square footage of the home I had limits to how much hardcover we could add to property. So, I had to get creative. We presented to the city the usage of the Live Green Roof plantings that would reduce the hardcover calculations for the site. Also, if we kept space between the Laurel Sandstones walkways, using them as steppers and planting groundcover or lawn between the stones that would also reduce the hard surface calculations. We continued that theme with the back patio as well. The client’s esthetic leaned towards the minimal style, so by adding greenery between stones work esthetically. I chose the Laurel Tumbled Sandstone for the charm and character and thought it would lend well to the old world feel of this Modern European Cottage. We installed it on all the stone walkways, steppers, and patios around the home and pool. I had several meetings with the client to discuss/review perennials, shrubs, and tree selections. Plant color and texture of the planting material were equally important to the clients when choosing. We grouped the plantings together and did not over-mix varieties of plants. Ultimately, we chose a variety of styles from natural groups of plantings to a touch of formal style, which all work cohesively together. The custom fence design and installation was designed to create a cottage “country” feel. They gave us inspiration of a country style fence that you may find on a farm to keep the animals inside. We took those photos and ideas and elevated the design. We used a combination of cedar wood and sandwich the galvanized mesh between it. The fence also creates a space for the clients two dogs to roam freely around their property. We installed sod on the inside of the fence to the home and seeded the remaining areas with a Low Gro Fescue grass seed with a straw blanket for protection. The minimal European style custom concrete pool was designed to be lined up in view from the porch and inside the home. The client requested the lawn around the edge of the pool, which helped reduce the hardcover calculations. The concrete spa is open year around. Benches are on all four sides of the spa to create enough seating for the whole family to use at the same time. Mortared field stone on the exterior of the spa mimics the stone on the exterior of the home. The spa equipment is installed in the lower level of the home to protect it from the cold winter weather. Between the garage and the home’s entry is a pea rock sitting area and is viewed from several windows. I wanted it to be a quiet escape from the rest of the house with the minimal design. The Skyline Locust tree planted in the center of the space creates a canopy and softens the side of garage wall from the window views. The client will be installing a small water feature along the garage for serene noise ambience. The client had very thoughtful design ideas styles, and our collaborations all came together and worked well to create the landscape design/installation. The result was everything they had dreamed of and more for their Modern European Cottage home and property.

Interior Design by others. Our Sackston Prarie Cabana solved the problem of client privacy with its native stone screen walls and stucco accents while providing all of the luxuries of poolside outdoor living. Three 11-feet wide accordion style doors open the cabana entirely to the outdoors to circulate westerly summer winds. Deep overhangs provide shade for summer sun while allowing the sun to permeate the space to utilize the saloon and hot tub during the winter months. Terraced poolside planters with native vegetation complement the design. Although this cabana was constructed after completion of the main residence the material choices seamlessly blend this addition to create one unified outdoor space.

The pool house is right next to the pool. Upon entering, Azura® pavers lead you into a kitchen and bar area. Also in the space is a bathroom and a laundry room for drying wet towels after a good swim.

Jonathan Edwards Media

Raquel Langworthy

Interior of pool house with kitchenette. French doors open on two sides to bring the outside in. © REAL-ARCH-MEDIA

der Schwimmbereich 6x 4 x 2 m wird mit Polygonalen Natursteinplatten und einem Holzdeck eingerahmt . Die Filterzone ist frei modelliert .

Bryan Stepanian

This backyard pool was inaccessible to excavation equipment or a cement truck so everything was dug and hauled using manual labor. The foundation was extended and footings were dug 8 feet because of poor soil conditions.

Icehouse with guest bedroom and covered porch. Photography by Travis Keas The 3,400 SF, 3 – bedroom, 3 ½ bath main house feels larger than it is because we pulled the kids’ bedroom wing and master suite wing out from the public spaces and connected all three with a TV Den. Convenient ranch house features include a porte cochere at the side entrance to the mud room, a utility/sewing room near the kitchen, and covered porches that wrap two sides of the pool terrace. We designed a separate icehouse to showcase the owner’s unique collection of Texas memorabilia. The building includes a guest suite and a comfortable porch overlooking the pool. The main house and icehouse utilize reclaimed wood siding, brick, stone, tie, tin, and timbers alongside appropriate new materials to add a feeling of age.

Chicago Lakeview home renovation with Indoor Pool. It has a retracting skylight, backlit blue agate wall panels and heated travertine floor. Need help with your home transformation? Call Benvenuti and Stein design build for full service solutions. 847.866.6868. Norman Sizemore -photographer

Geneva Cabinet Company,, Lake Geneva, WI., Authorized Dealer for Medallion Cabinetry., The open plan is outfitted with a stunning galley kitchen spacious seating area by the large format tile fireplace, a bedroom and full bath. Custom built-ins and cabinetry by Medallion keep the look open and clean with great storage for poolside activities. Builder: Lowell Management Services, Lake Geneva, WI Photographer: Victoria McHugh Photography Medallion Cabinetry in open area The Furniture Guild Vanity

Exceptional Frames Photography

The pool house incorporates architectural elements from the main house and includes a kitchenette, bathroom, changing room and outdoor shower. High ceilings create an open feeling in the interior of the pool house.

The gabled cabana features an outdoor living space, fire table and water feature combination, enclosed bathroom, and a decorative cedar tongue-and-groove wall that houses a television. The pergolas on each side provide additional entertaining space. The custom swimming pool includes twin tanning ledges and a stacked stone raised spa with waterfall.