Tom Holdsworth Photography Our clients wanted to create a room that would bring them closer to the outdoors; a room filled with natural lighting; and a venue to spotlight a modern fireplace. Early in the design process, our clients wanted to replace their existing, outdated, and rundown screen porch, but instead decided to build an all-season sun room. The space was intended as a quiet place to read, relax, and enjoy the view. The sunroom addition extends from the existing house and is nestled into its heavily wooded surroundings. The roof of the new structure reaches toward the sky, enabling additional light and views. The floor-to-ceiling magnum double-hung windows with transoms, occupy the rear and side-walls. The original brick, on the fourth wall remains exposed; and provides a perfect complement to the French doors that open to the dining room and create an optimum configuration for cross-ventilation. To continue the design philosophy for this addition place seamlessly merged natural finishes from the interior to the exterior. The Brazilian black slate, on the sunroom floor, extends to the outdoor terrace; and the stained tongue and groove, installed on the ceiling, continues through to the exterior soffit. The room's main attraction is the suspended metal fireplace; an authentic wood-burning heat source. Its shape is a modern orb with a commanding presence. Positioned at the center of the room, toward the rear, the orb adds to the majestic interior-exterior experience. This is the client's third project with place architecture: design. Each endeavor has been a wonderful collaboration to successfully bring this 1960s ranch-house into twenty-first century living.

Modern Farmhouse-Upstate

Crisp Architects

Sunroom with casement windows and different shades of grey furniture.

Sunroom Addition

Mukwonago Remodeling

Norwood Cottage Design

Edgewater Design Group

Our clients were relocating from the upper peninsula to the lower peninsula and wanted to design a retirement home on their Lake Michigan property. The topography of their lot allowed for a walk out basement which is practically unheard of with how close they are to the water. Their view is fantastic, and the goal was of course to take advantage of the view from all three levels. The positioning of the windows on the main and upper levels is such that you feel as if you are on a boat, water as far as the eye can see. They were striving for a Hamptons / Coastal, casual, architectural style. The finished product is just over 6,200 square feet and includes 2 master suites, 2 guest bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, sunroom, home bar, home gym, dedicated seasonal gear / equipment storage, table tennis game room, sauna, and bonus room above the attached garage. All the exterior finishes are low maintenance, vinyl, and composite materials to withstand the blowing sands from the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Dripping Springs Remodel

Kimball Bonamici Designs

Wellesley Outdoor Living Room

Keri Murray Architecture

The owners spend a great deal of time outdoors and desperately desired a living room open to the elements and set up for long days and evenings of entertaining in the beautiful New England air. KMA’s goal was to give the owners an outdoor space where they can enjoy warm summer evenings with a glass of wine or a beer during football season. The floor will incorporate Natural Blue Cleft random size rectangular pieces of bluestone that coordinate with a feature wall made of ledge and ashlar cuts of the same stone. The interior walls feature weathered wood that complements a rich mahogany ceiling. Contemporary fans coordinate with three large skylights, and two new large sliding doors with transoms. Other features are a reclaimed hearth, an outdoor kitchen that includes a wine fridge, beverage dispenser (kegerator!), and under-counter refrigerator. Cedar clapboards tie the new structure with the existing home and a large brick chimney ground the feature wall while providing privacy from the street. The project also includes space for a grill, fire pit, and pergola.