No. 18
WINTER 2012
$12.99
PLUS
REGIONAL FOCUS
TAHOE/TRUCKEE
CATCH CABIN FEVER IN LAKE TAHOE’S LUXURY COMMUNITY
VERTEX BY
KARIM RASHID DESIGNER SHOWCASE:
LINDA MCDOUGALD DESIGN ALSO: DUGALLY OBERFELD WHIPPLE RUSSELL ARCHITECTS SWABACK PARTNERS PLLC
LIVING ON THE EDGE Stepping out of our comfort zone into unconventional designs
Architect Wayne Visbeen enters a new-client meeting armed with the tools of his trade: drawing paper and pens. When he leaves two hours later, tucked in his arm will be design sketches needed to start work on a brand-new custom luxury home.
servicing clients with two office locations visit us: www.visbeen.biz | find us:
120
134
144 CONTENTS ARCHITECTS
REGIONAL FOCUS
24 MEYER GREESON PAULLIN BENSON 29 HARRIS ARCHITECTS
68 MARK TANNER CONSTRUCTION 72 CORDA CONSTRUCTION 76 WARD YOUNG ARCHITECTS 80 WALTON ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING, INC. 84 BRUCE OLSON CONSTRUCTION 88 JIM MORRISON CONSTRUCTION 91 SANDBOX STUDIO 95 J.L.S. DESIGN 97 JOHN BRINK CONSTRUCTION 100 MARTIS CAMP 102 FAULKNER ARCHITECTS 104 ADC TAHOE
THE TEAMS 34 WOODSON GILCHRIST ARCHITECTS & DUMAIS INTERIOR DESIGN 39 ROB E MCQUAY ARCHITECTS & ASSOCIATES 42 VISBEEN ARCHITECTS & MIKE SCHAAP BUILDERS
BUILDERS
DESIGNERS
46 STONEWOOD, LLC 53 RIDGELINE CONST. GROUP 57 MASTIFF DEVELOPMENT 64 PYRAMID BUILDERS
108 BECKWITH INTERIORS 111 LINDA FLOYD INTERIOR DESIGN 114 STUDIO 8 DESIGN
#04
table of contents
DESIGNER SHOWCASE 120 LINDA MCDOUGALD DESIGN POSTCARD FROM PARIS HOME
PROJECTS 152 TOMARO DESIGN GROUP 156 TAYLOR LOMBARDO ARCHITECTS
AT HOME WITH 162 CHARLES SIEGER
PLUS Editor's Note page 07 Calendar page 08 Product Spotlight page 09 Behind the Lines: Featuring John Lee page 16
Books page 19 Acclaim page 20 issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
12
34
152
126 No. 18
WINTER 2012
FEATURES
$12.99
PLUS
REGIONAL FOCUS
TAHOE/TRUCKEE
CATCH CABIN FEVER IN LAKE TAHOE’S LUXURY COMMUNITY
VERTEX BY
KARIM RASHID DESIGNER SHOWCASE:
A Contemporary Oasis
LINDA MCDOUGALD DESIGN ALSO: DUGALLY OBERFELD WHIPPLE RUSSELL ARCHITECTS SWABACK PARTNERS PLLC
Michael Wetzel, one of the design partners of Swaback Partners PLLC, takes us into his unique and contemporary home designs across the globe; China, Jordan, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.
page 126
The Age of Elegance Feel regal with the partners of Dugally Oberfeld, Aleck Dugally, Matt Dugally and Mauricio Oberfeld as you tour their Venetianinspired home in Californa's Newport Coast.
page 134
A Posh Playpad Romp around in style with home designs from Marc Whipple of Whipple Russell Architects. His fun and playful twist on the mod homes of Los Angeles bring out the kid in all of us.
page 144
LIVING ON THE EDGE Stepping out of our comfort zone into unconventional designs
ON THE COVER From the Spanish brand Vondom comes a collection of ultra-modern furniture. Vertex, designed by Karim Rashid, is a set of sleek chairs and a dining table that speak to geometric forms and function as a place to have a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. Made from 100% recyclable material, the set looks as though it were chiseled from one solitary piece. table of contents
#05
Stay Connected
Research & Sales
Art & Editorial
director of editorial research
managing editor
Gerald Mathews gerald@bowen-enterprises.com
director of sales Dan Zierk dan@bowen-enterprises.com
sales associates
art director
advertising managers
correspondents
Cory Bowen, Editor-in-Chief www.bowen-enterprises.com
luxuryhomequarterly.com
Samantha Bohnert samantha@bowen-enterprises.com
Mike Domzalski mike@bowen-enterprises.com
Sheri Prather sheri@bowen-enterprises.com
Sign up for the new e-newsletter from Luxury Home Quarterly, highlighting the latest products, industry news, events and previews of upcoming issues.
senior editor
Desmond Chester
Jacqueline M. Lowisz
YVETTE LADUK WOODY WOOD
Deidre Davis deidre@bowen-enterprises.com
Contact Information
(p) 773.897.0300 (f) 773.868.0560 1448 W Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
Subscriptions & Reprints
Printed in South Korea. Reprinting of articles is prohibited without permission of Bowen Enterprises. To order reprints, call 773.897.0301. For a free subscription, please sign up online at luxuryhomequarterly.com
Amy Howell Hirt Chris L. Terry David Hudnall Elisa Revello Isabel Eva Bohrer Jamie Farshchi Katjusa Cisar Kevin Kane Kimberly Nichols Melissa Fears Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford Tara Imperatore
EDITOR’S NOTE
p. 72 MARTIS CAMP LOT 158 by CORDA CONSTRUCTION INC.
I
n the winter issue of Luxury Home Quarterly we embrace the architects, builders, interior designers and products that provide the balance of color and form. With companies such as Dugally Oberfeld, Swaback Partners PLLC and Whipple Russell Architects, as well as products from Ventury Paris and Bobo do Lobo, traditional designs integrate with modern and edgy creations while paying homage to the past and embracing the future of design. Whether a one room décor makeover or whole home design, the individuals whose homes we feature in this issue fearlessly tackle new ways of living lavishly. For architectural firm Swaback Partners PLLC, designing unique custom projects like ‘A Contemporary Oasis’ (p.127), not only meet the client’s needs but pushes the creative envelope, proving to be a successful venture. The company’s unique business approach when designing allows for projects to be executed in China, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. When we interviewed Dugally Oberfeld it was easy to understand why class means everything to them when building traditional European-style homes. For the past 15 years Dugally Oberfeld has been ascribing its signature stamp on homes in some of the most exclusive communities across the Southern California area. In this issue we highlight a 15,000-square-foot estate--the Newport Coast Residence-- in ‘The Age of Elegance’ (p.134), which radiates European custom design from the mosaic tiling showcased in the outdoor pool to the Venetian plaster and limestone trimming surrounding the home.
We set out on an adventure when choosing California-based company Whipple Russell Architects, which is highlighted in ‘A Posh Playpad’ (p.144). The company’s owner, Marc Whipple, has used his travels as a young boy as inspiration for the projects he has worked on, from the Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art to catering to celebrity clients. Infusing drama with grace and panache, Russell’s work always maintains luxury in the 21st century. When choosing to focus on Martis Camp (p.66) located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, we surrounded ourselves with a community of homes and sights both breathtaking in their location and expertly-crafted buildings. Mother Nature played a role in the upscale community, surrounding it with an impressive landscape that cannot be duplicated. We hope that you stay indoors and keep warm with our selection of projects and products that stay ahead of the curve. As always, our goal is to acknowledge and educate industry professionals everywhere for their commitments to innovative projects and products where informed decision-making and resourcefulness are paramount.
The Editors
editors note
#07
JAN-FEB
CALENDAR
TRADE SHOWS AND SPECIAL EVENTS IN THE COMING MONTHS
JAN. 9-12
JAN. 18-22
FEB. 5-9
HEIMTEXTIL
MAISON & OBJET 2013
Frankfurt, Germany One of the largest home and contract textile fairs around the world, this four-day event showcases advances in textile machinery including spinning, weaving, dyeing, garment making and more. biztradeshows.com/trade-events/heimtextil-frankfurt
Paris, France Maison & Objet is a home appliance trade show dedicated to showcasing the latest products, services, technology and trends. maison-objet.com
STOCKHOLM FURNITURE/ NORTHERN LIGHT FAIR
JAN. 14-19
2013 INTL. BUILDERS’ SHOW
Munich, Germany Bau is the world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems. This buisnessfocused industry-wide event presents a platform for professionals involved in the building design and construction management with more than 2,000 exhibitors. bau-muenchen.com
JAN. 14-20 IMM COLOGNE INTL. FURNISHING SHOW Cologne, Germany IMM Cologne presents new international furniture trends and marketable innovations. The fair also provides an effective platform for young designers showcasing a broad range of products and opportunity for market testing. imm-cologne.de
#08
calendar
Las Vegas, NV The International Builders' Show is organized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and is the largest light construction building industry trade show in the United States. It is the only event of its kind, focusing specifically on the needs, concerns and opportunities that face builders. buildersshow.com
FEB. 7- APRIL 14 NEVER BUILT: LOS ANGELES Los Angeles, CA Never Built: Los Angeles is an exhibition that will explore the values and potential for creating a city in search of its signature style. The show will offer illustrations exploring the power of architectural ideas through renderings, blueprints, models and hand drawings. aplusd.org/exhibitionsfuture/neverbuilt
FEB. 15-19 AMBIENTE 2013 Frankfurt, Germany With over 4,500 exhibitors and 140,000 trade visitors, the Ambiente consumer-goods fair offers an overview of the world market with some of the best ideas, new products and hottest trends. www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com
FEB. 22 SHAW CONTRACT GROUP DESIGN IS- COMPETITION The Design Is... Award recognizes the vision behind significant work and commemorates the design story behind every project. The program is open to all professional interior design firms, architecture firms and end users. shawcontractgroup.com
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
IMAGE SOURCE: STOCKHOLMSMÄSSAN
BAU
JAN. 22-24
Stockholm, Sweden The world's largest meeting place for Scandinavian furniture and lighting design, for both home and public environments. View pieces from the industry's top talent and take part in exciting, informative seminars. stockholmfurniturefair.se/
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Curl up next to the fireplace with the winter issue of Luxury Home Quarterly, where we feature sleek, edgy and always impressive furnishings. Exterior elements transform interior spaces, with patterns and prints that speak to nature’s inherent beauty.
WOODHEART II by FLOOR TO HEAVEN / P. 15 product spotlight
#09
handle with flare Live in chrome, metal, black and studded accessories with our selection of unconventional, yet functional furniture. Ultra sleek and drenched in raw, intricate details, each piece has its own signature style.
VENTURY PARIS LA DIVINE LOUNGE CHAIR & LE 1702 From the Royal Rock Collection come two pieces that balance retro chic with contemporary lines. The edgy furniture still maintains the sophistication of french design but are works of art in any home. ventury.fr
DIMA LOGINOFF DESIGN DOUNYASHA LOUNGE CHAIR Modeled after the Russian ballet dancer, Alex Torgunakov, the chair exudes masculinity mixed with graceful touches. Its curved form envelopes whoever sits on it, creating a cozy and open feel. dimaloginoff.com
ZENZA – TAHRIR AND SUFI LAMPS The “Tahrir” and “Sufi” lamps are Egyptian-inspired and made of silver-plated copper that are covered in thousands of tiny punctured holes, producing a dazzling light display. zenza.nl
#10
product spotlight
BOCA DO LOBO MONDRIAN SIDEBOARD The sideboard is comprised of rectangular and square drawers of various sizes that are covered in the Boca do Lobo logo. The interior of each drawer is lined with fabric and the exterior is made of assorted materials including black glass or white leather. bocadolobo.com
DELIGHTFULL COLTRANE SUSPENSION Straying from ordinary light fixtures, “Coltrane” is made of iron tubes with a gold powder paint interior, which hang from adjustable magnetic cables. delightfull.eu
DEVON & DEVON HOLLY SOFA ATELIER PLUME TILE Harkening back to the clawfoot bathtub in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the sofa is hand-crafted and made of a cast-iron interior and the exterior is made of white primer. The black and white tile flooring pays homage to 1950’s American design and the tile-Atelier Plume--comes in many shapes of large-scale ceramic slabs. devon-devon.com
product spotlight
#11
lookin’ sharp Crystalized furnishings with geometric perfection add to any drab space. From tables that look as though they sit atop diamonds to a dining room table that instantly becomes a conversation piece, every item makes a statement.
VONDOM VERTEX Meticulously-sculpted indoor and outdoor furniture, “Vertex”--designed by Karim Rashid--has a distinct look and is made of 100% recyclable material. vondom.com
ARTEK TRIENNA TABLE Made of veneered birch plywood, the table was designed in 1954 by Ilmari Tapiovaara and comes in a variety of finishes including stained black, painted white, natural lacquered oak veneer and natural lacquered walnut veneer. artek.fi
#12
product spotlight
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
BOCA DO LOBO BONSAI TABLE DIAMOND SIDEBOARD The “Bonsai Table” plays off crystallized silhouettes and the natural form of a tree. The “Diamond Sideboard” has a gold leaf interior and is inspired by gothic furniture of the Romantic period. bocadolobo.com
CRAIG VAN DEN BRULLE DELAUNAY STEEL DINING TABLE Calling on the Delaunay triangulation algorithm, the table is made from polished steel triangles and features a sleek glass top. craigvandenbrulle.com
VENTURY PARIS CHAMPAGNE COOLER The Champagne Cooler--part of the Cabinet of Curiosities collection and designed by Jonathan Pinto Cortez--stylishly protects your worldly treasures. ventury.fr
acclaim
#21
into the woods Mingling exterior elements with interior spaces can be achieved with each product shown below. Our featured fabrics maintain the beauty of the woods but are still utterly chic and wooden tables preserve the forest in its natural state.
TUELL & REYNOLDS LASSEN The “Lassen” side table is made of a wax cast base and a petrified wood top. Each table is signed and distinctly unique. tuellreynolds.com Photo Gabriel Branbury
YVETTE LADUK WOODY WOOD Mimicking a tree stump, this rug pulls nature from the outout side in and is made from nontoxic, durable and fire-resistant synthetic fibers. yldesign.nl
JED JOHNSON FAUX BOIS/WALNUT & TIMBER/COBALT Printed on a cloth composed of blended cotton and linen, “Faux Bois” by interior design firm Jed Johnson Home is availavail able in six different color combinations and is influenced by natural wood grain. Woven by implementing the style of the 19th century “cordonetto” method, “Timber” is available in five different colors and can transform a home into laid back and casual, or upscale and refined. jedjohnson.com #14
product spotlight
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
SONYA WINNER TREE TRUNK This limited-edition rug was designed to complement natural stone and wood flooring and is made of hand-knotted silk, forged on a loom in the foothills of the Kathmandu Valley Nepal. sonyawinner.com photo: SonyaWinner
MADELINE WEINRIB PARISI ARMCHAIR Handwoven in Central Asia by master weavers using the traditional ikat techniques, the armchair is made of silk with a brown sadu ikat pattern and carved wood. madelineweinrib.com
TUELL & REYNOLDS CASCADE Taken from petrified wood in the Cascade Mountain Range, “Cascade” is made of polished logs salvaged from volcanic mud and ash. The base is made of molten bronze ceramic and wax that is hand finished and patinaed. tuellreynolds.com
FLOOR TO HEAVEN WOODHEART Inspired by a tree found on the lake in California, “Woodheart”--designed by Germany-based company Floor to Heaven--looks as rough as wood but is made of wool and soft to the touch. floortoheaven.com
product spotlight
# #15
01
BEHIND THE LINES CUSTOM COLLECTIONS FOR LUXURY HOMES—AND THE DESIGNERS BEHIND THEM
John Lee Furniture Ireland-based designer gives the royal treatment Interview by Deidré Davis
LHQ: Was there a specific moment when you knew designing furniture would be your career? What was the inspiration behind your decision to design? JL: I would not say there was a specific moment that I knew I would design and make furniture for a living. Cabinet-making has been in my family for a number of generations with my now retired father, Sean, being a woodworker and technical drawing teacher and my late grandfather being a carpenter. I am told I spent many hours in my father’s workshop as a young child before I could even walk! I think it was a natural progression to design and make furniture for a living. LHQ: During your years of apprenticeship and training did you have a mentor to guide you through the in’s and out’s of design? JL: I studied furniture design and manufacturing in GMIT Letterfrack, Co. [in] Galway, Ireland from 1991 to 1993 and [I] was awarded a work placement to the recently deceased Andrew Varah in the United Kingdom. During my time in GMIT Letterfrack I was lucky to have had many highly-regarded design lecturers. I think at the end of the day it’s often the case that good design is something that comes naturally to people.
#16
behind the lines
LHQ: What influences your design style? JL: I draw most of my inspiration from the Irish landscape and am especially fascinated by the effects of erosion and weathering.
02
LHQ: What is the most important part of the your design process?What is your favorite step? JL: For me the most important part of the design process is that no matter how beautiful the form of the piece is, it has to serve the function it’s required to just as well. LHQ: How do you select the timbers that you use for your collections? JL: I’d usually have an idea of what type of timber I would like to use whilst designing a piece. Some forms just lend themselves to darker or lighter woods, etc. LHQ: What is your main goal when designing a new piece of furniture? JL: If the piece is being commissioned, the key objective would be to get a balance between the client’s taste in design and my style. When making speculative work for galleries, exhibitions, etc.
it’s usually an opportunity to really experiment with new concepts and try to continually push the boundaries of my work. LHQ: You were selected to create the new Irish Presidential Inauguration Chair. How did you include special elements that you would not normally include in your work? JL: The only process on the Presidential Inauguration Chair that I hadn’t used before was the gold embossing of the Irish harp on the leather chair back. The most prominent feature of the chair is the free flowing sweeping arms, which dynamically link the entire piece. Inspired by the Irish saying “céad míle fáilte” (a hundred thousand welcomes) the outstretched and welcoming arms reflect the ambassadorial role of the President. The clean crisp lines,
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
03
05
06
04
01 Core- coffee table in bleached and sandblasted ash. National Museum of Ireland Furniture Collection. 02 Presidential Inauguration Chair 2011-Irish Presidential Inauguration Chair used in the inauguration of PresiPresi dent Michael D. Higgins 03 Farraige- sculptural chest of drawers in Oak with textured finish. Private collection Ireland. 04 Twisted shelves- bookcases with a twist in White Oak. Textured finish. Private collection Ireland 05 Salcombe- dining table in solid ash, carved sandblasted and textured base. 06 GRA- loveseat in sandblasted White Oak. Private collection Ireland. 07 Wave- fumed oak cabinet featuring leather lined figured maple drawers. Privately commissioned 2012. 08 Iasc- chest of drawers in fumed oak and figured maple. Textured finish. PriPri vate collection United Kingdom. Ireland Furniture Collection.
elegant proportions and timeless design are a reflection of the dignity of the Office of the President without being overwhelming or dominating. LHQ: You have recently exhibited work and received notable recognition at the SOFA Chicago, Collect 2010 at the Saatchi Gallery in London, Design Basel in Switzerland and a commission for Áras an Uachtaráin. What aspirations do you have for the firm in the future? JL: I continually aspire to perfection – both in my design and craftsmanship. I hope to continually keep my work vibrant and fresh and look forward to exhibiting exciting new work as opportunities arise both nationally and internationally.
07
08
WILLIAMS/ERVIN RESIDENCE BY LINDA MCDOUGALD DESIGN • PHOTO: RACHAEL BOLING N o. 18 WINTER 2012
REGIONA
$12.99
PLUS
L FOCUS TAHOE/ TRUC KEE CATCH CA BIN FEVER IN LAKE TA LUXURY COMM HOE’S UNITY
VERTEX
BY KARIM RASHID
Subscribe Online Get connected to the custom home industry through Luxury Home Quarterly’s insider coverage. Discover a showcase of the industry’s most stunning projects. cutting-edge products and real stories of trials and success from professionals like yourself.
Sign up today! luxuryhomequarterly.com Subscriptions are free to industry professionals.
DESIGNER SH OWCASE:
LINDA MCDOU
GALD DESIGN
ALSO: DUGA WHIPPLE RUSSE LLY OBERFELD LL ARCHITECT S SWABACK PAR TNERS PLLC
LIVING ON THE EDGE Stepping out of ou into unconventionar comfort zone l designs
MUST HAVE BOOKS INDUSTRY EXPERTISE AND INSPIRATION
VINTAGE REMIX: THE INTERIORS OF KISHANI PERERA KISHANI PERERA Founder of Fuse ID, interior designer Kishani Perera has taken her skills of mixing vintage, eclectic pieces with contemporary elements and laid them out in a stunning book. Every chapter focuses on a particular part of the design process, such as how to use color and light, etc. and each is dedicated to giving advice in a thoughtful and straightforward manner. Abrams Publishing abramsbooks.com
VINTAGE REMIX PHOTOS: TROY HOUSE & JEAN RANDAZZO • THE GREAT AMERICAN HOUSE PHOTOS: CARTER BERG & JONATHAN WALLEN
THE GREAT AMERICAN HOUSE: TRADITION FOR THE WAY WE LIVE NOW GIL SCHAFER III In his first book, Architect Gil Schafer III takes his knowledge of the many facets of crafting beautiful homes and breaks them down into three parts: architecture, decoration and landscape. Schafer melds historic and classic architecture with modern touches in every home he creates, resulting in a fresh, distinctive look indicative of his talents. Rizzoli rizzoliusa.com
ALBERTO PINTO WORLD INTERIORS ALBERTO PINTO WITH JULIEN MOREL A vast collection of interiors executed by Alberto Pinto are shown throughout his book with impressive photographs and lengthy descriptions of each project, which include a space in Kuwait, a Mexican enclave and a New York residence with hints of European influences. Pinto also pays tribute to the many artisans--including cabinet-makers, embroiderers and painters--that contributed to the success of each project. Rizzoli rizzoliusa.com books
#19
ACCL AIM
CUSTOM-HOME PROJECTS OF NOTE
LOCATION: LAMPASAS, TX COMPLETED: 2011
CASA de CORAZON by Samantha Bohnert
Located in Lampasas, TX, this 2,000-square-foot modern ranch home was designed for a retired chemical engineer and his wife. The couple requested that the home have a structural and curvy shape so it would, “look like the bones of the earth.” The “bones” are made of arching steel beams that mimic a dinosaur’s ribcage and support the home’s roof. The beams also continue into the house and are constructed of laminated wood.
Credits BUILDER: Rex Keele Construction ARCHITECT: Winn Wittman PHOTOGRAPHER: Coles Hairston PHOTOS: COLES HAIRSTON
The home features large windows that bring in natural heat from the Texas sun, a guest house for when the couple’s children visit and a vast gallery of landscape paintings. Due to its unique exterior, passerby's have dubbed the home “casa de corazon” (heart house) and the “butterfly house.”
#20
acclaim
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
acclaim
#21
LOCATION: PUERTA DEL BOSQUE ZAPOPAN, JALISCO, MEXICO COMPLETED: 2011
THE X HOUSE by Deidré Davis
#22
acclaim
Credits ARCHITECT: Agraz Arquitectos S.C. CO-AUTHORED WITH: Agraz Arquitectos S.C.: Elias Rizo
PHOTOS: MITO COVARRUBIAS
The X House, designed by Agraz Arquitectos S.C., features white concrete exterior walls, marble plates and metallic shutters. The ultra modern creation sits on a corner-shaped allotment posing a challenge for architectonic design. Emphasis was given to the architectural concept dividing the terrain by floor setup. One area is allotted for the garden patio where a tree-lined plaza merges into the kitchen, living and dining gallery; the second area is the central axis of the stairway, which connects the basement, first and second floors; and the third area is designated for a studio, bathroom and main entrance. The X House offers façades on both of its sides with a simple design scheme.
COLLABORATORS: Jessica Magana Juan Antonio Jaime CONSTRUCTION: Ing. Álvaro Martínez
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
ARCHITECTS
PHOTO: JEFF MILLER / MOUNTAIN LENS PHOTOGRAPHY
A group of skilled and passionate innovators who plan, develop and re-envision buildings and homes for clientele across the globe.
CASA MELANZANA by HARRIS ARCHITECTS / P. 29 architects
#23
Meyer Greeson Paullin Benson FAMILY RITUALS CREATE HOMES WITH BUILT-IN HISTORY by Katjusa Cisar
PHOTOS: GIL STOSE
The Craftsman Style Home Location: Cashiers, NC Completed: 2008 mgpb.com
#24
architects
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
01 A stack stone entryway frames the home creating a warm welcome. 02 Outdoor dining is encouraged when the natural enviornment is at your fingertips.
Matt Benson speaks in terms of language when he discusses the architecture he and his firm design in the mountainous Southern Appalachians.The homes are, "of the local vernacular," he says. "Our use of local and traditional building materials gives our houses a sense of history, of authenticity. By studying the historical buildings of the area we determine the unique characteristics and apply the same language of details to our houses." Benson and his fellow principal architects — Jim Meyer, Sam Greeson and Mark Paullin — specialize in custom, high-end residential work in the region surrounding their home office in Charlotte, NC.They offer in-house interior design as well, and Benson is accredited to design and certified-LEED projects. About 50 to 60% of the firm's work is in building vacation and summer homes in rural North and South Carolina. Benson says, "We truly believe that for a house to be successful, it has to be a response to the site.We work within the existing topography, with the existing trees, so that the house looks settled, so the house looks like it's been there for a hundred years. It should become part of the landscape instead of just sitting on top of it."
“We really want to work within the existing topography, with the existing trees, so that the house looks really settled, so the house looks like it's been there forever.” MATT BENSON, ARCHITECT
An MGPB project that showcases this is the Linville Tudor Home near Blowing Rock, NC. It offers what Benson calls a, "heightened sense of rusticity." The interior of the home includes a lot of wood paneling and uses, "the same kind of language" as homes built in the 1880’s and 1890’s. "This was meant to be a summer house--a country house.To differ from the clients in-town house we used rougher materials to give the house a more casual feel. We also created more communal spaces for the owners and friends to gather," Benson says.The exterior structural columns are true, rough-hewn logs in an Adirondack style with the bark left on. It is no surprise, then, that reclaimed timber from abandoned tobacco barns and textile factories in North Carolina and surrounding states has become a favorite building material at MGPB. It is an environmentally-friendly source, and these woods add a palpable sense of history to the company’s homes.
architects
#25
03
04
Craftsman Style Home
PHOTOS: RIEN VAN RIJTHOVEN PHOTOS: GIL STOSE
The Craftsman Style home near Cashiers, NC is a six-acre property that overlooks Fairfield Lake near the Nantahala National Forest from a granitic escarpment. Seven hundred feet below is a summer girls camp, which the clients' granddaughter attends. There was an existing house, which was poorly situated on the property. The clients wanted to take better advantage of the views and have a house that embraced the special characteristics of the lot. "With terraces and porches we created a variety of spaces where their grandchildren could play and the owners could work in the garden and just enjoy the outside," says Benson. The original structure was demolished and MGPB rebuilt on the site, reusing some of the original footprint. The resulting interior looks as if it was built in the 1920's, yet incorporates modern conveniences.
#26
architects
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
Linville Tudor Home Location: Blowing Rock, NC Completed: 2002
05
03 The kitchen’s island offers the option for preparing food and entertaining guests simultaneously. 04 Natural lighting and a warm color palette invoke relaxation for the bathroom.
05 The Tudor-style home is enlivened with the lush landscaping.
06
06 Interior finishes for the kitchen include hardwood floors, custommade wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
Benson remembers searching for these lumber sources with his father about twenty years ago. Now, reclaiming wood is an industry in the area. “There is a multitude of reclaimed materials that are available. That whole industry started with someone driving around in their pick-up truck, saying, ‘Hey, I see this tobacco barn isn’t in use. Can I buy it?’ There were old factories with heart pine beams that were 50 feet long, which you just can’t find today,” he says. A variety of quality timber is available from these abandoned buildings, including pine, oak and hickory. “They culled those beams from old growth trees that had been on the property for 150 years.” Wherever the company builds, the approach MGPB takes with clients is the same in the beginning. Benson says it is helpful to encourage clients to start thinking beyond logistics when envisioning their home. The number of square feet and bedrooms is of less importance at this stage than figuring out how the family lives. Benson also says the company’s goal is to satisfy more
than the functional aspects of living, and for the house to be more rewarding from an experiential standpoint. Beyond just solving the need to have a deck to grill food on, for instance, Benson and his colleagues want to figure out how the sun feels when the family is sitting on the deck and what time of day they like to congregate there. He also encourages the client to push against the tendency to picture how a house will look, “when it’s 72 degrees out and there’s a five-mile wind blowing.” “That's where I think the essentials come out: when they start talking about their rituals and their daily life and the experiences that are important to them,”
he says. “That’s when we can get to the essence of creating a house that truly responds to their life.”
A MESSAGE FROM PELLA WINDOWS Pella manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada. For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit pella.com. Follow Pella on Twitter.com @Pella_News, on Facebook at facebook.com/pellawindowsanddoors and on YouTube at youtube.com/pellawindowsanddoors.
architects
#27
T H E P O W E R O F Y E L L O W .®
Fragile.
Beauty is in the details — down to a home’s windows and doors. That’s why Pella offers meticulously crafted, richly profiled Architect Series® windows and patio doors. They offer beautiful Mahogany, Alder, Douglas Fir, Pine, White Oak*, Cherry*, Red Oak* or Maple* woods that blend tastefully with other interior finishes. And virtually endless design choices to help your customers preserve the historical accuracy and period style they love. That’s The Power Of Yellow. Call 800-849-8550 or see your Pella representative for more information.
We don’t think of trees as being fragile, but they are. When you are building a new home or disturbing the earth around the trees in your yard it is important to consult a licensed arborist to ensure the well-being of your trees during the process.
828-877-6601 J O H N WAY N E H A R D I S O N OWN ER /CERTI FI ED A R B OR I ST
* Available on a custom basis. For more information on wood type availability, contact your local Pella sales representative.
P.O. Box 61 | Penrose, NC 28766 | hctreeservice.com #SO-2906A
© 2012 Pella Corporation
Harris Architects
Casa Melanzana
A MOUNTAINOUS BACKDROP AND NATURAL LANDSCAPE SPAWN THIS UNIQUE HOME
Location: Charleston, SC Completed: 2010 harrisarch.com
by David Hudnall
PHOTO: JEFF MILLER / MOUNTAIN LENS PHOTOGRAPHY
Casa Melanzana
01 Wood shingle siding--eggplant stained--is accented by wood timbers and window sashes. Roof forms and windows are composed to reflect the Southern Appalachian vernacular architecture. The metal roof provides a clean contrast to the stained wood shingle siding and timber rafter tails.
Moving from Washington, DC to the western edge of North Carolina changed the way Doug Harris approached his profession. “The Southern Appalachian mountains are just such a different landscape than what I was used to,” says Harris, who leads Harris Architects with his wife, Ellen, also an architect. “One of the first things I learned in the mountains is the importance of paying attention to things like siting, context, slope, terrain, views, sun, water. Those things become just as important as issues like budget and space. You can ignore them, but you do so at the peril of the project and the integrity of the landscape.” At Harris Architects, Harris focuses on new construction projects, while Ellen specializes in historic preservation projects. Its headquarters in rural Brevard, NC--which is 40 miles south of Asheville--lends an interesting dynamic to Harris Architects. “Being an architect in a small town-we’ve got a population of 6,500 in a county of
The first thing you notice at Casa Melanzana is the home’s eggplant-hued exterior. “The client had a lot of strong ideas that she would often throw at me, that I would then have to kind of take in and think about,” Harris says. “One day she said, ‘I think it should be purple.’ In Charleston, there’s a specific green that many of the shutters are painted. It looks almost black, but it’s dark green. And she wanted a purple version of that. Finding the right shade ended up being a fabulous challenge and gave the house a unique and unifying character.” Another unique character of the house is the corner cabinets in the dining room, which have hidden storage space in the base. “Other than a narrow vertical line, you would never notice,” Harris says. “We could have done a basic corner cabinet, but thought, let’s think outside the box. And I think because of things like that, the project is richer all around.”
45,000--is kind of like being a doctor in a small town,” Harris says. “You’ve got to be able to do a lot. We do a wide range of project types for a small firm. Single-family custom residential is what we do most of, but we also do small-scale
architects
#29
02
“We can create a built-in story to the house through the detailing and finishes, where you end up with a timelessness.” DOUG HARRIS, OWNER
#30
architects
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: JEFF MILLER / MOUNTAIN LENS PHOTOGRAPHY
03
04
02 Vibrant-colored seating paired with high ceilings and expansive windows provide beautiful views and light from the outside. 03 The red Aga range and a multitiered lazy susan in the corner are the highlight in the kitchen. Cabinets are fitted between the windows providing light, a view and plenty of storage. 04 The spacious office, located over the garage provides the owner a place to work and plenty of privacy.
commercial, and some work for churches, summer camps and historic restorations.” One of the most eye-catching residences in Harris Architects’ portfolio is the Casa Melanzana. It is comprised of four primary structures; the main house, a master bedroom suite/studio space, a garage/office and a free-standing guest house. A covered outdoor breezeway links the garage/office with the main house; a link between the master bedroom and the main house is enclosed with full-height window walls passing by the screened-in porch. “And the guest house is far enough away to give a sense of privacy, but close enough that it’s an integral part of the compound,” Harris says. “Each structure takes advantage of a different view.” Since mountain homes tend to be conceived after the land has
been purchased, determining where to position a house on a lot is a vital component of the work Harris Architects does. “It’s something we start thinking about from the beginning. The site is a given and the design reacts to and is developed from what the site is telling us,” Harris says. “It requires walking around the lot, up and down the hills. And it’s a challenge because you also have to imagine what everything will look like months later, when it’s fall or spring or winter or summer. So you have to think about how the spaces in the house are oriented not just to each other, but to the landscape and the sun.” Ordinarily, Harris Architects works out all details, materials and interiors ahead of time, but on Casa Melanzana, it was more of a phased approach. “After we completed the exterior, we
architects
#31
05
06
were able to react to what had already been built to guide in what would work for the interior,” Harris says. “Do we want timber work? What are the finishes? It was very interactive that way. I’ve worked in firms that had a single focus, and everything starts to all look the same after awhile. Here, the various aspects of our work tend to inform other aspects. Ellen’s preservation work with older buildings, for example, has a way of influencing our new residential work, because a lot of our clients are looking for a home with a sense of history and character. And so we can give a kind of built-in story to the house through the detailing and finishes, where you end up with a timelessness.”
#32
architects
05 The living, dining and kitchen of the guest house are combined into one efficient space. 06 Built-ins along the stairs serve as guard rails as well as a place to pull on boots and provides a home for the family’s two dogs. 07 The great room fireplace features dry stacked stone and rough hewn a stone lintel and mantle.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: JEFF MILLER / MOUNTAIN LENS PHOTOGRAPHY
07
THE TEAMS
PHOTO: CAROLINE ALLISON
Expert homebuilders, adept at revamping projects individually, collaborate with other impressive craftsmen to create nearly flawless masterpieces.
NASHVILLE RESIDENCE by WOODSON GILCHRIST ARCHITECTS & DUMAIS INTERIOR DESIGN/ P. 34 the teams
#33
Woodson Gilchrist Architects & Dumais Interior Design A TRADITIONAL NASHVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD WELCOMES A MODERN HOME WITH A DISTINCT POINT OF VIEW
Nashville Residence Location: Nashville, TN Completed: 2011 woodson-gilchrist.com
#34
the teams
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: CAROLINE ALLISON
by Tara Imperatore
02
Nashville Residence Out of every possible design element the owners could bring over from their traditional English home to their new modern abode, they only insisted on one thing: a big kitchen island. Having the kitchen open up to the living room allows more opportunity for the entire family to come together, unlike a traditional home format where the dining room and kitchen area is completely separate from other rooms. Both Woodson and Dumais created this casual gathering space around the six foot by six foot island by maintaining a relaxed sophistication with first the architecture and then the accompanying décor. “It is typical of modern architecture that if you have lots of windows and keep the plan open it enlivens the space and you don’t need a lot of fussy things,” Woodson says of the simplistically elegant interior design. “Being a modern home, it’s more sculptural so you’re not relying on a high level of added detail or ornament.”
03
01 The Karen Revis art piece centered over the staircase is an element of bold color that welcomes you in to the residence. 02 The traditional elements of the neighborhood are playfully abstracted to create a modern statement. 03 A custom ebonized table punctuates the centrally-located dining area, becoming a statement piece in a calm surrounding.
When picturing suburban Nashville, you probably see streets lined with warm, traditional houses with winding driveways and covered entries— and you would usually be right, unless you are talking about this particular residence. From the front, this sleek, modern home makes a subtle statement with clean, straight lines and minimal landscaping; around the back, floor-to-ceiling windows open up the house to promote outdoor living. The designers, husband-and-wife team Larry Woodson and Lelia Gilchrist, spent 30 years in New York before taking their contemporary design aesthetic to Nashville, opening Woodson Gilchrist Architects in 1997. “Over the last several years, since we’ve been in Nashville, we have been doing modern houses successfully and our designs have been accepted here,” Woodson says. “This specific home is in a neighborhood that thinks of itself as traditional. The owners came to us because of our other work they’d seen; so they knew we do modern, but it’s not modern that’s offensive to the neighbors.”
Though their residential designs may not necessarily be considered the norm in Nashville, they have the utmost respect for regional traditions and consistently incorporate them into their work. This residence is constructed of brick, a material often used in the area. The white façade is no coincidence either; it is a nod to the predominant exterior color of Georgian style homes, and is one among many on the street painted in this shade. “You could say we’re abstracting and playing with certain aspects of traditional architecture and changing them to make it modern,” Woodson says. “We want to do something that’s acceptable and people enjoy, but is not a derivative.” As you move around the side and rear, the more overtly modern features of the property are revealed. The brick drops off almost entirely, with expansive picture windows in its place to take advantage of the views. The steep slope it is built into creates an upside down effect where you enter on the second floor and the bedrooms are downstairs. The lower floor is underground and
the teams
#35
04
05
Coming from a traditional English cottage style home, the owners were looking for something more comfortable and casual. This resulted in an open floor plan, extremely common in modern residential architecture, with spaces flowing into one another and leading to the outside with great expanses and glass. “We started our conversations asking if they needed all these rooms,” Woodson says. “An open plan can make the house smaller and you don’t have empty rooms you don’t need. The spaces are more compact and you can focus on them.” Also involved in the effort to produce this relaxed new living environment was New York interior designer Kevin Dumais. He worked closely with Woodson Gilchrist from the start
#36
the teams
to ensure a cohesive product for the client. “Being brought in at the beginning really gets you involved in the whole layout and design process of the house,” Dumais says. “Instead of decoration, it becomes more about a fully thought out design vocabulary with functionality, usability and detail.”
04 The open plan is apparent from the entry, with views through the house to courtyards and terraces beyond.
The collaboration is evident through various aspects of the interiors: the use of wood paneling and floorto-ceiling shelving to punctuate the verticality of the architecture and windows; modern furnishings like reupholstered vintage chairs and dramatic hanging light fixtures and eclectic paintings and wall sculptures. A neutral color scheme maintains a balance between cool and warm, but Dumais made sure to incorporate his signature pop of blue in items like lamps, throw pillows and coffee tables. “This was exciting to work on because the owners were very hands on and shared their opinions, but they let me and the architect input where we felt our strong design influences lay,” says Dumais. “It was a good conversation between all of us.”
06 The warm colors and rich textures used in the den were selected to create a seductive setting to juxtapose the exterior glass walls.
05 The volumes defining the master bath are clad in limestone.
07 Floor to ceiling draperies are the perfect framework for the stunning view.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: CAROLINE ALLISON
concealed in the front, so it appears relatively smaller than its 6,000-square-foot size. “Modern architects like working with a slope because it’s exciting and we like the challenge,” Woodson says. “We don’t want to do something that’s easy.”
06
07
the teams
#37
PROCTOR MARBLE & GRANITE PROCTOR MARBLE & GRANITE 6100 Robertson Avenue Nashville, TN 37209 Phone: (615) 356-7099 Fax: (615) 356-7520 andy@proctormarbleandgranite.com
H I G H E N D C U S T O M C A B I N E T S A N D M I L LW O R K FOR EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME
3591 S out h 300 West • S alt Lake C it y, U T 801.293.8001 www.c raft smankit chens.c om S AT I S F I E D C U S TO M E R S F R O M C O A S T TO C O A S T
Peters Residence Location: St. George, UT Completed: 2012 mcquayarchitects.com
Rob E McQuay Architects & Associates with Split Rock Development Company PRESERVING INTEGRITY FOR THE NATURAL ELEMENTS OF THE LANDSCAPE by Melissa Fears
PHOTO: DANNY LEE PHOTOGRAPHY
Rob E McQuay Architects & Associates is a Utahbased residential and commercial design firm whose work is firmly rooted in southwest contemporary design. This love for design allowed for a team-based approach to spectacular custom homes with local developer Split Rock Development Company. They have collaborated on hundreds of successful projects since designing McQuay’s own personal home. The firm has over three decades of experience in the field. Starting out with nearly all commercial and industrial work, over the past decade they have changed to mostly residential since moving from Park City to St. George. Founded 30 years ago, the Rob E McQuay design team includes McQuay himself, Todd Benson, AIA
and LEED AP and Nathan Kerr. “We used to build about 25% residential,” McQuay says. “But we found a really good residential market here and have adapted to meet that demand.” Today, about 80% of the firm’s work is new custom homes, and about 20% are additions. However, rather than thinking about the company’s work simply in terms of “style” it follows certain principles about design aimed at creating architecture appropriate to its time and place. The company’s high-end residential design and authenticity is all about honestly expressing the structure and materials. Its spaces have an open feeling, with large amounts of natural light, and connections between indoor and outdoor spaces. There is an elegant simplicity in the clean-lined
Peters Residence The clients of this 4,435-square-foot house wanted a maintenance-free second home that embraced the Southwest setting. They asked for a pool and barbecue area, which is located on the south side of the home. Located in St. George, UT, the climate is hot and dry in the summer and fall, with warm to cold winters. Following the slope of the hillside, McQuay created a central open kitchen from which the rest of the home wings out. The dispersed elements connect to the landscape, with openings framing views and blurring the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces. A 417-square-foot casita stands free of the main metal frame and concrete structure, its placement creating a small courtyard between the two entities. Steel beams, retractable glass windows and a generous open floor plan keep the house cool despite extreme summer temperatures. Combined with low walls and trellised structures, the landscaping—composed of droughttolerant native plants—further defines the outdoor rooms.
the teams
#39
02 01 A curved path meanders its way to the front entrance perfectly mimicking the flow of the structure. 02 Kitchen and dining room space flows to an outdoor patio. 03 The front exterior elevation of the Peters Residence exhibits a modern design set amongst bold black lava with a red rock backdrop. 04 The dining room boasts a seamless flow from inside to out. 03
05 The great room, with views of Red Mountain, features a custom contemporary metal fireplace.
design, but McQuay and his team also bring in elements of warmth and livability through the use of natural materials. The company interweaves elements throughout its projects including furniture, interiors and landscape to create cohesive design solutions. “It tends to not be cost effective for the type of design we do to work on small projects,” says McQuay. “We work on larger lots and more custom-type work.” Working in the west, there can be challenges with the weather, such as extreme heat and dryness. “All of the areas we build in are desert-type areas,” he says. “Sedona, AZ is very similar to St. George. We found that we have a temperate enough climate here that you can use outdoor spaces in the winter if you design them properly especially on a southern exposure. With the right depth canopies you can get the sun in the winter when it’s cold and it shields the sun in the summer when it gets really hot.” With a goal to create 30% exterior space versus interior space, it can make the home feel larger on top of being able to use the outdoor space year-round. The impressive Peters Residence nestled in St. George, UT is no different. The contemporary
#40
the teams
home features arcing cast concrete walls, and a soaring steel and glass great room opening up to an expansive backyard with stunning views. A private infinity edge pool and hot tub add great visuals to the back, while several exterior fire pits and private patios extend from each living space, including all bedrooms.
cially took inspiration from the site.” McQuay is also designing another home in the Reserve neighborhood, which faces north over the Tortoise Reserve. This undeveloped land allows for undisturbed views, while the home is propped up on and elevated 12 feet over the road on a natural lava bed.
Metal sculptor Trent Riplinger contributed several modern ornamental steel elements, including exterior steel beams and sconces, the weathered fireplace wall, steel elements in the kitchen cabinet design and steel cladding on part of the front door.
McQuay’s approach of authentic and integrity in design will ensure the company’s spaces are meaningful and timeless for years to come.
The free-flowing open kitchen needed to be central and easily accessible on both ends of the home. “They really serve food on both sides of kitchen, so it needed to be walk-through,” says McQuay. The mahogany cabinets and concrete pillars by Scott Welch add warmth and character to the space.
A MESSAGE FROM CRAFTSMAN KITCHENS It was our privelege to have a part in the creation of this wonderful home. The kitchen, especially offered a unique design challenge. After twelve attempts at design by others, we were given the opportunity to solve
“We always go to a site and determine what the site is saying first,” says McQuay. “You see a lot of those free-flowing shapes with lava rock and erosion. Putting a hard rectangular house in there doesn’t feel natural. The curved roofline espe-
the problem of fitting a kitchen between two curved walls. The outcome, after careful planning and fabrication by our most skilled people, is both functional and beautiful. Custom veneers and the latest technology make this room exceptional.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
04
PHOTOS: DANNY LEE PHOTOGRAPHY
05
“Putting a hard rectangular house in there doesn’t feel natural. The curved roofline especially took inspiration from the site.” ROB MCQUAY, OWNER the teams
#41
Carlton Shores Location: Lakeside, MI Completed: 2011 visbeen.biz mikeschaapbuilders.com
02
Visbeen Architects & Mike Schaap Builders ACHIEVING A SIGNATURE IDENTITY AND VERSATILITY by Elisa Revello
PHOTOS: CHUCK HEINEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Wayne Visbeen, architect and designer, makes dreams a reality––illustrating conceptions by hand, in real time and on site. As the pen moves across the page and Visbeen shuffles through paper, clients watch their visions unfold. Visbeen says the hallmark of his company, a live design approach, truly delivers. By sketching while a client describes his dream home, Visbeen can save clients significant time and money by getting a design down before most firms would even discuss strategy. After Visbeen depicts the exterior and interior, the designs are then delivered to his team, who render the drawings on the computer. Since the firm’s inception in 1992, Visbeen Architects has designed over 600 homes and has been consistently published and recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and a recipient of American Residential Design awards.
#42
the teams
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
03 03
04
04
05
01 The window-lit cottage is reminiscent of a mountain lodge, with a modern twist.
“We give the home an identity, and try to make every home as beautiful and efficient as possible,” Visbeen says.
02 The glass-dominated walls of this two-story, vaulted room give the impression that the pool is outside, instead of indoors.
Though they are well known in the residential realm, the firm takes on a variety of undertakings including work for universities and museum shops.
03 The home’s winding wooden staircase blends beautiful design with an appreciation of the outdoors by providing an array of window vistas at each stage of the climb.
“Our signature is versatility,” Visbeen says. “Whatever the character, quality or style, we research and develop to be as true to that style and character as possible. As a solutions-driven architect and designer, I do not hold to one specific style.”
04 The home’s living room has varying shades of tan, which mixes well with the wooden floors and windows.
To construct the Carlton Shores Residence, Visbeen teamed up with long-time collaborator Mike Schaap, president of Mike Schaap Builders, Inc. (MSB), who is consistently known as one of the foremost builders in West Michigan. Recognized by the NAHB for exceptional projects and published in local and national magazines, MSB uniquely employs over 30 project managers, supervisors and craftsman, ensuring reliability and the ability to deliver the highest quality of work.
05 As one room flows into the next, this western view demonstrates the gracious transparency of the home design.
“We found ourselves moving into ultra custom projects because clients were confident in the work we were doing. When you choose ‘Mike’, you get ‘Mike’,” Schaap says. With every endeavor, Schaap remains hands-on and works directly with clients throughout the entire process of building their dream home. Nestled comfortably on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, Carlton Shores--a more contemporary home--had an aggressive timeline of less than nine months. MSB had the capability to complete the project on time with confidence in its collaboration with Visbeen. “Our teams complement each other and have worked together on numerous projects including many waterfront properties,” Schaap says. “We know our strengths and that ensures that we do not duplicate our efforts.” In 2000, Schaap launched Benchmark Wood Studio, Inc. to provide custom cabinetry and millwork to serve his company and also to answer a call in the market. Carlton Shores called
the teams
#43
06
for one-of-a-kind finishes throughout the interior and exterior. Benchmark provided interior design and produced custom entry systems, interior doors and cabinetry including a ribbon sapele kitchen and wet bar. MSB also finds unique and innovative solutions to challenges in home building. For Carlton Shores, the firm created a 24/7 positive drainage system to allow for a full lower level.
06 The vanishing pool brings the lake just a little closer to home.
07
07 The impressive rear elevation of the home takes full advantage of the lake views atop its hill.
As for the future, MSB will continue to build homes for discerning homeowners who relish in attention to detail, as well as maintain relationships with clients long after move-in day.
PHOTOS: CHUCK HEINEY PHOTOGRAPHY
“We are not as concerned with large or small, we just like to do a really good job with what we are given,” Schaap says. As for Visbeen, he is eager to always learn more about architecture and design, absorbing what is around him. During travel, and he travels often, Visbeen has his eye on architecture and history. “From an inspiration standpoint, I am always trying to stay ahead of the curve and with trends,” Visbeen says. “We innovate as much as anyone, creating rooms and styles.”
#44
the teams
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
BUILDERS
PHOTO: FRATANTONI LUXURY ESTATES
Dedicated contractors, with a unique approach, pay keen and thoughtful attention to remodeling residences and homes from the ground up.
FRATANTONI LUXURY ESTATES / P. 60 builders
#45
Stonewood, LLC TWIN CITIES FIRM ADDS NEW EMPLOYEES TO BUILD ON LEGACY OF SERVICE AND STABILITY by Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford
PHOTOS: LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY
01 The French Provincial exterior is made of cut limestone with an authentic slate roof and copper gutters. 02 Custom-made windows are shown on the exterior of the home, along with wrought-iron railings and limestone patios.
#46
builders
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
02
As Stonewood continues its fourth-generation legacy as a premier builder in the Minneapolis market, owner Sven Gustafson has shown why he is a leading custom builder in the city by adding new talented employees to his team. “We believe we have the best team in the area,” he says. “They are fantastic and our talent level is at an all-time high.” Stonewood’s recent personnel additions include a new purchasing manager who had been a homebuilder and is adept at design and construction. In June a staff architect joined and instantly increased the firm’s efficiency in its design processes and protocol.
Rolling Green Residence Location: Edina, MN Completed: 2011 stonewood.com
“We have made major enhancements in the implementation of technology in our design process,” says Gustafson. “The extended use of advanced three-dimensional technology has enhanced our creative abilities.” Joining the recent personnel additions is a new project manager that has previously worked in Europe on high-end projects as well as the Colorado and Montana markets. “We are always looking for people to expand our capabilities and bring in new processes,” says Gustafson. “They bring fresh eyes to what we are
builders #47
03
06
04
05
“It is fun to have to figure out how to create things that were hand-carved 150 years ago.” SVEN GUSTAFSON
#48
builders
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
Rolling Green Residence The Rolling Green Residence is the latest crown jewel in Stonewood’s portfolio. Located in Edina, MN, the nearly 10,000-square-foot home is influenced by the French Provincial style from the family’s European travels. The grand foyer, high ceilings and handmade 10-foot tall solid alder arched front door leaves visitors mesmerized from the moment they step into the residence. The European influence is seen in hand-modeled Italian plaster wall finishes throughout the home, and a hand-carved limestone fireplace in the formal living area provides a feel of elegance and comfort at the same time. The handcarved limestone addition is compliments of Luigi, a stone carver who has been working with Stonewood for multiple generations. The kitchen boasts a lovely Persian granite island and casual breakfast table, which complements the casual den. Along with a workout room, sauna and steam and wine cellar, the Rolling Green Residence is the perfect combination of European influence for modern metropolitan living.
PHOTOS: LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY
01 Not your mother's form of traditional, but a modern house that still fits into a traditional neighborhood. 02 This cool, refreshing dining room is the perfect setting for lovely holiday dinners.
03 / The formal dining room has plaster egg and dart crown molding, silk wallpaper, handmade custom lighting, seating for 14, character grade Black Walnut flooring and wainscot. 04 / Caracca marble and Black Walnut custom cabinetry in the master bathroom add a regal feel. French doors on the shower and freestanding tub are warm and inviting. 05 / The family/hearth room off the kitchen overlooks the pool with access to the terrace. Beams in the ceiling are made from oak trees that used to stand on the property. 06 / The interior showcases authentic Italian plaster walls and ceiling finishes. One of seven fireplaces is handmade, built on site and surrounded by limestone.
builders #49
07
as well as personality and experience, those are things you cannot teach. We are not arrogant enough to think we cannot make improvements; we have a real team approach to what we are doing.” In recent years Stonewood’s marketing strategy has increased demand and sales by making proactive efforts to communicate the firm’s process with prospective clients. The combination of earned reputation, new talent and transparency in marketing has led Stonewood to avoid the cyclical ups and downs experienced by many Minneapolis builders during the recession. “We have remained steady with our business because we do not chase trends,” says Gustafson. “We do not build a lot of spec homes; we build custom homes so our clients are trying to avoid trends. Our clients want to build a home that is not easily identified by a certain era in 20 years. It is fun because we end up doing more historical renovation projects instead of running after the latest architectural style or trend.”
#50
builders
The Minneapolis residential real estate market has not faced the valleys and peaks that many of the markets south of the Twin Cities have faced, however in a sign of the times Stonewood has seen an increased amount of projects centering around empty nesters downsizing to custom homes in the 5,000-square-foot range, from a previous residence that usually was double in size. “We are doing a wide variety of projects for empty nesters,” says Gustafson. “Even though they are the same demographic, they all have different needs, and often their design is based on their personal interests and hobbies.” With such a wide variety of client needs, Stonewood’s stellar reputation allows them access to Minneapolis’ highest quality of contractors and suppliers, along with stable material prices. One project with a historical angle Gustafson is excited about is the renovation of a Tudor-style home. The challenge of the project allows Stonewood to use its resources and use history to set its own
trends in design. “It is fun to have to figure out how to create things that were hand-carved 150 years ago,” says Gustafson. For future projects, it is important for Gustafson that Stonewood continues to take on projects that are fun for him and his team. “For the next year we just want to find fun projects that are as interesting as the projects we have done the last couple of years,” says Gustafson. “We want to continue to work for interesting people and do our 12 custom homes every year. Any more than that and we lose the personal touch that our clients love about us.” A MESSAGE FROM STEWART PLUMBING Stewart Plumbing Inc. was established in 1998. We specialize in plumbing upscale new custom homes. Our pledge is to be fair and true to our customers while establishing lasting relationships by exceeding their expectations and gaining their trust through professional integrity and providing extraordinary service by every member of our plumbing team.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
08
PHOTOS: LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY
09
07 / In the backyard, relax in the limestone-lined concrete pool and hot tub. Both the cabana and terrace feature fireplaces. 08 / The kitchen and breakfast room have inset custom-made Black Walnut cabinetry, an Italian plaster ceiling, a handmade durango limestone hood, Black Walnut flooring and a coffered ceiling. 09 / The cabana is beneath the terrace and overlooks the pool, featuring a fireplace, bar, cedar ceiling and limestone flooring. The doors open into a pool changing area, bath and sauna.
builders #51
Specialities: Stucco Re-Stucco Plaster
Plumbing Radiant Heating Water Conditioning
Pebbl Dash Finish
Our goal is not to simply meet our customer’s expectations, but to exceed them. Pebble
Detail Slate and Tile specializes in slate, tile, shakes, standing seam metal, copper applications, gutters and siding. We have had the privilege of installing specialty roofing on residential and commercial projects from the Ritz Carlton clubhouse in Sarasota, FL, to the clubhouses and celebrity homes in the Cliffs Communities.
Knockdown
Stewart Plumbing, Inc. is known for: Trowel Finish
ON TIME SCHEDULE COMPLETION FINAL PRODUCTS THAT EXCEED EXPECTATIONS
Pebble
Ripples
Small Rough
Small Smooth
HONEST, INTEGRITY + GREAT VALUES Scott R. Stewart, President Kent Baker, Vice President
CONTACT US Stephen Donnelly Company, Inc.
P.O. Box 3705 Greenville, SC 29608
Ph. 763-428-1833 F. 763-428-1733
5200 West 74th Street Edina, MN 55439
(864) 884-6269
www.stewartplumbinginc.net
www.stuccoman.com
Phone: (952)884-1848
INFO@DETAILSLATEANDTILE.COM WWW.DETAILSLATEANDTILE.COM
01
Ridgeline Construction Group REVEALS THE SECRET BEHIND ITS SUCCESS THROUGH STRONG CLIENT RELATIONS
02
by Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford From an outside perspective, the Vail, CO and South Carolina residential real estate markets do not seem to have a lot in common. However, the founders of Ridgeline Construction have used their experience from the prestigious Vail market to build a successful, growing firm in South Carolina. The founders--Ray Foral, Jeff Nichols and Terry Lawler-do most of their work in the Lake Keowee region of South Carolina--including Greenville--and Asheville, NC.
PHOTOS: MEECHAN ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY
“Since the 2010-2011 bottom we have been growing rapidly, staying busy with our clients and adding personnel,” says Foral, who serves as president. “We are growing up to be where we want to be as a company. A lot of our growth is occurring as our reputation spreads. The caliber and quality of the homes we build continues on the rise.” Ridgeline Construction’s ultimate goal is to be the top highquality homebuilder in the Greenville/Asheville region. The company feels its Vail experience has allowed it to build processes internally, and for clients that separates the company from the competition. “Coming from Vail we learned the homebuilder business in a very professional manner, and we have brought the same processes to the Carolinas,” says Foral. “We respect our client’s busy schedules by taking minimal amounts of their time. We plan, plan and plan some more so when we begin building they can enjoy the process without being stressed or overwhelmed.” Both the Vail and North Carolina/South Carolina markets are known for being more relaxed, slower-paced regions, and Ridgeline Construction is reaping the benefits of an increase in visibility the area has received in the last decade. “We live in a great area that is gaining national attention as a retirement destination, so there are always new people moving to our area,” says Foral.
Cliffs at Falls South Location: Salem, SC Completed: 2010 ridgelineconstructiongroup.com
01/ Nestled in the woods the Cliffs at Falls South residence is at once rustic and luxurious. 02 / Quarter-sawn Walnut cabinetry by Genesis Innovations, custom-fabricated glass mounting brackets on the island, quarter sawn oak flooring and custom lighting design by Kasted are some of the highlights of the kitchen.
builders #53
03
04
Cliffs at Falls South For Ridgeline Construction Group, the Cliffs at Falls South project stands out in the company’s portfolio because of its luxurious lakefront design on Lake Keowee combined with environmental stewardship. The LEED-certified estate features rift sawn oak floors, millwork and interior doors. Pocketing doors in the great room bring the outdoors in, maximizing the ambiance of Mother Nature. Kathleen Henderson Interior Design worked with Custom Walnut Cabinetry by Genesis Innovations and the lighting design company Kerry Penwell at Kasted to create custom-designed dining room cabinetry with 28 integrated lights for artwork and ambiance. Another highlight of Cliffs at Fall South is the custom designed monostringer stair system with cable railing and aircraft cable lighting. The Cliffs at Falls South exemplifies Ridgeline’s ability to combine the most serene natural environment with all the amenities of luxury and the convenience of low maintenance residences.
“People find this area extremely affordable compared to other parts of the country, so they want all types of homes. People are shocked to find what they get for their money, and it is a relatively small market, so word travels fast when you are doing high-quality jobs for clients.” To keep up with the level of growth they have experienced in recent years, Ridgeline Construction has made key personnel additions to maintain project management and operations efficiency.
#54
builders
“We will never be a large construction company; that is not our goal,” says Foral. “We have added an interior designer and an assistant project manager that have helped our processes immensely. What separates us from our competition is that one of the owners of Ridgeline is involved from the initial client meeting to the end of the project.” Building quality client relations has been the foundation for success for Ridgeline Construction. The refinement of internal processes has been vital for
the company’s recent success. With an increase of design/build projects from clients, a higher level of customer intimacy has been needed. This results in clients being assured that all projects come in on time and on budget. “Most of our work is done for a lump sum guaranteed budget,” says Foral. “This is something we have done since day one.” Also, since day one Ridgeline Construction has implemented a conservative fiscal strategy, which has been key
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
05
04
06
03 A custom-designed cabinetry piece by Genesis Innovations was built to make the dining room feel more intimate. The piece incorporates 28 individual lights. 04 The amazing entry bridge leads visitors past a warmly-lit stone wall and over a water feature to set the tone for the style of the home. 05 With the use of fully-pocketing doors in the great room, the owners are able to bring the outdoors in during the pleasant spring and fall seasons. 06 The screened porch with flagstone flooring provides an outdoor living room with a fireplace, TV and amazing views of Lake Keowee.
“What separates us from our competition is that one of the owners of Ridgeline is involved from the initial client meeting to the end of the project.”
A MESSAGE FROM HOME CHOICE WINDOWS AND DOORS/THE WINDOW GIRL The Window Gal & Home Choice are proud to be participating partners with Ridgeline Construction.We supply most premium window brands and are your one stop shop for Lift-n-slide, multi-slide and bi-folding
RAY FORAL, PARTNER
doors . Let us do the research to find the best windows & doors to meet your budget. Call for
PHOTOS: MEECHAN ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY
an appointment to tour one of our showrooms: 828-808-4795.1300 E. Washington St. 1095 Hendersonville Hwy Greenville, SC 29607 Asheville, NC 28803
to the company’s stability and recent success. The company does not take on any debt, which allows it to keep a low and stable fee structure for projects. Without the hassles of debt financing, Ridgeline Construction is able to pay even more attention to its clients’ needs. “No matter if it is 10 p.m. or on a weekend, we are there for our clients when they need us,” says Foral. That level of commitment, along with the company’s conservative fiscal strategy has
sparked the growth it is enjoying today, and it looks like it will continue well into the future.
A MESSAGE FROM DETAIL SLATE AND TILE In operation since 1995, Detail Slate and Tile specializes in hard surface roofing including
“We are going to continue to deliver a lot of home for the money because of our fee structure,” says Foral. “We will continue to exceed our client’s expectations because of the personnel and processes we have installed. During the lean times we did not cut cost or turn a blind eye to quality. We always built quality homes and that reputation is serving us in a wonderful way now.”
cedar shake, slate, clay tile, and copper roofing on both residential and commercial applications. Using our own in-house metal fabrication shop, we are able to install quality standing seam roofs and complete steeple and cupola restoration projects. We also offer consulting and insurance remediation specializing in hail claims.
builders #55
www.thewindowgal.com | 828-808-4795 | www.thehomechoice.net
Home Choice, the area’s leading window and door specialists, connects you with the finest selection of products including beautiful Marvin Windows and Doors. To view all of our window and door options and exclusive window planning assistance that’s right for your project, visit one of our conveniently located showrooms.
WWW.AVIGNONSTONE.COM
970 476.5560 Vail, Colorado
01 This exterior shot shows the new entry of glass that was created by removing the old roof and raising the new one to give the house a see-through appearance.
Cordillera Remodel Location: Edwards, CO Completed: 2012 mastiffdevelopment.com
02 Elegant Cabintetry designed the custom kitchen that is spacious, yet warm and welcoming.
Mastiff Development CRAFTING WORKS OF ART FROM THE GROUND UP by Jamie Farshchi Ron Amass, owner of Mastiff Development, a full-service general contractor located in Vail, CO has a strong affection for building. He loves being on site because the site, Ron says, is where a builder belongs.
01
“Some construction companies--when they begin to be successful--move away from where the hard work is, the job site,” he says. “We feel that moves the most experienced people away from where the important details occur. We are on the site so we can attend to those details.” With over 20 years of experience, 12 with his own firm, Amass takes a hands-on approach to the building process. It is something that serves custom builds well, as each project Mastiff takes on is different from the next. “Whether it’s a small project or a new house, we’re working in a very custom area,” Amass says. “Custom projects need close attention, to understand what the owner wants, what they need and what’s important to them. We very rarely do the same thing twice; each home is different and each home is special so that’s how we approach it. We’re not building production houses, we’re building pieces of art.”
02
Log cabins, majestic stone builds, stunning mountain contemporary, shabby chic cottages, Mastiff’s projects are certainly varied. The company’s dexterity with style is something that Amass sees as a necessity. “We change and develop based on what the client likes,” he says. The ability to interpret the client’s vision is central to Mastiff’s building process. Indeed, it is the part that Amass appreciates the most. “We really try to climb inside the client’s head,” he says. “Once we know what the client wants--and why--we can get them exactly what they want. When we’ve done our job well, we can hand over the keys and hear the client say ‘you pulled it off!’ That’s the best part.”
builders #57
03
“We very rarely do the same thing twice; each home is different and each home is special so that’s how we approach it. We’re not building production houses, we’re building pieces of art.” RON AMASS, OWNER
#58
builders
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
04
03 Views of the second floor railing show the home’s kitchen. 04 Home and Hearth Exchange built the custom fireplace in the home and the stone work was done by Avignon Stone. 05 The custom-made stairs were completed by Sawhorse Construction and the steelwork was done by AG Wielding.
05
To Amass, visualization of the finished product, of the way the client will live and the way the residence will be utilized is key. Right down to the smallest detail. “We ask a lot of questions,” he says. “If someone says ‘I want a big closet,’ I could build a room that’s 20 feet by 20 feet and say there you go, a big closet.’ Instead I ask, ‘Why? What goes into the closet?’ I try and understand what the true problem is, what they really want it to function like and try and take the concept they have in their heads and really understand what they need.” Mastiff takes on both new builds and remodels, the latter focused on both luxury and green upgrades. A trend that Amass says is favored in the area. “Clients are really making the home special for themselves and putting those dollars to work for them with bigger decks, modern kitchens, new master bathrooms along with increased energy efficiency with new boilers and better insulation,” he says. It is a preference that is in line with Mastiff Development’s building ethos. Build mindfully, build intelligently and build for the natural landscape.
“Being in the mountains we are considerate of protecting the landscape,” he says. “We want to figure out a way of working on the home without having to cut trees down, while being respectful to the wildlife and create a home that fits into that natural landscape.” Many of Mastiff’s projects have incorporated repurposed or refinished materials. Reclaimed timber, sourced from old barns and schoolhouses, adorn new builds and remodels alike. The resulting aesthetic is at home in the Colorado landscape and a feature of mountain contemporary builds. “We’ve gotten the opportunity to build some very cool homes,” says Amass, “and I’m grateful for that.” A MESSAGE FROM AVIGNON STONE At Avignon Stone & Outdoor Living we combine custom design work with old world craftsmanship to deliver a quality product, experience, and service for our customers. From residential outdoor living areas to interior stone, our products stand alone for artistic detail and practicality. Both Residential and commercial applications of stone combined with a service department allow customers a variety of opportunities.
builders #59
Fratantoni Luxury Estates RETHINKING HOMEBUILDING BY MARRYING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION by Amy Howell Hirt
01 Courtyards are a feature in nearly all of the company’s designs. This space features cut flagstone flooring and a “Tobacco-Brown” Cantera stone fireplace. 02 Sprawling green hills frame this Spanish Colonial-style home located in the Scottsdale area.
#60
builders
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
Private Residence
02
Location: Scottsdale, AZ Completed: 2009 fratantoniluxuryestates.com
It is not surprising that Sam and Josie Fratantoni--the founders of Fratantoni Luxury Estates--got into the homebuilding business considering that Sam’s parents, Angelo and Josephine, and Josie’s parents, Vincent and Theresa, were custom home builders. So it was only natural that Sam earned a degree in architecture and became licensed in residential and commercial contracting, while Josie became an interior designer and licensed real estate agent.
PHOTOS: FRATANTONI LUXURY ESTATES
While the couple, married 24 years, followed in their parents’ footsteps, they have not blindly followed the industry’s established practices while growing their Scottsdale, AZ business. “We’re always trying to improve on how things are done,” Sam says. With the help of their sons Vince and Angelo, the couple has used their lifetime of lessons to develop an approach that is high-end because it makes sense – for the client, the budget and the location. Sometimes, that can be as simple as ensuring that a client’s existing furniture will have a place in the new home, or that a window will be placed to perfectly capture a stunning view. Because Josie is involved from the very beginning of every project, it introduces a new level of convenience, personalization and potential monetary savings. “It’s pretty rare for an interior designer to be involved even before the floor plans or elevations are done,” Sam says. “We have her perspective on things right from the start, versus just the builder’s.” By applying a designer’s eye, Josie can provide ideas for the overall design and floor plan that can achieve the desired look and feel in a more afford-
able way, helping to avoid future problems and busted budgets. A particular perk for busy families is that these selections can be discussed during construction meetings. The recent creation of the Fratantoni Realty Group was a logical extension of this focus on convenience, allowing the Fratantoni’s to coordinate the sale of a client’s existing home with the completion of their new home. “We specialize in the experience that the family has, and want to make sure we have all the services they need,” Sam says. This sensible approach also means maximizing the beauty of a home without overlooking its function. “We focus on making it really livable,” Sam says. For example, a French-European-style kitchen in a private Arizona home the company recently completed, is draped in high-end, Old-World finishes including hand-scraped walnut floors, handcarved crema marfil marble sinks and Calcutta marble countertops. But the family-friendly space includes a full-size dining area with seating for five and all the necessary appliances. There’s a Sub-Zero refrigerator and Wolf 60-inch range integrated into the custom cabinetry and two warming drawers concealed in a furniture-style island, with the wiring placed in one of the legs. The homes, which can be built in established communities or individual lots, almost always have courtyards that take advantage of the area’s ideal climate and natural beauty – including the McDowell Mountains and the Sonoran Desert. With welcoming details like Cantera stone fireplaces, plentiful seating and islands of landscaping interspersed in the flagstone, the courtyards become
builders #61
03
04
Private Residence Creating open, airy spaces that feel warm is not an easy feat, but one that Fratantoni Luxury Estates has mastered. This home, in North Scottsdale, AZ, has 16,000 square feet under one roof, grounded by architectural details and, “timeless materials.” Josie Fratantoni, the interior designer and cofounder of the company, explains the ceilings are thoughtfully designed to add drama and depth in proportion to the size and style of the room. In the kitchen, the 16-foot barrel-vault ceiling is dressed in a herringbone pattern and paired with handscraped walnut floors, custom tilework and heavy furniturestyle cabinetry with Old-World detailing that make it warm and inviting. Despite the expanse of the family room, which opens to an outdoor living area and a stunning mountain view, it maintains an intimate feel through finishes like thick wood ceiling beams with hand-carved corbels, and a comfortable seating area positioned around a Cantera stone fireplace.
#62
builders
03 The family room features a retractable glass wall and furniture from JohnRichard, designed by Josie. 04 The powder room was designed around the shell shape of the sink from India, which was repeated in a design on the cabinet and in the cove surrounding the mirror. The space has herringbonepattern travertine flooring and tile wainscoting from Sonoma Tilemakers.
05 The sophisticated French-Europeanstyle kitchen features hand-painted backsplash tiles, Calcutta marble countertops and a multi-tiered chandelier with amber-colored crystals by Tracy Porter. 06 The family room features travertine flooring in a “Versailles pattern” that extends to the outdoor living area.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
05
RLF
PAINTING LLC Residential and Commercial
NO JOB TOO BIG… NO JOB TOO SMALL
PHOTOS: FRATANTONI LUXURY ESTATES
06
a functional private oasis. This extra space is particularly desirable in Spanish Colonial-style homes, which are common in this region and feature rooms that are connected but not completely open. The courtyard often connects to the home’s other livable areas via retractable glass walls, “exponentially expanding the entertaining space,” Josie says.
closer to 5,000 square feet. “Something we hear all the time is, ‘We were afraid to call you,’” Josie says. “But for us, every home is a luxury estate.”
A MESSAGE FROM RLF PAINTING Looking for a team of painting professionals to handle tricky paint applications, difficult color matching or spe-
While the company is responsible for many of the stunning properties in desirable areas like Paradise Valley, Josie points out the “luxury” component of their name is not limited to homes with five-digit square footage. They often handle projects that are
has painted thousands of homes and we will take special
RLF PAINTING
care of yours. We are not just painters, we are craftsmen,
ROC# K34 270553
cialty finishes? With decades of experience, RLF Painting
and we have been painters for Fratantoni Luxury Estate for 20 years. For more info visit www.RLFPainting.com.
(623)566-0906 WWW.RLFPAINTING.COM
02
Wye River Project Location: Queen's Town, MD Completed: 2010 pyramid-builders.com
Pyramid Builders HIGHLY DETAILED, ARCHITECTURALLY-DESIGNED HOMES ARE TRADEMARKS OF THESE LUXURY ARTISANS by Tara Imperatore “I think a lot of it had to do with my personality,” says Bret Anderson when asked why he chose to build custom luxury homes. “I gravitate toward things that are done well, which was a natural fit for the high-end residential market. I also have a strong interest in design, so you bring those two things together and it was a niche that made the most sense.” 01 The living room features a cast limestone fireplace from Europe. 02 Over-grouted stone, reclaimed roughsawn wideplank floors and ceiling treatments complement the stained mahogany trim work in the breakfast area. 03 With views of the lake, the outdoor entertaining space overlooks the terrace pool and poolhouse.
#64
builders
Growing up, Anderson was inspired by a family member in the industry, and went on to work his way through business school doing construction. He launched Pyramid Builders in 1985 and has since received numerous awards for architecture and building excellence in the Annapolis, MD area. “I attribute the majority of my success to the passion I had to simply build a strong business in anything,” says Anderson. “I envisioned that we’d want to be able to construct things at an extremely high standard level, but I was motivated from day one to build a real business that has continuance and performs well on a regular basis.”
Ensuring that a vision is realized from inception to planning, to project management and construction, Pyramid is with its clients every step of the way. On any given project the company could be working to actualize a design idea by a home owner, interior designer or architect, so the company finds it is essential to establish close relationships with those in collaboration. “At the end of the day you can only draw or detail things to a certain extent. It really is the builder’s role to understand the intent of the design and work through the elements to make each piece as successful as it can be.” Pyramid Builders specializes in one-of-a-kind, architecturally-designed homes ranging in style from contemporary to traditional to cottage estates. A full staff of skilled craftsmen helps Pyramid achieve consistently beautiful and intricately detailed results on each project. “I think what makes us unique is having our own in-house capability, which allows us to not be dependent upon others to reach a predictable outcome,” Anderson says. Carpenters, excavators, tile setters, masons, stucco workers and painters are all on hand to lend their expertise and make any design dream a reality. The office headquarters even contains a complete millwork and finish facility. Here, professional woodworkers manufacture custom paneling, moldings, built-ins, interior and exterior trim and any other element needed to put customized
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
03
Wye River Project Surrounded by rolling farm land and picturesque views of the Wye River running into the Chesapeake Bay sits a 10,000-square-foot custom home by Pyramid Builders. Old-World architecture inspired the design, which also features European influences. The company’s in-house artisans did the specialized stone work seen in the carved stone entry way, fireplaces, crown molding and exterior Cornish work. An entertaining area on the exterior encompasses another 7,000 square feet of covered verandas, large pool with stone patio and pool house adjoining to tennis courts. Interior designer Frederike Hecht warmed up the spaces with cozy leather furniture and neutral shades of cream and brown. Rustic components balance with the decor in the wide plank salvaged hard pine floors, stained Douglas fir woodwork, specialized patina finish on the walls, and distressed Habersham cabinetry. The pristine 12-acre lot is complete with two horse pastures, a barn, stables and private dock leading out to the water.
PHOTOS: MATTHEW BORKOSKI PHOTOGRAPHY
finishing touches on a home. And just because a job is finished does not mean Pyramid is done giving individual care and attention to it. With the Exclusive Home Services program, maintenance and repair will continue for the life of the home whenever the owner needs assistance. It is also not uncommon for the company’s dedicated team to return to a client’s residence and work on any additional specialized projects. “We have a procedure for leading our projects from meeting a client through the courtship of explaining to them who we are and why we’re the best company for their job, through the estimating and implementation,” says Anderson. “The way we see building is way more than assembling pieces of wood or concrete; it is a very in-depth, involved process.”
member who inspired me owned a very small business centered around one person. I recognized how hard someone can work their entire life and not have anything that continues on,” Anderson says. As president, he is overseeing a staff that is big enough to efficiently execute expansive estate homes, but small enough to maintain personal relationships with each and every client. “How we measure the outcome is by our clients’ satisfaction and how much they enjoyed the process. A home is one of the largest purchases someone will make in their lifetime, and we make sure it is a memorable event.” A MESSAGE FROM COOK ELECTRIC Established in 1988, Cook Electric Inc. is celebrating it's 25th year of serving the Maryland area. Providing the highest quality electrical work to our commercial,
Wiring:
Cat 5 Cable | Marina | Pier Pool | Spa |Structured
Lighting:
Dimmers | Energy Efficient Relamping | Landscape | Recessed Electrical Repairs | Free Estimates Generators and Much More!
residential and service customers has always been
For Anderson, building a “real” business meant not only being accomplished, but having the opportunity to leave behind a legacy. “The family
our top priority. Cook Electric enjoys a great working relationship with Pyramid Builders and wishes them great success in the future.
2130 Renard Court Annapolis, MD 21401 800.966.8812 | 410.266.9040 CookElectric.biz
REGIONAL FOCUS: MARTIS CAMP/LAKE TAHOE KAWEAH CIRCLE BY MARK TANNER CONSTRUCTION / P. 68
T
he beauty of Northern California is as diverse as the state itself, from the gold and green rowed vineyards of Napa to the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe. It is in the Northern Californian community of Tahoe and Truckee, California that you can find Martis Camp, a one-of-a-kind development that combines the best of design, entertainment and outdoor living. The 2,200-acre residential complex includes homes that blend seamlessly with the natural setting of the Tahoe area alongside luxury community buildings that feature a wellrounded menu of recreational activities including a 1950’s style malt shop, movie theater and treehouse library. The diversity of the region makes the Tahoe and Truckee communities a pricey place to lay down roots. Truckee in particular is a popular ski town and is located just 13 miles from Lake Tahoe. In addition to slicing through powder
#66 regional focus: martis camp
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: TOM ZIKAS PHOTOGRAPHY
at one of the area’s many ski resorts, the town also has over ten golf courses in addition to its plethora of biking, boating and fishing options. The Truckee community has 28 popular neighborhoods, where homes range in price. Just a few miles away lies Lake Tahoe with its lakefront and mountain homes attracting buyers that often look to purchase vacation or second homes. Also found in the area are green practices, sustainability and overall “naturalness”, which are woven into the architectural tradition of Tahoe. Design found within the area often strives for an element of “co-habitation” with its environment, utilizing materials such as wood, stone, glass, raw steel and exposed concrete. Lifestyle also plays into the structural components of homes found within the communities of Tahoe and Truckee. The variety of outdoor activities becomes a physical extension built into the structures of many of the lodge, cabin and mountain-style homes, which are designed for accommodating active living that works to merge with the surrounding terrain. There is no doubt that regional characteristics influence the style and way in which architecture manifests itself. The beautiful blue waters of Lake Tahoe, set against a backdrop of mountains and green pines, create the need to incorporate these natural elements into the stylistic design choices. From skiing at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort in Truckee, to hiking the Sierra Nevada, the region is cradled by some of nature’s most stunning assets. Architects throughout the area look to the elemental qualities of the environment as inspiration for their stylistic choices. Ken Maffen, an architect in the Tahoe/Truckee region as well as one of the designers behind the Martis Camp project says of his work, “My spirits are enlightened by an architecture that enforces and grows out of the natural environment and indigenous architecture of a region.”
regional focus: martis camp
#67
01
Kaweah Circle Location: Truckee, CA Completed: 2010 marktannerconstruction.com ARCHITECT Lot C Architecture Jason Wooley lotcarchitecture.com
#68 regional focus: martis camp
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
01 An unorthodox approach to taxidermy, the glass deer provides sharp relief against the blue steel fireplace.
Mark Tanner Construction HOME BUILDER APPLIES UNIQUE SPIN ON CLASSIC MATERIALS FOR MOUNTAIN HOME by Kimberly Nichols
PHOTOS: TOM ZIKAS PHOTOGRAPHY
The backside of the Jason Wooley-designed Kaweah Circle house sits atop a custom built, curved stone deck, made of rocks trucked in by Tanner Construction from a quarry twenty miles away and molded into place. This entire length of the home is a visually striking palette of contrasting light and dark wood in linear strata and squares that hint at the traditional log structures of a cabin while remaining undeniably modern. Located in the Martis Camp Project, it is a fine example of how the nostalgic mountain home has become an object for contemporary upgrading by a large number of architects and designers from near and far. Tanner has been building homes in the area since 1999 and remains hands-on in all his company’s projects from the initial bid process to the finish product. His business even includes a design center where clients have easy access to a variety of tiles, stones, carpets, granite and lighting samples. He has watched as the area has grown from one full of the typical rustic “Tahoe” look to one that involves out-of-the-box thinking and cutting edge architectural designs. “We are seeing more and more people with sophisticated palettes and multiple homes coming here to create their mountain getaway,” Tanner says. “They know about different materials and have strong ideas about finishes and distinct looks for their interiors and exteriors.”
regional focus: martis camp
#69
02
03
02 A sliding barn door and rustic white wall cladding provides a great contrast to the modern window treatment and platform bed. 03 Reclaimed wood is mixed with repurposed tin corrugated roofing in the kitchen, contrasting with the modern stainless steel appliances.
05 The painted barn wood wall cladding and hydronically heated concrete floors play off the natural wood materials to give this master bath a cozy, spa-like feel. 06 The children’s bunk room sleeps seven and includes a ‘crow’s nest’ bed reached by a rope ladder. 07 Clean lines juxtaposed with warm materials and the built-in banquet provide great versatility in the sitting area.
#70 regional focus: martis camp
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: TOM ZIKAS PHOTOGRAPHY
04 Nooks and crannies, pop-out window seats and built-in, custom furniture are found throughout.
04
07
“We used ghost wood, which is a reclaimed barn wood. And pickle wood, which is actually the wood from pickle barrels that is already brined, making it extra durable.” 05
MARK TANNER, OWNER
For this home, it meant learning about new kinds of wood. “We used ghost wood, which is a reclaimed barn wood,” says Tanner. “And pickle wood, which is actually the wood from pickle barrels that is already brined, making it extra durable.”
06
A tour of the place reveals a virtual wonderland of rooms, each remarkable in the patterns of wood slats in various textures and compositions with no two quite alike. From the sleek and voluminous den to the vast and airy lower floor plan that incorporates a view of the outdoors from nearly every perspective, there is a feeling of a non-conformist’s freedom throughout. Although Tanner admits to the occurrence of “heartburn” when it came to some of the home’s applications, the learning process was exciting. From the base structure to the rock wall to the spatial cohesion created by a glass and wood geometrical perimeter, the owners wanted and achieved a minimal paradise on a tight construction footprint allowing the natural, Aspen and Dogwood dense surroundings to inform the mood and sense of place within. “We spent a lot of time doing mock ups with this project,” he says. “It took some work but we ended up getting exceptional results.”
regional focus: martis camp
#71
Corda Construction Inc. CREATING A NEW VISION FOR MOUNTAIN LIFE WITH UNIQUE TOUCHES AND MATERIALS by Kimberly Nichols
Martis Camp Lot 158 Location: Placer County, CA Completed: 2010 cordaconstruction.com ARCHITECTS Ward Young Architects wyarch.com INTERIOR DESIGN Bethe Cohen Design Associates bethecohen.com LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR Green Envy greenenvyinc.com WINDOWS Sierra Pacific Windows sierrapacificwindows.com
#72 regional focus: martis camp
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
02
03
01 The casual dining room featuring a double-sided fireplace is surrounded by elegant lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows. 02 The mountain-style home offers views of the enivornment and captures natural light with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows along the backside of the home. 03 A sleek, wooden door slides open to reveal a home office.
This year, Corda Construction celebrated thirty years of business in both the commercial and highend custom residential building industries. Priding itself on strong relationships with clients as well as subcontractors, the company has been a major part of the development of the Tahoe/Truckee area on all sides. It was named 2010 Builder of the Year by CATT and also received a 2011 Residential Project of the Year award in conjunction with Ward Young Architects for a home centered on an aerodynamic copper roofline. Owner John Corda grew up working on a ranch in the Salinas Valley and would have been a farmer had he not become a builder. He came to the Tahoe area in 1975 to ski in the winter and never left. In 1982 he founded Corda Construction and has overseen the building of over 50 custom homes, 65 residential remodels and 29 commercial projects. This experience in building both multi-million dollar custom homes and large commercial projects has allowed Corda’s custom home clients to get the internal advantage of a commercial builder and its commercial clients to get the quality and specialized attention of a custom homebuilder. “Many of our homeowners request things that are customarily of a quality for commercial building,” says Corda. “Like advanced electrical systems and heating and air conditioning.”
regional focus: martis camp
#73
04
05
06
04 The kitchen looks out onto the trees around the home. 05 Massive windows in the home's living space bring the beauty of the outdoors in. 06 A crystal-blue pool and jacuzzi create a unique and relaxed addition to the area.
He has seen his share of growth in the region and has noticed a level of sophistication and progress taking place of late around the influx of contemporary home design. “For the first twenty or so years here, we did mostly traditional-style homes with large timber, small windows, dark and cozy interiors and lots of stone and gables,” Corda says. “About five years ago things changed. We started to see homeowners wanting no trim, clear siding, exposed steel and large amounts of glass for outdoor views.” For this home in the Martis Camp Project, Corda Construction stepped out of its box even further
#74 regional focus: martis camp
when the homeowners wanted a pool, something unusual for the area. The end result is a striking rectangle of aqua blue leading up to the back expanse of the home, which sits in reign like a modular gem allowing warm contrasting glimpses into the interior.
A MESSAGE FROM BETHE COHEN DESIGN GROUP Bethe Cohen Design Associates has been creating striking residential and commercial spaces for over twenty-five years. Bethe Cohen and Creative Director, Vivian Soliemani lead a full staff of designers
“It seems like this has been one of the busiest subdivisions in the whole United States,” says Corda.“Architects from all over the country are designing homes here that don’t resemble each other. We are still seeing some parameters of the traditional look and feel but you can’t pigeonhole any one residence.”
and drafters. Providing full service interior solutions for a range of clients both locally and internationally, BCDA is devoted to the pursuit of innovative design. The awardwinning staff has become well known for their creativity, attention to detail, and dedication to designing meaningful space.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
Martis Camp Lot 197 Location: Placer County, CA Completed: 2010 wyarch.com BUILDER Corda Construction cordaconstruction.com INTERIOR DESIGN IMI Design imidesignstudio.com
01
LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR Green Envy greenenvyinc.com WINDOWS/WOODWORK Architectural Traditions architecturaltraditions.com HOME ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM Sierra Integrated Systems sierraintegratedsystems.com
Ward Young Architects INTERNATIONAL AVIATION MUSEUM BECOMES INSPIRATION FOR CALIFORNIA HOME
02
by Kimberly Nichols An abstract glass gull--an architectural gem in the Martis Camp Project designed by Ted Brobst of Ward Young Architects and built by Corda Construction-is a piece of art that garnered both companies the 2011 CATT Award for Residential Project of the Year. Known as the Martis Camp Lot 197, the project is equipped with a stunning, copper roofline atop a non-traditional mountain home founded upon one of Brobst’s signature steel superstructures.
Floor-to-ceiling mahogany windows reinforce this streamlined aesthetic by presenting a cohesive residential space that seamlessly meshes the indoors with the outdoors, allowing occupants a unique perspective of a panoramic landscape while remaining comfortably enclosed within. Traditional warm wooden touches like the clear western cedar boards and black mountain granite stone that cloaks the home’s façade in a geometric pattern marry marvelously with contemporary additions such as the custom mahogany and glass banded pivot door that welcome guests in to reveal a steel bridge above the fireplace leading into the “yoga loft.”
#76 regional focus: martis camp
01/ Seen on the exterior of the home is the main curving roof form that swoops across the forest backdrop with a clerestory of mahogany windows that allows one to see through the house. 02/ The media room was envisioned as a getaway space within the house. It functions as a sports bar, après ski hangout complete with sun deck and card game room. 03/ The spatial interaction of the kitchen, dining, and loft area in the main living space connect the home with an openly flowing floorplan. 04/ The master bedroom features a central fireplace that anchors the room, and a TV that is mounted on a motorized arm that tucks away under the bed when not in use.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: VANCE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY
“The owner is a pilot with an infectious affinity for curved roofs,” says Brobst when discussing the horizontal focal point of the home. “He was inspired by the Red Bull aircraft museum in Austria and was very adventurous. He was that favorite kind of client who gave me permission to do what others might not.”
03
04
regional focus: martis camp
#77
“We are seeing more and more clients who want to take advantage of the gorgeous landscape while still maintaining that rustic feel.” TED BROBST, ASSOCIATE
The kitchen, a prominent centerpiece of the lower floor, contains an island for cooking as well as one for seating.Views of the Carson Range and Lookout Mountain through a mitered glass corner window lend perspective to these juxtaposed elements in areas both intimate and vast. Finally, the curved terrace in the backyard perpetuates the ambience of the home with a built in barbecue area, fire pit and custom copper spa.
#78 regional focus: martis camp
Even though the home is modern, there are indigenous touches like a nod to the area’s logging history in the media room where Anita Lang of IMI Design used reclaimed wood from old flumes in the television wall. This sits alongside other surprises like hidden Murphy beds in an extravagant entertainment area with ambiance akin to a sports bar or après ski lodge.
“Connecting spaces in an open, flowing plan was a primary objective for the owner,” says Brobst. “This is a departure from the old version of the mountain home where the dark and cozy cabin was the norm. We are seeing more and more clients who want to take advantage of the gorgeous landscape while still maintaining that rustic feel.”
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: VANCE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY
05 Colorful furniture accents the rear terrace, which is finished with a black limestone tile and pebble stone accent striping.
Lodge Cabin 286 Location: Truckee, CA Completed: 2012 waltonae.com BUILDER Jim Morisson Construction jimmorrisonconstruction.com INTERIOR DESIGN Sarah Jones Interior Design sarahjonesinteriordesign.com LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR Lasting Landscapes lastinglandscapestahoe.com
02
#80 regional focus: martis camp
03
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
04
Walton Architecture & Engineering Inc. PROVIDING YEAR-ROUND LUXURY IN THE HIGH SIERRAS by Chris L. Terry
PHOTOS: VANCE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY
01 A wooden-beam overhang protects the entrance of Lodge Cabin 286, and stone stairs give the exterior an authentic cabin-like feel. 02 Lively seating around the dining table bring life to the modestlydecorated dining room. 03 The kitchen sits against the stairway that leads to the home’s upper rooms. 04 The living room is situated next to an outdoor seating area that houses an abundance of seating options.
Martis Camp is a private, luxury community located in California’s High Sierras, halfway between North Lake Tahoe and Truckee. Local resorts are skiing destinations in winter and boating hubs in summer, and Tahoe-based firm Walton Architecture & Engineering Inc. keeps the area’s multifaceted appeal in mind as they build homes that are stunning in any season. “Although the Tahoe/Truckee area is best known for its magical winters, our summers are equally gorgeous and it is important for our designs to reflect the unique spirit of our location,” says principal architect Clare Walton. “Architectural space with little definition between the interior and the exterior has become a paramount design objective.” The Lodge Cabins are a family of eleven cabins on a special plot of land adjacent to Martis Camp’s Grand Lodge. The Lodge Cabins share a design vocabulary and were created in a collaborative effort between DMB/Highlands architect Ronald A. Todd and Clare Walton, working close-
ly with builder Jim Morrison of Jim Morrison Construction, Inc. In a place like Martis Camp, every lot has its own characteristics, and the mountainous setting calls for a home that complements the contours of the land, while taking advantage of the premiere views. Each Lodge Cabin is crowned with a glassed-in vista room that offers a 360-degree view of the woodsy property and the dramatic mountains that await beyond. The vista room functions as a secondary social space, perfect for a vacation home that the owners can treat as a social destination. Lodge Cabins also feature a collapsible window wall connecting the living room with the outdoor social spaces, an outdoor firepit terrace, which melds with the terrain’s unique features (as seen at Lodge Cabin 289) and a screened sleeping porch. Walton set a special feature off the kitchen of Lodge Cabin 289, an accessory space that can be
regional focus: martis camp
#81
05
Lodge Cabin 289 Location: Truckee, CA Completed: 2012
06 05 At night, Lodge Cabin 289’s exterior is well lit and welcoming. 06 Straying from a normal office environment, the home boasts spectacular views during work hours.
08 Bar seating in the kitchen promotes bringing families together. 09 In the living room, a fireplace is nestled next to a large television, both of which enhance the desire for “rest and relaxation.” 10 A spa-like bathroom in the cabin is the provides the perfect escape.
#82 regional focus: martis camp
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: VANCE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY
07 A large kitchen in Lodge Cabin 289 is anything but rustic, with new appliances and sleek decor.
07
08
09
10
“Although the Tahoe/Truckee area is best known for its magical winters, our summers are equally gorgeous and it is important for our designs to reflect the unique spirit of our location.” CLARE WALTON, PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
used as an office, offering sleek storage and views to inspire while you work. In the master bathroom, an oak feature wall creates a special niche for the curved tub while referencing the décor in other parts of the house. This creates a continuity of finishes that Walton says, “Enables the cabin to live larger than its interior space would otherwise provide.” Nearby, in the bathrooms at Lodge Cabin 286, the same dark wood is used on the floors as is
used in the rest of the home. “The concept was to provide the cabin with a unified flow,” says Walton. Family comfort is paramount, and bunk beds like the ones seen in Lodge Cabin 286 are integral parts of the cabins. “The bunk beds speak to the family-oriented qualities of Martis Camp, a social destination where many people come together at one time,” says Walton. “I think architecture is a perfect blend between the influences. Practicality and creativity come together into an art form that is usable.”
regional focus: martis camp
#83
Martis Camp Lot #19 Location: Tahoe, CA Completed: 2011 bruceolsonconstruction.com ARCHITECT Olson-Olson Architects ooadesign.com HARDWARE Sun Valley Bronze sunvalleybronze.com INTERIOR DESIGN Catherine MacFee Interior Design macfeeinteriordesign.com
02
#84 regional focus: martis camp
03
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
04
Bruce Olson Construction CAREFULLY SELECTED AND ARTFULLY-CRAFTED HOMES FROM THE OUTSIDE IN by Chris L. Terry It is interesting how a particular business practice that was standard a few generations back suddenly became the rare thing that makes a contemporary company stand out. The business practice --in-house work--is now the trump card for Tahoe-based builder Bruce Olson Construction.
PHOTOS: VANCE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY
“It came out of my history of building; my father, uncle and grandfather being builders,” Olson says. “It comes from the tradition of things being done in-house on a much smaller scale.” Olson transfers an attention to detail that one would associate with smaller projects to his large crews, which range from 150 to 200 people, creating beautiful homes where all work is done in-house. “When every trade is subcontracted out, you get a lot of variety and different quality from project to project, depending on the contractor,” says Olson. “We’ve developed a system where we take 100%
control, including the manufacturing of products you might typically find elsewhere.You name it, we do it.” Olson has been working with Tahoe-area luxury community Martis Camp since the beginning of its development, becoming a founding member and purchasing three different properties, “When the roads were still just dirt roads,” he says. The one-and-a-half-acre Lot #19, where he built the seven-bedroom, eight and one halfbathroom home at what is now 8458 Valhalla Drive, was so overgrown that Olson says, “It was hard to see its potential.” The south facing home is situated on a knoll on the fourth green of the Tom Fazio Golf Course. The golf course and surrounding 40 acres of greenbelt make it one of the most private lots in all of Martis Camp. Considering how nice the house is to look at, the privacy is almost a shame.
01 The home features two outdoor fireplaces--one on the lower patio-the other on the upper. Both are nestled under deep overhangs for use during the winter or cool summer evenings. 02 The master bath features a granite boulder tub overlooking the forest beyond 03 The master bedroom with vaulted beam ceilings enjoys its own native sierra granite fireplace and access to a private patio area. The scale of the La Lune canopy bed adds a rustic touch to the room. 04 The great room features a large fireplace and opens to the dining room and kitchen. The interior design by Catherine Macfee Interior Design marries some of the more traditional architectural features with a mountain modern vibe.
regional focus: martis camp
#85
05 Large upper decks off the bedrooms, extensive ground level patio areas and a large firepit make for true outdoor living. The living roof of high alpine succulents connects the larger massings to reground the building. 06 The large dining area opens to the kitchen on one side and the exterior patios to the other side.
06
“It typifies Tahoe style,” says Olson. “We like to have a warm feeling with a lot of wood, at the same time making it so that you have a nice connection from the indoors to the outdoors. We enjoy contemporary homes, but work with a more rustic, mountain feel.” The home’s airy living room sits under a high skylight and is ringed by the second floor, which was constructed as a railed-in open loft area that connects the bedrooms and peers into the living room, giving the space a sense of openness and connectivity.
Olson is thrilled with the results, citing the teamwork that grows from all of the trades working together, in-house. “We have tremendous control over our product,” he says. “In essence, that’s the bottom line.”
#86 regional focus: martis camp
A MESSAGE FROM OLSON-OLSON ARCHITECTS (SVB)
A MESSAGE FROM OLSON-OLSON ARCHITECTS
With our commitment to quality and craftsmanship,
studio founded by husband and wife team Molly and
we are proud to be the SunValley Bronze dealer
Robb Olson. Both licensed architects (CA, HI, NV),
Olson-Olson Architects is a collaborative design
serving the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding ar-
Robb and Molly have assembled a highly trained and
eas in California and Nevada. For twenty years, Sun
exceptionally creative team of designers (archi-
Valley Bronze has handcrafted and hand finished
tectural and interior), agency interface specialists,
solid bronze architectural hardware. Their extensive
and project management staff. OOA often works in
product line includes door, window, and cabinet
partnership with Bruce Olson Construction to deliver
hardware, kitchen and bath accessories, gate
a true design build experience while also indepen-
latches, plumbing fixtures and a multitude of finish-
dently offering site planning, architectural design,
ing touches that include electrical cover plates, tile,
interior design, and real estate marketing services.
and house numbers. For those in the Lake Tahoe
The combined talents of its staff, partnership with
area seeking hardware with integrity and ingenuity,
Bruce Olson Construction, and varied services offer
Olson-Olson Architects is your exclusive Sun Valley
clients fresh perspectives, innovation, and proven
Bronze dealer.
techniques for a truly well executed project.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: VANCE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY
Olson’s design team selected and installed the granite countertops, hardwood floors and alder paneling while Catherine Macfee of Catherine Macfee Interior Design enhanced the spaces with furnishings and accents. “We were able to come up with our own design [and] how we felt this particular house fit the property,” says Olson. “If we were going to live in the house, it was how we’d want it to look.”
olson-olson architects . california . hawaii . nevada . www.ooadesign.com
01
Jim Morrison Construction BUILDING LUXURY LIVING FOR EVERY SEASON AT MARTIS CAMP by Chris L. Terry Truckee’s Martis Camp development prides itself on being a place where families gather. And Jim Morrison of Jim Morrison Construction had that in mind while building the Valhalla Drive home, a lodge built to be shared by two families and their children. The lodge boasts two master suites, each centered on a bedroom with a bathroom and sitting room off to either side. “You can get away from the action in the rest of the house and find sanctuary in your sitting room,” says Morrison. “It makes the bedrooms feel a little more special than your typical master bedroom.”
02
Jim Morrison Construction does its own tile work, and includes touches like the marble and glass tile wall in one of the master baths. Here, slightly iridescent rectangles climb the wall behind the mirror. “It's neat,” says Morrison. “Very clean and contemporary. My client at that end of the house wanted a crisp but colorful look.”
Because of the snowy winter, the season for working in the ground in Tahoe only lasts from May 1 until October 15. After that, builders are allowed to work above ground, but they have snow to contend with. Morrison describes showing up to frame a house and spending the first part of each day moving the previous night’s snowfall away from the building site. But he says there is an upside to the snow. “I’m a big skier, so I get upset if my employees don't take a day and go skiing during the best snow.”
#88 regional focus: martis camp
01 Earth tones coupled with warm lighting create a cozy feel perfect for relaxing in the sitting area.
03 The mountainous environment frames the perimeter giving the home’s exterior a warm welcome.
02 Natural wood beams, floors and dining table create the perfect setting for a rustic dining experience.
04 Retractable doors provide the home with an indoor outdoor dining opportunity.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: VANCE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY
Tahoe is a popular ski resort in winter and lake resort in summer, so people use their Martis Camp homes year-round. Morrison took this duality into account when building the Valhalla Drive home, which has perpendicular indoor and outdoor dining areas, separated by two Weiland sliding glass doors, which open completely so that the whole corner of the building can be outside. “It brings people into the environment that they're there for,” says Morrison. “It's a special spot in the house.”
Valhalla Drive Location: Truckee, CA Completed: 2011 jimmorrisonconstruction.com SYSTEMS INTEGRATION Hood Branco Innovations hb-innovations.com WOODWORKING Western Woodworking westernwoodworking.net WINDOWS Sierra Pacific Windows sierrapacificwindows.com
04
05
“Martis [Camp] has been a great community to build in, with great people who are trying to build their family legacy homes. Building it not to sell but for their family to stay there for a long time.” JIM MORRISON, OWNER
06
07
He knew he was on to something and has since focused his business in Tahoe, where he says there is a great base of craftsmen and a clientele with diverse tastes, which allows him to never do the same thing twice. “Martis [Camp] has been a great community to build in, with great people who are trying to build their family legacy homes,” says Morrison. “Building it not to sell but for their family to stay there for a long time.”
#90 regional focus: martis camp
05 High ceilings and expansive windows breathe life into the spacious sitting area.
07 The small stone patio provides seating for a small gathering with views of the forest.
06 Neutral colors blend with the rustic cabin feel for the large bathroom.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: VANCE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY
Before starting his company, Morrison was a professional skier who competed in free-skiing contests all over the world, winning third place in the World Free Skiing Championships in Alaska in 1998. While supplementing his skiing income with construction work, Morrison learned about a new development in Squaw Valley, recruited a partner and built a spec house. “We sold it to the first person who looked at it,” says Morrison.
Lake Tahoe Home Location: Truckee, CA VIEW OF THE PAST Completed: 2012 The 40-foot kitchen table overthesandboxstudio.com looks fir trees and the remnant buildings of a prior cottage, BUILDER which was sold and relocated Loverde Builders loverdebuilders.com to a neighbouring property.
01 The exterior of this Lake Tahoe Home has an expansive deck that blends in with the slatted wood structure of the home.
Sandbox Studio NATURAL ELEMENTS MIX WITH MANMADE SKILLS ON LAKESIDE PROPERTY
PHOTOS: VANCE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY © VANCEFOX.COM
by Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford A house on the lake is as traditional as the American dream, and Sandbox has been helping its clients achieve their dreams for 12 years. Founded along with his wife--Maja Thaler--Scott Gillespie also serves as principal designer, overseeing the expansion of Sandbox to its current offering of residential design and engineering services.
of 2012. As expected, the Lake Tahoe setting had various effects on the project, from the down sloping lots, to the beautiful scenery that incorporates magnificent views throughout the property and from the kitchen to the fitness room. Even an early run-in with soil contamination could not stop the project from seeing its fulfillment.
“We have grown quite a bit and our goal was always to be a complete, one-stop shop,” says Gillespie. “New technology has allowed us to be more efficient and accurate with our process. We stay on the cutting edge for a seamless process that benefits our clients.”
The lakefront property was built eco-friendly, with redwood siding made from a salvaged railroad bridge. In the guest room bathroom the sink is made out of a hollowed-out boulder.
One client that recently benefited was from the Lake Tahoe project that was completed in spring
“The house is by the lake, the guest house is by the street and the property is long,” says Gillespie. “We were elaborate in using the environment to help dictate design, so we created a cascading pool
to flow down from the guest house to the main property.” Gillespie worked with the client through multiple design presentations, one full-day meeting a week and land reviews over three years. “It was a great cooperative experience with the client,” he says. That experience also resulted in extensive stone design throughout the residence, along with handforged metal work, including a metal hood for the kitchen range. Custom cabinetry by Quinternos Furniture and exposed timber beams incorporate the wood environment of Lake Tahoe. The residence is split into two levels, a main level that is for the owner’s use and a lower level designed for guests. The lower level features three
regional focus: martis camp
#91
02
03
02 A stone and grass walkway leads to
04
the stone and wood residence surrounded by trees. 03 Stone exhibited on the exterior is brought indoors, seen in the fireplace in the living area. 04 A beam-ceiling structure supports the light filled bathroom. 05 Wood used throughout the rest of the home is seen in the kitchen’s cabinetry. 06 Situated in front of a quaint fireplace in the living area are comfortable seating options. 07 Views to the exterior from the sitting area show the home’s deck that looks out onto the lake.
#92 regional focus: martis camp
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
05
06
07
“You have to understand your market and be willing to adapt. Always understand what the client is looking for and be willing to adapt to them, too.”
PHOTOS: VANCE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY © VANCEFOX.COM
SCOTT GILLESPIE, PRINCIPAL
guest suites and a media room. The recreation room features a fitness room and accordion-style doors are used in multiple rooms to give the best view of Lake Tahoe.
Gillespie counts the Lake Tahoe project as one of the best in his company’s portfolio. And as Sandbox continues to expand, he still holds fast to the principles he implemented in 2001.
“The lower level has a casual, cabana-style feel that spills right onto the lake,” says Gillespie. “The most important element was using a lot of glass for natural light and lake views. We also incorporated decks or terraces in almost every room to have access to the outdoors.”
“You have to understand your market and be willing to adapt,” he says. “Always understand what the client is looking for and be willing to adapt to them, too. We did that with this project and the results for the client are very special.”
regional focus: martis camp
#93
01
Fernwood Folly Location: Donner, CA Completed: 2010 tahoearchitect.com BUILDER/GC Galletto Construction gallettoconstruction.com Black Diamond Construction CUSTOM WOODWORK High Sierra Custom Door
03
PHOTOS: ASA GILMORE
02
#94 regional focus: martis camp
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
04
05
J.L.S. Design SHEDDING LIGHT ON CALIFORNIA’S CONTEMPORARY MOUNTAIN HOMES by Kimberly Nichols Nestled among spires of pine in the Tahoe Donner project, the distinctive and visually modular Fernwood Folly house is a stunning example of site informing architecture. “Light was of utmost importance when creating this residence,” says architect Joel Sherman of J.L.S. Design. “The result is a sundial effect where you can always tell what time of day it is from various interior perspectives. Few areas are absent of natural light.” In fact, the trees surrounding the home are also collaborators in the ambience as their foliage is a filter for the sun; in the summer they keep out the heat and in the winter they keep it within. Sherman has been designing contemporary mountain homes in the area since 1992 when he arrived with a California modernist’s “post and beam” background and the eagerness to transform the staid tradition of nostalgic log cabin architecture into his particular brand of abstract angularity.
Joel has noticed a trend toward similar values of late, particularly in the Tahoe/Truckee area. Not only has he trail blazed a path of acceptance for the new, but he has also been on the cutting edge of “green” design with his use of common elements such as SIPS-paneled rooftops. In this case, the company adorns a roof that spans a split-level design so that each floor and section comes together beneath while allowing for a unique juxtaposition of spaces within. From the outside, demarcations in the type of wood and layers of contrasting material and geometric shapes give expression to how the house is composed, defining an overall work of cohesive modernity. “We live in a resort community,” says Sherman. “And I am always asking my clients not to design for Christmas Eve. I don’t want to see homeowners come in to butcher the environment for the sole purpose of entertaining but for people to consider the environment actually becoming the thing that entertains.”
01 The subtle forest view of the residence feathers into the landscape, yet opens for the passive solar gain. 02 The kitchen features custom cabinetry with backlit ground glass sliding doors. 03 A modern open floor plan offers views of the dining room, kitchen and entry off the left. 04 Step stones lead to the forest side of the home where outdoor entertaining include a dining area and jacuzzi. 05 Floor-to-ceiling windows are divided and framed with wood trim and accentuate the sitting room area.
regional focus: martis camp
#95
06 The master bedroom has glue-lam beam structures and SIPS roof accentuated with the panelized ceiling. Jatoba flooring, flush cabinets, door/window extensions and Fry Reglet reveal detailing are also shown. 07 The guest bathroom is minimalistic but still reflective of the home’s interior structure.
integrity quality CuStomer ServiCe
530.583.4708
Ca liCenSe: # 527546
With this minimal aesthetic in mind, Joel likes to design from a “skeletal approach” using the architecture’s bones for a guideline and enhancing from there. The result is a look and feel where even the garage door, which is glazed to meld into the exterior and kicks up at an angle rather than rolling up into the ceiling, is an elemental part of the overall cohesion.
07
“I like to view all of our designs as lenses looking out onto the beautiful landscape,” says Sherman. “I can’t compete with mother nature.”
PHOTOS: ASA GILMORE
gallettoConStruCtion.Com
A MESSAGE FROM GALLETTO CONSTRUCTION In 1989, Jim Galletto arrived at Lake Tahoe and began what has become a life's passion of combining old world craftsmanship with new world techniques and materials. It is his mission to construct homes of exceptional value, enduring beauty and unmatched craftsmanship with superior customer service in mind.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
Arrowcreek Location: Reno, NV Completed: 2009 johnbrinkconstruction.com INTERIOR DESIGNER Domus Design Group domusdesign.com
01 A contemporary-style home sits serenely against the mountainous landscape.
John Brink Construction MOUNTAIN MODERN HOMES BLEND SELECTIVITY AND STYLE
PHOTO: VANCE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY
by Elisa Revello a growing movement in style in the region. Brink says while homes in Tahoe/Truckee typically showcase the traditional mountain-style architecture, there is a burgeoning trend toward a contemporary look.
After earning a business degree, John Brink traveled to a vacationer’s paradise and found a passion for construction. On the shores of pristine Lake Tahoe, situated among mountainous peaks and lush greenery, John Brink Construction has been building luxury custom residences for over thirty years, constructing several homes along the majestic lakefront. The key to Brink’s success lies in an intent focus on the deliberate details of home building while also providing distinctive service. Brink’s company, being on the smaller side, allows him to work closely with clients and to be particular about projects.
“Mountain modern blends cleaner lines with wood and other flavors of the traditional mountain style,” Brink says. Arrowcreek, an approximately 5,000-square-foot house, is elevated away from the city lights with a panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada. “This type of architecture really fits into the arid desert landscape,” Brink says.
Brink Construction recently finished Arrowcreek, a home within a planned community at the base of Mount Rose just south of Reno, which exhibits
The single-level home, extending from the master suite with the living and dining area at the core, took a little over a year to build. Brink says the
effort was highly collaborative between the client, the Reno, NV architect Steve Miles and the interior designers. “We were fortunate to work with clients who had a clear vision,” Brink says. As for the details, Arrowcreek incorporated custom fabrication throughout the home. Not only was there custom metalwork, but Brink also constructed built-in shelving with drawers that provided storage and support. A waterway leads up to and through the back and an observation deck above the garage allows the client to gaze at the stars through his telescope. Building in Tahoe Truckee requires focus on structure and builders need to take in seismic and wind load considerations. In a more contemporary structure like Arrowcreek, the structure is part of the finish. “During construction when framing a house, you have to execute a high degree of craftsmanship because you are not covering up the structure,” Brink says.
regional focus: martis camp
#97
02
“I find this whole trend towards mountain contemporary really exciting,” Brink says. “I like the look and feel, the cleaner lines and minimalism. But I also find this style more challenging. It’s fun and more challenging to build a contemporary house.” JOHN BRINK, OWNER
03
For Arrowcreek, Brink mostly used smooth wall, meaning the walls had to be exact, and the company spent significant time and energy making sure that the walls were straight. Because there was not any trim to cover anything on the doors and windows, the drywall had to integrate the window casing. Though well versed in building the traditional way, Brink says he prefers the style of Arrowcreek. “I find this whole trend towards mountain contemporary really exciting,” Brink says. “I like the look and feel, the cleaner lines and minimalism. But I also find this style more challenging. It’s fun and more challenging to build a contemporary house.”
#98 regional focus: martis camp
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
04
02 The living area is warmed by a modern fireplace, and is situated near the dining area.
05
03 A perfect view of Reno can be enjoyed over a nice meal at the home’s dining table. 04 The kitchen boasts swivel bar chairs and sleek modern cabinetry. 05 Art scattered throughout the hallway pairs nicely with the area rug.
PHOTOS: VANCE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY
06 The bedroom windows serve as frames for the Nevada scenery.
06
regional focus: martis camp
#99
The Lookout Lodge Location: Truckee, CA Completed: 2012 martiscamp.com ARCHITECT Walton Architecture + Engineering waltonae.com BUILDER/GC Hayhoe Construction hayhoeconstruction.com
“The evolution of Martis Camp has created a true year-round setting for the family, whether you are three years old or 83 years old.” BRIAN HULL, MARTIS CAMP SPOKESMAN
MOTHER NATURE CREATES SCENERY FOR THE ULTIMATE RESORT EXPERIENCE by Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford
The phrase ‘one-of-a-kind’ is often used in architecture and design, but perfectly captures Martis Camp, a 2,200-acre residential recreational community nestled in the high Sierra Mountains between Truckee and South Lake Tahoe. Built by DMB/Highlands Group, a joint venture of two community developers with experience in the region, Martis Camp has already sold 405 home sites out of 650, with 60 properties already sold in 2012 and over 100 homes currently under construction. “Usually you have to choose whether to live at a golf or ski environment, but at Martis Camp we have both,” says Brian Hull, Martis Camp spokesman. “Martis Camp fits perfectly into the landscape. People see how enriched the environment
#100 regional focus: martis camp
is and how it allows them private time to spend with their family.” Martis Camp features a wide range of home design selection, from barrel roof homes that mimic the rolling landscape, to a rustic cabin constructed of reclaimed trestle wood, to ecofriendly family lodges with solar systems. “The experience of both developers really shows at Martis Camp,” says Hull. “The evolution of Martis Camp has created a true year-round setting for the family, whether you are three years old or 83 years old.” The offerings include state-of-the-art community buildings, including the Gate House, Camp Lodge, Family Barn and Lost Library. At over
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: MATT WACLO
Martis Camp
02
03
01 Massive beams create structural integrity and lead the eye out towards the stunning wall of windows. 02 The interior of the Lookout Lodge has ample seating and an impressive stone fireplace. 03 The Family Barn features a game room with two pool tables and a collection of vintage games, including shuffleboard to Pac-Man. 04 The Lost Library is a rustic place to enjoy a warm drink by the fireplace, while getting lost in a great piece of literature.
04
50,000 square feet, Camp Lodge is home to luxury dining for formal occasions and a day spa and health club for everyday living. The Family Barn is the main family destination, with an indoor basketball court, movie theater and a 1950’sstyle malt shop restaurant. For the best of outdoors and entertainment in one setting, Martis Camp offers an outdoor concert park with a capacity of over 500. Lyle Lovett leads a list of past headlines that also includes popular acts from the California and Nevada music scenes. Bookworms enjoy the Lost Library, an 800-square-foot house tucked into a tree. The newest prize jewel in the Martis Camp treasure is Lookout Lodge, a ski lodge that spans over 8,000 square feet. The upper level of the lodge is the restaurant and lounge area and the lower
level--which houses the building’s main entrance-also has a storage space for residents. Valet parking and a private shuttle are available to increase convenience. Over 300 members attended the grand opening on July 6, 2012. “Our members were so excited to go into the building and help usher in a new era at Martis Camp,” says Hull. “Lookout Lodge serves as a beacon of light for all the families that like to ski in the winter.” Martis Camp has attracted a new, younger and affluent demographic from northern California that has truly helped launch the reinvention of the area. “In today’s environment it is never easy to make a purchase in real estate,” says Hull. “But when people experience Martis Camp, it is like they have reached a reflection point where they want to make more time for their family. Martis Camp is truly a unique place.”
regional focus: martis camp
#101
Faulkner Architects CONSISTENT QUALITY CLIENTS KEY TO FIRM’S SUCCESS by Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford
Martis Camp Lot 155 Location: Truckee, CA Completed: 2010 faulknerarchitects.net BUILDER/GC Ethan Allen Construction ethanallenconstruction.com INTERIOR DESIGNER Judy Weirick Interiors
Since opening for business in 1998, Faulkner Architects has enjoyed success not only in the California and Nevada markets, but also with projects in Colorado, Hawaii and Canada. With widespread success over nearly 15 years, the company’s founder points to one factor that has been the foundation to the company’s success: quality clients. “The key has been really good clients who allow us to do our work and enlighten us with their personal preferences throughout the project,” says Greg Faulkner, principal of Faulkner Architects. “We work with the client closely throughout the process and in the end you see the client’s fingerprints all over the project.”
#102 regional focus: martis camp
The company’s dedication to the client has resulted in a second office in Berkley along with the flagship office in Truckee. “We generate a high level of trust with our clients,” says Faulkner. That trust is shown in the Martis Camp Lot #155 project, a fabulous home that has been featured in Mountain Living Magazine and also received a 2011 American Institute of Architects Central Valley Honor Award. “These clients were from Southern California and they were really excited about the process and wanted me to explore three-dimensional design elements,” says Faulkner. “The mountains and the snowfall leads [sic] to incorporating more robust materials.”
To accommodate the surroundings, steel, concrete and aluminum were used throughout the residence. The clients liked the idea of entering the house before you walk in, so the expanded entryway plays with scale without compromising the stability needed in the environment. “The stonework of the 1960’s is gone,” says Faulkner. “We are using concrete like stone. When we set it against polished stainless steel you get an eye-catching juxtaposition.” Many reclaimed materials were used in the project, including redwood and ApplePly wood for the cabinets. The home’s setting allows for natural ventilation with no air conditioning needed, and glass--used as screens--is incorporated.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: VANCE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Silvertip Landscaping
02
03
01 Concrete, steel and aluminum were used throughout the interior of the home, which showcases the impressive beam structure. 02 Unlike most mountain homes Lot 155 embraces an industrial design with exposed beams and steel. tw 03 The kitchen sits adjacent to the a stairwell leading up to the home’s second floor.
The kitchen serves as a bridge between both sides of the residence, one side that is a private residence and the other side for guests. Concrete, steel and glass also highlight the kitchen, with large cabinet sizes that add to the unique feel requested by the client.
A MESSAGE FROM SIMONIAN FLOORING Family-owned and operated for over thirty years, servicing the North Lake Tahoe, Reno Carson areas, Simonian Flooring provides a wide selection of flooring. Whether it be residential or commerical, Simonian Flooring is there to provide excellent quality and
“We utilized different angles so you will have parallel spaces between cabinets, which makes it dynamic when you are opening and closing them,” says Faulkner. “Regardless if we are using volcanic stone in Hawaii or reclaimed redwood in California, the principles are [the] same [to] utilize local natural resources and making the client happy.”
courteous service with flooring that sets a statement for every room.
Simonian Flooring Carpet Vinyl Ceramic Tile Hardwood 250 Village Blvd. Incline Village, NV 89451 (775)831-8860 www.simonianflooring.com
Green Dream Home Location: Incline Village, NV Completed: 2011 adctahoe.com
ADC Tahoe
ARCHITECTS GilanFarr + Associates Architecture gilanfarrarchitects.com
PRESERVING NATURAL BEAUTY WHILE PROVIDING UNPRECEDENTED LUXURY by Chris L. Terry To a home designer, the idea of building a green home can mean restrictions, regulations and complications. But to Jeff Miller of homebuilder ADC Tahoe, green means opportunity. “I was curious about the LEED certification and took some courses through the National Association of Home Builders,” says Miller. “I decided I wanted to do a house to satisfy my curiosity. People were under the impression that you needed to live off the grid with solar panels on your roof to have a LEED or Energy Star home, but that’s not what either program is about. I wanted to show that a Tahoe-style home could be done green.” ADC Tahoe started the Green Dream Home at Incline Village after the real estate market started to drop in 2006, and felt lucky to find a level lot to build on. “The project we did is unique,” says Miller. “It’s different from other stuff out there, and it’s in a controlled environment with restrictions on building and protecting the environment.”
01
#104 regional focus: martis camp
With the economy in a freefall, ADC Tahoe knew that it was taking a risk in investing in building this home. “I went against my better judgment and did it, and really enjoyed the process,” says Miller. Luckily, the thrill was not just in the journey. ADC Tahoe created a website for the house, recruited partners and pitched in for a marketing campaign that culminated in three open houses. “It was amazing how many people came,” says Miller. “A hundred people per open house. People were interested in this stuff.” But the buyer came from within the fold. “My wife liked the house so much that she wanted to move in, and that’s how we ended up living in it,” says Miller. Miller says that to understand the Green Dream Home, whose dark wood motif outside and in is in direct conversation with the lush woods around the house, one really has to know the allure of Lake Tahoe, a place that he fell in love with while visiting on a ski trip.
FLOORS Simonian Flooring simonianflooring.com LIGHTING DESIGN Light + Space lightandspace.com LUMBER Pacific Forest Lumber pacificforestlumber.com Alcal Specialty Contracting alcal.com
Tahoe has a natural beauty that local organizations work hard to conserve. Miller says, “If there are trees or rock outcroppings or a stream running through a lot that you buy, you have to consider all of those things. They don’t want the house to disrupt the environment. They’re trying to protect the clarity of Lake Tahoe.” This natural conservation ties in with the mission of Tahoe-area planned luxury development
02
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
03
“The project we did is unique. It’s different from other stuff out there, and it’s in a controlled environment with restrictions on building and protecting the environment.” JEFF MILLER, OWNER
04
04
01 The master bath has an impressive vanity situated near a deluxe steam shower. 02 The guest suite boasts a small hanging locker adjacent to a cozy “office” area. 03 The home features an energy star-rated composite roofing with copper edge. 04 The open living room allows for views to the kitchen, which blends with the rest of the decor.
Martis Camp, where Miller is now completing a house. Martis is an architectural committee that works with builders during the design process, to be sure that homes built in the development are up to its high standards. And this conservation is making its way from the law books to the home. “Now even my kids insist upon recycling,” says Miller. “Hopefully this catches on.”
regional focus: martis camp
#105
SPRAY FOAM & BATT INSULATION GUTTERS WINDOWS GARAGE DOORS FIREPLACES MANTEL Years of partnering with general contractors... With over 40 years of continuous operation as a family-owned business, Alcal has the expertise and resources to handle the most complex projects. Whether it’s a hospital, university, entertainment arena or high-rise office building, Alcal will get the job done right. Working with homebuilders is one of our strengths... Whether you are a local, regional or national builder, doing the job right is personal for us. By installing multiple products in each home, we produce efficiencies in project management and contract administration for your team and ours. This allows us to economically achieve the highest levels of quality control and safety. Earning the trust of homeowners... When it’s your home, you want to work with people you can trust. We bring the same professionalism and expert resources to your home that we offer to homebuilders and general contractors. You can count on us to get the job done right and to be here for your future needs.
Address: 650 Spice Island Drive Sparks, NV 89431 Phone: (775) 356-9112
Escondido • Fremont • Fresno • Riverside Sacramento • Santa Rosa • Stockton Kapolei, HI • Las Vegas, NV
Fax: (775) 356-4857
ALCAL SPECIALTY CONTRACTING, INC. WWW.ALCAL.COM
DESIGNERS Creative and enthusiastic minds with a flair for enhancing spaces that reflect a mix of their imagination alongside a client’s personality, needs and desires.
BIDDLESTONE COTTAGE (CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA) by LINDA L. FLOYD, INC INTERIOR DESIGN / P. 111 designers
#107
Forest Hills Residence Location: Nashville, TN Completed: 2012 beckwithinteriors.com
Beckwith Interiors CREATING BEAUTY IN BLENDED SPACES by Amy Howell Hirt While Jamie Beckwith’s professional titles include interior designer, product designer, manufacturer and entrepreneur, she sees her most important appointment as that of an interpreter. Her ability to understand, connect and communicate a client’s diverse, and sometimes undefined needs and styles often creates beautifully unexpected translations. The mother of three found her way into the design field while taking a break from her career in the entertainment business to raise her children.Yearning for a “creative outlet,” she began designing spaces for family and friends. Her talent soon became known outside her immediate circle, which led to projects for a few A-list celebrities in the Nashville area and, five years ago, the establishment of her company, Beckwith Interiors. Along with a team of designers and decorators, Beckwith focuses on high-end residential work in and around Nashville, including renovations and new construction. Given the area’s recent growth, Beckwith’s talent for translation has been the perfect fit for addressing this influx of diversity.
Many of the firm’s projects, which have been pinned and re-pinned on design sites, serve as a study in creative design.There is a fresh-faced den that combines aubergine and fuchsia with dark-brown wood pieces, a pool house with a vaulted ceiling and cathedral style pointed-arch windows, and a kitchen with antique curved-glass shop windows from France that are used as architectural elements. One of the online favorites is a traditional sitting room perched on a glass floor above a wine cellar, which glows with a futuristic blue. Adding to Beckwith’s skills and abilities, the designer created a new component to her business--and a new approach to wood flooring--by working with tradesmen to translate her own ideas. “I used straight-plank wood floors for a lot of projects and felt there was a void. I wondered why there weren’t more choices,” Beckwith says.
#108 designers
01 Shaker-style cabinet doors play off distressed armoire-style cabinetry, from Holden Brothers Custom Cabinets & Interiors.
Forest Hills Residence Much of design is a carefully orchestrated balancing act of space, needs, style and budget. But designer Jamie Beckwith manages to make it look effortless. The owner recently worked with a family on an extensive remodel that involved updating their 1970’s ranch house and adding a second floor and a large garage with a “man cave.” Despite the scope of the project, completed this year, “It was one of the most uncomplicated, on-time projects that we’ve done,” Beckwith says. To achieve the transitional style that the homeowners desired, Beckwith combined clean-lined Shaker-style cabinets in the kitchen with dark, distressed cabinetry with an Old-World French feel. In the master bath, Beckwith used dark Walnut cabinetry to balance the polished marble mosaic floors and slab marble walls, with recessed mirrors over each vanity. The narrowness of the living room, and its position as a connector between various rooms, presented some challenges, which Beckwith resolved by focusing the space – and positioning the seating area – to engage the screened-in porch, creating a large indoor/outdoor living area.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: CHIP PANKEY PHOTOGRAPHY
“Nashville seems to be very traditional in style, but there are so many people moving into the area for the music business who are willing to step out of that,” Beckwith says.The result has been transitional spaces that blend styles, materials, colors and eras in innovative, interesting ways.
02 In the master bedroom, Beckwith achieved a “soft but not too feminine” look through details like a custom upholstered headboard and cool-toned 1960’s artwork.
03 The living room, which is situated near the dining/kitchen area, is blanketed in subtle tones with pops of emerald green.
04
“My job is to listen and get a good feel for what they are looking for. But I let them decide. I’m there to interpret what clients are trying to achieve, and then use my resources and organizational and budgeting skills to bring it to life.” JAMIE BECKWITH, OWNER
04 The master bath features a unique round cowhide rug by artist Kyle Bunting and custom walnut cabinetry designed by Holden Brothers. 05 A cool color palette creates a crisp feel when partnered with the clean modern lines of the master shower.
Although her vision was of a non-repeating wood flooring, “like a child’s jigsaw puzzle,” she says, once she began discussing the idea with those in the industry, she realized the “non-repeat” design would only be viable for custom installations, and edited the concept. The Jamie Beckwith Collection, introduced in 2008, was well worth Beckwith’s “learning curve.” The “Enigma” and “Mosaic” lines of wood floor tiles, produced in Beckwith’s own facilities, include designs like simple curving slabs and puzzle-shaped tiles that reflect the richly classic yet contemporary balance that characterizes the company, and earned the 2011 “Best Green Flooring” award from Interior Design magazine. Just as Beckwith hones her clients’ style, she continually edits her business. For example, the designer added a line of dimensional wall tiles and a line of wooden bathtubs and vessel sinks to the Jamie Beckwith Collection.
05
“We wanted to give them something that was beautiful but also suitable for the water and humidity,” Beckwith says. Beckwith admits some clients pursue, “beauty over function,” but maintains her focus on delivering what the client wants. “My job is to listen and get a good feel for what they are looking for. But I let them decide,” she says. “I’m there to interpret what clients are trying to achieve, and then use my resources and organizational and budgeting skills to bring it to life.”
#110 designers
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: CHIP PANKEY PHOTOGRAPHY
While stunning, all of her designs are based on marrying form and function, albeit in an intriguing way. Such was the case for a home in Forest Hills, outside of Nashville,TN. Beckwith used a gorgeous but unexpected cowhide rug in a master bathroom, straying from traditional mundane rugs.
Biddlestone Cottage: (Carmel-by-the-Sea) Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA Completed: 2010 lindafloyd.com
Biddlestone Cottage (Carmel-by-the-Sea)
Linda L. Floyd, Inc. Interior Design SPECIALIZING IN CLASSICAL DESIGN WITH A EUROPEAN INFLUENCE by Isabel Eva Bohrer Inspired by the pride of craftsmanship and “joie de vivre” of 18th and 19th-century France, as well as the subtle glamour of the English countryside, Linda L. Floyd, Inc. Interior Design specializes in high-end residential design. Additional projects include several executive offices and a seaside bed and breakfast inn. “Most of my projects include new construction and/or remodel specification and detailing,” Floyd says. The firm’s passion for sumptuous fabrics, trims, dressmaker details, antiques and custom woodworking can translate to any design style – from classic to contemporary to cottage. “The finest quality materials are used to create timeless and sophisticated living environments with the perfect balance of new and old, color and texture,
comfort and style,” says Floyd. “Our custom woodworking and interior architectural detailing create ‘visible excellence’ the moment you walk into a room and are the perfect backdrop for the interior design portion of the project.” Although the firm focuses primarily on classical design with a European influence, it also recently completed a contemporary recording studio in the home of a key client. “For me, each project is like a book and each room or space a chapter,” says Floyd. “After hearing the client characterize her dreams and design goals, I envision a narrative or script in my mind and the production begins. While there are always edits and changes, the storyline is usually consistent with the original script.”
The objective for this new construction project was to, “create the Old-World charm and ambience the clients admired while staying in fine hotels, chateaus and farmhouse inns across Europe,” says Floyd. The use of imported stone from France gave the exterior an immediate sense of age, while the use of antique architectural elements for the interiors created continuity. The family room displays a fireplace and antique beams from France, as well as a 17th-century Belgian tapestry. In the kitchen, the “piece de la resistance” is the La Cornue range sitting gracefully under a limestone hood supported by antique corbels from Nice. Behind the stove rests an antique French fireback, a gift to the client from Jan de Luz, a well known, local French antiques dealer. The Walnut center island has French steel hardware and a pewter top fabricated in Paris. Antique French shelving completes the bistro look. Straying from ordinary, conventional kitchens, a mix of artwork and other accessories transform the space into its own room, mirroring the ornate decor of the dining area, which holds an antique French chandelier and French slipcover chairs. On the dining table rests Royal Copenhagen Floridanica China and William Yeoward crystal. The finished project is full of color, antiques, European history and vitality and a timeless mix of panache.
designers
#111
02
03
Keeping in mind the literary analogy, one could say that a recent “book” of Floyd’s is the Julia Morgan Estate. Built in 1920, the Chauncey Goodrich House, known as "Hayfield House," is one of the largest residences ever completed by architect Julia Morgan, who also designed Hurst Castle. “The residence is in the style of an English estate and is reminiscent of early 20th-century mansions built on Long Island,” Floyd says. Floyd says her objective for this 1920’s home was to, “bring it up to 21st-century construction standards while maintaining the original design details and finishes for the exterior and throughout the public rooms.” For the interiors, she traveled with the client to England and New York to acquire fine English antiques and bespoke furnishings. “Our goal was to create beautiful living spaces that combine style, sophistication and comfort,” says Floyd. “The rooms needed to be luxurious, yet approachable, and relevant to today’s lifestyle.”
01 The exterior of Biddlestone Cottage is comprised of stone imported from France, leaded glass windows and timbering.
04
02 The antique terracotta hood with a new coat of plaster in the kitchen comes from an 18th-century building in Nice, France. 03 The sitting room has paneling reproduced from a 19th-century hotel, an 18th-century French fireplace, an antique chandelier from France and Reposse drapery pelmets from England. 04 The family room’s antique French fireplace houses antique French singing bird cages.
Centuries old antiques punctuate every room. “A prized 18th century-Gobelin tapestry, ‘The Fisherman’ by Francois Desportes, available through
#112 designers
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
Julia Morgan Estate Location: Saratoga, CA Completed: 2008
06
07
05 The bathroom in the Julia Morgan Estate mixes classic and antique touches with a rustic chandelier. 06 The sitting area is draped in sumptuous fabrics on the walls and flooring. 07 The kitchen features a center island and an eclectic mix of gold, silver and copper tones.
Vojtech Blau Inc. New York, is the focal point of the living room,” says Floyd. Antique chandeliers, such as the Nesle chandelier in the dining room-available through Shears & Window--spotlight furniture dressed in European fabrics, objets d’art, valued carpets and draperies with custom trim, such as those by Horner and Company. “For the kitchen, we found a 1928 Magic Chef Stove, the ‘Rolls-Royce’ of stoves at that time, completely refurbished it and had it installed with a custom designed hood,” says Floyd. By fitting an 18th-century library table with power and using it as the center island, Floyd created a gathering place for informal entertaining, as well a functioning workstation when caterers were in residence. “Hardware styles from the 1920’s were used on the cabinetry along with white Carrara marble for the countertops,” she says. Overall, the Julia Morgan Estate is a home where elegance mingles with ease and where all are welcome to enjoy its enthusiastic mix of style and quiet sophistication. It is this kind of project that future clients look back on as a sample of Floyd’s work. “Since most of the firm’s work is
by referral, people look to us to do similar types of work on their projects, construction detailing and interior design,” says Floyd. An avid traveler, Floyd herself always looks forward to travel projects. In fact, her trips to France were the foundations of her design career. Inspired by art history, she traveled to Europe numerous times studying the architecture, the furniture styles, the historical character and ambiance of the regions. “I became a partner in a French antiques and interior design store, which included many more trips to France and England, and the rest is history,” she says.
A MESSAGE FROM LARSON TILE AND STONE For nearly 2 decades, Larson Tile & Stone has earned a reputation as the company to go to for tile and stone. Whether it’s architectural stonework, fabrication or custom installation our clients count on us to make their dreams a reality. Call us today for a free estimate.
designers
#113
LARSON TILE & STONE Old World Craftsmanship — New World Technology Whether you are remodeling your existing home, or building a new home, let Larson Tile & Stone help make your dreams a reality. At Larson Tile & Stone we are widely respected for professionalism, customer service, attention to detail and craftsmanship that is unmatched by our competitors. LARSON TILE & STONE INC. 1801 W. IRVINGTON PLACE DENVER, CO 80223 303-996-7515 www.larsontile.com
714.904.9250 info@st8de.com Boston dallas los angeles newport Beach san francisco santa BarBara www.st8de.com
Dallas Private Residence Location: Dallas, TX Completed: 2011 studio8interiordesign.com
Studio 8 Design VETERAN TRAVELER USES THE WORLD AS A MUSE by Katjusa Cisar When Philippe Ho meets with a new client, he tells them straight off that he is different from many other interior designers. “I do not come in with a storyboard. I do not believe in storyboards,” he says. “Storyboards constrict.” Instead, the California-based designer keeps each project flowing and open to change. Rather than lock in on a certain piece of furniture or product line, he is constantly combing through flea markets, local vendors, design showrooms and keeping his eyes peeled for design ideas. “And honestly, they all like that,” he says of his clients. Most of his work is repeat or referral, and his practice has grown from a solo venture in 1998 to Studio 8 Design, a firm with a staff of 15 that completes work across the country, but mostly
along coastal California, and focuses on high-end residential projects and some commercial and hospitality work. Ho, who is three-quarters Vietnamese and onequarter French, was raised in an, “unconventional Asian household.” He attributes a childhood full of travel — and his open-minded parents — with allowing him to develop an appreciation and talent for design. “They taught us to look everywhere for opportunities [and to] see more than a straight line ahead.” After graduating from Portland State University, Ho was on track to become an art consultant. But while living and interning in New York City, he walked into the Plaza Hotel on 5th Avenue one
Dallas Private Residence The bachelor businessman who hired Philippe Ho to redesign his Dallas home was growing out of what Ho calls a, "Ralph Lauren slash Tommy Bahama" style. The client requested that the interior feel like a hotel: sleek, comfy, cosmopolitan, luxurious. Ho, also an avid traveler, immediately knew what the man was after. Ho says, "We know we're at home but we have that luxury feeling that we're in a hotel. It has the best of both worlds. It's a combination of classic and contemporary fused together, and that's of course my speciality." Ho enjoyed working with the charming, inviting architecture of the one-level home. He changed around the interior quite a bit, however. "We did a lot of replacing," Ho says. The only pieces that stayed in the home are a few family heirlooms and a horned chandelier in the living room that adds a hint of a Texas cattle ranch vibe.
designers
#115
02 03
04
03 The master suite was designed with a softer look, contrasting the masculine elements of the rest of the home.
02 Ho brought in outdoor key elements by introducing the gray, warm neutrals of the morning light and mixing them with blue tones.
04 The master bath has an Asian influence, with a Buddha mural reflecting in the mirror.
day with friends and was suddenly swept away by the possibilities of interior design and how it can artfully draw on architecture, lighting, fabrics, colors, furniture placement, textures and more to transform a space. “At a young age I developed a taste for the finer things in life, and from that point on, I kept pursuing it,” he says. Traveling and constant observation are the seeds of creativity for Ho. “Sometimes if I sit down in my home office in Orange County, I can't seem to come up with a solution,” he says. So he goes out for a walk, coffee in hand, through the nearby Fashion Island on Newport Beach or for a stroll on the sand. “Creativity is to get out of your box and see what's in your surroundings, and there are so many things in your surroundings that you can apply to your work.You have to dissect every-
#116 designers
thing around you,” he says. The trick, according to Ho, is documenting what his surroundings show him and putting them to work. Music is a big part of Ho's creative strategy, as well. He updates a playlist of his favorite music on Studio 8's website. “That music will get me going so fast I can't even stop. It's very upbeat. It has class,” he says. Typically a calm person, Ho says the songs--from George Michael to Jay Z to Tony Bennett--help get him jazzed to work. “Sometimes I get so calm I need some excitement. It's a balance.”
doorknobs or furniture hooks. “I always like to do the effect of hanging a mirror on a window, like a sun burst. I will treat a window like a wall. I don't believe that windows are just there for shades and draperies. I like to hang art in a window,” he says. “It's all about details! If I remember something before bed or in the middle of the night, I write it on a notepad and then throw it on the floor,“ he says. “So when I get up in the morning, I step on it, and know what I have to do.” PHOTOS: RENE MULLER
01 The living room’s design evolved around the horn chanelier. The client wanted to capture a New York City “boutique hotel” vibe.
Ho's fusion of contemporary and classic design allows for some playful and rule-breaking interiors, like painting one wall all black to dress up a room or hanging art in unconventional ways, such as on
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
Start Every Day in Paradise
Discover life at Southern California’s last untouched coastline – The Strand at Headlands. Stroll along miles of secluded white sand beach and coastal trails. Unwind in the luxurious 9,000 sq. ft. Beach Club, complete with a panoramic fitness center, beach lockers, swimming pool, bar and open lounge. Located minutes south of Laguna Beach, sitting a mere 25 feet above the white sand, our 121-acre community includes 70-acres of parks and open space. Custom home sites range from 8,000 to 26,000 sq. ft. and start at $1.95 Million. Find out why we have sold over $235 Million of custom beachfront home sites. Visit Southern California’s most elegant beachfront community.
Custom Beachfront Homesites
Call: 949.487.2500
Visit: strandoc.com
Strateman Residence: Location: Laguna Beach, CA Completed: 2009 kitdesignstudio.com
Kit Design Studio NATURAL INTERIORS FROM AN INDEPENDENT VISIONARY by David Hudnall As he began to take on an increased amount of projects in the late 80’s, Kit Lietzow found his firm growing at an uncomfortable pace. “I needed more and more support staff, and I was doing too much overseeing and administrative responsibilities,” Lietzow says. “I realized that I operate best as an artist, doing my own project, my own work of art. Overseeing others was not my forte.” He scaled things back. His firm, Kit Design Studio, dwindled to just Lietzow and an assistant, and finally, just Lietzow. It has been working out fine ever since for the Laguna Beach interior designer, who boasts 37 years of design experience. Lietzow’s niche is warm, contemporary environments with an emphasis on natural materials. “Coming up in the design world of the 1970’s, ‘natural materials’ was an important movement,
#118 designers
Lietzow says. “It resonated with my heart. It’s been something I’ve always followed, and I’ve augmented those ideas by traveling throughout the world and incorporating ideas I pick up from those travels.” Underlying most of Kit Design Studio’s work is a clean, serene, simple environment that accepts accents from world travel or art collections in a way that is warmer than, say, a museum. “The natural elements bring in a warmth that can make all the difference between feeling like a home and feeling like a gallery,” Lietzow says. Recently, Lietzow designed the interior of the Strand Beach Club, a clubhouse for an exclusive beach development. The Strand is only selling land for individuals to then hire his/her own architects and designers to build his/her dream homes. “The developer wanted to provide a facility that would
The Strateman Residence After designing four homes and a corporate headquarters for this client, Lietzow was enlisted to create a new environment for her and her husband, now that the kids were all grown up and out of the house. “She does a lot of travel in her business, and fell in love with Bali and the high-end resorts over there,” Lietzow says. But she is also an avid and sophisticated art collector, so the challenge was to build an environment that welcomed the art and still felt like a resort. “I kept in mind that as people continue to travel, they fall in love with different areas of the world,” he says. “So we kept the Balinese influence as just that: an influence, not a driving force.” The pavilion atmosphere, wooden ceilings, open air, breathtaking sight lines and private gardens off of every room all reflect Bali. But it is also very clean and simple, per Lietzow’s design philosophy. “She was thrilled,” he says. “They’d lived in the house for 12 years, but by the time we were done, she said she couldn’t recognize it as her old house.”
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
01 In the dining room, a single 15-foot slab of Claro Walnut on a steel base--designed by Kit Design Studio--is able to separate to form three tables.
PHOTOS: ERIC FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY
02 The living room features armless leather chairs by Christian Liaigre, a coffee table by Sutherland Teak and cube stools by Kit Design Studio.
be a ‘party structure’ -- with a gym level, a pool and a restaurant/bar,” Lietzow says. “And he wanted people to feel at home at the club, so he was looking for somebody who knew residential design. He found me through the Strateman Residence. We talked, and then decided to meet at the Strateman Residence. It was the first interview
I’ve ever done where I didn’t have to speak. We saw the same things. He hired me on the spot.” The developer hired a local architect, Mark Singer, with a reputation for contemporary structure; it was Lietzow’s job to bring the warmth. “Mark does these very crisp, cool, designs -- shades of gray, sheets of glass, open expanses,” Lietzow says. “Very dramatic, thrilling stuff, but not known for residential glow.” Balinese tones were emphasized. Mahogany ceiling designs subtly evoke an exotic coastal influence. “The introduction of built-in features repeated the use of mahogany,” he says. “The use of venetian plasters on the walls and limestone floors added natural warmth.” Referrals remain the foundation of Lietzow’s business, which has resulted in him taking on projects not typically associated with residential designers: corporate headquarters and retail space design, for example.
I finish their home, they’ll often ask me to look at their work environments. So about 20% of my work has been for corporate headquarters. A CEO often won’t think about interior design for their office until they reach a level of success that affords them the opportunity to create a beautiful home environment.”
A MESSAGE FROM HEADLANDS RESERVE LLC The Strand at Headlands, your days begin with wavescrashing outside your window and dolphins playing in the surf, and end with magnificent sunsets and moonlit sea spray. Tucked away on the shoreline just steps from pristine Strand Beach, The Strand at Headlands is a beachfront community unlike any other. This is true destination living, with more than 1.5 miles of shoreline and nearly 70 acres of preserved natural space, oceanview parks and coastal trails. The best of Southern
“Many of my residential clients are CEO’s who are proud of their companies,” he says. “When
Orange County, including restaurants, recreation, dining and entertainment, is just minutes away.
designers
#119
DESIGNER SHOWCASE A focus on the breadth of work from design professionals who have set the standard for creating grand and imaginative projects around the world.
01 Central to the master bedroom is an antique crystal Empire chandelier. The custom-designed bed is a contemporary, updated version of the renowned wing bed upholstered in Kravet silk and finished with nail-heads.
#120 designer showcase
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
Linda McDougald Design Postcard from Paris Home Linda McDougald was in a challenging role in the marketing department of a high-powered corporate giant when she made the leap into the world of design in 2000, opening Postcard from Paris Home, a retail showroom carrying 18th and 19thcentury antiques in Greenville, SC. “I loved the marketing aspect and had the opportunity to work with one of the most dynamic [and challenging] marketing and PR departments in the world, but my personal passion had always been design,” she says. The risk paid off. Postcard from Paris Home quickly evolved into a full-service design firm after more and more clients requested McDougald’s expertise.
BY JAMIE FARSHCHI PHOTOS: RACHAEL BOLING
designer showcase
#121
Williams/Ervin Residence
03
Location: Keowee, SC Completed: 2011 postcardfromparishome.com
INTERIOR DESIGN: Linda McDougald Design Postcard from Paris Home ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: Johnston Design Group Builder: Tutman Group LANDSCAPE DESIGN: J. Dabney Peeples Design and Seamon Whiteside & Associates ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Linda McDougald, Moe Draz, Jennifer Willis of Linda McDougald Design l Postcard from Paris Home, Scott Johnston, David Anderssen of Johnston Design Group
Today, Linda McDougald Design, the design arm of the business, offers comprehensive design services to clients worldwide. McDougald, principal and lead designer of the firm, is intimately involved in each of the firm’s projects. “I typically know almost every detail of a project,” she says. “I follow the progression of a home until we make the last bed and wash the last wine glass.” Postcard from Paris Home remains an integral part of the business. The elegant 15,000-squarefoot showroom houses everything from furnishings to dinnerware to vintage jewelry. McDougald says the showroom remains crucial to the firm’s core design business. “The showroom brings in a significant number of visitors, many of which have later engaged us for design services,” she says. “The retail and design arms of the firm complement each other beautifully and drive interest in both directions.” Most of the firm’s work is based on referral and repeat business. A testament not only to the integrity of the work but also to the relationships built throughout the process. The quality of those relationships is evident when you hear McDougald speak of her clients. Her voice warms when the conversation turns to one of the firm’s most recent projects, a second home on Lake Keowee.
03 An antique French painted and gilded mirror is set within the custom-designed paneled walls created by Greenville, SC artist Jeff Renow. 04 The kitchen includes pewter and Carrara marble countertops, Waterworks and Sonoma Tilemakers tile and an antique fireback behind the Lacanche range.
05 In the bathroom sits a Water Monopoly tub that was fashioned after a 19th-century French tub, Waterworks and Sonoma Tilemakers tile, an antique silver chandelier and a leaded glass window. 06 The Lacanche steel and nickel range made in Burgundy, France is the centerpiece of the kitchen.
The Lake Keowee home was a collaborative work between the owners, Linda McDougald Design, Johnston Design Group, Seamon Whiteside + As-
#122 designer showcase
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
04
05
06
07
sociates, J. Dabney Peeples Design Associates of The Collins Group, Inc. and The Tutman Group. “We work very closely with architects, builders and landscape designers on every aspect of the home and become very close to our clients,” McDougald says. “We see this as an important journey for them and we develop and maintain many wonderful relationships during that time.” The clients wanted a sophisticated, LEEDcertified home and while they knew they needed a professional team to help them achieve the elegant design, they also assumed that the team would, necessarily, hail from New York or Dallas, TX. That is, of course, until they came across Linda McDougald Design, who employs LEED and Green AP-certified designers as well as designers with a master’s in preservation design. “They were referred to us by another client,” she says. “They came into the showroom, saw our work, and hired us on the spot. We work with clients all over the world and could really give
#124 designer showcase
08
them the edge they were looking for.” The home is resplendent; a southern estate with a contemporary edge and breathtaking views. The client is so pleased with the outcome; they count the master suite as the prettiest she has ever laid eyes on. “She’s told me this several times,” McDougald says. “Each time she walks into that room, she thinks ‘beautiful,’ and I happen to agree with her.” The firm is currently working on several projects pursuing some level of LEED certification. “We are very committed to sustainable design and are looked to as a design leader in that arena,” McDougald says. McDougald takes joy in bringing something new and unexpected to her clients.
07 The guest bedroom is cleanlydesigned with built-in cabinets and drawers along the wall. 08 Barbara Barry sofa, Lillian August leather upholstered ottoman and Century chairs create a comfortable seating area within the media room. 09 The sitting area has a towering coursed limestone fireplace accented by a 19th-century iron door from Italy.
“My favorite aspect is bringing to our clients a fresh approach to design that is specifically catered to their objectives and doing so using resources from all over the world. The entire process is very cool.”
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
09
Williams/Ervin Residence This 7,643-square-foot English country-style home sits in a private cove on the shores of Lake Keowee. Throughout the home, custom Walnut flooring by Jordan Lumber provides a contrast to the home’s neutral palette. The great room offers views of the lake, with limestone-cased windows complemented by a monumental coursed limestone fireplace. A 1913 ebony Steinway sits just outside the great room, offering a sense of understated elegance. A grand limestone and iron staircase--designed by Linda McDougald Design and executed by Heirloom Stair-echoes the antique iron nouveau balcony off the master bedroom. The master suite features an antique crystal empire chandelier, while antique crystal sconces flank the limestone fireplace by Francois & Co.
CONTEMPORARY OASIS
Copper Sky Residence Location: Private Completed: 2011 swabackpartners.com
01 The focal point for this splitlevel West Coast home are the indoor and outdoor spaces dispersed throughout.
CUSTOM FEATURES DEFINE A MODERN-SYLE HOUSE AND BREATHE LIFE IN THE ARIZONA DESERT TEXT: MELISSA FEARS PHOTOS: BILL TIMMERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
03 02
T
he architectural firm Swaback Partners PLLC has spent the last 30 years in operation specializing in making each project unique. “We really focus on our client’s needs and a majority of the time, clients want to do something really unique,” Michael Wetzel, one of the design partners, says. “The architecture we create is designed around what the owner wants. Sometimes the owner will provide us certain program requirements and other times they allow the freedom to explore other opportunities.”
Building unique custom projects is something the firm is quite used to by now. With residential and commercial structures all around the world, Swaback has built up a large client base. “We have buildings in China, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Mexico,” says Wetzel. “Some of our work comes through the website and through dialog with the partners as well by reaching out from other work we have done.” Working on worldwide projects takes time, patience and cooperation on both ends. “We have been very successful in past projects where the owner will typically solicit or have a local architect on board,” says Wetzel. “We do a significant amount of the dialog and email back and forth. We establish a design and provide a very detailed set of drawings and/or presentation booklet.” The local architect will then apply its construction methods to the project, Wetzel says. They then bring the design to fruition and built form. “We have fun with our projects, creativity and budget,” says Wetzel. “Our attention to detail, listening to the client and knowing techniques and building materials make it all come together.” Frank Lloyd Wright inspires the firm heavily, as owner Vernon Swaback worked with the legendary designer for nearly two decades. “However most of our inspiration really comes internally from the partners and their philosophy,” says Wetzel. “Every project is different. Every project is client driven. Our clients are our co-creators.”
“When we have clients come in [who] are looking for the whole package, it allows us to collaborate easily because they are literally next door.” The clients for the Copper Sky Residence, a couple who wanted to build in the Valley, were ideal candidates.
#128 contemporary oasis
PHOTO: TOM ARBAN
Having an interior design team in the office helps with the overall dialog of each project, Wetzel says.
02 Sleek lines and a minimalistic design palette create a relaxed evnironment for this sitting area. 03 Sliding doors create an intimate space for the well appointed media room.
COPPER SKY RESIDENCE This 13,000-square-foot residence in Arizona is composed of three stories, which has a split floor plan. Integration of the interior to the exterior is vital to create a seamless transition of spaces. “A water feature that looks like a natural spring starts in the back half and extends right up to the front foyer,” says Wetzel. “There is another in front of the house and a beautiful eightfoot spillway down to the main arrival.” Roofline cantilevers also play a vital role, not only for solar protection, but also by aligning the interior and exterior ceiling planes along a fully-expandable sliding door, which creates a seamless interior/exterior flow of space. The insulated glass with high-efficiency tinting allows for high-energy efficiency. “We do extensive solar studies,” says Wetzel. “In some cases we have 12-16 foot cantilever roofs over terraces. We try to maximize shade and solar capacity as much as we can.” Variegated copper glitters like sheared stone in the desert sun, while stepped, craggy volumes echo the Mummy Mountain range that rises as the backdrop. Rich limestone is used on the floors, while 24 by 24 inch Fossil Creek stone is used on the vertical surfaces. The roof glistens with one-and-a-half inch standing seam copper and a weathered patina finish. With integral colored concrete cantilevered terrace decks and colored stucco, it allows for a seamless transition to the interior. The kitchen is complete with Wenge cabinets, fire dragon granite and a high-gloss custom color cabinet.
#130 contemporary oasis
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
04 Twin console tables pop with color adding character to the stone hallway. 05 The glass wall allows for natural light to stream into the home while providing views of the pool and rocky landscape.
06
06 Perched in the middle of a mountainous landscape, the home shimmers like a diamond when the desert sun shines on the copper roof.
Already knowing the contractor and interior designer, the couple hired on architect Jon Bernhard for the project. The homeowners wanted something creative and higher up on the hill to maximize views, Wetzel says. “The views are orientated south due to nature of the lot,” says Wetzel. “We incorporated substantial overhang to take advantage of the floor to ceiling glass. It spans 15 feet in some places.” The firm’s favorite materials to work with, such as block, colored concrete, copper and steel, work perfectly with the landscape’s natural colors.
07 The courtyard offers views of the front entryway, living room and kitchen areas.
The red-rock formations and mesas that push jaggedly upward from the desert surface bring rich patterns of color and form to the landscape. The land offers space, distance and stillness. It has close mountain views to the south with breathtaking city light views. Nestled high on the hillside with a 20% slope, it has natural boulders and plenty of native vegetation.
A MESSAGE FROM AVAI AVAI empowers our clients to spend less time dealing with technology and more time enjoying their lives. We enhance lifestyles through the turn-key delivery of advanced electronic architec-
“We used the original landscape palette and its weathered penny copper color, which blends with the darker boulders,” says Wetzel. “The mason stone has hues and colors of the surrounding desert.”
#132 contemporary oasis
tures. A single source for design, engineering, and management, AVAI seamlessly integrates all of the electronics and media within a residential estate.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
07
The Age of Elegance FROM FRENCH CHATEAU TO CUTTING EDGE CONTEMPORARY, LUXURY DREAM HOMES BECOME REALITY by Tara Imperatore
01 Cream-colored stones create a vintage and warm feel to this classic European-style home.
Newport Coast Residence Location: Newport Coast, CA Completed: 2011 dugally-oberfeld.com
03
02
“ONE OF THE THINGS THAT IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR US IS TO CONTINUE TO HAVE A VERY STRONG INVOLVEMENT IN EACH PROJECT THAT WE DO; THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUR MODEL AND MOST OF THE COMPETITION.”
Mauricio Oberfeld, Partner
T
he saying may go, “Two’s company, three’s a crowd,” but for the principals of Dugally Oberfeld, three is the perfect number. Mauricio Oberfeld, Aleck Dugally and Matt Dugally launched their firm in 1997, just three years after Dugally and Oberfeld graduated from the University of Southern California. They each bring a distinct specialization that has molded their multifaceted company into what it is today. Oberfeld’s fascination with building design started from a young age during travels to Europe with his parents. He went on to study architecture at USC where he met Matt Dugally who was earning a degree in urban planning and land development. When he was younger, Matt would often join his father Aleck on construction sites and developed his vast knowledge about the business there. With 50 years of building and design experience, Aleck has gained a reputation of his own in Southern California for his impeccable attention to detail, but was used to working alone. Deciding to combine their skills was a way to realize their potential and learn from Aleck’s established expertise. “Aleck knew he could achieve a lot more with three partners than by himself,” Oberfeld says. “It was a good opportunity to bring in young blood and grow the company.” Together they are running an internationally-renowned general contracting and construction management company specializing in extremely high-end luxury homes. “Having three partners is rare in this business, but it allows us to accomplish more and be a lot more active; we complement each other very well,” he says.
#136 the age of elegance
02 The home features stone archways framed with lush landscape. 03 Plush outdoor seating offers a relaxing environment with views of the sprawling hills and trees.
04 The three-story Europeanstyle home showcases a large pool with mosaic detailing. 05 Built-ins, crown-molding and unique interior detailing add character to this comfortable office.
05
#138 the age of elegance
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
06
06 Expansive countertops and ample cabinet space prepare the kitchen for entertaining large dinner gatherings. 07 The unique custom-made fireplace is the focal point in the sitting area.
the age of elegance
#139
08 The bathroom is enlivened with pops of pink and the handmade mosaic sink. 09 The exterior of the home features archways that lead to private gardens and fountain elements.
“HAVING THREE PARTNERS IS RARE IN THIS BUSINESS, BUT IT ALLOWS US TO ACCOMPLISH MORE AND BE A LOT MORE ACTIVE; WE COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER VERY WELL.”
Mauricio Oberfeld, Partner issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
09
Newport Coast Residence Newport Coast, CA’s--The Resort at Pelican Hill-is home to a three-story, 15,000-square-foot estate completed by Dugally Oberfeld using only the highest quality materials including Venetian plaster, hand surfaced limestone, Walnut and bronze clad windows and doors. The fully finished 10-car garage featuring cobblestone flooring houses the owner’s extensive collection. The back of the property opens up to the ocean and showcases a large pool with mosaic detailing. Inside, a golf training facility with a chipping and putting range ensures the owner can practice at his leisure. The simulator contains 100 pre-programmed courses and is surrounded by life-size images from Montage Bay. “We had someone come out with a very high resolution camera, take pictures and we sent them to a company outside the country who blew them up. We put those on the walls so that when you’re inside it feels like you’re looking through to the outside,” says Matt.
Dugally Oberfeld set up a home base in Bel Air, CA, putting its unique stamp on large scale homes in the most exclusive communities in the area. While the company’s clients have taken them to various locations such as Florida, Montana and Arizona, it has made a name for itself in and around Los Angeles. “Establishing relationships in an area is half the battle, but once you’ve done that you can continue to expand,” says Oberfeld. The company’s success in Southern California has recently taken them further North, with projects in Palo Alto and the San Francisco area. “Our focus is to continue growing up there and basically encompass everything from Orange County all the way up to the Bay Area,” he says. “We believe that in the Bay Area we can make a huge difference, bringing a quality product and better experience to the client.” Though 15 years in business has brought numerous accolades, celebrity clients and much notoriety, Dugally Oberfeld is rooted in its close, personal relationships with its clients. “With most of our competitors, when you talk to their clients after construction they say they saw the owner of the company when they signed the contract and when they went through the final walkthrough of the house,” Oberfeld says. “One of the things that is most important for us is to continue to have a very strong involvement in each project that we do; that’s the difference between our model and most of the competition.” Like in any other industry, things evolve, and the partners openly welcome the chance to reinvent themselves through new and interesting projects. “It would be a lot easier to just do cookie cutter houses, but because we bring
the age of elegance
#141
10
11
10 A blast of colors add personality to the large master bathroom. 11 Organization is a must with the master walk-in closet featuring wood and glass doors. 12 A golf training facility with a chipping and putting range ensures the owner can practice at his convenience. 13 The golf training area not only offers practice but leisure.
#142 the age of elegance
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
12
Since 1974
JONES Roofing Inc. SPECIALISTS IN TILE & FIRE RESISTANT ROOFING SYSTEMS
SPECIALIZING IN QUALITY SLATE, CLAY AND CONCRETE TILE ROOFING
13
such a strong design background, we want to be challenged and be part of a team that really thinks outside the box,” Oberfeld says. While many companies in Dugally Oberfeld’s position would be opening up offices across the country, the company has a different idea for its thriving business. “We believe that our projects are much more successful, and of higher quality, if we have a better relationship with our clients; so we’re not going to expand to the point where we’re no longer able to be involved,” Oberfeld says. “Expansion to us does not necessarily mean more projects, but having exciting and challenging projects that don’t sacrifice quality and where the clients really want the best of the best.”
A MESSAGE FROM JONES ROOFING, INC. Jones Roofing Inc. has a strong commitment to excellence with contractors, homeowners, and commercial builders completing projects on time and within budget. It's been a pleasure working with Dugally Oberfeld, Inc. for over 15 years essentially for their professionalism, talent and creativity.
Jones Roofing provides the custom home builder with the utmost quality, dedication, integrity, high standards of excellence and outstanding service. CONTACT US 4535 Bella Vista Drive Moorpark, CA 93021 Bruce Jones, Owner 805-523-8472 jonesroofinginc@roadrunner.com License #309002
A POSH PLAYPAD A VAST CULTURAL BACKGROUND AND THOUGHTFUL GUIDANCE LEND TO SUCCESS FOR CALIFORNIA FIRM BY ISABEL EVA BOHRER PHOTOS BY WILLIAM MACCOLLUM
#144 a posh playpad
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
01 Whimsy and playfulness are exhibited in the home’s exterior, which is owned by actor Matthew Perry. Amid the lush green geometric of the lawn emerges a delightful Nancy Braver sculpture--entitled Sprout--custom designed for the space.
9010 Hopen Place Location: Hollywood, CA Completed: 2011 whipplerussell.com
a posh playpad
#145
02
“T
he lives that occupy the work inspire the body of work” is the promise of Whipple Russell Architects. Based in Los Angeles, CA, the firm has completed projects all along the West Coast. Authentic materials, natural light and green technology (including California GreenPoint Rated and LEED-certified work) form the core of the firm’s practice, which always seeks to elegantly unite form and function. In business since 1985, the firm has, “enjoyed continued success creating architecture inspired by the people who work, live and play in our environments,” says Marc Whipple, principal. In fact, throughout his career, Whipple has designed projects for numerous celebrities. Further highlights include various projects for the Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art and more than 30 projects for The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. Most recently, Whipple says he has, “focused on the unique challenges and varied palette offered in building for the West Coast contemporary lifestyle.” From steep hillsides to the beach, to restaurants and residences, Whipple and his team build on the sensibility of easy indoor-outdoor living.
The driving force behind the firm, Whipple grew up across Europe, Asia and Africa as the son of an American diplomat. At an early age, these, “rich cultures helped to shape [my] eclectic approach,” he says. Whipple’s, “old world influences add another layer of elegance and perspective, which is then combined with an avid interest in modern materials and methods.”
#146 a posh playpad
02 Slip out of bed and take a dip in the pool, which can be seen from wall-to-wall windows in the bedroom. 03 Dining al fresco has never looked so good. Beyond the electric blue pool, diners take in views of Los Angeles and Catalina Island beyond. 04 Sit for a while in the low, sleek, deep purple couch that looks out over the pool and city lights below. Adding to the living room feel with-a-twist is a standing lamp from Tango Lighting called “TXL.”
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
03
04 04
a posh playpad
#147
05
05 The kitchen and dining area blend into one, with pops of electric green shown througout. In the dining area, a glowing box of light, a Cubrik 100 Suspension lamp, acquired through Santa & Cole, illuminates the Indian Ocean dining table and chairs.
06
06 The living and dining area meld into one with varying hues of sky blue seating. 07 Panoramic seating in the living room centers around modern coffee table.
#148 a posh playpad
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
07
9010 Hopen Place One of Whipple Russell’s most recent projects is 9010 Hopen Place, the home of actor Matthew Perry. Spanning over 4,000 square feet, the Hollywood Hills residence comes with three bedrooms and four bathrooms. “The social spaces at the Hopen house blend seamlessly into the private places in which to retire,” says Whipple. The master/mistress bedroom can remain open to sun and views, or provide a more secluded atmosphere with the use of Crestron controlled remote blackout and sunshades by Somfy. Many of the furnishings are from B&B Italia including a small circular sofa designed by Citterio for B&B Italia - Maxalto. Its base allows it to rotate 360 degrees. Also from B&B Italia are the California King Tufty bed and simple Dado nightstands and low cabinet. Just a few steps away through ceiling-height glass sliders is the dazzling blue infinity pool. A window wall, fabricated and installed by Acrylic Tank Manufacturers, divides the pool from the lushly-upholstered home theater, endowing the latter with a tranquil blue light.
After completing his education at Eton College and London’s prestigious Architectural Association School of Architecture, he became the protégé of internationally-renowned architect George Vernon Russell. Russell, creator of showstoppers like the Trocadero on Sunset Boulevard, the Flamingo in Las Vegas, as well as Samuel Goldwyn’s home in Beverly Hills and the expansive University of California at Riverside campus, further broadened Whipple’s vision. When 25 years ago it came time to open his own firm, Whipple honored his late mentor by including his name in the practice. In his practice, Whipple has implemented a unique approach to architecture, which involves asking five questions at every phase of a project: Have we listened deeply to our clients?; Have we drawn from our breadth of experience?; Have we distilled the design to its most simple, appropriate form?; Have our plans and systems provided clarity and peace of mind for our clients? and, are we exceeding expectations? For over 25 years, Whipple says he and his staff have aspired to achieve, “a resounding ‘yes’ to each of these questions,” a fact that they believe, “has generated [the firm’s] long list of diverse and satisfied clients.” Whipple emphasizes that prior to defining a building’s aesthetic, “We work with clients to glean how they want the building to perform: that is, how the plan will be organized to support the feeling and function they want their building to evoke.” While, “some clients desire very closed, private spaces; others desire an open, loft-like ambience,” he says. Having a clear understanding of the clients’ wishes, their budget and how long it will take to complete the project are all factors that
a posh playpad
#149
08 A study in contrasts. The orange clad bathroom adds to the owner’s desire for fun mixed with sophistication.
P. 323.965.5555 F.310.943.3222 8581 SANTA MONICA BLVD #204 LOS ANGELES, CA 90069
form part of Whipple’s creative process. “Whether a project encompasses the remodeling of one room or the ground-up design of a large building, it is our standard practice to generate a 3D model going one step further to ensure our clients accurately envision their projects before construction begins,” Whipple says.The fact that Whipple manages all aspects of the design process effectively provides his clients, in turn, with peace of mind.This way, he says they too can share in his, “excitement for the creative process.”
A MESSAGE FROM BOWERY DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
Though each of Whipple’s designs is unique, “all are infused with drama, with certain elements of the building evoking awe in owners and their guests at each arrival,” he says. Drama is what, “creates a place where people long to be.”
strong design aesthetic, invalu-
Bowery Design and Development is an innovative, full service design/build and construction management firm, specializing in high end residential homes and commercial spaces. With over 15 years of experience, we offer a able insight and resources, and work hard to exceed our client’s expectations.
www.BOWERYDEVELOPMENT.com issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
PROJECTS
PHOTO: ERIC FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY
A look into how industry professionals turn lackluster spaces into livable, yet intriguing residences.
3003 THE STRAND by TOMARO DESIGN GROUP / P. 154 projects
#151
3003 The Strand Location: Hermosa Beach, CA Completed: 2008 tomaro.com
#152 projects
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
01 Tomaro Design Group infuses a variety of elements on the home’s exterior, including brick and glass.
Tomaro Design Group INSPIRING CLIENTS TO DREAM OUTSIDE THE BOX by Katjusa Cisar
PHOTOS: ERIC FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY
The word “no” is not an option at Tomaro Design Group. “Saying, ‘This cannot be done’ is not in our vocabulary,” says Ryan Knowlton, who works with the building division of the firm, based in Manhattan Beach, CA. Formed in 1990, Tomaro Design Group specializes in high-end residential projects mostly in Southern California and beachfront homes in particular. “The company strives to find a solution to all requests,” says principal architect Louie Tomaro, “even when an idea may at first seem impossible to execute. A client may ultimately decide against the solution for logistical or budgetary reasons,” he says, “but a lack of creativity will not be to blame.” A client’s challenges fuel his creativity, and he takes them on like dares. Recently a family asked him to design living quarters for their in-laws — a space close to the main house but situated in a way that allows for privacy. “We have developed ways to try to make that work,” Tomaro says. He encourages clients to seek inspiration in imagesharing sites like houzz.com. “We’re not looking for them to give us a layout. We really just
projects
#153
02
“We can be part of that whole evolution, from the first line that's drawn on the paper to when construction drawings are ready to go.”
PHOTOS: ERIC FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY
RICK TOMARO
#154 projects
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
03
02 The stairwell leads to a built-in wine rack housed in a glass and wood case. 03 The open floorplan allows the residents to relax in the living room or seamlessly meander over to kitchen. 04 The bedroom becomes its own haven, with a comfortable window seat and plush chair. 05 A cozy dining area allows for glances to the home’s exterior landscape.
04
want them to flush out from their minds the concepts and ideas they want,” he says. Tomaro Design Group offers both construction management and architecture design services, as well as expertise in interior and landscape design and LEED certification. The design and construction teams work side by side, streamlining the process. “We can be part of that whole evolution, from the first line that’s drawn on the paper to when keys are handed over,” says Rick Tomaro, Louie’s brother and member of the firm's building division. 05
Beachfront building is one of the challenges Tomaro Design Group does not shy away from tackling. It has completed several homes along The Strand, an iconic paved path along the ocean in Hermosa Beach, CA. The climate and relatively small, crowded lots on the beach demand sturdy materials and inventive design. The company finished 3003 The Strand in June 2008 for a developer. It fits in with the, “warm, contemporary feel” of other newer homes in the area, says Rick Tomaro, and is built to capitalize on the ocean views and bridge the gap between the indoors and outdoors with plenty of glass, windows, open floor plans and a courtyard filled with greenery. “Using courtyard elements always help us from a design standpoint to maximize that light and open feel and make that house circulate well," Louie says.
projects
#155
Taylor Lombardo Architects DEVELOPING A MODERN-DAY MARVEL IN WINE COUNTRY by Elisa Revello
PHOTOS: ROBERT VENTE
01 The ultramodern entryway featuring stones steps provides natural light through to the foyer. 02 The foyer mimics the look of the entryway with stone walls.
#156 projects
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
02
Among the undulating hills and within the bountiful landscape of California’s wine country, Taylor Lombardo Architects has reaped the fruits of its labor by creating unique wineries and high-end luxury homes. The firm is considered a pioneer, one of the first to take on the design of wineries, which has become a long-standing staple of its work for nearly 20 years. Principals of the firm, Tom Taylor and Maurice Lombardo, have combined their two main specializations in one of their latest projects, developing a winery compound for Presqu’ile Winery, which includes a state-of-the-art contemporary winery and several winery residences.
Winery Residence at Presqu’ile Winery Santa Barbara County, CA Completed: 2011 taylorlombardo.com
Lombardo heads business development while Taylor focuses on project development. The two, in every endeavor, remain highly involved with clients and contractors, and are always willing to expand creatively. “We are unique in that we do not really have a particular style,” Lombardo says. “One of our strengths is that we do all styles—from modern to tradi-
tional.” The company’s portfolio ranges from the look and feel of a Provencal home to the latest in contemporary design. “We reinvent the wheel on every project to an extent,” Taylor says. “The process starts from completely understanding the needs, the views, priorities and practical considerations.” For designing wineries, as an example, the firm has created a detailed questionnaire to fully comprehend the winemaking process, the style and the client’s requirements. Knowing the specifications helps the firm to navigate codes and other guidelines. Taylor elaborates that with wineries, there are several considerations to account for including industrial design, hospitality and administrative components. Working with wineries is like developing three separate entities: a factory, a boutique sales facility and an office building. With every project, it takes time to develop a plan as Taylor starts drawing by hand. “I communicate directly with owners for the initial phases of the project,” Taylor says. “I try to
projects
#157
03
“We reinvent the wheel on every project to an extent,” Taylor says. “The process starts from completely understanding the needs, the views, priorities and practical considerations.” TOM TAYLOR, PRINCIPAL
04
05 05
03 The home features a large outdoor terrace ready for entertaining and adds depth to the exterior. 04 A cool color palette, sophisticated details and a minimal contemporary design create a serene feel for the master bathroom. 05 The western elevation of the home is complete with a jacuzzi, greenery and beautiful views of the hills below. 06 The living room’s focal point is the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.
#158 projects
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
06
Winery Residence at Presqu’ile Winery On a coastal vineyard in central California, an 8,000-square-foot contemporary home embodies the spirit of modern wine country living. The cutting-edge style employs environmentally-responsible design and durable materials including limestone, concrete and steel. White oak doors and cabinets soften the modern lines, while stone-clad fireplaces are at the heart of social gatherings. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors that pocket into the walls seamlessly transition the indoor space to the expanse of the outdoors. A translucent glass hallway at the center of the home exhibits a sleek staircase that leads up to the second floor bedroom suite. The firm oriented the building not only to maximize views, but also to integrate the elements in order to minimize energy usage and decrease waste. Operable windows and overhangs are positioned to employ natural ventilation. Lighting, temperature, audio, video and security are controlled by smartphone technologies that can be accessed from anywhere.
put clients at ease, have them open up, so that I can understand their goals.” Lombardo says, “We do not try to make it easy on ourselves, we try to make it easy on our clients.”
PHOTOS: ROBERT VENTE
The firm recently completed Silver Oak winery, an accomplishment that it is particularly proud of, which originally started as a remodeling project. Unexpectedly though, the project ended up being a complete re-design. “From when we started, to when it was completed, it was a very accelerated process for that quality,” Taylor says. “The client didn’t want to compromise on quality, durability or aesthetics so it was very intense in a short amount of time.” The company’s work has also found them recognition throughout the world. Recently Taylor Lombardo was sought out to design nine houses within a subdivision in Shanghai. The 7,000 to 9,000-squarefoot houses needed to be completed in a matter of months. The firm also recently completed a 40,000-square-foot wine center in Wuxi, China.
The firm, in every undertaking, tries to design sustainable projects, by using lasting materials with a look that is timeless, innovative and enduring. “Our goal is to build a house that lasts well over 100 years,” Lombardo says. The company has received significant press, including a recent article in the Wall Street Journal. The work remains interesting and exciting as the client demographic shifts from older to younger. With the company’s largest project to date, the Winery Residence at Presqu’ile Winery--which spans 250 acres in the California wine country--is a winery built from scratch and with a primary residence. Taylor and Lombardo both agree that it was exciting to work with a younger client who was open to fresh ideas. The client asked the firm to complete, “a modern masterpiece.” Taylor Lombardo did just that–-the idea was so unique that the planning commission didn’t understand it. “The home is sustainable, green fashion, and state-of-theart,” Lombardo says.
projects
#159
directory
*advertisers in blue
ARCHITECTURE
The Strand at Headlands, strandoc.com, 117
Carter Berg Photography, carterberg.com, 19
Agraz Arquitectos S.C., agrazarquitectos.com, 22
Tomaro Design Group, tomaro.com, 6,151-155
Chip Pankey Photography, Inc., chippankey.com, 108-110
Charles Sieger Architect, siegersuarez.com, 162 Faulkner Architects, faulknerarchitects.net, 102-103
ELECTRICAL
Harris Architects, harrisarch.com, 23, 29-32
Cook Electric, cookelectric.biz, 65
J.L.S. Design, tahoearchitect.com, 94-96 Meyer Greeson Paulin Benson, mgpb.com, 24- 27
ELECTRONICS/ TECHNOLOGY
Olson-Olson Architects, ooadesign.com, 86-87
Avai, avai.com, 132-133
Rob E McQuay Architects & Associates, mcquayarchitects.com, 39- 41
Build Tools, buildtools.com, 163
Swaback Partners pllc, swabackpartners.com, 126-133 Visbeen Architects, visbeen.biz, 2, 42-44 Walton Architecture and Engineering Inc., waltonae.com, 80-83 Ward Young Architects, wyarch.com, 76-78 Whipple Russell Architects, whipplerussell.com, 144-150
FABRIC Jed Johnson, jedjohnson.com, 14 FLOORING Devon & Devon, devon-devon.com, 11 Simonian Flooring, simonianflooring.com, 103
Winn Wittman Architecture, winnwittman.com, 20-21 Woodson Gilchrist Architects, woodson-gilchrist.com, 33-37 BOOKS Alberto Pinto World Interiors, rizzoliusa.com, 19 The Great American House, rizzoliusa.com, 19 Vintage Remix: The Interiors of Kishani Perera, abramsbooks.com, 19 CARPETS & RUGS Floor to Heaven, floortoheaven.com, 9, 15, Sonya Winner, sonyawinner.com, 15 Yvette Laduk, yldesign.nl, 14 CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN ADC Tahoe, adctahoe.com, 104-105 ALCAL Specialty Contracting, Inc., alcal.com, 106 Bowery Design + Development, bowerydevelopment.com, 150 Bruce Olson Construction, bruceolsonconstruction.com, 84Corda Construction, cordaconstruction.com, 7, 72-74 Dugally Oberfeld, dugally-oberfeld.com, 5, 134-143 Fratantoni Luxury Estate, fratantoniluxuryestates.com, 45, 60-63 Galletto Construction Inc., gallettoconstruction.com, 96 Jim Morrison Construction, jimmorrisonconstruction.com, 88-90
FURNITURE Artek, artek.fi, 12 Boca do Lobo, bocadolobo.com, 11,13 Craig Van Den Brulle, craigvandenbrulle.com, 13
Madeline Weinrib, madelineweinrib.com, 15 Tuell and Reynolds, tuellreynolds.com, 14-15 Ventury Paris, ventury.fr, 10, 13 Vondom, vondom.com, Cover, 6, 12 Zenza, zenza.nl, 10 HARDWARE Renaissance Design Studio, rdstudiola.com, 161 Sun Valley Bronze, 530-550-0709, 79
Fratantoni Luxury Estates, fratantoniluxuryestates.com, Tom Zikas Photography, tomzikas.com, 66-70 Gabriel Branbury, gabrielbranbury.com 14 Gil Stose, gilstose.com, Jean Randazzo, jeanrandazzo.com, 19 Jeff Miller/ Mountain Lens Photography, mountainlens.com, 29-32 Jonathan Wallen Photography, jonathanwallen.com, 19 Landmark Photography, 46-51
Rachel Boling, rachaelboling.com, 120-125 Robert Vente, ventephoto.com, 156-159 Roland Paschhoff, 16-17 Sonya Winner, sonyawinner.com, 15 Stockholmsm채ssan, stockholmsmassan.se, 8 Tom Zikas Photography, tomzikas.com, 69-71 Troy House, troyhouse.com, 19 Wm. MacCollum Architectural Photography, maccollum.com, 144-150 Vance Fox Photography, vancefox.com, 76-78, 80-86, 88-93, 97-99, 102-103
INTERIOR DESIGN Beckwith Interiors, beckwithinteriors.com, 108-110
PLUMBING & FIXTURES
Bethe Cohen Design Associates, bethecohen.com, 74-75
Stewart Plumbing Inc., stewartplumbinginc.net, 50, 52
Dumais Interior Design, dumaisid.com, 33-37 Kit Design Studio, kitdesignstudio.com, 118-119 Linda L. Floyd, Inc., lindafloyd.com, 107, 111-113 Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris, postcardfromparis.com, 5,18,120-125,165
Mastiff Development, mastiffdevelopment.com, 57-59 Mike Schaap Builders, mikeschaapbuilders.com, 3, 42-44
MISCELLANEOUS
Pyramid Builders, pyramid-builders.com, 64-65
RLF Painting LLC, rlfpainting.com, 63
#160 directory
Eric Figge Photography, ericfigge.com, 118-119, 151-155
Meechan Architectural Photography, meechan.com, 53- 55
John Lee Furniture, johnleefurniture.com, 16-17
Craftsman Kitchens, craftsmankitchens.com, 38
Taylor Lombardo Architects LLP, taylorlombardo.com, 156-159
Dima Loginoff Design, dimaloginoff.com, 10
Matt Waclo, ltdp.com, 100-101
Martis Camp,martiscamp.com, 66-67,100-101
Swaback Partners pllc, swabackpartners.com, 3, 6,126-133
Devon&Devon, devon-devon.com, 11
Dima Loginoff Design, Dimaloginoff.com, 10
KITCHEN & BATH
Stonewood LLC, stonewood.com, 46-51
Danny Lee Photography, dannyleephotography.com, 39-41
Devon & Devon, devon-devon.com, 11
Mark Tanner Construction Inc, marktannerconstruction.com, 68-71
Split Rock Development Group, splitrockinc.com, 39-41
Craig Van Den Brulle, craigvandenbrulle.com 12
MattBorkowski Photography, mattborkowski.com, 64-65
Studio 8 Design, st8de.com, 114-116
Sandbox Studio, thesandboxstudio.com, 91-93
Coles Hairston, coleshairston.com 20
Delightfull, delightfull.eu, 11
John Brink Construction, Inc., johnbrinkconstruction.com, 97-99
Ridgeline Construction Group, Inc., ridgelineconstructiongroup.com, 53-55
Chuck Heiney Photography, 42-44
High Country Tree Service, Inc., hctreeservice.com, 28
PHOTOGRAPHY
ROOFING Jones Roofing Inc., 805-523-8472, 143 STONE, TILE & CONCRETE Avignon Stone, avignonstone.com, 56 Detail Slate & Tile, detailslateandtile.com, 52, 55 Larson Tile & Stone,Inc, larsontile.com, 113-114 Proctor Marble & Granite, andy@proctormarbleandgranite.com, 38 Stephen Donnelly Company Inc., stuccoman.com, 52 WINDOW & DOORS HomeChoiceFlooring, thehomechoice.net, 55-56 Pella Windows, pella.com, 28
Asa Gilmore, asagilmore.com, 94-96 Artek, artek.fi,12 Bill Timmerman Photography, billtimmerman.com, 126-133 Brantley Photography, brantleyphotography.com, Caroline Allison, carolineallison.com, 33-37
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
Handcrafted Doors
Millwork Design & Installation
Project Consultation
Plumbing & Hardware Sales
Product Coordination
Custom Designed Hardware
Hand Carving
D E S I G N
S T U D I O
Renaissance
Custom-Made Staircases
RENAISSANCE DESIGN STUDIO 972 North La Cienega BL. | Los Angeles | CA 90069 P 310.652.0964 F 310.652.0653
RENAISSANCE MOLDING & DESIGN 22531 Ventura Boulevard | Woodland Hills | CA 91364 P 818.222.2771 F 818.222.1993
WWW.RDSTUDIOLA.COM
AT HOME WITH
AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK INTO THE HOMES OF THE INDUSTRY’S TOP TALENT
Charles Sieger STUNNING SIMPLICITY: CHARLES SIEGER CREATES A FLORIDIAN CHATEAU by Kevin Kane in the backyard. Of course, the functionality of it is at the top of it. There is a fire pit for barbecuing and grilling. LHQ:You have said that architecture is about the creative will to create a sense of space. How does this house fulfill your creative will to create space?
LHQ: What was your inspiration for the stunning property and buildings? CS: While I was in college, I won a scholarship to study in France and traveled all around England and France looking at all the chateaus, which are basically beautiful homes that were built in a period of time when there was not much else to do, meaning the industrial revolution hadn’t started. There were no cars, no planes, no other place to really put your money. I decided instead of buying a second home, I’d put all my efforts into one and experiment with a lot of the architecture and room layouts and sizes of rooms that we’ve kind of lost over the last few hundred years. I went down to the farmland, bought a big site--almost 14 acres--and then went to work. The inspiration comes from English Manor houses and a few chateaus in particular: Château de Chenonceau and the other is called Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte. LHQ: How did you conceive and design the lake feature of the house? CS: Down here, the ground is porous lime rock. If
#162 at home with
you dig a hole, you get a freshwater lake. After the house was built, it created a water feature. It’s a complete ecosystem with geese and swans, gray herons and ibis and turtles. The water table doesn’t vary much, so you get to position items in very close contact to the water without having a storm of waves come over you. The water is about 12 to 14 feet, deep enough that the light doesn’t quite hit the bottom so that it doesn’t get overgrown with aquatics. There was a flood when I first started digging so it naturally stocked itself basically with everything from bass to tilapia to catfish—you name it—so my grandchildren, which I have seven of, come over and we go fishing and canoeing.
CS: It was an exercise in my creative will for myself and my family. It’s become a beacon for hot air balloon tourists and the air force and helicopters that buzz over it all the time because it’s a specific sense of place from the air because most of the area is flat farmland. It stands out because of the simplicity of it; the lake and the two rotated squares. LHQ: How was this project so different than what you usually build? CS: I do residential housing and high-rise designs. We are always trying to find the most efficient way to put as many rooms in as small a box as possible--as inexpensively as possible--and this was absolutely the opposite. This was kind of an exercise in looking back at a lot of history we lost in designing our homes and trying to freshen it up— [to] take a fresh look at what a house could be.
LHQ: Tell me about the ruins and the stepped water feature in the back of the lake.
LHQ: What do you enjoy most about living there?
CS: In those old houses I referred to, the manor houses and chateaus, the Italians, the French, the English and the Germans were in love with the romance of the Roman and Greek ruins. In order to have it in their backyards, they would build them so they could have the romantic scenery to look at. It became known later as an architectural folly. And that’s essentially what that is—making a ruin
CS: Being near the water is really nice. It’s calm—very Zen in a way. When the light shines at certain times of the day it reflects off the water and there’s a slight breeze and the rippling of the light reflecting off the water goes through the windows and up on the ceilings, the walls and animates the house. That’s what surprised me the most—how that water relates directly to the architecture.
issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com
Builders appreciate quality in homes they build. Their tools, trucks, and now...
Project Management Software.
Introducing BuildTools. Software designed for builders, by builders. The Vision of BuildTools: To take your construction business from good, too great. These days, great companies are built upon great business management systems. Powerful yet simple to use. Intuitive because it was developed by home builders, not software geeks. An integrated suite of tools for custom builders and remodelers of 2 to 200 projects per year. Schedule a free demo to see how BuildTools can help your business achieve greatness!
Call For A Free Demo 1-877-693-2171
C H A R L E S TO N
|
GREENVILLE
postcardfromparis.com
|
SAVANNAH