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In 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.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Living on the Edge

NoNoN . 18o 18o $12.99WINTER 2012

LIVING ON THE EDGEStepping out of our comfort zone into unconventional designs

PLUS

REGIONAL FOCUS TAHOE/ TRUCKEE

CATCH CABIN FEVER IN LAKE TAHOE’S

LUXURY COMMUNITY

VERTEX BY VERTEX BY VERTEX BY KARIM RASHID

DESIGNER SHOWCASE:LINDA MCDOUGALD

DESIGNALSO:

DUGALLY OBERFELDWHIPPLE RUSSELL ARCHITECTS

SWABACK PARTNERS PLLC

Page 2: Living on the Edge

servicing clients with two office locations

visit us: www.visbeen.biz | find us:

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.

Page 3: Living on the Edge

servicing clients with two office locations

visit us: www.visbeen.biz | find us:

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.

Page 4: Living on the Edge

CONTENTS

120 134

ARCHITECTS

THE TEAMS

BUILDERS

24 MEYER GREESON PAULLIN BENSON

29 HARRIS ARCHITECTS

34 WOODSON GILCHRIST ARCHITECTS & DUMAIS INTERIOR DESIGN

39 ROB E MCQUAY ARCHITECTS & ASSOCIATES

42 VISBEEN ARCHITECTS & MIKE SCHAAP BUILDERS

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

DESIGNERS

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

152 TOMARO DESIGN GROUP

156 TAYLOR LOMBARDO ARCHITECTS

162 CHARLES SIEGER

120 LINDA MCDOUGALD DESIGN POSTCARD FROM PARIS HOME

DESIGNER SHOWCASE

PROJECTS

AT HOME WITH

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

REGIONAL FOCUS

144

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #04 table of contents

Page 5: Living on the Edge

NoNoN . 18o 18o $12.99WINTER 2012

LIVING ON THE EDGEStepping out of our comfort zone into unconventional designs

PLUS

REGIONAL FOCUS TAHOE/ TRUCKEE

CATCH CABIN FEVER IN LAKE TAHOE’S

LUXURY COMMUNITY

VERTEX BY KARIM RASHID

DESIGNER SHOWCASE:LINDA MCDOUGALD

DESIGNALSO:

DUGALLY OBERFELDWHIPPLE RUSSELL ARCHITECTS

SWABACK PARTNERS PLLC

A Contemporary OasisMichael 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 EleganceFeel regal with the partners of Dugally Oberfeld, Aleck Dugally, Matt Dugally and Mauricio Oberfeld as you tour their Venetian-inspired home in Californa's Newport Coast.

page 134

A Posh PlaypadRomp 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

FEATURES

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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

Page 6: Living on the Edge

Sign up for the new e-newsletter from Luxury Home Quarterly, highlighting the latest products, industry news, events and previews of upcoming issues.

luxuryhomequarterly.com

Contact Information

(p) 773.897.0300 (f) 773.868.0560 1448 W Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Art & Editorial managing editor Deidre [email protected]

senior editor Samantha [email protected]

art director Mike [email protected]

correspondentsAmy Howell Hirt Chris L. TerryDavid Hudnall Elisa Revello Isabel Eva BohrerJamie FarshchiKatjusa Cisar Kevin KaneKimberly NicholsMelissa Fears Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford Tara Imperatore

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

Research & Sales director of editorial researchGerald Mathews [email protected]

director of salesDan Zierk [email protected]

sales associatesDesmond Chester

advertising managers Jacqueline M. Lowisz

Sheri Prather [email protected]

Cory Bowen, Editor-in-Chief

www.bowen-enterprises.com

Stay Connected

YVETTE LADUKWOODY WOOD

Page 7: Living on the Edge

In 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 sig-nature 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 surround-ing the home.

We set out on an adventure when choosing California-based company Whip-ple 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 inspi-ration 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 im-pressive 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 acknowl-edge and educate industry professionals everywhere for their commitments to innovative projects and products where informed decision-making and resourcefulness are paramount.

EDITOR’S NOTE

p.72MARTIS CAMP LOT 158 byCORDA CONSTRUCTION INC.

The Editors

editors note #07

Page 8: Living on the Edge

JAN. 9-12HEIMTEXTILFrankfurt, GermanyOne 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

JAN. 14-19BAUMunich, GermanyBau is the world’s leading trade fair for archi-tecture, materials and systems. This buisness-focused 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. 14-20IMM COLOGNE - INTL. FURNISHING SHOW Cologne, GermanyIMM Cologne presents new international furni-ture trends and marketable innovations. The fair also provides an effective platform for young de-signers showcasing a broad range of products and opportunity for market testing. imm-cologne.de

JAN. 18-22MAISON & OBJET 2013 Paris, FranceMaison & Objet is a home appliance trade show dedicated to showcasing the latest products, ser-vices, technology and trends. maison-objet.com

JAN. 22-242013 INTL. BUILDERS’ SHOWLas Vegas, NVThe 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 specifi-cally on the needs, concerns and opportunities that face builders. buildersshow.com

FEB. 7- APRIL 14NEVER BUILT: LOS ANGELESLos Angeles, CANever 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 ar-chitectural ideas through renderings, blueprints, models and hand drawings. aplusd.org/exhibitions-

future/neverbuilt

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #08 calendar

CALENDARJAN-FEB

TRADE SHOWS AND SPECIAL EVENTS IN THE COMING MONTHS

FEB. 5-9STOCKHOLM FURNITURE/ NORTHERN LIGHT FAIR Stockholm, Sweden The world's largest meeting place for Scandina-vian 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/

FEB. 15-19AMBIENTE 2013Frankfurt, GermanyWith over 4,500 exhibitors and 140,000 trade visitors, the Ambiente consumer-goods fair of-fers an overview of the world market with some of the best ideas, new products and hottest trends. www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

FEB. 22SHAW CONTRACT GROUP DESIGN IS- COMPETITIONThe 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 IM

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Page 9: Living on the Edge

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

product spotlight #09

WOODHEART II by FLOOR TO HEAVEN / P. 15

Curl up next to the fireplace with the winter issue of Luxury Home Quarterly, wherewe feature sleek, edgy and always impressive furnishings. Exterior elements transform interior spaces, with patterns and prints that speak to nature’s inherent beauty.

Page 10: Living on the Edge

handle with flareLive 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.

#10 product spotlight

VENTURY PARISLA DIVINE LOUNGE CHAIR & LE 1702From 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 DESIGNDIMA LOGINOFF DESIGNDOUNYASHA LOUNGE CHAIR Modeled after the Russian ballet dancer, Alex Torgunakov, the chair exudes masculinity mixed with graceful touches. Its curved form envelopes with graceful touches. Its curved form envelopes whoever sits on it, creating a cozy and open feel.dimaloginoff.com

ZENZAZENZA – TAHRIR – TAHRIR AND SUFI LAMPSAND SUFI LAMPSAND SUFI LAMPSThe “Tahrir” and “Sufi” lamps are Egyptian-inspired The “Tahrir” and “Sufi” lamps are Egyptian-inspired The “Tahrir” and “Sufi” lamps are Egyptian-inspired and made of silver-plated copper that are covered in and made of silver-plated copper that are covered in and made of silver-plated copper that are covered in thousands of tiny punctured holes, producing a thousands of tiny punctured holes, producing a thousands of tiny punctured holes, producing a dazzling light display. dazzling light display. zenza.nlzenza.nl

Page 11: Living on the Edge

product spotlight #11

BOCA DO LOBO MONDRIAN SIDEBOARDThe 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

DEVON & DEVON HOLLY SOFA ATELIER PLUME TILEHarkening 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

DELIGHTFULLDELIGHTFULLCOLTRANESUSPENSIONStraying from ordinary light fixtures, “Coltrane” is made of iron tubes with a gold powder paint interior, which hang from adjustable magnetic cables.delightfull.eu

Page 12: Living on the Edge

lookin’ sharpCrystalized 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.

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com#12 product spotlight

VONDOMVERTEXMeticulously-sculpted indoor and outdoor furniture, Meticulously-sculpted indoor and outdoor furniture, Meticulously-sculpted indoor and outdoor furniture, Meticulously-sculpted indoor and outdoor furniture,

“Vertex”--designed by Karim Rashid--has a distinct “Vertex”--designed by Karim Rashid--has a distinct look and is made of 100% recyclable material. look and is made of 100% recyclable material. vondom.com

ARTEKTRIENNA TABLEMade of veneered birch plywood, the table was designed in 1954 by Ilmari Tapiovaara and comes in a Ilmari Tapiovaara and comes in a variety of finishes including stained black, painted white, natural lac-quered oak veneer and natural lac-quered walnut veneer. artek.fi

Page 13: Living on the Edge

acclaim #21

CRAIG VAN DEN BRULLEDELAUNAY STEEL DINING TABLECalling on the Delaunay triangulation algorithm, the table is made from polished steel triangles and features a sleek glass top. craigvan-denbrulle.com

VENTURY PARIS VENTURY PARIS CHAMPAGNE COOLER CHAMPAGNE COOLER The Champagne Cooler--part of the Cabinet The Champagne Cooler--part of the Cabinet of Curiosities collection and designed by of Curiosities collection and designed by Jonathan Pinto Cortez--stylishly protects your Jonathan Pinto Cortez--stylishly protects your worldly treasures. worldly treasures. ventury.fr

CRAIG VAN DEN BRULLEDELAUNAY STEEL DINING TABLE

BOCA DO LOBO BONSAI TABLEDIAMOND SIDEBOARDThe “Bonsai Table” plays off crystallized silhouettes and the natural form of 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 a tree. The “Diamond Sideboard” has a gold leaf interior and is inspired by gothic furniture of the Romantic period. bocadolobo.com

Page 14: Living on the Edge

JED JOHNSON FAUX BOIS/WALNUT & FAUX BOIS/WALNUT & TIMBER/COBALT Printed on a cloth composed of blended cotton and linen, Printed on a cloth composed of blended cotton and linen,

“Faux Bois” by interior design firm Jed Johnson Home is avail“Faux Bois” by interior design firm Jed Johnson Home is avail-able in six different color combinations and is influenced by able in six different color combinations and is influenced by natural wood grain. Woven by implementing the style of the natural wood grain. Woven by implementing the style of the 19th century “cordonetto” method, “Timber” is available in 19th century “cordonetto” method, “Timber” is available in five different colors and can transform a home into laid back five different colors and can transform a home into laid back and casual, or upscale and refined. jedjohnson.comjedjohnson.com

into the woodsMingling 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.

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #14 product spotlight

YVETTE LADUKYVETTE LADUKWOODY WOOD WOODY WOOD Mimicking a tree stump, this Mimicking a tree stump, this Mimicking a tree stump, this rug pulls nature from the outrug pulls nature from the outrug pulls nature from the out-side in and is made from non-side in and is made from non-side in and is made from non-toxic, durable and fire-resistant toxic, durable and fire-resistant toxic, durable and fire-resistant synthetic fibers. synthetic fibers. yldesign.nlyldesign.nl

TUELL & REYNOLDS TUELL & REYNOLDS TUELL & REYNOLDS LASSENLASSENThe “Lassen” side table is made of a wax cast The “Lassen” side table is made of a wax cast The “Lassen” side table is made of a wax cast base and a petrified wood top. Each table is base and a petrified wood top. Each table is base and a petrified wood top. Each table is signed and distinctly unique.signed and distinctly unique.signed and distinctly unique.signed and distinctly unique.tuellreynolds.com Photo Gabriel Branburytuellreynolds.com Photo Gabriel Branburytuellreynolds.com Photo Gabriel Branbury

Page 15: Living on the Edge

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

FLOOR TO HEAVEN

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.

TUELL & TUELL & REYNOLDSREYNOLDSCASCADE CASCADE Taken from petrified wood Taken from petrified wood in the Cascade Mountain in the Cascade Mountain Range, “Cascade” is made Range, “Cascade” is made of polished logs salvaged of polished logs salvaged from volcanic mud and ash. from volcanic mud and ash. The base is made of molten The base is made of molten bronze ceramic and wax that bronze ceramic and wax that is hand finished and patinaed. is hand finished and patinaed. tuellreynolds.comtuellreynolds.com

SONYA WINNERTREE TRUNKThis 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: Sonya Winner

MADELINE WEINRIB PARISI ARMCHAIR Handwoven in Central Asia by master weav-ers using the traditional ikat techniques, the armchair is made of silk with a brown sadu ikat armchair is made of silk with a brown sadu ikat pattern and carved wood. pattern and carved wood. madelineweinrib.commadelineweinrib.com

product spotlight #product spotlight #15

Page 16: Living on the Edge

John Lee FurnitureIreland-based designer gives the royal treatment

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.

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 mak-ing speculative work for galleries, exhibitions, etc.

BEHIND THE LINESCUSTOM COLLECTIONS FOR LUXURY HOMES—AND THE DESIGNERS BEHIND THEM

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 furni-ture 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 place-ment to the recently deceased Andrew Varah in the United Kingdom. During my time in GMIT Letter-frack 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.

JL: I draw most of my inspiration from the Irish landscape and am especially fascinated by the effects

LHQ: What is the most important part of the your design

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

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com#16 behind the lines

it’s usually an opportunity to really experiment 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 Inaugura-tion 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 out-stretched and welcoming arms reflect the ambassa-dorial role of the President. The clean crisp lines,

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Interview by Deidré Davis

Page 17: Living on the Edge

0101 Core- coffee table in bleached and sandblasted ash. National Museum of sandblasted ash. National Museum of Ireland Furniture Collection.Ireland Furniture Collection.02 02 Presidential Inauguration Chair 2011-Irish Presidential Inauguration 2011-Irish Presidential Inauguration Chair used in the inauguration of PresiChair used in the inauguration of Presi-dent Michael D. Higginsdent Michael D. Higgins0303 Farraige- sculptural chest of draw-ers in Oak with textured finish. Private ers in Oak with textured finish. Private collection Ireland.collection Ireland.0404 Twisted shelves- bookcases with a twist in White Oak. Textured finish. a twist in White Oak. Textured finish. Private collection IrelandPrivate collection Ireland0505 Salcombe- dining table in solid ash, carved sandblasted and textured base.carved sandblasted and textured base.06 06 GRA- loveseat in sandblasted White Oak. Private collection Ireland.Oak. Private collection Ireland.0707 Wave- fumed oak cabinet featuring leather lined figured maple drawers. leather lined figured maple drawers. Privately commissioned 2012.Privately commissioned 2012.0808 Iasc- chest of drawers in fumed oak and figured maple. Textured finish. Priand figured maple. Textured finish. Pri-vate collection United Kingdom. Ireland vate collection United Kingdom. Ireland Furniture Collection.Furniture Collection.

elegant proportions and timeless design are a elegant proportions and timeless design are a reflection of the dignity of the Office of the reflection of the dignity of the Office of the President without being overwhelming or President without being overwhelming or dominating.dominating.

LHQ: You have recently exhibited work and received LHQ: You have recently exhibited work and received notable recognition at the SOFA Chicago, Collect notable recognition at the SOFA Chicago, Collect 2010 at the Saatchi Gallery in London, Design 2010 at the Saatchi Gallery in London, Design Basel in Switzerland and a commission for Áras an Basel in Switzerland and a commission for Áras an Uachtaráin. What aspirations do you have for the Uachtaráin. What aspirations do you have for the firm in the future?firm in the future?

JL: I continually aspire to perfection – both JL: I continually aspire to perfection – both in my design and craftsmanship. I hope to in my design and craftsmanship. I hope to continually keep my work vibrant and fresh continually keep my work vibrant and fresh and look forward to exhibiting exciting new and look forward to exhibiting exciting new work as opportunities arise both nationally work as opportunities arise both nationally and internationally.and internationally.

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Page 18: Living on the Edge

NoNoN . 18o 18o

$12.99WINTER 2012

LIVING ON THE EDGEStepping out of our comfort zone into unconventional designs

PLUSREGIONAL FOCUS TAHOE/ TRUCKEECATCH CABIN FEVER IN LAKE TAHOE’S LUXURY COMMUNITY

VERTEX BY KARIM RASHIDDESIGNER SHOWCASE:LINDA MCDOUGALD

DESIGNALSO:DUGALLY OBERFELDWHIPPLE RUSSELL ARCHITECTSSWABACK PARTNERS PLLC

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.

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MUST HAVE BOOKSINDUSTRY 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 contem-porary 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

THE GREAT AMERICAN HOUSE: TRADITION FOR THE WAY WE LIVE NOWGIL 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: architec-ture, decoration and landscape. Schafer melds historic and classic architecture with modern touch-es in every home he creates, resulting in a fresh, distinctive look indicative of his talents.

Rizzoli rizzoliusa.com

ALBERTO PINTO WORLD INTERIORSALBERTO 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 influ-ences. 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

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ACCL AIMCUSTOM-HOME PROJECTS OF NOTE

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 re-quested 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.

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.”

CreditsBUILDER: Rex Keele Construction

ARCHITECT: Winn Wittman

PHOTOGRAPHER: Coles Hairston

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #20 acclaim

CASA de CORAZON

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LOCATION: LAMPASAS, TXCOMPLETED: 2011

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acclaim #21

Page 22: Living on the Edge

by Deidré Davis

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 con-nects 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.

CreditsARCHITECT:Agraz Arquitectos S.C.

CO-AUTHORED WITH: Agraz Arquitectos S.C.:Elias Rizo

COLLABORATORS:Jessica MaganaJuan Antonio Jaime

CONSTRUCTION:Ing. Álvaro Martínez

THE X HOUSE

LOCATION: PUERTA DEL BOSQUEZAPOPAN, JALISCO, MEXICOCOMPLETED: 2011

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #22 acclaim

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A group of skilled and passionate innovators who plan, develop and re-envision buildings and homes for clientele across the globe.

architects #23

ARCHITECTS

CASA MELANZANA by HARRIS ARCHITECTS / P. 29

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FAMILY RITUALS CREATE HOMES WITH BUILT-IN HISTORY

Meyer Greeson Paullin Benson

The Craftsman Style Home

Location: Cashiers, NCCompleted: 2008

mgpb.com

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #24 architects

by Katjusa Cisar

Page 25: Living on the Edge

01A 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 princi-pal 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 cer-tified-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 exist-ing 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."

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 envi-ronmentally-friendly source, and these woods add a palpable sense of history to the company’s homes.

architects #25

“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

Page 26: Living on the Edge

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issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #26 architects

Craftsman Style HomeThe 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.

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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 build-ings, 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 be-ginning. 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.”

architects #27

03The kitchen’s island offers the

option for preparing food and en-

tertaining guests simultaneously.

04Natural lighting and a warm

color palette invoke relaxation

for the bathroom.

Linville Tudor Home

Location: Blowing Rock, NCCompleted: 2002

06

05

05The Tudor-style home is enliv-

ened with the lush landscaping.

06Interior finishes for the kitchen

include hardwood floors, custom-

made wood cabinets and stain-

less steel appliances.

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at youtube.com/pellawindowsanddoors.

Page 28: Living on the Edge

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Fragile. Fragile.

We don’t think of trees as We don’t think of trees as being fragile, but they are.being fragile, but they are.When you are building a new home or When you are building a new home or disturbing disturbing

the the earth around the trees in your yard it is impor-earth around the trees in your yard it is impor-

tant to consult a licensed arborist to ensure the tant to consult a licensed arborist to ensure the

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P.O. Box 61 | Penrose, NC 28766 | hctreeservice.com

828-877-6601

Page 29: Living on the Edge

Casa Melanzana

Location: Charleston, SC Completed: 2010

harrisarch.com

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, El-len, 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

01Wood shingle siding--eggplant

stained--is accented by wood

timbers and window sashes.

Roof forms and windows are

composed to reflect the Southern

Appalachian vernacular archi-

tecture. The metal roof provides

a clean contrast to the stained

wood shingle siding and timber

rafter tails.

A MOUNTAINOUS BACKDROP AND NATURAL LAND-SCAPE SPAWN THIS UNIQUE HOME

by David Hudnall

Harris Architects

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

Casa MelanzanaThe 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,” Har-ris 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.”

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“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

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #30 architects

Page 31: Living on the Edge

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 de-tails, materials and interiors ahead of time, but on Casa Melanzana, it was more of a phased ap-proach. “After we completed the exterior, we

03 04

commercial, and some work for churches, sum-mer camps and historic restorations.”

One of the most eye-catching residences in Har-ris 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 be-tween 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

architects #31

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 multi-

tiered 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

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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.”

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issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #32 architects

05

The living, dining and kitchen of

the guest house are combined

into one efficient space.

06Built-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.

07The great room fireplace features

dry stacked stone and rough

hewn a stone lintel and mantle.

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the teams #33

Expert homebuilders, adept at revamping projects individually, collaborate with other impressive craftsmen to create nearly flawless masterpieces.

THE TEAMS

NASHVILLE RESIDENCE by WOODSON GILCHRIST ARCHITECTS & DUMAIS INTERIOR DESIGN/ P. 34

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by Tara Imperatore

A TRADITIONAL NASHVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD WELCOMES A MODERN HOME WITH A DISTINCT POINT OF VIEW

Woodson Gilchrist Architects & Dumais Interior Design

Nashville Residence

Location: Nashville, TNCompleted: 2011

woodson-gilchrist.com

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #34 the teams

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Page 35: Living on the Edge

01The Karen Revis art piece cen-

tered over the staircase is an ele-

ment 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 punctu-

ates the centrally-located dining

area, becoming a statement

piece in a calm surrounding.

When picturing suburban Nashville, you prob-ably see streets lined with warm, traditional hous-es with winding driveways and covered entries—and you would usually be right, unless you are talk-ing 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 be-cause of our other work they’d seen; so they knew we do modern, but it’s not modern that’s offen-sive to the neighbors.”

Though their residential designs may not neces-sarily 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 mate-rial 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 re-vealed. 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

Nashville Residence Out of every possible design element the owners could bring over from their tradi-tional 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, un-like 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 ac-companying 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.”

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the teams #35

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04

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.”

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 re-laxed new living environment was New York interior designer Kevin Dumais. He worked closely with Woodson Gilchrist from the start

to ensure a cohesive product for the client. “Be-ing brought in at the beginning really gets you involved in the whole layout and design process of the house,” Dumais says. “Instead of decora-tion, it becomes more about a fully thought out design vocabulary with functionality, usability and detail.”

The collaboration is evident through various aspects of the interiors: the use of wood paneling and floor-to-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.”

05

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #36 the teams

04The open plan is apparent from the

entry, with views through the house

to courtyards and terraces beyond.

05The volumes defining the master

bath are clad in limestone.

06The warm colors and rich textures

used in the den were selected to

create a seductive setting to jux-

tapose the exterior glass walls.

07Floor to ceiling draperies are the

perfect framework for the stun-

ning view.

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the teams #37

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PROCTOR MARBLE & GRANITE 6100 Robertson AvenueNashville, TN 37209Phone: (615) 356-7099Fax: (615) [email protected]

PRO

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RANI

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BLE &

GRA

NITE

PRO

CTO

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RANI

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3591 South 300 West • Sa l t Lake City, UT801.293.8001

www.craftsmankitchens .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 L W O R K F O R E V E R Y R O O M I N Y O U R H O M E

S A T I S F I E D C U S T O M E R S F R O M C O A S T T O C O A S T

Page 39: Living on the Edge

Rob E McQuay Architects & Associates is a Utah-based residential and commercial design firm whose work is firmly rooted in southwest con-temporary design.

This love for design allowed for a team-based approach to spectacular custom homes with lo-cal 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 experi-ence in the field. Starting out with nearly all com-mercial 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 cus-tom homes, and about 20% are additions. How-ever, rather than thinking about the company’s work simply in terms of “style” it follows certain principles about design aimed at creating archi-tecture 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

PRESERVING INTEGRITY FOR THE NATURAL ELEMENTS OF THE LANDSCAPE

by Melissa Fears

Rob E McQuay Architects & Associates with Split Rock Development Company

Peters Residence

Location: St. George, UTCompleted: 2012

mcquayarchitects.com

the teams #39

Peters ResidenceThe 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 fram-ing 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 enti-ties. Steel beams, retractable glass win-dows 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 drought-tolerant native plants—further defines the outdoor rooms.

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01A curved path meanders its way to

the front entrance perfectly mim-

icking the flow of the structure.

02

Kitchen and dining room space

flows to an outdoor patio.

03The 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.

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 furni-ture, interiors and landscape to create cohesive design solutions.

“It tends to not be cost effective for the type of de-sign 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 cli-mate here that you can use outdoor spaces in the winter if you design them properly especially on a southern exposure. With the right depth cano-pies 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% exte-rior 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

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #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.

Metal sculptor Trent Riplinger contributed sev-eral modern ornamental steel elements, in-cluding 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.

The free-flowing open kitchen needed to be cen-tral 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 ma-hogany cabinets and concrete pillars by Scott Welch add warmth and character to the space.

“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 ero-sion. Putting a hard rectangular house in there doesn’t feel natural. The curved roofline espe-

02

03

cially took inspiration from the site.” McQuay is also designing another home in the Reserve neighborhood, which faces north over the Tor-toise 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.

McQuay’s approach of authentic and integrity in design will ensure the company’s spaces are meaningful and timeless for years to come.

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 de-

sign by others, we were given the opportunity to solve

the problem of fitting a kitchen between two curved

walls. The outcome, after careful planning and fabrica-

tion by our most skilled people, is both functional and

beautiful. Custom veneers and the latest technology

make this room exceptional.

Page 41: Living on the Edge

“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

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ACHIEVING A SIGNATURE IDENTITY AND VERSATILITY

Visbeen Architects & Mike Schaap Builders

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 get-ting 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 consist-ently published and recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and a recipient of American Residential Design awards.

by Elisa Revello

Carlton Shores

Location: Lakeside, MICompleted: 2011

visbeen.bizmikeschaapbuilders.com

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #42 the teams

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“We give the home an identity, and try to make every home as beautiful and efficient as possible,” Visbeen says.

Though they are well known in the residential realm, the firm takes on a variety of undertak-ings including work for universities and mu-seum shops.

“Our signature is versatility,” Visbeen says. “What-ever the character, quality or style, we research and develop to be as true to that style and char-acter as possible. As a solutions-driven architect and designer, I do not hold to one specific style.”

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. Recog-nized by the NAHB for exceptional projects and published in local and national magazines, MSB uniquely employs over 30 project managers, su-pervisors and craftsman, ensuring reliability and the ability to deliver the highest quality of work.

“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 endeav-or, 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 con-temporary 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 Stu-dio, Inc. to provide custom cabinetry and mill-work to serve his company and also to answer a call in the market. Carlton Shores called

01The window-lit cottage is reminis-

cent of a mountain lodge, with a

modern twist.

02

The glass-dominated walls of this

two-story, vaulted room give the

impression that the pool is outside,

instead of indoors.

03The home’s winding wooden stair-

case blends beautiful design with

an appreciation of the outdoors

by providing an array of window

vistas at each stage of the climb.

04

The home’s living room has vary-

ing shades of tan, which mixes

well with the wooden floors and

windows.

05As one room flows into the next,

this western view demonstrates

the gracious transparency of the

home design.

03 04

the teams #43

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Page 44: Living on the Edge

for one-of-a-kind finishes throughout the interior and exterior. Benchmark provided interior de-sign 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.

As for the future, MSB will continue to build homes for discerning homeowners who relish in attention to detail, as well as maintain relation-ships with clients long after move-in day.

“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 try-ing to stay ahead of the curve and with trends,” Visbeen says. “We innovate as much as anyone, creating rooms and styles.”

06The vanishing pool brings the

lake just a little closer to home.

07The impressive rear elevation of

the home takes full advantage of

the lake views atop its hill.

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issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #44 the teams

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Dedicated contractors, with a unique approach, pay keen and thoughtful attention to remodeling residences and homes from the ground up.

builders #45

BUILDERS

FRATANTONI LUXURY ESTATES / P. 60

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by Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford

TWIN CITIES FIRM ADDS NEW EMPLOYEES TO BUILD ON LEGACY OF SERVICE AND STABILITY

Stonewood, LLC

01The 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 lime-

stone patios.

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #46 builders

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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.

“We have made major enhancements in the imple-mentation 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 previ-ously 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

02

Rolling Green Residence

Location: Edina, MNCompleted: 2011

stonewood.com

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issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #48 builders

“It is fun to have to figure out how to create things that were hand-carved 150 years ago.” SVEN GUSTAFSON

Page 49: Living on the Edge

01Not your mother's form of tradi-

tional, 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.

Rolling Green ResidenceThe 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 hand-carved 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 comple-ments the casual den. Along with a workout room, sauna and steam and wine cellar, the Rolling Green Residence is the perfect com-bination of European influence for modern metropolitan living.

builders #49

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.

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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 market-ing 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 Stone-wood to avoid the cyclical ups and downs expe-rienced 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 histori-cal renovation projects instead of running after the latest architectural style or trend.”

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 resi-dence 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, Stone-wood’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 excit-ed 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

07

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #50 builders

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 profes-

sional integrity and providing extraordinary service by

every member of our plumbing team.

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 cli-ents love about us.”

Page 51: Living on the Edge

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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

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Specialities: Stucco

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Phone: (952)884-1848

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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

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Scott R. Stewart, PresidentKent Baker, Vice President

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Page 53: Living on the Edge

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 mar-ket 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.

“Since the 2010-2011 bottom we have been grow-ing rapidly, staying busy with our clients and add-ing 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 high-quality homebuilder in the Greenville/Asheville region. The company feels its Vail experience has al-lowed 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, slow-er-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 at-tention as a retirement destination, so there are always new people moving to our area,” says Foral.

Ridgeline Construction GroupREVEALS THE SECRET BEHIND ITS SUCCESS THROUGH STRONG CLIENT RELATIONS

by Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford

builders #53

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.

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Cliffs at Falls South

Location: Salem, SCCompleted: 2010

ridgelineconstructiongroup.com

Page 54: Living on the Edge

the company’s recent success. With an increase of design/build projects from clients, a higher level of customer intimacy has been needed. This re-sults in clients being assured that all projects come in on time and on budget.

“Most of our work is done for a lump sum guar-anteed 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

“People find this area extremely affordable com-pared 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 Construc-tion has made key personnel additions to maintain project management and operations efficiency.

“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 ini-tial client meeting to the end of the project.”

Building quality client relations has been the foun-dation for success for Ridgeline Construction. The refinement of internal processes has been vital for

Cliffs at Falls SouthFor 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 mono-stringer 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.

03

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #54 builders

03 04

Page 55: Living on the Edge

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 financ-ing, 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

“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.” RAY FORAL, PARTNER

04 06

builders #55

sparked the growth it is enjoying today, and it looks like it will continue well into the future.

“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 wonder-ful way now.”

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

doors . Let us do the research to find the best

windows & doors to meet your budget. Call for

an appointment to tour one of our showrooms:

828-808-4795.1300 E. Washington St. 1095

Hendersonville Hwy Greenville, SC 29607

Asheville, NC 28803

A MESSAGE FROM DETAIL SLATE AND TILE

In operation since 1995, Detail Slate and Tile

specializes in hard surface roofing including

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 special-

izing in hail claims.

05

03A custom-designed cabinetry

piece by Genesis Innovations was

built to make the dining room feel

more intimate. The piece incorpo-

rates 28 individual lights.

04The 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.

05With the use of fully-pocketing

doors in the great room, the own-

ers are able to bring the outdoors

in during the pleasant spring and

fall seasons.

06The screened porch with flagstone

flooring provides an outdoor living

room with a fireplace, TV and

amazing views of Lake Keowee.

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WWW.AVIGNONSTONE.COM970 476.5560 Vail, Colorado

www.thewindowgal.com | 828-808-4795 | www.thehomechoice.net

Home Choice, the area’s leading window and door specialists, connects you with the f inest 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.

Page 57: Living on the Edge

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.

“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 differ-ent from the next.

“Whether it’s a small project or a new house, we’re working in a very custom area,” Amass says. “Cus-tom 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.”

Log cabins, majestic stone builds, stunning mountain contemporary, shabby chic cottages, Mastiff’s projects are certainly varied. The com-pany’s dexterity with style is something that Amass sees as a necessity. “We change and de-velop 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.”

CRAFTING WORKS OF ART FROM THE GROUND UP

by Jamie Farshchi

Mastiff Development

builders #57

01This 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.

02

Elegant Cabintetry designed the

custom kitchen that is spacious,

yet warm and welcoming.

Cordillera Remodel

Location: Edwards, COCompleted: 2012

mastiffdevelopment.com

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issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #58 builders

“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

03

Page 59: Living on the Edge

To Amass, visualization of the finished product, of the way the client will live and the way the resi-dence 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 under-stand 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 De-velopment’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 schoolhous-es, adorn new builds and remodels alike. The resulting aesthetic is at home in the Colorado landscape and a feature of mountain contempo-rary builds.

“We’ve gotten the opportunity to build some very cool homes,” says Amass, “and I’m grateful for that.”

03Views of the second floor railing

show the home’s kitchen.

04Home and Hearth Exchange built

the custom fireplace in the home

and the stone work was done by

Avignon Stone.

05The custom-made stairs were

completed by Sawhorse Con-

struction and the steelwork was

done by AG Wielding.

builders #59

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 custom-

ers. 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.

04 05

Page 60: Living on the Edge

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #60 builders

Fratantoni Luxury Estates

01Courtyards are a feature in nearly all of the company’s designs. This space fea-tures cut flagstone flooring and a “Tobacco-Brown” Cantera stone fireplace.

02Sprawling green hills frame this Spanish Colonial-style home located in the Scotts-dale area.

RETHINKING HOMEBUILDING BY MARRYING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

by Amy Howell Hirt

Page 61: Living on the Edge

builders #61

It is not surprising that Sam and Josie Fratanto-ni--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.

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, per-sonalization 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 con-venience, allowing the Fratantoni’s to coordinate the sale of a client’s existing home with the com-pletion 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 com-pleted, is draped in high-end, Old-World finishes including hand-scraped walnut floors, hand-carved 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-Ze-ro refrigerator and Wolf 60-inch range integrated into the custom cabinetry and two warming draw-ers concealed in a furniture-style island, with the wiring placed in one of the legs.

The homes, which can be built in established com-munities or individual lots, almost always have courtyards that take advantage of the area’s ideal climate and natural beauty – including the Mc-Dowell Mountains and the Sonoran Desert. With welcoming details like Cantera stone fireplaces, plentiful seating and islands of landscaping inter-spersed in the flagstone, the courtyards become

Private Residence

Location: Scottsdale, AZCompleted: 2009

fratantoniluxuryestates.com

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03The family room features a retractable glass wall and furniture from John-Richard, designed by Josie.

04The 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 herringbone-pattern travertine flooring and tile wainscoting from Sonoma Tilemakers.

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #62 builders

Private ResidenceCreating 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 co-founder 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 hand-scraped walnut floors, custom tilework and heavy furniture-style 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.

05The sophisticated French-European-style kitchen features hand-painted backsplash tiles, Calcutta marble countertops and a multi-tiered chan-delier with amber-colored crystals by Tracy Porter.

06The family room features travertine flooring in a “Versailles pattern” that extends to the outdoor living area.

03 04

Page 63: Living on the Edge

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RLF PAINTING

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 com-pletely open. The courtyard often connects to the home’s other livable areas via retractable glass walls, “exponentially expanding the enter-taining space,” Josie says.

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

A MESSAGE FROM RLF PAINTING

Looking for a team of painting professionals to handle

tricky paint applications, difficult color matching or spe-

cialty finishes? With decades of experience, RLF Painting

has painted thousands of homes and we will take special

care of yours. We are not just painters, we are craftsmen,

and we have been painters for Fratantoni Luxury Estate

for 20 years. For more info visit www.RLFPainting.com.

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.”

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by Tara Imperatore

HIGHLY DETAILED, ARCHITECTURALLY-DESIGNED HOMES ARE TRADEMARKS OF THESE LUXURY ARTISANS

Pyramid Builders

01The 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.

03With views of the lake, the outdoor

entertaining space overlooks the

terrace pool and poolhouse.

“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.”

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 work-ing to actualize a design idea by a home owner, in-terior 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 in-tent 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, ar-chitecturally-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 de-tailed 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

Wye River Project

Location: Queen's Town, MDCompleted: 2010

pyramid-builders.com

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2130 Renard CourtAnnapolis, MD 21401

800.966.8812 | 410.266.9040

CookElectric.biz

Wiring: Cat 5 Cable | Marina | Pier

Pool | Spa |Structured

Lighting: Dimmers | Energy Efficient

Relamping | Landscape | Recessed

Electrical Repairs | Free Estimates Generators and Much More!

Wye River Project Surrounded by rolling farm land and picturesque views of the Wye River running into the Chesa-peake 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 sal-vaged 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.

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 dedi-cated 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 explain-ing 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.”

For Anderson, building a “real” business meant not only being accomplished, but having the op-portunity to leave behind a legacy. “The family

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 memo-rable 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,

residential and service customers has always been

our top priority. Cook Electric enjoys a great working

relationship with Pyramid Builders and wishes them

great success in the future.

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KAWEAH CIRCLE BY MARK TANNER CONSTRUCTION / P. 68

REGIONAL FOCUS:MARTIS CAMP/LAKE TAHOE

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 com-

bines 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 well-

rounded 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

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Page 67: Living on the Edge

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, sustainabil-

ity 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 out-

door 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 liv-

ing 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 de-

sign 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 archi-

tecture that enforces and grows out of the natural environ-

ment and indigenous architecture of a region.”

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Kaweah Circle

Location: Truckee, CA Completed: 2010marktannerconstruction.com

ARCHITECTLot C Architecture Jason Wooleylotcarchitecture.com

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HOME BUILDER APPLIES UNIQUE SPIN ON CLASSIC MATERIALS FOR MOUNTAIN HOME

by Kimberly Nichols

Mark Tanner Construction

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 con-trasting 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 cen-ter 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 sophis-ticated 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.”

01An unorthodox approach to

taxidermy, the glass deer provides

sharp relief against the blue steel

fireplace.

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02A sliding barn door and rustic white

wall cladding provides a great contrast

to the modern window treatment and

platform bed.

03Reclaimed wood is mixed with repur-

posed tin corrugated roofing in the

kitchen, contrasting with the modern

stainless steel appliances.

04Nooks and crannies, pop-out window

seats and built-in, custom furniture are

found throughout.

05The 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.

06The children’s bunk room sleeps seven

and includes a ‘crow’s nest’ bed reached

by a rope ladder.

07Clean lines juxtaposed with warm ma-

terials and the built-in banquet provide

great versatility in the sitting area.

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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 bar-rels that is already brined, making it extra durable.”

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 volu-minous 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 construc-tion 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.”

“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.”MARK TANNER, OWNER

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Page 72: Living on the Edge

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: 2010cordaconstruction.com

ARCHITECTSWard Young Architects wyarch.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

Bethe Cohen Design Associates bethecohen.com

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORGreen Envygreenenvyinc.com

WINDOWS Sierra Pacific Windows sierrapacificwindows.com

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Page 73: Living on the Edge

This year, Corda Construction celebrated thirty years of business in both the commercial and high-end 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 Residen-tial 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 com-mercial projects. This experience in building both multi-million dollar custom homes and large com-mercial projects has allowed Corda’s custom home clients to get the internal advantage of a com-mercial 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.”

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regional focus: martis camp #73

01The casual dining room featuring

a double-sided fireplace is sur-

rounded by elegant lighting and

floor-to-ceiling windows.

02

The mountain-style home of-

fers views of the enivornment

and captures natural light

with expansive floor-to-ceiling

windows along the backside of

the home.

03A sleek, wooden door slides

open to reveal a home office.

Page 74: Living on the Edge

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 contem-porary 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 homeown-ers 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

04The kitchen looks out onto the trees

around the home.

05Massive windows in the home's

living space bring the beauty of

the outdoors in.

06

A crystal-blue pool and jacuzzi cre-

ate a unique and relaxed addition

to the area.

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.

“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 pi-geonhole any one residence.”

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issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #74 regional focus: martis camp

A MESSAGE FROM BETHE COHEN DESIGN GROUP

Bethe Cohen Design Associates has been

creating striking residential and com-

mercial spaces for over twenty-five years.

Bethe Cohen and Creative Director, Vivian

Soliemani lead a full staff of designers

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 award-

winning staff has become well known for

their creativity, attention to detail, and

dedication to designing meaningful space.

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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.

“The owner is a pilot with an infectious affinity for curved roofs,” says Brobst when discussing the hori-zontal 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.”

Floor-to-ceiling mahogany windows reinforce this streamlined aesthetic by presenting a cohesive resi-dential space that seamlessly meshes the indoors with the outdoors, allowing occupants a unique perspec-tive of a panoramic landscape while remaining com-fortably 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 addi-tions 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.”

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 inter-

action 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 motor-

ized arm that tucks away under the bed when not in use.

INTERNATIONAL AVIATION MUSEUM BECOMES INSPIRATION FOR CALIFORNIA HOME

by Kimberly Nichols

Ward Young Architects

Martis Camp Lot 197 Location: Placer County, CA Completed: 2010wyarch.com

BUILDERCorda Construction cordaconstruction.com

INTERIOR DESIGNIMI Design imidesignstudio.com

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORGreen Envygreenenvyinc.com

WINDOWS/WOODWORK Architectural Traditions architecturaltraditions.com

HOME ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM Sierra Integrated Systems sierraintegratedsystems.com

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“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

Even though the home is modern, there are indigenous touches like a nod to the area’s log-ging 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 gor-geous landscape while still maintaining that rustic feel.”

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #78 regional focus: martis camp

05Colorful furniture accents the rear

terrace, which is finished with a

black limestone tile and pebble

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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.

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Lodge Cabin 286

Location: Truckee, CACompleted: 2012waltonae.com

BUILDERJim Morisson Construction jimmorrisonconstruction.com

INTERIOR DESIGNSarah Jones Interior Design sarahjonesinteriordesign.com

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORLasting Landscapeslastinglandscapestahoe.com

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Page 81: Living on the Edge

01A 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 modestly-

decorated dining room.

03The 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.

PROVIDING YEAR-ROUND LUXURY IN THE HIGH SIERRAS

by Chris L. Terry

Walton Architecture & Engineering Inc.

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 boat-ing 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 prin-cipal 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 collab-orative 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 pre-miere 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

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At night, Lodge Cabin 289’s exterior

is well lit and welcoming.

06Straying from a normal office

environment, the home boasts spec-

tacular views during work hours.

07A large kitchen in Lodge Cabin 289

is anything but rustic, with new

appliances and sleek decor.

08Bar seating in the kitchen pro-

motes bringing families together.

09In the living room, a fireplace is

nestled next to a large television,

both of which enhance the desire

for “rest and relaxation.”

10A spa-like bathroom in the cabin is

the provides the perfect escape.

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Lodge Cabin 289

Location: Truckee, CACompleted: 2012

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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 cre-ativity come together into an art form that is usable.”

“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

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Martis Camp Lot #19

Location: Tahoe, CACompleted: 2011bruceolsonconstruction.com

ARCHITECTOlson-Olson Architects ooadesign.com

HARDWARESun Valley Bronze sunvalleybronze.com

INTERIOR DESIGNCatherine MacFee Interior Designmacfeeinteriordesign.com

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01The 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 sum-

mer evenings.

02

The master bath features a gran-

ite 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.

04The 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.

CAREFULLY SELECTED AND ARTFULLY-CRAFTED HOMES FROM THE OUTSIDE IN

by Chris L. Terry

Bruce Olson Construction

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.

“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 half-bathroom 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 Mar-tis Camp. Considering how nice the house is to look at, the privacy is almost a shame.

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“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 con-nection 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’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 par-ticular 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 is thrilled with the results, citing the team-work 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.”

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05

Large upper decks off the bed-

rooms, extensive ground level pa-

tio 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.

A MESSAGE FROM OLSON-OLSON ARCHITECTS

Olson-Olson Architects is a collaborative design

studio founded by husband and wife team Molly and

Robb Olson. Both licensed architects (CA, HI, NV),

Robb and Molly have assembled a highly trained and

exceptionally creative team of designers (archi-

tectural and interior), agency interface specialists,

and project management staff. OOA often works in

partnership with Bruce Olson Construction to deliver

a true design build experience while also indepen-

dently offering site planning, architectural design,

interior design, and real estate marketing services.

The combined talents of its staff, partnership with

Bruce Olson Construction, and varied services offer

clients fresh perspectives, innovation, and proven

techniques for a truly well executed project.

A MESSAGE FROM OLSON-OLSON ARCHITECTS (SVB)

With our commitment to quality and craftsmanship,

we are proud to be the SunValley Bronze dealer

serving the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding ar-

eas in California and Nevada. For twenty years, Sun

Valley Bronze has handcrafted and hand finished

solid bronze architectural hardware. Their extensive

product line includes door, window, and cabinet

hardware, kitchen and bath accessories, gate

latches, plumbing fixtures and a multitude of finish-

ing touches that include electrical cover plates, tile,

and house numbers. For those in the Lake Tahoe

area seeking hardware with integrity and ingenuity,

Olson-Olson Architects is your exclusive Sun Valley

Bronze dealer.

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olson-olson architects . california . hawaii . nevada . www.ooadesign.com

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by Chris L. Terry

BUILDING LUXURY LIVING FOR EVERY SEASON AT MARTIS CAMP

Jim Morrison Construction

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 cen-tered 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 sanc-tuary in your sitting room,” says Morrison. “It makes the bedrooms feel a little more special than your typical master bedroom.”

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 be-hind 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.”

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 out-side. “It brings people into the environment that they're there for,” says Morrison. “It's a special spot in the house.”

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 show-ing 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.”

01Earth tones coupled with warm

lighting create a cozy feel perfect

for relaxing in the sitting area.

02

Natural wood beams, floors and

dining table create the perfect set-

ting for a rustic dining experience.

01

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03The mountainous environment

frames the perimeter giving the

home’s exterior a warm welcome.

04Retractable doors provide the

home with an indoor outdoor din-

ing opportunity.

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04

Valhalla Drive

Location: Truckee, CA Completed: 2011

jimmorrisonconstruction.com

SYSTEMS INTEGRATIONHood Branco Innovations hb-innovations.com

WOODWORKINGWestern Woodworking westernwoodworking.net

WINDOWSSierra Pacific Windowssierrapacificwindows.com

Page 90: Living on the Edge

Before starting his company, Morrison was a pro-fessional skier who competed in free-skiing con-tests 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.

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.”

05High ceilings and expansive

windows breathe life into the

spacious sitting area.

06Neutral colors blend with the

rustic cabin feel for the large

bathroom.

07The small stone patio provides

seating for a small gathering

with views of the forest.

“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

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NATURAL ELEMENTS MIX WITH MANMADE SKILLS ON LAKESIDE PROPERTY

by Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford

Sandbox Studio

A house on the lake is as traditional as the Ameri-can dream, and Sandbox has been helping its cli-ents 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.

“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 ef-ficient and accurate with our process. We stay on the cutting edge for a seamless process that ben-efits our clients.”

One client that recently benefited was from the Lake Tahoe project that was completed in spring

of 2012. As expected, the Lake Tahoe setting had various effects on the project, from the down slop-ing 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.

The lakefront property was built eco-friendly, with redwood siding made from a salvaged rail-road bridge. In the guest room bathroom the sink is made out of a hollowed-out boulder.

“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 hand-forged 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 de-signed for guests. The lower level features three

VIEW OF THE PASTThe 40-foot kitchen table over-looks fir trees and the remnant buildings of a prior cottage, which was sold and relocated to a neighbouring property.

01The exterior of this Lake Tahoe Home has an expansive deck that blends in with the slatted wood structure of the home.

regional focus: martis camp #91

Lake Tahoe HomeLocation: Truckee, CACompleted: 2012thesandboxstudio.com

BUILDERLoverde Builders loverdebuilders.com

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A stone and grass walkway leads to

the stone and wood residence sur-

rounded 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.

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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.

“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 incorpo-rated decks or terraces in almost every room to have access to the outdoors.”

regional focus: martis camp #93

Gillespie counts the Lake Tahoe project as one of the best in his company’s portfolio. And as Sand-box continues to expand, he still holds fast to the principles he implemented in 2001.

“You have to understand your market and be will-ing 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.”

“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.” SCOTT GILLESPIE, PRINCIPAL

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Fernwood FollyLocation: Donner, CACompleted: 2010tahoearchitect.com

BUILDER/GCGalletto Constructiongallettoconstruction.com

Black Diamond Construction

CUSTOM WOODWORKHigh Sierra Custom Door

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01The subtle forest view of the resi-

dence feathers into the landscape,

yet opens for the passive solar gain.

02

The kitchen features custom

cabinetry with backlit ground glass

sliding doors.

 

03A modern open floor plan offers

views of the dining room, kitchen

and entry off the left.

04Step 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 ac-

centuate the sitting room area.

SHEDDING LIGHT ON CALIFORNIA’S CONTEMPORARY MOUNTAIN HOMES

by Kimberly Nichols

J.L.S. Design

Nestled among spires of pine in the Tahoe Don-ner 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. De-sign. “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 moun-tain 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 de-sign 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 mate-rial 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 homeown-ers 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.”

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regional focus: martis camp #95

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integrity

quality

CuStomer ServiCe

530.583.4708

gallettoConStruCtion.Com

Ca liCenSe: # 527546

With this minimal aesthetic in mind, Joel likes to design from a “skeletal approach” using the ar-chitecture’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.

“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.”

07

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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 minimal-istic but still reflective of the home’s interior structure.

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.

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MOUNTAIN MODERN HOMES BLEND SELECTIVITY AND STYLE

by Elisa Revello

John Brink Construction

After earning a business degree, John Brink trav-eled 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 ma-jestic 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, al-lows him to work closely with clients and to be particular about projects.

Brink Construction recently finished Arrowcreek, a home within a planned community at the base of Mount Rose just south of Reno, which exhibits

a growing movement in style in the region. Brink says while homes in Tahoe/Truckee typically showcase the traditional mountain-style architec-ture, there is a burgeoning trend toward a con-temporary look.

“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.

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 cli-ent, 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 struc-ture 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 fram-ing a house, you have to execute a high degree of craftsmanship because you are not covering up the structure,” Brink says.

ArrowcreekLocation: Reno, NVCompleted: 2009johnbrinkconstruction.com

INTERIOR DESIGNERDomus Design Groupdomusdesign.com

regional focus: martis camp #97

01A contemporary-style home

sits serenely against the

mountainous landscape.

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For Arrowcreek, Brink mostly used smooth wall, meaning the walls had to be exact, and the com-pany 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 Arrow-creek. “I find this whole trend towards mountain contemporary really exciting,” Brink says. “I like the look and feel, the cleaner lines and minimal-ism. But I also find this style more challenging. It’s fun and more challenging to build a contem-porary house.”

“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

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02

The living area is warmed by a

modern fireplace, and is situated

near the dining area.

03A perfect view of Reno can be

enjoyed over a nice meal at the

home’s dining table.

04The kitchen boasts swivel bar

chairs and sleek modern cabinetry.

05Art scattered throughout the hall-

way pairs nicely with the area rug.

06The bedroom windows serve as

frames for the Nevada scenery.

04

05

06

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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 eco-friendly 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 set-ting for the family, whether you are three years old or 83 years old.”

The offerings include state-of-the-art commu-nity buildings, including the Gate House, Camp Lodge, Family Barn and Lost Library. At over

The phrase ‘one-of-a-kind’ is often used in archi-tecture 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 al-ready 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 spokes-man. “Martis Camp fits perfectly into the land-scape. People see how enriched the environment

by Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford

MOTHER NATURE CREATES SCENERY FOR THE ULTIMATE RESORT EXPERIENCE

Martis Camp

“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

The Lookout LodgeLocation: Truckee, CACompleted: 2012martiscamp.com

ARCHITECTWalton Architecture + Engineeringwaltonae.com

BUILDER/GC Hayhoe Construction hayhoeconstruction.com

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01Massive beams create structural in-

tegrity and lead the eye out towards

the stunning wall of windows.

02

The interior of the Lookout Lodge

has ample seating and an impres-

sive stone fireplace.

03The Family Barn features a game

room with two pool tables and a

collection of vintage games, includ-

ing shuffleboard to Pac-Man.

04The Lost Library is a rustic place

to enjoy a warm drink by the fire-

place, while getting lost in a great

piece of literature.

regional focus: martis camp #101

50,000 square feet, Camp Lodge is home to lux-ury 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’s-style malt shop restaurant.

For the best of outdoors and entertainment in one setting, Martis Camp offers an outdoor con-cert 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 treas-ure 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 park-ing 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 rein-vention 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.”

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The company’s dedication to the client has re-sulted 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 Ar-chitects 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.”

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 Archi-tects. “We work with the client closely through-out the process and in the end you see the cli-ent’s fingerprints all over the project.”

CONSISTENT QUALITY CLIENTS KEY TO FIRM’S SUCCESS

Faulkner Architects

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #102 regional focus: martis camp

by Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford

Martis Camp Lot 155

Location: Truckee, CACompleted: 2010faulknerarchitects.net

BUILDER/GCEthan Allen Construction ethanallenconstruction.com

INTERIOR DESIGNERJudy Weirick Interiors

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTSilvertip Landscaping

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To accommodate the surroundings, steel, con-crete 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 mate-rials 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.

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Simonian FlooringCarpet

Ceramic TileVinyl Hardwood

250 Village Blvd.Incline Village, NV 89451

(775)831-8860

www.simonian� ooring.com

01Concrete, 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.

02

03

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 re-quested by the client.

“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.”

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 Floor-

ing is there to provide excellent quality and

courteous service with flooring that sets a

statement for every room.

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ADC TahoePRESERVING 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 Associa-tion 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 build-ing and protecting the environment.”

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.

Green Dream Home

Location: Incline Village, NV Completed: 2011adctahoe.com

ARCHITECTSGilanFarr + Associates Architecturegilanfarrarchitects.com

FLOORSSimonian Flooring simonianflooring.com

LIGHTING DESIGNLight + Spacelightandspace.com

LUMBERPacific Forest Lumberpacificforestlumber.com

Alcal Specialty Contractingalcal.com

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Tahoe has a natural beauty that local organiza-tions 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 mis-sion of Tahoe-area planned luxury development

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01The master bath has an impres-

sive vanity situated near a deluxe

steam shower.

02The guest suite boasts a small

hanging locker adjacent to a cozy

“office” area.

03The home features an energy

star-rated composite roofing with

copper edge.

04The open living room allows for

views to the kitchen, which blends

with the rest of the decor.

“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

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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.”

Page 106: Living on the Edge

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Page 107: Living on the Edge

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.

designers #107

DESIGNERS

BIDDLESTONE COTTAGE (CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA) by LINDA L. FLOYD, INC INTERIOR DESIGN / P. 111

Page 108: Living on the Edge

While Jamie Beckwith’s professional titles include interior designer, product designer, manufacturer and entrepreneur, she sees her most important ap-pointment 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, Beck-with’s talent for translation has been the perfect fit for addressing this influx of diversity.

“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.

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 trades-men 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.

CREATING BEAUTY IN BLENDED SPACES

by Amy Howell Hirt

Beckwith Interiors

Forest Hills ResidenceMuch 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 proj-ects that we’ve done,” Beckwith says. To achieve the transitional style that the homeown-ers 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.

Forest Hills Residence

Location: Nashville, TN Completed: 2012

beckwithinteriors.com

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #108 designers

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01Shaker-style cabinet doors play

off distressed armoire-style

cabinetry, from Holden Brothers

Custom Cabinets & Interiors.

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02

In the master bedroom, Beck-

with achieved a “soft but not too

feminine” look through details like

a custom upholstered headboard

and cool-toned 1960’s artwork.

03The living room, which is situat-

ed near the dining/kitchen area,

is blanketed in subtle tones with

pops of emerald green.

Page 110: Living on the Edge

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 continu-ally 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 Beck-with Collection.

While stunning, all of her designs are based on mar-rying 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 un-expected cowhide rug in a master bathroom, straying from traditional mundane rugs.

“We wanted to give them something that was beau-tiful but also suitable for the water and humidity,” Beckwith says.

Beckwith admits some clients pursue, “beauty over function,” but maintains her focus on deliver-ing 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.”

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The master bath features a

unique round cowhide rug by

artist Kyle Bunting and custom

walnut cabinetry designed by

Holden Brothers.

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A cool color palette creates a

crisp feel when partnered with

the clean modern lines of the

master shower.

“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

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #110 designers

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SPECIALIZING IN CLASSICAL DESIGN WITH A EUROPEAN INFLUENCE

by Isabel Eva Bohrer

Linda L. Floyd, Inc. Interior Design

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 wood-working 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 per-fect 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.”

Biddlestone Cottage (Carmel-by-the-Sea) 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 farm-house 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. An-tique French shelving completes the bistro look. Straying from ordinary, conventional kitchens, a mix of artwork and other acces-sories 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.

Biddlestone Cottage:(Carmel-by-the-Sea)

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CACompleted: 2010

lindafloyd.com

designers #111

Page 112: Living on the Edge

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 construc-tion 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.”

Centuries old antiques punctuate every room. “A prized 18th century-Gobelin tapestry, ‘The Fish-erman’ by Francois Desportes, available through

01The exterior of Biddlestone Cottage

is comprised of stone imported

from France, leaded glass windows

and timbering.

02

The antique terracotta hood with a

new coat of plaster in the kitchen

comes from an 18th-century build-

ing in Nice, France.

03The sitting room has paneling re-

produced from a 19th-century hotel,

an 18th-century French fireplace,

an antique chandelier from France

and Reposse drapery pelmets from

England.

04The family room’s antique French

fireplace houses antique French

singing bird cages.

02 03

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #112 designers

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Page 113: Living on the Edge

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.

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Julia Morgan Estate

Location: Saratoga, CACompleted: 2008

designers #113

A MESSAGE FROM LARSON TILE AND STONE

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a reputation as the company to go to for tile and stone.

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05The 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.

Page 114: Living on the Edge

LARSON TILE & STONE

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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.

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Page 115: Living on the Edge

VETERAN TRAVELER USES THE WORLD AS A MUSE

by Katjusa Cisar

Studio 8 Design

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 prod-uct 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 one-quarter French, was raised in an, “unconventional Asian household.” He attributes a childhood full of travel — and his open-minded parents — with al-lowing 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, luxuri-ous. 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 chan-delier in the living room that adds a hint of a Texas cattle ranch vibe.

designers #115

Dallas Private Residence

Location: Dallas, TX Completed: 2011

studio8interiordesign.com

Page 116: Living on the Edge

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-

01The living room’s design evolved

around the horn chanelier. The

client wanted to capture a New York

City “boutique hotel” vibe.

02

Ho brought in outdoor key elements

by introducing the gray, warm

neutrals of the morning light and

mixing them with blue tones.

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. “Some-times I get so calm I need some excitement. It's a balance.”

Ho's fusion of contemporary and classic design al-lows 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

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03The master suite was designed

with a softer look, contrasting the

masculine elements of the rest of

the home.

04The master bath has an Asian

influence, with a Buddha mural

reflecting in the mirror.

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.”

Page 117: Living on the Edge

Custom Beachfront Homesites

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Located minutes south of Laguna Beach, sitting a mere 25 feet above the white sand, our 121-acre

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Page 118: Living on the Edge

NATURAL INTERIORS FROM AN INDEPENDENT VISIONARY

by David Hudnall

Kit Design Studio

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 responsibili-ties,” 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 as-sistant, 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,

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 ac-cents 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.”

Strateman Residence:

Location: Laguna Beach, CACompleted: 2009

kitdesignstudio.com

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #118 designers

Page 119: Living on the Edge

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.

“Many of my residential clients are CEO’s who are proud of their companies,” he says. “When

01In 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.

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The living room features armless

leather chairs by Christian

Liaigre, a coffee table by Suther-

land 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 Resi-dence. We talked, and then decided to meet at the Strateman Residence. It was the first interview

designers #119

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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 wa-

vescrashing outside your window and dolphins playing

in the surf, and end with magnificent sunsets and moon-

lit 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, ocean-

view parks and coastal trails. The best of Southern

Orange County, including restaurants, recreation, dining

and entertainment, is just minutes away.

Page 120: Living on the Edge

A focus on the breadth of work from design professionals who have set the standard for creating grand and imaginative projects around the world.

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #120 designer showcase

DESIGNER SHOWCASE

01Central 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.

Page 121: Living on the Edge

Linda McDougald DesignPostcard from Paris HomeLinda 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 19th-

century 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

Page 122: Living on the Edge

Today, Linda McDougald Design, the design arm of the business, offers comprehensive design ser-vices to clients worldwide. McDougald, principal and lead designer of the firm, is intimately in-volved 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-square-foot showroom houses everything from furnish-ings to dinnerware to vintage jewelry. McDou-gald 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 ser-vices,” 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 busi-ness. A testament not only to the integrity of the work but also to the relationships built through-out 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.

The Lake Keowee home was a collaborative work between the owners, Linda McDougald Design, Johnston Design Group, Seamon Whiteside + As-

Williams/Ervin Residence

Location: Keowee, SCCompleted: 2011postcardfromparishome.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

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issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #122 designer showcase

03An 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, Wa-

terworks and Sonoma Tilemak-

ers tile and an antique fireback

behind the Lacanche range.

05In 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.

06The Lacanche steel and nickel

range made in Burgundy, France

is the centerpiece of the kitchen.

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them the edge they were looking for.” The home is resplendent; a southern estate with a contem-porary 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,” Mc-Dougald 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,” Mc-Dougald says. McDougald takes joy in bringing something new and unexpected to her clients.

“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.”

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,” Mc-Dougald says. “We see this as an important jour-ney for them and we develop and maintain many wonderful relationships during that time.”

The clients wanted a sophisticated, LEED-certified 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 Dal-las, TX. That is, of course, until they came across Linda McDougald Design, who employs LEED and Green AP-certified designers as well as de-signers 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

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issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #124 designer showcase

07The guest bedroom is cleanly-

designed with built-in cabinets

and drawers along the wall.

08Barbara Barry sofa, Lillian

August leather upholstered otto-

man and Century chairs create a

comfortable seating area within

the media room.

09The sitting area has a towering

coursed limestone fireplace

accented by a 19th-century iron

door from Italy.

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Williams/Ervin ResidenceThis 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 monu-mental 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.

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CONTEMPORARY OASIS

Copper Sky Residence

Location: PrivateCompleted: 2011

swabackpartners.com

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CUSTOM FEATURES DEFINE A MODERN-SYLE HOUSE AND BREATHE

LIFE IN THE ARIZONA DESERTTEXT: MELISSA FEARS PHOTOS: BILL TIMMERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

01The focal point for this split-level West Coast home are the indoor and outdoor spaces dispersed throughout.

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The 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 some-thing 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, Wet-zel says. They then bring the design to fruition and built form.

“We have fun with our projects, creativity and budget,” says Wetzel. “Our at-tention 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.”

Having an interior design team in the office helps with the overall dialog of each project, Wetzel says.

“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.

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02Sleek lines and a minimal-istic design palette create a relaxed evnironment for this sitting area.

03Sliding doors create an intimate space for the well appointed media room.

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COPPER SKY RESIDENCEThis 13,000-square-foot residence in Arizona is com-posed of three stories, which has a split floor plan. In-tegration 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 eight-foot 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 so-lar 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 drag-on granite and a high-gloss custom color cabinet.

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #130 contemporary oasis

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04Twin console tables pop with color adding character to the stone hallway.

05The glass wall allows for natural light to stream into the home while providing views of the pool and rocky landscape.

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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.

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.

“We used the original landscape palette and its weathered penny copper col-or, which blends with the darker boulders,” says Wetzel. “The mason stone has hues and colors of the surrounding desert.”

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #132 contemporary oasis

06Perched in the middle of a mountain-ous landscape, the home shimmers like a diamond when the desert sun shines on the copper roof.

07The courtyard offers views of the front entryway, living room and kitchen areas.

A MESSAGE FROM AVAI

AVAI empowers our clients to spend less time dealing with tech-

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06

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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.

FROM FRENCH CHATEAU TO CUTTING EDGE

The Age of Elegance

Page 135: Living on the Edge

Newport Coast Residence

Location: Newport Coast, CACompleted: 2011

dugally-oberfeld.com

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T he saying may go, “Two’s company, three’s a crowd,” but for the principals of Dugally Oberfeld, three is the perfect number. Mauri-cio 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 construc-tion 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.

“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

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02The home features stone archways framed with lush landscape.

03Plush outdoor seating offers a relaxing environment with views of the sprawling hills and trees.

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04The three-story European-style home showcases a large pool with mosaic detailing. 05Built-ins, crown-molding and unique interior detailing add character to this comfortable office.

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the age of elegance #139

06Expansive countertops and ample cabinet space prepare the kitchen for entertaining large dinner gatherings.

07The unique custom-made fireplace is the focal point in the sitting area.

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08The bathroom is enlivened with pops of pink and the handmade mosaic sink.

09The exterior of the home fea-tures 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, Partnerissue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com

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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 prod-uct 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 com-pany 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

Newport Coast ResidenceNewport 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 detail-ing. Inside, a golf training facility with a chipping and putting range ensures the owner can prac-tice 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.

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10A blast of colors add per-sonality to the large master bathroom.

11Organization is a must with the master walk-in closet fea-turing wood and glass doors.

12A golf training facility with a chipping and putting range ensures the owner can prac-tice at his convenience.

13The golf training area not only offers practice but leisure.

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JONES Roofing Inc.SPECIALISTS IN TILE & FIRE RESISTANT ROOFING SYSTEMS

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Jones Roof ing provides the custom home builder with the utmost quality, dedication, integrity, high standards of

excellence and outstanding service.

CONTACT US

4535 Bella Vista DriveMoorpark, CA 93021

Bruce Jones, Owner805-523-8472

jonesroof [email protected]

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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 thriv-ing 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.”

12

13

A MESSAGE FROM JONES ROOFING, INC.

Jones Roofing Inc. has a strong commitment to excellence with contractors, home-

owners, 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.

Page 144: Living on the Edge

A POSH PLAYPAD

A VAST CULTURAL BACKGROUND AND THOUGHTFUL GUIDANCE LEND TO SUCCESS FOR CALIFORNIA FIRM BY ISABEL EVA BOHRER PHOTOS BY WILLIAM MACCOLLUM

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #144 a posh playpad

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01Whimsy and playfulness are exhibited in the home’s exte-rior, 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, CACompleted: 2011

whipplerussell.com

a posh playpad #145

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“T“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 environ-ments,” 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, Whip-ple 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 sensibil-ity 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 influ-ences add another layer of elegance and perspective, which is then combined with an avid interest in modern materials and methods.”

02

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com#146 a posh playpad

02Slip out of bed and take a dip in the pool, which can be seen from wall-to-wall windows in the bedroom.

03Dining al fresco has never looked so good. Beyond the electric blue pool, diners take in views of Los Angeles and Catalina Island beyond.

04Sit 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.”

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05The 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.

06The 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.

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After completing his education at Eton College and London’s prestigious Archi-tectural Association School of Architecture, he became the protégé of interna-tionally-renowned architect George Vernon Russell. Russell, creator of show-stoppers 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 exceed-ing 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

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9010 Hopen PlaceOne of Whipple Russell’s most recent proj-ects 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/mis-tress bedroom can remain open to sun and views, or provide a more secluded atmo-sphere 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.

a posh playpad #149

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P. 323.965.5555 F.310.943.32228581 SANTA MONICA BLVD #204

LOS ANGELES, CA 90069

www.BOWERYDEVELOPMENT.com

A MESSAGE FROM BOWERY DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

Bowery Design and Develop-

ment 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

strong design aesthetic, invalu-

able insight and resources, and

work hard to exceed our client’s

expectations.

form part of Whipple’s creative process. “Whether a project en-compasses 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.”

Though each of Whipple’s designs is unique, “all are infused with drama, with certain elements of the building evoking awe in own-ers and their guests at each arrival,” he says. Drama is what, “cre-ates a place where people long to be.”

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com

08A study in contrasts. The orange clad bathroom adds to the owner’s desire for fun mixed with sophistication.

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A look into how industry professionals turn lackluster spaces into livable, yet intriguing residences.

projects #151

PROJECTS

3003 THE STRAND by TOMARO DESIGN GROUP / P. 154

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3003 The Strand

Location: Hermosa Beach, CACompleted: 2008

tomaro.com

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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 Manhat-tan 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 image-sharing sites like houzz.com. “We’re not looking for them to give us a layout. We really just

projects #153

INSPIRING CLIENTS TO DREAM OUTSIDE THE BOX

by Katjusa Cisar

Tomaro Design Group

01Tomaro Design Group infuses a

variety of elements on the home’s

exterior, including brick and glass.

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“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.” RICK TOMARO

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want them to flush out from their minds the con-cepts 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 construc-tion 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 build-ing division.

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.

02The stairwell leads to a built-in

wine rack housed in a glass and

wood case.

03The open floorplan allows the

residents to relax in the living

room or seamlessly meander over

to kitchen.

04The bedroom becomes its own

haven, with a comfortable window

seat and plush chair.

05A cozy dining area allows for

glances to the home’s exterior

landscape.

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01The ultramodern entryway featuring stones steps pro-vides natural light through to the foyer.

02 The foyer mimics the look of the entryway with stone walls.

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #156 projects

DEVELOPING A MODERN-DAY MARVEL IN WINE COUNTRY

by Elisa Revello

Taylor Lombardo Architects

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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 design-ing wineries, as an example, the firm has created a detailed questionnaire to fully comprehend the win-emaking process, the style and the client’s require-ments. 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 in-dustrial design, hospitality and administrative com-ponents. 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

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 Win-ery, which includes a state-of-the-art contemporary winery and several winery residences.

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 par-ticular style,” Lombardo says. “One of our strengths is that we do all styles—from modern to tradi-

projects #157

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Winery Residence at Presqu’ile Winery

Santa Barbara County, CA

Completed: 2011

taylorlombardo.com

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03 The home features a large outdoor terrace ready for entertaining and adds depth to the exterior.

04A cool color palette, sophisti-cated 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.

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“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

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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.”

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 recogni-tion throughout the world. Recently Taylor Lom-bardo was sought out to design nine houses within a subdivision in Shanghai. The 7,000 to 9,000-square-foot 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 sus-tainable 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, includ-ing 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 Lom-bardo 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-the-art,” Lombardo says.

projects #159

Winery Residence at Presqu’ile WineryOn 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 de-sign 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 win-dows 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.

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Page 160: Living on the Edge

directory *advertisers in blue

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #160 directory

ARCHITECTURE

Agraz Arquitectos S.C., agrazarquitectos.com, 22

Charles Sieger Architect, siegersuarez.com, 162

Faulkner Architects, faulknerarchitects.net, 102-103

Harris Architects, harrisarch.com, 23, 29-32

J.L.S. Design, tahoearchitect.com, 94-96

Meyer Greeson Paulin Benson, mgpb.com, 24- 27

Olson-Olson Architects, ooadesign.com, 86-87

Rob E McQuay Architects & Associates, mcquayarchitects.com, 39- 41

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

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, 84-

Corda 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

John Brink Construction, Inc., johnbrinkconstruction.com, 97-99

Mark Tanner Construction Inc, marktannerconstruction.com, 68-71

Martis Camp,martiscamp.com, 66-67,100-101

Mastiff Development, mastiffdevelopment.com, 57-59

Mike Schaap Builders, mikeschaapbuilders.com, 3, 42-44

Pyramid Builders, pyramid-builders.com, 64-65

Ridgeline Construction Group, Inc., ridgelineconstructiongroup.com, 53-55

Sandbox Studio, thesandboxstudio.com, 91-93

Split Rock Development Group, splitrockinc.com, 39-41

Stonewood LLC, stonewood.com, 46-51

Swaback Partners pllc, swabackpartners.com, 3, 6,126-133

Taylor Lombardo Architects LLP, taylorlombardo.com, 156-159

The Strand at Headlands, strandoc.com, 117

Tomaro Design Group, tomaro.com, 6,151-155

ELECTRICAL

Cook Electric, cookelectric.biz, 65

ELECTRONICS/ TECHNOLOGY

Avai, avai.com, 132-133

Build Tools, buildtools.com, 163

FABRIC

Jed Johnson, jedjohnson.com, 14

FLOORING

Devon & Devon, devon-devon.com, 11

Simonian Flooring, simonianflooring.com, 103

FURNITURE

Artek, artek.fi, 12

Boca do Lobo, bocadolobo.com, 11,13

Craig Van Den Brulle, craigvandenbrulle.com, 13

Delightfull, delightfull.eu, 11

Devon & Devon, devon-devon.com, 11

Dima Loginoff Design, Dimaloginoff.com, 10

John Lee Furniture, johnleefurniture.com, 16-17

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

INTERIOR DESIGN

Beckwith Interiors, beckwithinteriors.com, 108-110

Bethe Cohen Design Associates, bethecohen.com, 74-75

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

Studio 8 Design, st8de.com, 114-116

KITCHEN & BATH

Craftsman Kitchens, craftsmankitchens.com, 38

MISCELLANEOUS

High Country Tree Service, Inc., hctreeservice.com, 28

RLF Painting LLC, rlfpainting.com, 63

PHOTOGRAPHY

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

Carter Berg Photography, carterberg.com, 19

Chip Pankey Photography, Inc., chippankey.com, 108-110

Chuck Heiney Photography, 42-44

Coles Hairston, coleshairston.com 20

Craig Van Den Brulle, craigvandenbrulle.com 12

Danny Lee Photography, dannyleephotography.com, 39-41

Devon&Devon, devon-devon.com, 11

Dima Loginoff Design, dimaloginoff.com, 10

Eric Figge Photography, ericfigge.com, 118-119, 151-155

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

MattBorkowski Photography, mattborkowski.com, 64-65

Matt Waclo, ltdp.com, 100-101

Meechan Architectural Photography, meechan.com, 53- 55

Rachel Boling, rachaelboling.com, 120-125

Robert Vente, ventephoto.com, 156-159

Roland Paschhoff, 16-17

Sonya Winner, sonyawinner.com, 15

Stockholmsmässan, 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

PLUMBING & FIXTURES

Stewart Plumbing Inc., stewartplumbinginc.net, 50, 52

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, [email protected], 38

Stephen Donnelly Company Inc., stuccoman.com, 52

WINDOW & DOORS

HomeChoiceFlooring, thehomechoice.net, 55-56

Pella Windows, pella.com, 28

Page 161: Living on the Edge

WWW.RDSTUDIOLA.COM

RENAISSANCE MOLDING & DESIGN22531 Ventura Boulevard | Woodland Hills | CA 91364

P 818.222.2771 F 818.222.1993

RENAISSANCE DESIGN STUDIO972 North La Cienega BL. | Los Angeles | CA 90069

P 310.652.0964 F 310.652.0653

Custom-Made Staircases

Millwork Design & Installation

Plumbing & Hardware Sales

Custom Designed Hardware

Handcrafted Doors

Project Consultation

Product Coordination

Hand Carving

Renais

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ST

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Page 162: Living on the Edge

Charles Sieger

AT HOME WITH

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

issue # 18 luxuryhomequarterly.com #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.

LHQ: Tell me about the ruins and the stepped water feature in the back of the lake.

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 ro-mance 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

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?

CS: It was an exercise in my creative will for myself and my family. It’s become a beacon for hot air bal-loon 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: What do you enjoy most about living there?

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.

STUNNING SIMPLICITY: CHARLES SIEGER CREATES A FLORIDIAN CHATEAU

AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK INTO THE HOMES OF THE INDUSTRY’S TOP TALENT

by Kevin Kane

Page 163: Living on the Edge

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