If cities were built by the sound of

music, then some edifices would

appear to be constructed by grave,

solemn tones; others to have danced

forth to light fantastic airs.

‐‐ nathaniel hawthorne

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”

Single Family HomeBlacksburg, Virginia

The clients for this custom home wanted one floor living in a low maintenance home with additional space for entertaining. Using a mixture of brick and cement board siding and shingles to accentuate the lines, the graceful look of the front conceals the walkout basement. The basement, fitting naturally in the slope of the lot, houses the guest rooms and additional entertaining space.

The back of the house takes advantageof the view with multi-level outdoor spaces.

A curved wall beginning by the front door leads you in to the great room area. The curve is continued in the kitchen soffit leading your eye out towards the view..

The clerestory windows above the stairway add light from the south and balance the lighting from northern facing doors.

The kitchen is nestled into a corner and defined by the dropped ceiling. It is open to the living and dining areas. An adjacent exterior door leads to the grilling deck.

The basement entertaining area is flanked by a wet bar and access to the outdoor patio.

The curved stair landing

leads you downstairs

from any direction

A window at the bathroom vanity offers views of the mountains

The clients of this home were moving closer to town as empty nesters. Though downsizing from their previous home, they were interested in improving the curb appeal and functionality of the home. Their commitment to sustainability allowed us to partner with them to certify the first EarthCraftRenovation project in the region.

Taking down some walls and opening a window from the living room to the kitchen gave the house a much more open and bright feeling. A bump out at the front entry was an easier way to give some space at the entry than trying to relocate the stairs. The handrail was designed to be removable for ease in moving furniture upstairs.

Energy Efficient RemodelBlacksburg, Virginia • 2011

The aesthetic values of the clients determined the process of selecting fixtures and finishes, like distinctly his and her sinks.

The owners handmade some tiles for the shower from stones they had gathered on trips. In keeping with the style, a natural stone shower floor completes the look.

Energy Star appliances were used throughout the home.

This sink, bought on overseas vacation, fits well on heirloom cabinet.

The first Earth Craft Renovation certified project in the area, we increased the size of the home while improving the energy score by over 50%. 

Existing “Typical”Home

ENERGY STAR New Home

This Home AFTER Remodel (64)

This Home Before Remodel (136)

Net Zero Home

Code BuiltNew Home

Construction process of well-insulated coffered ceilings.

Built in cooperation with local architect Ben Johnson this ridge top home is meant to blend in with its wooded surroundings. The mirrored second floor offices are connected by a windowed bridge.

The mathematician clients express their profession and lifestyle in this dual purpose exercise/guest room with custom Murphy bed, designed and built by Bill Johnson, craftsman and friend.

Custom Build HomeRidge top custom home overlooking river • 2011

Site-built custom woodwork by Eaton's Carpentry create a nice in-home library.

Custom-built elements like the cedar-lined storage/window seats maximize utility of space, and embrace the setting.

Custom bench will frame clients' kitchen table.

His and her mirror-image offices with abundant storage flank the upper floor, and share the river view.

Screen porch off of master suite provides connection to the site day and night.

The kitchen offers clean lines and spacious work areas with an open connection to the dining and living rooms.

Single Family Home, Design – Build by Shelter AlternativesMontgomery County • 2011

This home in the Price’s Fork area of Montgomery County exemplifies our ability to bring the vision of the clients to life. This 1,263 square foot home nestles into a tight site where the previous house stood. Impact on the surrounding site is minimized.

The whimsical nature of these hand turned balusters shows

the contrast between rustic and refined, a theme continued with

the exposed beams, hemlock siding and other details.

In contrast to the client's previous home on the site, a small footprint, extra insulation and high efficiency windows combine to allow a very small heating system. Ample windows bring the outside in while the metal roof will ensure the weather stays out for years to come.

Clever carpentry adds character to these exposed rafters.

The warmth of the kitchen is highlighted by the natural wood cabinets. The concrete countertops were made locally and the tile backsplash adds a splash of color.

The yoga room shows a small beam in the ceiling, complementing the exposed beams of the main level. The built-in cabinets take advantage of the small eave spaces.

The custom pantry cabinet utilizes folding shelves to maximize storage.

The refinished claw foot tub by the window helps give this simple bathroom an open feel.

Natural woodwork shows in these shelves and the handrail, accented by the curved oak rail.

This screened porch was created using the existing deck. With the addition of a roof and screen panels the space is now an outdoor haven on a rainy day.

This carport addition uses a clear, low slope roof to protect the car while still allowing plenty of light into the home and protecting the front door.

Screened PorchMontgomery County • 2011

Carport AdditionBlacksburg Virginia • 2011

Our deck is now covered and dried in! Debby and I are very leased.

Thanks for everything!

- John

The stylish refurbishing of an older home with up to date finishes brings valuable space back to life and increases the comfort and value of the home.

Before

Single Family Home Remodel/Refurbish

Blacksburg Virginia • 2011

By shifting walls, we expanded the existing bath to a more comfortable scale.

This new front porch adds functional space for the clients and curb appeal for the neighborhood.

“Thanks so much for working with 

us to get what we envisioned for 

the porch. The porch is looking 

great! Mike and I both love it. We 

really like the guys who have done 

the work and feel that they have

A new window, paneling replaced with drywall, and relocated ductwork transformed

a dark basement into a new space.

Single Family Home RemodelBlacksburg Virginia • 2011

taken care to do things 

right.  Again, we appreciate 

all of the work you have 

done and the great work 

from Bill and his team.”‐Kathy

After

Before

After

Before

After

Covered Porch Addition- Existing HomeBlacksburg, Virginia • 2011

Closing in this screen porch added bright interior space.

Existing Home Remodel and RepairBlacksburg, Virginia • 2011

Screening in the back porch expanded the interior space and still allows for outdoor grilling.

After

Before

Re-covering the flat roof deck over the garage addressed existing and destructive water problems.

Before

After

• Locally crafted concrete countertops.

• Custom sills made of locally harvested cherry wood.

• FSC Certified wood cabinets.• Solatube assists with

daylighting.• Energy minded retrofit work

also completed in this project reduced the air exchange rate from .19 ACH to .09 ACH, increasing the comfort and efficiency in the home.

Kitchen Remodel Existing HomeBlacksburg, Virginia • 2011

Opening the walls and changing the cabinets improved the function and feel of this smaller kitchen.

AfterBefore

As part of our commitment to community involvement, 

Shelter Alternatives Inc. employees designed and built this 

guitar‐shaped doghouse for the Montgomery County 

Humane Society’s “Howls and Meows” fundraising raffle.

The theme came from our core value to 

“find music in every day – and play it.”