SubscribeSign In
Perhaps the family’s biggest priority was their connection to the outdoors. The north-facing facade is almost entirely made up of operable windows with screens for ventilation and—a favorite of Jeff, the family father—listening to the lullabye of cicadas and spring peeper frogs during the summer. The joint living and dining area features a Wishbone chairs by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son, a Groundpiece sofa from Flexform, David Weeks' Tripod No. 303 floor lamp, and PP Møbler's Circle Chair and Fruit Table. The latter two are also by Hans Wegner.
Perhaps the family’s biggest priority was their connection to the outdoors. The north-facing facade is almost entirely made up of operable windows with screens for ventilation and—a favorite of Jeff, the family father—listening to the lullabye of cicadas and spring peeper frogs during the summer. The joint living and dining area features a Wishbone chairs by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son, a Groundpiece sofa from Flexform, David Weeks' Tripod No. 303 floor lamp, and PP Møbler's Circle Chair and Fruit Table. The latter two are also by Hans Wegner.
From the kitchen—also north-facing—the naked eye can see everything past the cornfields, forest, and beyond. The kitchen and dining areas, aside from making up most of the ground level, provide easy access to the family’s vegetable garden. A custom pendant light designed by AKB and manufactured by Nelson & Garrett hangs above the kitchen island. The floors are white oak.
From the kitchen—also north-facing—the naked eye can see everything past the cornfields, forest, and beyond. The kitchen and dining areas, aside from making up most of the ground level, provide easy access to the family’s vegetable garden. A custom pendant light designed by AKB and manufactured by Nelson & Garrett hangs above the kitchen island. The floors are white oak.
The front entry opens into a mud room. Each family member has their own cubby for storing shoes, coats, and backpacks. The wood sliding door, seen here, was built from reclaimed barn board. In front of it stands a Chair CH07 by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son Shell and Eames Walnut stool from Herman Miller.
The front entry opens into a mud room. Each family member has their own cubby for storing shoes, coats, and backpacks. The wood sliding door, seen here, was built from reclaimed barn board. In front of it stands a Chair CH07 by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son Shell and Eames Walnut stool from Herman Miller.
The architects of AKB designed a south-facing facade, seen here, with recessed windows to minimize sun glare and solar heat gain. To the west is an assemblage of boreal trees—sugar maple, poplar, fir, hawthorn, cedar, and birch. The north looks out to the greater Georgian Bay. The home is clad in Western red cedar.
The architects of AKB designed a south-facing facade, seen here, with recessed windows to minimize sun glare and solar heat gain. To the west is an assemblage of boreal trees—sugar maple, poplar, fir, hawthorn, cedar, and birch. The north looks out to the greater Georgian Bay. The home is clad in Western red cedar.
A nod to the family’s time in Switzerland, this chalet-like screened porch blends modern Swiss design sensibilities and the traditional architectural style of the Georgian Bay region. AKB explains,“The gabled form was inspired by the Long House, one of the earliest forms of permanent wood structures used in Ontario, which was used by both the First Nations and European settlers to shelter themselves in the harsh winter weather.” A Design Within Reach lounge chair complements the family’s recycled furniture pieces from their original home.
A nod to the family’s time in Switzerland, this chalet-like screened porch blends modern Swiss design sensibilities and the traditional architectural style of the Georgian Bay region. AKB explains,“The gabled form was inspired by the Long House, one of the earliest forms of permanent wood structures used in Ontario, which was used by both the First Nations and European settlers to shelter themselves in the harsh winter weather.” A Design Within Reach lounge chair complements the family’s recycled furniture pieces from their original home.
During the winter, the north-facing hill behind the home transforms into a prime tobogganing slope. With hiking and snow shoe trails, and a pond for swimming and ice skating, the house provides year-round recreation for residents Jeff and Kara’s kids. Jeff explains that he and Kara are eventually planning to do more landscaping, but want to sit with the house for a few more years to better understand what the family’s long-term needs and hobbies will be.
During the winter, the north-facing hill behind the home transforms into a prime tobogganing slope. With hiking and snow shoe trails, and a pond for swimming and ice skating, the house provides year-round recreation for residents Jeff and Kara’s kids. Jeff explains that he and Kara are eventually planning to do more landscaping, but want to sit with the house for a few more years to better understand what the family’s long-term needs and hobbies will be.
Thanks to the clever placement of a cedar hot tub on the bathroom deck, rinsing off after a dip doesn’t involve dripping water all over the house. The all-marble bathroom features Boffi Minimal Series fixtures.
Thanks to the clever placement of a cedar hot tub on the bathroom deck, rinsing off after a dip doesn’t involve dripping water all over the house. The all-marble bathroom features Boffi Minimal Series fixtures.
Natural light throughout the house eliminates the need for excessive overhead lighting. The master bedroom features a Pixo Optical LED table lamp, a Halyard chair by Hans Wegner for PP Møbler Flag, and David Weeks' Cement Standing floor lamp.
Natural light throughout the house eliminates the need for excessive overhead lighting. The master bedroom features a Pixo Optical LED table lamp, a Halyard chair by Hans Wegner for PP Møbler Flag, and David Weeks' Cement Standing floor lamp.
The lower submerged level is comprised of the kids’ and guest bedrooms as well as the multi-purpose room—is a popular hangout for the kids and family dog, Roxy. The Chair and Bar Bench, both by Hans Wegner for PP Møbler, a Muuto 3-seater sofa by Andersen & Voll, and David Weeks' Tripod No. 303 floor lamp mix midcentury modern with contemporary design.
The lower submerged level is comprised of the kids’ and guest bedrooms as well as the multi-purpose room—is a popular hangout for the kids and family dog, Roxy. The Chair and Bar Bench, both by Hans Wegner for PP Møbler, a Muuto 3-seater sofa by Andersen & Voll, and David Weeks' Tripod No. 303 floor lamp mix midcentury modern with contemporary design.
With the help of McMahon's brother, Cavan of Half an Inch of Water Studios, the two were able to find cost-effective construction solutions that included polishing the concrete foundation to save on flooring. In the dining area, rustic-meets-modern thanks to IKEA dining chairs, West Elm pendant lights, and a long, thin harvest table found locally on Craigslist.
With the help of McMahon's brother, Cavan of Half an Inch of Water Studios, the two were able to find cost-effective construction solutions that included polishing the concrete foundation to save on flooring. In the dining area, rustic-meets-modern thanks to IKEA dining chairs, West Elm pendant lights, and a long, thin harvest table found locally on Craigslist.
A pair of teak Adirondack chairs allow for quiet repose on the creek-facing porch, which is made from reclaimed Douglas fir. Ceiling fans purchased at a local home improvement store keep the space cool during the brutally hot summers.
A pair of teak Adirondack chairs allow for quiet repose on the creek-facing porch, which is made from reclaimed Douglas fir. Ceiling fans purchased at a local home improvement store keep the space cool during the brutally hot summers.
A custom steel and red oak ship ladder in the main living area is another space-saving solution. The door is Douglas fir and the shelving is mesquite wood; an Eames lounge chair can be seen in the master bedroom.
A custom steel and red oak ship ladder in the main living area is another space-saving solution. The door is Douglas fir and the shelving is mesquite wood; an Eames lounge chair can be seen in the master bedroom.
"For the interiors, we right sized every space for IKEA built in cabinetry,” McMahon explains. To save space in the bedrooms, all closets and wardrobes were moved into the hallways. A pair of Eames Molded Plywood chairs from Design Within Reach stand opposite the dining area.
"For the interiors, we right sized every space for IKEA built in cabinetry,” McMahon explains. To save space in the bedrooms, all closets and wardrobes were moved into the hallways. A pair of Eames Molded Plywood chairs from Design Within Reach stand opposite the dining area.
San Antonio-based firm Craig McMahon Architects faced a square footage challenge with this family's seasonal retreat in San Marcos, Texas. It would have to accommodate two families, the hosts and a guest family. Multiple built-ins, lofted sleeping areas, and other features allow it to accommodate many visitors. Dual porches bookend the home: one faces towards a creek, the other to where the sun sets.
San Antonio-based firm Craig McMahon Architects faced a square footage challenge with this family's seasonal retreat in San Marcos, Texas. It would have to accommodate two families, the hosts and a guest family. Multiple built-ins, lofted sleeping areas, and other features allow it to accommodate many visitors. Dual porches bookend the home: one faces towards a creek, the other to where the sun sets.
The traditional Texan “Sunday House” is usually characterized by a detached barn that can both act as storage and host guests in hay lofts. Craig threw a nod to this architectural tradition with a barn-like palette of materials, such as galvanized metal siding and the exposed wood rafters.
The traditional Texan “Sunday House” is usually characterized by a detached barn that can both act as storage and host guests in hay lofts. Craig threw a nod to this architectural tradition with a barn-like palette of materials, such as galvanized metal siding and the exposed wood rafters.
The design pairs durable steel construction on the outside with warmer timber frames on the interior. At the center of the expansive glass wall stands a two-sided fireplace that can heat the deck outside and living room within. Seen here are a Restoration Hardware Brickmaker’s coffee table and sofas from Lee Industries.
The design pairs durable steel construction on the outside with warmer timber frames on the interior. At the center of the expansive glass wall stands a two-sided fireplace that can heat the deck outside and living room within. Seen here are a Restoration Hardware Brickmaker’s coffee table and sofas from Lee Industries.
The homeowners needed a kitchen that could hold the 20 or so friends and family members they usually host on holidays and reunions. The kitchen island—which features a countertop of recycled paper and cement from Squak Mountain Stone—can easily accommodate plenty of Tolix aluminum bar stools. Custom Douglas fir cabinetry frames a Miele dishwasher, Sub Zero refrigerator, Blanco sink, and a Wolf oven with a Vent-A-Hood overhead.
The homeowners needed a kitchen that could hold the 20 or so friends and family members they usually host on holidays and reunions. The kitchen island—which features a countertop of recycled paper and cement from Squak Mountain Stone—can easily accommodate plenty of Tolix aluminum bar stools. Custom Douglas fir cabinetry frames a Miele dishwasher, Sub Zero refrigerator, Blanco sink, and a Wolf oven with a Vent-A-Hood overhead.
Big Ass Fans keep the loft from getting too hot in summer; SIP insulation helps keep it warm in winter. This second level accommodates the master suite and a small office space, furnished with a CB2 desk and a vintage chair purchased in Chicago. Another unique feature of the space is the hardwood floors, which are heart pine salvaged from the bottom of Lake Superior.
Big Ass Fans keep the loft from getting too hot in summer; SIP insulation helps keep it warm in winter. This second level accommodates the master suite and a small office space, furnished with a CB2 desk and a vintage chair purchased in Chicago. Another unique feature of the space is the hardwood floors, which are heart pine salvaged from the bottom of Lake Superior.
Far from the dark, cavernous barns of the Midwest, tall ceilings and an open floor plan creates an airy interior. Architect Bill Bickford and contractor Traditional Carpentry, Inc. collaborated on a unique sliding door to the upstairs master suite: a vintage billboard cut in half and put on a barn door track. The sitting area below features Raleigh Armchairs from Design Within Reach and a loveseat from Jayson Home.
Far from the dark, cavernous barns of the Midwest, tall ceilings and an open floor plan creates an airy interior. Architect Bill Bickford and contractor Traditional Carpentry, Inc. collaborated on a unique sliding door to the upstairs master suite: a vintage billboard cut in half and put on a barn door track. The sitting area below features Raleigh Armchairs from Design Within Reach and a loveseat from Jayson Home.
From red painted cedar siding to no-fuss structural elements, Northworks’ solution reaches a happy medium between the classic barn look and a weekend retreat. “The best thing about this house,” explains one resident, “is that when it’s just the four of us, it feels cozy. But even when we’re hosting 25 people, it never feels crowded.”
From red painted cedar siding to no-fuss structural elements, Northworks’ solution reaches a happy medium between the classic barn look and a weekend retreat. “The best thing about this house,” explains one resident, “is that when it’s just the four of us, it feels cozy. But even when we’re hosting 25 people, it never feels crowded.”
The old barn's foundation, re-stacked by a local stonemason, was reused as a rustic retaining wall for the pool area. The property also came with a corn crib and blacksmith shop as old as the barn, seen behind the pool, which are both used for storage now. St. Tropez chaises from Kingsley-Bate line the pool.
The old barn's foundation, re-stacked by a local stonemason, was reused as a rustic retaining wall for the pool area. The property also came with a corn crib and blacksmith shop as old as the barn, seen behind the pool, which are both used for storage now. St. Tropez chaises from Kingsley-Bate line the pool.
The aluminum pipe light fixture and white oak dining room table—made from the original barn’s horse stalls—were both DIY projects completed by one of the homeowners and their friend, respectively. A design from The Rug Company, made from patches of old rugs, sits under the table.
The aluminum pipe light fixture and white oak dining room table—made from the original barn’s horse stalls—were both DIY projects completed by one of the homeowners and their friend, respectively. A design from The Rug Company, made from patches of old rugs, sits under the table.
Don’t let its traditional silhouette fool you: this home features a grid-tied solar photovoltaic array just south of the property, which supplies the family’s annual average powers usage. Large steel beams and columns flank the patio, framing views of the landscape.
Don’t let its traditional silhouette fool you: this home features a grid-tied solar photovoltaic array just south of the property, which supplies the family’s annual average powers usage. Large steel beams and columns flank the patio, framing views of the landscape.
An eight-foot-high sliding glass door leads to the backyard's ipe deck, ideal for informal gatherings. The bench cushions are custom from Studio Collins Weir and the tables and chairs are from Design Within Reach.
An eight-foot-high sliding glass door leads to the backyard's ipe deck, ideal for informal gatherings. The bench cushions are custom from Studio Collins Weir and the tables and chairs are from Design Within Reach.
The residents have a particularly strong sense of color and love to cook with their son, so no-fuss finishes likes these blue tiles from Heath Ceramics were an ideal choice. The tiles combine with colorful tableware and custom walnut cabinetry to make a vibrant inteiror.
The residents have a particularly strong sense of color and love to cook with their son, so no-fuss finishes likes these blue tiles from Heath Ceramics were an ideal choice. The tiles combine with colorful tableware and custom walnut cabinetry to make a vibrant inteiror.
A first priority for the kitchen was sunlight: to maximize exposure, Mitchell Holladay Architects demolished as many walls as possible without compromising the home's structural integrity. LEM Piston stools by Shin and Tomoko Azumi from Design Within Reach flank a custom walnut kitchen island; sculptural hand-blown glass pendants from John Pomp Studios hang overhead.
A first priority for the kitchen was sunlight: to maximize exposure, Mitchell Holladay Architects demolished as many walls as possible without compromising the home's structural integrity. LEM Piston stools by Shin and Tomoko Azumi from Design Within Reach flank a custom walnut kitchen island; sculptural hand-blown glass pendants from John Pomp Studios hang overhead.
Built-in units can solve storage issues while making your office space look like it was there all along.
Built-in units can solve storage issues while making your office space look like it was there all along.
The dining room is a more formal setting where classic Series 7 Arne Jacobsen chairs mingle with a contemporary Essay table by Cecilie Manz for Fritz Hansen. The lighting overhead is the same John Pomp Studios pendant lights from the kitchen, here clustered for a more dramatic display.
The dining room is a more formal setting where classic Series 7 Arne Jacobsen chairs mingle with a contemporary Essay table by Cecilie Manz for Fritz Hansen. The lighting overhead is the same John Pomp Studios pendant lights from the kitchen, here clustered for a more dramatic display.
A bridge connects the second-floor office and guest bedroom with the backyard-facing master bedroom. To prevent excessive solar heat gain in this especial space, Butler Armsden used high performance Unilux low-e windows. Two Eurofase pendant lights from Chromos illuminate the hallway at night.
A bridge connects the second-floor office and guest bedroom with the backyard-facing master bedroom. To prevent excessive solar heat gain in this especial space, Butler Armsden used high performance Unilux low-e windows. Two Eurofase pendant lights from Chromos illuminate the hallway at night.
In addition to Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, the kitchen features an on-demand hot water recirculation pump that reduces wasteful water heating. Schwinn cabinet pulls adorn the custom cabinetry and the K7 faucet is from Grohe.
In addition to Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, the kitchen features an on-demand hot water recirculation pump that reduces wasteful water heating. Schwinn cabinet pulls adorn the custom cabinetry and the K7 faucet is from Grohe.
Sphinx, the family Carolina dog, scouts the perimeter of the Concrete Collaborative pavers in the backyard. The pavers were installed on a slight angle to channel water to the surrounding gravel, lawn, and planting beds. This substantially lowers the landscape's water demand. Perforated PVC pipes and a pump move excess rainfall (which would otherwise go to storm drains) into an underground basin where it can later drain off. Redwood fencing reflects the material palette of the interior and creates visual continuity around the backyard.
Sphinx, the family Carolina dog, scouts the perimeter of the Concrete Collaborative pavers in the backyard. The pavers were installed on a slight angle to channel water to the surrounding gravel, lawn, and planting beds. This substantially lowers the landscape's water demand. Perforated PVC pipes and a pump move excess rainfall (which would otherwise go to storm drains) into an underground basin where it can later drain off. Redwood fencing reflects the material palette of the interior and creates visual continuity around the backyard.
The Bigelows were very involved in the design process, having studied up on LEED before even approaching Butler Armsden with rough sketches. The stairway was one such detail of the project that the homeowners had a clear vision for: light wood to match the rest of the interior, deep treads, and a gradual rise to help with accessibility. Across the breezeway, a Flexform chaise, woven chair, and coffee table stand atop Forest Stewardship Council-certified hardwood floors.
The Bigelows were very involved in the design process, having studied up on LEED before even approaching Butler Armsden with rough sketches. The stairway was one such detail of the project that the homeowners had a clear vision for: light wood to match the rest of the interior, deep treads, and a gradual rise to help with accessibility. Across the breezeway, a Flexform chaise, woven chair, and coffee table stand atop Forest Stewardship Council-certified hardwood floors.
The three pavilions were placed along the lot's two natural north-south and east-west axes, delineated here by the concrete pavers. These axes helped both the homeowners and architects layout the pavilions, lap pool, and landscape elements. At night, the house shows off its nearly 100 percent LED lighting scheme.
The three pavilions were placed along the lot's two natural north-south and east-west axes, delineated here by the concrete pavers. These axes helped both the homeowners and architects layout the pavilions, lap pool, and landscape elements. At night, the house shows off its nearly 100 percent LED lighting scheme.
One of the three pavilions is an open, single-story space that combined the home's kitchen and great room. The Bigelows specifically liked the idea of a great room because it affords a flexible plan and airy atmosphere for entertaining. The Flexform furniture can become an in-the-round seating arrangement for impromptu piano sessions.
One of the three pavilions is an open, single-story space that combined the home's kitchen and great room. The Bigelows specifically liked the idea of a great room because it affords a flexible plan and airy atmosphere for entertaining. The Flexform furniture can become an in-the-round seating arrangement for impromptu piano sessions.
The Bigelows’ house throws a nod to its midcentury modern neighbors with its subdivided plan and shallow-pitched roof. The three pavilion layout was also partly in response to tough city restrictions regarding the removal of the various beech and redwood trees on the property. However, the Butler Armsden design team was able to use the profusion of trees to their advantage, creating lines of sight to foliage from almost anywhere in the house. The exterior features locally reclaimed redwood siding that provides another connection with the redwoods on the site. The stucco is painted in custom color-matched Benjamin Moore paint.
The Bigelows’ house throws a nod to its midcentury modern neighbors with its subdivided plan and shallow-pitched roof. The three pavilion layout was also partly in response to tough city restrictions regarding the removal of the various beech and redwood trees on the property. However, the Butler Armsden design team was able to use the profusion of trees to their advantage, creating lines of sight to foliage from almost anywhere in the house. The exterior features locally reclaimed redwood siding that provides another connection with the redwoods on the site. The stucco is painted in custom color-matched Benjamin Moore paint.

147 more saves