Outdoor

Two-year-old Annika and five-year-old Soren make music on the "nap swing," a popular hangout spot for kids and adults alike.

The rain-catchment system next to the outdoor shower collects and disposes of the first five gallons of rainwater to ensure that the cleanest water is diverted into the cistern.

During construction, Mariscal’s team adjusted the design to accommodate the boughs of an old pine tree in the backyard. The unique detail imbues the home with a spirit of wabi-sabi—or beauty through imperfection.

The door to the house is actually on the side of the house, further adding to the sense of privacy the Shozis sought.

The swimming pool offers an alternative plunge to the nearby Bantam River.

The Virgola lounge chairs in the Roseau print.

Making use of a sculpted berm, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects built identical 21,500-square-foot dormitory buildings at Haverford College without interior stairwells or elevators, freeing up room for courtyards and more generously sized common spaces.

An outdoor shower was the family’s first construction project. “Doing the shower made us realize we can build things the way we want to build them,” says Meg.

Design details include mahogany and granite where the deck meets a stone retaining wall.

A wood-lined outdoor shower adds a modern touch to one of the decks.