Still Feels Like Home

Conceived originally as a combined remodel and addition, this Cat Mountain Residence design and style from Cornerstone Group Architects in Austin, Texas, presented some thing of a dilemma. Structurally, it would have been much more workable to do in depth tear-downs, but the client basically wanted to recreate the current property, just “refreshed” and refurbished with contemporary touches. Getting a specialist in residential interiors, this certain client also had a vision of a “transitional” style in the remodel, which this layout accomplishes with deceptively smooth élan. The atmosphere of the residence is fresh, airy, and bright — witness the all-natural light flowing by means of 2-story windows around a “floating” staircase — along with a mix of rustic and contemporary that has its playful side (note the “animal” rug beneath the extended book-covered table).

Now, the owners can appreciate a beautiful view — extensive floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors support in that endeavor — and a seamless merge of indoor and outdoor living. Mere methods separate the open-strategy principal living and dining places from an outside relaxation and entertaining space with plunge pool, fire pit, and roomy patio — itself delineated by shallow stone measures to the lawn and water feature. And, given that that outside living space is also tucked in an interior courtyard, it’s surrounded by wings of the residence for cozy privacy, whilst nevertheless conveying a sense of spacious ambience. Integrating energy-effective features, reclaimed architectural wood detail, and sustainable design, the architect and owner worked with each other to bring about this modern day, clean-lined space that, when all the dust settled, “felt like home”…improved.

Still Feels Like Home

New Outdoor Space Everyone Likes

Even the dog likes it: it is a stroll-across water feature, complete with concrete stepping stones, that is element of a back yard renovation as created by Huettl Landscape Architecture. And that is only a tiny element of the attractions in this easy-to-enjoy outdoor living space. Behind nicely weathered cedar privacy fencing, feathery aspens border a patio and al fresco dining spot comprehensive with a handy grill for quick cookouts. A steel and wood-slat pergola shelters this multi-purposes region as effectively, helping to diffuse the sunshine a tranquil pond, full with floating lilies, flows about a low concrete wall that separates 2 of the outside “rooms” and offers the height for a trickling cascade. On the other side of the wall and its waterfall, native grasses of all sorts give a sense of “cool” and touches of colour.

Kitty-corner from this lounge location, shrubs drape gracefully more than fencing and shade a redwood bench, secluded in its cozy nook yet nevertheless inside effortless interaction of other seating. Square pavers form an informal, rambling patio connecting all the regions, even though wide paths of white stone supply a good accent for dark planters holding what appear to be herbs or other kitchen greens — a sensible aspect to a fairly tiny space that supplies an added advantage for its owners. In the plans, it is simple to see how these “rooms” can give family members just enough space for privacy — or be one particular expansive location for a large gathering of guests. For quiet contemplation or active entertaining, then, it is a winner: the Mangan residence redo by Huettl Landscape Architecture.

New Outdoor Space Everyone Likes

Water and Garden in a Small Space: the Weaver Residence by Huettl

You do not have to have land on a grand scale to have a “grand” yard area this Weaver residence garden location, as done by Huettl Landscape Architecture, is proof of that. In reality, this is not the “back yard” of this property at all, but a little, rather narrow side yard, that is graced with this beautiful swimming pool and patio terraces of alternating concrete colors. Just appear at that beautiful mosaic impact along the edges of the pool — equally striking in sun or shade, and in reality complementing the colors of the plantings that surround the water. Note the “clumping” bamboo that appears something but “clumpy” — its gossamer leaves are as light as waves on a pond, in splendid contrast to purple-spiked water plants and swaying prairie grass. And, speaking of ponds…

Even though this distinct “pond” doesn’t have any waves, it does have copper waterspouts — a delightful addition that not only creates a relaxing ambience, but makes swimming even a lot more entertaining. Grouped around this inviting water spot are all the comforts of great outside living: a compact portable fireplace 1 seating region with pottery art accent a second spot with alfresco table, chairs, and umbrellas for handy shade and a wide deck flanked by tall native grasses that provide both privacy screening and subtle color. But there’s another surprise in this compact garden, too: a winding stone path leads to an further patio — a tiny niche with its own water cascade— and a cedar-framed greenhouse at its end. It is a splendid mixture of outside “rooms” in compact space: the Weaver garden, as executed by Huettl Landscape Architecture.

Water and Garden in a Small Space: the Weaver Residence by Huettl

Outdoor Rooms as Beautiful as Indoors

It happens so frequently — you refresh 1 element of your living space, and all of a sudden every thing else appears shabby! When it occurred to these home owners, they named in the solutions of Rue Group, Inc. The residence had been remodeled to incorporate a lot of factors the loved ones dreamed about, but the work then revealed that their outside spaces “came up brief.” With beautiful views of each the golf course and even the ocean on clear days, the back yard had a lot of pluses — but heat from full sun on a concrete patio made it practically unusable. Initially, the plan was for a shaded back yard employing the existing patio nevertheless, as time went on, removing the patio became a better resolution, allowing both the designers and property owners to reimagine the space from scratch.

Today, that back yard is a enormous attraction the family often has lunch and watches golfers at the identical time! Low stone walls separate individual “rooms” outdoors, although permitting for an straightforward flow among them. An extended entertainment space, sheltered by a vine-covered pergola, holds a stone sofa and cushy chairs that invite gathering around the fire pit. Neat drought-resistant plantings are everywhere, gracing alcoves and cozy corners 1 nook holds a mural that echoes the actual view. Rosemary, climbing wisteria, and a host of perennials bring color and fragrance to a formerly unsightly slope behind the residence a graceful fountain is visually cooling. Abundant shade now creates a property that is now equally inviting each indoors and out.

Outdoor Rooms as Beautiful as Indoors