The Clients approached us wanting to add a pool house and retreat space to their backyard. We were able to provide that and much more. In fact, the number of different spaces we were able to create was astonishing given the limited working envelope.

We began by incorporating a negative/infinity edge pool to take advantage of the natural topography. The pool house is situated along the shallow end of the pool and is designed to compliment the existing home and the pool itself. Integration of the structure and pool allows for dramatic interior and exterior effects either from the pool or from inside the structure. You can even catch a game or enjoy a movie on the flat screen TV situated above the fireplace from the comfort of the hot tub which flows over into the pool. This fully enclosed building offers an escape from the elements. The structure was designed with a kitchen, pizza oven, unique bathroom, and an entertainment space with the warmth of a gas fireplace.

A pergola feature follows the radius along the perimeter of the pool offering a shaded space to relax or to traverse to the negative edge side of the pool. This side of the pool features three water jets whose heights can be adjusted for any occasion and sound effect. Other spaces include a formal garden area complete with a fountain, a campfire pit to warm up to, and a gated entry featuring a couple palms shipped from the South as a seasonal accent.

This landscape improvement project became a realization once the client purchased an existing flat lot to the west of their home. The client gave us free reign on the scope of the project. Their only input was that they were not interested in a pool and they would like something rustic in character.

We began by splitting the site in two by creating a creek with whitewater rapids. This allowed us to change the topography and we chose to place the pavilion on the elevated plateau. There are two ways to access the plateau. One can meander over the Amish bridge or step over the canyon stone slabs that are naturally placed to form a staircase across the creek. In designing the structure our goal was to create a space that had a sense of place. A set of design documents/drawings were required to pull permits and have the Amish mill the rough sawn timbers that give the pavilion its form. They are also in keeping with the clients request for an “up north” feeling.

The structure is broken down into two basic components: outdoor living and social enjoyment. The bar top seating offers a nice view of the waterfall and allows one to greet those crossing the bridge. An outdoor surround sound system is incorporated into the structure’s ceiling. Natural stone slab was used to accent the masonry fireplace which added warmth to the space. The homeowners are very pleased with their rustic outdoor environment.

Because this project was located out of state, it required extraordinary communication and coordination in regards to material and timing logistics. The site also provided a challenge because it was very steep and consisted of Carolina red clay. The entire project was completed within 10 days from commencement.


HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Multi-leveled areas cut into a steep hillside over looking a wildlife and bird sanctuary
2. Custom waterfall feature with canyon stone not found in North Carolina
3. Layered paver brick retreat patio expanse
4. Retained hobby and herb cutting garden in natural setting
5. Botanical garden walkways

When I had my first on-site meeting with this client, I brought drawings of a home I was designing for myself. The clients absolutely fell in love with it and the house began construction the following spring. This residence has proven to be a showcase of mine. Friends and family of the client, as well as the neighborhood, have been intrigued with this home since the onset of construction. The home allows ample movement throughout the space and extends itself to the natural setting around it. Great comfort is found in this home.


HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Larger version of home I originally designed for myself
2. ‘Old World’ English style estate home
3. Just over 2,700 square feet open floor plan
4. Vaulted ceilings, large windows, great views
5. Excellent location to offer a sense of place

The following pictures represent the spirit of revitalization to achieve a naturalistic appeal. These pictures depict the rich taste of outdoor grilling and socializing.


HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Large undertakings allow people to totally revamp the yard
2. Outdoor barbecue/grille stations allow for seating areas
3. Outdoor living patio spaces and wall terraces add structure to a site
4. Waterfall features can be nestled into hillsides and man made earth berms
5. These backyards offer excellent locations to relax and reflect

This project has been designed, refined, and now defined. I am excited to see this project implemented next fall. The scope of work will showcase a pool layered into a steep grade change. Retaining is required and we plan to incorporate a product called Rosetta, which is a man-made outcropping stone engineered in unique sizes and shapes. Also, a fireplace/chimney is to be included under an open-air pavilion that is to be connected to the existing home. The final concept designs and evaluations will be reviewed in the spring of 2009. I will be administrating, coordinating, and scheduling this project from start to finish.


HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Architectural covered fireplace patio
2. Custom pool integrated in new landscape setting
3. Outdoor living patio space
4. Water wall feature
5. Seclusion and privacy to become an important element to yard

The combination of soft layers, lush-scapes with earthy, rustic, stone of varying sizes, transforms previously flat yards into outdoor WOW spaces that provide an escape from the everyday busy life. The attention to detail pays attribute to the beautification of site and structure that goes into each and every project. Pictures here show what outdoor patio scenes look like after thinking and development.


HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Architectural prefabricated fireplaces
2. Custom patios, pools, cabanas, and other features integrated into existing landscape settings
3. Partially sub-terrain patio spaces, ground keeping and floral pockets

In 2003, while employed at the Architectural Studios of Gerald J. Yurk Associates, I managed, researched, documented, and provided construction documents for the Troy historic church and parsonage project. The church and parsonage are historic remains of the early architecture of this settled area. Both the church and parsonage fall under the categories of historic restoration and rehabilitation provided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. During the preliminary stages, it was discovered that the stained glass windows seemed to be intact. Moving the church and parsonage to the museum site created basements and much needed storage. Also, the relocation of ‘Town Hall’ allowed for the addition of a basement and storage space. Due to its relationship with the other historic structures, this location on the museum site allows for more frequent use and availability of staff for events. The total project budget was estimated around $1,500,000.


HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Preserved and relocated both structures per Troy’s historic preservation program
2. Restored the Troy Methodists Church that was constructed in 1837 (at first the Episcopalian congregation) within the original town of Troy corners
3. Restored the original parsonage (single –family house) that was built around 1870
4. This project propelled me to complete my master’s degree with a concentration in ‘preservation and existing structures’
5. The church became a focal point on the village green with high visibility

This project took the traditional flat front yard “out of the box”. As you drive up the stamped concrete drive, the focal point of the front yard is a footbridge constructed out of a harmonious variety of materials. This brick column bridge spans a lazy creek with heavy timbers and wrought iron railings. The stamped concrete drive is softened by earth toned brick pavers surrounded by large, white paver stones. As you approach, your first step is up onto monumental stone slab steps before proceeding onto the bridge. Anchoring the bridge are four brick posts with chipped limestone inserts that blend in with the stone materials used on the front façade of the house. As traverse the bridge, the sound of falling water on the right envelopes the user in a transformative entry sequence. As you watch the flowing water going under the bridge, your eyes are led back to the opposite side where you behold the huge granite stone slabs that hold back the embankment of soil holding landscaping features for the front yard, peering into the pool of cool water with a natural field stone base and the birch tree-lined landscaping. As your mind snaps back, you turn again on your journey towards the limestone door entry way. Take a moment to take in the entryway as well as the flower filled pathway. Soon you realize that you need to start walking again if you wish to see what waits for you as your cross the threshold into the warm, loving home.

The challenge for this project was to create an outdoor living space maximizing the potential of the site’s yard area, while minimizing noise created by traffic on the adjacent road. Another important need of the client was to create a safe play environment for their children, to protect them from the road traffic. This serpentine wall transitions into a six foot waterfall feature formed by Canadian canyon stone. The lower quarter of the wall encompasses tiered planting beds that terminate at the centerpiece, a cultured stone fireplace set with a limestone base quarried from Indiana. The patio that surrounds the fireplace is sheltered by a post and beam pergola that features Wisconsin-Amish milled western red cedar timbers. The combination of layers of soft, lush landscape, with earthy, rustic, stonework of varying sizes, transform a previously flat yard into a outdoor space that provides an escape from the high traffic street beyond. By re-circulating 10,000 gallons per hour, the waterfall creates serene white noise that allows the space to be habitable at any time of day. The client’s desires have been exceeded with a wall that goes beyond separating the site from the street; but is a dynamic focal point, safe and secluded for the whole family to have an enjoyable outdoor experience.

The client desired a unique space that would mimic a resort like atmosphere that would seamlessly blend the indoor/outdoor living experience. The new space includes a fully functional kitchen and bath, complete outdoor grilling station, in-ground pool and spa, exterior shower and cozy gas fire pit terrace overlooking a private pond. These skillfully orchestrated components create an escape to entertain, relax and, get away from daily stressful activities.

The challenge with this project was to blend the new addition to fit the character of the existing home. To accomplish this task the upper balcony was removed and a transitional shed roof pitch was built to accommodate proper ventilation. Additionally three new dormers were added to the upper floor bedrooms and an existing gable-end chimney anchors the additions bathroom and exterior shower to the site. A copper barrel vault roof was built over the BBQ area. Amish-made western red cedar timbers were used in the addition’s ceiling spanning from inside to out. A manually controlled folding Nana Wall system was installed allowing 1/3 of the addition’s walls to disappear opening the atmosphere to one large indoor/outdoor space for living. An independent heating and cooling system was installed creating better air circulation and temperature control. Daytime or night this addition celebrates the modern open living the client desired with warm and cozy materials, appropriate to the surrounding site and scale and aesthetic of the existing home.