Crafty Cantilever: Shingled Beach Home With Loft On Stilts

Styled a little like a wood-shingled cottage or chalet, the detailing of this domicile is not particularly bold – where it ceases to be modest is in the way it reaches for the sky.

This lofted second-story bedroom is, in fact, an addition by Roger Marvel Architects, as are a series of trellises, a poo. and a jacuzzi below.

While some situations – such as public buildings – call for honesty with respect to old and new, a different tactic is taken here: or rather, the difference is at least more subtle such that the entire result remains relatively unpretentious.

By a similar token, the new guest house has a overhanging wood roof and shingled sides, but is cut by an odd-angled piece of glass that makes it clear (no pun intended) this space is not part of the original design.

San Francisco’s most expensive home in Billionaire’s Row goes on sale

San Francisco Billionaire's Row Mansion exterior

San Francisco has now a 3-storied French limestone mansion, which is on the market for an asking price of $38,500,000. Bought by Apollo Group honcho, Peter Sperling and University of Phoenix in the year 2004, this mansion had been on the market previously for $65 million, but the absence of buyers made them take such a large price cut. Located on Broadway Street, this townhouse becomes the most expensive property in San Francisco city.

Price: $38,500,000

Address: 2845, Broadway Street, San Francisco, California

Location & Settings: Other than being located in one of the prime zones for real estate in the country, this townhouse has the sophisticated aura about itself, as the current owner is known for. Created with rare French limestone, this light yellow colored mansion has 3-stories within which it packs 21,888 sq.ft of living space, much of which still remains far from being ready-to-move-in. Never the less, a lot of potential lies in the house which has a Neo-classical construction formation, with Italian tile roofing and 4-specially crafted fireplaces. Due to its prime location, it offers plenty of pristine surrounding views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marina, and Mount Tamalpais.

San Francisco Billionaire's Row Mansion interior setting

San Francisco Billionaire’s Row Mansion interior setting

Amenities and Accommodation: Even though this property has a sizeable price tag to it, most of it is still under construction, which means that the new owner can actually set up this masterpiece as per his/her own fancies. With plenty of space in the 7-car garage which has an automatic door, one’s precious autos are always in safe haven inside. In terms of heating and temperature management, there are facilities for central radiant heating system, and also cooling during the summers. Due to the division of the mansion on separate floors, there is also the advantage of setting up separate guest areas, and some common areas where even indoor sports like a billiards and snooker could be arranged for. There are 4 classical fireplaces which have been built, but should other rooms be made, there are ample opportunities for creating more or perhaps reframing the existing ones.

San Francisco Billionaire's Row Mansion rear view

San Francisco Billionaire’s Row Mansion rear view

San Francisco's most expensive home in Billionaire's Row goes on sale

Its a 21,888 square foot French limestone mansion on Billionaire’s Row.

Here is the entire listing

How Much Does Solar Power Cost?

HowMuchDoesSolarCost

Montreal Inhabitable Sculpture: Actually Living in an Ultramodern Loft

What first grabbed my attention is the local. Montreal, my home town. There is something to be said for the clean-lined aesthetic of a metal-centric retrofit of a warehouse space – but does form take on a life of its own, or still serve a function?

This project in Montreal by Jean-Maxime Labrecque certainly has a few unique twists, but what sets it apart from similar interiors is, in part, the fact that most photos show someone actually occupying the spaces.

In some cases, this shows off neat functionality, like a sleek metal surfacing concealing a huge and useful walk-in close, or what it might be like to sit at this table or lean on that counter.

In others, it perhaps reveals more than the architect wished to share – how uncomfortable those benches might be, or the comfortable nature vs. awkwardness of bending over to get something out of certain cabinets.

Amazing underground homes

clip_image001

In the Swiss village of Vals, this underground house stands apart from the rest. It is a brainchild of architects from SeARCH, Netherlands and Christian Muller. The beautifully designed house plays intelligently by completely eliminating the need of cooling in summers and heating in winters.

Gary Neville’s Underground House

The first shocker from the list comes from Neville’s kitty. Beautiful, functional, fascinating and appealing. We wouldn’t lie if we tell you that these words describe it best. Designed by Make Architects, it is sprawled across 8,000 sq. ft. This subterranean sensation is beautifully laid in the shape of a flower and built in a way that keeps energy consumption to the minimum. If there is anything Gary is good at apart from football, it’s his conscious to go eco friendly!

Modern Underground house by KWK Promes

This underground house from KWK Promes has been made using modernistic elements in mind. The green roof of the house is accessible only to the residents via a set of stairs running from inside. Blending perfectly with its green surroundings, the house provides a perfect interaction between outdoors and indoors for its residents.

Urban Art Meets Architecture: Suspended Cabin in the City

There is a level of intention and individuality behind this project sorely lacking in many urban developments.

It should perhaps come as no surprise, then, that it is the work of both an architect and artist: Brooklyn’s Mark Reigelman ands a Francisco’s Jenny Chapman (images by Cesar Rubio).

“Manifest Destiny! is about our God-given imperative as modern explorers, to seek out parcels of unclaimed territory and boldly establish a new home front in the remaining urban voids of San Francisco.”

The only disappointing part is that this picture-perfect little prefab cabin is not actually occupiable – it sits on the side of the Hotel des Arts in San Francisco, a temporary art installation rather than an actual dwelling. Still, at least someone thought to leave the light on at night!

Boys room decorating ideas

Decorating boys room can be a little tricky affair. Their interests, favorite colors, sports teams, groups, inspirations etc. are certain things on which you can model the design and decor. In addition, boys room also need to have brightness and light to keep them active throughout the day. Moreover, the theme and design of the room should also match the personality and likings of the boy in order to keep his interest alive for the room.

Boys room decorating ideas

Firefighting obsession

Placing a wooden fire truck bed can easily attract the mind and interest of your young boy. When you decide to put a fire-fighting crisp red bed in his bedroom, remember to use light color paint on the walls to cool down the warm effect of red bed. In addition, you can also create firefighter pattern on the walls to complete the look of the room.

Sporty look

If your boy adores sport, you can put little fanciful sports stick art or wall murals on display. Don’t go in deep by providing a full-fledged sports theme to the room. Create a grown-up space and decorate it with fancy sports items. Moreover, sporty wall murals also deck up the look beautifully. Furthermore, these can also be replaced effortlessly as a boy’s preference change.

The magic of blue

From centuries, we have been linking shades of blue with boys. Decorating boys bedroom in various hues of blue offers a striking look and feel to the bedroom. You can create blue patterns on the wall or ceilings. Throwing down a simple blue rug or carpet can also do the look. Moreover, blue spreadsheets or curtains can also help you in completing this interesting blue theme for your boy’s bedroom.

The Rugby look

If your teen boy is Rugby freak, then why not give his room a brilliant Rugby-inspired look. To create this look, paint the walls in solid colors along with lots of interesting textures in furnishings. In addition, you can add various Rugby materials and accessories to enliven the room with the effect of this cool sport. Drape the pillows with a Rugby-shirt stripes inspired covers to finish the look.

The Jungle theme

Jungle or Safari look always fascinates young boys. To keep their fascination growing, decorate the room in a highly interesting Jungle theme. Start with covering the walls with colorful animal wallpapers. If you are not comfortable in using the wallpapers, you can paint the room in bright colors and can use stick-ons to accessorize the walls. Furthermore, pillows and spreadsheets in leopard or zebra prints will offer a more realistic jungle feel to the room. To finish the look, accessorize the room with various safari hats, nets or binoculars.

A rustic look

Offering a rustic look to a boy’s bedroom can refresh the mood and interest of your teen boy. Why not use the scenic beauty of nature on display in his room to offer a brilliant rustic look to the bedroom. Use playful and colorful nature-inspired wallpapers in his room along with artworks that show mountains, sun, bears and birds. Use natural accessories, such as pine cones, sticks, leaves and flowers to glamorize the room.

The bug’s effect

If bugs, bees, ants or reptiles capture your boy’s attention, then doing his room in bug’s style can be really fascinating for him. You can place a table or chair inspired by the bugs and reptiles. Even placing a lamp besides his bed, which looks like a frog or bug, can also be a good idea. Bed linens and pillow covers in the bright, colorful bug prints will complete the look.

Camouflage it

If your teen boy is an avid fan of the Army, Navy or Air Force, then salute his fondness by decorating his room in a military way. Camouflage theme can be really intriguing for your boy as it would catalyze his fondness towards military. Drench the walls in desert colors and throw down a rug in nude color. Complete the look by spreading bed linens in camouflage prints. You can also deck up the room with flags and patriotic sayings or posters.

Do it American Airplane style

Anything which is related with speed is always loved by growing boys. So, decking up their room in American airplane style is not a bad idea. Bring the magic of airplane alive with the striking palette of reds, blues and creams- a color scheme perfect for creating something really adventurous. Hang on various miniature airplanes and choppers in a corner of the room to offer a super interesting look. Various stickers and stencils of airplanes will also make the room come alive with the magic of American airplanes.

Wilderness theme

Start with plaid flannel bedding along with coordinating window treatments. In the next step, accessorize the room with fishing rods and paddles to bring in the beauty of wilderness. Posters or stencils of moose, fish, mountains or a flowing river will complete the look in a beautiful way.

The bold look

If you want to keep the décor of your boy’s room simple and elegant but striking at the same time, then going for bold look can be your perfect choice. Put down a prominent bed sheet on his bed or throw down an exquisite rug in a solid vivacious color. If you are using bold colors in room accessories then try to keep the wall colors light and soothing, otherwise it will muddle up the entire look.

Shelves and furniture

Shelves and furniture are as important as the décor of a boy’s room. Shelves are a great way to pile up the belonging of your growing boy in a complete neat way. Try to use thick and durable shelves to store his collectibles and mementos. The furniture for boy’s room should be strong, durable and exciting. Furthermore, they should also match the décor and theme of your growing boy’s room.

SURFSIDE RESIDENCE | AMAZING USE OF GLASS

SURFSIDE RESIDENCE | BY STEVEN HARRIS ARCHITECTS | Image

The Surfside Residence, designed by Steven Harris Architects is a contemporary residence in Montauk Point, at the Hamptons. With views of dawn’s first light at Montauk Point to the setting sun over Shadmoor covered bluffs and the surf below, this ocean front modern masterpiece dissolves boundaries between interior and exterior. The house features stairs that lead down to a private beach with some of the county’s best surfing and fishing. This stunning property is on sale now listed at $9,950,00 via Sothebys.

surfside-residence-steven-harris-architects-2.jpg

surfside-residence-steven-harris-architects-3.jpg

surfside-residence-steven-harris-architects-4.jpg

surfside-residence-steven-harris-architects-5.jpg

All About Fiber-Cement Siding

04-sidingWonder Siding

Picking the right siding for your house is a delicate balancing act between good looks, durability, maintenance, and affordability. With wood, vinyl, stone, brick, or stucco, you might get only two or three of these. But with fiber cement, a resilient mix of wood pulp and portland cement, you get all four. It’s the only siding that combines the performance of masonry—minimal upkeep; rot-, fire-, and termite-proof; unaffected by wind or cold—with the look of painted wood clapboards, shingles, even stone or brick. Yet fiber cement goes for just a fraction of the cost of these other materials. No wonder nearly 15 percent of new homes—and many TOH TV projects—are clad with the stuff.

All this has happened in just 25 years, since fiber cement was first introduced. Now architects regularly specify the siding because it holds down costs without compromising aesthetics. It’s even accepted for use in some historic districts.

Shown: The siding on this Gothic Revival-style home looks like wood clapboard, but it’s actually fiber cement painted a custom color. 7¼-inch-wide smooth lap siding, primed, about $1.50 per square foot; CertainTeed

By: SAL VAGLICA, This Old House magazine

read the rest at ThisOldHouse.com