Rustic Modern Home

---

This Modern yet rustic style home wanted to use the topography of this two-acre lot to create multiple outdoor living zones and to be able to view those zones from every room of the house. A tower of windows wraps around an indoor staircase providing panoramic views of the coy pond, pool, and fire pit area. The pool itself intentionally wraps around the rear and side of the house maximizing indoor views of the pool from multiple rooms. stepping out to the covered outdoor kitchen the stream rushes toward you and into the first of two coy filled ponds. a single solid stone bridge separates the two ponds and provides a walking path toward the pool and firepit areas. The outdoor kitchen uses unilock tumbled paver blocks for the patio and grill area. The outdoor kitchen was outfitted with high end Bull appliances and granite countertops. The ceiling is a wooden tongue and groove with a terracotta color finish. The pathway from the pond leads to a 6-inch timber framed staircase filled with pea gravel which takes you to the firepit area. The pool area is supported by two massive, tiered retaining walls that serve as a belt around the lagoon shaped pool. Moving to the front of the property the grand stairway to the 8 ft double entry doors was constructed with manufactured concrete stairs surrounded by large river rock to provide a natural rustic look. The covered front porch was finished with engineered decking and an indoor/outdoor fireplace to blur the lines between the inside and outside. The ceiling was finished with the same tongue and groove concept as the outdoor kitchen. Other features include an arched bridge with rope railings spanning across a dry riverbed and a whimsical directional sign guiding guests to each of the outdoor amenities the property has to offer. The end result achieved our goal of creating distinct and separate outdoor living zones to allow enjoyment of the many natural aspects of this large, wooded property. 

This home was tired and needed a complete exterior facelift and backyard remodel. We first took the exterior house color from a greyish/blue to white, to create that southern charm - farmhouse feel. We crack filled and epoxied the long driveway which was a fraction of the cost vs. full replacement. We then replaced the garage doors with modern glass panel doors. Turning our focus to the backyard we wanted to take advantage of the amazing golf course views, so we created a raised patio area with an outdoor kitchen and auto opening pergola. KamScape used a porcelain tile for the patio surface with a little grain to reduce potential slipping. We finished with a modern cable railing around the patio perimeter. The cable baluster choice enabled the most unobstructed views. Paver pathways meander to an "infinity golf green" and a firepit with a front row seat to the 10th fairway. To balance the space, we added a 4-tier fountain for our water feature and installed a functional pathway to the screened in porch and the driveway. Additional Flagstone pathways were added to connect both paver pathways and to the exit gate to the golf course cart path. Last, we provided plantings in the planter areas to add color and softness around the retaining wall which surrounds the patio. In the end we took a sleepy home and brought it to life by introducing modern and industrial components to this southern charm home. Lacking any usable outdoor amenities, KamScape created multiple zones of additional living space, highlighting incredible views and adding overall value to the home.

This ultra-modern home is situated in a high demand downtown area with narrow lot lines. This, along with a steep rear lot elevation presented some design challenges. Working in concert with the architect, we decided to essentially create a "raised ranch" concept. It provides easy access to the backyard and the outdoor living zones KamScape has created. We followed the modern theme of the home by using clean lines and edges starting with the plunge pool and raised hot tub. The same for a modern fire pit where we used the elevation of the lot to create "bench seating" which bridged the gap between the stairs that provide two access points on either side toward the covered outdoor kitchen area.  Careful thought was given to the location and height of the cabana. Positioning it on the upper level provides unobstructed site lines of the entertainment center from the pool and fire pit areas. We were able to show ground views from different locations to ensure site lines. Adjacent to the cabana is a play zone with a putting green. The area is multi-functional and can be used for games such as corn hole, croquet, or for meditation/exercise uses such as stretching or yoga. Finally, there is a flower/vegetable garden to connect with nature and provide extra color to the space. The southwestern style hard and soft scaping supported a minimalist vibe that works with this modern home while fulfilling the low maintenance aspect that was desired by the homeowner. This rendering was also instrumental in helping with exterior home color selection, stairway entry design, and lighting placement using the nighttime renderings. We will update you with the finished product once construction is completed!

I had the wonderful opportunity to design and coordinate the development of a residential community nature trail. It was certainly different than a residential project, but I used the same thought process of creating usability and enjoyment to 30 acres of previously inaccessible land that is now enjoyed by the entire community. Because it was a nature preserve, I had to be careful to provide a walking only access trail, but without disturbing the natural environment. There were several restrictions. First, we could not cut down any trees with more than a one-inch diameter. second, no permanent structures were allowed. With several "wet areas" we had to engineer "floating" bridges to comply. In the end we needed 6 bridges including one 100' boardwalk to span a marshy area. Unlike a residential project we were remote and had no access to electricity, so UTV vehicles were used for hauling material and battery power was essential for tools.  In the end we created a half mile trail with the first 100 yards lined with river rock. We installed stairs at the trailhead to navigate the steep entrance. Last, we outfitted the trail with directional signage and a sign stating the rules and regulations of the trail. Truly a rewarding project and an amenity that not one homeowner enjoyed, but instead an entire community!