Inspiration for a modern exterior in Melbourne with wood siding.

Matthew Millman
Design ideas for a contemporary exterior in San Francisco with wood siding.

This is an example of an expansive contemporary two-storey white exterior in Stuttgart with a flat roof.

© Steve Keating Photography
Photo of a contemporary glass exterior in Seattle.

Don Pearse Photographers
Inspiration for a contemporary exterior in Philadelphia with wood siding.

This is an example of a contemporary two-storey grey exterior in Other with mixed siding and a shed roof.

Firmness . . . Santa Cruz’s historically eclectic Pleasure Point neighborhood has been evolving in its own quirky way for almost a century, and many of its inhabitants seem to have been around just as long. They cling to the relaxed and funky seaside character of their beach community with an almost indignant provinciality. For both client and architect, neighborhood context became the singular focus of the design; to become the “poster child” for compatibility and sustainability. Dozens of photos were taken of the surrounding area as inspiration, with the goal of honoring the idiosyncratic, fine-grained character and informal scale of a neighborhood built over time. A low, horizontal weathered ipe fence at the street keeps out surfer vans and neighborhood dogs, and a simple gate beckons visitors to stroll down the boardwalk which gently angles toward the front door. A rusted steel fire pit is the focus of this ground level courtyard, which is encircled by a curving cor-ten garden wall graced by a sweep of horse tail reeds and tufts of feather grass. Extensive day-lighting throughout the home is achieved with high windows placed in all directions in all major rooms, resulting in an abundance of natural light throughout. The clients report having only to turning on lights at nightfall. Notable are the numerous passive solar design elements: careful attention to overhangs and shading devices at South- and West-facing glass to control heat gain, and passive ventilation via high windows in the tower elements, all are significant contributors to the structure’s energy efficiency. Commodity . . . Beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the lively local beach scene became the main drivers in plan and section. The upper floor was intentionally set back to preserve ocean views of the neighbor to the north. The surf obsessed clients wished to be able to see the “break” from their upper floor breakfast table perch, able to take a moment’s notice advantage of some killer waves. A tiny 4,500 s.f. lot and a desire to create a ground level courtyard for entertaining dictated the small footprint. A graceful curving cor-ten and stainless steel stair descends from the upper floor living areas, connecting them to a ground level “sanctuary”. A small detached art studio/surfboard storage shack in the back yard fulfills functional requirements, and includes an outdoor shower for the post-surf hose down. Parking access off a back alley helps to preserve ground floor space, and allows in the southern sun on the view/courtyard side. A relaxed “bare foot beach house” feel is underscored by weathered oak floors, painted re-sawn wall finishes, and painted wood ceilings, which recall the cozy cabins that stood here at Breakers Beach for nearly a century. Delight . . . Commemorating the history of the property was a priority for the surfing couple. With that in mind, they created an artistic reproduction of the original sign that decorated the property for many decades as an homage to the “Cozy Cabins at Breakers Beach”, which now graces the foyer. This casual assemblage of local vernacular architecture has been informed by the consistent scale and simple materials of nearby cottages, shacks, and bungalows. These influences were distilled down to a palette of board and batt, clapboard, and cedar shiplap, and synthesized with bolder forms that evoke images of nearby Capitola Wharf, beach lifeguard towers, and the client’s “surf shack” program requirements. The landscape design takes its cues from boardwalks, rusted steel fire rings, and native grasses, all of which firmly tie the building to its local beach community. The locals have embraced it as one of their own. Architect - Noel Cross Architect Landscape Architect - Christopher Yates Interior Designer - Gina Viscusi-Elson Lighting Designer - Vita Pehar Design Contractor - The Conrado Company

Nestled into sloping topography, the design of this home allows privacy from the street while providing unique vistas throughout the house and to the surrounding hill country and downtown skyline. Layering rooms with each other as well as circulation galleries, insures seclusion while allowing stunning downtown views. The owners' goals of creating a home with a contemporary flow and finish while providing a warm setting for daily life was accomplished through mixing warm natural finishes such as stained wood with gray tones in concrete and local limestone. The home's program also hinged around using both passive and active green features. Sustainable elements include geothermal heating/cooling, rainwater harvesting, spray foam insulation, high efficiency glazing, recessing lower spaces into the hillside on the west side, and roof/overhang design to provide passive solar coverage of walls and windows. The resulting design is a sustainably balanced, visually pleasing home which reflects the lifestyle and needs of the clients. Photography by Adam Steiner

This small project in the Portage Bay neighborhood of Seattle replaced an existing garage with a functional living room. Tucked behind the owner’s traditional bungalow, this modern room provides a retreat from the house and activates the outdoor space between the two buildings. The project houses a small home office as well as an area for watching TV and sitting by the fireplace. In the summer, both doors open to take advantage of the surrounding deck and patio. Photographs by Nataworry Photography

©Teague Hunziker
Photo of a contemporary two-storey white exterior in Other with a flat roof.

Landscape Design by Ryan Gates and Joel Lichtenwalter, www.growoutdoordesign.com
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury one-storey concrete house exterior in Los Angeles with a flat roof.

Elliott Kaufman Photography
Inspiration for a modern two-storey black exterior in New York.

Philippe Le Pochat Photographe www.lepochat-photographe.com Constructeur/architecte: Booa Construction
Photo of a large contemporary two-storey grey exterior in Rennes with wood siding and a gable roof.

Photo: Jason Snyder © 2013 Houzz
Photo of a contemporary exterior in Other with metal siding.

Located on an oddly shaped wooded lot in West Vancouver, this house is approached by a meandering drive that traverses a seasonal creek. A heavily treed hillside defines the northern property boundary, while east-to-west the forest thins down a slope toward a railway line. To the east there is also a neighbouring house that is visible. The design for this house generates its own territory within an L-shaped courtyard plan. The public side of the house — an enigmatic stucco shell that faces the street — shields an articulated inner courtyard that is lined with wooden slats. This space is configured to accommodate outdoor entertaining and family activities. Expansive frontal views are primarily from the courtyard while potential views beyond the site have been carefully framed to provide privacy yet present specific views out over the site. For example an elongated window located at counter level in the kitchen offers a particular view of hillside planting and the rocks that are embedded against the house. The potential sprawl and warren-like nature of a large single-family house is addressed by connecting the modulated interior spaces, while a large double height volume cuts a swath through the house.

Diego Robelledo Flores
Photo of a contemporary two-storey brown exterior in Louisville with wood siding and a shed roof.

Murray Fredericks
Design ideas for a contemporary exterior in Sydney with wood siding.

Photo by David Patterson Photography www.davidpattersonphotography.com
Inspiration for a country exterior in Denver with wood siding.

James Klotz Photography
This is an example of a modern two-storey grey exterior in Other.