Photo of a large arts and crafts two-storey green house exterior in Boston with vinyl siding, a gable roof, a metal roof, a brown roof and shingle siding.

Mid-sized country one-storey beige house exterior in Other with vinyl siding and a metal roof.

This is an example of a large country two-storey white house exterior in San Francisco with vinyl siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

Design ideas for a mid-sized country two-storey grey house exterior in Boston with vinyl siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

East Sound, Puget Sound, Washington State Photography: Dale Lang
Design ideas for a mid-sized country one-storey grey house exterior in Seattle with vinyl siding, a shed roof and a metal roof.

Large beach style two-storey grey house exterior in Portland Maine with vinyl siding, a gable roof, a metal roof and a black roof.

Country two-storey white house exterior in Brisbane with a gable roof, vinyl siding and a metal roof.

Nathan Cowan
Inspiration for a large midcentury two-storey green house exterior in Other with vinyl siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

Inspiration for a small country two-storey white house exterior in Austin with vinyl siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

The Kiguchi family moved into their Austin, Texas home in 1994. Built in the 1980’s as part of a neighborhood development, they happily raised their family here but longed for something more contemporary. Once they became empty nesters, they decided it was time for a major remodel. After spending many years visiting Austin AIA Home Tours that highlight contemporary residential architecture, they had a lot of ideas and in 2013 were ready to interview architects and get their renovation underway. The project turned into a major remodel due to an unstable foundation. Architects Ben Arbib and Ed Hughey, of Arbib Hughey Design were hired to solve the structural issue and look for inspiration in the bones of the house, which sat on top of a hillside and was surrounded by great views. Unfortunately, with the old floor plan, the beautiful views were hidden by small windows that were poorly placed. In order to bring more natural light into the house the window sizes and configurations had to be addressed, all while keeping in mind the homeowners desire for a modern look and feel. To achieve a more contemporary and sophisticated front of house, a new entry was designed that included removing a two-story bay window and porch. The entrance of the home also became more integrated with the landscape creating a template for new foliage to be planted. Older exterior materials were updated to incorporate a more muted palette of colors with a metal roof, dark grey siding in the back and white stucco in the front. Deep eaves were added over many of the new large windows for clean lines and sun protection. “Inside it was about opening up the floor plan, expanding the views throughout the house, and updating the material palette to get a modern look that was also warm and inviting,” said Ben from Arbib Hughey Design. “Prior to the remodel, the house had the typical separation of rooms. We removed the walls between them and changed all of the windows to Milgard Thermally Improved Aluminum to connect the inside with the outside. No matter where you are you get nice views and natural light.” The architects wanted to create some drama, which they accomplished with the window placement and opening up the interior floor plan to an open concept approach. Cabinetry was used to help delineate intimate spaces. To add warmth to an all-white living room, white-washed oak wood floors were installed and pine planks were used around the fireplace. The large windows served as artwork bringing the color of nature into the space. An octagon shaped, elevated dining room, (named “the turret”), had a big impact on the design of the house. They architects rounded the corners and added larger window openings overlooking a new sunken garden. The great room was also softened by rounding out the corners and that circular theme continued throughout the house, being picked up in skylight wells and kitchen cabinetry. A staircase leading to a catwalk was added and the result was a two-story window wall that flooded the home with natural light. When asked why Milgard® Thermally Improved Aluminum windows were selected, the architectural team listed many reasons: 1) Aesthetics: “We liked the slim profiles and narrow sightlines. The window frames never get in the way of the view and that was important to us. They also have a very contemporary look that went well with our design.” 2) Options: “We liked that we could get large sliding doors that matched the windows, giving us a very cohesive look and feel throughout the project.” 3) Cost Effective: “Milgard windows are affordable. You get a good product at a good price.” 4) Custom Sizes: “Milgard windows are customizable, which allowed us to get the right window for each location.” Ready to take on your own traditional to modern home remodeling project? Arbib Hughey Design advises, “Work with a good architect. That means picking a team that is creative, communicative, listens well and is responsive. We think it’s important for an architect to listen to their clients and give them something they want, not something the architect thinks they should have. At the same time you want an architect who is willing and able to think outside the box and offer up design options that you may not have considered. Design is about a lot of back and forth, trying out ideas, getting feedback and trying again.” The home was completely transformed into a unique, contemporary house perfectly integrated with its site. Internally the home has a natural flow for the occupants and externally it is integrated with the surroundings taking advantage of great natural light. As a side note, it was highly praised as part of the Austin AIA homes tour.

Country two-storey white house exterior in Austin with vinyl siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

Metal Replacement roof.
Photo of a small arts and crafts one-storey blue house exterior in Nashville with vinyl siding, a gable roof, a metal roof and a grey roof.

Photography by: Jessie Preza
This is an example of a large beach style two-storey beige house exterior in Jacksonville with vinyl siding, a hip roof and a metal roof.

Located in Pennsylvania horse country on the slope of a family farm, the Nagy residence is a modern farmhouse designed for a modern family. Like historic farmhouses, the Nagy home has an orientation and floorplan that optimizes passive heating and cooling. But unlike farmhouses which did not have the benefit of high-performance glass and insulation, the Nagy home is flooded with daylight in each room. Warm, natural materials reflect the surrounding site while clean detailing gives them a more modern aesthetic. Photos by: Don Pearse Photographers, Inc.

4 beds 5 baths 4,447 sqft RARE FIND! NEW HIGH-TECH, LAKE FRONT CONSTRUCTION ON HIGHLY DESIRABLE WINDERMERE CHAIN OF LAKES. This unique home site offers the opportunity to enjoy lakefront living on a private cove with the beauty and ambiance of a classic "Old Florida" home. With 150 feet of lake frontage, this is a very private lot with spacious grounds, gorgeous landscaping, and mature oaks. This acre plus parcel offers the beauty of the Butler Chain, no HOA, and turn key convenience. High-tech smart house amenities and the designer furnishings are included. Natural light defines the family area featuring wide plank hickory hardwood flooring, gas fireplace, tongue and groove ceilings, and a rear wall of disappearing glass opening to the covered lanai. The gourmet kitchen features a Wolf cooktop, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and Bosch dishwasher, exotic granite counter tops, a walk in pantry, and custom built cabinetry. The office features wood beamed ceilings. With an emphasis on Florida living the large covered lanai with summer kitchen, complete with Viking grill, fridge, and stone gas fireplace, overlook the sparkling salt system pool and cascading spa with sparkling lake views and dock with lift. The private master suite and luxurious master bath include granite vanities, a vessel tub, and walk in shower. Energy saving and organic with 6-zone HVAC system and Nest thermostats, low E double paned windows, tankless hot water heaters, spray foam insulation, whole house generator, and security with cameras. Property can be gated.

It's all about clean lines! This custom home is finished with Royal vinyl board & batten siding in White with Royal Portsmouth shakes in Ironstone in the gables for a bit of colour. For a bit of contrast, Harvard Slate soffit & fascia finishes this stunning home!

New Standing Seam Metal Roof installed by our Comox Valley branch location. Photo taken by Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd.
Inspiration for a large two-storey white house exterior in Other with vinyl siding and a metal roof.

Design ideas for a mid-sized country two-storey white house exterior in Houston with vinyl siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

Design ideas for a mid-sized country two-storey brown house exterior in Other with vinyl siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.