This is an example of a transitional two-storey white house exterior in San Francisco with wood siding and a metal roof.

Architect- Sema Architects
Mid-sized transitional two-storey green exterior in San Diego with wood siding and a flat roof.

Inspiration for a large contemporary two-storey brown exterior in Denver with wood siding and a flat roof.

Photo of a large country two-storey beige house exterior in Burlington with wood siding and a metal roof.

Ehlen Creative Communications
Design ideas for a large beach style two-storey grey house exterior in Minneapolis with wood siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

This is an example of a beach style two-storey exterior in New York with wood siding and a gable roof.

photography by Nic Granleese
This is an example of a contemporary two-storey exterior in Melbourne with wood siding and a shed roof.

Douglas Frost
This is an example of a small eclectic one-storey yellow exterior in Sydney with wood siding and a flat roof.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey green house exterior in Vancouver with wood siding and a mixed roof.

Photo of a modern exterior in San Francisco with wood siding.

Immaculate Lake Norman, North Carolina home built by Passarelli Custom Homes. Tons of details and superb craftsmanship put into this waterfront home. All images by Nedoff Fotography

Photo: Nancy McGregor © 2015 Houzz
Photo of a country white exterior in Atlanta with wood siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

This single story turn-of-the-century bungalow was dramatically transformed by adding a second story to create more living space for a growing family. The remodel bring out the Craftsman roots of the house and makes a warm space for generations to come.

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

Contemporary exterior in San Francisco with wood siding.

Despite its prime location on the water, this house in Manchester-by-the-Sea wasn’t taking full advantage of the scenic views. The homeowners often found themselves relaxing on the sun porch, which faced the water, rather than in the living room behind it. Now, after a dramatic remodel, they enjoy that pleasant, sunny ambiance in the comfort of a sophisticated waterfront living room. To let in the view, the Feinmann team removed a wall and chimney between the living room and the sun porch, creating one large space. The new 750-sqaure-foot living room features multiple seating areas, oriented around the hearth and a bank of windows framing the water. The elegant coffered ceiling and functional built-in elements—like the window seats that flank the stone fireplace—help break up the large space, keeping the feeling cozy and intimate. Through a set of French doors, the homeowners now have easy access to their brick patio, which was little used before the renovation. As traditional as it may appear, the remodeled living room is outfitted with hidden high-tech features, including surround sound in the ceiling and a TV screen that masquerades as a painting over the fireplace. Its classic good looks are accented with a hint of contemporary flair—the result of close collaboration between the Feinmann team and the clients’ interior designer. Against the backdrop of handsome cream-colored trimwork, interesting textiles and a reclaimed wide-plank ash floor add warmth and texture. Refined yet relaxing, it’s a room perfect for admiring the outdoors while enjoying an array of indoor pleasures. Photos by John Horner

Photos by Bob Greenspan
This is an example of a large traditional three-storey exterior in Portland with wood siding and a gable roof.

Design ideas for a country exterior in San Francisco with wood siding.

Inspiration for a contemporary exterior in San Francisco with wood siding.