An extremely well built house for the coastal environment
This is an example of a contemporary two-storey grey house exterior in Sydney with a shed roof.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey grey duplex exterior in Philadelphia with concrete fiberboard siding, a shingle roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.

Sam Martin - 4 Walls Media
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary two-storey grey townhouse exterior in Melbourne with wood siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern two-storey grey exterior in DC Metro with concrete fiberboard siding and a gable roof.

Photo of a large transitional two-storey grey exterior in Seattle with a hip roof.

This walkout brick bungalow was transformed into a contemporary home with a complete redesign of the front exterior and a second floor addition. Overlooking Kempenfelt Bay on Lake Simcoe, Barrie, Ontario, this redesigned home features an open concept second. Steel and glass railings and an open tread staircase allow for natural light to flow through this newly created space. The exterior has a hint of West Coast Modern/Contemporary finishes, with clear cedar accentuating the resized garage. James Hardie Panel and painted aluminum channel combined with black framed EVW Windows compliment this revitalized, modern exterior.

Photo of a mid-sized traditional two-storey grey house exterior in Chicago with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

View of home at dusk.
Photo of a large country two-storey grey house exterior in DC Metro with wood siding, a hip roof and a shingle roof.

Exterior - Front Entry Beach House at Avoca Beach by Architecture Saville Isaacs Project Summary Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ The core idea of people living and engaging with place is an underlying principle of our practice, given expression in the manner in which this home engages with the exterior, not in a general expansive nod to view, but in a varied and intimate manner. The interpretation of experiencing life at the beach in all its forms has been manifested in tangible spaces and places through the design of pavilions, courtyards and outdoor rooms. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ A progression of pavilions and courtyards are strung off a circulation spine/breezeway, from street to beach: entry/car court; grassed west courtyard (existing tree); games pavilion; sand+fire courtyard (=sheltered heart); living pavilion; operable verandah; beach. The interiors reinforce architectural design principles and place-making, allowing every space to be utilised to its optimum. There is no differentiation between architecture and interiors: Interior becomes exterior, joinery becomes space modulator, materials become textural art brought to life by the sun.   Project Description Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ The core idea of people living and engaging with place is an underlying principle of our practice, given expression in the manner in which this home engages with the exterior, not in a general expansive nod to view, but in a varied and intimate manner. The house is designed to maximise the spectacular Avoca beachfront location with a variety of indoor and outdoor rooms in which to experience different aspects of beachside living. Client brief: home to accommodate a small family yet expandable to accommodate multiple guest configurations, varying levels of privacy, scale and interaction. A home which responds to its environment both functionally and aesthetically, with a preference for raw, natural and robust materials. Maximise connection – visual and physical – to beach. The response was a series of operable spaces relating in succession, maintaining focus/connection, to the beach. The public spaces have been designed as series of indoor/outdoor pavilions. Courtyards treated as outdoor rooms, creating ambiguity and blurring the distinction between inside and out. A progression of pavilions and courtyards are strung off circulation spine/breezeway, from street to beach: entry/car court; grassed west courtyard (existing tree); games pavilion; sand+fire courtyard (=sheltered heart); living pavilion; operable verandah; beach. Verandah is final transition space to beach: enclosable in winter; completely open in summer. This project seeks to demonstrates that focusing on the interrelationship with the surrounding environment, the volumetric quality and light enhanced sculpted open spaces, as well as the tactile quality of the materials, there is no need to showcase expensive finishes and create aesthetic gymnastics. The design avoids fashion and instead works with the timeless elements of materiality, space, volume and light, seeking to achieve a sense of calm, peace and tranquillity. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ Focus is on the tactile quality of the materials: a consistent palette of concrete, raw recycled grey ironbark, steel and natural stone. Materials selections are raw, robust, low maintenance and recyclable. Light, natural and artificial, is used to sculpt the space and accentuate textural qualities of materials. Passive climatic design strategies (orientation, winter solar penetration, screening/shading, thermal mass and cross ventilation) result in stable indoor temperatures, requiring minimal use of heating and cooling. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ Accommodation is naturally ventilated by eastern sea breezes, but sheltered from harsh afternoon winds. Both bore and rainwater are harvested for reuse. Low VOC and non-toxic materials and finishes, hydronic floor heating and ventilation ensure a healthy indoor environment. Project was the outcome of extensive collaboration with client, specialist consultants (including coastal erosion) and the builder. The interpretation of experiencing life by the sea in all its forms has been manifested in tangible spaces and places through the design of the pavilions, courtyards and outdoor rooms. The interior design has been an extension of the architectural intent, reinforcing architectural design principles and place-making, allowing every space to be utilised to its optimum capacity. There is no differentiation between architecture and interiors: Interior becomes exterior, joinery becomes space modulator, materials become textural art brought to life by the sun. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/

Photo of a mid-sized traditional two-storey brick grey house exterior in Other with a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Tom Jenkins Photography Siding color: Sherwin Williams 7045 (Intelectual Grey) Shutter color: Sherwin Williams 7047 (Porpoise) Trim color: Sherwin Williams 7008 (Alabaster) Windows: Andersen

Darby Ask Photography Corral Board siding
Country two-storey grey house exterior in Other with wood siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

Mid-sized contemporary two-storey grey house exterior in Providence with wood siding and a flat roof.

Brady Architectural Photography
Large modern two-storey grey house exterior in San Diego with mixed siding and a flat roof.

outdoor stone fireplace
This is an example of a large beach style two-storey grey exterior in Providence with wood siding and a gable roof.

Custom Front Porch
Inspiration for an arts and crafts two-storey grey house exterior in Chicago with mixed siding.

This was a significant addition/renovation to a modest house in Winchester. The program called for a garage, an entry porch, more first floor space and two more bedrooms. The challenge was to keep the scale of the house from getting too big which would dominate the street frontage. Using setbacks and small sale elements the scale stayed in character with the neighbor hood.

Vienna Addition Skill Construction & Design, LLC, Design/Build a two-story addition to include remodeling the kitchen and connecting to the adjoining rooms, creating a great room for this family of four. After removing the side office and back patio, it was replaced with a great room connected to the newly renovated kitchen with an eating area that doubles as a homework area for the children. There was plenty of space left over for a walk-in pantry, powder room, and office/craft room. The second story design was for an Adult’s Only oasis; this was designed for the parents to have a permitted Staycation. This space includes a Grand Master bedroom with three walk-in closets, and a sitting area, with plenty of room for a king size bed. This room was not been completed until we brought the outdoors in; this was created with the three big picture windows allowing the parents to look out at their Zen Patio. The Master Bathroom includes a double size jet tub, his & her walk-in shower, and his & her double vanity with plenty of storage and two hideaway hampers. The exterior was created to bring a modern craftsman style feel, these rich architectural details are displayed around the windows with simple geometric lines and symmetry throughout. Craftsman style is an extension of its natural surroundings. This addition is a reflection of indigenous wood and stone sturdy, defined structure with clean yet prominent lines and exterior details, while utilizing low-maintenance, high-performance materials. We love the artisan style of intricate details and the use of natural materials of this Vienna, VA addition. We especially loved working with the family to Design & Build a space that meets their family’s needs as they grow.

Sue Kay
Design ideas for a large traditional two-storey grey house exterior in Toronto with stone veneer.