Historic Boston rises above a contemporary private courtyard in the city’s South End. Steel-framed, whitewashed fir walls enclose a vibrant, durable garden. Innovative storage solutions make efficient use of limited space. Soothing geometric patterns visually extend the volume of the courtyard, and bright plantings punctuate the landscape. Native moss joints create a soft, porous carpet between antique cobblestones. A salvaged Maine granite pier rises from the earth to form the pedestal of a table—the centerpiece of the garden. Interior and exterior spaces blend to expand urban living.

Photo: Mariko Reed Photography

(c) steve keating photography Wolf Creek View Cabin sits in a lightly treed meadow, surrounded by foothills and mountains in Eastern Washington. The 1,800 square foot home is designed as two interlocking “L’s”. A covered patio is located at the intersection of one “L,” offering a protected place to sit while enjoying sweeping views of the valley. A lighter screening “L” creates a courtyard that provides shelter from seasonal winds and an intimate space with privacy from neighboring houses. The building mass is kept low in order to minimize the visual impact of the cabin on the valley floor. The roof line and walls extend into the landscape and abstract the mountain profiles beyond. Weathering steel siding blends with the natural vegetation and provides a low maintenance exterior. We believe this project is successful in its peaceful integration with the landscape and offers an innovative solution in form and aesthetics for cabin architecture.

Recently renovated, parts of this in-town home in Rasteau, France are 800 years old. Photography by Geoffrey Hodgdon

New spanish-hacienda style residence in La Honda, California. © Bernardo Grijalva Photography

Formal water feature and courtyard.

The garden that we created unifies the property by knitting together five different garden areas into an elegant landscape surrounding the house. Different garden rooms, each with their own character and “mood”, offer places to sit or wander through to enjoy the property. The result is that in a small space you have several different garden experiences all while understanding the context of the larger garden plan.

The classic period charm of this Californian bungalow has been enhanced by smart renovations and interior design where character, style, space and light come together with great success. Embraces spacious living and in/outdoor entertaining. - Flowing layout features high ceilings, timber floors and classic details - Light filled open design - Fold-out doors open seamlessly to a sheltered dining patio - Modern breakfast bar kitchen that overlooks the backyard

Rear facade in Brooklyn Heights brownstone addition by Ben Herzog, architect in conjunction with designer Elizabeth Cooke-King. Photo by Michael Lee.

Nestled into the quiet middle of a block in the historic center of the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, this 4,500 square foot courtyard home is accessed through lush gardens with trickling fountains and a luminous lap-pool. The living, dining, kitchen, library and master suite on the ground floor open onto a series of plant filled patios that flood each space with light that changes throughout the day. Elliptical domes and hewn wooden beams sculpt the ceilings, reflecting soft colors onto curving walls. A long, narrow stairway wrapped with windows and skylights is a serene connection to the second floor ''Moroccan' inspired suite with domed fireplace and hand-sculpted tub, and "French Country" inspired suite with a sunny balcony and oval shower. A curving bridge flies through the high living room with sparkling glass railings and overlooks onto sensuously shaped built in sofas. At the third floor windows wrap every space with balconies, light and views, linking indoors to the distant mountains, the morning sun and the bubbling jacuzzi. At the rooftop terrace domes and chimneys join the cozy seating for intimate gatherings.

Secluded meditation space. Photography: Van Inwegen Digital Arts

Pilcher Residential

See In, See Out / Jessica Mims / www.SeeInSeeOut.com

Peter R. Peirce