Design Ideas: Modern Home Custom Railings

custom modern railing

This custom railing is defined by clean lines and minimal visual impact.

It is constructed of iron, and finished with black gloss paint. Fabrication by Colonial Iron Works of Commerce City, Colorado.

At $55/lf it is approximately one-third the cost of a stainless steel cable railing, and $10-20/lf less then powder-coated steel.

modern custom railing, iron with black gloss paint

modern home showing custom iron railing

Design Ideas: Pendant Chandelier for Modern Home Entry

modern pendant lighting for entry, Clarity by W.A.C

pendant lighting for modern home, Clarity by W.A.C

A grouping of pendant fixtures can make a dramatic statement at the entry of a modern home.

The pendants used in this new-construction home are Clarity by W.A.C Lighting.

Each lamp is 6" wide by 53/8" high, and uses a xenon bulb. Lamps come in clear (shown) and frosted. Canopy choices include: chrome (shown), brushed nickle, dark bronze, and white.

The Clarity is an excellent alternative to the higher-priced Bocci 14 series. The Bocci product definitely provides a more "hand crafted" finish, but if economy is a factor W.A.Cs Clarity will accomplish the mission perfectly. If you happen to be in Denver, the Bocci 14 series may be viewed at Studio Como.

Pendant Lighting by Bocci, 14 series

Land for Sale in Denver's Hilltop Neighborhood, Build Your Custom Home on this 12,500sf Lot

For immediate sale is a 12,500sf parcel of land in the Denver neighborhood of Hilltop.

sundial at Cranmer Park, Hilltop

Walk to: Cranmer Park, Robinson Park, Crestmoor Park, Locanda Del Borgo restaurant, and Garland Country Day School 

This parcel is not represented by a broker, and is not listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

The owner does not wish to field inquiries, so for more information please contact:

West Standard Design Build

889 South Race Street

Denver, Colorado 80209

[p] 303.500.3242

Marc@WestStandard.com 

www.WestStandard.com 

Lot size: 12,500sf

Location: Hilltop neighborhood in Denver, Colorado 80220

Price: $600,000

West Standard Design Build is an architecture and construction firm located in Denver, Colorado. Images of our current project may be viewed at: facebook.com/WestStandard

Robinson Park, Hilltop: Denver, CO

Crestmoor Park, Crestmoor: Denver

Garland Country Day School, Hilltop

Locanda Del Borgo, Hilltop restaurant

New Home Build or Kitchen Remodel in Denver? Check out these Custom Walnut Kitchen Cabinets

These custom kitchen cabinets are currently being installed in the Huff Residence, a new modern-home designed and built by Denver home builder: West Standard.

The grain-matched custom walnut cabinets feature bar height seating at the peninsula, and counter height seating at the island. Both sides of the island incorporate a waterfall counter top. "Waterfall" refers to the effect created by continuing the counter top material down the sides of the island. This technique creates a sleek, clean, modern aesthetic. The quartz counter top is by Caesarstone, color: Pure White.

The stainless steel double-basin undermount sink features KWC fixtures, and a separate fixture for filtered cold and instant hot water. Appliances are from Jenn Air and include a double oven, counter depth refrigerator, and induction cook top with down-draft. A built-in Miele espresso/coffee maker will also be installed.

This kitchen was designed by Denver based West Standard and avenuetwo:design. The custom cabinets are hand made in Denver by avenuetwo:design.

Our other blog posts of modern cabinets:
Master Bath Custom Floating Vanity for Modern Denver Home 
Modern Custom Bath Vanities in Denver, Colorado
Fun Functional Modern Vanity for Child's Bathroom

modern custom kitchen in Denver, Colorado

Fun Functional Modern Vanity for Child's Bathroom

Can a child's bathroom vanity be fun? We think so. This rendering shows a vanity we will install in our modern design + build project located in Denver's Washington Park. The counter-top is cantilevered, and the left cabinet stack is set on castoring wheels. The wheeled cabinet can be filled with child's bathing supplies and toys, and can be moved tub-side. In addition to providing a convenient solution for reducing bathroom clutter, the cabinet can be used as a seat while bathing a child.

The cabinets feature solid walnut veneer, Ronbow sink, Aquabrass faucet, Blum slides and hinges; Siro Design pulls, model: Quadra; and Caesarstone counter top, color: Apple Martini.

Vanity designed by Denver, Colorado based West Standard and avenuetwo:design. Vanity constructed by avenuetwo:design.

Our other blog posts of modern cabinets:
New Home Build or Kitchen Remodel in Denver? Check out these Custom Walnut Kitchen Cabinets
Modern Custom Bath Vanities in Denver, Colorado
Master Bath Custom Floating Vanity for Modern Denver Home

modern vanity for child's bathroom showing rolling cart

child's bathroom vanity for modern home

Modern Custom Bath Vanities in Denver, Colorado

Need some ideas for modern bath vanities? Here are a few examples designed by West Standard in conjunction with Jeff Fain of avenuetwo:design.

custom floating bath vanity for guest bathroom

Guest bath floating vanity hand-constructed of maple-ply. Accessories include: Caesarstone tops, Ronbow sink, Siro Design pulls, and Blum hinges and slides (above).

custom floating bath vanity for powder room

Powder room custom floating vanity in tiger wood. Accessories include: Caesarstone tops, Ronbow sink, Siro Design pulls, and Blum hinges and slides (above).

Our other blog posts of modern cabinets:
New Home Build or Kitchen Remodel in Denver? Check out these Custom Walnut Kitchen Cabinets
Fun Functional Modern Vanity for Child's Bathroom
Master Bath Custom Floating Vanity for Modern Denver Home

 

 

Master Bath Custom Floating Vanity for Modern Denver Home

This custom floating vanity will be installed in the Huff Residence, our new-construction modern home in Denver's Washington Park.

The vanity and medicine cabinet are hand-made in Denver by Jeff Faine of Avenuetwo:design, and are constructed of maple with walnut veneer sides, and white lacquer fronts.

Other products include: Caesarstone top in Pure White, Blum soft-close hinges and slides, and Quadra door pulls by Siro Design

The toilet and bidet area will be enclosed in floor-to-ceiling custom frosted glass by Denver based Euroglass.

Our other blog posts of modern cabinets:
New Home Build or Kitchen Remodel in Denver? Check out these Custom Walnut Kitchen Cabinets
Fun Functional Modern Vanity for Child's Bathroom
Modern Custom Bath Vanities in Denver, Colorado

custom floating vanity for master bath

Sustainable Modern, Denver Modern Home with Colorado Beetle Kill Siding

Mountain Pine Beetle

The mountain pine beetle generally affects Lodgepole, Ponderosa, Scotch and Limber Pines in Western North America. The beetle transfers a blue fungi to the pines giving the wood a unique bluish coloration. This fungi is thought to inhibit the flow of water and nutrients within the pine, ultimately resulting in the tree's demise.

Reclaiming Beetle Kill Pine, also called Blue Pine, reduces fire risk and provides a source of sustainable building material. Thus, making it a great "green" choice for cladding modern homes.

Before attaching Beetle Kill Pine to the home, it is recommended that

Effects of Mountain Pine Beetle on a Colorado forest

both the sides and edges of each board be treated. In the home shown to the right a semi-transparent, oil based, exterior stain was used. It was applied with a brush, and then wiped with a cotton cloth. Wiping eliminates tracks left by the brush. Rolling oil based stain is not recommended.

Beetle Kill Pine showing semi-transparent oil based stain
(color: Sea Gull Grey by Benjamin Moore) 

On this Denver modern home located in Washington Park both 1"x4" and 1"x8" tongue and grove (T&G) Beetle Kill was used. The lighter colored stain is Sea Gull Gray, and the darker stain is Spanish Moss. Both of which are by Benjamin Moore.

Building green and sustainable does not always have to be expensive. Beetle kill is substantially less expensive then cedar. 

Tongue and Grove Beetle Kill Pine:
1"x8" T&G = $.60/lf 
1"x4" T&G = $.33/lf

Beetle Kill Pine shown on Denver modern home in Washington Park
(color: Sea Gull Gray by Benjamin Moore)

Beetle Kill Pine shown on far wall of Washington Park home located
in Denver, Colorado
(color: Spanish Moss by Benjamin Moore)

Ground Face Block vs Split Face Block for Modern Homes

split face block on modern Denver home

Concrete masonry units (CMUs) can be an excellent cladding choice for the interior and exterior of modern homes.

split face block shown on Denver modern home

Two of the finish choices for concrete masonry units are ground face and split face. Ground face block offers a smooth semi-polished finish. In contrast, the finish of split face block is rough and irregular. Both types perform identically, so the choice between ground or split is simply personal preference.

The top picture shows 4"x8"x16" split face block wrapping from the exterior to the interior of a 6" framed wall.

The second and third images show a modern home in Denver's Washington Park. The home shows split face CMU on the vertical portions of the exterior, as well as interior walls. The block is from Robinson Brick/General Shale Brick, color: Ivory.

interior application of split face block in a Denver modern home

The last two images show examples of ground face masonry, with the last image clearly illustrating the visual contrast between split and ground face. CMU.

ground face block

ground face block (top) vs. split face block (bottom)

Tour This Washington Park Home on May 7, 2011

All are invited to tour this modern home located in Denver's Washington Park. The open house will be held at 1443 South York Street on May 7, 2011 from 10:00am - 4:00pm.

Tour this Modern Washington Park Home May 7, 2011

Open House, Washington Park Modern Home May 7, 2011

open house May 7, 2011 at 1443 South York St in Washington Park

your hosts: Dave and Natalie Huff

Everyone is welcome to attend our modern home OPEN HOUSE in East Washington Park.

When:

Saturday, May 7, 2011

10:00am - 4:00pm

Where:

1443 South York Street

Denver, Colorado 80210

Google Map

Why:

-Tour the Mid Century Modern inspired Huff Residence

-Enjoy complimentary cook-out and beverages, as well as a lot of great information on custom modern home design and construction

What:

The Huff Residence, designed and built by West Standard, a sustainable modern home located in Denver's East Washington Park.

Who:

also hosting: team West Standard (L-R: Jonas, Marc, Brian, Derek)

Hosted by Dave and Natalie Huff along with the West Standard team: Marc, Derek, Brian, and Jonas.

tour this East Washington Park modern home May 7, 2011 10am-4pm

Washington Park Home Tour 2011

Washington Park Home Tour 2011
1058 South Race Street

Washington Park Home Tour 2011
1067 South Race Street

Washington Park Home Tour 2011
1030 South Franklin Street

Washington Park Home Tour 2011
1193 South Williams Street

Washington Park Home Tour 2011

1100 South Franklin Street 

The 13th annual Washington Park home tour is taking place May 7, 2011. The event runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and features five East Washington Park homes. The featured East Washington Park homes: 1058 South Race Street 1067 South Race Street 1030 South Franklin Street 1193 South Williams Street 1100 South Franklin Street   Tickets may be purchased for $15 in advance, and $20 day of event. On day-of-tour tickets may be purchased at any of the featured homes, or at Steele Elementary School. Steele Elementary is located at 320 South Marion Parkway Denver, CO 80209 Proceeds benefit Steele Elementary School. 5% of proceeds will be donated to the DPS education outreach for homeless, and a portion goes to providing second educators in all Steele Elementary classrooms.  A plant sale, BBQ, raffle, art show, and live performances will take place at Steele Elementary School. Although not officially part of the tour, the modern home on the bottom right may be viewed the same day as the Washington Park Home Tour. Here is a link to our Facebook page giving details of the open house. http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Standard-Design-Build/116063976595 Once on our Facebook page, click on the open house flyer to see details.

Tour this Washington Park home on May 7, 2011
1443 South York Street
10:00am - 4:00pm

Denver Home Builder Moves Towards Completion on Modern Infill Project

street view showing split-face block and beetle kill pine (blue pine)

main entry looking into central courtyard. beetle kill pine on far wall

aft of home showing Colorado beetle kill pine, and French doors

Denver home builder, West Standard, has made substantial progress on their residential infill project. The Huff Residence is located in Denver's East Washington Park, and completion is scheduled for late June 2011.

The modern home features a flat-roof and abundant clerestory windows. The exterior cladding is comprised of split-face masonry block, cement fiberboard, and Colorado beetle kill pine (also known as blue pine).

This modern home is designed and built by: www.WestStandard.com



 

street view showing split-face masonry and cement fiberboard

Saw Cut Joint vs Tool Joint for Modern Exposed Concrete Floors

saw cut joint in concrete

Concrete Cracks may occur as a result of product shrinkage during the drying process, or as a result of thermal expansion and contraction. Control joints also called contraction joints are placed in concrete slabs to control this cracking. Properly placed joints will concentrate cracking along the joint line, and reduce the potential for random cracking throughout the slab.

making a saw cut joint in concrete

As the name implies, saw joints are cut with a saw. Tool joints are created by hand with a grooving tool.

Saw cut joints and tool joints both accomplish the same goal, but the visual results are quite different.

Tool joints are commonly used in sidewalks. This type of joint is fairly thick, and has a relatively unfinished appearance.

tool joint in concrete

In contrast, saw cut joints are thin and offer a very clean finish. If you are building a new modern home with exposed stained concrete floors, saw cut joints will provide the cleanest possible aesthetic.


More information about modern home design and construction: www.WestStandard.com

making a tool joint in concrete

Blanketing vs Tenting: New Construction Exposed Stained Concrete Floors

concrete insulating blanket (black) and insulating tent (white)

concrete tent framing with plastic cover mostly removed

Concrete poured in temperatures at or near freezing must be insulated during the curing process.

For this Washington Park new-construction home the concrete was insulated using two different methods: blanketing and tenting. The top image demonstrates tenting (white-ish plastic), and blanketing (black insulated cover).

The tent consists of a simple wood frame over which plastic is draped. Neither the frame nor plastic contact the curing concrete. In contrast, the insulating blankets are place directly on top of the concrete.

So, why not just place blankets over the entire foundation? Why elect to use the more labor intensive tent option?

Here's why...

concrete finish with use of insulating blanket

The bottom two photos illustrate the different results achieved with blanketing vs tenting. Blanketing tends to result in an irregular finish with sharp color contrasts. Tenting provides a much smoother consistent finish.

For this modern home tenting was used in areas where exposed stained concrete will be the final floor finish. A smooth consistent finish is generally most desirable for exposed concrete applications.

concrete finish with use of insulating tent

This home designed and built by West Standard. More information: www.WestStandard.com