Island Cottage
Building a new home on a steep, boat-access-only island requires careful planning and execution. All materials and equipment were transported by barge, and access to the site was limited to a rugged dirt road running along the island's ridge, behind the house. The homeowners began by constructing a dock, a network of steps up to the house site, and a deck that doubled as a sleeping platform.
Over several years, they used the property recreationally, developing a deep understanding of how they wanted their future summer retreat to function. The finished home is supported by precast concrete pillars. The rear of the house is set slightly into the slope, with stone retaining elements integrated into the site, while the front sits elevated above grade, stepping down to a deck and eventually the lake.
One wing includes a bedroom, bunk room, and bathroom; the other holds the master suite and pantry/laundry. The main "A" frame contains the kitchen behind and a half level above the living area, with a loft above. From every angle, the home offers unbroken views of the lake through the trees—a peaceful setting for a summer afternoon, a weekend, a week, or an entire month.
Over several years, they used the property recreationally, developing a deep understanding of how they wanted their future summer retreat to function. The finished home is supported by precast concrete pillars. The rear of the house is set slightly into the slope, with stone retaining elements integrated into the site, while the front sits elevated above grade, stepping down to a deck and eventually the lake.
One wing includes a bedroom, bunk room, and bathroom; the other holds the master suite and pantry/laundry. The main "A" frame contains the kitchen behind and a half level above the living area, with a loft above. From every angle, the home offers unbroken views of the lake through the trees—a peaceful setting for a summer afternoon, a weekend, a week, or an entire month.
Ranch Renovation
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Although the owners lived just a mile away, they instantly fell for this spacious, wooded acre nestled in an established neighborhood near downtown. While they loved the lot, the existing house didn't meet their needs. They wanted more space for their growing family and a more refined, dignified exterior.
By working within the original footprint—except for adding a front porch—we relocated the entry and redesigned the garage doors. Casement windows were replaced with classic double-hung styles, and a second story was added. Three symmetrical gables enhance the home's balanced appearance, while the new front porch adds welcoming scale. The owners reflect, "We had no idea—it's more than we could possibly have imagined!"
By working within the original footprint—except for adding a front porch—we relocated the entry and redesigned the garage doors. Casement windows were replaced with classic double-hung styles, and a second story was added. Three symmetrical gables enhance the home's balanced appearance, while the new front porch adds welcoming scale. The owners reflect, "We had no idea—it's more than we could possibly have imagined!"
Cape Cod Expansion & Enhancement
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The homeowners wanted to add a master suite above their existing garage and enhance the street presence with a porch and dormers. They had initial drawings from a design-build firm that included these features, but the design resembled a duplex.
They brought in Danis Construction and Draw First . . . Cut Once! to develop a fresh approach. The existing two-car garage was demolished and rebuilt as a larger three-car garage. The porch that wraps around the back brings the scale of the gable wall down nicely to the pool level. The decorative barn door on the front adds charm, and the owner calls it "the finishing touch that makes the project."
They brought in Danis Construction and Draw First . . . Cut Once! to develop a fresh approach. The existing two-car garage was demolished and rebuilt as a larger three-car garage. The porch that wraps around the back brings the scale of the gable wall down nicely to the pool level. The decorative barn door on the front adds charm, and the owner calls it "the finishing touch that makes the project."
Lakeside Retreat
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This cozy lakeside cottage was a dream come true for many, and this couple was fortunate to own a modest three-bedroom home that their family enjoyed seasonally for years. Upon retirement, they decided to make it their full-time residence, which required more space: for entertaining guests, hobbies, storage, and quiet moments.
Originally, the cottage featured three bedrooms, living and dining areas, a screened porch, and a deck on the main level. The lower level included semi-finished hobby space and a small storage loft. We redesigned the main floor within the original footprint to create an enlarged master suite, kitchen, and dining area. A new family room was added on one side, while an entry, mudroom, laundry, and spacious three-car garage were added on the other. The screened porch and deck were also expanded.
Additional storage was incorporated below for seasonal gear, while upstairs now includes two guest bedrooms, spacious his-and-hers offices—his with a lake view, hers with a private balcony—and ample storage for supplies and collectibles. Though the cottage has grown, it remains a cozy lakeside retreat.
Originally, the cottage featured three bedrooms, living and dining areas, a screened porch, and a deck on the main level. The lower level included semi-finished hobby space and a small storage loft. We redesigned the main floor within the original footprint to create an enlarged master suite, kitchen, and dining area. A new family room was added on one side, while an entry, mudroom, laundry, and spacious three-car garage were added on the other. The screened porch and deck were also expanded.
Additional storage was incorporated below for seasonal gear, while upstairs now includes two guest bedrooms, spacious his-and-hers offices—his with a lake view, hers with a private balcony—and ample storage for supplies and collectibles. Though the cottage has grown, it remains a cozy lakeside retreat.
Pool Cabana
This pool house cabana was designed by an architect who partnered with Draw First . . . Cut Once! to develop a detailed 3-D model. The advantage of this software speaks for itself!
Complete Transformation
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After Phase 1
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This unique single-story home had undergone several additions over the years, creating an unusual footprint with an "alley" running through the center of the rear elevation. The property backs onto a scenic golf course and faces a busy main road. The homeowner wanted to expand the livable space, enhance rear-facing views, and create a more unified and substantial street presence, while still preserving the home's "small house" charm.
For Phase 1, our solution involved maintaining the existing footprint, relocating the front entrance, filling in the alley, and adding a second story. For Phase 2, we added a breezeway and a garage. The result is a cohesive, thoughtfully designed home that the owner says they "love."
For Phase 1, our solution involved maintaining the existing footprint, relocating the front entrance, filling in the alley, and adding a second story. For Phase 2, we added a breezeway and a garage. The result is a cohesive, thoughtfully designed home that the owner says they "love."
After Phase 2
Great Wagon Reserve Townhomes
This is a new construction six unit townhome project.