Enhancing Natural Brilliance
Set on a serene hillside, an ambitious renovation blends classic mid-century modern style with contemporary innovation. Built by McCormack Builders, with landscape design/build from Roots & Rocks Landscape Artisans, the project illustrates the power of thoughtful design to enhance not only the home itself, but also the entire landscape it inhabits.
For the client—a repeat customer for McCormack Builders—the draw was immediate. The home’s inherent mid-century appeal sparked a vision: a complete modernization and expansion that would retain and enhance its original spirit.
“This was our first mid-century modern project,” shares Mike McCormack, President & Owner of McCormack Builders. “We knew it needed more than an update; it needed to resonate with the integrity of its era while meeting today’s standards.”
Like any ambitious renovation, this project unearthed its share of obstacles. Initially planned as a full interior and exterior renovation, hidden fire damage, foundation failures, and past DIY additions were uncovered. Faced with these issues, the client and design team opted to demolish the existing structure and build a new home.
McCormack recommended seasoned architect Shaughn MacGilvray of High Rock Design, who was tasked with reimagining the home’s flow and scale, where ceilings were raised, natural light was maximized, and the footprint was expanded—all while preserving the signature simplicity of mid-century modern design. Notably, the addition of Douglas fir elements softened the façade, lending warmth and an inviting curb appeal.
“Resubmitting architectural, engineering, and civil plans delayed construction by nearly six months,” says McCormack. “Excited to move forward, the client set an ambitious deadline—one which we agreed to and were eager to embrace.” Under senior project manager Ryan Donahue’s vigilant leadership, construction commenced and deadlines were successfully met.
Built entirely from engineered lumber—rare in residential projects—the structure boasts deep overhangs and natural wood elements, nestled in a new Japanese garden-inspired landscape. “We wanted to create a frame that would outperform traditional materials, ensuring minimal shrinkage and movement,” McCormack explains. The result: a wood frame with tolerances of less than 1/16”—a precision nearly impossible with standard kiln-dried lumber.
Throughout the newly minted interiors, bespoke elements grace every square foot. The selection of colors, lighting, fixtures, furnishings and interior millwork captures the essence of mid-century modern design. With vast glass windows installed, the beauty of the surrounding woodlands and stunning new landscape design offers a natural backdrop for the light and airy interiors.
“The landscape is part of the interior design in a way as well,” says Dan Gladu, President of Root & Rocks, who set out to create a seamless fusion of architecture and landscape. With their signature hands-on, creative, and highly-personalized approach, Root & Rocks designed and built a Japanese garden-inspired outdoor retreat that feels naturally embedded in the environment. Hand-selected, locally sourced granite boulders with natural patina guide visitors through a walkway mimicking the gentle flow of water through a riverbed around the entire home. Matching granite was also integrated into the veneer of the house for a cohesive look.
“We wanted to continue movement everywhere and eliminate as many straight lines as we could,” Gladu notes. Flowing with ease from the inside-out, dual stair faces evoke the feeling of cascading waterfalls. Fitted with closely scribed stones, the stairs encourage visitors to explore what lies outdoors. At the center is a custom-crafted, wood-fired stone fire feature, surrounded by live edge stone seating and crushed stone.
“Every week was meticulously planned,” says McCormack. The clockwork precision of tight logistics, combined with the dedication of skilled trade partners, made the seemingly impossible, possible—the finished home stands as a tribute to mid-century modern design, celebrated for its timeless elegance and simplicity.
Photography: Kure Creative
