The house captured perfectly three of the major trends judges identified in this year's competition: the success of highly executed smaller homes; the further entrenchment of the blurring between outdoor and indoor living spaces; and the use of natural materials in both interior and exterior environments.

The floor plan accommodates maximum entertaining options. A butler's pantry with serving bar connects the kitchen and formal dining room. The great room opens to the kitchen on one side and a sunroom on the opposite side, which leads to outdoor entertainment space in the courtyard.

   By incorporating the topography into the design and structure, this home's inverted configuration reduced construction costs as well as added floor space to the design. A refined exterior appearance of shake siding, stone and gamble elements blend in with the woodland setting of this resort community.

   On the second floor, secondary suites amplify a study alcove, which also secludes the owner's quarters. The suite's design elongates with a coffered ceiling, two balconies and a his/her bathroom, giving the feel of a private luxury apartment within the home. A separate studio/casita strengthens the courtyard and elevation with its own staircase.

   Plan 8 takes advantage of its panoramic views of Long Beach, Calif. The entry provides access to the spacious living and dining room one-half level up. The kitchen's large eating island is uncommon in a townhouse of its size. A wall of shelving and cabinetry for display or storage add to the kitchen design. Diverse interior detailing and eclectic modern flare appear throughout the townhouse.

   Santiago Street Lofts serves as a major gateway to downtown Santa Ana and the Artist Village. The first floor accommodates access for residents and clientele. The two top floors provide living area spaces above the groundfloor workspace.

   Exterior natural earth tones of cedar, brick and stone mix with authentic eave brackets, muttined windows, tapered columns and covered porches. Local craftsmen designed custom interiors with placement of cherry woodwork, chestnut floors, art glass room separators and custom built-ins found throughout the home. A barrel-vaulted ceiling extends across the main living room to the entry porch, highlighting the open floor plan.

   Surrounding exterior views include the community golf course, mountain range and city lights. Outcropping of a huge rock provides a pool and spa area as well as comfortable outdoor living space for the entire family year-round.

   In the quiet zone of the house resides the master bedroom, which is accessible to the back courtyard through the his and her closets of the master bedroom, an early rising spouse can leave quietly while the rest of the house sleeps. The guest room offers a private kitchenette, separate sitting area and storage space for the multi-generational family.

   The individual apartments maximize natural light with bay windows and 10-foot ceilings. Most top floor units stand true to loft-style units with double-volume ceilings. The exterior design respects the architecture of the Texas region with a soft contemporary look using stone, metal and glass.

   Stratford Heights also features a convenience store; snack shop; sports bar; dining facilities; fitness center; recreation room; and television and study lounges for all residents. "The Stratford Heights community fulfills an ambitious vision to provide well-designed accommodations for individual students and student group living while enhancing the surrounding neighborhood," says Lawrence Suer, AIA for Cole + Russell Architects.

   The center island offers workspace and an informal eating area. The porcelain farmhouse sink mixes past and present into the kitchen. All professional series appliances remain carefully tucked away. This classic American kitchen, located just off the foyer, allows traffic to flow freely throughout the remainder of the home.

   A large island allows for versatility with food preparation and entertaining. The coffered ceiling repeats the island's shape with reused brick from factories and houses in old Chicago to enrich the warm tones throughout the kitchen.

   A vestibule with oval dome is anchored by faux marble columns; layers of painted wood cornices with bronze ormolu add to the old-European design. Marble floors with onyx inlay outline the shapes of the foyer.

   A vestibule with oval dome is anchored by faux marble columns; layers of painted wood cornices with bronze ormolu add to the old-European design. Marble floors with onyx inlay outline the shapes of the foyer.