Shelter for the Storms: Elevating Homes with Durable, High-End Masonry

Photos: Stoffer Photography Interiors & Last Decade Films

When award-winning designer Amy Storm set out to build a new home for her own family, she approached the project with the same discipline and passion that have defined her career. As Owner and Principal Designer at Amy Storm & Company, her work over the past two decades has earned accolades for its creative balance of beauty and function. Every detail of her projects reflects a commitment to thoughtful design, livability, and enduring quality.

Yet Shelter for the Storms was different. It was personal. More than a client commission, it was an opportunity to design a home where Storm, her husband Josh, and their family could retreat, recharge, and welcome friends into an environment that feels both inspiring and inviting. It was a chance to showcase her vision of modern living: comfort paired with sophistication, timelessness enhanced by style.

To achieve it, Storm knew she needed a world-class team. She collaborated with architect Steve Poteracki of Studio 1 Architects and builder Patrick Murphy of Patrick J Murphy Builders, Inc., combining expertise across disciplines to bring every aspect of the design to life. The result is a residence that feels grounded yet contemporary, luxurious yet warm, and deeply connected to its materials.

The Role of Stone in Design
From the very beginning, masonry was central to the vision. Stone was not an afterthought or a decorative accent. It was a foundational element that would define the home’s character inside and out. Exterior stonework gave the structure a sense of permanence and presence, while interior applications created warmth, texture, and tactile interest.

For Storm, stone communicates more than structure. It is a design language that evokes stability, hospitality, and authenticity. Few materials can transition so seamlessly from exterior façades to interior gathering spaces while still holding their character. The ability of stone to elevate both architecture and atmosphere is what makes it indispensable to designers who value timeless impact.

The Mason’s Role in Achieving Vision
Realizing that vision depends on the skill of masons and the quality of the materials they work with. In a project as detailed as Shelter for the Storms, precision mattered. Every joint, every cut, and every course had to reflect the level of excellence that Storm and her team had set. That is why manufactured stone veneer (MSV) has become such a valuable tool for contractors.

MSV delivers the look and feel of natural stone while offering consistent sizing and controlled profiles that reduce installation complexity. For masons, this means less time sorting, fewer adjustments, and more efficiency on the job site. For designers, it ensures that the intended aesthetic is preserved from concept to completion. It is a solution that respects both artistry and practicality.

The Westlake Royal Difference
Behind many of today’s most successful projects is a trusted material partner. Westlake Royal Building Products has built a reputation as the industry leader in manufactured stone veneer, offering two of the most recognized brands in the market: Cultured Stone and Eldorado Stone.

For designers like Amy Storm, Westlake provides access to an unmatched portfolio of profiles and color palettes that bring ideas to life. From rustic fieldstone looks to sleek contemporary ledgestones, the variety of textures allows design teams to select the perfect complement to any architectural style. For masons, the advantage is just as clear. These products are engineered for performance, ease of handling, and consistent sizing, which simplifies installation and improves job site productivity.

Westlake’s innovation does not stop at appearance. Their ongoing research and development ensure that MSV products remain at the cutting edge of durability, sustainability, and performance. This positions masons not just as installers, but as partners who can confidently deliver solutions that meet the evolving demands of clients and designers.

Masonry’s Role in Modern Design
Shelter for the Storms is more than a beautiful home. It is a showcase of what happens when design excellence and masonry craftsmanship come together. For the masonry industry, it is a reminder that stone remains a material of choice for luxury residential projects and that manufactured stone veneer continues to expand the possibilities for how that material can be used.

Designers are looking for authentic textures that tell a story. Builders are looking for efficiency that keeps projects on schedule. Homeowners are looking for beauty and value that endures. Masons who partner with Westlake Royal Building Products are uniquely positioned to satisfy all three.

Shelter for the Storms proves that when design vision and masonry expertise align, the results are lasting, inspiring, and unforgettable.

Discover how Westlake Royal Building Products can support your next project with innovative MSV products from Cultured Stone and Eldorado Stone. Visit WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com.

Shelter for the Storms: Elevating Homes with Durable, High-End Masonry

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