This tiny bathroom wanted accessibility for living in a forever home. French Noir styling perfectly fit this 1930's home with modern touches like curved corners on the mirrored medicine cabinet, black grid framing on the shower glass, and an adjustable hand shower on the same bar as the rain shower head. The biggest challenges were finding a sink with some countertop space that would meet code clearance requirements to the corner of the closet in the adjacent room.

This tiny bathroom wanted accessibility for living in a forever home. French Noir styling perfectly fit this 1930's home with modern touches like curved corners on the mirrored medicine cabinet, black grid framing on the shower glass, and an adjustable hand shower on the same bar as the rain shower head. The biggest challenges were finding a sink with some countertop space that would meet code clearance requirements to the corner of the closet in the adjacent room.

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

The kitchen that opens to a small family and dining room in a Mid Century modern home built by a student of Eichler. This Eichler inspired home was completely renovated and restored to meet current structural, electrical, and energy efficiency codes as it was in serious disrepair when purchased as well as numerous and various design elements being inconsistent with the original architectural intent of the house from subsequent remodels.

Lovely Mediterranean house turned into a lovely Get-A-Way. Grace Design Associates
Example of a tuscan exterior home design in Santa Barbara

View from the entry with the loft stairs going up by remote. Photo by Anthony Crisafulli Photography
Inspiration for a small coastal medium tone wood floor and brown floor entryway remodel in Portland Maine with blue walls

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Our client had to house multiple wardrobes in 2 closets. First, we designated areas for her various wardrobes. The foyer closet was transformed into a easy to navigate space for her evening, casual, athletic wear, coats and travel luggage. She takes a boxing class every morning so we created easy to access storage in the lower cabinetry that stores her athletic gear along with her casual tops and bottoms. All evening wear and coats were color coded and hung. Her off-season attire were stored in bins per garment type and placed on the shelf with her travel bags. This closet is now highly functional and fits her busy lifestyle. Photo: NICHEdg

This project involved building a full bathroom addition designed for accessibility and safety. The homeowner needed a comfortable bathroom on the main level for an elderly family member. The space includes a curbless walk-in shower with a properly sloped floor to allow water drainage while maintaining a flat entry for easy access. Grab bars were installed for additional support and safety. The shower walls and ceiling were fully tiled to improve durability and moisture resistance. The project included plumbing installation through the crawl space, electrical work, insulation, drywall, vanity installation, toilet installation, glass sliding shower doors, and tile flooring throughout the entire bathroom. All work was completed according to code requirements and successfully passed inspection. The final design provides a safe, modern, and functional bathroom space for long-term use.

This project involved building a full bathroom addition designed for accessibility and safety. The homeowner needed a comfortable bathroom on the main level for an elderly family member. The space includes a curbless walk-in shower with a properly sloped floor to allow water drainage while maintaining a flat entry for easy access. Grab bars were installed for additional support and safety. The shower walls and ceiling were fully tiled to improve durability and moisture resistance. The project included plumbing installation through the crawl space, electrical work, insulation, drywall, vanity installation, toilet installation, glass sliding shower doors, and tile flooring throughout the entire bathroom. All work was completed according to code requirements and successfully passed inspection. The final design provides a safe, modern, and functional bathroom space for long-term use.

This project involved building a full bathroom addition designed for accessibility and safety. The homeowner needed a comfortable bathroom on the main level for an elderly family member. The space includes a curbless walk-in shower with a properly sloped floor to allow water drainage while maintaining a flat entry for easy access. Grab bars were installed for additional support and safety. The shower walls and ceiling were fully tiled to improve durability and moisture resistance. The project included plumbing installation through the crawl space, electrical work, insulation, drywall, vanity installation, toilet installation, glass sliding shower doors, and tile flooring throughout the entire bathroom. All work was completed according to code requirements and successfully passed inspection. The final design provides a safe, modern, and functional bathroom space for long-term use.

This project involved building a full bathroom addition designed for accessibility and safety. The homeowner needed a comfortable bathroom on the main level for an elderly family member. The space includes a curbless walk-in shower with a properly sloped floor to allow water drainage while maintaining a flat entry for easy access. Grab bars were installed for additional support and safety. The shower walls and ceiling were fully tiled to improve durability and moisture resistance. The project included plumbing installation through the crawl space, electrical work, insulation, drywall, vanity installation, toilet installation, glass sliding shower doors, and tile flooring throughout the entire bathroom. All work was completed according to code requirements and successfully passed inspection. The final design provides a safe, modern, and functional bathroom space for long-term use.

This existing five stall barn with living quarters was remodeled, brought up to code, and updated with new roof structure, new interiors for both horses and people, and additional site development of drive access, paddocks, and pastures. - See more at: http://equinefacilitydesign.com/project-item/whiskey-hill-farm#sthash.TeSK8DHb.dpuf

This old farmhouse (ca. late 18th century) has undergone many renovations over the years. Spring Creek Design added its stamp in 2008, with a small mudroom addition and a complete interior renovation. The addition encompasses a 1st floor mudroom with extensive cabinetry and closetry. Upon entering the space from the driveway, cabinet and countertop space is provided to accommodate incoming grocery bags. Next in line are a series of “lockers” and cubbies - just right for coats, hats and book bags. Further inside is a wrap-around window seat with cedar shoe racks beneath. A stainless steel dog feeding station rounds out the amenities - all built atop a natural Vermont slate floor. On the lower level, the addition features a full bathroom and a “Dude Pod” - a compact work and play space for the resident code monkey. Outfitted with a stand-up desk and an electronic drum kit, one needs only emerge for Mountain Dew refills and familial visits. Within the existing space, we added an ensuite bathroom for the third floor bedroom. The second floor bathroom and first floor powder room were also gutted and remodeled. The master bedroom was extensively remodeled - given a vaulted ceiling and a wall of floor-to-roof built-ins accessed with a rolling ladder. An extensive, multi-level deck and screen house was added to provide outdoor living space, with secure, dry storage below. Design Criteria: - Update house with a high sustainability standard. - Provide bathroom for daughters’ third floor bedroom. - Update remaining bathrooms - Update cramped, low ceilinged master bedroom - Provide mudroom/entryway solutions. - Provide a window seating space with good visibility of back and side yards – to keep an eye on the kids at play. - Replace old deck with a updated deck/screen porch combination. - Update sitting room with a wood stove and mantle. Special Features: - Insulated Concrete Forms used for Dude Pod foundation. - Soy-based spray foam insulation used in the addition and master bedroom. - Paperstone countertops in mudroom. - Zero-VOC paints and finishes used throughout the project. - All decking and trim for the deck/screen porch is made from 100% recycled HDPE (milk jugs, soda, water bottles) - High efficiency combination washer/dryer.

This 1914 family farmhouse was passed down from the original owners to their grandson and his young family. The original goal was to restore the old home to its former glory. However, when we started planning the remodel, we discovered the foundation needed to be replaced, the roof framing didn’t meet code, all the electrical, plumbing and mechanical would have to be removed, siding replaced, and much more. We quickly realized that instead of restoring the home, it would be more cost effective to deconstruct the home, recycle the materials, and build a replica of the old house using as much of the salvaged materials as we could. The design of the new construction is greatly influenced by the old home with traditional craftsman design interiors. We worked with a deconstruction specialist to salvage the old-growth timber and reused or re-purposed many of the original materials. We moved the house back on the property, connecting it to the existing garage, and lowered the elevation of the home which made it more accessible to the existing grades. The new home includes 5-panel doors, columned archways, tall baseboards, reused wood for architectural highlights in the kitchen, a food-preservation room, exercise room, playful wallpaper in the guest bath and fun era-specific fixtures throughout.

This custom kitchen is part of an adventuresome project my wife and I embarked upon to create a complete apartment in the basement of our townhouse. We designed a floor plan that creatively and efficiently used all of the 385-square-foot-space, without sacrificing beauty, comfort or function – and all without breaking the bank! To maximize our budget, we did the work ourselves and added everything from thrift store finds to DIY wall art to bring it all together. This combination island-and-bar was the most challenging of the cabinets to design and build. It incorporates an eating area, a cabinet, and drawers for storage, with shelves to match the other cabinets. I also made the upper shelf extra deep to accommodate a full size microwave. Because of local codes, we were unable to install a full stove in a basement, so instead we purchased a high-quality hot plate and countertop oven. The hot plate can be stored in a cabinet to maximize counter space.

Example of the HERR basement egress window installed. This is one of our 2016 new releases. The designer, Randy Stauffer has used his extensive window and door manufacturing to create a window that meets egress safely and with a good R-value.

New larger granite patio connecting to multiple access doors to home allows for lounging, dining, outdoor kitchen and connects to new pool. Modern touches with gravel patio joints, plantings along edge of patio, retaining walls and pool perimeter provide softening of the hardscape. Wetland permitting and enhancement plantings were required since within the wetland upland review area. Pool code compliant fencing surrounds the entire back yard space.