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

Inspiration for a large transitional master brown tile ceramic tile corner shower remodel in Los Angeles with raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, an undermount tub, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, gray walls and a hinged shower door

This under-deck patio features a smooth concrete surface, exposed wood beams, and convenient stair access to the upper level. The open layout and natural tree-lined backdrop make it a versatile space for outdoor enjoyment or future enhancements.

Eric Roth
Transitional kitchen photo in Boston

Douglas Hill Luxe Family Home | Santa Monica
Traditional exterior home idea in Los Angeles

Beach style deck photo in Detroit

Open coffee garage with slide-out base; coffee cups stored above. Jeff Herr Photography
Home design - large cottage medium tone wood floor home design idea in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, green backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Benjamin Hill Photography
Contemporary gray exterior home idea in Houston

Example of a large trendy master white tile porcelain tile, white floor and double-sink freestanding bathtub design with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, a drop-in sink, quartzite countertops, a hinged shower door, multicolored countertops and a built-in vanity

Rising amidst the grand homes of North Howe Street, this stately house has more than 6,600 SF. In total, the home has seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms and three powder rooms. Designed with an extra-wide floor plan (21'-2"), achieved through side-yard relief, and an attached garage achieved through rear-yard relief, it is a truly unique home in a truly stunning environment. The centerpiece of the home is its dramatic, 11-foot-diameter circular stair that ascends four floors from the lower level to the roof decks where panoramic windows (and views) infuse the staircase and lower levels with natural light. Public areas include classically-proportioned living and dining rooms, designed in an open-plan concept with architectural distinction enabling them to function individually. A gourmet, eat-in kitchen opens to the home's great room and rear gardens and is connected via its own staircase to the lower level family room, mud room and attached 2-1/2 car, heated garage. The second floor is a dedicated master floor, accessed by the main stair or the home's elevator. Features include a groin-vaulted ceiling; attached sun-room; private balcony; lavishly appointed master bath; tremendous closet space, including a 120 SF walk-in closet, and; an en-suite office. Four family bedrooms and three bathrooms are located on the third floor. This home was sold early in its construction process. Nathan Kirkman

Sleek and organic design with pebbles stone giving a natural look of a river walk running from the inside bathroom to the outdoor shower in a private patio. Design by Luz Marina Selles. Photos by Mike Small Photography.

Nestled in its own private and gated 10 acre hidden canyon this spectacular home offers serenity and tranquility with million dollar views of the valley beyond. Walls of glass bring the beautiful desert surroundings into every room of this 7500 SF luxurious retreat. Thompson photographic

Deck at dusk. Photo by Clark Dugger
Deck - mid-sized contemporary backyard deck idea in Los Angeles with no cover

This 6,500-square-foot one-story vacation home overlooks a golf course with the San Jacinto mountain range beyond. The house has a light-colored material palette—limestone floors, bleached teak ceilings—and ample access to outdoor living areas. Builder: Bradshaw Construction Architect: Marmol Radziner Interior Design: Sophie Harvey Landscape: Madderlake Designs Photography: Roger Davies

A basement level family room was excavated and enlarged into the hillside to create a larger master bedroom suite. A personal-sized private deck was built as a cozy space with great views and hot tub. New sliders by Fleetwood open up to the deck and view, and built-in headboard cabinet provides tons of storage, and reading lights.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary gender-neutral reach-in closet remodel in Houston with flat-panel cabinets and white cabinets

Photo by David Wakely
Inspiration for a rustic courtyard deck remodel in San Francisco

CAST architecture
Bedroom - small contemporary guest concrete floor bedroom idea in Seattle with black walls and no fireplace

This 4,000 square-foot private residence is located at one of the city’s most prestigious addresses: the Intercontinental of Boston. Conveniently situated downtown near the waterfront, the home offers incredible city views and easy access to Boston’s most reputable restaurants, shops, and parks. A complete, full gut renovation, this transformation brings in the most contemporary and current design flair and is punctuated with strong millwork detail. Full home automation allows for ease and comfort of day-to-day living. Premium appliance package and textured finishes in all areas of the house provide a plush look and sophisticated feel.