Bob Greenspan
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master dark wood floor bedroom remodel in Kansas City with gray walls

LEED Certification Level: Platinum. Builder: R & S Engineering & Construction. The Cavanaugh Residence is a contemporary split level with a split personality. Totally designed from the ground up to minimize impact and maximize energy and water efficiency, its beautiful facade belies its hard-working, high-producing systems, earning it a LEED Platinum score of 116.5, and a HERS rating of minus 22. The 2774 square foot home produces over 100 per cent of its power with a 10.8 kw pv system, and captures 100 per cent of its freshwater needs from the curved metal roofs through an engineered collection and purification system, stored in an integrated concrete cistern. Constructed of locally made SIP panels on an infill waterfront lot, the home is oriented to maximize the production of the pv panels. Six inch SIP panels work together with a highly reflective, highly emmisive cool standing seam roof, icynene insulation in ceiling and floors, and carefully placed high efficiency windows and doors to create a tightly sealed environment. The 17-seer Trane heat pump variable speed compressors and TAM 7 air handlers, along with a whole house dehumidifier and fresh air intake provide a comfortable, clean indoor environment while using little energy. In the shoulder seasons, natural ventilation cools the home with fresh breezes drawn from lower windows in each room flowing through the curved ceilings to clerestory windows at the top of the house. Natural daylighting, with windows placed in corners and high clerestories, bounce the abundant natural light so that the owners use the interior LED lighting primarily at night. Windows were sited to frame views of the neighboring park and water, and capture the light, but represent a very low percentage of glazing to wall to conserve energy. Primarily native, xeriscaped turfless landscaping sips reclaimed water from its drip and bubbler irrigiation system, and requires little trimming or chemicals. Established trees, protected during construction, shade the home, FSC certified decks, and yard, providing a cool place to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the day, even in Florida's summer heat. Rainwater is diverted from the bay through the engineered collection and filtration system to an integrated concrete cistern hidden beneath the decks. Abundant Florida rainwater supplies 100 per cent of the home's needs, including drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Naturally soft, the highly filtered and UV purified water requires no chemical treatment or water softener. Coupled with minimal hardscape and permeable drive and walkways, almost all ground water remains on the lot, and out of storm sewers and bay runoffs. Designed as a forever home for this active retired couple, an open floor plan provides diagonal interior views along with great circulation space. Wide hallways and doors, curbless showers, an elevator, and extra blocking in the walls for grab rails insures the couple of being able to use their home even if physical disabilities arise. The home's footprint is minimized by building over the conditioned crawlspace and over-sized garage, and the finished floor height, at least two feet above flood code requirements, significantly reduces insurance costs while maximizing storage space for camping and water sports equipment. Materials, fixtures and appliances were carefully selected for energy and water efficiency, local production where possible, recycled content/recyclability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The owners were very involved in vetting and materials selections, and assisted in just-in-time purchasing to minimize waste. Scrap materials were sorted daily for re-use elsewhere in the project (blocking, concrete forms, drywall scraps as acoustical insulation in interior walls, etc.), resulting in a tiny waste pile at the end of a dumpster-free project. Concrete waste was hauled to a local recycler to become road base, and extra useable materials were returned to the vendor or donated to Habitat Restore. Cost-effective choices, and careful planning, saved significant dollars in construction cost as well as landfill space. One of the biggest challenges was finding qualified subcontractors who would work within the guidelines. With the help of our LEED consultant and meetings and explanations, most subcontractors not only bought into the ideas readily, but offered up new ideas. Highly skilled and professional, the team of subs, LEED consultant, and contractor proved that LEED construction is excellent construction. The team, the owners, and I also found that LEED construction makes great economic sense. Most materials (other than increased insulation and photovoltaic panels) cost no more, and sometimes less, than those employed in construction of a lesser standard. The owners have been living in the home for a year now, and are thrilled with the results. No power bill. No water bill. Extremely low insurance bill. Minimal ground maintenance. No fabric softener. Reduced use of soap, detergents, and shampoos and cleaning supplies. Less time cleaning with spot-free rainwater. Careful planning and materials selection brought the project in under budget, and the home operates at an extremely low cost, both to the homeowners, and the environment. Who wouldn't be thrilled?

G3 provided a variety of services for the conversion of these mid-19th century landmarked loft warehouses to luxury condominiums. Our participation commenced as a third-party observer for the mezzanine lender, who assumed control of the project when the original developer went bankrupt. Working both as architect and redevelopment manager, we led the following activities: • Forensic analysis of construction defects • Code analysis for egress and fire safety • Comprehensive façade renovation, including NYC Local Law 11 filing and Landmarks approval • Development of new metal-and glass exterior façade enclosure for two penthouse levels • Redesign of residential units to improve marketability and to meet code • Redesign of building lobby to improve marketability

While we may normally think of it as a mere, functional necessity, creative use of outdoor patio lights can not only give a great look to your patio but also make your summer evenings more pleasurable. Cool outdoor/patio lighting ideas can help you to get more use as well as enjoyment from your outdoor living spaces. Some of such outdoor and patio lighting ideas are presented below: Star Lit Floors: You can use fiber optic lighting to give your deck the star lit sky effect. In this type of lighting, light would travel through thin flexible cables, ending in points of light which are inserted into small holes drilled in the decking. The cables and lights are safe to use in all weather conditions since there is no electricity or heat conducted. This can also be done as a good DIY project, if you are so inclined. Lighting the Way: This type of deck lighting cannot just add safety but also help extend the deck party time. Post-mounted fixtures can provide ambient lighting and also signal the locations of the railings. You can use low-voltage LED fixtures operating on 12 volts which is much safer than the regular household level of 120 volts. Movable Deck-Standing Lighting: An over-sized floor-standing lamp that is designed for outdoor use can light up the whole deck sitting area using a 250 watts halogen lamp. This fixture can be made waterproof with an aluminum base, galvanized steel frame and a plastic shade. Stability in windy conditions can be ensured with adequate use of lead weights. String Lights: These can go up in any location including patios in order to offer versatility as well as style. String lights are easily available in many styles and sizes and the wiring does not need to be concealed, since it is a part of the fixture itself. Low-voltage (12 volts) or the regular (120 volts) lights can be used, as suitable. Although a bit expensive initially, outdoor solar powered lights can also be used which will save money in the long run, since they don't use the grid electricity. Combination Light and Ceiling Fan: Keep your covered patio cool and stylish at the same time with a combination light and ceiling fan. The fan would need a 120 volts supply so you could use that to power the light as well. The wires can easily be concealed by painting them to match with the woodwork and/or running them along the framing members. Patio Stairway Lights: As you may be aware, many municipality building codes require you to light exterior deck, patio and entrance stairways. This sensible safety measure can be achieved with easy and style using motion-activated lighting. These bright LED lights would automatically turn on when they detect motion a few feet away and then turn off after the delay of a pre-set number of seconds. They can be easily installed anywhere with the help of screws or double-sided tape. Put any of these ideas for outdoor patio lights to good use – wish you all the best.

A new Home in Leschi, Seattle, designed for a couple who enjoy cooking, entertaining and a variety of water recreation. This new home is situated in a very active neighborhood. Visual and sound features are used to create a calm, and privacy from the street, while large windows and bi - folding doors open to views of the beautiful gardens and the lake. Program includes a wine cellar with a refurbished bank - safe door, radiant floors, rain harvesting system that feeds the water feature and garden irrigation, custom designed steel staircase and other artisanal touches. to maximize the value of such prime property, the house is oriented for optimal lake views and designed to the maximum height and lot coverage allowable by code. Permitting involved obtaining a height variance, as well as a complex ECA exemption.

The ActiveYards Marble style Haven Series aluminum fence in black will enhance any backyard. This fence meets pool code, standing 60" high, and features arched gates. Photo: Morgan Cottle

LEED Certification Level: Platinum. Builder: R & S Engineering & Construction. The Cavanaugh Residence is a contemporary split level with a split personality. Totally designed from the ground up to minimize impact and maximize energy and water efficiency, its beautiful facade belies its hard-working, high-producing systems, earning it a LEED Platinum score of 116.5, and a HERS rating of minus 22. The 2774 square foot home produces over 100 per cent of its power with a 10.8 kw pv system, and captures 100 per cent of its freshwater needs from the curved metal roofs through an engineered collection and purification system, stored in an integrated concrete cistern. Constructed of locally made SIP panels on an infill waterfront lot, the home is oriented to maximize the production of the pv panels. Six inch SIP panels work together with a highly reflective, highly emmisive cool standing seam roof, icynene insulation in ceiling and floors, and carefully placed high efficiency windows and doors to create a tightly sealed environment. The 17-seer Trane heat pump variable speed compressors and TAM 7 air handlers, along with a whole house dehumidifier and fresh air intake provide a comfortable, clean indoor environment while using little energy. In the shoulder seasons, natural ventilation cools the home with fresh breezes drawn from lower windows in each room flowing through the curved ceilings to clerestory windows at the top of the house. Natural daylighting, with windows placed in corners and high clerestories, bounce the abundant natural light so that the owners use the interior LED lighting primarily at night. Windows were sited to frame views of the neighboring park and water, and capture the light, but represent a very low percentage of glazing to wall to conserve energy. Primarily native, xeriscaped turfless landscaping sips reclaimed water from its drip and bubbler irrigiation system, and requires little trimming or chemicals. Established trees, protected during construction, shade the home, FSC certified decks, and yard, providing a cool place to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the day, even in Florida's summer heat. Rainwater is diverted from the bay through the engineered collection and filtration system to an integrated concrete cistern hidden beneath the decks. Abundant Florida rainwater supplies 100 per cent of the home's needs, including drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Naturally soft, the highly filtered and UV purified water requires no chemical treatment or water softener. Coupled with minimal hardscape and permeable drive and walkways, almost all ground water remains on the lot, and out of storm sewers and bay runoffs. Designed as a forever home for this active retired couple, an open floor plan provides diagonal interior views along with great circulation space. Wide hallways and doors, curbless showers, an elevator, and extra blocking in the walls for grab rails insures the couple of being able to use their home even if physical disabilities arise. The home's footprint is minimized by building over the conditioned crawlspace and over-sized garage, and the finished floor height, at least two feet above flood code requirements, significantly reduces insurance costs while maximizing storage space for camping and water sports equipment. Materials, fixtures and appliances were carefully selected for energy and water efficiency, local production where possible, recycled content/recyclability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The owners were very involved in vetting and materials selections, and assisted in just-in-time purchasing to minimize waste. Scrap materials were sorted daily for re-use elsewhere in the project (blocking, concrete forms, drywall scraps as acoustical insulation in interior walls, etc.), resulting in a tiny waste pile at the end of a dumpster-free project. Concrete waste was hauled to a local recycler to become road base, and extra useable materials were returned to the vendor or donated to Habitat Restore. Cost-effective choices, and careful planning, saved significant dollars in construction cost as well as landfill space. One of the biggest challenges was finding qualified subcontractors who would work within the guidelines. With the help of our LEED consultant and meetings and explanations, most subcontractors not only bought into the ideas readily, but offered up new ideas. Highly skilled and professional, the team of subs, LEED consultant, and contractor proved that LEED construction is excellent construction. The team, the owners, and I also found that LEED construction makes great economic sense. Most materials (other than increased insulation and photovoltaic panels) cost no more, and sometimes less, than those employed in construction of a lesser standard. The owners have been living in the home for a year now, and are thrilled with the results. No power bill. No water bill. Extremely low insurance bill. Minimal ground maintenance. No fabric softener. Reduced use of soap, detergents, and shampoos and cleaning supplies. Less time cleaning with spot-free rainwater. Careful planning and materials selection brought the project in under budget, and the home operates at an extremely low cost, both to the homeowners, and the environment. Who wouldn't be thrilled?

A new Home in Leschi, Seattle, designed for a couple who enjoy cooking, entertaining and a variety of water recreation. This new home is situated in a very active neighborhood. Visual and sound features are used to create a calm, and privacy from the street, while large windows and bi - folding doors open to views of the beautiful gardens and the lake. Program includes a wine cellar with a refurbished bank - safe door, radiant floors, rain harvesting system that feeds the water feature and garden irrigation, custom designed steel staircase and other artisanal touches. to maximize the value of such prime property, the house is oriented for optimal lake views and designed to the maximum height and lot coverage allowable by code. Permitting involved obtaining a height variance, as well as a complex ECA exemption.

A new Home in Leschi, Seattle, designed for a couple who enjoy cooking, entertaining and a variety of water recreation. This new home is situated in a very active neighborhood. Visual and sound features are used to create a calm, and privacy from the street, while large windows and bi - folding doors open to views of the beautiful gardens and the lake. Program includes a wine cellar with a refurbished bank - safe door, radiant floors, rain harvesting system that feeds the water feature and garden irrigation, custom designed steel staircase and other artisanal touches. to maximize the value of such prime property, the house is oriented for optimal lake views and designed to the maximum height and lot coverage allowable by code. Permitting involved obtaining a height variance, as well as a complex ECA exemption.

A new Home in Leschi, Seattle, designed for a couple who enjoy cooking, entertaining and a variety of water recreation. This new home is situated in a very active neighborhood. Visual and sound features are used to create a calm, and privacy from the street, while large windows and bi - folding doors open to views of the beautiful gardens and the lake. Program includes a wine cellar with a refurbished bank - safe door, radiant floors, rain harvesting system that feeds the water feature and garden irrigation, custom designed steel staircase and other artisanal touches. to maximize the value of such prime property, the house is oriented for optimal lake views and designed to the maximum height and lot coverage allowable by code. Permitting involved obtaining a height variance, as well as a complex ECA exemption.

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

Hawthorne in White, Haven Series

Welcome home to this luxe, modern, and inviting townhome in the heart of downtown Jersey City! We are ecstatic to see this project completed. This 4-story multifamily underwent a major renovation and was transformed into a spacious and functional family home for our clients. Careful consideration of our client’s lifestyle and plans for the future dictated every design decision. They needed a space that would function well now that they are a young professional couple and a space that would nicely accommodate a growing family in the future. Greater emphasis was placed on common family spaces and bedrooms were designed exclusively for sleep with minimal room for work or study and without TV connections to discourage those activities from taking place in these spaces. Instead, common places such as the family room and the kitchen are inviting and foster those activities. Due to sagging floors in need of extensive repair, it made more financial sense to replace them entirely. We took this historic house and by re-pitching the roof in an inverted form we were able to gain an overall 36” which we used for raising the floors. This, in turn, allowed us to bring the ground level up to code and be suitable for living space and gave us additional ceiling room on the upper floors. The ground floor was designed to be used as a rental unit and can be reincorporated into the home later when more space is needed. Both front and back facades were replaced with timeless brick and vertical wood siding and all windows and front doors were replaced. The ground floor features a one-bedroom suite, living room, and open kitchen-dining area. On the first floor, we achieved a more effective entry sequence to the living room, an open-concept design leading to the kitchen. The interior is bright and airy, and the kitchen opens up to the deck in the back and the patio, making entertaining indoors and outdoors seamless. The design works in a way to accommodate the addition of a stair leading to the ground level when the rental unit is incorporated back into the house. Up on the second floor, a suite with a bathroom was designed with grandparents or guests in mind. Also, two additional bedrooms are now being used as an exercise room and a zoom-worthy office but can later be used as kids’ rooms. Last but not least, the third floor features the master suite with his and hers walk-in closets, a master bath, and a library.

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

A Ruvati single bowl undermount work station sink with multiple accessories, makes meal prep efficient and convenient. The code-compliant egress window brings in a lot of desired natural light into the kitchen. The tile backsplash runs from countertop to ceiling adding to the cheerful nature of the space.

A new Home in Leschi, Seattle, designed for a couple who enjoy cooking, entertaining and a variety of water recreation. This new home is situated in a very active neighborhood. Visual and sound features are used to create a calm, and privacy from the street, while large windows and bi - folding doors open to views of the beautiful gardens and the lake. Program includes a wine cellar with a refurbished bank - safe door, radiant floors, rain harvesting system that feeds the water feature and garden irrigation, custom designed steel staircase and other artisanal touches. to maximize the value of such prime property, the house is oriented for optimal lake views and designed to the maximum height and lot coverage allowable by code. Permitting involved obtaining a height variance, as well as a complex ECA exemption.

A new Home in Leschi, Seattle, designed for a couple who enjoy cooking, entertaining and a variety of water recreation. This new home is situated in a very active neighborhood. Visual and sound features are used to create a calm, and privacy from the street, while large windows and bi - folding doors open to views of the beautiful gardens and the lake. Program includes a wine cellar with a refurbished bank - safe door, radiant floors, rain harvesting system that feeds the water feature and garden irrigation, custom designed steel staircase and other artisanal touches. to maximize the value of such prime property, the house is oriented for optimal lake views and designed to the maximum height and lot coverage allowable by code. Permitting involved obtaining a height variance, as well as a complex ECA exemption.

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.