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Rosenberg Kolb Architects is proud to announce our renovation of a 1747 timber frame house on Nantucket Island, completed in 2011. The first historic renovation project in Nantucket to receive LEED Gold status. The project was given a Grand Award by Eco Home Magazine in July, 2011.
The project included:
Restructuring the foundations to align and stabilize the structure in addition to providing for a new insulated crawl space;
A 260 square foot addition for a kitchen, bath, and new entry;
New cedar shingles, roof shingles, and restored historic windows;
The house met the strict regulations of Nantucket's Historic District.
On the inside, LEED Gold certification was met through:
High R-value insulation and reduced air leakage;
High efficiency heating, air conditioning, plumbing fixtures, and appliances;
Low-emission paints and finishes as well as a clay wall finish;
Using reclaimed materials from the original house and other sites.
The project has been published in:
N Magazine July 2011
Eco Home Magazine July 2011
New England Home June 2011

Property marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Singular 2 family home on mid-town Hoboken block. Expanded on 4 levels and fitted entirely with floor to ceiling glass at the rear, this incredible house offers an amazing amount of space including an owner’s 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath triplex & extra large garden level 1 bedroom +
den rental or in-law apartment.
Completely & meticulously renovated, this home has a true gourmet kitchen overlooking the fabulous yard and all the expected accouterments including flamed granite counters, custom cabinetry with crown molding, under cabinet lighting, and a stainless steel appliance suite complete with GE Profile gas cook top and double wall oven.
The top floor master suite includes a private spa bathroom with double vanity, over-sized shower with rain shower head, 3 closets, including a walk-in and a skylight. Additionally, there is a 4th bedroom and bath. 2 zone central air conditioning, gas forced hot air heat, hardwood floors, 9.5’ ceilings, crown moldings, central vacuum system and pre-wired cable, internet and telephone service are just a few of the many upgrades in this classic Hoboken home.

This Playa Del Rey, CA. design / build project began after our client had a terrible flood ruin her kitchen. In truth, she had been unhappy with her galley kitchen prior to the flood. She felt it was dark and deep with poor air conditioning circulating through it. She enjoys entertaining and hosting dinner parties and felt that this was the perfect opportunity to reimagine her galley kitchen into a space that would reflect her lifestyle. Since this is a condominium, we decided the best way to open up the floorplan was to wrap the counter around the wall into the dining area and make the peninsula the same height as the work surface. The result is an open kitchen with extensive counter space. Keeping it light and bright was important but she also wanted some texture and color too. The stacked stone backsplash has slivers of glass that reflect the light. Her vineyard palette was tied into the backsplash and accented by the painted walls. The floating glass shelves are highlighted with LED lights on a dimmer switch. We were able to space plan to incorporate her wine rack into the peninsula. We reconfigured the HVAC vent so more air circulated into the far end of the kitchen and added a ceiling fan. This project also included replacing the carpet and 12X12 beige tile with some “wood look” porcelain tile throughout the first floor. Since the powder room was receiving new flooring our client decided to add the powder room project which included giving it a deep plum paint job and a new chocolate cherry vanity. The white quartz counter and crystal hardware balance the dark hues in the wall and vanity.
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Iconic corner brownstone on uptown Garden Street with 2+ car parking. A truly exceptional property, 1200 Garden Street offers southern, eastern & western exposures, a contemporary open floor plan, deck & large yard professionally landscaped by Hufnagel. Three beautiful bay windows grace the parlor floor accompanied by a gas fireplace, parquet floors with marquetry inlay border, formal dining room & powder room. The designer kitchen has a Viking 6 burner gas range, Sub Zero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and double wall ovens.
The second floor offers a master retreat with cathedral ceiling, skylights and sliding glass doors to Juliette balcony. Private en suite bath features marble and limestone tile, dual sink vanity, separate shower & freestanding Bain Ultra air bubble tub. Completing the second floor – an additional bedroom/family room with custom built-in cabinetry and additional full bathroom. The top floor has 2 large, bright bedrooms and a full bath.
Other features include a finished basement/playroom, storage, laundry center with laundry chute, gas baseboard heat, 3 zone high velocity heat & central air conditioning, central alarm system, crown moldings, medallions, hardwood floors & custom window shutters.

The homes in Heritage Hills in Chapel Hill, NC are representative of the popularity and explosive growth of American Home Ownership that occurred during the economic expansion that followed the end of WW II. They were designed and built to foster the benefits and sense of “community”, where families could come together and share theirs and their children’s lives. They are typically in very desirable locations within their larger communities, and remodeling them with modern amenities, increasing the performance and efficiency of them, and having them Green Certified (independent third-party verified) makes them extremely attractive to buyers, and helps to raise other property values within the neighborhood.
Green Certified Remodeled Homes offer significant value and advantage in the marketplace over similar homes in their area, which is especially important as a new, younger era of home buyers enter the market. Current trends suggest that younger (as well as many “seasoned”) homeowners are interested in smaller, more efficient (and thus affordable) homes situated closer to shopping, their work, entertainment opportunities, and access to the economic and environmental benefits of mass transit.
These older homes also offer an additional value that is continuing to gain visibility and appreciation in the market place. They were built from lumber from slower-growth trees (denser and harder wood), and as such offer superior structural support compared to the same home built using lumber from today’s faster-growing (softer and less-dense wood) trees.
Robin and Kent had lived in their 2-story Gambrel Roof home in Heritage Hills since 1994. The house was structurally sound, due in large part to the old-growth (and denser) yellow pine that was used in its framing. They loved the quiet neighborhood, its sense of community and amenities, and their home. It suited their life-style and needs; and they had decided that they would remain in the home. It was showing its age, and was in need of general repairs and maintenance, and its energy, water, and indoor air quality performance was continuing to increase their ongoing cost of ownership.
Robin loved the screen porch that looked out on their private and nicely landscaped back yard, but she wanted to be able to use it in the colder months of the year. She was unsatisfied with the kitchen and the mud room / laundry room, and the darkness of other living spaces. A previous water leak in the laundry room had resulted in a large patch of mold that had compromised flooring, wall board, and insulation and contributed to the homes reduced indoor air quality.
The home lacked insulation in the crawl, and inadequate insulation in the attic. The single HVAC unit had been replaced a few years earlier with a more efficient unit, but with a single programmable thermostat control on the first floor and aging and un-insulated ducting, the second floor was often over-heated in the summer months.
The original wood windows had begun to deteriorate and were drafty and inefficient, and the original wood-burning fireplace was an open conduit for escaping conditioned air as well as an inlet for wood-smoke smelling air being pulled into the home. The siding had been replaced a few years earlier with a cement-fiber product, but the exterior wood trim was compromised and beginning to look unsightly. Its original architecture had been altered over the years in ways that presented ongoing maintenance and durability issues, as well as disrupting the elegance of the original design.
Kent has worked for over 30 years in the Environmental Sciences field, and is considered to be a national expert in understanding the sources of, and human exposure to pollutants in indoor environments. He had always been very conscious and cautious about the effects on indoor air quality that the construction, furnishings, and products used in home had on him and his family.
Project Goals
Increase the performance of their home by improving energy efficiency by at least 40% and lowering their natural gas and electric utility costs.
Increase the performance of their home by reducing water usage by at least 40% and lowering the water utility costs.
Increase the comfort of their home that was being compromised by an inadequate HVAC design, inadequate insulation, inefficient and compromised wood windows, and copious air intrusions and drafts.
Improve the healthiness of the homes indoor air quality that was being compromised by an open wood-burning fireplace, and prior water intrusion that had allowed colonies of mold to thrive.
Create a new Kitchen, Family Room, Home Office, Mudroom, and Laundry Room that featured some of the latest designs and trends and harmonized with the rest of the homes charm.
Increase the usefulness and aesthetics of the screened porch by creating a warm and inviting semi-conditioned 3-Season Room that extended the times during the year that it was comfortable.
Introduce day-lighting into areas of the home that were dark and uninviting.
Brighten and harmonize all of the interior finishes.
Protect and restore the exterior of the home with superior-performing products and finishes.
Achieve Gold Level Green Home Certification in conformance with the ICC 700-2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS).

Koondoola Community Centre
Project Year: 2016
Project Cost: $ 4M
Country: Australia
AIA Awards Finalist, this development consists of a new community centre and upgrade of a local AFL oval, tennis courts, floodlights, and new sports amenities.
The community centre buildings form around existing native trees to avoid cutting. The facilities provide an innovative environmentally sustainable development focusing on passive climate control, longevity, low maintenance costs, and low energy/water consumption.
The buildings function as a live organism: they breathe in and out with automatic sensor-controlled louvres around the building fabrics interconnected to the air conditioning system through a smart control hub. This results in natural airflow, temperature control, and significantly reduced need for the use of air conditioners. All materials are naturally exposed both internally and externally with no touch up finishes, resulting in a significant reduction in capital costs and operational costs.

Property marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Singular 2 family home on mid-town Hoboken block. Expanded on 4 levels and fitted entirely with floor to ceiling glass at the rear, this incredible house offers an amazing amount of space including an owner’s 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath triplex & extra large garden level 1 bedroom +
den rental or in-law apartment.
Completely & meticulously renovated, this home has a true gourmet kitchen overlooking the fabulous yard and all the expected accouterments including flamed granite counters, custom cabinetry with crown molding, under cabinet lighting, and a stainless steel appliance suite complete with GE Profile gas cook top and double wall oven.
The top floor master suite includes a private spa bathroom with double vanity, over-sized shower with rain shower head, 3 closets, including a walk-in and a skylight. Additionally, there is a 4th bedroom and bath. 2 zone central air conditioning, gas forced hot air heat, hardwood floors, 9.5’ ceilings, crown moldings, central vacuum system and pre-wired cable, internet and telephone service are just a few of the many upgrades in this classic Hoboken home.

This gorgeous home, situated in the Commonwealth subdivision of the Galisteo Basin Preserve, was designed to accommodate the beautiful but sometimes harsh weather of the Basin. Built around an inner courtyard, buffered to the somewhat inclement conditions, it allows for seasonal year around enjoyment. The floor to ceiling windows, European Reynaers Aluminum, were imported from Ireland, and appear as glassy walls that disappear into pocketing doors ensuring magnificent wraparound views.
The grand entrance, encased with an oversized custom steel and brass entry door, with glass side panel and transom, open up to soaring illuminated recessed lit ceilings. Porcelain tile floors seamlessly transition between interior/exterior. An impressive 3-sided Ortal fireplace provides warmth and coziness encapsulating the entire great room. The excellence of the materials and exclusive nature of the finishes are expressed in a tailored and sophisticated manner.
The 4,332 heated per square foot home is designed with two Master Suite wings that spin off the main great room. The state-of-the-art kitchen is sleek and spacious with an expansive island comprised of Elegant Brown granite countertops, luxury modern Italian Poliform custom cabinets and high-end Gaggenau appliances. The home has a highly efficient engineered heating/cooling system with heat radiant floors and Unico air conditioning.
A detached guest casita/art studio sits adjacent to the main house, on a lushly landscaped protected courtyard. The exterior landscaping is organically integrated into the natural terrain, incorporating a bocce ball court, walking labyrinth, sculpture and water features.
AWARDS
2016 AIA Santa Fe Design Excellence: Citation Award- Single Family Home
PUBLICATIONS
Santa Fe New Mexican – HOME/Santa Fe Real Estate Guide– January 2017 – A Courtyard Centered Gem in the Galisteo Basin
Western Art & Architecture Magazine – February/March 2016 – Finding Home
TESTIMONIAL
After researching several builders in Santa Fe and then interviewing the ones of interest, we decided on Will Prull as he seemed to instantly connect to what we wanted and how to achieve it. He was also highly recommended by our architect. Our Project Manager was excellent and helped us make decisions that creep up between the plans and the actual building. Our house won the AIA award in 2016 for Santa Fe. When choosing your builder, the most important thing is that your Project Manager understands your direction and has your best interests at heart. Our's did!
ARCHITECT
Hoopes + Associates Architects, , Santa Fe, NM
INTERIORS
Paul Rau Interiors, Santa Fe, NM
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Sequis + Associates Landscape Architecture, Santa Fe, NM

This gorgeous home, situated in the Commonwealth subdivision of the Galisteo Basin Preserve, was designed to accommodate the beautiful but sometimes harsh weather of the Basin. Built around an inner courtyard, buffered to the somewhat inclement conditions, it allows for seasonal year around enjoyment. The floor to ceiling windows, European Reynaers Aluminum, were imported from Ireland, and appear as glassy walls that disappear into pocketing doors ensuring magnificent wraparound views.
The grand entrance, encased with an oversized custom steel and brass entry door, with glass side panel and transom, open up to soaring illuminated recessed lit ceilings. Porcelain tile floors seamlessly transition between interior/exterior. An impressive 3-sided Ortal fireplace provides warmth and coziness encapsulating the entire great room. The excellence of the materials and exclusive nature of the finishes are expressed in a tailored and sophisticated manner.
The 4,332 heated per square foot home is designed with two Master Suite wings that spin off the main great room. The state-of-the-art kitchen is sleek and spacious with an expansive island comprised of Elegant Brown granite countertops, luxury modern Italian Poliform custom cabinets and high-end Gaggenau appliances. The home has a highly efficient engineered heating/cooling system with heat radiant floors and Unico air conditioning.
A detached guest casita/art studio sits adjacent to the main house, on a lushly landscaped protected courtyard. The exterior landscaping is organically integrated into the natural terrain, incorporating a bocce ball court, walking labyrinth, sculpture and water features.
AWARDS
2016 AIA Santa Fe Design Excellence: Citation Award- Single Family Home
PUBLICATIONS
Santa Fe New Mexican – HOME/Santa Fe Real Estate Guide– January 2017 – A Courtyard Centered Gem in the Galisteo Basin
Western Art & Architecture Magazine – February/March 2016 – Finding Home
TESTIMONIAL
After researching several builders in Santa Fe and then interviewing the ones of interest, we decided on Will Prull as he seemed to instantly connect to what we wanted and how to achieve it. He was also highly recommended by our architect. Our Project Manager was excellent and helped us make decisions that creep up between the plans and the actual building. Our house won the AIA award in 2016 for Santa Fe. When choosing your builder, the most important thing is that your Project Manager understands your direction and has your best interests at heart. Our's did!
ARCHITECT
Hoopes + Associates Architects, , Santa Fe, NM
INTERIORS
Paul Rau Interiors, Santa Fe, NM
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Sequis + Associates Landscape Architecture, Santa Fe, NM
PHOTOGRAPHER
Daniel Nadelbach Photography LLC©,

The homes in Heritage Hills in Chapel Hill, NC are representative of the popularity and explosive growth of American Home Ownership that occurred during the economic expansion that followed the end of WW II. They were designed and built to foster the benefits and sense of “community”, where families could come together and share theirs and their children’s lives. They are typically in very desirable locations within their larger communities, and remodeling them with modern amenities, increasing the performance and efficiency of them, and having them Green Certified (independent third-party verified) makes them extremely attractive to buyers, and helps to raise other property values within the neighborhood.
Green Certified Remodeled Homes offer significant value and advantage in the marketplace over similar homes in their area, which is especially important as a new, younger era of home buyers enter the market. Current trends suggest that younger (as well as many “seasoned”) homeowners are interested in smaller, more efficient (and thus affordable) homes situated closer to shopping, their work, entertainment opportunities, and access to the economic and environmental benefits of mass transit.
These older homes also offer an additional value that is continuing to gain visibility and appreciation in the market place. They were built from lumber from slower-growth trees (denser and harder wood), and as such offer superior structural support compared to the same home built using lumber from today’s faster-growing (softer and less-dense wood) trees.
Robin and Kent had lived in their 2-story Gambrel Roof home in Heritage Hills since 1994. The house was structurally sound, due in large part to the old-growth (and denser) yellow pine that was used in its framing. They loved the quiet neighborhood, its sense of community and amenities, and their home. It suited their life-style and needs; and they had decided that they would remain in the home. It was showing its age, and was in need of general repairs and maintenance, and its energy, water, and indoor air quality performance was continuing to increase their ongoing cost of ownership.
Robin loved the screen porch that looked out on their private and nicely landscaped back yard, but she wanted to be able to use it in the colder months of the year. She was unsatisfied with the kitchen and the mud room / laundry room, and the darkness of other living spaces. A previous water leak in the laundry room had resulted in a large patch of mold that had compromised flooring, wall board, and insulation and contributed to the homes reduced indoor air quality.
The home lacked insulation in the crawl, and inadequate insulation in the attic. The single HVAC unit had been replaced a few years earlier with a more efficient unit, but with a single programmable thermostat control on the first floor and aging and un-insulated ducting, the second floor was often over-heated in the summer months.
The original wood windows had begun to deteriorate and were drafty and inefficient, and the original wood-burning fireplace was an open conduit for escaping conditioned air as well as an inlet for wood-smoke smelling air being pulled into the home. The siding had been replaced a few years earlier with a cement-fiber product, but the exterior wood trim was compromised and beginning to look unsightly. Its original architecture had been altered over the years in ways that presented ongoing maintenance and durability issues, as well as disrupting the elegance of the original design.
Kent has worked for over 30 years in the Environmental Sciences field, and is considered to be a national expert in understanding the sources of, and human exposure to pollutants in indoor environments. He had always been very conscious and cautious about the effects on indoor air quality that the construction, furnishings, and products used in home had on him and his family.
Project Goals
Increase the performance of their home by improving energy efficiency by at least 40% and lowering their natural gas and electric utility costs.
Increase the performance of their home by reducing water usage by at least 40% and lowering the water utility costs.
Increase the comfort of their home that was being compromised by an inadequate HVAC design, inadequate insulation, inefficient and compromised wood windows, and copious air intrusions and drafts.
Improve the healthiness of the homes indoor air quality that was being compromised by an open wood-burning fireplace, and prior water intrusion that had allowed colonies of mold to thrive.
Create a new Kitchen, Family Room, Home Office, Mudroom, and Laundry Room that featured some of the latest designs and trends and harmonized with the rest of the homes charm.
Increase the usefulness and aesthetics of the screened porch by creating a warm and inviting semi-conditioned 3-Season Room that extended the times during the year that it was comfortable.
Introduce day-lighting into areas of the home that were dark and uninviting.
Brighten and harmonize all of the interior finishes.
Protect and restore the exterior of the home with superior-performing products and finishes.
Achieve Gold Level Green Home Certification in conformance with the ICC 700-2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS).

Property marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Singular 2 family home on mid-town Hoboken block. Expanded on 4 levels and fitted entirely with floor to ceiling glass at the rear, this incredible house offers an amazing amount of space including an owner’s 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath triplex & extra large garden level 1 bedroom +
den rental or in-law apartment.
Completely & meticulously renovated, this home has a true gourmet kitchen overlooking the fabulous yard and all the expected accouterments including flamed granite counters, custom cabinetry with crown molding, under cabinet lighting, and a stainless steel appliance suite complete with GE Profile gas cook top and double wall oven.
The top floor master suite includes a private spa bathroom with double vanity, over-sized shower with rain shower head, 3 closets, including a walk-in and a skylight. Additionally, there is a 4th bedroom and bath. 2 zone central air conditioning, gas forced hot air heat, hardwood floors, 9.5’ ceilings, crown moldings, central vacuum system and pre-wired cable, internet and telephone service are just a few of the many upgrades in this classic Hoboken home.

Culver City, CA - Complete Accessory Dwelling Unit Build
Living Room/Great Room;
Laminate flooring, double wide, clear glass sliding door, suspended air conditioning unit, area rug, couch/sofa, side table, windows and a beautiful lush back yard area.

This gorgeous home, situated in the Commonwealth subdivision of the Galisteo Basin Preserve, was designed to accommodate the beautiful but sometimes harsh weather of the Basin. Built around an inner courtyard, buffered to the somewhat inclement conditions, it allows for seasonal year around enjoyment. The floor to ceiling windows, European Reynaers Aluminum, were imported from Ireland, and appear as glassy walls that disappear into pocketing doors ensuring magnificent wraparound views.
The grand entrance, encased with an oversized custom steel and brass entry door, with glass side panel and transom, open up to soaring illuminated recessed lit ceilings. Porcelain tile floors seamlessly transition between interior/exterior. An impressive 3-sided Ortal fireplace provides warmth and coziness encapsulating the entire great room. The excellence of the materials and exclusive nature of the finishes are expressed in a tailored and sophisticated manner.
The 4,332 heated per square foot home is designed with two Master Suite wings that spin off the main great room. The state-of-the-art kitchen is sleek and spacious with an expansive island comprised of Elegant Brown granite countertops, luxury modern Italian Poliform custom cabinets and high-end Gaggenau appliances. The home has a highly efficient engineered heating/cooling system with heat radiant floors and Unico air conditioning.
A detached guest casita/art studio sits adjacent to the main house, on a lushly landscaped protected courtyard. The exterior landscaping is organically integrated into the natural terrain, incorporating a bocce ball court, walking labyrinth, sculpture and water features.
AWARDS
2016 AIA Santa Fe Design Excellence: Citation Award- Single Family Home
PUBLICATIONS
Santa Fe New Mexican – HOME/Santa Fe Real Estate Guide– January 2017 – A Courtyard Centered Gem in the Galisteo Basin
Western Art & Architecture Magazine – February/March 2016 – Finding Home
TESTIMONIAL
After researching several builders in Santa Fe and then interviewing the ones of interest, we decided on Will Prull as he seemed to instantly connect to what we wanted and how to achieve it. He was also highly recommended by our architect. Our Project Manager was excellent and helped us make decisions that creep up between the plans and the actual building. Our house won the AIA award in 2016 for Santa Fe. When choosing your builder, the most important thing is that your Project Manager understands your direction and has your best interests at heart. Our's did!
ARCHITECT
Hoopes + Associates Architects, , Santa Fe, NM
INTERIORS
Paul Rau Interiors, Santa Fe, NM
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Sequis + Associates Landscape Architecture, Santa Fe, NM

This gorgeous home, situated in the Commonwealth subdivision of the Galisteo Basin Preserve, was designed to accommodate the beautiful but sometimes harsh weather of the Basin. Built around an inner courtyard, buffered to the somewhat inclement conditions, it allows for seasonal year around enjoyment. The floor to ceiling windows, European Reynaers Aluminum, were imported from Ireland, and appear as glassy walls that disappear into pocketing doors ensuring magnificent wraparound views.
The grand entrance, encased with an oversized custom steel and brass entry door, with glass side panel and transom, open up to soaring illuminated recessed lit ceilings. Porcelain tile floors seamlessly transition between interior/exterior. An impressive 3-sided Ortal fireplace provides warmth and coziness encapsulating the entire great room. The excellence of the materials and exclusive nature of the finishes are expressed in a tailored and sophisticated manner.
The 4,332 heated per square foot home is designed with two Master Suite wings that spin off the main great room. The state-of-the-art kitchen is sleek and spacious with an expansive island comprised of Elegant Brown granite countertops, luxury modern Italian Poliform custom cabinets and high-end Gaggenau appliances. The home has a highly efficient engineered heating/cooling system with heat radiant floors and Unico air conditioning.
A detached guest casita/art studio sits adjacent to the main house, on a lushly landscaped protected courtyard. The exterior landscaping is organically integrated into the natural terrain, incorporating a bocce ball court, walking labyrinth, sculpture and water features.
AWARDS
2016 AIA Santa Fe Design Excellence: Citation Award- Single Family Home
PUBLICATIONS
Santa Fe New Mexican – HOME/Santa Fe Real Estate Guide– January 2017 – A Courtyard Centered Gem in the Galisteo Basin
Western Art & Architecture Magazine – February/March 2016 – Finding Home
TESTIMONIAL
After researching several builders in Santa Fe and then interviewing the ones of interest, we decided on Will Prull as he seemed to instantly connect to what we wanted and how to achieve it. He was also highly recommended by our architect. Our Project Manager was excellent and helped us make decisions that creep up between the plans and the actual building. Our house won the AIA award in 2016 for Santa Fe. When choosing your builder, the most important thing is that your Project Manager understands your direction and has your best interests at heart. Our's did!
ARCHITECT
Hoopes + Associates Architects, , Santa Fe, NM
INTERIORS
Paul Rau Interiors, Santa Fe, NM
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Sequis + Associates Landscape Architecture, Santa Fe, NM
PHOTOGRAPHER
Daniel Nadelbach Photography LLC©,

The homes in Heritage Hills in Chapel Hill, NC are representative of the popularity and explosive growth of American Home Ownership that occurred during the economic expansion that followed the end of WW II. They were designed and built to foster the benefits and sense of “community”, where families could come together and share theirs and their children’s lives. They are typically in very desirable locations within their larger communities, and remodeling them with modern amenities, increasing the performance and efficiency of them, and having them Green Certified (independent third-party verified) makes them extremely attractive to buyers, and helps to raise other property values within the neighborhood.
Green Certified Remodeled Homes offer significant value and advantage in the marketplace over similar homes in their area, which is especially important as a new, younger era of home buyers enter the market. Current trends suggest that younger (as well as many “seasoned”) homeowners are interested in smaller, more efficient (and thus affordable) homes situated closer to shopping, their work, entertainment opportunities, and access to the economic and environmental benefits of mass transit.
These older homes also offer an additional value that is continuing to gain visibility and appreciation in the market place. They were built from lumber from slower-growth trees (denser and harder wood), and as such offer superior structural support compared to the same home built using lumber from today’s faster-growing (softer and less-dense wood) trees.
Robin and Kent had lived in their 2-story Gambrel Roof home in Heritage Hills since 1994. The house was structurally sound, due in large part to the old-growth (and denser) yellow pine that was used in its framing. They loved the quiet neighborhood, its sense of community and amenities, and their home. It suited their life-style and needs; and they had decided that they would remain in the home. It was showing its age, and was in need of general repairs and maintenance, and its energy, water, and indoor air quality performance was continuing to increase their ongoing cost of ownership.
Robin loved the screen porch that looked out on their private and nicely landscaped back yard, but she wanted to be able to use it in the colder months of the year. She was unsatisfied with the kitchen and the mud room / laundry room, and the darkness of other living spaces. A previous water leak in the laundry room had resulted in a large patch of mold that had compromised flooring, wall board, and insulation and contributed to the homes reduced indoor air quality.
The home lacked insulation in the crawl, and inadequate insulation in the attic. The single HVAC unit had been replaced a few years earlier with a more efficient unit, but with a single programmable thermostat control on the first floor and aging and un-insulated ducting, the second floor was often over-heated in the summer months.
The original wood windows had begun to deteriorate and were drafty and inefficient, and the original wood-burning fireplace was an open conduit for escaping conditioned air as well as an inlet for wood-smoke smelling air being pulled into the home. The siding had been replaced a few years earlier with a cement-fiber product, but the exterior wood trim was compromised and beginning to look unsightly. Its original architecture had been altered over the years in ways that presented ongoing maintenance and durability issues, as well as disrupting the elegance of the original design.
Kent has worked for over 30 years in the Environmental Sciences field, and is considered to be a national expert in understanding the sources of, and human exposure to pollutants in indoor environments. He had always been very conscious and cautious about the effects on indoor air quality that the construction, furnishings, and products used in home had on him and his family.
Project Goals
Increase the performance of their home by improving energy efficiency by at least 40% and lowering their natural gas and electric utility costs.
Increase the performance of their home by reducing water usage by at least 40% and lowering the water utility costs.
Increase the comfort of their home that was being compromised by an inadequate HVAC design, inadequate insulation, inefficient and compromised wood windows, and copious air intrusions and drafts.
Improve the healthiness of the homes indoor air quality that was being compromised by an open wood-burning fireplace, and prior water intrusion that had allowed colonies of mold to thrive.
Create a new Kitchen, Family Room, Home Office, Mudroom, and Laundry Room that featured some of the latest designs and trends and harmonized with the rest of the homes charm.
Increase the usefulness and aesthetics of the screened porch by creating a warm and inviting semi-conditioned 3-Season Room that extended the times during the year that it was comfortable.
Introduce day-lighting into areas of the home that were dark and uninviting.
Brighten and harmonize all of the interior finishes.
Protect and restore the exterior of the home with superior-performing products and finishes.
Achieve Gold Level Green Home Certification in conformance with the ICC 700-2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS).

Home remodels for expecting parents are always a fun and rewarding experience. These homeowners wanted to add more space to their home for their new addition to the family. This room addition started as a simple deck that led into their backyard. We replaced it with this cozy living room and even added a new laundry room, air cooling unit and pantry. Now the homeowners have plenty of room to welcome their new child into the world. If you are in the Los Angeles area call us today @1-888-977-9490 to get started on your dream project!

The glass sliding door allows natural air and sunlight to enter the house. When it is open, the living room is extended to the balcony. Residents gets to have a larger living area without having to air condition the balcony. Photo by Paul Hester.
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