Search results for "Air conditioning" in Home Design Ideas

View from desk area looking at cooking area.
This was a major remodel to an existing 1970 building. It was approximately 2300 sq. ft. but it was dated in style and function. The access was by a wood stair up to the street, with no garage and tight small rooms. The remodel and addition created a two car garage with storage and a dramatic entry with grand stair descending down to the existing living room area. Spaces where moved and changed to create a open plan living environment with a new kitchen, master suite, guest suite, and remodeling and adding to the lower level bedrooms with new baths on suite. The mechanical system was replaced and air conditioning was added as well as air treatment.

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

Everything you need is near the apartment. Safe neighborhood.
Bedroom has a Queen size Tempurpedic memory foam cloud bed.
Kitchen had great counter space, easy for cooking meals in.
Living room has cozy couches, flat screen TV and is a great lounging and relaxing area. There is cable and Wifi in apartment. Full bathroom-shower and tub.
Just 3 blocks from an Express Subway stop (4,5,6 line) and Express and Local Bus on the same block. The subway will take you to Times Square in 5 minutes, and all the way to the Southern tip of the city (Freedom Towers - 9/11 Memorial) within 30 minutes. 59th street transit stop is close by (N,R,Q,W and the 4-5-6 lines all servicing up and downtown).
The Apartment includes:
* Large living room with nice decoration.
* Plasma 50" TV LCD
* Cable TV
* Sofa that can be converted to queen size bed
* High Speed Internet - WiFi
* Fully Equipped Kitchen
* Bright bathroom (shared)
* High ceiling
* Lot of closet space.
* Table with 4 Chairs
* Air-conditioning and Heating
* Private parking available in the building (hourly rates)
* Iron
* A/C and heater
* Laundry and Dry Cleaning (for a fee) across the street and in the basement
* Close enough to all the tourist attractions, yet you get the quiet beauty of NYC.
* Central Park is minutes away
* Safe neighborhood
Guest Access
3 blocks from an Express Subway stop (4,5,6 line) and Express and Local Bus on the same block. The subway will take you to Times Square in 5 minutes, and all the way to the Southern tip of the city (Freedom Towers - 9/11 Memorial) within 30 minutes. 59th street transit stop is close by (N,R,Q,W and the 4-5-6 lines all servicing up and downtown). *This is not a hotel and we do not provide the services of a hotel*
Guest interaction
This is the Queen Bedroom in a 3 Bedroom apartment with ONE shared bathroom. Apartment comes fully equipped with linens, towels,blankets and sufficient furnishings. Just bring you and be right at home, in the center, of the center of the world!
Other things to note
I lead a very busy schedule, however, I am always available to assist you with anything you may need. I can suggest places to eat, shop and gain entertainment. You will have complete privacy, should you choose and discretion is appreciated for both parties.
We require a 30 night min stay on this apartment.
Overview
The neighborhood is extremely central. Many restaurants, shops, entertainments and NYC distractions right on your door!
Your home is the quintessential NYC location, safe and convenient, exciting and right in the middle of it all!
Close To Bloomingdale's Apple Fifth Avenue
Close to Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall
Broadway theaters are all within walking distance.
Well lit, never (ever) empty, and well policed
Plenty for families to do including shopping, movies, Toys R Us, and mega candy stores
Getting around
3 blocks from an Express Subway stop (4,5,6 line) and Express and Local Bus on the same block. The subway will take you to Times Square in 5 minutes, and all the way to the Southern tip of the city (Freedom Towers - 9/11 Memorial) within 30 minutes. 59th street transit stop is close by (N,R,Q,W and the 4-5-6 lines all servicing up and downtown).
Interaction with guest
We are always available to assist you with anything you may need. Regarding check-in please contact us 48h prior your arrival, to schedule your check-in with one of our concierge/agent. We can suggest places to eat, shop and gain entertainment. You will have complete privacy, should you choose and discretion is appreciated for both parties.
Rules
CHECK IN is at 4:00 PM - CHECK OUT is at 11:00AM
LATE CHECK IN FEE may apply if the check in after 8pm. Must contact us few days before arrival to arrange the check in time.
Please, be respectful of the neighbors.
Please call 48h prior to arrival to arrange key pick up by contacting booking@bedrose.com
Absolutely no smoking in the apartment.
Absolutely no parties in the apartment.
We require a 30 night min stay on this apartment.
Only guests included in your confirmed reservation are permitted to be in the apartment.
Complete names and ages of all guests should be provided before check in.
Please leave the apartment in the same condition you entered.
Have a great time, be respectful and enjoy your stay!
Find the right local pro for your project

Context
Norbert and Robin had dreamed of retiring in a Passive House-certified home overlooking the Lubberland Creek Preserve in Southeastern New Hampshire, and they’d done their homework. They were interested in using four integrated Zehnder America (www.zehnderamerica.com) technologies to make the 1,900 square foot home extremely energy efficient.
They didn’t miss any opportunity to innovate or raise the bar on sustainable design. Our goals were focused on guaranteeing their comfort in every season, saving them money on a fixed income, and reducing the home’s overall impact on the environment as much as possible.
Response
The home faces directly south and captures sunlight all winter under tall and vaulted ceilings and a continuous band of slim-lined, Italian triple-pane windows and doors that provide gorgeous views of the wild preserve. A second-story office nook and clerestory provide even deeper views, with a little more privacy.
Zehnder, which previously sold its innovative products only in Europe, took on the project as a test house. We designed around Zehnder’s vent-based systems, including a geothermal heat loop that heats and cools incoming air, a heat pump cooling system, electric towel-warmer radiators in the bathrooms, and a highly efficient energy recovery ventilator, which recycles heat and minimizes the need for air conditioning. The house effectively has no conventional heating system—and doesn’t need it. We also looked for efficiencies and smart solutions everywhere, from the lights to the windows to the insulation.
The kitchen exhaust hood eliminates, cleans, and recirculates cooking fumes in the home’s unique kitchen, custom-designed to match the ways Norbert likes to prepare meals. There are several countertop heights so they can prep and clean comfortably, and the eat-in kitchen also has two seating heights so people can sit and socialize while they’re working on dinner. An adjacent screened porch greets guests and opens to the view.
A roof-mounted solar system helps to ensure that the home generates more energy than it consumes—helped by features such as a heat pump water heater, superinsulation, LED lights and a polished concrete floor that helps regulate indoor temperatures.

Located in the established Eagle Estates neighborhood of Evansville, Wyoming, this beautifully updated four-level home combines modern finishes, flexible living areas, and practical features for everyday life. With 2,034 square feet of finished living space, the residence offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a recently completed daylight basement, and an attached two-car garage.
The bright upper-level living area features vaulted ceilings and an open, welcoming atmosphere. Updated luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh carpeting, modern hardware, and improved fixtures give the home a clean and cohesive appearance while preserving the comfortable character of the original design.
The renovated kitchen offers granite countertops, updated cabinetry and finishes, and a full collection of new appliances, including the refrigerator. Its connection to the dining and living areas provides an efficient layout for daily meals, entertaining, and family gatherings.
The primary bedroom includes a private bathroom and walk-in closet, creating a comfortable retreat with convenient storage. Two additional bedrooms and multiple bathrooms provide flexibility for family members, overnight guests, or a home office.
A recently finished daylight basement expands the home's usable space with a comfortable family room and additional bathroom. This lower level can accommodate a media area, recreation room, fitness space, playroom, or guest accommodations while benefiting from natural light.
Updates extend beyond the visible finishes and include improvements to plumbing, electrical components, hardware, and fixtures. Central air conditioning, forced-air natural gas heat, double-pane windows, and a sump pump contribute to year-round comfort and functionality. The roof was also replaced in 2025, adding meaningful long-term value.
The attached two-car garage has been insulated, drywalled, textured, and painted, creating a clean and versatile space for parking, storage, hobbies, or workshop use. Additional off-street parking provides room for an RV, recreational equipment, trailers, or extra vehicles.
Outside, mature front and backyard landscaping creates an inviting setting with established greenery and an automatic underground sprinkler system. The fully fenced backyard offers privacy and space for outdoor gatherings, pets, gardening, or recreation, while the covered front porch adds a welcoming finishing touch.
This renovated Eagle Estates home demonstrates how thoughtful updates can improve comfort, style, and functionality while making the most of an established residential property in Evansville and the greater Casper area.

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).

Family/Living Room in Modern, Luxury Condo Loft with Exposed Concrete Ceilings in the Heart of Toronto , Fully Redesigned by Artistic Homes & Design Inc.

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.

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.

Context
Norbert and Robin had dreamed of retiring in a Passive House-certified home overlooking the Lubberland Creek Preserve in Southeastern New Hampshire, and they’d done their homework. They were interested in using four integrated Zehnder America (www.zehnderamerica.com) technologies to make the 1,900 square foot home extremely energy efficient.
They didn’t miss any opportunity to innovate or raise the bar on sustainable design. Our goals were focused on guaranteeing their comfort in every season, saving them money on a fixed income, and reducing the home’s overall impact on the environment as much as possible.
Response
The home faces directly south and captures sunlight all winter under tall and vaulted ceilings and a continuous band of slim-lined, Italian triple-pane windows and doors that provide gorgeous views of the wild preserve. A second-story office nook and clerestory provide even deeper views, with a little more privacy.
Zehnder, which previously sold its innovative products only in Europe, took on the project as a test house. We designed around Zehnder’s vent-based systems, including a geothermal heat loop that heats and cools incoming air, a heat pump cooling system, electric towel-warmer radiators in the bathrooms, and a highly efficient energy recovery ventilator, which recycles heat and minimizes the need for air conditioning. The house effectively has no conventional heating system—and doesn’t need it. We also looked for efficiencies and smart solutions everywhere, from the lights to the windows to the insulation.
The kitchen exhaust hood eliminates, cleans, and recirculates cooking fumes in the home’s unique kitchen, custom-designed to match the ways Norbert likes to prepare meals. There are several countertop heights so they can prep and clean comfortably, and the eat-in kitchen also has two seating heights so people can sit and socialize while they’re working on dinner. An adjacent screened porch greets guests and opens to the view.
A roof-mounted solar system helps to ensure that the home generates more energy than it consumes—helped by features such as a heat pump water heater, superinsulation, LED lights and a polished concrete floor that helps regulate indoor temperatures.

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

ELIMINATING ECHOS IN A LUXURY POOL HOUSE
Innovative & Unobtrusive Acoustic Treatments Engaged By WSDG-Brasil
BELO HORIZONTE, BRASIL: How do you keep your pool house from reverberating like a gymnasium? For the owners of a luxurious villa set amidst of one of Brasil’s most breathtaking landscapes, the views and the pastoral silence were priceless. A wide expanse of windows surrounding the infinite lap pool draw attention to the spectacular mountains and gardens framing this opulent weekend residence. Intrusive echoes of laughter and music were unacceptable.
The critical acoustical designs devised by WSDG Brasil for the villa’s home theater and other living spaces were inspired by the firms’ professional recording studio expertise. Inhibiting sound from invading or escaping sensitive listening areas is a WSDG specialty. The enclosed pool and spa area, however presented uniquely troubling waters. Especially challenging was the requirement that the acoustical treatments unobtrusively compliment the sumptuous custom finishes.
In addition to the 46’ long, 10’ wide lap pool, the 2100 sq. ft structure includes a gym, Jacuzzi and wet bar, bounded by three walls of double height windows. A movable glass sealing system was installed to maintain interior warmth during the cool, mountain region evenings. Prognosis? Warm, but noisy. Here, professional recording studio design techniques provided solutions. Each window, including an expansive skylight grid comprised of 24 individual 7’x5’motorized Italian glass panels, was fitted with two layers of Clearsorber™ Foil special micro-perforated transparent foil with 1” of air space separating the layers. Mounting the foil layers 2” below the glass skylight insured optimal sound absorption. Developed in Germany, these innovative translucent plastic sheets absorb medium and high frequency reverberation to resolve sonic reflection issues.
“We have hung panels of this material in front of glass windows in recording studios,” explains WSDG Brasil, GM Renato Cipriano. “They have proved very effective in helping us ‘tune’ rooms without obstructing views. Now they are proving equally helpful in this residential application.” The foil’s full transparency insures unimpeded views and eliminates traditional pool house reverberation. Happily, the product also serves as a UV ray filtering system.
Cipriano reports that special attention was also devoted to the pool house floor which is situated over a large machine room. “A number of generators, pumps and air conditioning units live beneath the pool,” he says. “Thanks to our acoustic treatments, they hum away doing their jobs without making their presence known to the guests.”
Morro do Chapeau was designed by celebrated Brasilian architect Eduarda Correa. The extensive A/V installation was designed and installed by Versao Brasileira, a leading Belo Horizonte-based high-end home theater specialist. “We have participated on a number of challenging projects with Versao Brasileira,” Cipriano concludes. “They are extremely knowledgeable and we welcome the opportunity to collaborated with them.”
###
Photos:
Five views of the Morro do Chapeau pool house in Belo Horizonte, Brasil. All glass windows including the expansive skylight are insulated by a special micro perforated transparent foil to eliminate audio reverberation and also serve as a UV ray filtering system.
Please credit photos by Jomar Braganca

Living room - mid-sized contemporary light wood floor and exposed beam living room idea in Seattle with a brick fireplace and a concealed tv

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).

View of master bath from the master bedroom pocket door with toilet room to the far right out of the photo.
This was a major remodel to an existing 1970 building. It was approximately 2300 sq. ft. but it was dated in style and function. The access was by a wood stair up to the street, with no garage and tight small rooms. The remodel and addition created a two car garage with storage and a dramatic entry with grand stair descending down to the existing living room area. Spaces where moved and changed to create a open plan living environment with a new kitchen, master suite, guest suite, and remodeling and adding to the lower level bedrooms with new baths on suite. The mechanical system was replaced and air conditioning was added as well as air treatment.

Property marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Urban chic meets progressive bldg. design in this award winning GOLD LEED certified building. Penthouse features a one of a kind 1300 sq. ft. ipe’ wood wrap around deck w/6 person hot tub that offers a fabulous view of the Empire State Building, 23’ ceilings, gas fireplace, a sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen, 6 burner Wolf range vented to the outside, Viking wine cooler, filtered fresh air & central air conditioning, a planted green roof for residences with dazzling NYC & Hudson River views, bike & private storage.

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!

View from the Northwest. This home is built with high performance walls and roofs, resulting in a very well insulated and tightly sealed home. We implemented a combined heating approach of passive solar and radiant hydronic floor heating, which we call “Sun Smart Radiant Heating.” This system sensibly captures the sun’s energy on sunny days and has two added benefits. The radiant system distributes the sun’s heat uniformly throughout the home and also produces heat during long stretches of cloudy days or extreme cold. This dual heating method is not only incredibly energy efficient, it relieves any worries homeowners may have about living in a home that is heated with passive solar alone.
During the warmer months, the Quinn Creek Home is designed to benefit from passive cooling, a free home air-conditioning strategy. Also, carefully designed roof overhangs and awnings prevent unwanted solar heat gain in the summer.
The windows used for both passive solar heating and passive cooling, provide beautiful views and connect the inhabits to the ephemeral qualities of the outdoors. The experience of living in a passive solar home changes from day to day, season to season. The windows also provide ample natural day lighting, even on cloudy days, which significantly reduces electric lighting costs and reduces the occurrence of falls and depression within the home.
The surrounding mountain and hillside slopes of the Quinn Creek Home were carefully analyzed and integrated into the design and roof pitches. Even though this photo is in color, winter light conditions often create a black-and-white-like effect. The darker and lighter colored metal siding and roofing colors were purposefully chosen to help the home blend with the environment during the changing seasons.
Greenovision Home Design
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