Timber frame homes offer unique challenges during a remodel. What often makes them beautiful and attractive to most homeowners, also makes them challenging for space requirements. Context: The lovely couple that owned this home were struggling with some interesting floor plan challenges that just didn't work for their family. The loved the beautiful timbers and woodwork of their home, but the dramatically sloping ceilings on the second floor, particularly in the bathroom, just didn't work for this 1 1/2 bath home. Needing to use the skylight to approach the toilet was a less then ideal scenario. Although the bathroom footprint was more then adequate, the sloped ceiling only made half of the space useable. Check out the Before/After post on our blog to see the photos of the house pre-renovation. As much as they loved all the wood features in their home, another challenge they had was light. The wood ceiling made everything inside the house darker, even with a fantastic array of south facing windows, there were spaces in the home that felt dark and small. When they contacted us they wanted to know how could they make their brighter and more inviting, were there solutions to the 2nd floor sloped ceiling issues, and if they were going to do all of this work, how could they make their home more comfortable and efficient. A nagging water leak in the upstairs bathroom spurred them into action and here is how we solved their dilemma. Conclusion: First, we added a little dormer to the rear of the house so we could get full headroom in nearly all of the upstairs bathroom! Then we decided to extend that dormer one more timber bay over to create a walk in closet with natural light and plenty of space. Since we were contemplating energy efficiency, we resolved a nagging issue that is present in a lot of timber frame construction, air tightness. Commonly found in timber frame construction, fiberglass insulation is installed in the rafter bays and board ceilings are installed over top. Unfortunately, board ceilings are anything but air tight, and fiberglass insulation needs to be in an airtight cavity for maximum effectiveness. So we were able to solve two issues at the same time for this homeowner. We removed the board ceiling and fiberglass insulation, we dense packed the rafter bays with cellulose insulation, and installed sheetrock in place of the boards. The boards were salvaged for re-use by the homeowner, and the space and light quality was dramatically improved. Some may think that losing the board ceiling took something away from the space, but what you'll see in the pictures is that it highly accentuates the heavy timbers and really makes them stand out in a beautiful way. Now with this added airtightness, better insulation, and brighter space, the homeowner hardly runs their wood stove, and it's so quiet in the space, an added bonus from changing the insulation. It became necessary to also add a sheetrock ceiling to the living room to hide the plumbing from the new bathroom layout above. Changing this ceiling gave the homeowner some real quality lighting that was lacking in the living room before. The brighter ceiling and new lighting layout completely transforms the living room into a space you want to hang out, even though the layout didn't change at all. When the homeowner saw the finished spaces she said "I can't believe this is my house, I want to live in this house" Energy Efficiency: I touched a little on the efficiency above, but like all projects done with Mottram Architecture, we always want to leave you with a little extra. Timber frame construction with board ceilings and fiberglass insulation are notoriously leaky! If you want to know what we think about fiberglass insulation, check our our blog post on Why Fiberglass Insulation Sucks. By installing cellulose insulation and covering it with sheetrock we were able to greatly reduce the heat flowing out of this home. It not only improves cashflow it improves the comfort level in the space. Who wants to sit in their living room and feel a draft? Let us remind you, we are not saying cellulose insulation is an air barrier, we use the sheetrock to help with that, but it does significantly reduce the air flow over fiberglass insulation. And when we reduce the airflow, we reduce the heat flow. And when we reduce the heat flow, we reduce the need to re-heat that drafty air from outside. When it comes to energy efficiency the first and best place to start is air infiltration. We greatly reduced the air infiltration with the new insulation, but we also added a hat and warm boots. What I mean by that is, we improved the insulation in the roof, and we installed insulation in the basement. Maybe it's a silly analogy, but when you think about keeping warm, we always start with the hat and boots! With sustainability in mind, the next project will be to add a deck to the front of this house with rain catchment barrels from the metal roof. They are planning to plant a garden in the spring and the rain catchment system will help to irrigate the new garden. Builder: East Shore Builders Photographer: Michael Eric Berube

Years of dust, hair, pests, and other pollutants will hinder your systems air flow. A proper cleaning will help remove the buildup and promote the proper air flow needed to run your system at peak efficiency. The spiders, insects and rodents that have been living and dying in your ducts for years will be cleaned out as well from a thorough cleaning. If you live in Lancaster County, York County, or the surrounding area, give us a call at 717-735-7020 to have your air ducts inspected and cleaned!

The Elegant Bel Air French-Inspired Kitchen Remodel was designed to bring a blend of classic European charm and modern functionality into the heart of the home. The homeowners wanted a sophisticated space that would be perfect for family gatherings and entertaining guests. We incorporated luxurious marble countertops and backsplash that flow seamlessly across the kitchen, adding a touch of timeless beauty. The custom cabinetry, in a soft, neutral palette, complements the sleek design of the built-in appliances, evoking the essence of a modern French kitchen. A large island provides ample seating and workspace, while thoughtfully selected lighting fixtures enhance the ambiance, creating an inviting, warm environment. During the project, we worked closely with the homeowners to ensure their vision came to life, using top-quality materials sourced locally from Bel Air. The seamless transition between the kitchen and the open living area allows natural light to flood in, accentuating the airy, spacious feel of the home. This remodel is now the centerpiece of their daily life and gatherings, embodying both elegance and comfort.

The Elegant Bel Air French-Inspired Kitchen Remodel was designed to bring a blend of classic European charm and modern functionality into the heart of the home. The homeowners wanted a sophisticated space that would be perfect for family gatherings and entertaining guests. We incorporated luxurious marble countertops and backsplash that flow seamlessly across the kitchen, adding a touch of timeless beauty. The custom cabinetry, in a soft, neutral palette, complements the sleek design of the built-in appliances, evoking the essence of a modern French kitchen. A large island provides ample seating and workspace, while thoughtfully selected lighting fixtures enhance the ambiance, creating an inviting, warm environment. During the project, we worked closely with the homeowners to ensure their vision came to life, using top-quality materials sourced locally from Bel Air. The seamless transition between the kitchen and the open living area allows natural light to flood in, accentuating the airy, spacious feel of the home. This remodel is now the centerpiece of their daily life and gatherings, embodying both elegance and comfort.

The Expansive Bel Air Open-Concept Living Room Transformation is a stunning remodel that seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor spaces to create an airy, inviting atmosphere. The design revolves around a massive sliding glass window that opens up to the patio, allowing natural light to flood the room while offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. This indoor-outdoor feel was exactly what the homeowners envisioned for their Bel Air residence, where entertaining guests and enjoying the California sunshine were top priorities. We complemented the space with wide-plank wood flooring and a sleek, minimalistic fireplace, enhancing the modern yet warm ambiance. By incorporating a neutral color palette and carefully curated furnishings, we maintained a spacious and sophisticated aesthetic that flows effortlessly into the adjoining kitchen area. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the homeowners to select elements that aligned with their vision of a luxurious yet functional living area. Our team sourced high-quality materials locally to ensure a finish that not only looks beautiful but also stands up to the demands of everyday use. The result is an open-concept living room that perfectly embodies the Bel Air lifestyle.

The Elegant Bel Air French-Inspired Kitchen Remodel was designed to bring a blend of classic European charm and modern functionality into the heart of the home. The homeowners wanted a sophisticated space that would be perfect for family gatherings and entertaining guests. We incorporated luxurious marble countertops and backsplash that flow seamlessly across the kitchen, adding a touch of timeless beauty. The custom cabinetry, in a soft, neutral palette, complements the sleek design of the built-in appliances, evoking the essence of a modern French kitchen. A large island provides ample seating and workspace, while thoughtfully selected lighting fixtures enhance the ambiance, creating an inviting, warm environment. During the project, we worked closely with the homeowners to ensure their vision came to life, using top-quality materials sourced locally from Bel Air. The seamless transition between the kitchen and the open living area allows natural light to flood in, accentuating the airy, spacious feel of the home. This remodel is now the centerpiece of their daily life and gatherings, embodying both elegance and comfort.

The Expansive Bel Air Open-Concept Living Room Transformation is a stunning remodel that seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor spaces to create an airy, inviting atmosphere. The design revolves around a massive sliding glass window that opens up to the patio, allowing natural light to flood the room while offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. This indoor-outdoor feel was exactly what the homeowners envisioned for their Bel Air residence, where entertaining guests and enjoying the California sunshine were top priorities. We complemented the space with wide-plank wood flooring and a sleek, minimalistic fireplace, enhancing the modern yet warm ambiance. By incorporating a neutral color palette and carefully curated furnishings, we maintained a spacious and sophisticated aesthetic that flows effortlessly into the adjoining kitchen area. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the homeowners to select elements that aligned with their vision of a luxurious yet functional living area. Our team sourced high-quality materials locally to ensure a finish that not only looks beautiful but also stands up to the demands of everyday use. The result is an open-concept living room that perfectly embodies the Bel Air lifestyle.

The Elegant Bel Air French-Inspired Kitchen Remodel was designed to bring a blend of classic European charm and modern functionality into the heart of the home. The homeowners wanted a sophisticated space that would be perfect for family gatherings and entertaining guests. We incorporated luxurious marble countertops and backsplash that flow seamlessly across the kitchen, adding a touch of timeless beauty. The custom cabinetry, in a soft, neutral palette, complements the sleek design of the built-in appliances, evoking the essence of a modern French kitchen. A large island provides ample seating and workspace, while thoughtfully selected lighting fixtures enhance the ambiance, creating an inviting, warm environment. During the project, we worked closely with the homeowners to ensure their vision came to life, using top-quality materials sourced locally from Bel Air. The seamless transition between the kitchen and the open living area allows natural light to flood in, accentuating the airy, spacious feel of the home. This remodel is now the centerpiece of their daily life and gatherings, embodying both elegance and comfort.

The Elegant Bel Air French-Inspired Kitchen Remodel was designed to bring a blend of classic European charm and modern functionality into the heart of the home. The homeowners wanted a sophisticated space that would be perfect for family gatherings and entertaining guests. We incorporated luxurious marble countertops and backsplash that flow seamlessly across the kitchen, adding a touch of timeless beauty. The custom cabinetry, in a soft, neutral palette, complements the sleek design of the built-in appliances, evoking the essence of a modern French kitchen. A large island provides ample seating and workspace, while thoughtfully selected lighting fixtures enhance the ambiance, creating an inviting, warm environment. During the project, we worked closely with the homeowners to ensure their vision came to life, using top-quality materials sourced locally from Bel Air. The seamless transition between the kitchen and the open living area allows natural light to flood in, accentuating the airy, spacious feel of the home. This remodel is now the centerpiece of their daily life and gatherings, embodying both elegance and comfort.

This contemporary living room features a TrustedAir TruFlow Smart HEPA Air Purifier, designed to clean up to 1,900 sq ft of air per hour. The TA-300 uses a three-stage filtration system — pre-filter, True HEPA, and activated carbon — removing 99.97% of airborne particles including dust, allergens, pet dander, mold spores, and VOCs. With whisper-quiet sleep mode at 26 dB, app-controlled air quality monitoring, and a sleek design that blends into any home aesthetic, TrustedAir delivers premium air purification without the premium price. Learn more at trustedair.com.

Our pioneer project, Casita de Tierra in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, showcases the natural building techniques of a rubble trench foundation, earthbag construction, natural plasters, earthen floors, and a composting toilet. Our earthbag wall system consists of locally available, cost-efficient, polypropylene bags that are filled with a formula of clay and aggregate unearthed from our building site. The bags are stacked like bricks in running bonds, which are strengthened by courses of barbed wire laid between each row, and tamped into place. The walls are then plastered with a mix composed of clay, sand, soil and straw, and are followed by gypsum and lime renders to create attractive walls. The casita exhibits a load-bearing wall system demonstrating that thick earthen walls, with no rebar or cement, can support a roofing structure. We, also, installed earthen floors, created an indoor dry-composting toilet system, utilized local woods for the furniture, routed all grey water to the outdoor garden, and maximized air flow by including cross-ventilating screened windows below the natural palm frond and cane roof. Casita de Tierra exemplifies an economically efficient, structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing, environmentally kind, and socially responsible home.

We like the look of this rustic Jenn-Air kitchen, especially the large island with the glass cabinet and the carved leg. Note the wine coolers in the next room, by the coffee machine. A great entertaining space.

Elegant and energy efficient. This bathroom was part of a Net Zero Ready home that we recently built. Net Zero homes produce as much energy as they consume and are 80% more efficient than current homes built to code. To help reduce energy consumption in this bathroom, we installed low flow fixtures, LED lights in the mirrors and an ERV (energy recovery ventilator). Because less energy is required to lower the temperature of dry air compared to moist air, an ERV can reduce the work your air conditioner needs to do and save you money. It also brings in fresh air flow and help with humidity levels, improving overall health and air quality. Another great feature of this bathroom is the shower which has a large clear glass window. This allows for direct sunlight from the window to access the shower, while the patterned glass on the bathroom/vanity side still provides a level of privacy for the user. We’re certain that these clients will be enjoying many sunny mornings in this oasis.

Elegant and energy efficient. This bathroom was part of a Net Zero Ready home that we recently built. Net Zero homes produce as much energy as they consume and are 80% more efficient than current homes built to code. To help reduce energy consumption in this bathroom, we installed low flow fixtures, LED lights in the mirrors and an ERV (energy recovery ventilator). Because less energy is required to lower the temperature of dry air compared to moist air, an ERV can reduce the work your air conditioner needs to do and save you money. It also brings in fresh air flow and help with humidity levels, improving overall health and air quality. Another great feature of this bathroom is the shower which has a large clear glass window. This allows for direct sunlight from the window to access the shower, while the patterned glass on the bathroom/vanity side still provides a level of privacy for the user. We’re certain that these clients will be enjoying many sunny mornings in this oasis.

Elegant and energy efficient. This bathroom was part of a Net Zero Ready home that we recently built. Net Zero homes produce as much energy as they consume and are 80% more efficient than current homes built to code. To help reduce energy consumption in this bathroom, we installed low flow fixtures, LED lights in the mirrors and an ERV (energy recovery ventilator). Because less energy is required to lower the temperature of dry air compared to moist air, an ERV can reduce the work your air conditioner needs to do and save you money. It also brings in fresh air flow and help with humidity levels, improving overall health and air quality. Another great feature of this bathroom is the shower which has a large clear glass window. This allows for direct sunlight from the window to access the shower, while the patterned glass on the bathroom/vanity side still provides a level of privacy for the user. We’re certain that these clients will be enjoying many sunny mornings in this oasis.

Elegant and energy efficient. This bathroom was part of a Net Zero Ready home that we recently built. Net Zero homes produce as much energy as they consume and are 80% more efficient than current homes built to code. To help reduce energy consumption in this bathroom, we installed low flow fixtures, LED lights in the mirrors and an ERV (energy recovery ventilator). Because less energy is required to lower the temperature of dry air compared to moist air, an ERV can reduce the work your air conditioner needs to do and save you money. It also brings in fresh air flow and help with humidity levels, improving overall health and air quality. Another great feature of this bathroom is the shower which has a large clear glass window. This allows for direct sunlight from the window to access the shower, while the patterned glass on the bathroom/vanity side still provides a level of privacy for the user. We’re certain that these clients will be enjoying many sunny mornings in this oasis.

Elegant and energy efficient. This bathroom was part of a Net Zero Ready home that we recently built. Net Zero homes produce as much energy as they consume and are 80% more efficient than current homes built to code. To help reduce energy consumption in this bathroom, we installed low flow fixtures, LED lights in the mirrors and an ERV (energy recovery ventilator). Because less energy is required to lower the temperature of dry air compared to moist air, an ERV can reduce the work your air conditioner needs to do and save you money. It also brings in fresh air flow and help with humidity levels, improving overall health and air quality. Another great feature of this bathroom is the shower which has a large clear glass window. This allows for direct sunlight from the window to access the shower, while the patterned glass on the bathroom/vanity side still provides a level of privacy for the user. We’re certain that these clients will be enjoying many sunny mornings in this oasis.

Elegant and energy efficient. This bathroom was part of a Net Zero Ready home that we recently built. Net Zero homes produce as much energy as they consume and are 80% more efficient than current homes built to code. To help reduce energy consumption in this bathroom, we installed low flow fixtures, LED lights in the mirrors and an ERV (energy recovery ventilator). Because less energy is required to lower the temperature of dry air compared to moist air, an ERV can reduce the work your air conditioner needs to do and save you money. It also brings in fresh air flow and help with humidity levels, improving overall health and air quality. Another great feature of this bathroom is the shower which has a large clear glass window. This allows for direct sunlight from the window to access the shower, while the patterned glass on the bathroom/vanity side still provides a level of privacy for the user. We’re certain that these clients will be enjoying many sunny mornings in this oasis.