WHAT MAKES VILLA TERRA GREEN? 1. Rammed Earth and PISE Walls Beyond it’s beautiful qualities and “Old World” look, the rammed earth and PISE walls (pneumatically impacted stabilized earth) drastically reduce the use of trees for the initial wall framing lumber. And because this “Earth Structure” will far outlast any wood frame building, trees are again saved many times over, creating the foundation for the true model of sustainability. We have created a house that will essentially last forever, instead of having to be rebuilt every 50 to 75 years. The 18” thick PISE walls and concrete floors also provide thermal mass, an integral part of the passive solar design of the house. These features help keep the house naturally cooler in summer and retaining heat in winter, greatly reducing the heating and cooling loads and energy use. 2. High Content Fly Ash Concrete Foundation Use of high content (25%) fly ash (industrial waste byproduct) in place of Portland Cement results in reduction of energy consumption and green house gas emissions associated with Portland cement production (second only to petroleum in terms of carbon dioxide emissions). 3. Reclaimed Plumbing Fixtures All lavatory sinks and tubs were bought from salvage yards (tub is reportedly from the Jack Benny house in Hollywood). Reclaimed Carrara marble fountain has been made into the powder room sink. 4. Natural Daylighting Use of numerous skylights and high transom windows to reduce electrical lighting loads during the day. Natural daylighting also has documented benefits on mood, productivity, and enjoyment of the space. 5. Photo Voltaic Solar Panels Use of PV solar electric generation system to reduce electrical grid consumption, and bi-directional meter sends power back to the grid when it is needed most, on hot summer afternoons. 6. Hydronic Radiant Heat Floor Use of hydronic radiant floor heating system saves energy, is more efficient for residential heating, is more comfortable for inhabitants, and promotes superior indoor air quality over forced air systems. 7. Natural/Passive Ventilation Use of operable skylights operable high windows and ceiling fans, creates a natural convection current, thereby eliminating the need for an air conditioning system. 8. Passive Solar Design Use of extensive east and south facing glass, proper overhangs, high interior mass, deciduous grape vines on appropriately placed trellises, to passively heat the home in winter, and protect the house from unnecessary heat gain in summer. 9. Reclaimed Lumber - Douglas fir ceiling beams reclaimed from the Town & Country Village Shopping Center (now Santana Row) in San Jose. - Douglas fir ceiling decking reclaimed from the 118 year old Notre Dame High School in downtown San Jose. TJI joists reclaimed from the “Millenium Man” movie set in Alameda used for floor and roof framing. Redwood ceiling beams reclaimed from a Los Altos cabana/trellis. 10. Extensive Use of Other Reclaimed Materials Two antique reclaimed European stone fireplace mantles grace the family room and master bedroom fireplaces. Interior doors with glass knobs reclaimed from the original house located at the property. Two large terraces utilize used brick salvaged from at least 15 different locations. Courtyard fountain is tiled using recycled and restored ceramic tiles from a 1928 California Colonial house in Los Altos. Cabinet lumber from original house used for closet shelving. Plywood from crates that the windows and doors were delivered in were used to create garage shear walls. Foundation forms were salvaged and rip cut for use as interior stud walls. Garage doors were salvaged from a remodel project in Mountain View. 11. Ground Source Heat Pump - Ground source heat pump uses geothermal energy to heat the house and domestic water, greatly reducing natural gas and fossil fuel consumption. 12. Low VOC Paint Clay Plaster Wall Finishes VOC-free interior paint and stain finishes promotes healthy indoor air quality, reduces exacerbation of respiratory ailments such as asthma and lung cancer. Extensive use of American Clay Plaster integral color wall finish eliminates need for painted walls. 13. High Efficiency Windows Use of energy efficient dual pane thermal glazing with “Low e” coating at all doors and windows reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, cutting energy use. 14. Engineered Structural Lumber Extensive use of engineered lumber for structural framing and sheathing reduces cutting of old growth forests, and encourages use of “crop lumber”. 15. FSC Certified Mill Work Extensive use of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified sustainable lumber products for cabinetry, hardwood flooring, trim, etc. further protects the environment through third party monitoring and certification of the entire supply chain. 16. Cotton Insulation Formaldehyde-free cotton insulation made from recycled blue jeans used extensively for attic insulation. photography by Frank Paul Perez

The built-in banquette frames and showcases the client’s treasured leaded glass triptych as it surrounds a hammered copper breakfast table with a steel base. The built-in banquette frames and showcases the client’s treasured leaded glass triptych as it surrounds a hammered copper breakfast tabletop. A Bonisolli Photography

The custom half-circle window in the eating area is a unique focal point that drowns the kitchen in morning light and gives uninterrupted views of the backyard. The wall in front of the window was doubled, so that the surrounding sheetrock could be returned into the window with a rounded corner bead. This, combined with the arched entry and barreled ceiling, gives the area a real Colonial feel, as if it was original to the home. The built in bench provides extra cozy seating.

arched doors, arched windows, bridge, catwalk, double ceiling fan, exposed wood beams, cathedral ceiling, french doors, iron railings, open hall,
Inspiration for a southwestern loft-style dark wood floor living room remodel in Austin with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace and a tv stand

Have you ever thought of replacing a door with a celing to floor window? This crisp, black framed window shows the outdoor view while allowing maximum sunlight into the room. With the navy-blue window treatment to act as a focal point, it also compliments the other furniture around the room.

This modern family room features floor to ceiling remote control sheers backed up by remote control blackout roller shades. This dual installation provides privacy and light control with the sheers and darkness for with the blackout when needed.

Window seat with storage
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open concept carpeted living room remodel in San Francisco with green walls and no fireplace

Project name / Photographer: Northwest Peach Farm - NY (Winner), Michael Moran 1930's Private Residence - Washington - DC, Alan Karchmer / Sandra Benedum Private Residence - Bridgehampton - NY, Manolo Llera, Courtesy of Selldorf Architects Carhart Residence - NY, Pieter Estersohn Laborde Residence - New Orleans - LA, Chad Mellon and Julie Wage Private Residence - TN, Chad Mellon and Julie Wage Burn Barn Residence - VA, Interior pictures: Paul Goossens

The homeowners of this house wanted to maintain the open feeling of their space, but add a little more distinction between the different zones of the first floor. By adding a structural half wall with custom shelving, we combined design and function. A stone fireplace flanked by arched windows is the main focal point of the room, while a comfortable gray sectional - piled high with pillows and throws - offers plenty of seating to gather around the TV custom fit into the shelving of the half wall. A bar opposite the fireplace is perfect for entertaining. Photo by Chris Amaral.

Full height anodized aluminum windows “bring the outside in” to this master bedroom. Designed by Architect Philetus Holt III, HMR Architects and built by Lasley Construction.

Photography by Richard Mandelkorn
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless two-story wood house exterior remodel in Boston with a shingle roof

Sun Room. Dining Area of Sunroom -Photographer: Rob Karosis
Dining room - traditional slate floor and black floor dining room idea in New York

Stunning traditional home in the Devonshire neighborhood of Dallas.
Inspiration for a large transitional white two-story painted brick exterior home remodel in Dallas with a shingle roof and a brown roof

Making the most of a wooded lot and interior courtyard, Braxton Werner and Paul Field of Wernerfield Architects transformed this former 1960s ranch house to an inviting yet unapologetically modern home. Outfitted with Western Window Systems products throughout, the home’s beautiful exterior views are framed with large expanses of glass that let in loads of natural light. Multi-slide doors in the bedroom and living areas connect the outdoors with the home’s family-friendly interiors.

This modern farmhouse located outside of Spokane, Washington, creates a prominent focal point among the landscape of rolling plains. The composition of the home is dominated by three steep gable rooflines linked together by a central spine. This unique design evokes a sense of expansion and contraction from one space to the next. Vertical cedar siding, poured concrete, and zinc gray metal elements clad the modern farmhouse, which, combined with a shop that has the aesthetic of a weathered barn, creates a sense of modernity that remains rooted to the surrounding environment. The Glo double pane A5 Series windows and doors were selected for the project because of their sleek, modern aesthetic and advanced thermal technology over traditional aluminum windows. High performance spacers, low iron glass, larger continuous thermal breaks, and multiple air seals allows the A5 Series to deliver high performance values and cost effective durability while remaining a sophisticated and stylish design choice. Strategically placed operable windows paired with large expanses of fixed picture windows provide natural ventilation and a visual connection to the outdoors.

All furnishings are available through Lucy Interior Design. www.lucyinteriordesign.com - 612.339.2225 Interior Designer: Lucy Interior Design Photographer: Andrea Rugg

The addition and renovation of this French Provincial-inspired home integrates seamlessly with the existing residence featuring a limestone exterior, slate mansard roofs, and copper accents. Expansive arched openings and interior art glass open up the once-segmented floor plan providing free-flowing interior spaces and an open floor plan. Taking advantage of a nearby existing ash tree, the Second Floor rear roof terrace is nestled below this expansive tree canopy creating the sense of an outdoor room. A rear patio offers inviting areas for entertaining guests and outdoor family dining incorporating a built-in bar and grill area and a fire pit.

Corner Alcove in Studio Space. Cathy Schwabe Architecture. Photograph by David Wakely
Living room - contemporary concrete floor living room idea in San Francisco

Large white kitchen with granite topped island and custom kitchen table built in. Custom blue beaded Ro Sham Beaux chandelier, along with high hats give lots of lighting options. Custom arched frames over windows mirror the arched windows in the attached family room.