Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

shade awning details to help block unwanted western sun photo credit Deb Hannigan
Home design - contemporary home design idea in Denver

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Cellular shades allow you to block unwanted views and maintain privacy.
Living room - mid-sized traditional enclosed living room idea in Orange County

Light-Blocking abilities of our Energy-Saving Sidetrack system, cradles our cellular fabric, blocking even more unwanted light.
Bedroom - mid-sized farmhouse master medium tone wood floor, beige floor and exposed beam bedroom idea in Burlington with yellow walls

This soaring porch was able to maximize the views and light while minimizing obstruction of the woods. The deep porch overhang combined with the preserved existing trees completely blocks the overheating concerns of unwanted solar gain from the west. The ceiling uses multi-width tongue and groove pine. The guard rail is all locust with hidden fasteners for long term rot resistance. The deck floor is 2x lumber with a unique "hidden fastener" system that minimizes labor and material costs.

When you need a little bit of privacy in your sunroom, but you don’t want to lose all of the sun, try some sheer drapes! These drapes are opaque enough to block unwanted intruders from peeking in, and sheer enough to let in all that warm, beautiful light. ☀ To find the right drapes for your space, connect with us online! https://bit.ly/3jAhZO0

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

This premium design window film brings an elegant floral print to your glass. With a heavy-weight embossed material and a prismatic effect, this vinyl cling creates privacy and filters light while adding a beautiful detail. Block unwanted views and viewers Block 99% of UV-B Rays and 91% of UV-A Rays Filters light & reduces Glare Great for Shower Doors, Windows, and Cabinets Beautiful deep emboss Static cling - no adhesives, spray surface with water

Photography: Piston Design
Inspiration for a huge mediterranean backyard tile and rectangular pool house remodel in Austin

This breezy outdoor room serves two functions. It's a great family gathering space, and it deliberately blocks unwanted views of nearby houses. Fast growing Arizona cypress will soon complete the seclusion while softening the winds on this former open farmland.

Give your glass surfaces the look of a classic pristal glass with this static cling window film. The geometric design creates a dimensional blurred appearance. Block unwanted views and viewers Block 99% of UV-B Rays and 91% of UV-A Rays Filters light & reduces Glare Great for Shower Doors, Windows, and Cabinets Static cling - no adhesives, spray surface with water Roll can be cut into stripes for a custom look Comes on one 17.71-in by 78.74-in sheet

Holland Photography - Cory Holland
Family room - transitional family room idea in Seattle

This breezy outdoor room serves two functions. It's a great family gathering space, and it deliberately blocks unwanted views of nearby houses. Fast growing Arizona cypress will soon complete the seclusion while softening the winds on this former open farmland.

This breezy outdoor room serves two functions. It's a great family gathering space, and it deliberately blocks unwanted views of nearby houses. Fast growing Arizona cypress will soon complete the seclusion while softening the winds of this wide open former farmland.

Polycarbonate awnings allow natural day lighting to enter the home, yet block out unwanted passive solar heat gain during the warmer months. Greenovision Home Design

Room-darkening roller shades effectively block unwanted sunlight and help cool kitchens.
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Orange County

A deck designed and constructed with a privacy wall will block an unwanted view and create intimacy from neighboring yards. Add lattice trim on top, a drink ledge and built-in bench for style and functionality. Project by Archadeck in St. Louis Mo.

Design ideas for a transitional landscaping in San Francisco.