Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Project Designed & Built by: artisansgroup Certifications: Energy Star & Built Green Lvl 4 Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

The colourful and diverse geometric patterns of a Victorian tiled floor can give a property a regal, elegant and timeless feel, making it a popular choice even in the 21st century. However, as time passes without regular care and maintenance, Victorian tiles can quickly lose their colour and appear deadened by the buildup of dirt and dust over several months (and sometimes years). This property owner in Hebden a very small village in North Yorkshire of less than 300 people, had this common problem. Her Victorian tiled hallway had not been adequately maintained and was now more difficult to keep clean than ever. To add to the problem, most of the tiles along the edges were either broken, cracked, or filled with holes, probably I suspect from the installation of carpet grippers at some point in the past. At this point, the property owner turned to Tile Doctor to see what could be done. Before beginning a deep clean of the entire length of the hallway, it was first necessary to source and install replacement tiles for those that had been broken and damaged. I also relaid any that were loose. When finished, I left the tiles to set and returned the next day to start the clean. My choice of cleaner in this situation was Tile Doctor Pro Clean, which was scrubbed into the floor with a special pad fitted to a rotary machine to break down ingrained dirt and stains. Pro Clean does this very effectively on all types of tile, including natural stone and of course Victorian tiles. The floor was then rinsed with water and the soiled cleaning solution extracted from the floor using a vet vacuum. Stubborn areas were re-treated with more Pro Clean, and when I was satisfied with the condition of the tiles the floor was given a final but thorough rinse to remove any trace of cleaning product. The floor was then left to dry completely overnight to ensure all excess moisture had disappeared, leaving it fresh to be sealed. I returned in the morning for a third day of work to seal the Victorian tiles with four coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go, a topical sealer which provides a rich satin finish to really add depth to the colours in the tile while protecting it against dirt and stains. The customer was delighted with the restoration and couldn’t quite believe the huge improvement in the appearance of the tiles, especially in regards to the enhancement in the different colours. Another satisfied customer! Nigel Stoker North West Yorkshire Tile Doctor

Tucked away in a densely wooded lot, this modern style home features crisp horizontal lines and outdoor patios that playfully offset a natural surrounding. A narrow front elevation with covered entry to the left and tall galvanized tower to the right help orient as many windows as possible to take advantage of natural daylight. Horizontal lap siding with a deep charcoal color wrap the perimeter of this home and are broken up by a horizontal windows and moments of natural wood siding. Inside, the entry foyer immediately spills over to the right giving way to the living rooms twelve-foot tall ceilings, corner windows, and modern fireplace. In direct eyesight of the foyer, is the homes secondary entrance, which is across the dining room from a stairwell lined with a modern cabled railing system. A collection of rich chocolate colored cabinetry with crisp white counters organizes the kitchen around an island with seating for four. Access to the main level master suite can be granted off of the rear garage entryway/mudroom. A small room with custom cabinetry serves as a hub, connecting the master bedroom to a second walk-in closet and dual vanity bathroom. Outdoor entertainment is provided by a series of landscaped terraces that serve as this homes alternate front facade. At the end of the terraces is a large fire pit that also terminates the axis created by the dining room doors. Downstairs, an open concept family room is connected to a refreshment area and den. To the rear are two more bedrooms that share a large bathroom. Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: Bouwkamp Builders, Inc.

Tucked away in a densely wooded lot, this modern style home features crisp horizontal lines and outdoor patios that playfully offset a natural surrounding. A narrow front elevation with covered entry to the left and tall galvanized tower to the right help orient as many windows as possible to take advantage of natural daylight. Horizontal lap siding with a deep charcoal color wrap the perimeter of this home and are broken up by a horizontal windows and moments of natural wood siding. Inside, the entry foyer immediately spills over to the right giving way to the living rooms twelve-foot tall ceilings, corner windows, and modern fireplace. In direct eyesight of the foyer, is the homes secondary entrance, which is across the dining room from a stairwell lined with a modern cabled railing system. A collection of rich chocolate colored cabinetry with crisp white counters organizes the kitchen around an island with seating for four. Access to the main level master suite can be granted off of the rear garage entryway/mudroom. A small room with custom cabinetry serves as a hub, connecting the master bedroom to a second walk-in closet and dual vanity bathroom. Outdoor entertainment is provided by a series of landscaped terraces that serve as this homes alternate front facade. At the end of the terraces is a large fire pit that also terminates the axis created by the dining room doors. Downstairs, an open concept family room is connected to a refreshment area and den. To the rear are two more bedrooms that share a large bathroom. Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: Bouwkamp Builders, Inc.

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Project Designed & Built by: artisansgroup Certifications: Energy Star & Built Green Lvl 4 Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

Tucked away in a densely wooded lot, this modern style home features crisp horizontal lines and outdoor patios that playfully offset a natural surrounding. A narrow front elevation with covered entry to the left and tall galvanized tower to the right help orient as many windows as possible to take advantage of natural daylight. Horizontal lap siding with a deep charcoal color wrap the perimeter of this home and are broken up by a horizontal windows and moments of natural wood siding. Inside, the entry foyer immediately spills over to the right giving way to the living rooms twelve-foot tall ceilings, corner windows, and modern fireplace. In direct eyesight of the foyer, is the homes secondary entrance, which is across the dining room from a stairwell lined with a modern cabled railing system. A collection of rich chocolate colored cabinetry with crisp white counters organizes the kitchen around an island with seating for four. Access to the main level master suite can be granted off of the rear garage entryway/mudroom. A small room with custom cabinetry serves as a hub, connecting the master bedroom to a second walk-in closet and dual vanity bathroom. Outdoor entertainment is provided by a series of landscaped terraces that serve as this homes alternate front facade. At the end of the terraces is a large fire pit that also terminates the axis created by the dining room doors. Downstairs, an open concept family room is connected to a refreshment area and den. To the rear are two more bedrooms that share a large bathroom. Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: Bouwkamp Builders, Inc.

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Project Designed & Built by: artisansgroup Certifications: Energy Star & Built Green Lvl 4 Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

Tucked away in a densely wooded lot, this modern style home features crisp horizontal lines and outdoor patios that playfully offset a natural surrounding. A narrow front elevation with covered entry to the left and tall galvanized tower to the right help orient as many windows as possible to take advantage of natural daylight. Horizontal lap siding with a deep charcoal color wrap the perimeter of this home and are broken up by a horizontal windows and moments of natural wood siding. Inside, the entry foyer immediately spills over to the right giving way to the living rooms twelve-foot tall ceilings, corner windows, and modern fireplace. In direct eyesight of the foyer, is the homes secondary entrance, which is across the dining room from a stairwell lined with a modern cabled railing system. A collection of rich chocolate colored cabinetry with crisp white counters organizes the kitchen around an island with seating for four. Access to the main level master suite can be granted off of the rear garage entryway/mudroom. A small room with custom cabinetry serves as a hub, connecting the master bedroom to a second walk-in closet and dual vanity bathroom. Outdoor entertainment is provided by a series of landscaped terraces that serve as this homes alternate front facade. At the end of the terraces is a large fire pit that also terminates the axis created by the dining room doors. Downstairs, an open concept family room is connected to a refreshment area and den. To the rear are two more bedrooms that share a large bathroom. Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: Bouwkamp Builders, Inc.

Tucked away in a densely wooded lot, this modern style home features crisp horizontal lines and outdoor patios that playfully offset a natural surrounding. A narrow front elevation with covered entry to the left and tall galvanized tower to the right help orient as many windows as possible to take advantage of natural daylight. Horizontal lap siding with a deep charcoal color wrap the perimeter of this home and are broken up by a horizontal windows and moments of natural wood siding. Inside, the entry foyer immediately spills over to the right giving way to the living rooms twelve-foot tall ceilings, corner windows, and modern fireplace. In direct eyesight of the foyer, is the homes secondary entrance, which is across the dining room from a stairwell lined with a modern cabled railing system. A collection of rich chocolate colored cabinetry with crisp white counters organizes the kitchen around an island with seating for four. Access to the main level master suite can be granted off of the rear garage entryway/mudroom. A small room with custom cabinetry serves as a hub, connecting the master bedroom to a second walk-in closet and dual vanity bathroom. Outdoor entertainment is provided by a series of landscaped terraces that serve as this homes alternate front facade. At the end of the terraces is a large fire pit that also terminates the axis created by the dining room doors. Downstairs, an open concept family room is connected to a refreshment area and den. To the rear are two more bedrooms that share a large bathroom. Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: Bouwkamp Builders, Inc.

Tucked away in a densely wooded lot, this modern style home features crisp horizontal lines and outdoor patios that playfully offset a natural surrounding. A narrow front elevation with covered entry to the left and tall galvanized tower to the right help orient as many windows as possible to take advantage of natural daylight. Horizontal lap siding with a deep charcoal color wrap the perimeter of this home and are broken up by a horizontal windows and moments of natural wood siding. Inside, the entry foyer immediately spills over to the right giving way to the living rooms twelve-foot tall ceilings, corner windows, and modern fireplace. In direct eyesight of the foyer, is the homes secondary entrance, which is across the dining room from a stairwell lined with a modern cabled railing system. A collection of rich chocolate colored cabinetry with crisp white counters organizes the kitchen around an island with seating for four. Access to the main level master suite can be granted off of the rear garage entryway/mudroom. A small room with custom cabinetry serves as a hub, connecting the master bedroom to a second walk-in closet and dual vanity bathroom. Outdoor entertainment is provided by a series of landscaped terraces that serve as this homes alternate front facade. At the end of the terraces is a large fire pit that also terminates the axis created by the dining room doors. Downstairs, an open concept family room is connected to a refreshment area and den. To the rear are two more bedrooms that share a large bathroom. Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: Bouwkamp Builders, Inc.

This Boulder, Colorado remodel by fuentesdesign demonstrates the possibility of renewal in American suburbs, and Passive House design principles. Once an inefficient single story 1,000 square-foot ranch house with a forced air furnace, has been transformed into a two-story, solar powered 2500 square-foot three bedroom home ready for the next generation. The new design for the home is modern with a sustainable theme, incorporating a palette of natural materials including; reclaimed wood finishes, FSC-certified pine Zola windows and doors, and natural earth and lime plasters that soften the interior and crisp contemporary exterior with a flavor of the west. A Ninety-percent efficient energy recovery fresh air ventilation system provides constant filtered fresh air to every room. The existing interior brick was removed and replaced with insulation. The remaining heating and cooling loads are easily met with the highest degree of comfort via a mini-split heat pump, the peak heat load has been cut by a factor of 4, despite the house doubling in size. During the coldest part of the Colorado winter, a wood stove for ambiance and low carbon back up heat creates a special place in both the living and kitchen area, and upstairs loft. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. These windows also provide a seamless indoor/outdoor connection, with 9′ wide folding doors from the dining area and a matching 9′ wide custom countertop folding window that opens the kitchen up to a grassy court where mature trees provide shade and extend the living space during the summer months. With air-tight construction, this home meets the Passive House Retrofit (EnerPHit) air-tightness standard of

Ornate living room photo in Boston

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy for both kids and parents, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Designed and constructed by The Artisans Group out of Olympia, Washington - a small but mighty firm co-owned by Randy Foster and Tessa Smith. Fun, funky and innovative, The Artisans Group has designed and built more Passive Houses than any other firm on the West Coast. Known for their striking, award winning, and sensible work, they provide solutions for projects of any size and budget. Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

Tucked away in a densely wooded lot, this modern style home features crisp horizontal lines and outdoor patios that playfully offset a natural surrounding. A narrow front elevation with covered entry to the left and tall galvanized tower to the right help orient as many windows as possible to take advantage of natural daylight. Horizontal lap siding with a deep charcoal color wrap the perimeter of this home and are broken up by a horizontal windows and moments of natural wood siding. Inside, the entry foyer immediately spills over to the right giving way to the living rooms twelve-foot tall ceilings, corner windows, and modern fireplace. In direct eyesight of the foyer, is the homes secondary entrance, which is across the dining room from a stairwell lined with a modern cabled railing system. A collection of rich chocolate colored cabinetry with crisp white counters organizes the kitchen around an island with seating for four. Access to the main level master suite can be granted off of the rear garage entryway/mudroom. A small room with custom cabinetry serves as a hub, connecting the master bedroom to a second walk-in closet and dual vanity bathroom. Outdoor entertainment is provided by a series of landscaped terraces that serve as this homes alternate front facade. At the end of the terraces is a large fire pit that also terminates the axis created by the dining room doors. Downstairs, an open concept family room is connected to a refreshment area and den. To the rear are two more bedrooms that share a large bathroom. Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: Bouwkamp Builders, Inc.

This homeowner is part of a new development and they had a blank slate to start with. They wanted to have a few different spaces but at the same time make them feel that they are separate spaces/rooms. We also mixed in a few different materials utilizing natural bluestone and Unilock pavers. We went over the existing concrete steps with bluestone that complements the Unilock Richcliff paver. We created three rooms that are all broken up with a built in planter. They have their outdoor dining room/kitchen, a lounge area with a custom built fire feature and a quiet sitting area.

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy for both kids and parents, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Designed and constructed by The Artisans Group out of Olympia, Washington - a small but mighty firm co-owned by Randy Foster and Tessa Smith. Fun, funky and innovative, The Artisans Group has designed and built more Passive Houses than any other firm on the West Coast. Known for their striking, award winning, and sensible work, they provide solutions for projects of any size and budget. Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Project Designed & Built by: artisansgroup Certifications: Energy Star & Built Green Lvl 4 Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

Tucked away in a densely wooded lot, this modern style home features crisp horizontal lines and outdoor patios that playfully offset a natural surrounding. A narrow front elevation with covered entry to the left and tall galvanized tower to the right help orient as many windows as possible to take advantage of natural daylight. Horizontal lap siding with a deep charcoal color wrap the perimeter of this home and are broken up by a horizontal windows and moments of natural wood siding. Inside, the entry foyer immediately spills over to the right giving way to the living rooms twelve-foot tall ceilings, corner windows, and modern fireplace. In direct eyesight of the foyer, is the homes secondary entrance, which is across the dining room from a stairwell lined with a modern cabled railing system. A collection of rich chocolate colored cabinetry with crisp white counters organizes the kitchen around an island with seating for four. Access to the main level master suite can be granted off of the rear garage entryway/mudroom. A small room with custom cabinetry serves as a hub, connecting the master bedroom to a second walk-in closet and dual vanity bathroom. Outdoor entertainment is provided by a series of landscaped terraces that serve as this homes alternate front facade. At the end of the terraces is a large fire pit that also terminates the axis created by the dining room doors. Downstairs, an open concept family room is connected to a refreshment area and den. To the rear are two more bedrooms that share a large bathroom. Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: Bouwkamp Builders, Inc.

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy for both kids and parents, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Designed and constructed by The Artisans Group out of Olympia, Washington - a small but mighty firm co-owned by Randy Foster and Tessa Smith. Fun, funky and innovative, The Artisans Group has designed and built more Passive Houses than any other firm on the West Coast. Known for their striking, award winning, and sensible work, they provide solutions for projects of any size and budget. Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography