The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

Renovated side entrance / mudroom with unique pet storage. Custom built-in dog cage / bed integrated into this renovation with pet in mind. Dog-cage is custom chrome design. Mudroom complete with white subway tile walls, white side door, dark hardwood recessed panel cabinets for provide more storage. Large wood panel flooring. Room acts as a laundry room as well. Architect - Hierarchy Architects + Designers, TJ Costello Photographer - Brian Jordan, Graphite NYC

The Custom Built-ins started out with lots of research, and like many DIY project we looked to Pinterest and Houzz for inspiration. If you are interested in building a fireplace surround you can check out my blog by visiting - http://www.philipmillerfurniture.com/blog

This entertainment center has it all! The built-in entertainment center cabinetry by Dura Supreme fills the back wall and surrounds the coordinating fireplace mantle. The entertainment center includes speaker door inserts to conceal and safely store the sound system speakers and other media equipment. It also houses a large, flat-screen TV. Not to mention, wall to wall storage and decorative glass cabinetry to showcase your best decor pieces. Built-in Media Centers: They have become a fashionable feature in new homes and a popular remodeling project for existing homes. With open floor plans, the media room is often designed adjacent to the kitchen, and it makes good sense to visually tie these rooms together with coordinating cabinetry styling and finishes. Dura Supreme’s entertainment cabinetry is designed to fit the conventional sizing requirements for media components. With our entertainment accessories, your sound system, speakers, gaming systems, and movie library can be kept organized and accessible. Designed by Mingle Team - Plymouth, MN Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

Master suite concept: A spa-like retreat from a busy world. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides. The floor-to-ceiling headboard adds warmth, comfort and texture to the space. As Randy puts it, “You’re up in the sky up there. It’s not like a treehouse, it’s like a perch in the heavens.” Motorized shades on all 3 sides of the room retract into the wood-planked ceiling, stained a gentle gray. Honed Dolomite marble slab on fireplace façade and built-in dresser. Randy used combination of SketchUp model and Google Earth to ensure the owners they would still get an amazing view while lying in bed. The room opens up to an outdoor patio with a firepit and loveseat. The built-in dresser fills one window pane to block the view into the bedroom from below.

Oak furniture and storage units fill this small but highly functional bedroom. Photo - Eduard Hueber
Example of a small minimalist bedroom design in New York

These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

This four bedroom beach house in Washington's South Sound is all about growing up near the water's edge during summer's freedom from school. The owner's childhood was spent in a small cabin on this site with her parents and siblings. Now married and with children of her own, it was time to savor those childhood memories and create new ones in a house designed for generations to come. At 3,200 square feet, including a whimsical Crow's Nest, the new summer cabin is much larger than the original cabin. The home is still about family and fun though. Above the 600 square foot water toys filled garage, there is a 500 square foot bunk room for friends and family. The bunk room is connected to the main house by an upper bridge where built-in storage frames a window seat overlooking the property. Throughout the home are playful details drawing from the waterfront locale. Paddles are integrated into the stair railing, engineered flooring with a weathered look, marine cleats as hardware, a boardwalk to the main entry, and nautical lighting are found throughout the house. Designed by BC&J Architecture.

This blue and white sunroom, adjacent to a dining area, occupies a large enclosed porch. The home was newly constructed to feel like it had stood for centuries. The dining porch, which is fully enclosed was built to look like a once open porch area, complete with clapboard walls to mimic the exterior. We filled the space with French and Swedish antiques, like the daybed which serves as a sofa, and the marble topped table with brass gallery. The natural patina of the pieces was duplicated in the light fixtures with blue verdigris and brass detail, custom designed by Alexandra Rae, Los Angeles, fabricated by Charles Edwardes, London. Motorized grass shades, sisal rugs and limstone floors keep the space fresh and casual despite the pedigree of the pieces. All fabrics are by Schumacher.

[Our Clients] We were so excited to help these new homeowners re-envision their split-level diamond in the rough. There was so much potential in those walls, and we couldn’t wait to delve in and start transforming spaces. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. So, we started by converting the existing single car garage into their living room (complete with a new fireplace) and opening up the kitchen to the rest of the level. [Kitchen] The original kitchen had been on the small side and cut-off from the rest of the home, but after we removed the coat closet, this kitchen opened up beautifully. Our plan was to create an open and light filled kitchen with a design that translated well to the other spaces in this home, and a layout that offered plenty of space for multiple cooks. We utilized clean white cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen and popped the island with a spunky shade of blue. To add a real element of fun, we jazzed it up with the colorful escher tile at the backsplash and brought in accents of brass in the hardware and light fixtures to tie it all together. Through out this home we brought in warm wood accents and the kitchen was no exception, with its custom floating shelves and graceful waterfall butcher block counter at the island. [Dining Room] The dining room had once been the home’s living room, but we had other plans in mind. With its dramatic vaulted ceiling and new custom steel railing, this room was just screaming for a dramatic light fixture and a large table to welcome one-and-all. [Living Room] We converted the original garage into a lovely little living room with a cozy fireplace. There is plenty of new storage in this space (that ties in with the kitchen finishes), but the real gem is the reading nook with two of the most comfortable armchairs you’ve ever sat in. [Master Suite] This home didn’t originally have a master suite, so we decided to convert one of the bedrooms and create a charming suite that you’d never want to leave. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. With a sultry black hex on the floor and a dimensional geometric tile on the walls we set the stage for a calm space. The warm walnut vanity and touches of brass cozy up the space and relate with the feel of the rest of the home. We continued the warm wood touches into the master bedroom, but went for a rich accent wall that elevated the sophistication level and sets this space apart. [Hall Bathroom] The floor tile in this bathroom still makes our hearts skip a beat. We designed the rest of the space to be a clean and bright white, and really let the lovely blue of the floor tile pop. The walnut vanity cabinet (complete with hairpin legs) adds a lovely level of warmth to this bathroom, and the black and brass accents add the sophisticated touch we were looking for. [Office] We loved the original built-ins in this space, and knew they needed to always be a part of this house, but these 60-year-old beauties definitely needed a little help. We cleaned up the cabinets and brass hardware, switched out the formica counter for a new quartz top, and painted wall a cheery accent color to liven it up a bit. And voila! We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood.

Gracious, lovely, updated master bath with enlarged shower, barrel ceiling, vanity area and built in storage.
Alcove bathtub - mid-sized traditional master beige tile alcove bathtub idea in Miami with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets and quartzite countertops

Originally a near tear-down, this small-by-santa-barbara-standards beach house sits next to a world-famous point break. Designed on a restrained scale with a ship-builder's mindset, it is filled with precision cabinetry, built-in furniture, and custom artisanal details that draw from both Scandinavian and French Colonial style influences. With heaps of natural light, a wide-open plan, and a close connection to the outdoor spaces, it lives much bigger than it is while maintaining a minimal impact on a precious marine ecosystem. Images | Kurt Jordan Photography

Mosaic tile creates a sense of smoke lifting up to the hood, seamless transition cooktop is created by recessing into 3 cm counter. Photo byRoger Turk

SDH Studio - Architecture and Design Location: Golden Beach, Florida, USA Overlooking the canal in Golden Beach 96 GB was designed around a 27 foot triple height space that would be the heart of this home. With an emphasis on the natural scenery, the interior architecture of the house opens up towards the water and fills the space with natural light and greenery.

The large windows in this vacation home living room designed by Colorado architect Dominique Gettliffe make for a comfy place to relax and unwind. The custom-built sofa faces toward an ultra-efficient wood-burning fire place. The living area is designed to be open and flexible, and is a great place for yoga, relaxing, or enjoying the warmth of the fire.

A fully built in bunk room creates space where it's usually a hassle. each set of beds has a set of drawers, and the king bed has 4 fully extendable drawers making it perfect for blanket and linen storage.The Restoration Hardware lighting does a fantastic job of lighting up the bunks and master bed.Photos by:Ryan Williams Photography

This Year Round Betterliving Sunroom addition in Rochester, MA is a big hit with friends and neighbors alike! After seeing neighbors add a sunroom to their home – this family had to get one (and more of the neighbors followed in their footsteps, too)! Our design expert and skilled craftsmen turned an open space into a comfortable porch to keep the bugs and elements out!This style of sunroom is called a fill-in sunroom because it was built into the existing porch. Fill-in sunrooms are simple to install and take less time to build as we can typically use the existing porch to build on. All windows and doors are custom manufactured at Betterliving’s facility to fit under the existing porch roof.

Like most growing families, this client wanted to lure everyone outside. And when the family went outdoors, they were hoping to find flamboyant color, delicious fragrance, freshly grilled food, fun play-spaces, and comfy entertaining areas waiting. Privacy was an imperative. Seems basic enough. But a heap of challenges stood in the way between what they were given upon arrival and the family's ultimate dreamscape. Primary among the impediments was the fact that the house stands on a busy corner lot. Plus, the breakneck slope was definitely not playground-friendly. Fortunately, Westover Landscape Design rode to the rescue and literally leveled the playing field. Furthermore, flowing from space to space is a thoroughly enjoyable, ever-changing journey given the blossom-filled, year-around-splendiferous gardens that now hug the walkway and stretch out to the property lines. Soft evergreen hedges and billowing flowering shrubs muffle street noise, giving the garden within a sense of embrace. A fully functional (and frequently used) convenient outdoor kitchen/dining area/living room expand the house's floorplan into a relaxing, nature-infused on-site vacationland. Mission accomplished. With the addition of the stunning old-world stone fireplace and pergola, this amazing property is a welcome retreat for year round enjoyment. Mission accomplished. Rob Cardillo for Westover Landscape Design, Inc.