Photo Credit: Mark Boisclair Photography
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design by Pulp Design Studios | http://pulpdesignstudios.com/ photo by Kevin Dotolo | http://kevindotolo.com/

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Selections & Furnishings | Charles Cudd De Novo, Architecture | Troy Thies Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

GC: Osborne Construction Architect: C2 Architecture Design: Kole Made. Custom Woodwork + Cabinetry: Loubier Design. http://www.kolemade.com/ http://www.c2-architecture.com/ http://kirk-loubier.squarespace.com/ Photo Credit: http://www.samoberter.com/

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If you are googling about picking wall art for your home, then you probably fall into one of two categories. Either your walls are way too bare, or they're smothered in outdated and generic artwork that doesn't represent you anymore! Don’t worry – neither of these situations have to last forever, and there are plenty of stylish ways to make sure that your personality gets to shine in your room decor as well as in the rest of your life! Just follow these 8 wall art ideas from our bedroom designer below, and get ready to be the star of your own show! 1) Blank Walls can be Fun If you're online researching how to buy any sort of wall art for your home, then you fall into one of two categories. It seems either your walls are bare, or your art isn't fitting. Either way, it doesn't represent you! But blank walls don’t have to be boring. In fact, they can be a canvas for you to express your unique personality. 2) Create an eye-catching Statement Piece A big, bold piece of wall art is the perfect way to make a statement in your room. But if you’re not careful, it can also look like you’re trying too hard. The key is to find a piece that reflects your personality and style, without being too over-the-top. 3) Hang something Larger than Life Go big or go home, right? Especially when it comes to wall art. Hanging a large piece of artwork will make a huge impact in your room. It’ll be the first thing people see when they walk in, and it’ll set the tone for the rest of your decor. Plus, it’s a great way to fill up a large wall space. Just make sure you pick a piece that you really love – you’ll be looking at it every day. For further Inspiration you can check out Wall Art Ideas from Unique-Canvas.com to decorate your Room. 4) Use a Vibrant Focal Point A focal point is a great way to add drama and interest to a room. It can be anything from a piece of wall art to a piece of furniture. In this case, we’re going to focus on wall art. A vibrant focal point will add color and life to your room. Making a statement and displaying your personality is easy with this. 5) Smaller is Better People often make the mistake of thinking that they need large, expensive pieces of art to fill up a large, empty wall. But the truth is, sometimes all you need is a small piece of art that packs a big punch. A small piece of art can be more intimate and personal, and it can also be less expensive. So if you’re looking for wall art ideas that are both unique and budget-friendly, try looking for smaller pieces! 6) Get Personal When it comes to wall art, the most important thing is that it speaks to you on a personal level. You should let your home reflect who you are and what you love! 7) Adorn yourself with Soulful Quotes A great way to show off your personality is with soulful quotes. Pick out a few of your favourites and have them printed on canvas. You can hang them up in your room or office as a daily reminder of what’s important to you. 8) Add some Colourful Décor Pieces A blank wall is like a blank canvas—it’s begging to be filled with something colorful and eye-catching! That said, if you're still unsure of where to start, don't worry. We’ve got eight wall art ideas that will help you decorate your room and bring out your personality. Final Thought No matter what your style is, you can find wall art that represents you. The key is to take your time searching for the right piece, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

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