This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house. George Mendel

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

New construction on the Connecticut River in New England featuring custom in ground infinity pool and hot tub located en centre. Pool is flanked by newly constructed pool house featuring sliding glass doors and custom built in interior.

Mid-sized danish one-story wood exterior home photo in New York

Danish loft-style light wood floor living room photo in New York with white walls

Cavity wall insulation Energy-efficient homes are insulated from roof to foundation, but only newly built homes may have this level of protection. If your home lacks built-in insulation, wall insulation is your next priority after attic insulation. Cellulose cavity wall benefits: Made from recycled materials - better for environment and health No fiberglass content (which can increase cancer risk and cause irritation) Blown cellulose fills cracks and crevices for seamless barriers Reduces fire risk and mold growth Treated with boric acid that repels insects and rodents Professional installation: We use specialist equipment to blow treated cellulose insulation into both internal and external wall cavities. Installation method and expertise are critical to performance. Long-term value: Properly installed cellulose cavity wall insulation provides thermal efficiency, soundproofing, and fire resistance for your home's lifetime.

In this 1929 home, we opened the small kitchen doorway into a large curved archway, bringing the dining room and kitchen together. Hand-made Motawi Arts and Crafts backsplash tiles, oak hardwood floors, and quarter-sawn oak cabinets matching the existing millwork create an authentic period look for the kitchen. A new Marvin window and enhanced cellulose insulation make the space more comfortable and energy efficient. In the all new second floor bathroom, the period was maintained with hexagonal floor tile, subway tile wainscot, a clawfoot tub and period-style fixtures. The window is Marvin Ultrex which is impervious to bathroom humidity.