Trees and slopes, oh my! Discover how we designed an effective solar system on this shaded and rolling property that not only exceeds production estimates but maintains the aesthetics and beauty of this gorgeous home and landscape. We work hard to get our customers what they want. This project required 44 modules. The roof area was constrained by trees, and the ground was constrained by a steep slope, property line setbacks. Additionally, we did not want to interrupt the views from the house across this lovely country property and into the woods. Our solution, split the system up by using approx. 1/3rd of the modules on the roof with microinverters (due to shade possibilities), and the remaining 2/3rds on the ground. We kept the ground array at a low slope* to better conceal it from view. It was remarkably successful and has been exceeding production estimates. *Tilt or slope of an array is not nearly as critical as orientation. 42*, roughly equal to our latitude, is good for a better average monthly production. A steeper slope will give you increased winter production, and a lower slope will give you greater summer production, which is really the best choice. Why? The ideal angle of incidence at which the sun hits a module is 90*. At our latitude, on winter solstice Dec.21st, the sun is roughly 22.5* degrees above the horizon. At summer solstice it is approximately 70* above the horizon. Therefore, when the days are longer in the summer, a lower sloped array will be closer to 90* to the sun, and since the days are longer, the collection time is greatly increased.

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A floating bathroom vanity and custom sink are two examples of GDC's custom woodwork. Photo Credit: Matt Meier
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Counter-to-ceiling glass tile create a unique backsplash. Photo Credit: Matt Meier
Kitchen - kitchen idea in San Diego

Designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn helped a neighbor and friend to update a “builder grade” kitchen into a personal, family space that feels luxurious and inviting. The homeowner wanted to solve a number of storage and flow problems in the kitchen, including a wasted area dedicated to a desk, too-little pantry storage, and her wish for a kitchen bar. The all white builder kitchen lacked character, and the client wanted to inject color, texture and personality into the kitchen while keeping it classic.

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This spacious kitchen includes a large island with space to have seating, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, vinyl plank flooring, a large cabinet unit and dining off the kitchen.

Photo: Lucy Call © 2014 Houzz
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  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

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