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

AWARD WINNING | International Green Good Design Award OVERVIEW | This home was designed as a primary residence for a family of five in a coastal a New Jersey town. On a tight infill lot within a traditional neighborhood, the home maximizes opportunities for light and space, consumes very little energy, incorporates multiple resiliency strategies, and offers a clean, green, modern interior. ARCHITECTURE & MECHANICAL DESIGN | ZeroEnergy Design CONSTRUCTION | C. Alexander Building PHOTOS | Eric Roth Photography

A multi-level southern yellow pine deck designed for durability, accessibility, and everyday outdoor living. This project features wide, well-proportioned stair runs, pressure-treated pine decking, and clean vertical baluster railings for a classic, functional appearance. The layout creates a smooth transition from the home to the yard while maintaining proper drainage, structural integrity, and long-term performance. Built with code-compliant framing and fastening, this deck delivers a timeless look with the strength and reliability of traditional pine construction.

Aesthetic Value: The custom tapered square newels with flowing stepped design of the balustrade create a beautiful but understated look. Adding to the welcoming feel of the foyer yet not overwhelming it. Stair Safety: The construction of the interlocking wood panel system creates a balustrade that is much more ridged. This removes the need for intermediated post that you sometimes find in traditional balustrades for them to meet code requirements. Quality: No joints or seams could show on the finished panel system. All parts were cnc cut for the most precise joinery possible. Technical Challenge: Since all the panels where fabricated off site super precise field dimensions were a necessity. Using those measurements and CNC fabrication, panels were created that fit perfectly together and on the site.

Treve Johnson Photography
Staircase - mid-sized modern wooden u-shaped open staircase idea in San Francisco

SaA was hired to design a state-of-the-art 2,100 sq ft recording studio and performance space. We negotiated the purchase and disassembly of a rural barn in upstate New York. The lumber was then graded and coded in Texas and shipped to our site for a modern-day barn-raising, deep within a Redwood grove. The studio is a part of a larger design for a family retreat, including five new or renovated buildings on this wooded 80-acre site. Photo by Bruce Damonte

AFTER stairway. Added oak treads and painted risers, proper handrails including a continuous one on the right, per today's codes, and used a substantial 3/4" wrought iron baluster to give a lighter look. Stair is opposite the new improved skylight, so it gets ample natural light during the day.

Basement Custom Cedar Sauna By Majestic Home Solutions LLC Project Cost: $75,001 - $100,000 Country: United States Zip Code: 48374
Inspiration for a timeless basement remodel in Detroit

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/

Steel stair detail. Photography by Lucas Henning.
Inspiration for a small modern metal straight metal railing staircase remodel in Seattle with metal risers

Inspiration for a large craftsman open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Miami with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

In one established community in Fairfax County, a new home stands out from the rest. It was designed with an observatory tower built atop, and we had the opportunity to bring the architect's unique, artistic and cohesive design to life. We also provided the contractor with a satisfying building experience and a beautiful, safe and durable wooden spiral-treads system; fully customized white oak treads combine solid strength, a curved smooth look and clean look (white oak tread to metal structure connections). From the basement level to the second floor a large space and open feeling was accomplished with an attractive/supported straight stair system; all components (stringers, white oak treads, risers and handrail) were customized at our shop to satisfy required code and construction details. CSC 1976-2020 © Century Stair Company LLC ® All rights reserved.

In one established community in Fairfax County, a new home stands out from the rest. It was designed with an observatory tower built atop, and we had the opportunity to bring the architect's unique, artistic and cohesive design to life. We also provided the contractor with a satisfying building experience and a beautiful, safe and durable wooden spiral-treads system; fully customized white oak treads combine solid strength, a curved smooth look and clean look (white oak tread to metal structure connections). From the basement level to the second floor a large space and open feeling was accomplished with an attractive/supported straight stair system; all components (stringers, white oak treads, risers and handrail) were customized at our shop to satisfy required code and construction details. CSC 1976-2020 © Century Stair Company LLC ® All rights reserved.

After 20 years of living in this 1913 craftsman-style home in Northeast Portland, the homeowners decided it was time to remodel their basement. They knew that they wanted to increase the living space in their home to accommodate for changes in their lifestyle, and the basement was the best place to add that much-needed space. To get the most use out of the basement’s new design, our design team worked with the homeowners to identify their needs and plan the space accordingly. The new design consisted of a TV/media space, a home office, a gym area, and a hobby workshop. Originally, the floor of the basement consisted of dirt on one side and broken concrete on the other. Because of this, the basement floor would need to be replaced. The homeowners used the space as a laundry and utility room, so they previously constructed a staircase leading down to the basement. Unfortunately, the staircase was not to code and also needed to be replaced. Additionally, the home was at risk of seismic damage due to its age. Homes built in the early 20th century often do not meet structural requirements when it comes to earthquake codes. For this reason, the homeowners also decided to do a seismic retrofit to ensure that their home was earthquake-proof.

After 20 years of living in this 1913 craftsman-style home in Northeast Portland, the homeowners decided it was time to remodel their basement. They knew that they wanted to increase the living space in their home to accommodate for changes in their lifestyle, and the basement was the best place to add that much-needed space. To get the most use out of the basement’s new design, our design team worked with the homeowners to identify their needs and plan the space accordingly. The new design consisted of a TV/media space, a home office, a gym area, and a hobby workshop. Originally, the floor of the basement consisted of dirt on one side and broken concrete on the other. Because of this, the basement floor would need to be replaced. The homeowners used the space as a laundry and utility room, so they previously constructed a staircase leading down to the basement. Unfortunately, the staircase was not to code and also needed to be replaced. Additionally, the home was at risk of seismic damage due to its age. Homes built in the early 20th century often do not meet structural requirements when it comes to earthquake codes. For this reason, the homeowners also decided to do a seismic retrofit to ensure that their home was earthquake-proof.

This project, in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, added a backyard office / guest room above an existing garage and workshop. The owners wanted their new cottage to match the style of the existing house. There were several challenges. The garage was nonconforming on the rear and side, i.e. the existing structure was too close to the property lines. The new second story had to conform to the setback requirements, so on both the side and back it had to be offset from the garage walls below. The design balances this asymmetry by means of a “false front” on the north side of the garage, through which the stairs to the new upstairs DADU are accessed. The existing garage had some structural issues, and had to be reinforced to support its new upper story. The site was small, and the buildable area limited – for this reason the backyard cottage had to be very compact. And because it was limited by code to 800 s.f., including the existing garage and new exterior stairs, there wasn’t much space to work with. In the end the design met the owners’ goals, and is functioning well as a home office (and occasional guest bedroom). Incidentally the limited size also helped keep the project within a tight budget. The total square footage is 658 s.f. (378 s.f. garage, 280 s.f. upper unit). By the way “Carriage House” originally meant a small outbuilding to house horse-drawn carriages. Today it generally means an accessory structure which contains a garage below, and a living unit above. The City of Seattle is considering changes to the Land Use Code to facilitate the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family zones: http://www.seattle.gov/council/adu-eis

Code required, interesting railing return at butler stair
Example of an ornate home design design in Raleigh

Bob Schatz
Inspiration for a rustic staircase remodel in Burlington

3 1/2 x 26" Revival Porch Spindles and 6" class 4-piece Porch Rail System, all in Cedar, give a 36" top rail height commonly required by codes.
Classic front porch idea in Nashville with a roof extension