A concept design for a modest off-grid home that brings practical, modern design into reach. Intended to be self-built, the structure has a simple floor plan, efficient design, a limited material palette of local materials, and uses common construction methods.

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

Jim Westphalen
Example of a large minimalist formal and open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Burlington with brown walls and no tv

Pella Designer Series snap-in, between-the-glass window fashions coordinate with virtually any dining room décor. You’ll enjoy a cleaner, healthier and safer home and the removable between-the-glass grilles, shades or blinds can be changed in a snap.

Q Avenue Photo
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Nashville

John Martinelli
Beach style pool photo in New York with decking

A concept design for a modest off-grid home that brings practical, modern design into reach. Intended to be self-built, the structure has a simple floor plan, efficient design, a limited material palette of local materials, and uses common construction methods.

Because this home will function as a vacation rental for some time, we wanted it to have a large common area for the guests to utilize after a fun day of wine tasting in Santa Rosa. The bedrooms are tucked away with more privacy, offering guests a quiet retreat after a busy day.

It admittedly may sound like a stretch that building a multifamily structure to Passive House standards can be done not only at market rate (or better) , but also with a method that saves time and money, and is simple to implement. But living proof of that model exists in the 52,781-square-foot, 49-unit Whitehall structure that’s effectively debunking many commonly held notions about building green, or building to Passive House standards of extreme energy efficiency.

Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized victorian medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, paneled appliances, white walls and an island

Stackable washer/dryer in custom made enclosure Photography: Todd Gieg
Example of a transitional bathroom design in Boston

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Jatoba (common name is Brazilian Cherry) island top. Category: island top Wood species: Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry) Construction method: edge grain Size: 28" wide by 58" long by 1.5" thick Edge profile: ogee with fillet Finish: Waterlox semi-gloss Island top by: DeVos Custom Woodworking Project location: Clarksville, MD Photo by Homeowner

styled by Daniella Southgate, Silverlake, CA based home stager, photos by Bethany Nauert

Pressure-treated wood is wood that’s been treated with preservatives. This protects wood from insects and decay and is ideal for projects where wood is exposed to the elements or excessive moisture. Wood preservatives are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for their safe use. Pressure-treated softwood lumber includes Southern Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Douglas fir and Hem-fir. Pressure-treated wood is labeled for above ground or ground contact. When you purchase pressure-treated lumber, be sure to let the salesperson know your intended use so they can recommend the best product for your project. Common sense safety practices apply when working with any building material. When working with treated wood, it’s important to wear a dust mask, eye protection and gloves. Dispose of treated wood scraps using normal trash collection methods; do not burn treated wood.

A simple upgrade with new materials and fixtures made this space a remodel that young children could easily grow into.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary kids' bathroom remodel in Los Angeles

Woca Oil Diamond - Chicago - Night Work Restaurant Hardwood Floor - Recoating with Woca Cleaners - and Apply I coat WOCA DIAMOND OIL NATURAL - WOCA is where the future of hardwood finishes meets traditional and proven methods. WOCA is manufactured from natural, cold-pressed vegetable oils and is VOC-free. Unlike conventional finishing methods, WOCA penetrates the fibers of the wood, hardens and strengthens the wood from within while simultaneously creating a hard-wearing, dirt resistant wear layer on the surface. Unlike other common oils such as tung oil, WOCA is a hardening oil that increases the strength of the wood and reduces the required maintenance. For any additional questions you may have, please Call 847-956-2244 we would be more than happy to share our years of experience in the hardwood industry with you and provide guidance with your project.

Our designer has achieved a stylish look by combining dark cabinets and light-colored marbles.