This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Beach style dining room photo in Other

Inspiration for a craftsman landscaping in Los Angeles.

A beautiful Cap Cod home featuring National Hardwood's French Galerie's engineered Oak hardwood flooring in Deep Smoked Oak Flooring. Room X Room Photography

Michelle Peek Photography
Inspiration for a small contemporary multicolored tile and mosaic tile marble floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Toronto with a console sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a wall-mount toilet and multicolored walls

Photo by Jay Sifford.
Design ideas for an eclectic landscaping in Charlotte.

Photo of a landscaping in Minneapolis.

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

Common area of condo complex modern roller shades to block the sun and provide insulation and add to the stylish decor.
Example of a large trendy open concept carpeted and gray floor family room library design in Toronto with brown walls, no fireplace and a concealed tv

All in all, our interior design concept comes together to invigorate a once tired space, leaving a sophisticated common space worthy of this Brownstone’s storied neighborhood. | Interior Design by Laurie Blumenfeld-Russo | Tim Williams Photography

About: Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves and feeling the salty breeze on your skin. That's the reality of staying in this stunning cottage, located just one block away from the beach. As soon as you step inside, you're greeted with a beautifully laid-out interior that allows for seamless flow between the kitchen and common spaces on the first floor. And if you think the inside is impressive, wait until you step outside. The pond view from the outdoor seating area is simply breathtaking, and the second-floor master balcony offers a peaceful retreat to take in the beauty of the surrounding area. But the grand outdoor fireplace on the back porch steals the show and is the perfect spot for some evening s'mores with loved ones. This cottage is the epitome of the perfect beach-loving lifestyle. CRx Construction is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, CRx Construction is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.

About: Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves and feeling the salty breeze on your skin. That's the reality of staying in this stunning cottage, located just one block away from the beach. As soon as you step inside, you're greeted with a beautifully laid-out interior that allows for seamless flow between the kitchen and common spaces on the first floor. And if you think the inside is impressive, wait until you step outside. The pond view from the outdoor seating area is simply breathtaking, and the second-floor master balcony offers a peaceful retreat to take in the beauty of the surrounding area. But the grand outdoor fireplace on the back porch steals the show and is the perfect spot for some evening s'mores with loved ones. This cottage is the epitome of the perfect beach-loving lifestyle. CRx Construction is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, CRx Construction is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.

Norton Commons is a planned community that now has a central Post Office/mailbox for residents.
Example of a small classic white one-story concrete fiberboard exterior home design in Louisville with a metal roof

About: Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves and feeling the salty breeze on your skin. That's the reality of staying in this stunning cottage, located just one block away from the beach. As soon as you step inside, you're greeted with a beautifully laid-out interior that allows for seamless flow between the kitchen and common spaces on the first floor. And if you think the inside is impressive, wait until you step outside. The pond view from the outdoor seating area is simply breathtaking, and the second-floor master balcony offers a peaceful retreat to take in the beauty of the surrounding area. But the grand outdoor fireplace on the back porch steals the show and is the perfect spot for some evening s'mores with loved ones. This cottage is the epitome of the perfect beach-loving lifestyle. CRx Construction is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, CRx Construction is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.

The Sierra Commons community located in Roseville, CA is in close proximity to open spaces and parks. Sierra Commons is a community of new, incredibly energy-efficient homes, ranging 2,278 - 3,222 sq. ft., just a couple of hours from Lake Tahoe.

About: Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves and feeling the salty breeze on your skin. That's the reality of staying in this stunning cottage, located just one block away from the beach. As soon as you step inside, you're greeted with a beautifully laid-out interior that allows for seamless flow between the kitchen and common spaces on the first floor. And if you think the inside is impressive, wait until you step outside. The pond view from the outdoor seating area is simply breathtaking, and the second-floor master balcony offers a peaceful retreat to take in the beauty of the surrounding area. But the grand outdoor fireplace on the back porch steals the show and is the perfect spot for some evening s'mores with loved ones. This cottage is the epitome of the perfect beach-loving lifestyle. CRx Construction is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, CRx Construction is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.

We designed this rooftop garden common space for a large apartment building on Manhattan's Upper West Side. The space was designed for multiple groups of people to be able to enjoy at one time, with separate areas designated for dining, seating, and lounging. See more of our projects at www.amberfreda.com.

Norton Commons is a planned community that now has a central Post Office/mailbox for residents.
Inspiration for a small timeless white one-story concrete fiberboard exterior home remodel in Louisville with a metal roof