Inspiration for a mid-sized 1960s cement tile floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, cement tile backsplash, black countertops and dark wood cabinets

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Meredith Heuer
Large minimalist master white tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile walk-in shower photo in New York with a trough sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, onyx countertops, a one-piece toilet and multicolored walls

#ThisIsLandscapeArchitecture The approach to your home gives visitors a glimpse into your world. Your style ... your priorities ... your personality. Designing for entrances means effective communication and intent listening to ensure their home reflects the client. (Mike Crews Photography) #WLAM #WLAM2019 #landscapedesign

This open, two sided fireplace allows the best of both worlds as it screens the kitchen but allows light and communication between the dining room and living area.

Merillat Masterpiece® Cimmaron in Rustic Maple Husk - Forged Metal Inserts - Communicate style down to the last detail with forged metal cabinet door inserts that draw attention to the contents inside.

Ehlen Creative Communications

Landmark is committed to building distinctive residences of the highest quality in a broad array styles and designs from Transitional and Tuscan to Contemporary. We specialize in DREAM HOMES. Visit with our Residential Designer for a free floor plan consultation. Where ever you are in the world, you can communicate with us on your unique design.

Landmark is committed to building distinctive residences of the highest quality in a broad array styles and designs from Transitional and Tuscan to Contemporary. We specialize in DREAM HOMES. Visit with our Residential Designer for a free floor plan consultation. Where ever you are in the world, you can communicate with us on your unique design.

Landmark is committed to building distinctive residences of the highest quality in a broad array styles and designs from Transitional and Tuscan to Contemporary. We specialize in DREAM HOMES. Visit with our Residential Designer for a free floor plan consultation. Where ever you are in the world, you can communicate with us on your unique design.

Landmark is committed to building distinctive residences of the highest quality in a broad array styles and designs from Transitional and Tuscan to Contemporary. We specialize in DREAM HOMES. Visit with our Residential Designer for a free floor plan consultation. Where ever you are in the world, you can communicate with us on your unique design.

Landmark is committed to building distinctive residences of the highest quality in a broad array styles and designs from Transitional and Tuscan to Contemporary. We specialize in DREAM HOMES. Visit with our Residential Designer for a free floor plan consultation. Where ever you are in the world, you can communicate with us on your unique design.

Landmark is committed to building distinctive residences of the highest quality in a broad array styles and designs from Transitional and Tuscan to Contemporary. We specialize in DREAM HOMES. Visit with our Residential Designer for a free floor plan consultation. Where ever you are in the world, you can communicate with us on your unique design.

Landmark is committed to building distinctive residences of the highest quality in a broad array styles and designs from Transitional and Tuscan to Contemporary. We specialize in DREAM HOMES. Visit with our Residential Designer for a free floor plan consultation. Where ever you are in the world, you can communicate with us on your unique design.

ehlen creative communications
Inspiration for a large timeless u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Reclaimed oak-wrapped structural members communicate with the existing home’s material pallet while monolithic stone elements lend much-needed vertical relief and visual texture within this stunning yet simply elegant great room. Photo by Vance Fox

Inspiration for a mid-sized southwestern white one-story stucco exterior home remodel in San Diego

Studio apartment in Moscow in Scandinavian Style. white and neutrals with some black and white geometric patterned accents.
Bedroom - scandinavian bedroom idea in Malaga

Fully integrated Signature Estate featuring Creston controls and Crestron panelized lighting, and Crestron motorized shades and draperies, whole-house audio and video, HVAC, voice and video communication atboth both the front door and gate. Modern, warm, and clean-line design, with total custom details and finishes. The front includes a serene and impressive atrium foyer with two-story floor to ceiling glass walls and multi-level fire/water fountains on either side of the grand bronze aluminum pivot entry door. Elegant extra-large 47'' imported white porcelain tile runs seamlessly to the rear exterior pool deck, and a dark stained oak wood is found on the stairway treads and second floor. The great room has an incredible Neolith onyx wall and see-through linear gas fireplace and is appointed perfectly for views of the zero edge pool and waterway. The club room features a bar and wine featuring a cable wine racking system, comprised of cables made from the finest grade of stainless steel that makes it look as though the wine is floating on air. A center spine stainless steel staircase has a smoked glass railing and wood handrail.