PLA Design Studio is a Landscape Architecture firm specializing in high-end residential/estate planning and design, resort design and community identification and theming. We pride ourselves in our team approach and the high level of detail given to all aspects of the design process. Our top priority is to DESIGN WITH INTENTION. We create spaces that reflect the lifestyle of our clients, a place where design meets life. Most of our work is concentrated in beautiful South Florida where we provide design services for “everything but the house.” PLA DESIGN has extensive experience in Pool and Water Feature Design, Hardscape Design, Landscape Design, and Site Lighting Design. PLA Design takes great pride in fostering meaningful relationships with the teams of professionals and clients we have worked with over the years and are determined to create new long-lasting relationships with those of you we haven't had the opportunity to meet yet!

The Plumrose at Inglenook’s Pocket Neighborhoods is a three- or four-bedroom Cottage-style Home that possesses a feeling of spaciousness driven by beautiful vaulted ceilings, numerous big windows, and smart, flexible design. A key element of cottage-style living is individuality. Each home is unique, inside and out. Focused on expanding the homeowner’s choices, the Plumrose takes individuality all the way to the number and design of the rooms. The second “bedroom” upstairs offers one such opportunity to customize the home to fit life’s needs. Make it a spacious, quiet master retreat and master bath, or a bright and cheery child’s bedroom and playroom, or a guest bedroom and office – the possibilities are endless and the decision is yours. The customization in the Plumrose continues in the creative and purposeful storage options. Each room and stairway landing provides an opportunity for a built-in bookshelf, reading nook, or trellis. All of these built-ins can serve as thoughtful places to showcase photos, treasured travel souvineers, books, and more! After all, a good storage option should be both decorative and useful. Bringing the home’s utility outdoors, the front porch and private bedroom patio serve as extensions of the main living space. The front porch provides a private yet public space to enjoy the community greens and neighbors. The private patio is a great spot to read the newspaper over a morning cup of coffee. These spaces balance the personal and social aspects of cottage living, bringing community without sacrificing privacy.

Here's what our clients from this project had to say: We LOVE coming home to our newly remodeled and beautiful 41 West designed and built home! It was such a pleasure working with BJ Barone and especially Paul Widhalm and the entire 41 West team. Everyone in the organization is incredibly professional and extremely responsive. Personal service and strong attention to the client and details are hallmarks of the 41 West construction experience. Paul was with us every step of the way as was Ed Jordon (Gary David Designs), a 41 West highly recommended designer. When we were looking to build our dream home, we needed a builder who listened and understood how to bring our ideas and dreams to life. They succeeded this with the utmost honesty, integrity and quality! 41 West has exceeded our expectations every step of the way, and we have been overwhelmingly impressed in all aspects of the project. It has been an absolute pleasure working with such devoted, conscientious, professionals with expertise in their specific fields. Paul sets the tone for excellence and this level of dedication carries through the project. We so appreciated their commitment to perfection...So much so that we also hired them for two more remodeling projects. We love our home and would highly recommend 41 West to anyone considering building or remodeling a home.

The Plumrose at Inglenook’s Pocket Neighborhoods is a three- or four-bedroom Cottage-style Home that possesses a feeling of spaciousness driven by beautiful vaulted ceilings, numerous big windows, and smart, flexible design. A key element of cottage-style living is individuality. Each home is unique, inside and out. Focused on expanding the homeowner’s choices, the Plumrose takes individuality all the way to the number and design of the rooms. The second “bedroom” upstairs offers one such opportunity to customize the home to fit life’s needs. Make it a spacious, quiet master retreat and master bath, or a bright and cheery child’s bedroom and playroom, or a guest bedroom and office – the possibilities are endless and the decision is yours. The customization in the Plumrose continues in the creative and purposeful storage options. Each room and stairway landing provides an opportunity for a built-in bookshelf, reading nook, or trellis. All of these built-ins can serve as thoughtful places to showcase photos, treasured travel souvineers, books, and more! After all, a good storage option should be both decorative and useful. Bringing the home’s utility outdoors, the front porch and private bedroom patio serve as extensions of the main living space. The front porch provides a private yet public space to enjoy the community greens and neighbors. The private patio is a great spot to read the newspaper over a morning cup of coffee. These spaces balance the personal and social aspects of cottage living, bringing community without sacrificing privacy.

In a world where environmental concerns have reached a critical juncture, the need for eco-conscious living has never been more pressing. Ameen Salous, a visionary leader and a prominent advocate for sustainability, stands as a shining example of how individuals can adopt a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle. This article will delve into the eco-conscious lifestyle of Ameen Salous, exploring seven practical tips that can inspire anyone to embark on their journey towards a more sustainable way of living. Introduction: Ameen Salous - A Visionary Champion of Sustainability Ameen Salous is a name synonymous with innovation, but his influence extends far beyond technological advancements. His commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is a core facet of his identity. Ameen's eco-conscious lifestyle serves as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation. As we explore his approach to green living, we can glean valuable insights into how each of us can make a positive impact on the planet. 1. Embrace Renewable Energy Sources One of the cornerstones of Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle is his unwavering support for renewable energy sources. He recognizes the vital role these sources play in reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating climate change. Ameen's advocacy for renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, is not only inspiring but also serves as a practical example for individuals looking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Actionable Tip: Consider installing solar panels on your property, invest in energy-efficient appliances, and explore green energy options provided by your utility company. 2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle The mantra of "reduce, reuse, recycle" has become a fundamental principle of eco-conscious living, and Ameen Salous is a staunch advocate for this approach. He emphasizes the importance of minimizing waste and finding creative ways to repurpose items rather than sending them to landfills. By adopting this mindset, Ameen has significantly reduced his environmental footprint. Actionable Tip: Practice responsible waste management by recycling paper, plastics, and glass. Also, look for ways to upcycle or repurpose items you no longer need. 3. Sustainable Transportation Choices Ameen Salous is a proponent of sustainable transportation methods. He recognizes that the transportation sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce his impact, he promotes eco-friendly alternatives such as electric vehicles, public transit, and carpooling. Ameen's choice to drive electric vehicles reflects his commitment to reducing air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. Actionable Tip: Consider switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle, use public transportation when possible, and explore options for carpooling or ridesharing to reduce your carbon footprint. 4. Support Sustainable Agriculture Ameen Salous is acutely aware of the environmental impact of our food choices. He advocates for supporting sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming and locally sourced produce. Ameen's commitment to a plant-based diet further reduces his carbon footprint, as plant-based diets generally have a lower environmental impact compared to diets heavy in animal products. Actionable Tip: Incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, buy locally grown and organic produce when available, and consider starting a small garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs. 5. Conserve Water Water conservation is another key aspect of Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle. He understands the importance of preserving this precious resource in the face of increasing water scarcity worldwide. Ameen's commitment to water conservation includes installing water-saving fixtures, fixing leaks promptly, and minimizing water usage in everyday activities. Actionable Tip: Install low-flow showerheads and faucets, fix any leaks in your plumbing, collect rainwater for outdoor use, and be mindful of water usage when doing everyday tasks like washing dishes or doing laundry. 6. Opt for Sustainable Home Design Ameen Salous's commitment to an eco-conscious lifestyle extends to his home. He believes that sustainable home design can significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. Ameen has incorporated features such as energy-efficient insulation, LED lighting, and smart thermostats into his home to increase its energy efficiency. Actionable Tip: Consider making energy-efficient upgrades to your home, such as adding insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, and using programmable thermostats to reduce energy consumption. 7. Environmental Advocacy and Education Perhaps one of the most impactful aspects of Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle is his dedication to environmental advocacy and education. He recognizes that raising awareness and inspiring others to take action are essential steps in addressing environmental challenges. Ameen actively engages with his community and the broader public to promote sustainable living practices and advocate for policies that protect the environment. Actionable Tip: Get involved in environmental advocacy in your community, participate in local clean-up events, and educate yourself and others about the importance of sustainable living. Conclusion: Ameen Salous's Green Living Legacy Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle serves as a testament to the power of individual actions in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. His commitment to sustainability, renewable energy, and responsible consumption inspires us all to make more environmentally conscious choices in our daily lives. By embracing these seven tips for going green, we can follow in the footsteps of Ameen Salous and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for our planet.

This Jersey City, NJ space was the first permanent ‘home’ for the yoga studio, so it was essential for us to listen well and design a space to serve their needs for years to come. Through our design process, we helped to guide the owners through the fit-out of their new studio location that required minimal demolition and disruption to the existing space. Together, we converted a space originally used as a preschool into a welcoming, spacious yoga studio for local yogis. We created one main yoga studio by combining four small classrooms into a single larger space with new walls, while all the other program spaces (including designated areas for holistic treatments, massage, and bodywork) were accommodated into pre-existing rooms. Our team completed all demo, sheetrock, electrical, and painting aspects of the project. (The studio owners did some of the work themselves, and a different company installed the flooring and carpets.) The results speak for themselves: a peaceful, restorative space to facilitate health and healing for the studio’s community. Looking to renovate your place of business? Contact the Houseplay team; we’ll help make it happen! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

Here's what our clients from this project had to say: We LOVE coming home to our newly remodeled and beautiful 41 West designed and built home! It was such a pleasure working with BJ Barone and especially Paul Widhalm and the entire 41 West team. Everyone in the organization is incredibly professional and extremely responsive. Personal service and strong attention to the client and details are hallmarks of the 41 West construction experience. Paul was with us every step of the way as was Ed Jordon (Gary David Designs), a 41 West highly recommended designer. When we were looking to build our dream home, we needed a builder who listened and understood how to bring our ideas and dreams to life. They succeeded this with the utmost honesty, integrity and quality! 41 West has exceeded our expectations every step of the way, and we have been overwhelmingly impressed in all aspects of the project. It has been an absolute pleasure working with such devoted, conscientious, professionals with expertise in their specific fields. Paul sets the tone for excellence and this level of dedication carries through the project. We so appreciated their commitment to perfection...So much so that we also hired them for two more remodeling projects. We love our home and would highly recommend 41 West to anyone considering building or remodeling a home.

A Luxury Condo Renovation In Pelican Bay, Naples, FL Nestled in the heart of beautiful Pelican Bay in Naples, Florida, a luxury condo renovation is underway. This multi-phase renovation project will bring a unique and luxurious living experience to its future inhabitants. Let's take a look at some of the special features that will make this condo stand out from the rest. Custom Ceiling Design The main feature of this renovation is the custom ceiling design. This one-of-a-kind design includes an intricate pattern with recessed lighting that creates a unique atmosphere to match the condo’s luxurious vibe. Not only does the custom ceiling add visual appeal to the space, but it also illuminates light throughout the entire room creating an inviting and warm ambiance for all to enjoy. Custom Lighting The custom lighting in this luxury condo renovation creates a cozy and inviting feel for those who enter. With soft yet bright surrounds that illuminate every corner of each room, visitors will feel like they are home as soon as they set foot inside. Along with providing ample lighting for activities such as reading or cooking, these lights can also be adjusted to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere when needed. Open Kitchen For those who love to cook and entertain, the open kitchen is perfect for hosting friends and family gatherings alike. The layout features top-of-the-line appliances along with plenty of countertop space for meal preparation or baking projects. To complete this kitchen oasis is an eat-in island equipped with plush seating for four making it easy to enjoy meals together while overlooking stunning views of Pelican Bay outside the window. Custom Sliding Doors If you love outdoor living then you will appreciate these custom sliding doors that open up onto your own private balcony overlooking Naples’ breathtaking shoreline. Whether you choose to sit outside and relax or entertain guests under the stars, these sliding doors are designed to maximize your views while still providing maximum privacy when closed and locked securely shut when not in use. Walk-In Tub Shower Combo Last but certainly not least is this spa-inspired walk-in tub shower combo featuring a built-in steam system perfect for relaxing after long days spent exploring all that Naples has to offer. From its adjustable jets to its marble accents, this modern bathtub offers everything you need to escape from reality in style! All in all, this multi-phased luxury condo renovation in Pelican Bay promises something special for anyone looking for their dream home within Naples' finest neighborhood. From its custom ceiling design and custom lighting options down to its walk-in tub shower combo—every aspect has been carefully crafted with one goal in mind—to provide luxury living like no other! So if you're looking for an exquisite place where you can relax and unwind surrounded by beauty, then look no further than here! About Pelican Bay Pelican Bay, located in Naples, Florida, is an upscale planned community and country club. Spanning three miles of pristine shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, Pelican Bay offers its residents and visitors a stunning selection of amenities. Residents have access to shopping and dining at the impressive Waterside shops as well as enjoying one of two premier luxury golf courses within the development. The beachfront location allows for sunbathing on some of the prettiest beaches in Florida. Away from the ocean waters, visitors can explore the two parks that are situated within the community or take advantage of kayaking or canoeing around its coves. Pelican Bay is a perfect destination for those looking for a luxurious escape to paradise combined with natural beauty and convenience. Award-Winning House Builders in Florida For Florida homeowners looking for award-winning house builders to build their dream home, look no further than Signal House. Boasting a long track record of best-in-class construction services, our dedicated professionals have gone above and beyond to earn the trust of homeowners throughout the region. Taking pride in our work, we make sure that every project is completed with precision and efficiency and meets the highest industry standards. Offering consultation, design, planning and execution services, we are ready and willing to take on any challenge. Whether it’s upgrading an existing property or creating something entirely new from scratch, you can be sure that your home project won’t just meet expectations but exceed them. With experienced teams of talented interior designers, architects and construction experts, you’re guaranteed a project that stands apart from the crowd and brings out the best in your home.

Our design for the expansion and gut renovation of a small 1200 square foot house in a residential neighborhood triples is size, and reworks the living arrangement. The rear addition takes advantage of southern exposure with a "greenhouse" room that provides solar heat gain in winter, shading in summer, and a vast connection to the rear yard. Architecturally, we used an approach we call "willful practicality." The new soaring ceiling ties together first and second floors in a dramatic volumetric expansion of space, while providing increased ventilation and daylighting from greenhouse to operable windows and skylights at the peak. Exterior pockets of space are created from curved forces pushing in from outside to form cedar clad porch and stoop. Sustainable design is employed throughout all materials, energy systems and insulation. Masonry exterior walls and concrete floors provide thermal mass for the interior by insulating the exterior. An ERV system facilitates increased air changes and minimizes changes to the interior air temperature. Energy and water saving features and renewable, non-toxic materal selections are important aspects of the house design. Environmental community issues are addressed with a drywell in the side yard to mitigate rain runoff into the town sewer system. The long sloping south facing roof is in anticipation of future solar panels, with the standing seam metal roof providing anchoring opportunities for the panels. The exterior walls are clad in stucco, cedar, and cement-fiber panels defining different areas of the house. Closed cell spray insulation is applied to exterior walls and roof, giving the house an "air-tight" seal against air infiltration and a high R-value. The ERV system provides the ventilation needed with this tight envelope. The interior comfort level and economizing are the beneficial results of the building methods and systems employed in the house. Photographer: Peter Kubilus

Pond, garden water features, Kansas City Fountain Design Group , the Fountain Builders in Kansas City, is an innovative firm of fountain restoration Kansas City, fountain installation Kansas City, historic fountain repair Kansas City with specific skills in fountain design, pond, garden water features Kansas City, strategic and open space planning, open space master planning, urban and environmental design and community consultation with high standards of graphic and technical outputs. We pride ourselves on the development of aquascape and hardscape design ,site responsive and implementable concept, with demonstrated technical and project skills to ensure the successful translation of innovative designs to high quality constructed works. Large and small fountains Kansas City Large and small water gardens Kansas City Waterfalls and streams Kansas City Waterwalls and architectural water features Kansas City Architectural and Statuary Fountains Kansas City Custom Fountains, Rock Fountains Kansas City Pool installation & management Kansas City Lake Management Kansas City Sprayring and jet manifolds Kansas City Reflecting Pools Kansas City Fountain LED Lights Kansas City Floating fountains Kansas City Lake Fountains Kansas City

Our design for the expansion and gut renovation of a small 1200 square foot house in a residential neighborhood triples is size, and reworks the living arrangement. The rear addition takes advantage of southern exposure with a "greenhouse" room that provides solar heat gain in winter, shading in summer, and a vast connection to the rear yard. Architecturally, we used an approach we call "willful practicality." The new soaring ceiling ties together first and second floors in a dramatic volumetric expansion of space, while providing increased ventilation and daylighting from greenhouse to operable windows and skylights at the peak. Exterior pockets of space are created from curved forces pushing in from outside to form cedar clad porch and stoop. Sustainable design is employed throughout all materials, energy systems and insulation. Masonry exterior walls and concrete floors provide thermal mass for the interior by insulating the exterior. An ERV system facilitates increased air changes and minimizes changes to the interior air temperature. Energy and water saving features and renewable, non-toxic materal selections are important aspects of the house design. Environmental community issues are addressed with a drywell in the side yard to mitigate rain runoff into the town sewer system. The long sloping south facing roof is in anticipation of future solar panels, with the standing seam metal roof providing anchoring opportunities for the panels. The exterior walls are clad in stucco, cedar, and cement-fiber panels defining different areas of the house. Closed cell spray insulation is applied to exterior walls and roof, giving the house an "air-tight" seal against air infiltration and a high R-value. The ERV system provides the ventilation needed with this tight envelope. The interior comfort level and economizing are the beneficial results of the building methods and systems employed in the house. Photographer: Peter Kubilus

This Caviness project for a modern farmhouse design in a community-based neighborhood called The Prairie At Post in Oklahoma. This complete outdoor design includes a large swimming pool with waterfalls, an underground slide, stream bed, glass tiled spa and sun shelf, native Oklahoma flagstone for patios, pathways and hand-cut stone retaining walls, lush mature landscaping and landscape lighting, a prairie grass embedded pathway design, embedded trampoline, all which overlook the farm pond and Oklahoma sky. This project was designed and installed by Caviness Landscape Design, Inc., a small locally-owned family boutique landscape design firm located in Arcadia, Oklahoma. We handle most all aspects of the design and construction in-house to control the quality and integrity of each project. Film by Affordable Aerial Photo & Video

This Jersey City, NJ space was the first permanent ‘home’ for the yoga studio, so it was essential for us to listen well and design a space to serve their needs for years to come. Through our design process, we helped to guide the owners through the fit-out of their new studio location that required minimal demolition and disruption to the existing space. Together, we converted a space originally used as a preschool into a welcoming, spacious yoga studio for local yogis. We created one main yoga studio by combining four small classrooms into a single larger space with new walls, while all the other program spaces (including designated areas for holistic treatments, massage, and bodywork) were accommodated into pre-existing rooms. Our team completed all demo, sheetrock, electrical, and painting aspects of the project. (The studio owners did some of the work themselves, and a different company installed the flooring and carpets.) The results speak for themselves: a peaceful, restorative space to facilitate health and healing for the studio’s community. Looking to renovate your place of business? Contact the Houseplay team; we’ll help make it happen! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

This Jersey City, NJ space was the first permanent ‘home’ for the yoga studio, so it was essential for us to listen well and design a space to serve their needs for years to come. Through our design process, we helped to guide the owners through the fit-out of their new studio location that required minimal demolition and disruption to the existing space. Together, we converted a space originally used as a preschool into a welcoming, spacious yoga studio for local yogis. We created one main yoga studio by combining four small classrooms into a single larger space with new walls, while all the other program spaces (including designated areas for holistic treatments, massage, and bodywork) were accommodated into pre-existing rooms. Our team completed all demo, sheetrock, electrical, and painting aspects of the project. (The studio owners did some of the work themselves, and a different company installed the flooring and carpets.) The results speak for themselves: a peaceful, restorative space to facilitate health and healing for the studio’s community. Looking to renovate your place of business? Contact the Houseplay team; we’ll help make it happen! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

Here's what our clients from this project had to say: We LOVE coming home to our newly remodeled and beautiful 41 West designed and built home! It was such a pleasure working with BJ Barone and especially Paul Widhalm and the entire 41 West team. Everyone in the organization is incredibly professional and extremely responsive. Personal service and strong attention to the client and details are hallmarks of the 41 West construction experience. Paul was with us every step of the way as was Ed Jordon (Gary David Designs), a 41 West highly recommended designer. When we were looking to build our dream home, we needed a builder who listened and understood how to bring our ideas and dreams to life. They succeeded this with the utmost honesty, integrity and quality! 41 West has exceeded our expectations every step of the way, and we have been overwhelmingly impressed in all aspects of the project. It has been an absolute pleasure working with such devoted, conscientious, professionals with expertise in their specific fields. Paul sets the tone for excellence and this level of dedication carries through the project. We so appreciated their commitment to perfection...So much so that we also hired them for two more remodeling projects. We love our home and would highly recommend 41 West to anyone considering building or remodeling a home.

This Caviness project for a modern farmhouse design in a community-based neighborhood called The Prairie At Post in Oklahoma. This complete outdoor design includes a large swimming pool with waterfalls, an underground slide, stream bed, glass tiled spa and sun shelf, native Oklahoma flagstone for patios, pathways and hand-cut stone retaining walls, lush mature landscaping and landscape lighting, a prairie grass embedded pathway design, embedded trampoline, all which overlook the farm pond and Oklahoma sky. This project was designed and installed by Caviness Landscape Design, Inc., a small locally-owned family boutique landscape design firm located in Arcadia, Oklahoma. We handle most all aspects of the design and construction in-house to control the quality and integrity of each project. Film by Affordable Aerial Photo & Video

Located in a wooded setting which backs up to a golf course, The Woods is a vacation condo community in Canadian Lakes, Michigan. The owners asked us to create a comfortable modern design that would appeal to golfers and also families visiting relatives in the area. This complete renovation brought the design from 80's basic to rustic transitional. Colors and design elements echo the natural area surrounding the property. SKP Design was involved in multiple aspects of this project. Our services included: space planning for kitchen and both bathrooms selecting finishes for walls, floors, trim, cabinets and countertops reviewing construction details and electrical plans specification of plumbing fixtures, appliances and accent lighting furniture layout, specification and purchasing fireplace design and stone selection reviewing branding and signage ideas In the great room, wrought iron accents are featured in a new staircase handrail system. Other metal accents are found in the new chandelier, barstools and the legs of the live edge coffee table. An open area under the staircase was enclosed with recessed shelving which gives a focal point to the dinette area. Recessed built-in cabinets near the fireplace store TV technology and accessories. The original tiled hearth was replaced by poured concrete with stone accents. A queen sleeper sofa from Edgecomb provides additional sleeping. Fabrics and upholstery throughout the condo were selected for durability and cleanability. Basic white laminate kitchen cabinets were replaced with beautiful dark stained wood. Floor tile is a wood-look porcelain from Daltile called Saddle Brook. Countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms are solid surface Corian Quartz (formerly called DuPont Zodiaq). Broadloom carpet is from Durkan. The first floor bedroom is Mona Vista pattern from Modesto Collection; all other carpet is Inviting Spaces pattern from Timeless Compositions. Walls are painted with Sherwin Williams 7647 Crushed Ice. The main floor bedroom has a custom headboard mounted on a feature wall with plaid wallcovering. A freestanding vanity with undermount sink was added to the alcove area, creating space for a larger walk-in tiled shower with custom bench. On both levels, backlit mirrors highlight the sink areas. The upstairs bath has a blue tile feature wall and vessel sink. A fiberglass bathtub surround was removed and replaced by a custom tiled shower. Vinyl wallcovering from D.L. Couch provides a focal point behind the king headboard in the loft bedroom. A twin sleeper chair adds an extra bed.

Based in Deer Park, N.Y, Stone Creations of Long Island Pavers and Masonry specializes in masonry design and installation, serving communities all across Long Island, Queens and Brooklyn in all aspects of home improvement and repair. From custom brickwork and pavers to asphalt and concrete, Stone Creations of Long Island provides free estimates at your home or business seven days a week. With experienced, reliable employees, and a knowledgeable staff Stone Creations of Long Island knows your home is your greatest investment and choosing the right masonry team to protect and enhance that investment is important. For any inquiries, we look forward to your questions and helping on your next home improvement or commercial project of any scale. We look forward to hearing from you. Paul Saladino Office (631) 678-6896 Mobile (631) 404-5410 Visit Our Website http://www.stonecreationsoflongisland.net See our work on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/users/stonecreationsLI Follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/stone_creations Check us out on Pinterest ttp://www.pinterest.com/stonecreations Follow our Updates on http://stonecreationslongisland.tumblr.com

Our design for the expansion and gut renovation of a small 1200 square foot house in a residential neighborhood triples is size, and reworks the living arrangement. The rear addition takes advantage of southern exposure with a "greenhouse" room that provides solar heat gain in winter, shading in summer, and a vast connection to the rear yard. Architecturally, we used an approach we call "willful practicality." The new soaring ceiling ties together first and second floors in a dramatic volumetric expansion of space, while providing increased ventilation and daylighting from greenhouse to operable windows and skylights at the peak. Exterior pockets of space are created from curved forces pushing in from outside to form cedar clad porch and stoop. Sustainable design is employed throughout all materials, energy systems and insulation. Masonry exterior walls and concrete floors provide thermal mass for the interior by insulating the exterior. An ERV system facilitates increased air changes and minimizes changes to the interior air temperature. Energy and water saving features and renewable, non-toxic materal selections are important aspects of the house design. Environmental community issues are addressed with a drywell in the side yard to mitigate rain runoff into the town sewer system. The long sloping south facing roof is in anticipation of future solar panels, with the standing seam metal roof providing anchoring opportunities for the panels. The exterior walls are clad in stucco, cedar, and cement-fiber panels defining different areas of the house. Closed cell spray insulation is applied to exterior walls and roof, giving the house an "air-tight" seal against air infiltration and a high R-value. The ERV system provides the ventilation needed with this tight envelope. The interior comfort level and economizing are the beneficial results of the building methods and systems employed in the house. Photographer: Peter Kubilus