This small infill lot in the Rosemont neighborhood of Alexandria, VA, created challenges during design and construction. A zoning variance was required to add space to the original small bungalow. Raising the height of the second floor was limited at the eaves, but by incorporating scissor trusses, the second floor feels larger and benefits from interesting intersecting ceiling lines. The first floor features an open layout ideal for entertaining and a distinctive pantry with reclaimed vintage stained glass sliding barn doors. The primary suite is spacious, with a large walk-in closet and a freestanding tub. Filled with craftsman details throughout, this custom home blends perfectly in the Rosemont neighborhood.

Garage - garage idea in Cedar Rapids

Under our client’s encouragement and desire for a near zero-energy design, this hybrid home is a skillful integration of modern architecture and sustainable building science. The design weaves natural materials and clean visual detailing to achieve an organic modern aesthetic while applying OVE (Optimum Value Engineering) framing techniques, insulation over the sheathing, sprayed foam insulation, and blower door testing to construct a tight building envelope, thus minimizing energy impact. The building systems include passive solar design, directionally tuned glazing, high efficiency multi-zoned radiant heat, EPA approved biomass heat, and solar thermal / photovoltaic panels for energy generation. The result is a beautiful, near zero-energy urban home. To reach this goal, the design weaves natural materials and clean visual detailing to achieve an organic modern aesthetic while applying OVE (Optimum Value Engineering) framing techniques, insulation over the sheathing, sprayed foam insulation, and blower door testing to construct a tight building envelope, thus minimizing energy impact. The building systems include Passive solar design, directionally tuned glazing, high efficiency multi-zoned radiant heat, EPA approved biomass heat, and solar thermal / photovoltaic panels for energy generation. Continuing the conscious systems approach in HVAC, an HRV (Hear Recovery Ventilator) and high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) AC system couple with natural ventilation through motorized awning windows. The result is a beautiful, near zero-energy urban home that embraces its owners’ ecological sensibilities as it embraces a private courtyard haven.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

Garage photo in Cedar Rapids

This small infill lot in the Rosemont neighborhood of Alexandria, VA, created challenges during design and construction. A zoning variance was required to add space to the original small bungalow. Raising the height of the second floor was limited at the eaves, but by incorporating scissor trusses, the second floor feels larger and benefits from interesting intersecting ceiling lines. The first floor features an open layout ideal for entertaining and a distinctive pantry with reclaimed vintage stained glass sliding barn doors. The primary suite is spacious, with a large walk-in closet and a freestanding tub. Filled with craftsman details throughout, this custom home blends perfectly in the Rosemont neighborhood.

This small infill lot in the Rosemont neighborhood of Alexandria, VA, created challenges during design and construction. A zoning variance was required to add space to the original small bungalow. Raising the height of the second floor was limited at the eaves, but by incorporating scissor trusses, the second floor feels larger and benefits from interesting intersecting ceiling lines. The first floor features an open layout ideal for entertaining and a distinctive pantry with reclaimed vintage stained glass sliding barn doors. The primary suite is spacious, with a large walk-in closet and a freestanding tub. Filled with craftsman details throughout, this custom home blends perfectly in the Rosemont neighborhood.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

This small infill lot in the Rosemont neighborhood of Alexandria, VA, created challenges during design and construction. A zoning variance was required to add space to the original small bungalow. Raising the height of the second floor was limited at the eaves, but by incorporating scissor trusses, the second floor feels larger and benefits from interesting intersecting ceiling lines. The first floor features an open layout ideal for entertaining and a distinctive pantry with reclaimed vintage stained glass sliding barn doors. The primary suite is spacious, with a large walk-in closet and a freestanding tub. Filled with craftsman details throughout, this custom home blends perfectly in the Rosemont neighborhood.

Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects
Mountain style kitchen photo in San Francisco

This small infill lot in the Rosemont neighborhood of Alexandria, VA, created challenges during design and construction. A zoning variance was required to add space to the original small bungalow. Raising the height of the second floor was limited at the eaves, but by incorporating scissor trusses, the second floor feels larger and benefits from interesting intersecting ceiling lines. The first floor features an open layout ideal for entertaining and a distinctive pantry with reclaimed vintage stained glass sliding barn doors. The primary suite is spacious, with a large walk-in closet and a freestanding tub. Filled with craftsman details throughout, this custom home blends perfectly in the Rosemont neighborhood.

We were delighted when these clients came to us to help them freshen up their home. They loved the location, but wanted to open up the interior to give it a light airy feel and mirror more their style. We removed walls, reconfigured the kitchen and updated the flooring and light fixtures to give this house new life. We opened up the mud/laundry room by removing closets on both sides to open the space up more. We created lockers and a drop zone. We made the space feel bright and larger with the light colors.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects
Kitchen - rustic kitchen idea in San Francisco