Context Norbert and Robin had dreamed of retiring in a Passive House-certified home overlooking the Lubberland Creek Preserve in Southeastern New Hampshire, and they’d done their homework. They were interested in using four integrated Zehnder America (www.zehnderamerica.com) technologies to make the 1,900 square foot home extremely energy efficient. They didn’t miss any opportunity to innovate or raise the bar on sustainable design. Our goals were focused on guaranteeing their comfort in every season, saving them money on a fixed income, and reducing the home’s overall impact on the environment as much as possible. Response The home faces directly south and captures sunlight all winter under tall and vaulted ceilings and a continuous band of slim-lined, Italian triple-pane windows and doors that provide gorgeous views of the wild preserve. A second-story office nook and clerestory provide even deeper views, with a little more privacy. Zehnder, which previously sold its innovative products only in Europe, took on the project as a test house. We designed around Zehnder’s vent-based systems, including a geothermal heat loop that heats and cools incoming air, a heat pump cooling system, electric towel-warmer radiators in the bathrooms, and a highly efficient energy recovery ventilator, which recycles heat and minimizes the need for air conditioning. The house effectively has no conventional heating system—and doesn’t need it. We also looked for efficiencies and smart solutions everywhere, from the lights to the windows to the insulation. The kitchen exhaust hood eliminates, cleans, and recirculates cooking fumes in the home’s unique kitchen, custom-designed to match the ways Norbert likes to prepare meals. There are several countertop heights so they can prep and clean comfortably, and the eat-in kitchen also has two seating heights so people can sit and socialize while they’re working on dinner. An adjacent screened porch greets guests and opens to the view. A roof-mounted solar system helps to ensure that the home generates more energy than it consumes—helped by features such as a heat pump water heater, superinsulation, LED lights and a polished concrete floor that helps regulate indoor temperatures.

The high-end material, combined with a sleek metallic sheen, instantly enhances the style and modern appeal of the range hood. Based on our consuming data, stainless steel range hoods have quickly become a favorite among minimalists. Imagine this: it’s a crisp winter day, snow is gently falling outside, and you’re in the comfort of your kitchen, savoring a freshly baked pumpkin pie while the crackling fireplace casts a warm glow. Inside, the white and gold range hood softly illuminates the kitchen, adding a touch of coziness and style.

The Science of Light and Learning To understand the relationship between lighting and learning, it’s critical to grasp the concept of correlated colour temperature (CCT). CCT refers to the warmth or coolness of light, measured in Kelvin (K). Lower CCTs (around 3000K) provide a warm, cosy atmosphere, while higher CCTs (5000K or above) emit a cool, daylight-like glow. Studies have shown that cool white light, which mimics natural daylight, can increase alertness and mood, contributing to improved cognitive performance. LED lighting, with its ability to produce this desired CCT, makes an ideal choice for educational settings. LED Lighting: Brightening the Future of Education Energy Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness One of the main advantages of LED lighting is its energy efficiency. Traditional lighting solutions like fluorescent and incandescent bulbs consume much more energy to produce the same amount of light as LEDs, which is not only environmentally harmful but also financially costly. Switching to LED lights can result in substantial cost savings for schools, enabling them to redirect funds to other critical areas of education. Durability and Longevity LED lights are renowned for their durability and longevity. They have a significantly longer lifespan compared to conventional lights, which means less frequent replacement and reduced maintenance costs. This durability also minimises disruptions caused by light failure, providing a consistent, well-lit learning environment. Improved Visibility and Reduced Eye Strain With their superior colour rendering index (CRI), LED lights render colours more accurately, leading to improved visibility. This is particularly beneficial in educational settings, where activities often require distinguishing fine details and colours. LED lights also emit less glare than traditional lighting solutions, reducing eye strain and fatigue. This can lead to better concentration and increased comfort for both students and teachers. Incorporating LED Lighting in Classrooms: Practical Considerations When transitioning to LED lighting in classrooms, a few key factors need to be taken into account. Firstly, the lighting design should ensure an even distribution of light, preventing shadowy or overly bright spots that could distract or discomfort students. Secondly, the integration of dimming capabilities can provide flexibility, allowing educators to adjust the lighting level based on the task at hand. Finally, lighting controls can be used to take advantage of natural light, automatically dimming or turning off the LEDs when sufficient daylight is present. Conclusion: The Bright Promise of LED Lighting in Education As education systems continue to evolve, it’s imperative to keep sight of the physical factors that significantly impact learning, one of which is lighting. LED technology, with its myriad benefits, offers an innovative and effective way to enhance the quality of lighting in classrooms. By prioritising investments in such improvements, we can take a significant step towards creating an optimised learning environment that nurtures the educational success of future generations.

SNAPP® screen is a patented (US 8,484,926) 1 piece "build in place" screening system suitable for use in any residential, commercial, or industrial screening application. It’s extremely adaptable to almost any shape or size opening and easily attaches to your structure or any prefabricated frame. Openings don’t need to be square, plumb or even level. This porch screen system offers excellent to very high quality at a reasonable cost and is available in extruded aluminum or flexible extruded PVC … which is perfect for coastal applications or arches. Simply cut the SNAPP® screen extrusion to size, mount around the opening perimeter, install screen material. Very simple and straight forward installation. Perfect product for both trade professionals and home Do It Yourselfers (DIY). For complete product and installation information: https://screenporch.com Direct to consumer sales: https://shop.snappscreen.com Customer reviews: https://youtube.com/snappscreen FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/snappscreen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapp_screen/ 100% Manufactured in USA with US and North American base materials.

View of the foyer from the formal dining room ___ The first Net Zero Minto Dream Home: At Minto Communities, we’re always trying to evolve through research and development. We see building the Minto Dream Home as an opportunity to push the boundaries on innovative home building practices, so this year’s Minto Dream Home, the Hampton—for the first time ever—has been built as a Net Zero Energy home. This means the home will produce as much energy as it consumes. Carefully considered East-coast elegance: Returning this year to head up the interior design, we have Tanya Collins. The Hampton is based on our largest Mahogany design—the 3,551 sq. ft. Redwood. It draws inspiration from the sophisticated beach-houses of its namesake. Think relaxed coastal living, a soft neutral colour palette, lots of light, wainscotting, coffered ceilings, shiplap, wall moulding, and grasscloth wallpaper. * 5,641 sq. ft. of living space * 4 bedrooms * 3.5 bathrooms * Finished basement with oversized entertainment room, exercise space, and a juice bar * A great room featuring stunning views of the surrounding nature

SNAPP® screen is a patented (US 8,484,926) 1 piece "build in place" screening system suitable for use in any residential, commercial, or industrial screening application. It’s extremely adaptable to almost any shape or size opening and easily attaches to your structure or any prefabricated frame. Openings don’t need to be square, plumb or even level. This porch screen system offers excellent to very high quality at a reasonable cost and is available in extruded aluminum or flexible extruded PVC … which is perfect for coastal applications or arches. Simply cut the SNAPP® screen extrusion to size, mount around the opening perimeter, install screen material. Very simple and straight forward installation. Perfect product for both trade professionals and home Do It Yourselfers (DIY). For complete product and installation information: https://screenporch.com Direct to consumer sales: https://shop.snappscreen.com Customer reviews: https://youtube.com/snappscreen FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/snappscreen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapp_screen/ 100% Manufactured in USA with US and North American base materials.

SNAPP® screen is a patented (US 8,484,926) 1 piece "build in place" screening system suitable for use in any residential, commercial, or industrial screening application. It’s extremely adaptable to almost any shape or size opening and easily attaches to your structure or any prefabricated frame. Openings don’t need to be square, plumb or even level. This porch screen system offers excellent to very high quality at a reasonable cost and is available in extruded aluminum or flexible extruded PVC … which is perfect for coastal applications or arches. Simply cut the SNAPP® screen extrusion to size, mount around the opening perimeter, install screen material. Very simple and straight forward installation. Perfect product for both trade professionals and home Do It Yourselfers (DIY). For complete product and installation information: https://screenporch.com Direct to consumer sales: https://shop.snappscreen.com Customer reviews: https://youtube.com/snappscreen FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/snappscreen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapp_screen/ 100% Manufactured in USA with US and North American base materials.

SNAPP® screen is a patented (US 8,484,926) 1 piece "build in place" screening system suitable for use in any residential, commercial, or industrial screening application. It’s extremely adaptable to almost any shape or size opening and easily attaches to your structure or any prefabricated frame. Openings don’t need to be square, plumb or even level. This porch screen system offers excellent to very high quality at a reasonable cost and is available in extruded aluminum or flexible extruded PVC … which is perfect for coastal applications or arches. Simply cut the SNAPP® screen extrusion to size, mount around the opening perimeter, install screen material. Very simple and straight forward installation. Perfect product for both trade professionals and home Do It Yourselfers (DIY). For complete product and installation information: https://screenporch.com Direct to consumer sales: https://shop.snappscreen.com Customer reviews: https://youtube.com/snappscreen FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/snappscreen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapp_screen/ 100% Manufactured in USA with US and North American base materials.

All RINEKWALL designs are available on wallcovering. Combining wallcoverings with coordinating RINEKWALL designs on fabrics from a series or collection can create a unique style and theme for an entire space. Our wallcovering is a high performance, dimensionally stable, breathable, and eco-friendly material. The Rainforest Alliance and FSC Certified paper is made with 10% post-consumer waste, achieving a sustainable advantage over traditional vinyl materials. It meets the strict California 01350 standards for indoor air quality, a prerequisite for LEED credit certification, and carries a class “A” fire rating based on ASTM E-84. Wallcovering is available in two weights. Our Commercial Wallcovering is a 10pt paper. Our Standard Wallcovering is a 6pt paper. Engineered to be easy to install, the paper is pre-pasted. Simply spraying the back of the paper with water activates the adhesive and in one minute the paper is ready to install.

Designed to make an impression, the Buzz round nesting occasional tables offer multiple heights in brilliant fashion. Forming a figure-8 style arrangement, the 12-inch table consumes a portion of the 10-inch table resulting in functional multi-level surfaces... The wooden table top can be done in walnut or oak wenge. All supported by poadwer-coated steel base.

THE SETUP When we first encountered this basement for a family with three boys, we saw a space with untapped potential. Though previously remodeled, it lacked a cohesive design strategy. The expansive area housed various entertainment pieces (a shuffleboard table, air hockey, foosball, etc.) scattered haphazardly throughout the space. While the basement included a workout room and a rudimentary kitchen area, it lacked a dedicated game room or proper bar. Excessive storage closets along the back wall consumed valuable real estate that could be repurposed for more engaging uses. In essence, the basement was spacious but disjointed—functional for family use but falling short as an entertainment hub. It didn’t align with the sophistication of the rest of the home. Our clients envisioned a transformation: a fresh, organized space that would not only serve their family’s needs but also shine as an inviting arena for entertaining friends and hosting gatherings – especially sports-focused gatherings! Design Objectives: Reimagine the basement layout, creating distinct zones for varied activities. Expand the workout area to accommodate new equipment, including a Smith machine. Implement a multi-screen setup inspired by high-end sports bars, allowing guests to follow multiple games while socializing. Enhance existing features while developing new areas: Optimize a workout space for all equipment needs Establish a dedicated children’s space with guest room capabilities Create an integrated bar and entertainment area Retain and incorporate the existing projector setup Design Challenges: Navigate layout constraints in the new workout room due to fixed utility areas. Carve out a distinct space for kids within the open plan. Revitalize an underutilized section of the basement. Elevate the existing big screen area with purposeful design elements. Develop a full-fledged bar area while maintaining kitchen functions applicable for hangout snacking. Work around immovable structural elements (soffits, load-bearing support columns) THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Install a stylish barn door for the utility area of the new workout space, improving aesthetics and accessibility. Repurpose the former workout room into a dedicated game room for kids, utilizing couches with pull-out beds so the area can double as overflow guest accommodations. Transform the unused area into a vibrant pub-style area for card and table games. Enhance the big screen area with elegant wainscoting and ambient theatre-style lighting. Design a multi-functional wet bar area featuring varied seating, prep areas, and a microwave. Base the bar sink area width off the soffit above it. In the big screen area, use the soffit to inform the width of a wainscoting section. For the immovable support columns, dress one up to match the wainscoting of the nearby big screen wall. Hide the other one in a new wall. Final Thoughts: The reimagined basement has exceeded our clients’ expectations, evolving into the ultimate entertainment hub. With seven strategically placed screens, it’s perfect for gatherings focused on major sporting events and casual gatherings, as well. The space strikes a balance between adult sophistication and family-friendly functionality, featuring distinct zones for various activities. The new design not only maximizes functionality for modern, multi-screen entertainment but also elevates the aesthetic appeal. It integrates flawlessly with the rest of the home’s transitional style while allowing each basement section to maintain its unique character. The result is a versatile space that caters to both intimate family time and large-scale entertaining.

THE SETUP When we first encountered this basement for a family with three boys, we saw a space with untapped potential. Though previously remodeled, it lacked a cohesive design strategy. The expansive area housed various entertainment pieces (a shuffleboard table, air hockey, foosball, etc.) scattered haphazardly throughout the space. While the basement included a workout room and a rudimentary kitchen area, it lacked a dedicated game room or proper bar. Excessive storage closets along the back wall consumed valuable real estate that could be repurposed for more engaging uses. In essence, the basement was spacious but disjointed—functional for family use but falling short as an entertainment hub. It didn’t align with the sophistication of the rest of the home. Our clients envisioned a transformation: a fresh, organized space that would not only serve their family’s needs but also shine as an inviting arena for entertaining friends and hosting gatherings – especially sports-focused gatherings! Design Objectives: Reimagine the basement layout, creating distinct zones for varied activities. Expand the workout area to accommodate new equipment, including a Smith machine. Implement a multi-screen setup inspired by high-end sports bars, allowing guests to follow multiple games while socializing. Enhance existing features while developing new areas: Optimize a workout space for all equipment needs Establish a dedicated children’s space with guest room capabilities Create an integrated bar and entertainment area Retain and incorporate the existing projector setup Design Challenges: Navigate layout constraints in the new workout room due to fixed utility areas. Carve out a distinct space for kids within the open plan. Revitalize an underutilized section of the basement. Elevate the existing big screen area with purposeful design elements. Develop a full-fledged bar area while maintaining kitchen functions applicable for hangout snacking. Work around immovable structural elements (soffits, load-bearing support columns) THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Install a stylish barn door for the utility area of the new workout space, improving aesthetics and accessibility. Repurpose the former workout room into a dedicated game room for kids, utilizing couches with pull-out beds so the area can double as overflow guest accommodations. Transform the unused area into a vibrant pub-style area for card and table games. Enhance the big screen area with elegant wainscoting and ambient theatre-style lighting. Design a multi-functional wet bar area featuring varied seating, prep areas, and a microwave. Base the bar sink area width off the soffit above it. In the big screen area, use the soffit to inform the width of a wainscoting section. For the immovable support columns, dress one up to match the wainscoting of the nearby big screen wall. Hide the other one in a new wall. Final Thoughts: The reimagined basement has exceeded our clients’ expectations, evolving into the ultimate entertainment hub. With seven strategically placed screens, it’s perfect for gatherings focused on major sporting events and casual gatherings, as well. The space strikes a balance between adult sophistication and family-friendly functionality, featuring distinct zones for various activities. The new design not only maximizes functionality for modern, multi-screen entertainment but also elevates the aesthetic appeal. It integrates flawlessly with the rest of the home’s transitional style while allowing each basement section to maintain its unique character. The result is a versatile space that caters to both intimate family time and large-scale entertaining.

SNAPP® screen is a patented (US 8,484,926) 1 piece "build in place" screening system suitable for use in any residential, commercial, or industrial screening application. It’s extremely adaptable to almost any shape or size opening and easily attaches to your structure or any prefabricated frame. Openings don’t need to be square, plumb or even level. This porch screen system offers excellent to very high quality at a reasonable cost and is available in extruded aluminum or flexible extruded PVC … which is perfect for coastal applications or arches. Simply cut the SNAPP® screen extrusion to size, mount around the opening perimeter, install screen material. Very simple and straight forward installation. Perfect product for both trade professionals and home Do It Yourselfers (DIY). For complete product and installation information: https://screenporch.com Direct to consumer sales: https://shop.snappscreen.com Customer reviews: https://youtube.com/snappscreen FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/snappscreen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapp_screen/ 100% Manufactured in USA with US and North American base materials.

The concept of the garden was based on, “Brazilian Hummingbirds II”, a painting the MFAH has in its collection by the artist, Martin Johnson Heade. Heade travelled to the rainforest in Brazil between 1863 and 1864 and painted a series of small paintings depicting hummingbirds in the lush foliage of the Brazilian rainforests. His painting, Brazilian Hummingbirds, II, evokes the sultry atmosphere of the Brazilian rainforest with its misty quality and subtle lighting. His interest in ornithology can be seen in his detailed depictions of the hummingbirds. The garden location is adjacent to one of Buffalo Bayou’s steep, wooded ravines. The ravine, with its native plant communities and topography, is a perfect back- drop for a garden with a rainforest theme. Because the date for the garden opening coincides with the spring migration of hummingbirds into our region, the hummingbird theme seemed appropriate for this garden competition. The garden will include a variety of tropical plants native to the rainforests such as bromeliads, orchids, heliconia, and passion fruit flowers. In addition, native plants to our region such as the Sabal Minor and Southern Wood Fern will be included to integrate plants that are found nearby in the ravine. The Heliconia flowers produce considerable amounts of nectar, a high energy food essential for hummingbirds who are known to consume three times their bodyweight in a single day. In addition to nectar producing plants, there will be hummingbird nest materials dispersed throughout the garden. A misty quality to the garden will be provided by a misting system, and tropical colored lights will be lit at night for special events. Visitors to the garden will have a unique sensory experience reminiscent to that of Heade’s travels to Brazil’s rainforests.

SNAPP® screen is a patented (US 8,484,926) 1 piece "build in place" screening system suitable for use in any residential, commercial, or industrial screening application. It’s extremely adaptable to almost any shape or size opening and easily attaches to your structure or any prefabricated frame. Openings don’t need to be square, plumb or even level. This porch screen system offers excellent to very high quality at a reasonable cost and is available in extruded aluminum or flexible extruded PVC … which is perfect for coastal applications or arches. Simply cut the SNAPP® screen extrusion to size, mount around the opening perimeter, install screen material. Very simple and straight forward installation. Perfect product for both trade professionals and home Do It Yourselfers (DIY). For complete product and installation information: https://screenporch.com Direct to consumer sales: https://shop.snappscreen.com Customer reviews: https://youtube.com/snappscreen FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/snappscreen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapp_screen/ 100% Manufactured in USA with US and North American base materials.

It was imperative that this IKEA remodel kitchen featured a simple, timeless design with a functional flow. “Since this is a rental unit, we needed the kitchen to have broad appeal. We wanted functionality foremost and we were also trying to get as much storage space as possible in the kitchen without making it feel cramped and small,” he says. Therefore, Justin relied on IKD’s design services as well as Los Angeles, CA-based RTC Services, Inc. to install the IKEA cabinetry. He explains: “For us, having a designer was essential because we didn’t want to invest a ton of money in a kitchen only to find that there were errors like a dishwasher that opened up into a cabinet or a countertop or cabinet that didn’t fit an appliance. There are so many decisions that go along with designing a kitchen, we didn’t want to be responsible for measuring all aspects of our space and trying to master IKEA’s in-store Home Planner design tool, which we had read could take hours.” He concludes: “While searching online we ran into many horror stories of IKEA customers trying to design their own kitchens. Overall, the process sounded time consuming and prone to mistakes. We thought that for IKD’s price point, they offered an invaluable service. Not only were they very familiar with all of IKEA’s product lines, they also understood design fundamentals in a way that we didn’t.

SNAPP® screen is a patented (US 8,484,926) 1 piece "build in place" screening system suitable for use in any residential, commercial, or industrial screening application. It’s extremely adaptable to almost any shape or size opening and easily attaches to your structure or any prefabricated frame. Openings don’t need to be square, plumb or even level. This porch screen system offers excellent to very high quality at a reasonable cost and is available in extruded aluminum or flexible extruded PVC … which is perfect for coastal applications or arches. Simply cut the SNAPP® screen extrusion to size, mount around the opening perimeter, install screen material. Very simple and straight forward installation. Perfect product for both trade professionals and home Do It Yourselfers (DIY). For complete product and installation information: https://screenporch.com Direct to consumer sales: https://shop.snappscreen.com Customer reviews: https://youtube.com/snappscreen FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/snappscreen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapp_screen/ 100% Manufactured in USA with US and North American base materials.

The concept of the garden was based on, “Brazilian Hummingbirds II”, a painting the MFAH has in its collection by the artist, Martin Johnson Heade. Heade travelled to the rainforest in Brazil between 1863 and 1864 and painted a series of small paintings depicting hummingbirds in the lush foliage of the Brazilian rainforests. His painting, Brazilian Hummingbirds, II, evokes the sultry atmosphere of the Brazilian rainforest with its misty quality and subtle lighting. His interest in ornithology can be seen in his detailed depictions of the hummingbirds. The garden location is adjacent to one of Buffalo Bayou’s steep, wooded ravines. The ravine, with its native plant communities and topography, is a perfect back- drop for a garden with a rainforest theme. Because the date for the garden opening coincides with the spring migration of hummingbirds into our region, the hummingbird theme seemed appropriate for this garden competition. The garden will include a variety of tropical plants native to the rainforests such as bromeliads, orchids, heliconia, and passion fruit flowers. In addition, native plants to our region such as the Sabal Minor and Southern Wood Fern will be included to integrate plants that are found nearby in the ravine. The Heliconia flowers produce considerable amounts of nectar, a high energy food essential for hummingbirds who are known to consume three times their bodyweight in a single day. In addition to nectar producing plants, there will be hummingbird nest materials dispersed throughout the garden. A misty quality to the garden will be provided by a misting system, and tropical colored lights will be lit at night for special events. Visitors to the garden will have a unique sensory experience reminiscent to that of Heade’s travels to Brazil’s rainforests.

Context Norbert and Robin had dreamed of retiring in a Passive House-certified home overlooking the Lubberland Creek Preserve in Southeastern New Hampshire, and they’d done their homework. They were interested in using four integrated Zehnder America (www.zehnderamerica.com) technologies to make the 1,900 square foot home extremely energy efficient. They didn’t miss any opportunity to innovate or raise the bar on sustainable design. Our goals were focused on guaranteeing their comfort in every season, saving them money on a fixed income, and reducing the home’s overall impact on the environment as much as possible. Response The home faces directly south and captures sunlight all winter under tall and vaulted ceilings and a continuous band of slim-lined, Italian triple-pane windows and doors that provide gorgeous views of the wild preserve. A second-story office nook and clerestory provide even deeper views, with a little more privacy. Zehnder, which previously sold its innovative products only in Europe, took on the project as a test house. We designed around Zehnder’s vent-based systems, including a geothermal heat loop that heats and cools incoming air, a heat pump cooling system, electric towel-warmer radiators in the bathrooms, and a highly efficient energy recovery ventilator, which recycles heat and minimizes the need for air conditioning. The house effectively has no conventional heating system—and doesn’t need it. We also looked for efficiencies and smart solutions everywhere, from the lights to the windows to the insulation. The kitchen exhaust hood eliminates, cleans, and recirculates cooking fumes in the home’s unique kitchen, custom-designed to match the ways Norbert likes to prepare meals. There are several countertop heights so they can prep and clean comfortably, and the eat-in kitchen also has two seating heights so people can sit and socialize while they’re working on dinner. An adjacent screened porch greets guests and opens to the view. A roof-mounted solar system helps to ensure that the home generates more energy than it consumes—helped by features such as a heat pump water heater, superinsulation, LED lights and a polished concrete floor that helps regulate indoor temperatures.