Mark Hoyle Originally, this 3700 SF two level eclectic farmhouse from the mid 1980’s underwent design changes to reflect a more colonial style. Now, after being completely renovated with additional 2800 SF living space, it’s combined total of 6500 SF boasts an Energy Star certification of 5 stars. Approaching this completed home, you will meander along a new driveway through the dense buffer of trees until you reach the clearing, and then circle a tiered fountain on axis with the front entry accentuating the symmetrical main structure. Many of the exterior changes included enclosing the front porch and rear screened porch, replacing windows, replacing all the vinyl siding with and fiber cement siding, creating a new front stoop with winding brick stairs and wrought iron railings as will as other additions to the left and rear of the home. The existing interior was completely fro the studs and included modifying uses of many of the existing rooms such as converting the original dining room into an oval shaped theater with reclining theater seats, fiber-optic starlight ceiling and an 80” television with built-in surround sound. The laundry room increased in size by taking in the porch and received all new cabinets and finishes. The screened porch across the back of the house was enclosed to create a new dining room, enlarged the kitchen, all of which allows for a commanding view of the beautifully landscaped pool. The upper master suite begins by entering a private office then leads to a newly vaulted bedroom, a new master bathroom with natural light and an enlarged closet. The major portion of the addition space was added to the left side as a part time home for the owner’s brother. This new addition boasts an open plan living, dining and kitchen, a master suite with a luxurious bathroom and walk–in closet, a guest suite, a garage and its own private gated brick courtyard entry and direct access to the well appointed pool patio. And finally the last part of the project is the sunroom and new lagoon style pool. Tucked tightly against the rear of the home. This room was created to feel like a gazebo including a metal roof and stained wood ceiling, the foundation of this room was constructed with the pool to insure the look as if it is floating on the water. The pool’s negative edge opposite side allows open views of the trees beyond. There is a natural stone waterfall on one side of the pool and a shallow area on the opposite side for lounge chairs to be placed in it along with a hot tub that spills into the pool. The coping completes the pool’s natural shape and continues to the patio utilizing the same stone but separated by Zoysia grass keeping the natural theme. The finishing touches to this backyard oasis is completed utilizing large boulders, Tempest Torches, architectural lighting and abundant variety of landscaping complete the oasis for all to enjoy.

I was hired by my previous employer, Corvallis Custom Kitchens and Baths to assist these homeowners with all of the materials, fixtures and finish choices to complete this master bathroom remodel. Brian Egan, owner and designer at CCKB in Sept 2017, since retired), designed this aging-in-place, accessible shower (previously a shower and separate soaker tub) for the clients who reside in an over 55 community here in Corvallis. Large format 12x24 unpolished Crossville Kosmos Moonstruck tile was chosen for the bathroom floor and the shower walls to minimize grout lines. For the shower floor/pan small 1x1 DalTile Keystones Marble color tile was used to aid in making the floor feel extra slip resistant as the Keystones tiles do not have grittier feeling surface than porcelain tile. For safety and a non-industrial look, Moen Align chrome designer grab bars were installed in the shower and toilet room. The handshower and rainshower head system by Grohe beautifully combines the 2 systems in one unit called Retrofit 160. To allow the homeowners to turn the shower on and warm up without them having to step in the direct spray of the shower head, the controls were placed under the window near the shower entry. This would also allow a helper to assist anyone using the shower in the future should the need arise. A linear drain was installed to pull water away from the zero threshold shower entry. Installing a linear shower drain allows for a no threshold shower which can allow for the shower to be accessible with a walker or roll-in with a wheelchair as the shower was designed almost 40" wide. The homeowners were thrilled with the transformation of their bathroom. The design and material choices fit their tastes and needs perfectly. Now they can continue to age in place and not worry about how they would be able to bathe if something were to decrease their mobility. Photos by: H. Needham

This outdoor living project allows our clients to truly enjoy their outdoor space in Rosenberg, TX. On about an acre of land, the covered patio with outdoor kitchen is the perfect spot for sipping morning coffee and enjoying a gentle breeze. The workshop adjacent to the garage was built to look original to the home, and in fact, even has AC! Both projects add much appeal and practicality to this home. The covered patio, extending from the existing porch cover, was also built to look original to the home with matching cedar wrapped columns with brick bases. Outdoor ceiling fans were wired to this space as well as recessed lights and flood lights. A large kitchen space was built with matching brick, beautiful granite countertops, and a bar seating. With plenty storage and counter space and a large grill, this outdoor kitchen suits our clients' needs. The original flooring surface was replaced by stamped concrete and continued throughout the remainder of the project. Later, we returned to build our clients' a workshop space. This space is complete with AC, indoor and outdoor lighting, and a garage door with ramp in the rear for ease of access with large equipment. The entire structure matches the original home, including cedar wrapped columns, partial brick and siding exterior.

I was hired by my previous employer, Corvallis Custom Kitchens and Baths to assist these homeowners with all of the materials, fixtures and finish choices to complete this master bathroom remodel. Brian Egan, owner and designer at CCKB in Sept 2017, since retired), designed this aging-in-place, accessible shower (previously a shower and separate soaker tub) for the clients who reside in an over 55 community here in Corvallis. Large format 12x24 unpolished Crossville Kosmos Moonstruck tile was chosen for the bathroom floor and the shower walls to minimize grout lines. For the shower floor/pan small 1x1 DalTile Keystones Marble color tile was used to aid in making the floor feel extra slip resistant as the Keystones tiles do not have grittier feeling surface than porcelain tile. For safety and a non-industrial look, Moen Align chrome designer grab bars were installed in the shower and toilet room. The handshower and rainshower head system by Grohe beautifully combines the 2 systems in one unit called Retrofit 160. To allow the homeowners to turn the shower on and warm up without them having to step in the direct spray of the shower head, the controls were placed under the window near the shower entry. This would also allow a helper to assist anyone using the shower in the future should the need arise. A linear drain was installed to pull water away from the zero threshold shower entry. Installing a linear shower drain allows for a no threshold shower which can allow for the shower to be accessible with a walker or roll-in with a wheelchair as the shower was designed almost 40" wide. The homeowners were thrilled with the transformation of their bathroom. The design and material choices fit their tastes and needs perfectly. Now they can continue to age in place and not worry about how they would be able to bathe if something were to decrease their mobility. Photos by: H. Needham

Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement. To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing. Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house. Photos by Katie Hutchison

Our clients for this remodel of a 100 year old home in San Francisco’s Liberty Hill neighborhood recently moved to San Francisco. The house they purchased was very stately and had great bones, but lacked a true master suite and had recently been remodeled in a slightly generic modern style. We helped them with projects throughout the house. Our biggest project was creating a true master suite out of two bedrooms and an existing bathroom. We created an open concept bathroom with custom gray lacquer wardrobes and shoe storage units with a dramatic slot skylight overhead. Access to the master bedroom is through this room. The clean lines of the bathroom are complimented by a very long wall hung vanity with a CaesarStone counter which flows into the walk-in shower and becomes the curb. A variety of tiles including locally fabricated tile from Heath Ceramics were carefully selected to create a warm and inviting, yet modern, feeling. Oak floors similar to those in the rest of the house were used throughout the master suite for continuity. By using the same tile on the back wall of the bathroom we were able to create a visual unity from the shower through the vanity and the water closet. Our work also included a new fireplace in the living room. Photography by Christopher Stark.

Paul Burk Photography
Staircase - mid-sized modern concrete straight metal railing staircase idea in Baltimore with wooden risers

With a desire to stay close to friends and family, the owners of this 1984 home spent several years searching for property near their neighborhood to build a new, more modern, energy-conscious home tailored to their empty-nest lifestyle. They eventually concluded that their current site was the perfect location for them, but the home needed to be updated and reorganized to create fresh, open, unified spaces to comfortably welcome gatherings of family, friends, and guests. Before renovation, the floor plan included small rooms, dedicated hallways, a step-down living room, a heavy and dark corner fireplace, and limited opportunities for natural light and visual connections from space to space. Exterior deck areas were narrow, long, and used infrequently. Primary goals of this project included accessibility of space, more natural light, better connectivity between spaces, and a focus on sustainable performance. The updated main floor plan included the selective removal of walls to reallocate dedicated hall space to usable, open living area. The step-down living room was leveled for full accessibility, safety, furniture flexibility and overall space use. The removal of a half-height wall between the living area and the kitchen created continuity between the spaces. Reorganizing the primary entry and stair and eliminating walls between the entry and dining room created new visual connections between the kitchen and the entry. The new central concrete hearth and fireplace provides a strong, modern focal point for the living area. Large sliding glass doors on each side of the fireplace allow the TV area beyond to be separated from the living area as needed. In several strategic locations, the footprint of the house was expanded to enhance function and flow at the kitchen, dining room, and mudroom. The new outdoor deck area is now large and singular and includes a grille area, dining space and open seating overlooking the newly landscaped pool below. The exterior envelope of the house includes new insulation, siding, and energy-efficient windows, as well as two large roof-mounted solar arrays, to increase thermal performance and to offset energy costs. Inside, the new HVAC system maximizes energy efficiency while using a fraction of its former footprint. As a result, a portion of the former mechanical space was added back to the lower level family room area and expands into a cozy library nook. MMA partnered with the owner’s interior designer and kitchen designer to achieve a softer, contemporary palette of finishes that complement this newly configured, light-filled home.

Living in place with flex: The mother of the homeowner needed a home that is fully accessible for living in place, so we created a barrier-free entry and installed grab bars. The new suite contains a full bedroom and bath and a small living room with a kitchenette. One of the homeowners especially loves to cook. Now he has a new kitchen with more space, more storage, and better functionality. Fresh paint, wallpaper and a new look: We refinished the hardwood floors throughout and gave the whole home a fresh new look. We updated a powder room with paint, new tile, new fixtures, new lighting, and wallpaper. Kitchen with space, flow, and storage: The kitchen was cut off from the rest of the home. It had a long peninsula with awkward flow around the kitchen that just didn’t work. We removed the peninsula and instead created a large island with seating for three. With the new island, counter space is much more usable now. We put hidden cupboards underneath for added storage. The island also holds the built-in microwave with a steel drawer front below for continuity. We used banked drawers rather than cupboards for ease of access. We also installed new large appliances. Coffee station, cookbooks, and spices: We removed two clumsy closed pantries and an unused main door, and this allowed space for more cabinetry. We added an open shelf section with herringbone tile and a counter for a coffee station and cookbooks. Other features were a waste bin pullout with garbage bag storage and a tall spice pullout drawer. The kitchen now has a big double-wide appliance garage where all small appliances are stored and organized in a big pantry with a light inside. All the appliances are front and centre (rather than buried in the back somewhere), yet hidden behind a door. Flex space means other new spaces for everyone: In creating a flex space for the mother on the main floor, the homeowners lost their space for a family room, although there is still a formal living and dining room on that floor. We solved it by creating a new finished basement with a family room to replace the one upstairs. This gives the family and the mother their own spaces and at the same time comfortable places for all of them.

This custom built 2-story French Country style home is a beautiful retreat in the South Tampa area. The exterior of the home was designed to strike a subtle balance of stucco and stone, brought together by a neutral color palette with contrasting rust-colored garage doors and shutters. To further emphasize the European influence on the design, unique elements like the curved roof above the main entry and the castle tower that houses the octagonal shaped master walk-in shower jutting out from the main structure. Additionally, the entire exterior form of the home is lined with authentic gas-lit sconces. The rear of the home features a putting green, pool deck, outdoor kitchen with retractable screen, and rain chains to speak to the country aesthetic of the home. Inside, you are met with a two-story living room with full length retractable sliding glass doors that open to the outdoor kitchen and pool deck. A large salt aquarium built into the millwork panel system visually connects the media room and living room. The media room is highlighted by the large stone wall feature, and includes a full wet bar with a unique farmhouse style bar sink and custom rustic barn door in the French Country style. The country theme continues in the kitchen with another larger farmhouse sink, cabinet detailing, and concealed exhaust hood. This is complemented by painted coffered ceilings with multi-level detailed crown wood trim. The rustic subway tile backsplash is accented with subtle gray tile, turned at a 45 degree angle to create interest. Large candle-style fixtures connect the exterior sconces to the interior details. A concealed pantry is accessed through hidden panels that match the cabinetry. The home also features a large master suite with a raised plank wood ceiling feature, and additional spacious guest suites. Each bathroom in the home has its own character, while still communicating with the overall style of the home.

Living in place with flex: The mother of the homeowner needed a home that is fully accessible for living in place, so we created a barrier-free entry and installed grab bars. The new suite contains a full bedroom and bath and a small living room with a kitchenette. One of the homeowners especially loves to cook. Now he has a new kitchen with more space, more storage, and better functionality. Fresh paint, wallpaper and a new look: We refinished the hardwood floors throughout and gave the whole home a fresh new look. We updated a powder room with paint, new tile, new fixtures, new lighting, and wallpaper. Kitchen with space, flow, and storage: The kitchen was cut off from the rest of the home. It had a long peninsula with awkward flow around the kitchen that just didn’t work. We removed the peninsula and instead created a large island with seating for three. With the new island, counter space is much more usable now. We put hidden cupboards underneath for added storage. The island also holds the built-in microwave with a steel drawer front below for continuity. We used banked drawers rather than cupboards for ease of access. We also installed new large appliances. Coffee station, cookbooks, and spices: We removed two clumsy closed pantries and an unused main door, and this allowed space for more cabinetry. We added an open shelf section with herringbone tile and a counter for a coffee station and cookbooks. Other features were a waste bin pullout with garbage bag storage and a tall spice pullout drawer. The kitchen now has a big double-wide appliance garage where all small appliances are stored and organized in a big pantry with a light inside. All the appliances are front and centre (rather than buried in the back somewhere), yet hidden behind a door. Flex space means other new spaces for everyone: In creating a flex space for the mother on the main floor, the homeowners lost their space for a family room, although there is still a formal living and dining room on that floor. We solved it by creating a new finished basement with a family room to replace the one upstairs. This gives the family and the mother their own spaces and at the same time comfortable places for all of them.

Living in place with flex: The mother of the homeowner needed a home that is fully accessible for living in place, so we created a barrier-free entry and installed grab bars. The new suite contains a full bedroom and bath and a small living room with a kitchenette. One of the homeowners especially loves to cook. Now he has a new kitchen with more space, more storage, and better functionality. Fresh paint, wallpaper and a new look: We refinished the hardwood floors throughout and gave the whole home a fresh new look. We updated a powder room with paint, new tile, new fixtures, new lighting, and wallpaper. Kitchen with space, flow, and storage: The kitchen was cut off from the rest of the home. It had a long peninsula with awkward flow around the kitchen that just didn’t work. We removed the peninsula and instead created a large island with seating for three. With the new island, counter space is much more usable now. We put hidden cupboards underneath for added storage. The island also holds the built-in microwave with a steel drawer front below for continuity. We used banked drawers rather than cupboards for ease of access. We also installed new large appliances. Coffee station, cookbooks, and spices: We removed two clumsy closed pantries and an unused main door, and this allowed space for more cabinetry. We added an open shelf section with herringbone tile and a counter for a coffee station and cookbooks. Other features were a waste bin pullout with garbage bag storage and a tall spice pullout drawer. The kitchen now has a big double-wide appliance garage where all small appliances are stored and organized in a big pantry with a light inside. All the appliances are front and centre (rather than buried in the back somewhere), yet hidden behind a door. Flex space means other new spaces for everyone: In creating a flex space for the mother on the main floor, the homeowners lost their space for a family room, although there is still a formal living and dining room on that floor. We solved it by creating a new finished basement with a family room to replace the one upstairs. This gives the family and the mother their own spaces and at the same time comfortable places for all of them.

Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement. To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing. Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house. Photos by Katie Hutchison

UnionMain Homes at Lake Breeze is a new master-planned community in Lavon, Texas that opened on February 6, 2023. Lake Breeze offers spacious, modern floor plans on oversized lots with close access to Lake Lavon in the Community ISD. With a wide range of floorplans and lot sizes, there’s something for everyone. UnionMain Homes offers 40-foot and 50-foot homesites each with distinct floorplans. The 40-foot floor plans come equipped with numerous upgrades, including signature design package finishes. Choose between 3-floor plan options with 4+ bedrooms and 2.5-4 baths, ranging from 2,728 -3,272 square feet to fit the needs of your family. There are 6 front entry 50-foot floor plan options to choose from, offering 3+ bedrooms and 2.5-4 baths ranging from 2,224 – 3,448 square feet equipped with design package finishes. “This neighborhood truly exemplifies the UnionMain Homes brand and lifestyle for which we are known,” said Tim Gehan, UnionMain Homes CEO. “With our most popular features already included and personalization options available through our preselected design packages, we continue to offer our residents the best in luxury living in the most desirable locations in the Dallas area.” In Lake Breeze, you’ll enjoy a small-town, family-friendly identity with a relaxed rural setting in one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. This lakeside community is within mere minutes of some of Colin County’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. With easy access to Interstate 30 and Highway 78 enjoy access to all that Dallas – Fort Worth has to offer. As a Lake Breeze homeowner, you’ll join a community where your children’s education is a top priority. Community ISD has received numerous accolades due to the hard work of students, teachers, curriculum staff, and campus leadership. The school district believes in providing every student with every opportunity to succeed and offers a variety of competitive sports and provides a high-quality fine arts education. About UnionMain Homes Combining over 75 years of homebuilding experience, our commitment to creating better living environments remains unwavering. We build with the latest energy-efficient construction materials and use cutting-edge approaches to deliver comfortable, eco-friendly homes that ensure long-lasting enjoyment and higher resale values. But we don’t just focus on life inside the home- we believe in building community through each sought-after location we carefully select to build in, to truly enhance the lives of our customers. To learn more about UnionMain Homes in Lake Breeze, visit our website here or visit our model at 711 Oak Street Lavon, Texas 75166. This Home of the Week is presented by the Dallas Builders Association. For information on the Association please visit www.dallasbuilders.com.

Living in place with flex: The mother of the homeowner needed a home that is fully accessible for living in place, so we created a barrier-free entry and installed grab bars. The new suite contains a full bedroom and bath and a small living room with a kitchenette. One of the homeowners especially loves to cook. Now he has a new kitchen with more space, more storage, and better functionality. Fresh paint, wallpaper and a new look: We refinished the hardwood floors throughout and gave the whole home a fresh new look. We updated a powder room with paint, new tile, new fixtures, new lighting, and wallpaper. Kitchen with space, flow, and storage: The kitchen was cut off from the rest of the home. It had a long peninsula with awkward flow around the kitchen that just didn’t work. We removed the peninsula and instead created a large island with seating for three. With the new island, counter space is much more usable now. We put hidden cupboards underneath for added storage. The island also holds the built-in microwave with a steel drawer front below for continuity. We used banked drawers rather than cupboards for ease of access. We also installed new large appliances. Coffee station, cookbooks, and spices: We removed two clumsy closed pantries and an unused main door, and this allowed space for more cabinetry. We added an open shelf section with herringbone tile and a counter for a coffee station and cookbooks. Other features were a waste bin pullout with garbage bag storage and a tall spice pullout drawer. The kitchen now has a big double-wide appliance garage where all small appliances are stored and organized in a big pantry with a light inside. All the appliances are front and centre (rather than buried in the back somewhere), yet hidden behind a door. Flex space means other new spaces for everyone: In creating a flex space for the mother on the main floor, the homeowners lost their space for a family room, although there is still a formal living and dining room on that floor. We solved it by creating a new finished basement with a family room to replace the one upstairs. This gives the family and the mother their own spaces and at the same time comfortable places for all of them.

Barrier-free shower room. Wooden floor look porcelain tile wall / floor. Two contemporary adjustable handshowers. Shaker variant vanity cabinets. Caesarstone counter top / backsplash. Lots of grab bars. Rain tile. Niche shelves (recessed shelves) Linear drain.

LEED Certification Level: V4 Builder: BPC Green Builders, LLC Architect: Trillium Architects The Taft School faculty home serves as a high performance residence and learning lab for students. The project also earned certification through ENERGY STAR, Indoor airPLUS, Water Sense, PHIUS, and Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Homes with Living Building Challenge Petal recognition pending. The project team was honored with third place in the 2014 Connecticut Zero Energy Home Challenge. Excluding the photovoltaic installation the HERS index was 33, and with the 13.1 kW the HERS index is -14. A year of utility bills show the home is producing more electricity than it uses. Located on a quiet street adjacent to campus the existing, historic home was deconstructed and materials donated or reused where possible. Challenged to find high efficiency windows that were historic commission acceptable, the team installed Klearwall awnings or casements over fixed glass (to mimic double hungs) with simulated divided lites (u-values as low as 0.13). A high solar heat gain coefficient (0.58) facilitates the passive solar gain for winter months, while well designed overhangs and a pergola shade summer sun. Double stud walls have 2¼” closed cell foam plus 8½” dense pack cellulose for a R-49 cavity. The exterior sheathing is R-6.6 Zip Wall System with taped seams to create the continuous air barrier. Inside the solid concrete foundation is 3” closed cell foam behind 2x4 stud walls and R-32 cellulose in the cavity. Prefabricated TJI joists frame the attic floor, an insulated “room” houses the heat recovery ventilator and ductwork, and blown in cellulose blankets it all in R-86. The house tested 0.6ACH50 proving the effectiveness of its air-tight envelope and attention to air sealing. Heating and cooling is provided by efficient air source heat pumps (9.2 HSPF, 16.5 SEER) and delivered by short duct runs which tested extremely tight. A heat pump water heater provides domestic hot water and an on-demand switch, with an occupancy sensor at each bath, ensures hot water is delivered fast and efficiently. Low flow fixtures are WaterSense certified, appliances are Energy Star labeled, and all LED lighting. A Zehnder Novus 300 (93.3% efficient) HRV supplies 112 cfm of continuous fresh air while using only 32 watts of power and running quietly. The homeowners control the mechanical ventilation through the intuitive wall-mounted control pad to shut off or increase the ventilation. Chemicals and contaminants were reduced by using low VOC and GreenGuard certified sealants, adhesives, primers, and paints. A walk-off matt at the side entry and hardwood floors help control dirt and dust. The granite front steps were salvaged and local stone used for the patio and stone walls. Storm water runoff from the roof, patio, and driveway is managed by the rain garden. The native landscaping is low maintenance, a community garden produces vegetables, and the chicken coop is powered by its own roof mounted PV panels. Taft School Director of Environmental Stewardship, Carly Borken has used the design and construction process as a teaching tool for her science classes. With access to the home monitoring system they can virtually access the residents’ consumption.

Living in place with flex: The mother of the homeowner needed a home that is fully accessible for living in place, so we created a barrier-free entry and installed grab bars. The new suite contains a full bedroom and bath and a small living room with a kitchenette. One of the homeowners especially loves to cook. Now he has a new kitchen with more space, more storage, and better functionality. Fresh paint, wallpaper and a new look: We refinished the hardwood floors throughout and gave the whole home a fresh new look. We updated a powder room with paint, new tile, new fixtures, new lighting, and wallpaper. Kitchen with space, flow, and storage: The kitchen was cut off from the rest of the home. It had a long peninsula with awkward flow around the kitchen that just didn’t work. We removed the peninsula and instead created a large island with seating for three. With the new island, counter space is much more usable now. We put hidden cupboards underneath for added storage. The island also holds the built-in microwave with a steel drawer front below for continuity. We used banked drawers rather than cupboards for ease of access. We also installed new large appliances. Coffee station, cookbooks, and spices: We removed two clumsy closed pantries and an unused main door, and this allowed space for more cabinetry. We added an open shelf section with herringbone tile and a counter for a coffee station and cookbooks. Other features were a waste bin pullout with garbage bag storage and a tall spice pullout drawer. The kitchen now has a big double-wide appliance garage where all small appliances are stored and organized in a big pantry with a light inside. All the appliances are front and centre (rather than buried in the back somewhere), yet hidden behind a door. Flex space means other new spaces for everyone: In creating a flex space for the mother on the main floor, the homeowners lost their space for a family room, although there is still a formal living and dining room on that floor. We solved it by creating a new finished basement with a family room to replace the one upstairs. This gives the family and the mother their own spaces and at the same time comfortable places for all of them.

With a desire to stay close to friends and family, the owners of this 1984 home spent several years searching for property near their neighborhood to build a new, more modern, energy-conscious home tailored to their empty-nest lifestyle. They eventually concluded that their current site was the perfect location for them, but the home needed to be updated and reorganized to create fresh, open, unified spaces to comfortably welcome gatherings of family, friends, and guests. Before renovation, the floor plan included small rooms, dedicated hallways, a step-down living room, a heavy and dark corner fireplace, and limited opportunities for natural light and visual connections from space to space. Exterior deck areas were narrow, long, and used infrequently. Primary goals of this project included accessibility of space, more natural light, better connectivity between spaces, and a focus on sustainable performance. The updated main floor plan included the selective removal of walls to reallocate dedicated hall space to usable, open living area. The step-down living room was leveled for full accessibility, safety, furniture flexibility and overall space use. The removal of a half-height wall between the living area and the kitchen created continuity between the spaces. Reorganizing the primary entry and stair and eliminating walls between the entry and dining room created new visual connections between the kitchen and the entry. The new central concrete hearth and fireplace provides a strong, modern focal point for the living area. Large sliding glass doors on each side of the fireplace allow the TV area beyond to be separated from the living area as needed. In several strategic locations, the footprint of the house was expanded to enhance function and flow at the kitchen, dining room, and mudroom. The new outdoor deck area is now large and singular and includes a grille area, dining space and open seating overlooking the newly landscaped pool below. The exterior envelope of the house includes new insulation, siding, and energy-efficient windows, as well as two large roof-mounted solar arrays, to increase thermal performance and to offset energy costs. Inside, the new HVAC system maximizes energy efficiency while using a fraction of its former footprint. As a result, a portion of the former mechanical space was added back to the lower level family room area and expands into a cozy library nook. MMA partnered with the owner’s interior designer and kitchen designer to achieve a softer, contemporary palette of finishes that complement this newly configured, light-filled home.