Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient.

Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States This modern 4400 s.f. home is was a down-to-the-studs remodel of an existing house. We unlocked its beauty and functionality through an open floor plan and expansive windows and decks, capturing breathtaking mountain views. A gourmet kitchen connects through an open floor plan to the sunny dining room and airy great room. The new master bedroom sits at the top with a commanding panorama. Stunning finishes, energy-efficient systems and a smart home control package make this one of Boulder’s most extraordinary new homes.

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

The Jotul C 550 CF Rockland offers clean lines, subtle curves, and one of the largest viewing areas of anything in its class. The patented clean burn combustion system maximizes firebox capacity and heating efficiency.

Transform your space with an efficient and beautiful custom corner closet from TidySquares. Designed in Licorice palette with Brushed Chrome hardware, this closet includes plenty of shelving and hanging, drawer storage and a tall wire basket where you can keep blankets and oversized loose items under control.

Picture Perfect House
Inspiration for a country 3/4 bathroom remodel in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, an undermount sink and white countertops

Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States This modern 4400 s.f. home is was a down-to-the-studs remodel of an existing house. We unlocked its beauty and functionality through an open floor plan and expansive windows and decks, capturing breathtaking mountain views. A gourmet kitchen connects through an open floor plan to the sunny dining room and airy great room. The new master bedroom sits at the top with a commanding panorama. Stunning finishes, energy-efficient systems and a smart home control package make this one of Boulder’s most extraordinary new homes.

Patrick Coulie
Large mountain style master medium tone wood floor bedroom photo in Denver with beige walls

Opting for an efficient design that allowed for openness and functionality while still reflecting spa-like and sustainable choices, these homeowners created a soothing primary retreat within a small space. Photographer: Clarified Studios

Welcome to five separate units of luxury living. The residences at Greenleaf are the new standard for living the integrated lifestyle. While multiple systems control everything from lighting and powered windows, to custom wireless shades, the life of a Greenleaf resident iseasily controlled through their touchscreen interface. A Single Interface – Unlimited Control Greenleaf units are all controlled through an AMX system using an intuitive iPad user interface. With such a powerful system, residents are able to control their lighting, as well as powered shades and motorized windows through the simple touch of a button. Intelligence in Technology Thanks to automated sensors, residents are always in the know about their home and safety – whether at home or away. The control system monitors the weather and natural lighting to close powered windows if they need to be shut for incoming rain, and raise or lower shades automatically. Lights can be set to turn on as any resident gets home from work late at night, welcoming them home after a long day away. While they are getting ready to head out for a night on the town, residents can listen to their favorite music throughout the home and call the elevator when they’re ready all from one spot. Call stations allow you to always know who is at the front door, so having multiple guests over for dinner is easier (with less trips up and down the stairs). Remote, secure access allows the home owner to control their property from anywhere in the world and make sure everything is safe and sound. Save Energy Without Lifting a Finger Motorized shades can be raised and lowered automatically by the system according to weather and season for efficient light harvesting. Dimmers throughout the residences are set to a default turn-on of 80% for more energy savings. Residents can monitor their heating and cooling systems, as well as energy use, all from their touch pads at home or away. Control that Disappears At every Greenleaf residence your eyes focus on the luxurious design, not the state-of-theart technology that seamlessly controls it all. Spire collaborated to create custom solutions focused around an integrated lifestyle while maintaining the high-end design expected at the Greenleaf Trust building. Equipment List: • Lutron RA 2 Lighting • AMX control processors • Custom iPad user interface • Sonance in-wall iPad dock • Marantz Surround Receivers • Motorized Window Control • Sonance Architectural Series Speakers • Motorized TV lift • Leon Speaker Bars • AMX integrated thermostats w/ weather forecasting • Rain sensors • Elevator control • Pico remotes • Door access control • Siedle Vario Residential Intercom system • Intelix HDMI distribution • Sonic Wall routers with secure remote access (client has remote access) • Apple TV • Airplay Endpoint • Motorola Cable Box • Samsung bluray player • Samsung televisions • Gaming system integration (Xbox and Playstation) • Lutron QS Shades

Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient. Builder: Widing Custom Homes Architect: Shoreline Architecture & Design Designer: Jones-Keena & Co. Photos by Beth Singer Photographer Inc.

This free form custom pool design lends a natural feel to the backyard of this Mt. Pleasant, SC home. The interior finish type is exposed aggregate and the color is Blue Gem which gives the water it's brilliant blue color, even in the shade. On a clear day the water will appear even more brilliant from the reflection of the sky. The waterline tile is NPT Aztec Cobalt 6"x6" in size. The pool deck and coping is Walnut Travertine laid out in a mini-roman pattern. This is a saltwater pool utilizing energy efficient pool equipment which can be operated at the pool's control center or via wireless technology.

Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States This modern 4400 s.f. home is was a down-to-the-studs remodel of an existing house. We unlocked its beauty and functionality through an open floor plan and expansive windows and decks, capturing breathtaking mountain views. A gourmet kitchen connects through an open floor plan to the sunny dining room and airy great room. The new master bedroom sits at the top with a commanding panorama. Stunning finishes, energy-efficient systems and a smart home control package make this one of Boulder’s most extraordinary new homes.

Welcome to five separate units of luxury living. The residences at Greenleaf are the new standard for living the integrated lifestyle. While multiple systems control everything from lighting and powered windows, to custom wireless shades, the life of a Greenleaf resident iseasily controlled through their touchscreen interface. A Single Interface – Unlimited Control Greenleaf units are all controlled through an AMX system using an intuitive iPad user interface. With such a powerful system, residents are able to control their lighting, as well as powered shades and motorized windows through the simple touch of a button. Intelligence in Technology Thanks to automated sensors, residents are always in the know about their home and safety – whether at home or away. The control system monitors the weather and natural lighting to close powered windows if they need to be shut for incoming rain, and raise or lower shades automatically. Lights can be set to turn on as any resident gets home from work late at night, welcoming them home after a long day away. While they are getting ready to head out for a night on the town, residents can listen to their favorite music throughout the home and call the elevator when they’re ready all from one spot. Call stations allow you to always know who is at the front door, so having multiple guests over for dinner is easier (with less trips up and down the stairs). Remote, secure access allows the home owner to control their property from anywhere in the world and make sure everything is safe and sound. Save Energy Without Lifting a Finger Motorized shades can be raised and lowered automatically by the system according to weather and season for efficient light harvesting. Dimmers throughout the residences are set to a default turn-on of 80% for more energy savings. Residents can monitor their heating and cooling systems, as well as energy use, all from their touch pads at home or away. Control that Disappears At every Greenleaf residence your eyes focus on the luxurious design, not the state-of-theart technology that seamlessly controls it all. Spire collaborated to create custom solutions focused around an integrated lifestyle while maintaining the high-end design expected at the Greenleaf Trust building. Equipment List: • Lutron RA 2 Lighting • AMX control processors • Custom iPad user interface • Sonance in-wall iPad dock • Marantz Surround Receivers • Motorized Window Control • Sonance Architectural Series Speakers • Motorized TV lift • Leon Speaker Bars • AMX integrated thermostats w/ weather forecasting • Rain sensors • Elevator control • Pico remotes • Door access control • Siedle Vario Residential Intercom system • Intelix HDMI distribution • Sonic Wall routers with secure remote access (client has remote access) • Apple TV • Airplay Endpoint • Motorola Cable Box • Samsung bluray player • Samsung televisions • Gaming system integration (Xbox and Playstation) • Lutron QS Shades

Duette, the most energy efficient and versatile of the Hunter Douglas product line. This great room utilized angled shades operated from below. The lower units are battery operated by remote control. PowerView Motorization by Hunter Douglas now offers preset remote controlled window coverings to simplify your life even when you are not home. Set your blinds to open and close at specific times to lower your heating and cooling costs. Our exclusive innovations allows these angle shades to be fully operational. A patented honeycomb construction dramatically reduces heat gain and UV radiation while retaining natural filtered light. Duette, the most energy efficient and versatile of the Hunter Douglas product line. This great room utilized angled shades operated from below. All blinds can be fully operational manually or motorized. Common in contemporary homes, angled windows bring up some unique challenges in providing privacy and light control and keeping your home energy efficient. Hunter Douglas has taken on these challenges, offering you a wide selection of products that help to enhance the beauty of your angled windows whether the shade is open or closed. Angled windows come in many variations including right triangles, isosceles triangles and top/bottom sloped windows with specific minimums and maximums for each brand. As with all specialty shapes, you should consult with your local Hunter Douglas dealer Window Quilt (Muskoka) in Huntsville, when deciding which product will work best for your angled window application. Angled Window Treatments are available on these Hunter Douglas products: Applause® honeycomb shades Duette® honeycomb shades Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades EverWood® Distinctions™ blinds EverWood® Renditions™ blinds EverWood® TruGrain® blinds Heritance® hardwood shutters Nantucket™ window shadings NewStyle® hybrid shutters Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ shutters Parkland® Ash Wood blinds Parkland® Classics™ Wood blinds Parkland® Scenic™ Wood blinds Parkland® Textures Wood blinds Parkland® Weathered Wood blinds Pirouette® window shadings Provenance® Woven Wood Shades Silhouette® window shadings Somner® Custom Vertical Blinds The Alustra® Collection of Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades The Alustra® Collection of Pirouette® window shadings The Alustra® Collection of Silhouette® window shadings The Alustra® Collection of Vignette® Modern Roman Shades The Alustra® Collection of Woven Textures® Vertical Solutions® Vignette® Modern Roman Shades Visit Window Quilt (Muskoka)'s Show Case Showroom in Huntsville, Ontario to see how they exclusively custom fit angled windows with fully operational blinds by Hunter Douglas. Its is simply amazing!!

This image shows a tilt-turn patio door in the vented tilt mode. This door serves a dual purpose: ventilation, as shown, and swing open for access to the exterior viewing deck. Notice the controlled ventilation on the tilt-turn door creates a chimney effect air exchange for efficient and secure ventilation. The vented door can be left in this position night or day.

The hall bath was remodeled for maximum feminine efficiency. Two daughters use this bath and it was necessary to have enough cabinet space and towel racks to make sharing easier. Jonathan W. Miller

This large gas insert is well suited to sealing large old fireplace openings with a high-efficiency heater that excels at producing warm, comforting radiant and convective heat. The LRI6E gas insert has a blower built in to circulate warm air to the far reaches of the room, ensuring you stay comfortable. With a wide range of finishing options including faceplates and accent vignette inlays, the LRI6E gas fireplace insert can be customized to match your style. Featuring an advanced remote control, direct vent technology, and electronic ignition system with battery backup, this gas insert will work even when the power goes out!

A mid-twentieth-century family home on a busy city-wide connector with excellent public transport, and access to employment, services, and shopping. TEAL recognized an opportunity to transform the house into two contemporary dwellings by: • adding new structures: new stairs and separate entries from the street as well as a service room at the back • opening the interiors into spacious light-filled open plan living places • re-presenting the exterior of the building with new hemlock cladding integrated over the existing shingles • installing efficient new environmental control systems • reusing many of the materials, including the building envelope and chimney as part of a feature wall