Search results for "Control efficiently" in Home Design Ideas

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity
Find the right local pro for your project

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.

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof
Fire resistant
Termite proof
Sea salt resistant
UL Tested
UV Stabilized
70% more energy efficient than wood shutters
1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds
Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute
Made in the USA
Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation
Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc.
3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5
Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only)
3 colors: white, off white, snow white
9 frame options
Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod
Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish)
Won’t warp, split, or chip
Cordless Window Treatment
Optimal Light & Sound Control
Wipe with damp cloth
Curb appeal and home equity

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.

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.
17