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.

3,800sf, 4 bdrm, 3.5 bath with oversized 4 car garage and over 270sf Loggia; climate controlled wine room and bar, Tech Room, landscaping and pool. Solar, high efficiency HVAC and insulation was used which resulted in huge rebates from utility companies, enhancing the ROI. The challenge with this property was the downslope lot, sewer system was lower than main line at the street thus requiring a special pump system. Retaining walls to create a flat usable back yard. ESI Builders is a subsidiary of EnergyWise Solutions, Inc. and was formed by Allan, Bob and Dave to fulfill an important need for quality home builders and remodeling services in the Sacramento region. With a strong and growing referral base, we decided to provide a convenient one-stop option for our clients and focus on combining our key services: quality custom homes and remodels, turnkey client partnering and communication, and energy efficient and environmentally sustainable measures in all we do. Through energy efficient appliances and fixtures, solar power, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, enhanced insulation and sealing, and other construction elements – we go beyond simple code compliance and give you immediate savings and greater sustainability for your new or remodeled home. All of the design work and construction tasks for our clients are done by or supervised by our highly trained, professional staff. This not only saves you money, it provides a peace of mind that all of the details are taken care of and the job is being done right – to Perfection. Our service does not stop after we clean up and drive off. We continue to provide support for any warranty issues that arise and give you administrative support as needed in order to assure you obtain any energy-related tax incentives or rebates. This ‘One call does it all’ philosophy assures that your experience in remodeling or upgrading your home is an enjoyable one. ESI Builders was formed by professionals with varying backgrounds and a common interest to provide you, our clients, with options to live more comfortably, save money, and enjoy quality homes for many years to come. As our company continues to grow and evolve, the expertise has been quickly growing to include several job foreman, tradesmen, and support staff. In response to our growth, we will continue to hire well-qualified staff and we will remain committed to maintaining a level of quality, attention to detail, and pursuit of perfection.

Chicology Cordless Honeycomb Cellular Shades are efficient. Efficient in function. Efficient in performance. Efficient in style. Efficient in design. Efficient in energy. By combining function with stylish design, Chicology Honeycomb Cellular modern shades highlight any room in need while helping against penetrating summer heat or winter air. The cordless honeycomb cellular shade hexagon unique structure cells design has been mastered to become a premium draft and heat barrier. Chicology Cordless honeycomb cellular shade's marvelous design does an excelent job at being the most energy efficient shades in the market. The honeycomb design does a marvelous job at trapping air keeping your home cool in the summer heat and a great insulator in the winter; saving you money on summer/heating energy bills year round. 9/18-inch single cells creates the best functional eco-friendly shades while maintaining the Chic look you want. The unique honeycomb cellular fabric is timeless yet durable. The honeycomb cells open and close in an accordion fashion, with the simple child and pet safe cordless hassle free lift or pull of a hand. Our cordless lift system provides a fresh look by removing the need for operating cords. Simply cordless, the easy to use cellular shade stays exactly where you want, with no cords attached. Styled in UV protection, energy saver fabrics that filter the natural light beautifully – our window coverings create gentle sun-cover and protection during the day and valued complete privacy at night. The rich crisp fabric is available in a range of stunning beautiful array of colors, from Morning Mist (White), Morning Croissant (Beige), Morning Pebble (Grey), Morning Fog (Dark Grey), Morning Ocean (Blue), Evening Mist (White with Blackout). All colors come with fabric matching head rail and bottom rail color coordinated to match your shade – for a complete and finished look. Installation is quick and easy. Just install the brackets to the wall or ceiling and clip the head rail on. Capable of both inside and outside mount, the width you purchase is exactly the width you get – there is no deduction. It is available in 3 different lengths: 48, 64, and 84.

Maintain control of the temperature of your home, no matter the season with energy efficient shades. Designer style plus incredible function. Our cellular shades provide layers of protection from the elements.

Host guests in style while controlling the light and temperature of your home with energy efficient Solera roman shades.
Example of a classic home design design in Kansas City

Create an efficient and professional looking garage or workshop with Wall Control's innovative pegboard tool storage and organization system. Wall Control is the most innovative and versatile pegboard tool storage system on the market today and it is designed and guaranteed to last a lifetime. Stop messing around with that ugly, old masonite or plastic pegboard that can’t take the weight and abuse of true tool storage and switch to a system that will make your garage the envy of the neighborhood. Wall Control metal pegboard not only gets the job done but it also looks great while doing it.

Maintain control of the temperature of your home, no matter the season with energy efficient shades. Designer style plus incredible function. Our cellular shades provide layers of protection from the elements.

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.

Recently Tudor Mechanical Team installed Navien Npe 180a2 condensing water heater system for a new customer in New York Ny. If you want to get this system installed with professional and specialized technicians you are one call away. Our specialized and professional technicians will install this system and other heating and cooling systems whenever you want with best price on market. Our technicians have PHD on HVAC and are insured. We are Navien service specialist. Navien is now the #1 manufacturer of all gas tankless water heaters (condensing and non-condensing) in North America. Navien’s patented ComfortFlow® system is the first to include a buffer tank, recirculation pump and fine-tuned controls into a tankless water heater, resolving the cold-water sandwich effect* and issues of minimal flow rates commonly found in other tankless water heaters. The built-in recirculation pump allows the NPE-A2 tankless water heaters to recirculate water through an external recirc line or through existing supply lines while using NaviCirc®, without the need for external pumps or controls. Navien’s new backlit EZNav™ control panel uses simple text and icons to make set up, operation status and troubleshooting faster and easier than ever before. With Navien's Ready-Link® cascading technology, when a unit gets up to 80% capacity the next unit will turn on to help meet requirements. Your comfort is our pleasure! Tudor Mechanical Your Climate Partner!

You’ll want a system that delivers large drops of water close to the ground, so that little or no water is lost to evaporation, as water is applied at ground level, close to root systems. They are also designed to be smart enough not to water when it’s raining or the ground is already saturated from prior precipitation.

Solid Apollo LED. This inclosed city patio was brought to life with the addition of vibrant color changing LED lights. Along the main wall color changing RGB LED Strip Light was laid flush in the ground. The planter boxes along the other wall had Pathway Outdoor LED Landscaping Lights each to bring the palm plants to life. All the lights were tied together so single colors and color changing programs could be played in sequence using the 10 Zone RGBW controller.

Modest, yet refined, the new DRT3000 Series direct-vent gas fireplaces combine beauty, efficiency and value. These fireplaces offer a clean-face heat circulating design combined with a beautiful energy saving flame, glowing embers, and oak logs for a realistic touch. To suit the mood of the occasion, you have complete comfort and flame control with high and low settings that are operated from the flip of a wall switch. New controls offer energy saving pilotless ignition with standard seamless battery backup, so you can count on your fireplace to provide heat even during a power outage. DRT3000 Series gas fireplaces are also a leader in heating efficiency and cost less to operate. With optional accessories like remote control and stylish interior liners, you can customize the DRT3000 fireplace to enhance any room.

Even when you are not home, you can always feel connected with your home. Access and control your surveillance cameras, lights, temperature, security, home media, television, music, irrigation, pool, home theatre and more in an app on your smart phone. Home Automation / Smart Home Integration allows us to reprogram events to happen behind the scenes or with a single button touch. Have you home regulate the temperature using your automated blinds and temperature control. This maximizes the efficiency of your home. We can also have you phone notify you if something is happening in your home! In addition to convenience, this helps us keep your system always up to date: our technicians can easily update system without ever having to come to your home. Enjoy the convince of a Smart Home! You'll wish you did it sooner!

Patio - traditional patio idea in Toronto

How Planning Leads to Successful Construction Construction projects, whether small residential jobs or large commercial builds, require more than just skilled labor and high-quality materials. The foundation of a successful project lies in effective planning. Proper planning ensures efficiency, minimizes risks, and keeps the project within budget and on schedule. Here’s how thorough planning leads to successful construction: 1. Clear Project Scope and Objectives Defining the project scope early on helps prevent scope creep and miscommunication. Establishing clear goals, deliverables, and timelines ensures that everyone involved understands the expectations. This prevents delays and unnecessary changes during construction. 2. Accurate Budgeting and Cost Control A well-planned project includes a detailed cost estimation. This accounts for labor, materials, permits, and unexpected contingencies. Without proper budgeting, costs can spiral out of control, leading to financial strain and potential project failure. 3. Efficient Resource Management Proper planning helps allocate resources effectively, including manpower, equipment, and materials. Scheduling workers and ordering materials at the right time avoids delays caused by shortages or logistical issues. 4. Risk Identification and Mitigation Every construction project comes with risks—weather delays, supply chain issues, safety hazards, or regulatory compliance concerns. Planning ahead allows for risk assessment and the implementation of strategies to mitigate potential problems before they occur. 5. Compliance with Regulations and Permits Failing to secure the necessary permits or adhere to building codes can halt a project indefinitely. Planning ensures that all legal requirements are met in advance, avoiding costly fines and legal complications. 6. Seamless Communication and Coordination A structured plan includes clear communication protocols between contractors, architects, engineers, and clients. When everyone is on the same page, mistakes are reduced, and the workflow remains smooth. 7. Improved Project Scheduling A construction schedule outlines each phase of the project, from site preparation to finishing touches. A well-planned schedule helps keep tasks on track, prevents unnecessary delays, and ensures timely project completion. 8. Higher Quality Workmanship Planning allows for a structured approach to quality control. By setting benchmarks, conducting inspections, and using the right materials, projects meet industry standards and client expectations. 9. Better Client Satisfaction When a project is completed on time, within budget, and meets quality expectations, client satisfaction increases. A satisfied client is more likely to recommend your services and return for future projects. Conclusion In construction, planning isn’t just a step—it’s the backbone of success. From budgeting and resource management to compliance and scheduling, thorough planning prevents costly errors, improves efficiency, and ensures a high-quality outcome. Whether you're working on a small driveway installation or a large-scale commercial project, investing time in planning will always pay off in the long run. Do you need expert concrete construction services that prioritize planning and quality? Contact us today!

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!!

Viking 36" Wide 18" High Wall Hood - VWH53648 Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. Appearance and Design - Backlit LED knobs extend and illuminate to control lighting level and fan speed, then fully retract when not in use - Seamless design provides a refined finish to your kitchen - Optional recirculating kit accessory for ventless ducting sold separately - Heavy-duty, commercial-type size, construction, design, and styling Quiet, Efficient, and Maintenance-Free Ventilators* - Tough-box ventilator housing protects blower and quietly removes smoke and odor - Quietest hood and ventilator combination in the industry - Multi-speed ventilator control knob allows precise adjustment to desired fan speed - Maintenance-free ventilators never need to be cleaned with the commercial-type hood filters doing the dirty work - Cook with peace of mind as the built-in heat sensor activates the ventilator to full power if cooking temperatures reach uncomfortable levels * Ventilators must be purchased separately for 18"H. Hoods and are available in internal, external, and in-line models Bright LED Lighting - Dimmable lighting controls provide custom illumination for enhanced surface cooking visibility - Long-life LED light bulbs are energy efficient and easily replaceable Easy Maintenance and Clean-up - Commercial-type baffle filters efficiently remove heat and grease vapors from the air - Stainless steel dishwasher-safe filters are easily removed for quick cleaning - Low-profile filter system reduces interior hood space, leaving less surface to clean Optional Accessories Wall Hood Duct Covers - DCW36 - 12" depth, 12" height duct cover - Available in finishes to match rangehoods Wall Hood Backsplashes - BKS36 - Protect wall space below hood - Create a continuous finish between cooking surface and hood - Low maintenance, easy to clean - 30" high - Available in stainless steel (SS) only Wall Hood Warming Shelf Panels - WGP36 - Hold cookware and condiments - May be used with a heat lamp to keep food warm - Fold up/down, heavy-duty warming shelves (non-removable) factory installed on stainless steel (SS) backsplashes 15 7/8" wide by 10 1/8" deep - Model has two shelves - Available in stainless steel (SS) only In-Line Blower Accessories - VSIL10 - Duct Silencer Accessory for 10" duct - ILVK - Vibration Isolator Kit Accessory Exclusive Color Finishes - Available in Stainless Steel (SS), Black (BK), White (WH), Graphite Gray (GG), Burgundy (BU), and Cobalt Blue (CB) Warranty Highlights* - Three-year full warranty - complete unit - Five-year limited - all ventilator motors - Ninety-day full - cosmetic parts such as glass, painted items, and decorative items Model numbers VWH53648 - 36" width

Matthew Niemann Photography
Example of a transitional u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen design in Austin with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray backsplash, paneled appliances, an island, white countertops, quartz countertops, white cabinets and stone tile backsplash