Exploring passive solar design and thermal temperature control, a small shack was built using wood pallets and re-purposed materials obtained for free. The goal was to create a prototype to see what works and what doesn't, firsthand. The journey was rough and many valuable lessons were learned.

Gatsby hand made furniture in Camden white finish hides the TV with a lift kit by remote control. Generally placed in a living room, this furniture piece can be made in any size, finish or also made to hold a DVD and cable box. The LG TV is safely stored out of site and the room benefits from hiding all the electronics.

A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

Areas of application Test pumps are used in generating pressure for the testing, adjusting and calibrating of mechanical and electronic pressure measuring instruments by means of comparative measurements.Test pumps are used in generating pressure for the testing, adjusting and calibrating of mechanical and electronic pressure measuring instruments by means of comparative measurements. These pressure tests can be carried out in laboratories, workshops or on site at the set measuring point.When the device under test and a suitably accurate reference measuring instrument are connected to the test pump, after actuating the pump, the same pressure will act on both measuring instruments. Calibration or adjustment of the device under test can be carried out by comparing the two measured values at any pressure value.

The playful design solution incorporated natural palette of materials such as recycled timber, stone and weatherboard creating a blended connection between the indoor and outdoor environment. The controlled interplay of details and natural materials have developed a language reminiscent of the Currumbin Beach style and develops an aesthetic that provides a soft human scale appropriate for children. The Timber battened Entry façade creates a contemporary cubic form of which replicates consistently through the integrated hubby house playground design. Renovation of the existing house created three classrooms, staffroom and utility spaces creating a feeling of home and strong connection to the Currumbin creek through the dappled landscaped vista. Extension areas created two classrooms and administrative areas are linked by a series of breezeway covered areas which provide shelter and safe sanctuary. Joint Venture between the Childcare and Wellness Centre to the front enabled carparking and accessibility of the battle-axe site.

Nestled into a sloping site, Aman 10 uses the hill’s natural grade to its advantage to capture views, create a daylight basement and control water runoff. A series of sod roofs cascade down the hill, blending the residence into the hillside. Slatted doors and walls create transparency, contrasted by a solid material palette of sandstone, redwood and bronze. Shed roofs define primary interior space joined by flat sod roofs capping transitional spaces. Photo Credit: Roger Wade

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Teh existing brick fireplace surround was removed and transformed with locally sourced Bucks County, PA Field Stone and flamed bluestone hearth. The upper portion was finshed off with site milled shiplap and mouldings to create the informal Family Room for the use on a daily basis for game nights and watching movies as a family. a warm neutral color palette was chosen to accent the abundance of natural light which floods the room. AV upgrades include a Samsung 4K Smart TV with custom speaker wrap to hide the Sonos soundbar. All components were located in the basement to minimize the rooms clutter and is controlled by one central remote control. The window treatment were automated and can also be controlled by a remote to manually override the program when needed. We replaced one of the window sections with a new Andersen full lite door allowing ease of access to the rear yard from the Kitchen and Family Room without the need to walk through the house to the existing rear door located in another room across the home.

Making extensive use of stone, reclaimed timbers, antique beams, and other natural materials, this mountain estate home also successfully blends the old with the new in finishes and amenities. Situated high on a ridge top, with stunning mountain views, the designers of MossCreek created open spaces with walls of windows throughout the home to take advantage of the home site. The extensive use of wood finishes and elements, both on the exterior and interior, all help to connect the home to it's surroundings. MossCreek worked closely with the owners to design an elegant mountain estate that is both welcoming to friends, while providing privacy to its owners, and the home is an example of custom home design at it's best. Photos: R. Wade

Our inspiration for this home was an updated and refined approach to Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie-style”; one that responds well to the harsh Central Texas heat. By DESIGN we achieved soft balanced and glare-free daylighting, comfortable temperatures via passive solar control measures, energy efficiency without reliance on maintenance-intensive Green “gizmos” and lower exterior maintenance. The client’s desire for a healthy, comfortable and fun home to raise a young family and to accommodate extended visitor stays, while being environmentally responsible through “high performance” building attributes, was met. Harmonious response to the site’s micro-climate, excellent Indoor Air Quality, enhanced natural ventilation strategies, and an elegant bug-free semi-outdoor “living room” that connects one to the outdoors are a few examples of the architect’s approach to Green by Design that results in a home that exceeds the expectations of its owners. Photo by Mark Adams Media

This custom built Nantucket style shingle waterfront home is located on Long Island Sound in the Greenwich area. The home's elevation on a low site was seamlessly integrated with the 2013 FEMA flood standards, with a first floor elevation of 16 feet. This home was built with a state of the art Savant Control System, with iPad integration. The home has geothermal heating and cooling with electrical co-generation. Builder: Davenport Contracting.

Nestled into a sloping site, Aman 10 uses the hill’s natural grade to its advantage to capture views, create a daylight basement and control water runoff. A series of sod roofs cascade down the hill, blending the residence into the hillside. Slatted doors and walls create transparency, contrasted by a solid material palette of sandstone, redwood and bronze. Shed roofs define primary interior space joined by flat sod roofs capping transitional spaces. Photo Credit: Roger Wade

Nestled into a sloping site, Aman 10 uses the hill’s natural grade to its advantage to capture views, create a daylight basement and control water runoff. A series of sod roofs cascade down the hill, blending the residence into the hillside. Slatted doors and walls create transparency, contrasted by a solid material palette of sandstone, redwood and bronze. Shed roofs define primary interior space joined by flat sod roofs capping transitional spaces. Photo Credit: Roger Wade

Our inspiration for this home was an updated and refined approach to Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie-style”; one that responds well to the harsh Central Texas heat. By DESIGN we achieved soft balanced and glare-free daylighting, comfortable temperatures via passive solar control measures, energy efficiency without reliance on maintenance-intensive Green “gizmos” and lower exterior maintenance. The client’s desire for a healthy, comfortable and fun home to raise a young family and to accommodate extended visitor stays, while being environmentally responsible through “high performance” building attributes, was met. Harmonious response to the site’s micro-climate, excellent Indoor Air Quality, enhanced natural ventilation strategies, and an elegant bug-free semi-outdoor “living room” that connects one to the outdoors are a few examples of the architect’s approach to Green by Design that results in a home that exceeds the expectations of its owners. Photo by Mark Adams Media

Nestled into a sloping site, Aman 10 uses the hill’s natural grade to its advantage to capture views, create a daylight basement and control water runoff. A series of sod roofs cascade down the hill, blending the residence into the hillside. Slatted doors and walls create transparency, contrasted by a solid material palette of sandstone, redwood and bronze. Shed roofs define primary interior space joined by flat sod roofs capping transitional spaces. Photo Credit: Roger Wade

Nestled into a sloping site, Aman 10 uses the hill’s natural grade to its advantage to capture views, create a daylight basement and control water runoff. A series of sod roofs cascade down the hill, blending the residence into the hillside. Slatted doors and walls create transparency, contrasted by a solid material palette of sandstone, redwood and bronze. Shed roofs define primary interior space joined by flat sod roofs capping transitional spaces. Photo Credit: Roger Wade

Our inspiration for this home was an updated and refined approach to Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie-style”; one that responds well to the harsh Central Texas heat. By DESIGN we achieved soft balanced and glare-free daylighting, comfortable temperatures via passive solar control measures, energy efficiency without reliance on maintenance-intensive Green “gizmos” and lower exterior maintenance. The client’s desire for a healthy, comfortable and fun home to raise a young family and to accommodate extended visitor stays, while being environmentally responsible through “high performance” building attributes, was met. Harmonious response to the site’s micro-climate, excellent Indoor Air Quality, enhanced natural ventilation strategies, and an elegant bug-free semi-outdoor “living room” that connects one to the outdoors are a few examples of the architect’s approach to Green by Design that results in a home that exceeds the expectations of its owners. Photo by Mark Adams Media

This new construction was located in an unbelievably gorgeous but remote area on a small island that did not allow cars. Access to the site was by boat or a sled driven across an iced-over lake in the winter months. It was necessary to cross international borders to reach the setting, so this was an exciting but difficult project logistically. To our delight, the clients asked that we control every interior aspect -- the complete architectural interior package, as well as the furnishings. They wanted a home that would define a new architectural style for the region, which was dominated by rugged, lodge-like, Adirondack-style homes. Chris Little Photography

This award winning minimalist condo hides the entertainment system when it's not in use. The big screen smart TV, invisible surround sound & equipment rack are out of site/out of mind. A Future Automation lift moves the art at the push of a button, revealing cinema quality sound & picture. The custom built wall unit hides all the of the necessary equipment and storage space behind the fireplace and smart TV. See more & take a video tour : http://www.seriousaudiovideo.com/portfolios/minimalist-smart-condo-hoboken-nj-urc-total-control/ Photos by Anthony Torsiello