Photo Credits: Shannon Sorensen, SMS Marketing and Sales, Council Bluffs, IA
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman l-shaped porcelain tile kitchen remodel in Omaha with medium tone wood cabinets, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Taramar, Inc., - Contractor, Wes Council - Designer
Example of a minimalist home design design in Raleigh

The oversized island has a built-in cooktop and additional storage below.
Open concept kitchen - huge transitional l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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.

©StevenPaulWhitsitt_Photography This space created by the very talented Debra Ferrier Interiors for the Oxford Art Council Show House at the Stonebridge Mansion in Chadds Ford, PA http://debraferrierinteriors.com/index.html

©StevenPaulWhitsitt_Photography This space created by the very talented Debra Ferrier Interiors for the Oxford Art Council Show House at the Stonebridge Mansion in Chadds Ford, PA http://debraferrierinteriors.com/index.html

©StevenPaulWhitsitt_Photography This space created by the very talented Debra Ferrier Interiors for the Oxford Art Council Show House at the Stonebridge Mansion in Chadds Ford, PA http://debraferrierinteriors.com/index.html

The Austin-based renewable energy company was recently notified by the US Green Building Council - 1st LEED Platinum project for commercial interiors of Austin....

©StevenPaulWhitsitt_Photography This space created by the very talented Debra Ferrier Interiors for the Oxford Art Council Show House at the Stonebridge Mansion in Chadds Ford, PA http://debraferrierinteriors.com/index.html

Game room - large traditional open concept dark wood floor game room idea in Oklahoma City with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a media wall

A close up of our stunning glass chandelier!
Inspiration for a huge transitional l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This oversized island is perfect for entertaining family and friends!
Huge transitional l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Game room - large traditional open concept dark wood floor game room idea in Oklahoma City with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a media wall

Tash Hopkins
Trendy two-story wood exterior home photo in Auckland

This gorgeous new kitchen features an oversized island with a soapstone countertop, a glamorous chandelier, stainless steel appliances, and white custom cabinets.

Taramar, Inc., - Contractor, Wes Council - Designer
Inspiration for a modern home design remodel in Raleigh

Thomas Grady Photography
Huge trendy walk-out carpeted and beige floor basement photo in Omaha with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

©StevenPaulWhitsitt_Photography This space created by the very talented Debra Ferrier Interiors for the Oxford Art Council Show House at the Stonebridge Mansion in Chadds Ford, PA http://debraferrierinteriors.com/index.html