The distressed accent wood cabinetry gives this corner area some interest, especially with the barn door. The barn door was a special touch from the homeowners to decrease the noise of a slamming door and gives easy access to the kitchen,

Vegetated roof for increased insulation, water filtration, and decreased stormwater runoff. 5.9 Kw of PV solar panels for reducing reliance on the grid.

Solution by Waterman Engineers Australia Waterman Engineers Australia was approached to design and deliver an integrated water treatment system with the capacity to meet the extreme salinity and challenging operational conditions. This solution would involve a multi-layered treatment process: Ultrafiltration (UF) was the first stage to remove the suspended solids and colloids in order to protect the downstream processes from fouling. RO was thus used to bring down the TDS considerably and provide a permeate stream suitable for re-use into the field’s operations. MEEs were installed for the RO concentrate treatment step, further decreasing the volume of brine and recovering more water for re-use. The system developed by Waterman Engineers Australia led to a significant reduction in scaling and corrosion problems, extended the life expectancy of the field’s infrastructure, and facilitated the re-injection of treated water that results in reduced reliance on freshwater resources. Waterman Engineers Australia has developed such expertise in high TDS water treatment for oil and gas fields, providing leading-edge solutions to meet the special needs of individual projects. Its leadership in the design and delivery of advanced water treatment systems empowers operators in improving operational efficiency, extending infrastructure life, and meeting sustainability goals. For details visit: https://watermanaustralia.com/salty-high-tds-water-wastewater-treatment-plant-in-oilfields-and-gas-fields/

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Ellijay, Ga. area .Ellijay, Georgia, known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, is located between the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers where they join to make the Coosawattee River and is the county seat of Gilmer County, Georgia. The origin of the city’s name is not certain but thought to be the English derivative of an Indian word(s) meaning “many waters”, “place of green things” or “new ground”. Some histories say it may have been named for an Indian chief. Inhabited for countless years by the Cherokee people indigenous to the North Georgia, the area was first mentioned as a village and trade center before the onslaught of white settlers inhabited the region. During the 1830’s both white settlers and Indians occupied Ellijay. During the original land lottery in 1832, Martin Scalf acquired the 160 acre lot where the town now stands. In 1833, Clemonds Quinland bought 10 acres from Scalf, retained one acre for himself and donated the rest of the purchase to the County. A plan for twenty town lots, streets and a public square was created and the streets were oriented to allow maximum sunlight exposure to the buildings. Proceeds from lot sales were used to build a jail and courthouse and pay other city expenses. During this same year, Gilmer County was appropriated $800.00 from the State to build a school, and a three-acre lot was donated for the city cemetery. On December 29, l834, Ellijay was incorporated and designated as the County seat of Gilmer County. By 1837, the town had twenty dwellings, three stores and one attorney. Most of these early buildings were of log construction. Many roads led to Ellijay by 1849. The population had grown to 150 by 1850 and the town at five stores. Some wood-frame buildings were being constructed at this time and in 1854, a new courthouse was built in the center of the square, replacing the earlier building. The County’s first newspaper was the Ellijay Courier, started in 1875, and during this time period, Ellijay was a stop on the stagecoach line. The railroad bridge over the Cartecay River was completed in 1884 and the town now had rail service. With the arrival of the railroad and subsequent tracks to White Path, Ellijay began to grow much faster. Many hotels were constructed and land was donated for a depot east of town. More industries, such as a cheese factory and the Shippen Brothers Lumber Mill, located in Ellijay. By 1898, the city had expanded its limits in every direction and now included the depot. By 1900, all the buildings on the town square were brick. This included the recently completed Hyatt Hotel. Most of the other buildings in town were still of log construction, but new wood-frame buildings were being built. The Shippen Brothers Lumber Company production was expanding and exporting their lumber to Europe. Within the next few decades, this company grew to be one of the largest employers in Ellijay, often with five to six million feet of lumber in the yard at one time. The population of Ellijay grew to 659 by 1910, and began to acquire many new modern conveniences such as electric lights and power, a telephone company and many new businesses. Then in 1912, a fire ravaged the city, destroying 23 buildings. As a result, many new buildings were constructed under new and stricter fire and safety guidelines. The population, however, decreased slightly at this time to 632 in 1920. During the 1920’s the town’s population began to grow again and, by this time, apples were being shipped out of the county and new storage facilities were built. Chickens were also shipped to markets outside of Ellijay and Gilmer County. From the mid 1930’s to 1950, Ellijay received much assistance from the Federal WPA Programs. The old courthouse was removed from the center of town square and the Hyatt Hotel was remodeled to be the new courthouse. A park was created on the site of the old courthouse and the streets around the square were paved. A new street was built at this time entering town from the northeast. Other new roads, bridges, sidewalks and gutters were constructed to improve the city. A school and gymnasium were also built and other structures improved. This growth began to impact the city’s infrastructure and in the l950’s and l960’s, a period of upgrading water systems, roads, and power supplies began. New low-rent housing appeared in l960 and a new hospital was built in l957. Georgia Highway 5 was widened in l962, new buildings around the square replaced old ones and some were remodeled. In 1974, the hospital was enlarged. Currently, Ellijay attracts tourists who love the small-town feel and friendly atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants, unique shops, antiques and art galleries lend their charms to those who visit. A new courthouse constructed to resemble the old one, new streetscaping, family-oriented downtown events and the beautification of the square have stepped up the social and economic activity and have made Ellijay a popular destination.

Designed by Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC this transitional farmhouse inspired grey kitchen design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the Ralston door style with a Mist finish. Kitchen countertops are granite in the color Crema Kashmere and are complemented by Kohler's Simplice faucet and Farm sink. Tile played an important part in the design. The backsplash features a White Gloss 4x16 Subway tile and the flooring features a 18x18 Nation tile, both from Emser Tile. Said Nancy, "The clients wanted to update and brighten their kitchen without changing the floorplan. The painted Mist finish with the large white subway tile opened up their kitchen. The Kohler stainless farm sink helped to create the farmhouse feel they were trying to achieve. The bar area design is my favorite. The previous bar was longer and crowded the walkway. We decreased the overall size, but added glass doors and bumped out the middle cabinets for interest. Although smaller than before, it became a focal point!" Photos courtesy of Laura Fuelleman, ShowSpaces Photography LLC.

An Example of a Trufig Flush Mounted, thermostat.
Family room - contemporary family room idea in San Francisco

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Ellijay, Ga. area .Ellijay, Georgia, known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, is located between the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers where they join to make the Coosawattee River and is the county seat of Gilmer County, Georgia. The origin of the city’s name is not certain but thought to be the English derivative of an Indian word(s) meaning “many waters”, “place of green things” or “new ground”. Some histories say it may have been named for an Indian chief. Inhabited for countless years by the Cherokee people indigenous to the North Georgia, the area was first mentioned as a village and trade center before the onslaught of white settlers inhabited the region. During the 1830’s both white settlers and Indians occupied Ellijay. During the original land lottery in 1832, Martin Scalf acquired the 160 acre lot where the town now stands. In 1833, Clemonds Quinland bought 10 acres from Scalf, retained one acre for himself and donated the rest of the purchase to the County. A plan for twenty town lots, streets and a public square was created and the streets were oriented to allow maximum sunlight exposure to the buildings. Proceeds from lot sales were used to build a jail and courthouse and pay other city expenses. During this same year, Gilmer County was appropriated $800.00 from the State to build a school, and a three-acre lot was donated for the city cemetery. On December 29, l834, Ellijay was incorporated and designated as the County seat of Gilmer County. By 1837, the town had twenty dwellings, three stores and one attorney. Most of these early buildings were of log construction. Many roads led to Ellijay by 1849. The population had grown to 150 by 1850 and the town at five stores. Some wood-frame buildings were being constructed at this time and in 1854, a new courthouse was built in the center of the square, replacing the earlier building. The County’s first newspaper was the Ellijay Courier, started in 1875, and during this time period, Ellijay was a stop on the stagecoach line. The railroad bridge over the Cartecay River was completed in 1884 and the town now had rail service. With the arrival of the railroad and subsequent tracks to White Path, Ellijay began to grow much faster. Many hotels were constructed and land was donated for a depot east of town. More industries, such as a cheese factory and the Shippen Brothers Lumber Mill, located in Ellijay. By 1898, the city had expanded its limits in every direction and now included the depot. By 1900, all the buildings on the town square were brick. This included the recently completed Hyatt Hotel. Most of the other buildings in town were still of log construction, but new wood-frame buildings were being built. The Shippen Brothers Lumber Company production was expanding and exporting their lumber to Europe. Within the next few decades, this company grew to be one of the largest employers in Ellijay, often with five to six million feet of lumber in the yard at one time. The population of Ellijay grew to 659 by 1910, and began to acquire many new modern conveniences such as electric lights and power, a telephone company and many new businesses. Then in 1912, a fire ravaged the city, destroying 23 buildings. As a result, many new buildings were constructed under new and stricter fire and safety guidelines. The population, however, decreased slightly at this time to 632 in 1920. During the 1920’s the town’s population began to grow again and, by this time, apples were being shipped out of the county and new storage facilities were built. Chickens were also shipped to markets outside of Ellijay and Gilmer County. From the mid 1930’s to 1950, Ellijay received much assistance from the Federal WPA Programs. The old courthouse was removed from the center of town square and the Hyatt Hotel was remodeled to be the new courthouse. A park was created on the site of the old courthouse and the streets around the square were paved. A new street was built at this time entering town from the northeast. Other new roads, bridges, sidewalks and gutters were constructed to improve the city. A school and gymnasium were also built and other structures improved. This growth began to impact the city’s infrastructure and in the l950’s and l960’s, a period of upgrading water systems, roads, and power supplies began. New low-rent housing appeared in l960 and a new hospital was built in l957. Georgia Highway 5 was widened in l962, new buildings around the square replaced old ones and some were remodeled. In 1974, the hospital was enlarged. Currently, Ellijay attracts tourists who love the small-town feel and friendly atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants, unique shops, antiques and art galleries lend their charms to those who visit. A new courthouse constructed to resemble the old one, new streetscaping, family-oriented downtown events and the beautification of the square have stepped up the social and economic activity and have made Ellijay a popular destination.

D&L
Bedroom - large craftsman master bedroom idea in Bridgeport

Duration® Premium Cool Shingles reflect solar energy, helping decrease the amount of heat transferred to a home’s interior – and the amount of air conditioning needed to keep it comfortable. Duration® Premium Cool Shingles are ENERGY STAR® rated and feature unique lighter colors that have corresponding Owens Corning™ Hip & Ridge Shingles. These shingles also offer our patented SureNail® Technology.

Photo credit: Mike Sinclair A translucent stairwell was designed to allow excess heat to rise and release from the home during the summer months and dramatically mirrors the nearby city skyline. Light is filtered through highly-insulating Kalwall panels resulting in a warm glow that radiates to the interior and exterior. Low-maintenance, natural materials such as stucco, iron wood, steel and glass create a clean modern palette while advanced framing construction techniques decreased the amount of wood wasted versus conventional framing methods. Green design elements include Geothermal Heating and Cooling, Insulation Wrapped Enclosure “Perfect Wall System”, Radiant Heat Slab, Low or No VOC Finishes, Recycled Content Counters, and Advanced Framing and Engineered Prefabricated Joists. The third level private solarium and sun deck offer more than a sanctuary with panoramic views as it opens up the roof deck for gardening.

The Evolution of the Bathtub Ends Here… The Ultimate Healing Bathtub is a Brand-New Revolutionary Slide-In Bathtub, designed and engineered by the most brilliant minds on the Planet and in the Industry. This incredible Bathtub, took 5-long hard years, along with millions of dollars to invent, engineer and develop. No safety or ease of use features have been taken for granted or overlooked. This Amazing Bathtub will help people of all ages, ethnic cultures and backgrounds to relax and enjoy life, while they are cleansing themselves from the toxins of the world, safely along with shouting their pain and discomforts. The beautiful, sleek, aerodynamic design is not only practical, it is Gorgeous. Can you Imagine, Owning the Safest, Most Revolutionary and Luxurious Bathtub in the World? How would that increase the Quality of Your Life? You Can own this Awesome Bathtub…and You Deserve To have One...or Two… Or maybe Three… The Sky is the Limit… It is Affordable… And I’m going to help and assist you, on how to get this Ultra-Unique Invention into Your Home. So, you can rest assured, that when you get home, after working a long hard day, tired, sore, stressed and confused. Call today to learn more about the amazing features and opportunities that were offering! The ”Ultimate Healing Bathtub”, will be waiting for you… With Wide Open Doors… Strong, Powerful Air Jets…. along with Soft Hot Water and Chromotherapy, to help and assist you to: Reduce the Swelling and Inflammation in your Sore Muscles, Tenons and Bones Decrease your Muscle Tension Improve the Circulation of your Blood Give you Satisfying Relief of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Increase your Ligaments Range of Motion Release Toxins Out of your Body Revitalize Loose and Wrinkled Skin Enjoy a Gentle but Powerful Message Regulate Your Mood Swings Improve your Sleeping Patterns Gain Tremendous Anti-Aging Benefits Live a Higher Quality of Life Live More Comfortable Live Happier Live Longer Get all this…. and more, along with the Safest and Most Technical Bathtub on the Planet… The Benefits and Features on this Miraculous Bathtub are Astounding. The Ultimate Healing Bathtub comes standard with: 4-Computers (YES -I said Four CPU’s) Drains in 10-15 Seconds Equipped with a Catch Basin Reservoir underneath the bathtub to allow for quick drainage The Pressurized Door Seal is the same seal the United States Air Force uses on the F-18 Fighter Jet Plane to seal the Canopy to the top of the Cockpit Medical Grade Stainless Steel Main Frame that will stay 99% Bacterial Free Removable Medical Grade Stainless Steel Drain Filter for easy maintenance along with access to the main floor drain 2-12 Volt Back-Up Batteries in case of a power failure Numerous Fail -Safe Features-In case of Power Failure this bathtub automatically Drains in 10-15 seconds, then the door drops so you can get out of the bathtub The door rises from underneath the bathtub for maximum immersion and has 3-positions (Down, Center and Top) Weight of less that one (1) pound of force to open and close the door Door Automatically Latches Easy Ingress and egress from a walker or a wheelchair The bathtub is at chair level for easy positioning Extra foot drain so you can add more hot water without emptying the bathtub water too fast Consumption of less than 40 Gallons of Water Ships in 2-different pieces, that weigh 160 LBS each, for easy installation and attaches together with 4-screws Low Voltage Heated Backrest (Low and High Heat positions) Soft Gel Pillow Numerous Self-Cleaning and Self-Drying Air Jets placed along the entire length of the bathtub that shoot millions of gentle massaging bubbles No chance of contamination and residue buildup from use of soaps and oils Upper Control Panel so you can control all of the benefits and features of the Ultimate Healing Bathtub with a push of a button Hand Held Sprayer for simple caregiving and easy cleaning Dual-Temperature Water Control Valve Anti-Scald Valve so the hot water can’t burn you Water Volume Valve Door latches in center position for easy usage for a care giver or to bathe children and pets Requires 1-110 -20-amp Duplex Receptacle Water and Drain lines come equipped with quick connecting couplings for easy installation Shell is made of Acrylic not Fiberglass for easy patching in case bathtub gets damaged Back and Foot Message Air Jets Grab Bar inside bathtub for Safety Access and Egress At no point is the user standing in the Bathtub, so there is no chance of slipping or falling Ultimate Healing Bathtub dimensions fit easily into existing bathrooms (60” X 32” X 42”) Extra Long Ultimate Healing Bathtub Dimensions (72” X 32” X 42”) Chromotherapy Bring dignity, autonomy and relaxation back into the bathing experience with this remarkable Ultimate Healing Bathtub.

Cork flooring is here. A ‘green’ natural product that has the beauty of wood but does the work of so many others. Because cork is anti-static and hypoallergenic, it will resist the build-up of dust and dirt. This simplifies the maintenance and cleaning process and decreases the harmful effects of dust for people who suffer from asthma or other respiratory diseases. Natural cork tiles do not off gas or harbor any toxins as none were used during its manufacturing process, bringing healthier qualities into your home. Natural cork flooring made its first appearance as a construction material more than a hundred years ago. First used in construction because of its sound-absorbent properties and resistance to decomposition in the presence of liquids, these qualities and more have made cork a premium flooring material. With today’s technology cork moves into the limelight as a green product that can withstand the test of time and hardship. Check out natural cork flooring tiles today and see the wide variety of colors and designs. www.icorkfloor.com

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Ellijay, Ga. area .Ellijay, Georgia, known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, is located between the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers where they join to make the Coosawattee River and is the county seat of Gilmer County, Georgia. The origin of the city’s name is not certain but thought to be the English derivative of an Indian word(s) meaning “many waters”, “place of green things” or “new ground”. Some histories say it may have been named for an Indian chief. Inhabited for countless years by the Cherokee people indigenous to the North Georgia, the area was first mentioned as a village and trade center before the onslaught of white settlers inhabited the region. During the 1830’s both white settlers and Indians occupied Ellijay. During the original land lottery in 1832, Martin Scalf acquired the 160 acre lot where the town now stands. In 1833, Clemonds Quinland bought 10 acres from Scalf, retained one acre for himself and donated the rest of the purchase to the County. A plan for twenty town lots, streets and a public square was created and the streets were oriented to allow maximum sunlight exposure to the buildings. Proceeds from lot sales were used to build a jail and courthouse and pay other city expenses. During this same year, Gilmer County was appropriated $800.00 from the State to build a school, and a three-acre lot was donated for the city cemetery. On December 29, l834, Ellijay was incorporated and designated as the County seat of Gilmer County. By 1837, the town had twenty dwellings, three stores and one attorney. Most of these early buildings were of log construction. Many roads led to Ellijay by 1849. The population had grown to 150 by 1850 and the town at five stores. Some wood-frame buildings were being constructed at this time and in 1854, a new courthouse was built in the center of the square, replacing the earlier building. The County’s first newspaper was the Ellijay Courier, started in 1875, and during this time period, Ellijay was a stop on the stagecoach line. The railroad bridge over the Cartecay River was completed in 1884 and the town now had rail service. With the arrival of the railroad and subsequent tracks to White Path, Ellijay began to grow much faster. Many hotels were constructed and land was donated for a depot east of town. More industries, such as a cheese factory and the Shippen Brothers Lumber Mill, located in Ellijay. By 1898, the city had expanded its limits in every direction and now included the depot. By 1900, all the buildings on the town square were brick. This included the recently completed Hyatt Hotel. Most of the other buildings in town were still of log construction, but new wood-frame buildings were being built. The Shippen Brothers Lumber Company production was expanding and exporting their lumber to Europe. Within the next few decades, this company grew to be one of the largest employers in Ellijay, often with five to six million feet of lumber in the yard at one time. The population of Ellijay grew to 659 by 1910, and began to acquire many new modern conveniences such as electric lights and power, a telephone company and many new businesses. Then in 1912, a fire ravaged the city, destroying 23 buildings. As a result, many new buildings were constructed under new and stricter fire and safety guidelines. The population, however, decreased slightly at this time to 632 in 1920. During the 1920’s the town’s population began to grow again and, by this time, apples were being shipped out of the county and new storage facilities were built. Chickens were also shipped to markets outside of Ellijay and Gilmer County. From the mid 1930’s to 1950, Ellijay received much assistance from the Federal WPA Programs. The old courthouse was removed from the center of town square and the Hyatt Hotel was remodeled to be the new courthouse. A park was created on the site of the old courthouse and the streets around the square were paved. A new street was built at this time entering town from the northeast. Other new roads, bridges, sidewalks and gutters were constructed to improve the city. A school and gymnasium were also built and other structures improved. This growth began to impact the city’s infrastructure and in the l950’s and l960’s, a period of upgrading water systems, roads, and power supplies began. New low-rent housing appeared in l960 and a new hospital was built in l957. Georgia Highway 5 was widened in l962, new buildings around the square replaced old ones and some were remodeled. In 1974, the hospital was enlarged. Currently, Ellijay attracts tourists who love the small-town feel and friendly atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants, unique shops, antiques and art galleries lend their charms to those who visit. A new courthouse constructed to resemble the old one, new streetscaping, family-oriented downtown events and the beautification of the square have stepped up the social and economic activity and have made Ellijay a popular destination.

If you’re looking for flooring that will last a lifetime, the Hampton Series is an excellent choice for your home. This product is known for its elegance, quality, and durability. The exclusive Six Side Seal© helps prevent moisture that can lead to cupping, warping, and seasonal cracking. It also has antimicrobial properties that can decrease allergens in your home. All Hampton Series ¾-inch solid hardwood flooring comes prefinished for your convenience. Each plank features square edges to evoke the appearance of a site-finished floor. This product is available in a variety of colors that blend well with any interior design. Whatever color you choose, you’re sure to appreciate the authentic beauty and lasting strength of this series.

Designed by Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC this transitional farmhouse inspired grey kitchen design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the Ralston door style with a Mist finish. Kitchen countertops are granite in the color Crema Kashmere and are complemented by Kohler's Simplice faucet and Farm sink. Tile played an important part in the design. The backsplash features a White Gloss 4x16 Subway tile and the flooring features a 18x18 Nation tile, both from Emser Tile. Said Nancy, "The clients wanted to update and brighten their kitchen without changing the floorplan. The painted Mist finish with the large white subway tile opened up their kitchen. The Kohler stainless farm sink helped to create the farmhouse feel they were trying to achieve. The bar area design is my favorite. The previous bar was longer and crowded the walkway. We decreased the overall size, but added glass doors and bumped out the middle cabinets for interest. Although smaller than before, it became a focal point!" Photos courtesy of Laura Fuelleman, ShowSpaces Photography LLC.

Green Home Systems provides reliable solar power solutions to residential and commercial customers all over the country. Recently, we had the opportunity to work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL to provide a 19kW solar system for his home. We were able to complete this job quickly and efficiently, delivering a high quality product at an affordable price. At Green Home Systems, our mission is to provide our customers with the best customer service in the industry as well as unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price. We understand that not everyone can afford large upfront costs associated with installing solar systems and we are proud to offer competitive financing options that make it easier for our customers to go solar without breaking the bank. This was certainly true for Bruce D., who took advantage of our financing options and was able to have his new solar system installed within a couple of weeks time. Our team worked hard to ensure everything went smoothly when installing Bruce’s new system. We began by inspecting his roof to determine if it was suitable for installation and if there were any potential problems that needed addressing before beginning work. Once we determined everything was in order we then moved on to designing and installing the system itself. Our team of experienced professionals worked diligently to ensure each component was installed properly and securely so that it would be able to withstand years of exposure to the elements without issue. We also made sure that Bruce was aware of all the financial benefits associated with having a photovoltaic system installed on his home. He was now able to take advantage of numerous tax credits available in Illinois as well as decreased utility bills due to reduced consumption from his local electricity provider. Additionally, he will be able to increase the value of his home by having a solar power system installed which will make it more attractive should he decide he wants to sell it down the line. In conclusion, we are proud of our work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL and were happy to provide him with an efficient and cost-effective way to add renewable energy sources into his home’s power grid. Our team worked diligently throughout every stage of this project from design through installation until completion and we are thrilled with the results. We look forward to continuing our work throughout Illinois providing reliable solar solutions at competitive prices so that more people can benefit from this clean source of energy!

The homeowners wanted “communication station.” A place for keys and cell phone charging in the kitchen. The standing, glass door cabinet, was once a wall cabinet. The depth was decreased in order to facilitate the walking path. Photography by Leigh Ann Saperstone

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

Kitchen, Sliding Doors & Storage by Komandor. With any good kitchen layout, storage and flow are key. Continuing from last week’s theme…sliding doors can be a great addition to your kitchen or pantry. The main features being the increase in flow and the decrease in clutter in the kitchen. An open cabinet door protruding into your space is always cumbersome. Sliding doors can save valuable space and increase flow in high traffic areas. Not to mention that they are right on trend! Sliding doors can also be used to create a work station with a counter top and extra storage above and below. Food prep and frequently working appliances can be hidden away with the push of a door. Unexpected guests…no problem…with sliding doors a tidy kitchen is always just a slide away!