The Haven ADU features 900 GFA in a compact 28′×36′ footprint, offering 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a covered entryway. It includes 9′ ceilings, LED lighting, solar-ready infrastructure, and ADA options. BuildX provides a complete, move-in-ready ADU home with premium standard selections and full project management, covering architectural plans, permits, engineered foundation, complete exterior build, and a single connection point for high-efficiency heat-pump HVAC, along with finished interiors, including kitchen and bath. Customization options for both exterior and interior selections are available, with upgrades to enhance specific areas without compromising clarity or control. The starting price reflects the ADU building package with premium selections, while total project pricing is confirmed after property evaluation and defining the engineered site development scope, including utilities, excavation, drainage, and sewer tie-in or septic conditions.

The Nook ADU offers 667 GFA in a compact 24′×30′ footprint, featuring 1 bedroom, 1 bath, and a Farmer's Porch. It includes 9′ ceilings, LED lighting, solar-ready infrastructure, and ADA options. BuildX provides a complete, move-in-ready ADU home with premium standard selections and full project management, encompassing architectural plans, permits, engineered foundation, complete exterior build, and a single connection point for high-efficiency heat-pump HVAC, along with finished interiors, including kitchen and bath. Customization options for both exterior and interior selections are available, with upgrades to enhance specific areas without compromising clarity or control. The starting price reflects the ADU building package with premium selections, while total project pricing is confirmed after property evaluation and defining the engineered site development scope, including utilities, excavation, drainage, and sewer tie-in or septic conditions.

This amazing project was the culmination of triumph after triumph in setup, design, and function. The particular requirements of the Owner started during the contract phase forcing us to create a version of the contract used before. We then spent close to 90 days creating detailed specs, and a “research and development” born out of those specifications. Full automation and “walls as straight as steel” were challenges to address, Control 4 and Boise Cascade engineered lumber checked the boxes on those two items. Possibly the to jump was making the inside of clean, straight modern lines compliment the required traditional symmetry balance of the exterior. The architect masterfully made the blend in style, and then the real work began…that is. The final hurdle was completing this masterpiece in 9 months to meet the Owner’s move schedule, entire staff of 10 all played a part in eliminating several months from the schedule. The overall sense of accomplishment on this project was shared throughout the halls of our office.

The Gables ADU offers 899 GFA in a compact 26′×38′ footprint, featuring 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and a 2-car garage. It includes 9′ ceilings, LED lighting, solar-ready infrastructure, and ADA options. BuildX provides a complete, move-in-ready ADU home with premium standard selections and full project management, covering architectural plans, permits, engineered foundation, exterior build, and a single connection point for high-efficiency heat-pump HVAC, along with finished interiors, including kitchen and bath. Customization options for both exterior and interior selections are available, with upgrades to enhance specific areas without sacrificing clarity or control. The starting price reflects the ADU building package with premium selections, while total project pricing is confirmed after property evaluation and site development scope is defined, including utilities, excavation, drainage, and sewer tie-in or septic conditions.

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.

This custom, high-performance home was designed and built to a LEED for Homes Platinum rating, the highest rating given to homes when certified by the US Green Building Council. The house has been laid out to take maximum advantage of both passive and active solar energy, natural ventilation, low impact and recyclable materials, high efficiency lighting and controls, in a structure that is very simple and economical to build. The envelope of the house is designed to require a minimum amount of energy in order to live and use the home based on the lifestyle of the occupants. The home will have an innovative HVAC system that has been recently developed by engineers from the University of Illinois which uses considerably less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and provides extremely high indoor air quality utilizing a CERV (conditioned energy recovery ventilation system) combined with a cost effective installation. Josh Pabst

Example of a small classic home design design in San Francisco

REDEFINING CUSTOM THEATER SEATING The FORTUNY theater chair was created for the most luxurious home theater. It’s concept is unique in many aspects and the design combines leather upholstery, varying stitching finishes, ergonomic contours, real wood veneer and an independently controlled reclining mechanism. The chair was designed by the Mitra Theaters team as a seating solution for their exclusive high-end home theater projects. Careful attention has been paid to the overall comfort of this chair. Ergonomics have been thorougly studied during the design and development process. High quality foam with different densities in combination with zigzag seating support and webbed backrest support are used to create a comfortable and soft feel which maintains a proper balance for ones body.
 
A steel frame and mechanism ensures a smooth operation now and in the future. The independently controlled reclining mechanism allows the user to adjust the backrest independently from the footrest, giving the user full freedom and the ability to adjust the chair to a position that fits one’s body structure. The articulating headrest is a feature which ensures ultimate comfort while viewing a movie in the reclined position. It gives the proper neck support needed and guarantees the perfect viewing in relation to the film screen. The Fortuny is also available as a fixed chair and in a manually operated reclining version.

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.

New office concept. Working on office design ideas in this rendering interior. Nice high ceilings and a glass conference room.
Huge trendy freestanding desk concrete floor and gray floor home office photo in Baltimore with no fireplace

This custom, high-performance home was designed and built to a LEED for Homes Platinum rating, the highest rating given to homes when certified by the US Green Building Council. The house has been laid out to take maximum advantage of both passive and active solar energy, natural ventilation, low impact and recyclable materials, high efficiency lighting and controls, in a structure that is very simple and economical to build. The envelope of the house is designed to require a minimum amount of energy in order to live and use the home based on the lifestyle of the occupants. The home will have an innovative HVAC system that has been recently developed by engineers from the University of Illinois which uses considerably less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and provides extremely high indoor air quality utilizing a CERV (conditioned energy recovery ventilation system) combined with a cost effective installation.

This article is posted here with the consent of the author. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, view, or opinion of Crestron Electronics, Inc., or of any of its employees. Crestron Electronics is not responsible for, and does not verify the accuracy of, any of the information contained in this article. By Jeff Singer The “smart” revolution began several years ago with smartphones (a.k.a phones) and has extended in recent years to thermostats, doorbells, alarm systems, and kitchen appliances. Smart devices are so ubiquitous that the term “smart” is overused to the point that it is almost meaningless. Companies are eager to jump on the bandwagon and claim their products are “smart,” and consumers proudly claim they have a smart home because they have lighting control. Misconceptions about smart homes are prevalent and create confusion in the marketplace. This can have deleterious effects on businesses and underserve consumers. Here are seven of the most popular misconceptions about smart homes: 1. Apps are smart Apps are convenient and easy to use. Yes, it seems there’s an app for everything. People expect to be able to download an app and do just about anything. App developers and many companies do not disavow consumers of this myth. On the contrary, they promote this idea with carefully worded descriptions. The promise of having the world at your fingertips for $1.99 is very enticing. Although it sounds too good to be true, it is also too good to pass up for many people. This leads to undervaluing home control and disappointment when the apps don’t work, which undermines confidence in our industry. The fact is that apps are not smart. They do not control anything. They must connect to and communicate with a control system or cloud service that processes, prioritizes, and executes commands. That’s the real magic and what most people do not understand. 2. Smart devices work together With so many smart appliances and devices on the market today, it’s understandable that the average consumer might think that they actually communicate and work together. This is simply not the case. Smart devices are not that smart. They are designed and manufactured by different, often competing, companies. There are no national or industry standards governing these products. Even if they all operate using Wi-Fi® communications, that doesn’t mean they work together. Some companies promote a home control platform, which unites different devices from different companies – in theory. The platform is yet another third-party software totally dependent on other companies developing APIs and writing control modules for their hardware to run on that piece of software. The devices are not independently compatible. Also, when updates are made to either the hardware or the software, functionality may be affected for some period. That’s a nice way of saying the device or system won’t work and there’s no way of knowing for how long. 3. It’s a DIY project Which brings us to the next myth, which is that the average person can do it themselves. Unless you are a skilled professional, I would not advise taking on a smart home project. You want to make a light turn on and off with your Alexa® or Google Assistant™ virtual assistant software, go for it. A smart home takes much more planning and expertise. I have no problem changing a light bulb or hanging a light fixture in my dining room; however, I am not going to rewire my house. I may change the flush valve in my toilet, but I’m not going to replace the pipes in my house. You get it. Integrating devices and systems, establishing different zones, creating scenes, designing the UI with a balance between control, feedback, and simplicity – all takes experience and skill. 4. Need a programmer to make changes Early adopters may have experienced the pain of trying to make a simple change or update to their home control system. Years ago, if the cable provider changed the channel line-up, the homeowner would have to call the dealer or programmer to make an appointment for them to come out to the house to reprogram the system. The system wouldn’t work as expected until it was updated, which often took several days and beaucoup bucks. Not anymore. Technology has evolved so now it’s easy for system owners to change favorite channels, create scenes, rename buttons, update images, and more. While a professional is needed for the initial installation and setup, the system is easy to manage once it’s up and running. This makes life so much easier for both dealer and customer. 5. Tech becomes obsolete quickly Similar to updating the UI, updating firmware or hardware used to be a stressful process. A smart home should be intelligent enough to update itself. Apps don’t become obsolete. Updates are constantly pushed out from the cloud, making them better all the time. The same is true for a good smart home system. New features, functions, and device support gets added in the background consistently, so the system you installed (or purchased) yesterday gets better over time. Swapping out decorative elements, such as keypads, dimmers, and touch screens is also seamless. When a new device is added, all the settings are pulled down from the cloud and it just works. No system interruptions. No sunk costs. No imposing house calls. No surprise bills. 6. Lighting control saves energy and money Lighting control is one of the most popular smart systems, but it takes more than just one system to make a home smart. On the surface, it makes sense that if you dim the lights ten percent, then you save ten percent of energy costs. If the shades are raised during the day to take advantage of sunlight so the lights don’t need to be on (or at least not 100%), but that causes the room temperature to rise a few degrees, which triggers the air conditioner to run longer and more often, was energy usage (or cost) reduced? A smart home integrates all the various systems and technology to optimize comfort, convenience, safety, and sometimes energy. 7. Home technology is easy to hack Security is at the forefront of people’s minds these days. Personal identities are stolen; email accounts hacked; private photos publicized; and more. A smart home must outsmart those who don’t respect privacy. Crestron control systems adhere to the strictest security standards. The same Crestron control system that goes into a home is also installed in secure government and military facilities, global banking institutions, hospitals, and other mission critical applications. When installed correctly by a trained professional, a Crestron smart home is the gold standard for security, comfort, and convenience.

This custom, high-performance home was designed and built to a LEED for Homes Platinum rating, the highest rating given to homes when certified by the US Green Building Council. The house has been laid out to take maximum advantage of both passive and active solar energy, natural ventilation, low impact and recyclable materials, high efficiency lighting and controls, in a structure that is very simple and economical to build. The envelope of the house is designed to require a minimum amount of energy in order to live and use the home based on the lifestyle of the occupants. The home will have an innovative HVAC system that has been recently developed by engineers from the University of Illinois which uses considerably less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and provides extremely high indoor air quality utilizing a CERV (conditioned energy recovery ventilation system) combined with a cost effective installation. Lawrence Smith

The Performer™ ST210 is the solution to moderate heating needs. Its elegance and engineered simplicity makes it a pleasure to burn and a large cooktop surface allows for food preparation – even during power outages. The Performer will add efficiency, ambiance and warmth to your home. Aesthetics Unique, integral airwash system keeps the glass clean and clear for a wide-open view of the fire. Constructed from premium materials, like heavy-gauge stainless steel for dependable performance and striking appearance. Comfort Ceramic-fiber blanket utilizes technology developed by NASA that has 10 times the insulation value of firebrick, radiating heat back into the firebox and creating higher efficiencies and cleaner gas. Uniquely designed refractory baffle assists in igniting fuel-rich gases, increasing efficiency and reducing emissions. Stainless steel afterburner tubes mix oxygen with unburned gases and smoke to create a secondary burn, lowering fuel costs. Heavy-duty door contains no nuts or washers, forming a 360° seal for long-lasting durability. EPA Phase II-certified for clean and efficient operation. Ease of Operation Singular draft control for simple operation and burn rate adjustment. Design Versatility Five unique door finishes to fit your style and home. Pedestal or leg choices provide customizable appearance for personalized styling preference. *Square-feet heating capacities are approximations only. Actual performance may vary depending upon home design and insulation, ceiling heights, climate, condition and type of wood used, appliance location, burn rate, accessories chosen, chimney installation and how the appliance is operated.

This modern farmhouse–style master bathroom became a bright, airy retreat defined by bold black metal fixtures, a warm wood vanity, and soft neutral tones. Subtle white tile keeps the space calm and refined while balancing the striking contrasts, turning a once-generic development bathroom into a serene, one-of-a-kind master escape that blends rustic charm with modern sophistication.

A unique project just finished for homeowners in Maribel. A three car garage and “presentation” room with an indoor wheelchair ramp was added to an existing two-story home to meet the special needs of the residents. Braun’s residential designers worked with homeowners and Hardrath Improvements to develop a very detailed plan for the project. What resulted was a spacious, 3-stall heated garage with an extra large, wheelchair accessible floor area for safe, easy car loading/unloading. A temperature controlled connecting room with a wheelchair ramp was added between the garage and the house with an extra wide garage entry door, providing room-to-room access without ever having to be outside. Construction was completed by Hardrath Improvements. Braun Building Center provided the design blueprints, and products including all lumber, sheathing, trusses, GAF - Roofing, CertainTeed vinyl siding, Alliance windows, Waudena Millwork exterior doors, and Larson Storm Doors.

This 5687 sf home was a major renovation including significant modifications to exterior and interior structural components, walls and foundations. Included were the addition of several multi slide exterior doors, windows, new patio cover structure with master deck, climate controlled wine room, master bath steam shower, 4 new gas fireplace appliances and the center piece- a cantilever structural steel staircase with custom wood handrail and treads. A complete demo down to drywall of all areas was performed excluding only the secondary baths, game room and laundry room where only the existing cabinets were kept and refinished. Some of the interior structural and partition walls were removed. All flooring, counter tops, shower walls, shower pans and tubs were removed and replaced. New cabinets in kitchen and main bar by Mid Continent. All other cabinetry was custom fabricated and some existing cabinets refinished. Counter tops consist of Quartz, granite and marble. Flooring is porcelain tile and marble throughout. Wall surfaces are porcelain tile, natural stacked stone and custom wood throughout. All drywall surfaces are floated to smooth wall finish. Many electrical upgrades including LED recessed can lighting, LED strip lighting under cabinets and ceiling tray lighting throughout. The front and rear yard was completely re landscaped including 2 gas fire features in the rear and a built in BBQ. The pool tile and plaster was refinished including all new concrete decking.

REDEFINING CUSTOM THEATER SEATING The FORTUNY theater chair was created for the most luxurious home theater. It’s concept is unique in many aspects and the design combines leather upholstery, varying stitching finishes, ergonomic contours, real wood veneer and an independently controlled reclining mechanism. The chair was designed by the Mitra Theaters team as a seating solution for their exclusive high-end home theater projects. Careful attention has been paid to the overall comfort of this chair. Ergonomics have been thorougly studied during the design and development process. High quality foam with different densities in combination with zigzag seating support and webbed backrest support are used to create a comfortable and soft feel which maintains a proper balance for ones body.
 
A steel frame and mechanism ensures a smooth operation now and in the future. The independently controlled reclining mechanism allows the user to adjust the backrest independently from the footrest, giving the user full freedom and the ability to adjust the chair to a position that fits one’s body structure. The articulating headrest is a feature which ensures ultimate comfort while viewing a movie in the reclined position. It gives the proper neck support needed and guarantees the perfect viewing in relation to the film screen. The Fortuny is also available as a fixed chair and in a manually operated reclining version.

WINNER OF 2013 HPBA VESTA AWARDS The Evolution 360 Series has won two Vesta Awards at the HPBExpo for Best Outdoor Hearth Product and Best in Show! HPC has been selling the ambiance of fire through being the leader in Fire Pit Inserts for many years with our wide range of shapes, sizes, and technologies. What better way to compliment fire than to add the elegance and soothing sound of a shear, running water. Our focus over 2 years ago was to develop a turnkey, self-contained water system that is universal, robust, and is cost effective for our dealers - thus evolved HPC’s new Water Pit Insert. Finally this year we are proud to introduce the Evolution 360 Series - our first in a line of Water Pit Inserts. The Evolution 360 can be installed on practically any patio in a residential or commercial setting - no pond or pool needed! This fully assembled, plug-n-play system comes ready to install - simply level the water pit then connect water, electric, and gas. Finally, enclose with stone, veneer, stucco, etc. to match your patio décor. Operation is even simpler - three switches control the water, LED lights, and fire pit. The Evolution 360 is made of durable, weather resistant, black polyethylene and engineered to last - no on-site guesswork. It is strong enough to allow for the option of our Water Rock to be used to line the floor of the basin. Evolution 360 Features: - Beautiful blue LED lights to illuminate water - hidden under scupper. - Auto fill system- automatically adds water when needed; Low level sensor protects pump if water supply issue. - Filtration- water is conditioned with a reusable, easy-to-clean filter. - Water pump- 3,200 gallons per hour (4,000, 4,800, 6,000gph pumps available upon request) - Leveling / Height Setting- four heavy, 3/4” threaded feet give flexibility of height adjustment and leveling. Easily adjusted on site with ~4” of travel. - Overflow feature allows water to escape safely. - Electrical Connection- simply with a 5-lead, 20’ cable ready to connect. Control Panel incorporates 3 push-to-reset breakers for water, LEDs & fire. - Fire Pit Insert: CSA Certified Remote Electronic Ignition 13SS90HWI 90k Btu, 12” burner. - Copper Bowls: Choose from a 4-scupper design or the new 360-degree model- both handmade with beautiful hammered copper.. We have three variations of the Evolution 360 series Copper Fire Bowl Water Pit Insert Features: Seperate Operation of Fire with Wall Switch (optional control box available) Seperate Operation of Water with Wall Switch (optional control box available) Seperate Operation of Lighting with Wall Switch (optional control box available) Fully Self Contained, Filtrated System