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Gregg Waller of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Wilmington, NC collaborated with JC Hazelton Builders to design a farmhouse inspired kitchen featuring Green Forest and Masterpiece cabinetry.
The kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place door style with a White finish for the perimeter, complemented with an island in the Masterpiece door style Turner in Maple with a Shortbread finish. Appliances and countertops were provided by others.
The client expressed their appreciation saying, “I literally love every aspect of our kitchen. It is exactly what we wanted. We did not have to sacrifice our vision which was a welcome experience. Gregg was so helpful in hearing what we wanted and then delivering. His knowledge about the products available really helped us achieve our design goals. He created digital examples of our kitchen, laundry and bathrooms which helped us in making our final decision.”
“The biggest challenge that I faced was creating the look the client wanted in their new home while staying within a budget that was set prior to our introduction. I decided that Green Forest Park Place cabinets would be the best choice for the majority of the project. Masterpiece cabinets were needed to get the exact color that the client wanted for the kitchen island,” explained Gregg.
“My favorite part of the design is the range wall. I like the way the warm wood tones of the hood balance the white shaker cabinets and brick backsplash. The clients were an absolute pleasure to work with. The excellent communication that I received from the client throughout definitely helped in the successful completion of the project!”
Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Gregg Waller of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Wilmington, NC collaborated with JC Hazelton Builders to design a farmhouse inspired kitchen featuring Green Forest and Masterpiece cabinetry.
The kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place door style with a White finish for the perimeter, complemented with an island in the Masterpiece door style Turner in Maple with a Shortbread finish. Appliances and countertops were provided by others.
The client expressed their appreciation saying, “I literally love every aspect of our kitchen. It is exactly what we wanted. We did not have to sacrifice our vision which was a welcome experience. Gregg was so helpful in hearing what we wanted and then delivering. His knowledge about the products available really helped us achieve our design goals. He created digital examples of our kitchen, laundry and bathrooms which helped us in making our final decision.”
“The biggest challenge that I faced was creating the look the client wanted in their new home while staying within a budget that was set prior to our introduction. I decided that Green Forest Park Place cabinets would be the best choice for the majority of the project. Masterpiece cabinets were needed to get the exact color that the client wanted for the kitchen island,” explained Gregg.
“My favorite part of the design is the range wall. I like the way the warm wood tones of the hood balance the white shaker cabinets and brick backsplash. The clients were an absolute pleasure to work with. The excellent communication that I received from the client throughout definitely helped in the successful completion of the project!”
Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Gregg Waller of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Wilmington, NC collaborated with JC Hazelton Builders to design a farmhouse inspired kitchen featuring Green Forest and Masterpiece cabinetry.
The kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place door style with a White finish for the perimeter, complemented with an island in the Masterpiece door style Turner in Maple with a Shortbread finish. Appliances and countertops were provided by others.
The client expressed their appreciation saying, “I literally love every aspect of our kitchen. It is exactly what we wanted. We did not have to sacrifice our vision which was a welcome experience. Gregg was so helpful in hearing what we wanted and then delivering. His knowledge about the products available really helped us achieve our design goals. He created digital examples of our kitchen, laundry and bathrooms which helped us in making our final decision.”
“The biggest challenge that I faced was creating the look the client wanted in their new home while staying within a budget that was set prior to our introduction. I decided that Green Forest Park Place cabinets would be the best choice for the majority of the project. Masterpiece cabinets were needed to get the exact color that the client wanted for the kitchen island,” explained Gregg.
“My favorite part of the design is the range wall. I like the way the warm wood tones of the hood balance the white shaker cabinets and brick backsplash. The clients were an absolute pleasure to work with. The excellent communication that I received from the client throughout definitely helped in the successful completion of the project!”
Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.
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Gregg Waller of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Wilmington, NC collaborated with JC Hazelton Builders to design a farmhouse inspired kitchen featuring Green Forest and Masterpiece cabinetry.
The kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place door style with a White finish for the perimeter, complemented with an island in the Masterpiece door style Turner in Maple with a Shortbread finish. Appliances and countertops were provided by others.
The client expressed their appreciation saying, “I literally love every aspect of our kitchen. It is exactly what we wanted. We did not have to sacrifice our vision which was a welcome experience. Gregg was so helpful in hearing what we wanted and then delivering. His knowledge about the products available really helped us achieve our design goals. He created digital examples of our kitchen, laundry and bathrooms which helped us in making our final decision.”
“The biggest challenge that I faced was creating the look the client wanted in their new home while staying within a budget that was set prior to our introduction. I decided that Green Forest Park Place cabinets would be the best choice for the majority of the project. Masterpiece cabinets were needed to get the exact color that the client wanted for the kitchen island,” explained Gregg.
“My favorite part of the design is the range wall. I like the way the warm wood tones of the hood balance the white shaker cabinets and brick backsplash. The clients were an absolute pleasure to work with. The excellent communication that I received from the client throughout definitely helped in the successful completion of the project!”
Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Gregg Waller of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Wilmington, NC collaborated with JC Hazelton Builders to design a farmhouse inspired kitchen featuring Green Forest and Masterpiece cabinetry.
The kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place door style with a White finish for the perimeter, complemented with an island in the Masterpiece door style Turner in Maple with a Shortbread finish. Appliances and countertops were provided by others.
The client expressed their appreciation saying, “I literally love every aspect of our kitchen. It is exactly what we wanted. We did not have to sacrifice our vision which was a welcome experience. Gregg was so helpful in hearing what we wanted and then delivering. His knowledge about the products available really helped us achieve our design goals. He created digital examples of our kitchen, laundry and bathrooms which helped us in making our final decision.”
“The biggest challenge that I faced was creating the look the client wanted in their new home while staying within a budget that was set prior to our introduction. I decided that Green Forest Park Place cabinets would be the best choice for the majority of the project. Masterpiece cabinets were needed to get the exact color that the client wanted for the kitchen island,” explained Gregg.
“My favorite part of the design is the range wall. I like the way the warm wood tones of the hood balance the white shaker cabinets and brick backsplash. The clients were an absolute pleasure to work with. The excellent communication that I received from the client throughout definitely helped in the successful completion of the project!”
Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Gregg Waller of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Wilmington, NC collaborated with JC Hazelton Builders to design a farmhouse inspired kitchen featuring Green Forest and Masterpiece cabinetry.
The kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place door style with a White finish for the perimeter, complemented with an island in the Masterpiece door style Turner in Maple with a Shortbread finish. Appliances and countertops were provided by others.
The client expressed their appreciation saying, “I literally love every aspect of our kitchen. It is exactly what we wanted. We did not have to sacrifice our vision which was a welcome experience. Gregg was so helpful in hearing what we wanted and then delivering. His knowledge about the products available really helped us achieve our design goals. He created digital examples of our kitchen, laundry and bathrooms which helped us in making our final decision.”
“The biggest challenge that I faced was creating the look the client wanted in their new home while staying within a budget that was set prior to our introduction. I decided that Green Forest Park Place cabinets would be the best choice for the majority of the project. Masterpiece cabinets were needed to get the exact color that the client wanted for the kitchen island,” explained Gregg.
“My favorite part of the design is the range wall. I like the way the warm wood tones of the hood balance the white shaker cabinets and brick backsplash. The clients were an absolute pleasure to work with. The excellent communication that I received from the client throughout definitely helped in the successful completion of the project!”
Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Gregg Waller of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Wilmington, NC collaborated with JC Hazelton Builders to design a farmhouse inspired kitchen featuring Green Forest and Masterpiece cabinetry.
The kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place door style with a White finish for the perimeter, complemented with an island in the Masterpiece door style Turner in Maple with a Shortbread finish. Appliances and countertops were provided by others.
The client expressed their appreciation saying, “I literally love every aspect of our kitchen. It is exactly what we wanted. We did not have to sacrifice our vision which was a welcome experience. Gregg was so helpful in hearing what we wanted and then delivering. His knowledge about the products available really helped us achieve our design goals. He created digital examples of our kitchen, laundry and bathrooms which helped us in making our final decision.”
“The biggest challenge that I faced was creating the look the client wanted in their new home while staying within a budget that was set prior to our introduction. I decided that Green Forest Park Place cabinets would be the best choice for the majority of the project. Masterpiece cabinets were needed to get the exact color that the client wanted for the kitchen island,” explained Gregg.
“My favorite part of the design is the range wall. I like the way the warm wood tones of the hood balance the white shaker cabinets and brick backsplash. The clients were an absolute pleasure to work with. The excellent communication that I received from the client throughout definitely helped in the successful completion of the project!”
Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Gregg Waller of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Wilmington, NC collaborated with JC Hazelton Builders to design a farmhouse inspired kitchen featuring Green Forest and Masterpiece cabinetry.
The kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place door style with a White finish for the perimeter, complemented with an island in the Masterpiece door style Turner in Maple with a Shortbread finish. Appliances and countertops were provided by others.
The client expressed their appreciation saying, “I literally love every aspect of our kitchen. It is exactly what we wanted. We did not have to sacrifice our vision which was a welcome experience. Gregg was so helpful in hearing what we wanted and then delivering. His knowledge about the products available really helped us achieve our design goals. He created digital examples of our kitchen, laundry and bathrooms which helped us in making our final decision.”
“The biggest challenge that I faced was creating the look the client wanted in their new home while staying within a budget that was set prior to our introduction. I decided that Green Forest Park Place cabinets would be the best choice for the majority of the project. Masterpiece cabinets were needed to get the exact color that the client wanted for the kitchen island,” explained Gregg.
“My favorite part of the design is the range wall. I like the way the warm wood tones of the hood balance the white shaker cabinets and brick backsplash. The clients were an absolute pleasure to work with. The excellent communication that I received from the client throughout definitely helped in the successful completion of the project!”
Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Gregg Waller of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Wilmington, NC collaborated with JC Hazelton Builders to design a farmhouse inspired kitchen featuring Green Forest and Masterpiece cabinetry.
The kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place door style with a White finish for the perimeter, complemented with an island in the Masterpiece door style Turner in Maple with a Shortbread finish. Appliances and countertops were provided by others.
The client expressed their appreciation saying, “I literally love every aspect of our kitchen. It is exactly what we wanted. We did not have to sacrifice our vision which was a welcome experience. Gregg was so helpful in hearing what we wanted and then delivering. His knowledge about the products available really helped us achieve our design goals. He created digital examples of our kitchen, laundry and bathrooms which helped us in making our final decision.”
“The biggest challenge that I faced was creating the look the client wanted in their new home while staying within a budget that was set prior to our introduction. I decided that Green Forest Park Place cabinets would be the best choice for the majority of the project. Masterpiece cabinets were needed to get the exact color that the client wanted for the kitchen island,” explained Gregg.
“My favorite part of the design is the range wall. I like the way the warm wood tones of the hood balance the white shaker cabinets and brick backsplash. The clients were an absolute pleasure to work with. The excellent communication that I received from the client throughout definitely helped in the successful completion of the project!”
Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Gregg Waller of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Wilmington, NC collaborated with JC Hazelton Builders to design a farmhouse inspired kitchen featuring Green Forest and Masterpiece cabinetry.
The kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place door style with a White finish for the perimeter, complemented with an island in the Masterpiece door style Turner in Maple with a Shortbread finish. Appliances and countertops were provided by others.
The client expressed their appreciation saying, “I literally love every aspect of our kitchen. It is exactly what we wanted. We did not have to sacrifice our vision which was a welcome experience. Gregg was so helpful in hearing what we wanted and then delivering. His knowledge about the products available really helped us achieve our design goals. He created digital examples of our kitchen, laundry and bathrooms which helped us in making our final decision.”
“The biggest challenge that I faced was creating the look the client wanted in their new home while staying within a budget that was set prior to our introduction. I decided that Green Forest Park Place cabinets would be the best choice for the majority of the project. Masterpiece cabinets were needed to get the exact color that the client wanted for the kitchen island,” explained Gregg.
“My favorite part of the design is the range wall. I like the way the warm wood tones of the hood balance the white shaker cabinets and brick backsplash. The clients were an absolute pleasure to work with. The excellent communication that I received from the client throughout definitely helped in the successful completion of the project!”
Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Gregg Waller of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Wilmington, NC collaborated with JC Hazelton Builders to design a farmhouse inspired kitchen featuring Green Forest and Masterpiece cabinetry.
The kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place door style with a White finish for the perimeter, complemented with an island in the Masterpiece door style Turner in Maple with a Shortbread finish. Appliances and countertops were provided by others.
The client expressed their appreciation saying, “I literally love every aspect of our kitchen. It is exactly what we wanted. We did not have to sacrifice our vision which was a welcome experience. Gregg was so helpful in hearing what we wanted and then delivering. His knowledge about the products available really helped us achieve our design goals. He created digital examples of our kitchen, laundry and bathrooms which helped us in making our final decision.”
“The biggest challenge that I faced was creating the look the client wanted in their new home while staying within a budget that was set prior to our introduction. I decided that Green Forest Park Place cabinets would be the best choice for the majority of the project. Masterpiece cabinets were needed to get the exact color that the client wanted for the kitchen island,” explained Gregg.
“My favorite part of the design is the range wall. I like the way the warm wood tones of the hood balance the white shaker cabinets and brick backsplash. The clients were an absolute pleasure to work with. The excellent communication that I received from the client throughout definitely helped in the successful completion of the project!”
Photos courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Gorgeous master bath finished with Dal-Tile's Fabrique porcelain tile in the color Noir Linen polished. Tile size is 12"x24" installed in a brick joint pattern. The floor boasts underfloor heating on a timed thermostat.

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.

A second vanity replaced a bathtub in this Jack-and-Jill bathroom. A custom wood framed oval mirror hangs from the ceiling in front of the glass block window, creating the ideal lighting conditions to apply makeup in the daylight.

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.

This Australian-inspired new construction was a successful collaboration between homeowner, architect, designer and builder. The home features a Henrybuilt kitchen, butler's pantry, private home office, guest suite, master suite, entry foyer with concealed entrances to the powder bathroom and coat closet, hidden play loft, and full front and back landscaping with swimming pool and pool house/ADU.

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.

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather.
The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts.
The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience.
The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly.
The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway.
Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather.
The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts.
The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience.
The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly.
The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway.
Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.
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