The Cherry Road project is a humble yet striking example of how small changes can have a big impact. A meaningful project as the final room to be renovated in this house, thus our completion aligned with the family’s move-in. The kitchen posed a number of problems the design worked to remedy. Such as an existing window oriented the room towards a neighboring driveway. The initial design move sought to reorganize the space internally, focusing the view from the sink back through the house to the pool and courtyard beyond. This simple repositioning allowed the range to center on the opposite wall, flanked by two windows that reduce direct views to the driveway while increasing the natural light of the space. Opposite that opening to the dining room, we created a new custom hutch that has the upper doors bypass doors incorporate an antique mirror, then led they magnified the light and view opposite side of the room. The ceilings we were confined to eight-foot four, so we wanted to create as much verticality as possible. All the cabinetry was designed to go to the ceiling, incorporating a simple coat mold at the ceiling. The west wall of the kitchen is primarily floor-to-ceiling storage behind paneled doors. So the refrigeration and freezers are fully integrated.

Allison Cartwright, Photographer RRS Design + Build is a Austin based general contractor specializing in high end remodels and custom home builds. As a leader in contemporary, modern and mid century modern design, we are the clear choice for a superior product and experience. We would love the opportunity to serve you on your next project endeavor. Put our award winning team to work for you today!

ONE OF A KIND! Custom built 3170sq ft Direct Gulf Access home on a 200' wide intersecting canal. As you enter into this Magnificent home you will be captivated by the views. The Grand Foyer & Great Room offer architectural features including 17' Coffered ceilings, crown molding, fireplace, wet bar w/60" glass front cabinets, open floor plan with 10' zero corner sliders. Chefs Kitchen has a ton of cabinet space w/upgraded granite countertops. Featuring high end 60" cabinets w/crown molding & large center island w/seating. Huge Master suite w/sitting area. Luxury master bath w/double vanity & quartz tops, soaking tub, walk-in glass shower w/dual shower heads. Addtl features to include PGT WinGuard Impact Resistant windows & doors, 2 A/C zoned system, foam attic insulation, exterior surround sound, security system & camera's. An Amazing tropical paradise awaits outside to include an upgraded saltwater pool w/Spa, sun ledge, LED lights, bubblers, solar & electric heater. Outdoor kitchen/bar w/sink, built-in grill, ice maker, & 2 refrigerators. New seawall & wrap-around boat dock installed w/maintenance free vinyl decking & 20,000lb boat lift. Separate 6,000lb Jet Ski Lift.

A contemporary residence where modern lines are balanced by warmth and material richness. Natural textures and a layered palette create interiors that feel refined yet comfortably lived in.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

This client came to us wanting to enhance their existing space by using some creative finishes for walls. They hoped to make the home feel more urban, rustic and modern as opposed to the traditional architectural style of the structure but did not know how to accomplish this transition. Upon our arrival it was noted that all walls had been painted white which was determined too harsh and did not achieve the modern feel the homeowner had hoped to evoke. The space was softened by using a subtle and fresh color palette with one accent color for impact. Teal was the color selected to create a continuous thread of pop in varying degrees in each room which included the Entry Hall, Dining Room and Living Room. Touches of black were injected into each space due to the client’s previous purchases of a drum fixture for the living room and black dining table; both gave direction on scale and style. The Entry Hall was made powerfully impactful as someone enters the home by taking its cue from the abstract art selected for the Dining Room. A faux concrete wall was created with the use of artistically combined colors. In the Dining Room, the use of classic chairs are successfully made modern by upholstering in teal leather which added both continuity and unexpected interest next to the velvet Greek Key pattern found on host chairs. In the Living Room custom upholstered sofa and chairs are grounded by a rug that brings all colors together. A unique copper rivet finish was applied in the niches that flank the fireplace as a contrast to whimsical amber crystal mini chandeliers hung over modern consoles that display simple yet exciting teal bowls. The final furnishings, art and accessories ultimately brought the entire home together in a rustic, modern way that is warm and inviting reflecting the unique personality of the people who live there.

This client came to us wanting to enhance their existing space by using some creative finishes for walls. They hoped to make the home feel more modern with an urban rustic vibe as opposed to the traditional architectural style of the structure but did not know how to accomplish this transition. Upon our arrival it was noted that all walls had been painted white which was determined too harsh and did not achieve the modern feel the homeowner had hoped to evoke. The space was softened by using a subtle and fresh color palette with one accent color for impact. Teal was the color selected to create a continuous thread of pop in varying degrees in each room which included the Entry Hall, Dining Room and Living Room. Touches of black were injected into each space due to the client’s previous purchases of a drum fixture for the living room and black dining table; both gave direction on scale and style. The Entry Hall was given powerful impact as someone enters the home by taking its cue from the abstract art selected for the Dining Room. A faux concrete wall was created with the use of artistically combined colors. In the Dining Room, the use of classic chairs are successfully made modern by upholstering in teal leather which added both continuity and unexpected interest next to the velvet Greek Key pattern found on host chairs. In the Living Room custom upholstered sofa and chairs are grounded by a rug that brings all colors together. A unique copper rivet finish was applied in the niches that flank the fireplace as a contrast to whimsical amber crystal mini chandeliers hung over modern consoles that display simple yet exciting teal bowls. The final furnishings, art and accessories ultimately brought the entire home together in a rustic, modern way that is warm and inviting reflecting the unique personality of the people who live there.

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

Project Developer David Waguespack https://www.houzz.com/pro/david-waguespack/david-waguespack-case-design-remodeling-inc?lt=hl Designer Carolyn Elleman https://www.houzz.com/pro/celleman3/carolyn-elleman-case-design-remodeling-inc?lt=hl Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

This client came to us wanting to enhance their existing space by using some creative finishes for walls. They hoped to make the home feel more urban, rustic and modern as opposed to the traditional architectural style of the structure but did not know how to accomplish this transition. Upon our arrival it was noted that all walls had been painted white which was determined too harsh and did not achieve the modern feel the homeowner had hoped to evoke. The space was softened by using a subtle and fresh color palette with one accent color for impact. Teal was the color selected to create a continuous thread of pop in varying degrees in each room which included the Entry Hall, Dining Room and Living Room. Touches of black were injected into each space due to the client’s previous purchases of a drum fixture for the living room and black dining table; both gave direction on scale and style. The Entry Hall was made powerfully impactful as someone enters the home by taking its cue from the abstract art selected for the Dining Room. A faux concrete wall was created with the use of artistically combined colors. In the Dining Room, the use of classic chairs are successfully made modern by upholstering in teal leather which added both continuity and unexpected interest next to the velvet Greek Key pattern found on host chairs. In the Living Room custom upholstered sofa and chairs are grounded by a rug that brings all colors together. A unique copper rivet finish was applied in the niches that flank the fireplace as a contrast to whimsical amber crystal mini chandeliers hung over modern consoles that display simple yet exciting teal bowls. The final furnishings, art and accessories ultimately brought the entire home together in a rustic, modern way that is warm and inviting reflecting the unique personality of the people who live there.

This client came to us wanting to enhance their existing space by using some creative finishes for walls. They hoped to make the home feel more modern with an urban rustic vibe as opposed to the traditional architectural style of the structure but did not know how to accomplish this transition. Upon our arrival it was noted that all walls had been painted white which was determined too harsh and did not achieve the modern feel the homeowner had hoped to evoke. The space was softened by using a subtle and fresh color palette with one accent color for impact. Teal was the color selected to create a continuous thread of pop in varying degrees in each room which included the Entry Hall, Dining Room and Living Room. Touches of black were injected into each space due to the client’s previous purchases of a drum fixture for the living room and black dining table; both gave direction on scale and style. The Entry Hall was given powerful impact as someone enters the home by taking its cue from the abstract art selected for the Dining Room. A faux concrete wall was created with the use of artistically combined colors. In the Dining Room, the use of classic chairs are successfully made modern by upholstering in teal leather which added both continuity and unexpected interest next to the velvet Greek Key pattern found on host chairs. In the Living Room custom upholstered sofa and chairs are grounded by a rug that brings all colors together. A unique copper rivet finish was applied in the niches that flank the fireplace as a contrast to whimsical amber crystal mini chandeliers hung over modern consoles that display simple yet exciting teal bowls. The final furnishings, art and accessories ultimately brought the entire home together in a rustic, modern way that is warm and inviting reflecting the unique personality of the people who live there.

When our client contacted us, they wanted to completely renovate their condo to accommodate a much better use of their space, which included a new kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and den/office. There were some limitations with placement, given this home was a condo, but some key design changes were made to dramatically improvement their home. Firstly, after demolition it was discovered that there was lots of ceiling space that was unused and empty. So we all decided to raise it by almost 2 feet - almost 4' in the bathroom and bedroom. This probably had the most dramatic impact of all the changes. Our client also decided to have polished concrete floors and this was done everywhere, and incorporate custom cabinetry in all rooms. The advantage of this was to really maximize and fully utilize every possible area, while at the same time dramatically beautify the condo. Of course the brushed brass finishes and minimal decorating help direct the to key focal places in the condo including the mural of wallpaper in the bathroom and entertainment in the living room. We love the Pentax backsplash in the kitchen!

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

This client came to us wanting to enhance their existing space by using some creative finishes for walls. They hoped to make the home feel more modern with an urban rustic vibe as opposed to the traditional architectural style of the structure but did not know how to accomplish this transition. Upon our arrival it was noted that all walls had been painted white which was determined too harsh and did not achieve the modern feel the homeowner had hoped to evoke. The space was softened by using a subtle and fresh color palette with one accent color for impact. Teal was the color selected to create a continuous thread of pop in varying degrees in each room which included the Entry Hall, Dining Room and Living Room. Touches of black were injected into each space due to the client’s previous purchases of a drum fixture for the living room and black dining table; both gave direction on scale and style. The Entry Hall was given powerful impact as someone enters the home by taking its cue from the abstract art selected for the Dining Room. A faux concrete wall was created with the use of artistically combined colors. In the Dining Room, the use of classic chairs are successfully made modern by upholstering in teal leather which added both continuity and unexpected interest next to the velvet Greek Key pattern found on host chairs. In the Living Room custom upholstered sofa and chairs are grounded by a rug that brings all colors together. A unique copper rivet finish was applied in the niches that flank the fireplace as a contrast to whimsical amber crystal mini chandeliers hung over modern consoles that display simple yet exciting teal bowls. The final furnishings, art and accessories ultimately brought the entire home together in a rustic, modern way that is warm and inviting reflecting the unique personality of the people who live there.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

This client came to us wanting to enhance their existing space by using some creative finishes for walls. They hoped to make the home feel more modern with an urban rustic vibe as opposed to the traditional architectural style of the structure but did not know how to accomplish this transition. Upon our arrival it was noted that all walls had been painted white which was determined too harsh and did not achieve the modern feel the homeowner had hoped to evoke. The space was softened by using a subtle and fresh color palette with one accent color for impact. Teal was the color selected to create a continuous thread of pop in varying degrees in each room which included the Entry Hall, Dining Room and Living Room. Touches of black were injected into each space due to the client’s previous purchases of a drum fixture for the living room and black dining table; both gave direction on scale and style. The Entry Hall was given powerful impact as someone enters the home by taking its cue from the abstract art selected for the Dining Room. A faux concrete wall was created with the use of artistically combined colors. In the Dining Room, the use of classic chairs are successfully made modern by upholstering in teal leather which added both continuity and unexpected interest next to the velvet Greek Key pattern found on host chairs. In the Living Room custom upholstered sofa and chairs are grounded by a rug that brings all colors together. A unique copper rivet finish was applied in the niches that flank the fireplace as a contrast to whimsical amber crystal mini chandeliers hung over modern consoles that display simple yet exciting teal bowls. The final furnishings, art and accessories ultimately brought the entire home together in a rustic, modern way that is warm and inviting reflecting the unique personality of the people who live there.

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.