Search results for "Disaster" in Home Design Ideas

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning.
This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing.
Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology.
In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come.
Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

This remodel started DIY disaster and transformed into a luxurious home in the south hills of Eugene Oregon. The client scraped the popcorn ceilings, installed floors, and trim but could not figure out how to finish the job. With these items being completed, new paint, stained beams, closet inserts, and modernized shelving in the hallway finished off the job!

This irregular flagstone patio replaced a wretched wooden disaster in Virginia-Highlands. The challenge was to utilize the small space to create an outdoor kitchen, dining and entertaining area. The horizontal cedar boards give the space a contemporary feel. Notice the detail of the custom channel drain along the decking, and the strands of festoon lights over the space. This place was built for parties.
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This condo required a complete overall, due mold issues. So we reinvented the space to bring this condo to its glory. This Kitchen space went from cramped to spacious. The master bath got a new lease on life. In addition the laundry was a disaster, by rearranging appliances and turning an electrical panel to the hall to met code we were able to add a sink and countertop landing space

This condo required a complete overall, due mold issues. So we reinvented the space to bring this condo to its glory. This Kitchen space went from cramped to spacious. The master bath got a new lease on life. In addition the laundry was a disaster, by rearranging appliances and turning an electrical panel to the hall to met code we were able to add a sink and countertop landing space

After disaster recovery, High Class offers exceptional general contractor services.

What started as a disaster ended in this beauty. A plumbing leak precipitated replacing the sink base cabinet and refinishing the floors. We painted the cabinets in this gorgeous two tone, installed quartz countertops and topped it off with a marble subway tile backsplash. New hardware and yet another kitchen has been given a fresh start!

A Window to the World
Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida
Architect: Eric Watson
Builder: Hufham Farris Construction
Working with Hufham Farris Construction and architect Eric Watson on this beautiful and unique Alys Beach residence, we supplied a custom E. F. San Juan front entry door, custom interior windows for the wine cellar, custom exterior gates, exterior railings, exterior paneling and trim, and the magnificent Loewen® windows and doors that make a statement the moment you see the home.
Challenges:
Due to our limited production capacity in the wake of Hurricane Michael, providing custom millwork for this home was challenging, but our team was happy and proud to return to work after such a disaster. The primary challenge on this gorgeous 5,050-plus-square-foot residence designed by Eric Watson was the vaulted two-story wall of windows that comprises most of the facade.
Another feature of this home is the incredible 600-bottle wine cellar on the first floor. Watson wanted this amenity to be a focal point for residents and guests, with large glass windows looking into the cellar from a hallway at the front of the house. Due to the delicate nature of wine and the need to protect the bottles from sunlight, this meant creating custom windows that would block the light while still allowing a view of the cellar from the outside. E. F. San Juan provided these custom windows that filter UV light and are airtight to keep out moisture and regulate the cellar’s temperature.
Solution:
We worked closely with our trusted partners at Loewen to supply the large, impact-rated windows for the home’s grand facade and throughout the property, along with exterior doors leading to the courtyard, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces. The E. F. San Juan team also created the accompanying millwork and matching exterior trim, railings, and more.
Providing privacy, security, and beauty, the front entry door and driveway gates were also made by E. F. San Juan. This new-build home, completed in 2020, exudes the quintessential luxury and unique design acumen of Alys Beach. It was recently sold by agent Matt McGuire of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty for $7.2 million—a record-breaking sale for residences north of Scenic Highway 30-A in the coastal South Walton area of Northwest Florida.
E. F. San Juan is proud to be part of the talented team that created such a standout property in the affluent community of Alys Beach.
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Photography by Tim Kramer, courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty

The owners of this incredible home in Lake Sammamish, Washington, had been discouraged by the work done by a previous artificial turf company at their home—a low quality product was installed poorly and therefore didn’t function as it should. Their faith in the artificial turf industry was restored when ForeverLawn Bellevue stepped in to remove and correct the issues that the previous company had created. ForeverLawn transformed a disaster into the homeowners’ dream yard. This wonderfully executed installation included over 4,000 square feet of DuPont™ ForeverLawn® Select HD and a unique backyard putting green surfaced with EZ Putt, a variation of GolfGreens™ ideal for fun, family-focused putting greens that requires little maintenance and will provide endless entertainment.

Transformation of kitchen after catastrophic flood from pipe burst. Design took advantage of disaster to remove soffits, replace dark cabinets with expansive white cabinets, new customized wood hood, redesign of large island - while retaining client's beloved custom mosaic tile.

Maceo May is the first residenital and 100% affordable housing development on Treasure Island in San Fransciso Bay. The buiding is a six-story, all-electric modular construction affordable housing project with 104 homes for formerly homeless veterans and their families. The apartment building offers 1 on-site manager’s unit and a mix of 24 studio, 47 one-bedroom and 34 two-bedroom units.
Net zero capable, Maceo May features custom Series 6000 windows from All Weather Architectural Aluminum to maximize energy efficiency. Passive design strategies and superior ventilation also limit energy use, create good air quality, and support the thermal comfort of residents. The operable All Weather Series 6000 windows are oriented to take advantage of San Francisco Bay breezes.
Amenities include residential services, property management offices, a community room, shared laundry room, parking, bicycle storage, common outdoor areas, a forested healing garden, a playground, and a roof deck.
Pursuing Fitwell certification, Maceo May emphasizes social cohesion and wellness with active design principles within the building to connect residents to each other. On track to earn a GreenPoint Gold certification, the project prioritizes resilience and sustainability by utilizing durable materials designed to withstand natural disasters and the effects of climate change.

After disaster recovery, High Class offers exceptional general contractor services.

At Green Home Systems, we are passionate about providing our customers with the very best in solar solutions. We strive to offer unparalleled service and competitive pricing - that’s why we were chosen for a new solar project in Winnetka, California. The client's family was looking to reduce their carbon footprint while taking advantage of government and utility incentives in the process. We installed a 9 kW system that is sure to provide many benefits to them over the long run.
When it came time to install the system, we had everything up and running within just a couple of weeks. Our ability to finish projects on time is one of the main reasons why we’re so highly recommended by our customers. With this particular project, we opted for using Panasonic solar panels - one of the leading brands for residential installations.
The client's family can now enjoy all the benefits that come with having a solar energy system installed on their property. Not only will they save money on their energy bill each month, but they'll also increase their home value - all while reducing their carbon footprint! Additionally, they now have access to backup power when needed - an important feature during times of emergency or natural disaster.
At Green Home Systems, we are committed to providing our customers in Winnetka and beyond with top-notch customer service and quality workmanship. We understand that going solar is an important decision - one that will have long-lasting implications on your finances and your environment - and we take pride in offering solutions that can help you meet those goals while saving you money in the process.
If you’re looking for solar installation services in Winnetka or any other city in California, look no further than Green Home Systems! Our experienced team of professionals can get your project done quickly and efficiently so you can start enjoying all the benefits of going green right away. Contact us today for more information!

After disaster recovery, High Class offers exceptional general contractor services.
Kitchen - kitchen idea in Los Angeles
Kitchen - kitchen idea in Los Angeles

We remodeled this Southwest Portland home as part of an insurance restoration after disaster struck and water flooded the home. The homeowners seized the opportunity to refresh their space to create a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
The house was taken down to the studs and rebuilt with all new materials, providing our design team with a unique opportunity to showcase what can be achieved when you have a blank canvas.

After disaster recovery, High Class offers exceptional general contractor services.

After disaster recovery, High Class offers exceptional general contractor services.
Dining room - dining room idea in Los Angeles
Dining room - dining room idea in Los Angeles

After serving as a rental for some time, this home was ready to be reclaimed by its owner and her son.
Gutting “back to the studs” was an understatement for this one. This transformation involved replanning everything; including the roof, the HVAC system, the entire plumbing system, and relocating the side entrance and staircase to the back of the house. Only the subfloors, the exterior framing structure, and the brick remains from this original 1940’s-built bungalow.
When we’re renovating an old structure, we’re bound to find some surprises. This renovation did not disappoint! From basement to roof, we found more than a few, shall we say, potentially catastrophic surprises along the way.
Let’s start with the basement. The homeowner wanted to update the basement and make it a usable living space for her adult son as well as a spa with a sauna for her. This required bringing the 6 foot ceiling height up to code at 7 feet. To do this, we had to re-think the HVAC system that was in the basement ceiling. When we opened up the basement ceiling to remove the HVAC supply and return trunks, we discovered asbestos! The asbestos had to be removed before we could dismantle and remove the HVAC system.
For the main floor, when we were replanning the existing 2-bedroom layout to create two master bedrooms each with their own ensuites, we looked at the possibility of removing the main load-bearing wall. But our investigations led to the discovery that the load bearing wall was not lined up with the roof or the basement load points, so the load of the house was not continuous throughout. This was a disaster waiting to happen. And as we found out, this lack of alignment was causing major issues with the roof when we went to replace the shingles. We discovered portions of the roof truss in very poor condition, literally moments away from giving out. These were replaced and other truss components were fortified before we went on to re-shingle the roof and replace all the soffits and eavestroughs.
Once the structural and space planning elements were sorted out, we could turn our focus to helping this homeowner select the finishes she and her son wanted for their new spaces. She wanted white all the way, and he wanted bold colours. You will see these color choices reflected in their private bathrooms as well as in the upper kitchen and living area that she will mostly use, and the basement entertainment area that he will mostly use.
To round out the personalization of this made-new-again home, we converted the basement into an entertainment center with a bar for her son, and a sauna and third full bathroom with a jacuzzi tub for a spa-like feel for her.
Without having to build from scratch, this homeowner got the custom home of her dreams.
While you “can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, the sky’s the limit on how you can transform an old home into the home of your dreams. When your “old dog” needs some new tricks, we are the Renovator You Can Count On.
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