Search results for "Efficiency programs" in Home Design Ideas

Automated Home Lighting: Revolutionize Your Home with Smart Lighting Solutions
Transform your living space with automated home lighting, the latest innovation in smart home technology. Automated lighting systems provide convenience, energy efficiency, and enhanced security for homeowners. With smart lighting solutions, you can control your home's lighting from anywhere using voice commands, motion, smartphone app, , or automated schedules.
Benefits of Automated Home Lighting
Energy Efficiency: Save on energy bills by using smart bulbs and automated lighting controls that adjust brightness based on natural light or occupancy.
Convenience: Easily manage your home's lighting with smart home integration, including compatibility with Josh AI, Control 4, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other voice-activated systems.
Enhanced Security: Program your lights to turn on and off at specific times to give the appearance of occupancy, even when you're away, deterring potential intruders.
Customization: Create personalized lighting scenes for different moods and activities, such as reading, watching movies, or hosting a dinner party.
Features of Smart Lighting Systems
Remote Control: Adjust lighting settings from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.
Voice Activation: Use voice commands to control your lights with popular smart home assistants like Josh AI, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Scheduling: Set schedules for your lights to turn on and off at specific times, enhancing convenience and security.
Energy Monitoring: Track energy usage and optimize lighting to reduce your carbon footprint.
Why Choose Automated Home Lighting?
Investing in automated home lighting not only adds convenience and style to your home but also increases its value. Smart lighting systems are easy to install and can be customized to meet your unique needs and preferences. Whether you're looking to improve energy efficiency, enhance home security, or simply enjoy the convenience of modern technology, automated home lighting is the perfect solution.

-Smart shades, smart lights, and smart thermostat from Lutron integrate beautifully with your choice of smart home devices that that include Amazon® Alexa, Apple® HomeKit™, Google® Assistant, Nest®, Sonos®, and more.
-Control your smart shades, lights, temperature and more from any mobile device by using the Lutron app.
-Program Lutron shades to automatically open and close for peace of mind and energy savings.
-Automated and cordless smart shades are ideal for homes with children and pets.
-Control and schedule the positioning of your Lutron smart shades with your smart device.
-Lutron cellular and roller shades are child-friendly, energy-efficient, and are available in a wide variety of colors and materials.
-Monitor and control lights from your smart device no matter where you are, or create personalized lighting schedules that change with the seasons.
-Programmable features allow you to use heating or cooling only when you need it for maximum energy efficiency.

Mike Dean
Entryway - small transitional concrete floor entryway idea in Other with gray walls and a glass front door
Entryway - small transitional concrete floor entryway idea in Other with gray walls and a glass front door
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This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home.
The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living.
The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home.
The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play.
The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
Energy Efficient features include:
• The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade
• 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques
• Foil covered roof sheathing
• Extensive use of blown in cellulous
• All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass
• Tank-less water heaters
• Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV.
Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency.
These items include:
• 2x6 walls with staggered studs
• Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting
• Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows
• ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls.
The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Mike Dean
Small transitional multicolored tile and glass tile cork floor bathroom photo in Other with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet and gray walls
Small transitional multicolored tile and glass tile cork floor bathroom photo in Other with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

Automated Home Lighting: Revolutionize Your Home with Smart Lighting Solutions
Transform your living space with automated home lighting, the latest innovation in smart home technology. Automated lighting systems provide convenience, energy efficiency, and enhanced security for homeowners. With smart lighting solutions, you can control your home's lighting from anywhere using voice commands, motion, smartphone app, , or automated schedules.
Benefits of Automated Home Lighting
Energy Efficiency: Save on energy bills by using smart bulbs and automated lighting controls that adjust brightness based on natural light or occupancy.
Convenience: Easily manage your home's lighting with smart home integration, including compatibility with Josh AI, Control 4, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other voice-activated systems.
Enhanced Security: Program your lights to turn on and off at specific times to give the appearance of occupancy, even when you're away, deterring potential intruders.
Customization: Create personalized lighting scenes for different moods and activities, such as reading, watching movies, or hosting a dinner party.
Features of Smart Lighting Systems
Remote Control: Adjust lighting settings from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.
Voice Activation: Use voice commands to control your lights with popular smart home assistants like Josh AI, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Scheduling: Set schedules for your lights to turn on and off at specific times, enhancing convenience and security.
Energy Monitoring: Track energy usage and optimize lighting to reduce your carbon footprint.
Why Choose Automated Home Lighting?
Investing in automated home lighting not only adds convenience and style to your home but also increases its value. Smart lighting systems are easy to install and can be customized to meet your unique needs and preferences. Whether you're looking to improve energy efficiency, enhance home security, or simply enjoy the convenience of modern technology, automated home lighting is the perfect solution.

Automated Home Lighting: Revolutionize Your Home with Smart Lighting Solutions
Transform your living space with automated home lighting, the latest innovation in smart home technology. Automated lighting systems provide convenience, energy efficiency, and enhanced security for homeowners. With smart lighting solutions, you can control your home's lighting from anywhere using voice commands, motion, smartphone app, , or automated schedules.
Benefits of Automated Home Lighting
Energy Efficiency: Save on energy bills by using smart bulbs and automated lighting controls that adjust brightness based on natural light or occupancy.
Convenience: Easily manage your home's lighting with smart home integration, including compatibility with Josh AI, Control 4, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other voice-activated systems.
Enhanced Security: Program your lights to turn on and off at specific times to give the appearance of occupancy, even when you're away, deterring potential intruders.
Customization: Create personalized lighting scenes for different moods and activities, such as reading, watching movies, or hosting a dinner party.
Features of Smart Lighting Systems
Remote Control: Adjust lighting settings from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.
Voice Activation: Use voice commands to control your lights with popular smart home assistants like Josh AI, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Scheduling: Set schedules for your lights to turn on and off at specific times, enhancing convenience and security.
Energy Monitoring: Track energy usage and optimize lighting to reduce your carbon footprint.
Why Choose Automated Home Lighting?
Investing in automated home lighting not only adds convenience and style to your home but also increases its value. Smart lighting systems are easy to install and can be customized to meet your unique needs and preferences. Whether you're looking to improve energy efficiency, enhance home security, or simply enjoy the convenience of modern technology, automated home lighting is the perfect solution.

Designed by Hunter and Miranda Mantell-Hecathorn and built by the skilled MHB team, this stunning family home is a must see on the tour! Indicative of their high quality, this home has many features you won’t see in other homes on the tour. A few include: oversized Kolbe Triple-Pane windows; 12” thick, double-stud walls; a 6.5kW solar PV system; and is heated and cooled by only two small, highly efficient central units. The open floor plan was designed with entertaining and large family gatherings in mind. Whether seated in the living room with 12’ ceilings and massive windows with views of the Ponderosas or seated at the island in the kitchen you won’t be far from the action. The large covered back porch and beautiful back yard allows the kids to play while the adults relax by the fire pit. This home also utilizes a Control4 automation system, which allows the owners total control of lighting, audio, and comfort systems from anywhere. With a HERS score of 11, this home is 89% more efficient than the typical new home. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders has been building high quality homes since 1975 and is proud to be 100% committed to building their homes to the rigorous standards of Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready and Energy Star Programs, and have won national DOE awards for their innovative homes. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders also prides itself in being a true hands-on family-run company. They are personally on site daily to assure the MHB high standards are being met. Honesty, efficiency, transparency are a few qualities they strive for in every aspect of the business.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home.
The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living.
The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home.
The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play.
The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
Energy Efficient features include:
• The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade
• 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques
• Foil covered roof sheathing
• Extensive use of blown in cellulous
• All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass
• Tank-less water heaters
• Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV.
Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency.
These items include:
• 2x6 walls with staggered studs
• Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting
• Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows
• ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls.
The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Automated Home Lighting: Revolutionize Your Home with Smart Lighting Solutions
Transform your living space with automated home lighting, the latest innovation in smart home technology. Automated lighting systems provide convenience, energy efficiency, and enhanced security for homeowners. With smart lighting solutions, you can control your home's lighting from anywhere using voice commands, motion, smartphone app, , or automated schedules.
Benefits of Automated Home Lighting
Energy Efficiency: Save on energy bills by using smart bulbs and automated lighting controls that adjust brightness based on natural light or occupancy.
Convenience: Easily manage your home's lighting with smart home integration, including compatibility with Josh AI, Control 4, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other voice-activated systems.
Enhanced Security: Program your lights to turn on and off at specific times to give the appearance of occupancy, even when you're away, deterring potential intruders.
Customization: Create personalized lighting scenes for different moods and activities, such as reading, watching movies, or hosting a dinner party.
Features of Smart Lighting Systems
Remote Control: Adjust lighting settings from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.
Voice Activation: Use voice commands to control your lights with popular smart home assistants like Josh AI, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Scheduling: Set schedules for your lights to turn on and off at specific times, enhancing convenience and security.
Energy Monitoring: Track energy usage and optimize lighting to reduce your carbon footprint.
Why Choose Automated Home Lighting?
Investing in automated home lighting not only adds convenience and style to your home but also increases its value. Smart lighting systems are easy to install and can be customized to meet your unique needs and preferences. Whether you're looking to improve energy efficiency, enhance home security, or simply enjoy the convenience of modern technology, automated home lighting is the perfect solution.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home.
The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living.
The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home.
The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play.
The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
Energy Efficient features include:
• The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade
• 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques
• Foil covered roof sheathing
• Extensive use of blown in cellulous
• All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass
• Tank-less water heaters
• Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV.
Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency.
These items include:
• 2x6 walls with staggered studs
• Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting
• Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows
• ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls.
The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home.
The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living.
The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home.
The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play.
The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
Energy Efficient features include:
• The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade
• 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques
• Foil covered roof sheathing
• Extensive use of blown in cellulous
• All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass
• Tank-less water heaters
• Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV.
Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency.
These items include:
• 2x6 walls with staggered studs
• Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting
• Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows
• ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls.
The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Designed by Hunter and Miranda Mantell-Hecathorn and built by the skilled MHB team, this stunning family home is a must see on the tour! Indicative of their high quality, this home has many features you won’t see in other homes on the tour. A few include: oversized Kolbe Triple-Pane windows; 12” thick, double-stud walls; a 6.5kW solar PV system; and is heated and cooled by only two small, highly efficient central units. The open floor plan was designed with entertaining and large family gatherings in mind. Whether seated in the living room with 12’ ceilings and massive windows with views of the Ponderosas or seated at the island in the kitchen you won’t be far from the action. The large covered back porch and beautiful back yard allows the kids to play while the adults relax by the fire pit. This home also utilizes a Control4 automation system, which allows the owners total control of lighting, audio, and comfort systems from anywhere. With a HERS score of 11, this home is 89% more efficient than the typical new home. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders has been building high quality homes since 1975 and is proud to be 100% committed to building their homes to the rigorous standards of Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready and Energy Star Programs, and have won national DOE awards for their innovative homes. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders also prides itself in being a true hands-on family-run company. They are personally on site daily to assure the MHB high standards are being met. Honesty, efficiency, transparency are a few qualities they strive for in every aspect of the business.

Mike Dean
Great room - small transitional medium tone wood floor great room idea in Other
Great room - small transitional medium tone wood floor great room idea in Other

This project combines two existing studio apartments into a compact 800 sqft. live/work space for a young professional couple in the heart of Chelsea, New York.
The design required some creative space planning to meet the Owner’s requested program for an open plan solution with a private master bedroom suite and separate study that also allowed for entertaining small parties, including the ability to provide a sleeping space for guests.
The solution was to identify areas of overlap within the program that could be addressed with dual-function custom millwork pieces. A bar-stool counter at the open kitchen folds out to become a bench and dining table for formal entertaining. A custom desk folds down with a murphy bed to convert a private study into a guest bedroom area. A series of pocket door connecting the spaces provide both privacy to the master bedroom area when closed, and the option for a completely open layout when opened.
A carefully selected material palette brings a warm, tranquil feel to the space. Reclaimed teak floors run seamlessly through the main spaces to accentuate the open layout. Warm gray lacquered millwork, Centaurus granite slabs, and custom oxidized stainless steel details, give an elegant counterpoint to the natural teak floors. The master bedroom suite and study feature custom Afromosia millwork. The bathrooms are finished with cool toned ceramic tile, custom Afromosia vanities, and minimalist chrome fixtures. Custom LED lighting provides dynamic, energy efficient illumination throughout.
Photography: Mikiko Kikuyama

Automated Home Lighting: Revolutionize Your Home with Smart Lighting Solutions
Transform your living space with automated home lighting, the latest innovation in smart home technology. Automated lighting systems provide convenience, energy efficiency, and enhanced security for homeowners. With smart lighting solutions, you can control your home's lighting from anywhere using voice commands, motion, smartphone app, , or automated schedules.
Benefits of Automated Home Lighting
Energy Efficiency: Save on energy bills by using smart bulbs and automated lighting controls that adjust brightness based on natural light or occupancy.
Convenience: Easily manage your home's lighting with smart home integration, including compatibility with Josh AI, Control 4, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other voice-activated systems.
Enhanced Security: Program your lights to turn on and off at specific times to give the appearance of occupancy, even when you're away, deterring potential intruders.
Customization: Create personalized lighting scenes for different moods and activities, such as reading, watching movies, or hosting a dinner party.
Features of Smart Lighting Systems
Remote Control: Adjust lighting settings from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.
Voice Activation: Use voice commands to control your lights with popular smart home assistants like Josh AI, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Scheduling: Set schedules for your lights to turn on and off at specific times, enhancing convenience and security.
Energy Monitoring: Track energy usage and optimize lighting to reduce your carbon footprint.
Why Choose Automated Home Lighting?
Investing in automated home lighting not only adds convenience and style to your home but also increases its value. Smart lighting systems are easy to install and can be customized to meet your unique needs and preferences. Whether you're looking to improve energy efficiency, enhance home security, or simply enjoy the convenience of modern technology, automated home lighting is the perfect solution.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home.
The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living.
The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home.
The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play.
The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
Energy Efficient features include:
• The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade
• 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques
• Foil covered roof sheathing
• Extensive use of blown in cellulous
• All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass
• Tank-less water heaters
• Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV.
Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency.
These items include:
• 2x6 walls with staggered studs
• Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting
• Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows
• ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls.
The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home.
The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living.
The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home.
The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play.
The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
Energy Efficient features include:
• The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade
• 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques
• Foil covered roof sheathing
• Extensive use of blown in cellulous
• All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass
• Tank-less water heaters
• Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV.
Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency.
These items include:
• 2x6 walls with staggered studs
• Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting
• Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows
• ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls.
The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Designed by Hunter and Miranda Mantell-Hecathorn and built by the skilled MHB team, this stunning family home is a must see on the tour! Indicative of their high quality, this home has many features you won’t see in other homes on the tour. A few include: oversized Kolbe Triple-Pane windows; 12” thick, double-stud walls; a 6.5kW solar PV system; and is heated and cooled by only two small, highly efficient central units. The open floor plan was designed with entertaining and large family gatherings in mind. Whether seated in the living room with 12’ ceilings and massive windows with views of the Ponderosas or seated at the island in the kitchen you won’t be far from the action. The large covered back porch and beautiful back yard allows the kids to play while the adults relax by the fire pit. This home also utilizes a Control4 automation system, which allows the owners total control of lighting, audio, and comfort systems from anywhere. With a HERS score of 11, this home is 89% more efficient than the typical new home. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders has been building high quality homes since 1975 and is proud to be 100% committed to building their homes to the rigorous standards of Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready and Energy Star Programs, and have won national DOE awards for their innovative homes. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders also prides itself in being a true hands-on family-run company. They are personally on site daily to assure the MHB high standards are being met. Honesty, efficiency, transparency are a few qualities they strive for in every aspect of the business.
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