Running a small restaurant is a high-wire act - delicious plates on one end, razor-thin margins on the other. With food costs averaging 28-35 percent of revenue and labor at 30 percent, every dollar counts. The good news? Targeted tweaks can shave 10-20 percent off your bottom line without sacrificing quality. From smarter sourcing to streamlined waste handling, these strategies empower independents to thrive. One underrated gem: Efficient waste management via roll-off dumpster rentals, which can slash disposal fees by up to 40 percent. Let's break it down. Optimize Inventory: Waste Less, Save More Overstocked pantries are profit killers - U.S. restaurants toss $25 billion in food yearly. Audit weekly. Track sales data to forecast demand, using apps like Toast or MarketMan for real-time insights. Trim your menu to 12-15 core items, focusing on seasonal, high-margin stars like farm-fresh salads over imported proteins. Portion control is key - pre-weighed scoops cut overuse by 15 percent. Repurpose scraps creatively. Veggie peels into stocks, bread ends for croutons. Donate extras to food banks via apps like Too Good To Go, earning tax deductions up to $5,000 annually. These habits reclaim 5-10 percent of food budgets, freeing cash for upgrades. Additionally, consider using citrus rinds for infused oils or desserts, and coffee grounds for compost to support local gardens. Engaging staff in sustainability efforts also builds morale and can be highlighted in marketing materials to attract eco-conscious diners. Trim Energy and Utilities: Go Green for Greenbacks Utilities gobble 4-10 percent of expenses. Swap to LED bulbs and energy-star appliances - upfront costs pay back in 6-12 months via 20-30 percent bill drops. Install low-flow faucets and programmable thermostats; during off-hours, dial down to 55°F to save $200/month on HVAC. Use induction cooktops for precise heat, reducing gas by 15 percent. Train staff on "last out" protocols - unplugging idle equipment. Solar panels? For rooftops under 1,000 sq ft, incentives cover 30 percent installation, yielding ROI in 5 years.  Master Waste Management: Dumpsters as Cost Commanders Trash isn't just garbage - it's a budget black hole, with disposal eating 2-5 percent of revenues. Small spots generate 1-2 tons monthly from food scraps, packaging, and grease. Ditch overflowing bins and irregular hauls for roll-off dumpster rentals. A 10-15 yard unit centralizes waste, handling bulk like fryer oil drums or produce crates without daily pickups. Efficiency Over Headcount Labor's your biggest line item - cross-train staff for multi-roles, like servers prepping during lulls, trimming overtime 10-15 percent. Shift scheduling software optimizes based on reservations, avoiding idle payroll. Negotiate bulk buys with local suppliers for 5-10 percent discounts; loyalty programs from Sysco yield free deliveries. Go digital - QR menus cut printing costs, speed table turnover, and allow menu updates in real time without waste. Loyalty apps boost repeat visits without increasing your advertising budget, making it easier to track customer preferences and send targeted promotions. Consider bundling purchases with other area restaurants to unlock deeper discounts and leverage supplier relationships for exclusive seasonal specials. These strategies can reduce overhead, improve customer retention, and keep operations flexible as trends shift.

Photography by: Kevin Meechan
Urban home design photo in Denver

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.

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.

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

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

Mike Dean
Small transitional galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, concrete countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

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.

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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.

LEED Certification level: lEE FOR HOMES (V.3),SILVER In Oct 8,2015, USGBC honored a Brazilian Project with the First LEED FOR HOMES certificate of Brazil, awarded with a high Silver score, ((81.5 final ptos - 12.5( HSA) resulting 69 ptos)) due to green strategies applied in different areas of construction. This outstanding result could only be achieved with the collaboration of a well-integrated team of professionals, focused on unifying solutions suitable to all areas of construction, with materials that provide high efficiency and counted on an experienced and dedicated team, the support given by homeowner during entire process was essential to success of this project. The owner, who embraced LEED concepts, found his incentive on his granddaughter, who must have the opportunity to grow in an environment with availability of all natural resources, and endeavored to gather the team and to find solutions that best fit each opportunity. The consequence of this work was an exceptional residence, being an impressive showcase of green building strategies that have come together in a home. Alphaville Dom Pedro Residence, as the project was named, sets an example of quality and sustainability, achieving new standards required by condominium rules of construction in Campinas city, 80 miles from São Paulo, state's capital capital. The construction was managed by LCP Engineering & Construction, using the innovative Ecogrid® technology, based on SCIP (Structured Concrete Insulated Panel) construction, which provided this home a high thermal-acoustic performance, reduction on waste generation during construction and minimal energy consumption. Furthermore, this project was planned to take full advantage of the sun’s potential, through the usage of solar and photovoltaic panels, designed to produce the energy needed to heat all water from house and pool, as well as generate part of the electricity consumed. Being one of the most treasured resources, a special care was given by the project team to the water management system. Saving water plays a big role in this fascinating project: action was taken to allow all water used in showers, sinks and from the rain to be reused after the treatment through a natural process, phytoremediation by wetland, for irrigation and toilets. Also efficient faucets and showers that have a low flow rate were used. The irrigation and landscape design, fully done with native vegetation, demands a low amount of water to fuel the drip irrigation system implemented on 100% of the landscape area. Separate zones of irrigation were installed according to watering needs, equipped with an automatic activation system, moisture sensor and pressure regulation devices, all programmed to minimize evaporation losses. Polypropylene Random Copolymer (PPR) pipes were used replacing the PVC as non-toxic material, guarantying the joints between pipes and fittings for total security system . Furthermore, a high degree of internal living quality was achieved minimizing the bacterial proliferation; mold, mildew and termite free due to the Ecogrid Technology. All finishing used on this residence, like tiles, faucets, toilets have a high percentage of recycle materials, provided by local manufacturers, promoting the maturity of the local industries complying with the rating of the certification process. This marvel project is extremely important to the national market, representing a significant milestone in the Latin in Brazilian Residential Building Sector, bringing the LEED for Homes certification and establishing sustainable parameters to future home builders for example: The house produces 46% of the energy used, NET Zero, Inverter Split air conditioning system, 100% of the hot water coming from solar panel, PVC free, use PPR pipes, Use phytoremediation process achieving 62% efficient water reuse, 95% efficiency in non construction waste, Confortable and Healthy Interior Environment. In rapids highlights, *Inovation in the technologic process of construction , ECOGRIDE, witch besides the environmental comfort, regards for the salubrity and owner,s welfare. *Exceeded average rates of energy efficiency with the use of photovoltaic panels, HVAC and home appliances with the inverter technology. *Consolidated the importance of social and education environmental practices of the workers and owner. *Reference on sustainable urban condominiums with quality and connectivity in the state of Sao Paulo and Contribute for the Brazilian market improvement and proved that actual market is already prepare to supply the sustainable construction. But the must important was…. “Once Upon a Time“… there was a devoted grandfather, who believed in a better world for his granddaughter, seeking for solutions to leave a legacy of learning and achievements ways for future generations. This beautiful love story has a happy ending, with the reception of First Leed For Homes Silver in Brazil and First Leed For Homes Silver in Latin America, for this wonderful residence. A home full of love, affection and “sweet home” for many happy moments between this grandfather and his granddaughter.

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 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

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.