Wide sweeping windows up to 13’ and full-lite doors were installed throughout the home preserving the unobstructed views from the home. Additionally, four 12’ wide Lift and Slide doors were installed in the living room and dining room. Increased natural light, fewer framing members, and the ability to open the door wide for indoor/outdoor living are just a few of the benefits of such large sliding doors. The rear of the home takes full advantage of the expansive marine landscape with full height windows and doors. Glo A5h and A5s Series were selected with concealed hinges. The Glo A5h, hidden sash, ensures that operational windows share the same profile thickness as fixed units. A uniform and cohesive look adds simplicity to the overall aesthetic, supporting the minimalist design. The A5s is Glo’s slimmest profile, allowing for more glass, less frame, and wider sight lines. The concealed hinge creates a clean interior look while also providing a more energy efficient air-tight window. The increased performance is also seen in the triple pane glazing used in both series. The windows and doors alike provide a larger continuous thermal break, multiple air seals, high performance spacers, low-e glass, and argon filled glazing, with U-values as low as 0.20. Energy efficiency and effortless minimalism creates a breathtaking Scandinavian-style remodel.

Timber frame homes offer unique challenges during a remodel. What often makes them beautiful and attractive to most homeowners, also makes them challenging for space requirements. Context: The lovely couple that owned this home were struggling with some interesting floor plan challenges that just didn't work for their family. The loved the beautiful timbers and woodwork of their home, but the dramatically sloping ceilings on the second floor, particularly in the bathroom, just didn't work for this 1 1/2 bath home. Needing to use the skylight to approach the toilet was a less then ideal scenario. Although the bathroom footprint was more then adequate, the sloped ceiling only made half of the space useable. Check out the Before/After post on our blog to see the photos of the house pre-renovation. As much as they loved all the wood features in their home, another challenge they had was light. The wood ceiling made everything inside the house darker, even with a fantastic array of south facing windows, there were spaces in the home that felt dark and small. When they contacted us they wanted to know how could they make their brighter and more inviting, were there solutions to the 2nd floor sloped ceiling issues, and if they were going to do all of this work, how could they make their home more comfortable and efficient. A nagging water leak in the upstairs bathroom spurred them into action and here is how we solved their dilemma. Conclusion: First, we added a little dormer to the rear of the house so we could get full headroom in nearly all of the upstairs bathroom! Then we decided to extend that dormer one more timber bay over to create a walk in closet with natural light and plenty of space. Since we were contemplating energy efficiency, we resolved a nagging issue that is present in a lot of timber frame construction, air tightness. Commonly found in timber frame construction, fiberglass insulation is installed in the rafter bays and board ceilings are installed over top. Unfortunately, board ceilings are anything but air tight, and fiberglass insulation needs to be in an airtight cavity for maximum effectiveness. So we were able to solve two issues at the same time for this homeowner. We removed the board ceiling and fiberglass insulation, we dense packed the rafter bays with cellulose insulation, and installed sheetrock in place of the boards. The boards were salvaged for re-use by the homeowner, and the space and light quality was dramatically improved. Some may think that losing the board ceiling took something away from the space, but what you'll see in the pictures is that it highly accentuates the heavy timbers and really makes them stand out in a beautiful way. Now with this added airtightness, better insulation, and brighter space, the homeowner hardly runs their wood stove, and it's so quiet in the space, an added bonus from changing the insulation. It became necessary to also add a sheetrock ceiling to the living room to hide the plumbing from the new bathroom layout above. Changing this ceiling gave the homeowner some real quality lighting that was lacking in the living room before. The brighter ceiling and new lighting layout completely transforms the living room into a space you want to hang out, even though the layout didn't change at all. When the homeowner saw the finished spaces she said "I can't believe this is my house, I want to live in this house" Energy Efficiency: I touched a little on the efficiency above, but like all projects done with Mottram Architecture, we always want to leave you with a little extra. Timber frame construction with board ceilings and fiberglass insulation are notoriously leaky! If you want to know what we think about fiberglass insulation, check our our blog post on Why Fiberglass Insulation Sucks. By installing cellulose insulation and covering it with sheetrock we were able to greatly reduce the heat flowing out of this home. It not only improves cashflow it improves the comfort level in the space. Who wants to sit in their living room and feel a draft? Let us remind you, we are not saying cellulose insulation is an air barrier, we use the sheetrock to help with that, but it does significantly reduce the air flow over fiberglass insulation. And when we reduce the airflow, we reduce the heat flow. And when we reduce the heat flow, we reduce the need to re-heat that drafty air from outside. When it comes to energy efficiency the first and best place to start is air infiltration. We greatly reduced the air infiltration with the new insulation, but we also added a hat and warm boots. What I mean by that is, we improved the insulation in the roof, and we installed insulation in the basement. Maybe it's a silly analogy, but when you think about keeping warm, we always start with the hat and boots! With sustainability in mind, the next project will be to add a deck to the front of this house with rain catchment barrels from the metal roof. They are planning to plant a garden in the spring and the rain catchment system will help to irrigate the new garden. Builder: East Shore Builders Photographer: Michael Eric Berube

The same family had owned this elegant arts and crafts home for over 50 years and maintained many original architectural details – from art glass windows to hardware and interior decorative elements. Where the home was well cared for, major rooms needed modernization. The efficiency of the original kitchen and bathroom layout allowed for in-kind remodels. DESIGN SOLUTION The homeowners strived to maintain the original aesthetic of the arts and crafts home, utilized the extensive modern products available to renovate the kitchen and bathroom, and restored many original components. Their discerning taste resulted in the efficiently designed kitchen, with modern appliances and room for casual eating. A slight reorganization of the bathroom fixtures provided a more efficient use of space and increased storage. Their discerning taste resulted in the efficiently designed kitchen, with modern appliances and room for casual eating. A slight reorganization of the bathroom fixtures provided a more efficient use of space and increased storage.

Futuro Futuro 36-Inch Amalfi Wall Range Hood – Modern Italian Design with Powerful Ventilation The Futuro Futuro 36-Inch Amalfi Wall Range Hood combines contemporary Italian design, premium materials, and advanced ventilation technology to create a statement piece for modern kitchens. Featuring a sleek cubist-inspired design, this luxury wall-mounted range hood delivers both exceptional performance and timeless style. Premium Italian Craftsmanship and Durable Stainless Steel Construction Designed and handcrafted in Italy, the Amalfi Series is built with high-quality AISI 304 stainless steel, a material known for its outstanding resistance to rust, corrosion, and everyday wear. This durable construction ensures long-lasting performance while maintaining its elegant appearance for years to come. The Amalfi’s refined geometric design adds a sophisticated modern touch to any kitchen while providing the reliability expected from premium Italian craftsmanship. Powerful and Quiet 940 CFM Ventilation System The Futuro Futuro Amalfi Wall Range Hood features a high-performance 940 CFM internal Whisper tangential blower designed to efficiently remove smoke, grease, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen. Despite its powerful airflow, the hood operates quietly thanks to an advanced multi-layer sound-absorbing system. This innovative technology helps reduce operating noise, allowing you to enjoy a cleaner, fresher kitchen environment without unnecessary distractions. Advanced Perimeter Suction Filtration Technology The Amalfi Series uses a perimeter suction filtration system that creates an air curtain around your cooktop. This design improves capture efficiency by directing smoke, grease, and odors toward the edges of the hood for more effective filtration. The hidden metal mesh grease filters maintain the hood’s clean, minimalist appearance while providing reliable grease collection. The filters are easy to remove and dishwasher safe for convenient maintenance. Smart Controls and Energy-Efficient LED Lighting The illuminated electronic control panel makes operating the Amalfi Wall Range Hood simple and intuitive. With the push of a button, you can adjust ventilation settings and access built-in features. A convenient filter-cleaning reminder helps ensure your hood continues performing at its best. Two energy-efficient LED lights provide bright, focused illumination over your cooktop while enhancing visibility during food preparation. Why Choose the Futuro Futuro Amalfi 36-Inch Wall Range Hood? 36-inch modern wall-mounted range hood design Premium Italian craftsmanship Durable AISI 304 stainless steel construction Powerful 940 CFM internal blower Quiet operation with advanced sound absorption technology Perimeter suction filtration system for improved smoke and odor capture Dishwasher-safe metal mesh grease filters Energy-efficient LED cooktop lighting Sleek cubist design for contemporary kitchens What makes the Futuro Futuro Amalfi range hood different? The Amalfi stands out with its combination of Italian craftsmanship, premium stainless steel construction, powerful ventilation, quiet operation, and modern architectural design. How powerful is the Amalfi 36-Inch range hood? This model features a 940 CFM internal blower designed to handle heavy cooking, smoke, grease, and odors effectively. Is the Amalfi range hood easy to maintain? Yes. The removable metal mesh grease filters are dishwasher safe, and the electronic controls include a cleaning reminder for easier upkeep. What kitchen styles work best with the Amalfi Wall Range Hood? Its sleek cubist design complements contemporary, modern, minimalist, and luxury kitchen designs.

Timber frame homes offer unique challenges during a remodel. What often makes them beautiful and attractive to most homeowners, also makes them challenging for space requirements. Context: The lovely couple that owned this home were struggling with some interesting floor plan challenges that just didn't work for their family. The loved the beautiful timbers and woodwork of their home, but the dramatically sloping ceilings on the second floor, particularly in the bathroom, just didn't work for this 1 1/2 bath home. Needing to use the skylight to approach the toilet was a less then ideal scenario. Although the bathroom footprint was more then adequate, the sloped ceiling only made half of the space useable. Check out the Before/After post on our blog to see the photos of the house pre-renovation. As much as they loved all the wood features in their home, another challenge they had was light. The wood ceiling made everything inside the house darker, even with a fantastic array of south facing windows, there were spaces in the home that felt dark and small. When they contacted us they wanted to know how could they make their brighter and more inviting, were there solutions to the 2nd floor sloped ceiling issues, and if they were going to do all of this work, how could they make their home more comfortable and efficient. A nagging water leak in the upstairs bathroom spurred them into action and here is how we solved their dilemma. Conclusion: First, we added a little dormer to the rear of the house so we could get full headroom in nearly all of the upstairs bathroom! Then we decided to extend that dormer one more timber bay over to create a walk in closet with natural light and plenty of space. Since we were contemplating energy efficiency, we resolved a nagging issue that is present in a lot of timber frame construction, air tightness. Commonly found in timber frame construction, fiberglass insulation is installed in the rafter bays and board ceilings are installed over top. Unfortunately, board ceilings are anything but air tight, and fiberglass insulation needs to be in an airtight cavity for maximum effectiveness. So we were able to solve two issues at the same time for this homeowner. We removed the board ceiling and fiberglass insulation, we dense packed the rafter bays with cellulose insulation, and installed sheetrock in place of the boards. The boards were salvaged for re-use by the homeowner, and the space and light quality was dramatically improved. Some may think that losing the board ceiling took something away from the space, but what you'll see in the pictures is that it highly accentuates the heavy timbers and really makes them stand out in a beautiful way. Now with this added airtightness, better insulation, and brighter space, the homeowner hardly runs their wood stove, and it's so quiet in the space, an added bonus from changing the insulation. It became necessary to also add a sheetrock ceiling to the living room to hide the plumbing from the new bathroom layout above. Changing this ceiling gave the homeowner some real quality lighting that was lacking in the living room before. The brighter ceiling and new lighting layout completely transforms the living room into a space you want to hang out, even though the layout didn't change at all. When the homeowner saw the finished spaces she said "I can't believe this is my house, I want to live in this house" Energy Efficiency: I touched a little on the efficiency above, but like all projects done with Mottram Architecture, we always want to leave you with a little extra. Timber frame construction with board ceilings and fiberglass insulation are notoriously leaky! If you want to know what we think about fiberglass insulation, check our our blog post on Why Fiberglass Insulation Sucks. By installing cellulose insulation and covering it with sheetrock we were able to greatly reduce the heat flowing out of this home. It not only improves cashflow it improves the comfort level in the space. Who wants to sit in their living room and feel a draft? Let us remind you, we are not saying cellulose insulation is an air barrier, we use the sheetrock to help with that, but it does significantly reduce the air flow over fiberglass insulation. And when we reduce the airflow, we reduce the heat flow. And when we reduce the heat flow, we reduce the need to re-heat that drafty air from outside. When it comes to energy efficiency the first and best place to start is air infiltration. We greatly reduced the air infiltration with the new insulation, but we also added a hat and warm boots. What I mean by that is, we improved the insulation in the roof, and we installed insulation in the basement. Maybe it's a silly analogy, but when you think about keeping warm, we always start with the hat and boots! With sustainability in mind, the next project will be to add a deck to the front of this house with rain catchment barrels from the metal roof. They are planning to plant a garden in the spring and the rain catchment system will help to irrigate the new garden. Builder: East Shore Builders Photographer: Michael Eric Berube

Nestled in the lush landscape, a modern reinterpretation of a once-fallen barn now features a charming guest cottage with stylish details and contemporary amenities. Situated along a narrow lot in Germantown, New York, the cottage completes a cluster of existing buildings, forming an intimate courtyard on one side. Steel effect folding patio doors fully open the living areas to the expansive fields and the Catskill Mountains beyond. The homeowners, a young family with parents living abroad, envisioned a cozy yet modern ADU for extended stays. Designed by Lauren Cawse, AIA, architect and partner at The Art of Building, the year-round retreat draws inspiration from traditional local barns while embracing a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Captivating Guest Cottage Design Enhances the Senses with Steel Effect Folding Patio Doors The modern ADU design started with the site itself. Positioned between residential and commercial neighbors, the elongated property required a careful balance of privacy and openness. Architect Lauren Cawse approached the layout by redefining the existing house and garage as the east and west sides of an outdoor room, with the new cottage forming its southern boundary. This arrangement created a clear courtyard near the main residence while directing the 800-square-foot guest house toward the open meadow and the distant Catskill Mountains. “The unique character of the site and its history inspired the architectural direction,” says Cawse. “The intent was to create a secondary structure in the compound in clear contrast to the modern farmhouse style of the house and garage.” A Barn-Inspired Exterior Adds Visual Flair The exterior envelope evokes a traditional barn with a simple gable shape, weathered wood siding, cedar shingles, and a foundation veneer made of local fieldstone. A large sliding barn door adds a complementary feature to the courtyard-facing side, creating a dynamic opening that maintains uninterrupted views through the cottage to the meadow beyond. Steel effect folding patio doors surrounding the structure add a modern touch of transparency, and simulated divided lites allow the contemporary glass wall systems to harmonize with the traditional elements of the modern ADU design. “The goal was to fully open the living areas to the outdoors, framing views to the meadows and mountains,” says Cawse. “The positioning of the NanaWall systems frames the views and, when open, dissolves the boundary between inside and out.” Interior Design That Mirrors Nature’s Tranquility Inside, the design program features a simple layout with one bedroom, a full bath, a kitchenette, and a living area with a wood-burning stove. The interior, a collaboration between The Art of Building and the homeowners, is defined by an understated palette and tactile materials that reflect the natural setting. Color is introduced through the framed glass views on all sides of the structure. Reclaimed timber collar ties span the ceiling overhead, while stone surfaces and naturally patinated metal accents add quiet texture throughout. Custom hand-painted Delft tiles along the kitchen backsplash add personal detail, and terra cotta flooring in the bathroom brings warmth and old-world charm. Soaring ceilings and abundant daylight create a peaceful play of light and shadow, shifting subtly with the seasons and emphasizing the cottage’s connection to the natural landscape outside. Sleek Steel Effect Folding Patio Doors Elevate the Modern ADU Design Aesthetic Three customized steel effect folding patio doors define the living space, each aligned to respond to a different edge of the site. The largest, spanning nearly 20 feet wide and just under eight feet tall, opens directly onto the stone patio, allowing the main gathering area to extend fully into the landscape. Along the side of the living room, a smaller 10-foot-wide system introduces more light and ventilation, nearly creating an open corner condition if not for the structural post that supports the façade and roofline. At the rear, a fourth ten-foot-wide system features a French door swing panel configuration that opens toward the courtyard, strengthening the design connection to the main residence. All steel effect folding patio doors were specified with a low-maintenance, water-rated Performance Sill to safeguard against inclement weather while providing a seamless, barrier-free transition to the outdoor patio. Unique Customizations for Visual Appeal and a Steel Effect Each folding patio door system is configured to open outward, maximizing usable floor space in the compact interior and allowing furniture placement to remain uninterrupted. By stacking outward, the steel effect folding patio doors, specified in a SE Classic Bronze powder coat, ensure every inch of the cottage is optimized. Simulated divided lites create a consistent rhythm across windows and doors, maintaining alignment with the traditional barn-inspired exterior. In the bedroom, a three-panel, 10-foot-wide system mirrors these customizations, matching the steel effect divided-lite pattern and outward-opening configuration, extending the indoor-outdoor connection while preserving visual continuity throughout the ADU. “The divided lites were crucial to the architectural vision, and while budget prohibited a steel and glass system, NanaWall Systems’ thin frames provide the open and airy feeling we hoped to attain,” says Cawse. “Simulated divided lites transition the thoroughly modern element of the glass walls to remain in harmony with the otherwise traditional palette.” Matching Windows and Doors: Create a Cohesive Design Program Alongside the larger openings in the living areas and bedroom, a smaller 3-foot-tall NanaWall tilt turn window was added to the bathroom. This window-sized NanaWall system perfectly matches the divided lite panels and sleek frames of the steel effect folding patio doors, creating a cohesive modern ADU design throughout. The compact opening provides ventilation and natural light, enhancing the spa-like atmosphere along with natural stone flooring. The matching glass lines and sleek profiles of the NanaWall Generation 4 comprehensive product line further unify visual consistency, allowing each system to fit into the architectural style seamlessly. “This project had three bifold glass walls, a pair of double French doors with sidelites, and a single tilt turn window,” says architect Lauren Cawse. “Being able to work with a single manufacturer provided aesthetic cohesiveness and simplified coordination.” Sustainability Where It Matters Most New York weather can vary from hot 85-degree summers to cold 26-degree winters. Creating an efficient living space was a primary goal. To achieve this, the design included Timber HP-insulated walls and floors with a heat pump system for effective heating and cooling. Additionally, the steel effect folding patio doors and windows were specified with double-glazed panels to ensure a tight building envelope. Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces for Relaxing and Entertaining In-house landscape designer Liz Pulver worked closely with the team to conceive open-air spaces that enhanced the connection between inside and outside. To the south end of the lot, the landscape transitions into an “enhanced meadow,” allowing the cottage to feel embedded within the surrounding fields rather than set apart from them. A circular pool was designed to mimic a natural pond with a modest footprint. Around it, a minimalist fence and sunken stone ha-ha wall offer discreet safety for young children. Limited space due to existing infrastructure and zoning setbacks left only a small footprint for the swimming pool, prompting the designer to propose a circular form that maximized the usable swimming area. “We felt that the perfect way to integrate a pool into the property and to honor the landscape would be to treat the pool as a piece of art itself,” says Pulver. “The result is a beautiful round pool that serves as both a functional retreat and a sculptural moment.” Final Thoughts: A Barn-Inspired Design for Contemporary Living This modern ADU design skillfully combines modern features with the enduring charm of traditional barns. The outcome is a welcoming living space that stands out amid a stunning landscape. Natural materials that mimic the beauty of the outdoors, expansive steel effect folding patio doors that fill the space with fresh air and natural light, and a restrained interior design work together to create an inviting retreat for everyday living, throughout the seasons. “When entering the site, the cottage feels as though it was always there,” says Cawse. “It achieves its two opposing goals by creating a feeling of intimacy and enclosure near the house while also functioning as a threshold to the expansive fields and views beyond.” Explore how NanaWall folding patio doors elevate other ADU spaces in our inspiring project photo gallery! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is Slimline Steel Effect? Steel Effect is a folding patio door design option that replicates the appearance of traditional steel-framed glass doors. It combines the look of steel with the performance benefits of aluminum, including energy efficiency, low maintenance, greater design flexibility, and lower cost. How does a NanaWall Steel Effect aluminum system compare to traditional steel-framed glass doors? NanaWall Slimline Steel Effect folding patio doors replicate the narrow frames of traditional steel doors with improved weather and thermal performance and easier operation. They are lighter, more corrosion-resistant, and feature a thermally broken design for better energy efficiency and lower long-term maintenance. What are the benefits of Steel Effect folding glass walls? Steel Effect folding glass walls deliver the narrow sightlines and grid patterns of traditional steel, combined with the performance and low maintenance of aluminum. The slimline steel effect option offers all the benefits of our Generation 4 product line, including the FourFold / SixFold floating panel set option and smooth operation with Gothic arch stainless steel rollers on a stainless steel track. Can Slimline Steel Effect glass walls be customized? Yes, these systems offer a high level of customization to suit different architectural styles, including simulated divided lites specified in various patterns, popular SE colors for a true steel effect look, and a contemporary glass stop option for a refined look. Contact your local NanaWall representative for additional options here. How energy-efficient and weather-resistant are Slimline Steel Effect folding patio doors? Steel effect folding systems are engineered for strong thermal and weather performance. Thermally broken frames and high-performance glazing help improve energy efficiency. Each NanaWall system has been independently tested for air, water, structural integrity, and forced entry with excellent results.

Designing Spaces that Fit for New Homeowners in Alpha Builder Group Homes in Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida The designs of the homes from Alpha Builders Group focus on the look and feel but do not forget about the comfort and efficiency. We make sure to look at every room in the house with the same care and attention to detail as we do to the important aspects of living in our homes on a day to day basis. It’s of utmost importance to have the best most Ergonomically designed home with full consideration of the Human Factor in each and every home we build. The Design Team at Alpha Builders Group strongly implements Human Factor Design and Ergonomics in to every home. These are vital concerns for us in our home designs and finishes to understand people's needs especially when working from home in these times when working from home is essential. Having the best ergonomically designed office with proper lighting, well planned space, low volt access, and more are all of tremendous importance. It’s something we firmly believe in and incorporate in every design. Our design team looks in to every square inch when it comes to the home, including office space with the perfect design layout. Alpha Builders Group understands the trends and styles as well as the accessibility of the home when building all our homes and we strongly believe in the use of natural light knowing how important natural light is for the state of mind. Clearly understanding Trends and Styles helps us be the best developer and builder of all our homes and condos in downtown Austin, Texas. Our homeowners are savvy buyers clearly understanding the Quality and Craftsmanship we put into all of our homes and condos alike. You won’t just find this in our new Modern Homes on Tillery community being developed and nearing completion in East Austin, Texas, you’ll find this attention in every home we build. Human Factor Design and the focus on Ergonomics goes in to every design we work on. We have had tremendous interest in our new Modern Homes on Tillery from the beginning and are selling quickly. We will likely sell out of this community fast, so don’t hesitate to buy your new home in East Austin, Texas or you may not have the chance. Tillery Street in East Austin … Custom. Ergonomic. Home. At Alpha Builders Group, we don’t sacrifice the quality we put in to building our homes and the speed with which they are selling is a telling sign that our homeowners really love what we are doing in Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida and in all the communities we build. They love the quality of the craftsmanship and the amount of energy efficient features we put in the homes we build. We are finishing homes in several locations including where we are nearing completion of our latest new homes at Modern Homes on Tillery. These homes are nearing completion, so don’t wait to get on the list of interested buyers. Or, contact us directly to help you with your new home needs. We take care of our Realtors, so be sure to bring your buyers by to discuss how we can help customize a home for them. Move In NOW … Tillery Street in East Austin … Selling Quickly. Alpha Builders Group’s homes are truly the most beautiful new modern homes with an amazing number of special details and custom finishes to go along with our awesome craftsmanship and energy efficient construction techniques in the Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida regions. You’ll want to live in an Alpha Builders Group home. There’s a difference. With downtown living at Modern Homes on Tillery and its highest quality design and attention to details, you won’t see the sacrifice of quality over price. What you will see is downtown Austin at its most beautiful. We are building the same kind of quality custom-style homes you’d find anywhere. We look at every detail and ensure these homes are built to the highest standards with the most energy efficient solutions available. We continue to have tremendous interest in our new Modern Homes on Tillery. It’s a great place to live in the heart of everything Austin has to offer. We are selling out of this community fast, so don’t hesitate to buy your new home now in East Austin, Texas before we’re all sold out! Contact one of our representatives for information about these modern new homes and the available homes remaining. Get in now to help customize your new home or come by to better understand the difference a community designed exclusively for the new modern lifestyle can provide. It’s in the holistic design, the quality interiors, and the location near it all. Share your thoughts with us or contact our Modern Homes on Tillery agent for more information. Stay tuned to the blog for more on these exciting new home communities and come out to visit any of our new modern homes. Inquire with us for more information and be a part of the modern new vibe developing in East Austin. #ergonomics #humanfactordesign #ergonomicdesign #homeofficedesign #customhomes #condos #condominiums #buildwithalpha #alphabuildersgroup #austinbuilder #newhomesaustin #contemporaryhomes #modernhomes #buildwithprofessionals #realestateinvestor #investinginrealestate #eastaustinrealestate #eastaustin #investors #2ndstdistrict #luxuryhomes #luxuryhouses #qualityhomes #modernhomesontillery #tillerystreethomes #newhomes #eastlakeattillery #liveworkplay #liveeastaustin #liveworkeastaustin

The Lennox plan featured at Balmoral at Bennett's Creek in N. Suffolk, Virginia. This spacious End unit town-home offers 2 stories of efficient living. The first floor features an open concept plan - The Foyer and Dining area lead to Living area that looks right in to Kitchen. With virtually the entire first floor open and visible it makes the idea plan for entertaining. The Kitchen offers Island/Bar Top that looks in to the Living Room to keep the chef in your family connected! Sliding glass doors off the kitchen lead to back patio. The Back of the home offers endless possibilities for outdoor entertaining along with an attached storage shed for added storage. The second floor features three bedrooms including Master Suite, two full baths and Utility Closet w/ washer & dryer hookup. Master Suite comes with double bowl vanity, walk-in closet and en-suite bath. The homes at Balmoral are built top to bottom with quality construction and energy efficient features. Air Infiltration Barrier Housewrap, Insulated Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows with Screens, 13 Seer Energy Efficient Central Air Conditioning & High Efficient Gas Tankless Hot Water Heater!

Timber frame homes offer unique challenges during a remodel. What often makes them beautiful and attractive to most homeowners, also makes them challenging for space requirements. Context: The lovely couple that owned this home were struggling with some interesting floor plan challenges that just didn't work for their family. The loved the beautiful timbers and woodwork of their home, but the dramatically sloping ceilings on the second floor, particularly in the bathroom, just didn't work for this 1 1/2 bath home. Needing to use the skylight to approach the toilet was a less then ideal scenario. Although the bathroom footprint was more then adequate, the sloped ceiling only made half of the space useable. Check out the Before/After post on our blog to see the photos of the house pre-renovation. As much as they loved all the wood features in their home, another challenge they had was light. The wood ceiling made everything inside the house darker, even with a fantastic array of south facing windows, there were spaces in the home that felt dark and small. When they contacted us they wanted to know how could they make their brighter and more inviting, were there solutions to the 2nd floor sloped ceiling issues, and if they were going to do all of this work, how could they make their home more comfortable and efficient. A nagging water leak in the upstairs bathroom spurred them into action and here is how we solved their dilemma. Conclusion: First, we added a little dormer to the rear of the house so we could get full headroom in nearly all of the upstairs bathroom! Then we decided to extend that dormer one more timber bay over to create a walk in closet with natural light and plenty of space. Since we were contemplating energy efficiency, we resolved a nagging issue that is present in a lot of timber frame construction, air tightness. Commonly found in timber frame construction, fiberglass insulation is installed in the rafter bays and board ceilings are installed over top. Unfortunately, board ceilings are anything but air tight, and fiberglass insulation needs to be in an airtight cavity for maximum effectiveness. So we were able to solve two issues at the same time for this homeowner. We removed the board ceiling and fiberglass insulation, we dense packed the rafter bays with cellulose insulation, and installed sheetrock in place of the boards. The boards were salvaged for re-use by the homeowner, and the space and light quality was dramatically improved. Some may think that losing the board ceiling took something away from the space, but what you'll see in the pictures is that it highly accentuates the heavy timbers and really makes them stand out in a beautiful way. Now with this added airtightness, better insulation, and brighter space, the homeowner hardly runs their wood stove, and it's so quiet in the space, an added bonus from changing the insulation. It became necessary to also add a sheetrock ceiling to the living room to hide the plumbing from the new bathroom layout above. Changing this ceiling gave the homeowner some real quality lighting that was lacking in the living room before. The brighter ceiling and new lighting layout completely transforms the living room into a space you want to hang out, even though the layout didn't change at all. When the homeowner saw the finished spaces she said "I can't believe this is my house, I want to live in this house" Energy Efficiency: I touched a little on the efficiency above, but like all projects done with Mottram Architecture, we always want to leave you with a little extra. Timber frame construction with board ceilings and fiberglass insulation are notoriously leaky! If you want to know what we think about fiberglass insulation, check our our blog post on Why Fiberglass Insulation Sucks. By installing cellulose insulation and covering it with sheetrock we were able to greatly reduce the heat flowing out of this home. It not only improves cashflow it improves the comfort level in the space. Who wants to sit in their living room and feel a draft? Let us remind you, we are not saying cellulose insulation is an air barrier, we use the sheetrock to help with that, but it does significantly reduce the air flow over fiberglass insulation. And when we reduce the airflow, we reduce the heat flow. And when we reduce the heat flow, we reduce the need to re-heat that drafty air from outside. When it comes to energy efficiency the first and best place to start is air infiltration. We greatly reduced the air infiltration with the new insulation, but we also added a hat and warm boots. What I mean by that is, we improved the insulation in the roof, and we installed insulation in the basement. Maybe it's a silly analogy, but when you think about keeping warm, we always start with the hat and boots! With sustainability in mind, the next project will be to add a deck to the front of this house with rain catchment barrels from the metal roof. They are planning to plant a garden in the spring and the rain catchment system will help to irrigate the new garden. Builder: East Shore Builders Photographer: Michael Eric Berube

Designing Spaces that Fit for New Homeowners in Alpha Builder Group Homes in Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida The designs of the homes from Alpha Builders Group focus on the look and feel but do not forget about the comfort and efficiency. We make sure to look at every room in the house with the same care and attention to detail as we do to the important aspects of living in our homes on a day to day basis. It’s of utmost importance to have the best most Ergonomically designed home with full consideration of the Human Factor in each and every home we build. The Design Team at Alpha Builders Group strongly implements Human Factor Design and Ergonomics in to every home. These are vital concerns for us in our home designs and finishes to understand people's needs especially when working from home in these times when working from home is essential. Having the best ergonomically designed office with proper lighting, well planned space, low volt access, and more are all of tremendous importance. It’s something we firmly believe in and incorporate in every design. Our design team looks in to every square inch when it comes to the home, including office space with the perfect design layout. Alpha Builders Group understands the trends and styles as well as the accessibility of the home when building all our homes and we strongly believe in the use of natural light knowing how important natural light is for the state of mind. Clearly understanding Trends and Styles helps us be the best developer and builder of all our homes and condos in downtown Austin, Texas. Our homeowners are savvy buyers clearly understanding the Quality and Craftsmanship we put into all of our homes and condos alike. You won’t just find this in our new Modern Homes on Tillery community being developed and nearing completion in East Austin, Texas, you’ll find this attention in every home we build. Human Factor Design and the focus on Ergonomics goes in to every design we work on. We have had tremendous interest in our new Modern Homes on Tillery from the beginning and are selling quickly. We will likely sell out of this community fast, so don’t hesitate to buy your new home in East Austin, Texas or you may not have the chance. Tillery Street in East Austin … Custom. Ergonomic. Home. At Alpha Builders Group, we don’t sacrifice the quality we put in to building our homes and the speed with which they are selling is a telling sign that our homeowners really love what we are doing in Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida and in all the communities we build. They love the quality of the craftsmanship and the amount of energy efficient features we put in the homes we build. We are finishing homes in several locations including where we are nearing completion of our latest new homes at Modern Homes on Tillery. These homes are nearing completion, so don’t wait to get on the list of interested buyers. Or, contact us directly to help you with your new home needs. We take care of our Realtors, so be sure to bring your buyers by to discuss how we can help customize a home for them. Move In NOW … Tillery Street in East Austin … Selling Quickly. Alpha Builders Group’s homes are truly the most beautiful new modern homes with an amazing number of special details and custom finishes to go along with our awesome craftsmanship and energy efficient construction techniques in the Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida regions. You’ll want to live in an Alpha Builders Group home. There’s a difference. With downtown living at Modern Homes on Tillery and its highest quality design and attention to details, you won’t see the sacrifice of quality over price. What you will see is downtown Austin at its most beautiful. We are building the same kind of quality custom-style homes you’d find anywhere. We look at every detail and ensure these homes are built to the highest standards with the most energy efficient solutions available. We continue to have tremendous interest in our new Modern Homes on Tillery. It’s a great place to live in the heart of everything Austin has to offer. We are selling out of this community fast, so don’t hesitate to buy your new home now in East Austin, Texas before we’re all sold out! Contact one of our representatives for information about these modern new homes and the available homes remaining. Get in now to help customize your new home or come by to better understand the difference a community designed exclusively for the new modern lifestyle can provide. It’s in the holistic design, the quality interiors, and the location near it all. Share your thoughts with us or contact our Modern Homes on Tillery agent for more information. Stay tuned to the blog for more on these exciting new home communities and come out to visit any of our new modern homes. Inquire with us for more information and be a part of the modern new vibe developing in East Austin. #ergonomics #humanfactordesign #ergonomicdesign #homeofficedesign #customhomes #condos #condominiums #buildwithalpha #alphabuildersgroup #austinbuilder #newhomesaustin #contemporaryhomes #modernhomes #buildwithprofessionals #realestateinvestor #investinginrealestate #eastaustinrealestate #eastaustin #investors #2ndstdistrict #luxuryhomes #luxuryhouses #qualityhomes #modernhomesontillery #tillerystreethomes #newhomes #eastlakeattillery #liveworkplay #liveeastaustin #liveworkeastaustin

Inspiration for a rustic garage remodel in Tampa

Timber frame homes offer unique challenges during a remodel. What often makes them beautiful and attractive to most homeowners, also makes them challenging for space requirements. Context: The lovely couple that owned this home were struggling with some interesting floor plan challenges that just didn't work for their family. The loved the beautiful timbers and woodwork of their home, but the dramatically sloping ceilings on the second floor, particularly in the bathroom, just didn't work for this 1 1/2 bath home. Needing to use the skylight to approach the toilet was a less then ideal scenario. Although the bathroom footprint was more then adequate, the sloped ceiling only made half of the space useable. Check out the Before/After post on our blog to see the photos of the house pre-renovation. As much as they loved all the wood features in their home, another challenge they had was light. The wood ceiling made everything inside the house darker, even with a fantastic array of south facing windows, there were spaces in the home that felt dark and small. When they contacted us they wanted to know how could they make their brighter and more inviting, were there solutions to the 2nd floor sloped ceiling issues, and if they were going to do all of this work, how could they make their home more comfortable and efficient. A nagging water leak in the upstairs bathroom spurred them into action and here is how we solved their dilemma. Conclusion: First, we added a little dormer to the rear of the house so we could get full headroom in nearly all of the upstairs bathroom! Then we decided to extend that dormer one more timber bay over to create a walk in closet with natural light and plenty of space. Since we were contemplating energy efficiency, we resolved a nagging issue that is present in a lot of timber frame construction, air tightness. Commonly found in timber frame construction, fiberglass insulation is installed in the rafter bays and board ceilings are installed over top. Unfortunately, board ceilings are anything but air tight, and fiberglass insulation needs to be in an airtight cavity for maximum effectiveness. So we were able to solve two issues at the same time for this homeowner. We removed the board ceiling and fiberglass insulation, we dense packed the rafter bays with cellulose insulation, and installed sheetrock in place of the boards. The boards were salvaged for re-use by the homeowner, and the space and light quality was dramatically improved. Some may think that losing the board ceiling took something away from the space, but what you'll see in the pictures is that it highly accentuates the heavy timbers and really makes them stand out in a beautiful way. Now with this added airtightness, better insulation, and brighter space, the homeowner hardly runs their wood stove, and it's so quiet in the space, an added bonus from changing the insulation. It became necessary to also add a sheetrock ceiling to the living room to hide the plumbing from the new bathroom layout above. Changing this ceiling gave the homeowner some real quality lighting that was lacking in the living room before. The brighter ceiling and new lighting layout completely transforms the living room into a space you want to hang out, even though the layout didn't change at all. When the homeowner saw the finished spaces she said "I can't believe this is my house, I want to live in this house" Energy Efficiency: I touched a little on the efficiency above, but like all projects done with Mottram Architecture, we always want to leave you with a little extra. Timber frame construction with board ceilings and fiberglass insulation are notoriously leaky! If you want to know what we think about fiberglass insulation, check our our blog post on Why Fiberglass Insulation Sucks. By installing cellulose insulation and covering it with sheetrock we were able to greatly reduce the heat flowing out of this home. It not only improves cashflow it improves the comfort level in the space. Who wants to sit in their living room and feel a draft? Let us remind you, we are not saying cellulose insulation is an air barrier, we use the sheetrock to help with that, but it does significantly reduce the air flow over fiberglass insulation. And when we reduce the airflow, we reduce the heat flow. And when we reduce the heat flow, we reduce the need to re-heat that drafty air from outside. When it comes to energy efficiency the first and best place to start is air infiltration. We greatly reduced the air infiltration with the new insulation, but we also added a hat and warm boots. What I mean by that is, we improved the insulation in the roof, and we installed insulation in the basement. Maybe it's a silly analogy, but when you think about keeping warm, we always start with the hat and boots! With sustainability in mind, the next project will be to add a deck to the front of this house with rain catchment barrels from the metal roof. They are planning to plant a garden in the spring and the rain catchment system will help to irrigate the new garden. Builder: East Shore Builders Photographer: Michael Eric Berube

Designing Spaces that Fit for New Homeowners in Alpha Builder Group Homes in Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida The designs of the homes from Alpha Builders Group focus on the look and feel but do not forget about the comfort and efficiency. We make sure to look at every room in the house with the same care and attention to detail as we do to the important aspects of living in our homes on a day to day basis. It’s of utmost importance to have the best most Ergonomically designed home with full consideration of the Human Factor in each and every home we build. The Design Team at Alpha Builders Group strongly implements Human Factor Design and Ergonomics in to every home. These are vital concerns for us in our home designs and finishes to understand people's needs especially when working from home in these times when working from home is essential. Having the best ergonomically designed office with proper lighting, well planned space, low volt access, and more are all of tremendous importance. It’s something we firmly believe in and incorporate in every design. Our design team looks in to every square inch when it comes to the home, including office space with the perfect design layout. Alpha Builders Group understands the trends and styles as well as the accessibility of the home when building all our homes and we strongly believe in the use of natural light knowing how important natural light is for the state of mind. Clearly understanding Trends and Styles helps us be the best developer and builder of all our homes and condos in downtown Austin, Texas. Our homeowners are savvy buyers clearly understanding the Quality and Craftsmanship we put into all of our homes and condos alike. You won’t just find this in our new Modern Homes on Tillery community being developed and nearing completion in East Austin, Texas, you’ll find this attention in every home we build. Human Factor Design and the focus on Ergonomics goes in to every design we work on. We have had tremendous interest in our new Modern Homes on Tillery from the beginning and are selling quickly. We will likely sell out of this community fast, so don’t hesitate to buy your new home in East Austin, Texas or you may not have the chance. Tillery Street in East Austin … Custom. Ergonomic. Home. At Alpha Builders Group, we don’t sacrifice the quality we put in to building our homes and the speed with which they are selling is a telling sign that our homeowners really love what we are doing in Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida and in all the communities we build. They love the quality of the craftsmanship and the amount of energy efficient features we put in the homes we build. We are finishing homes in several locations including where we are nearing completion of our latest new homes at Modern Homes on Tillery. These homes are nearing completion, so don’t wait to get on the list of interested buyers. Or, contact us directly to help you with your new home needs. We take care of our Realtors, so be sure to bring your buyers by to discuss how we can help customize a home for them. Move In NOW … Tillery Street in East Austin … Selling Quickly. Alpha Builders Group’s homes are truly the most beautiful new modern homes with an amazing number of special details and custom finishes to go along with our awesome craftsmanship and energy efficient construction techniques in the Austin, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida regions. You’ll want to live in an Alpha Builders Group home. There’s a difference. With downtown living at Modern Homes on Tillery and its highest quality design and attention to details, you won’t see the sacrifice of quality over price. What you will see is downtown Austin at its most beautiful. We are building the same kind of quality custom-style homes you’d find anywhere. We look at every detail and ensure these homes are built to the highest standards with the most energy efficient solutions available. We continue to have tremendous interest in our new Modern Homes on Tillery. It’s a great place to live in the heart of everything Austin has to offer. We are selling out of this community fast, so don’t hesitate to buy your new home now in East Austin, Texas before we’re all sold out! Contact one of our representatives for information about these modern new homes and the available homes remaining. Get in now to help customize your new home or come by to better understand the difference a community designed exclusively for the new modern lifestyle can provide. It’s in the holistic design, the quality interiors, and the location near it all. Share your thoughts with us or contact our Modern Homes on Tillery agent for more information. Stay tuned to the blog for more on these exciting new home communities and come out to visit any of our new modern homes. Inquire with us for more information and be a part of the modern new vibe developing in East Austin. #ergonomics #humanfactordesign #ergonomicdesign #homeofficedesign #customhomes #condos #condominiums #buildwithalpha #alphabuildersgroup #austinbuilder #newhomesaustin #contemporaryhomes #modernhomes #buildwithprofessionals #realestateinvestor #investinginrealestate #eastaustinrealestate #eastaustin #investors #2ndstdistrict #luxuryhomes #luxuryhouses #qualityhomes #modernhomesontillery #tillerystreethomes #newhomes #eastlakeattillery #liveworkplay #liveeastaustin #liveworkeastaustin

As the “nest” began to empty and her available time to maintain the home lessened, Ursula realized that it was time to sell. The 1996 home still had the original kitchen and baths, and was in need of general repair and new flooring. The HVAC system, water heater, and washer and dryer had been replaced as they aged, but the kitchen appliances, exterior, windows, and roof needed replacing. Jeff wanted to repair and update the home with quality materials and workmanship so that it would provide the most value to the new owners and sell as quickly as possible, so we got to work determining what the best use of the budget would be to accomplish this goal. We focused on updating the major interior design elements that would provide the most enjoyment, durability, and energy efficiency for the new homeowners as well as meticulously replaced worn exterior components with tasteful color palette selections. We repaired and refinished all of the kitchen cabinets and added granite counter tops and a stainless steel sink. All of the Kitchen appliances were replaced with new energy efficient stainless models. All bathroom cabinetry was repaired and refinished, all of the faucets and shower trims were replaced, and all of the toilets with EPA WaterSense rated low-flow toilets. The master bathroom shower glass was replaced with updated semi-frameless glass. All of the hardwood flooring was refinished as well as general repair on the walls and new paint throughout. The end result was bright, open, and comfortable updated home ready for its new occupants. Design Features Durable and nicely renovated cabinetry. Granite Kitchen counter tops. Stainless Kitchen appliances. Stainless Kitchen sink and brushed nickel faucets. Brushed Nickel cabinetry and door hardware. Low-flow EPA WaterSense rated toilets. Refinished natural oak hardwood flooring. New carpet. New architectural roof shingles. Replaced window sashes. Complete exterior repair and painting. Light and bright No-VOC paints and finishes. Energy Efficient and Green Features Energy efficient EPA Energy Star appliances. EPA WaterSense rated low-flow toilets. Durable No-VOC cabinetry. Low-flow faucets. Energy efficient LED lighting throughout. No-VOC paints and finishes.

Timber frame homes offer unique challenges during a remodel. What often makes them beautiful and attractive to most homeowners, also makes them challenging for space requirements. Context: The lovely couple that owned this home were struggling with some interesting floor plan challenges that just didn't work for their family. The loved the beautiful timbers and woodwork of their home, but the dramatically sloping ceilings on the second floor, particularly in the bathroom, just didn't work for this 1 1/2 bath home. Needing to use the skylight to approach the toilet was a less then ideal scenario. Although the bathroom footprint was more then adequate, the sloped ceiling only made half of the space useable. Check out the Before/After post on our blog to see the photos of the house pre-renovation. As much as they loved all the wood features in their home, another challenge they had was light. The wood ceiling made everything inside the house darker, even with a fantastic array of south facing windows, there were spaces in the home that felt dark and small. When they contacted us they wanted to know how could they make their brighter and more inviting, were there solutions to the 2nd floor sloped ceiling issues, and if they were going to do all of this work, how could they make their home more comfortable and efficient. A nagging water leak in the upstairs bathroom spurred them into action and here is how we solved their dilemma. Conclusion: First, we added a little dormer to the rear of the house so we could get full headroom in nearly all of the upstairs bathroom! Then we decided to extend that dormer one more timber bay over to create a walk in closet with natural light and plenty of space. Since we were contemplating energy efficiency, we resolved a nagging issue that is present in a lot of timber frame construction, air tightness. Commonly found in timber frame construction, fiberglass insulation is installed in the rafter bays and board ceilings are installed over top. Unfortunately, board ceilings are anything but air tight, and fiberglass insulation needs to be in an airtight cavity for maximum effectiveness. So we were able to solve two issues at the same time for this homeowner. We removed the board ceiling and fiberglass insulation, we dense packed the rafter bays with cellulose insulation, and installed sheetrock in place of the boards. The boards were salvaged for re-use by the homeowner, and the space and light quality was dramatically improved. Some may think that losing the board ceiling took something away from the space, but what you'll see in the pictures is that it highly accentuates the heavy timbers and really makes them stand out in a beautiful way. Now with this added airtightness, better insulation, and brighter space, the homeowner hardly runs their wood stove, and it's so quiet in the space, an added bonus from changing the insulation. It became necessary to also add a sheetrock ceiling to the living room to hide the plumbing from the new bathroom layout above. Changing this ceiling gave the homeowner some real quality lighting that was lacking in the living room before. The brighter ceiling and new lighting layout completely transforms the living room into a space you want to hang out, even though the layout didn't change at all. When the homeowner saw the finished spaces she said "I can't believe this is my house, I want to live in this house" Energy Efficiency: I touched a little on the efficiency above, but like all projects done with Mottram Architecture, we always want to leave you with a little extra. Timber frame construction with board ceilings and fiberglass insulation are notoriously leaky! If you want to know what we think about fiberglass insulation, check our our blog post on Why Fiberglass Insulation Sucks. By installing cellulose insulation and covering it with sheetrock we were able to greatly reduce the heat flowing out of this home. It not only improves cashflow it improves the comfort level in the space. Who wants to sit in their living room and feel a draft? Let us remind you, we are not saying cellulose insulation is an air barrier, we use the sheetrock to help with that, but it does significantly reduce the air flow over fiberglass insulation. And when we reduce the airflow, we reduce the heat flow. And when we reduce the heat flow, we reduce the need to re-heat that drafty air from outside. When it comes to energy efficiency the first and best place to start is air infiltration. We greatly reduced the air infiltration with the new insulation, but we also added a hat and warm boots. What I mean by that is, we improved the insulation in the roof, and we installed insulation in the basement. Maybe it's a silly analogy, but when you think about keeping warm, we always start with the hat and boots! With sustainability in mind, the next project will be to add a deck to the front of this house with rain catchment barrels from the metal roof. They are planning to plant a garden in the spring and the rain catchment system will help to irrigate the new garden. Builder: East Shore Builders Photographer: Michael Eric Berube

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.

Modern, Transitional, energy efficient Project in La Jolla with Panoramic views from almost every rooms. Photos by Jim Brady A modern Mediterranean project, panoramic ocean view with Persian architecture and Frank Loyd wright inspiration. Designed based on passive solar design. lots of daylights, cross ventilation in all rooms, pyramid ceiling and pyramid skylights, stone flooring as thermal mass to moderate temperature. use of wind catcher to prevent mold and moisture issues on the basement. Water efficient landscaping was used through out. privacy and shade was provided.energy efficient and comfortable home. energy star appliance and HVAC. solar panel, solar water heater and instant water heater were used.

The Lennox plan featured at Balmoral at Bennett's Creek in N. Suffolk, Virginia. This spacious End unit town-home offers 2 stories of efficient living. The first floor features an open concept plan - The Foyer and Dining area lead to Living area that looks right in to Kitchen. With virtually the entire first floor open and visible it makes the idea plan for entertaining. The Kitchen offers Island/Bar Top that looks in to the Living Room to keep the chef in your family connected! Sliding glass doors off the kitchen lead to back patio. The Back of the home offers endless possibilities for outdoor entertaining along with an attached storage shed for added storage. The second floor features three bedrooms including Master Suite, two full baths and Utility Closet w/ washer & dryer hookup. Master Suite comes with double bowl vanity, walk-in closet and en-suite bath. The homes at Balmoral are built top to bottom with quality construction and energy efficient features. Air Infiltration Barrier Housewrap, Insulated Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows with Screens, 13 Seer Energy Efficient Central Air Conditioning & High Efficient Gas Tankless Hot Water Heater!