Search results for "Efficiency" in Home Design Ideas

In collaboration with architect Gustavo Penengo of PRDG Architecture & Design, Better Builders brought this bold contemporary vision to life. Built using modular construction on a steep lot once considered “unbuildable,” the home required a highly engineered foundation with H-piles driven 40 feet into the hillside.
The offsite-built sections allowed for precision assembly and made possible dramatic cantilevers, expansive views of the Sound, and an energy-efficient design. The finished home showcases modern architecture at its finest—creative, sustainable, and perfectly suited to its unique site.

This uniquely designed home in Seattle, Washington recently underwent a dramatic transformation that provides both a fresh new aesthetic and improved functionality. Renovations on this home went above and beyond the typical “face-lift” of the home remodel project and created a modern, one-of-a-kind space perfectly designed to accommodate the growing family of the homeowners.
Along with creating a new aesthetic for the home, constructing a dwelling that was both energy efficient and ensured a high level of comfort were major goals of the project. To this end, the homeowners selected A5h Windows and Doors with triple-pane glazing which offers argon-filled, low-E coated glass and warm edge spacers within an all-aluminum frame. The hidden sash option was selected to provide a clean and modern aesthetic on the exterior facade. Concealed hinges allow for a continuous air seal, while premium stainless-steel handles offer a refined contemporary touch.
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Large transitional cement tile floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Phoenix with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

At the apex of a quiet cul de sac, with the Brunswick Commons trail meandering just footsteps from the backyard, an active retired couple wanted to build their forever home. They wanted the most efficient house they could build with at least 100% of the energy coming from their rooftop solar array. Even with a wall of pine trees directly to the south Michael Maines was able to design a house that, with high attention to detailing, we were able to make a net positive energy home. The 48 solar panels on the roof will make more than enough to power everything in the home and the extra will be credited toward the couple’s camp in northern Maine. Our diligent focus on air sealing paid off with a blower door shell test of .12 ACH50 (for comparison, passive house requires below .60 ACH50). With 12 inch thick double stud walls packed tight with recycled cellulose insulation, and heated and cooled with heat pumps, this house will stay comfortable all year round.

Imagine a compact backyard home in Golden that keeps family close but gives everyone space. The Golden ADU sits west of North Table Mountain, offering owners a private retreat so their kids' family can take the main house – all while framing epic Denver views.
The owners needed independence with family ties, so we created a unit that balances privacy and proximity. South-facing design captures stunning plains and city sights for daily inspiration.
Multi-generational living can feel crowded, but this ADU provides a separate, functional space without sacrificing connection. It handles site limits by maximizing views and light efficiently.
The concept mixes sloped roofs and simple boxes for a fresh, modern feel that fits the landscape. A large deck extends the living area outdoors, inviting relaxation amid the scenery.
Standard wood framing keeps it durable and budget-friendly, built strong for Colorado's elements.
South orientation and big windows bring in passive solar warmth and natural light, reducing energy needs while keeping things cozy.
Practical main floor with one bedroom, two baths, office, mudroom, and open kitchen-living – all designed for ease and flow.
Completed in 2022, the Golden ADU is a smart solution for family living. It blends privacy, views, and efficiency, creating a peaceful space that strengthens bonds and enhances life in the mountains.

This beautiful home is an example of what can be achieved on a small lot. Interactive Construction was able to provide these homeowners with a Passive House that fit perfectly into their heritage neighbourhood, onto their narrow lot, and with their personalities.
There are huge energy savings built into the design of this home. In keeping with Passive House principles, the house is insulated everywhere to minimize heat loss meaning this house doesn’t require a conventional heat source. There is an extremely efficient Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system that quietly manages airflow throughout the building and takes the heat from showers and cooking before expelling cool, filtered air. Triple glazed windows cut down on heat loss and are almost all openable to aid in cooling instead of a costly air conditioner.
Environmental considerations in this build go beyond energy savings. The decision to use prefabricated wall panels and roof trusses to cut down on waste and aid in site storage of lumber.
This house’s innovation comes from it being a modern design passive house that it somehow fits very well in a neighbourhood filled with heritage houses. We managed to squeeze a lot of house onto a postage sized lot and still have it feel roomy inside and in the yard.
And check out those funky stairs!
What the homeowners had to say:
Despite the huge and unforeseen challenges of building safely and efficiently during the 2020 Covid pandemic, especially on a very narrow lot, Interactive's exceptional crew and their team of skilled subcontractors delivered our dream house.

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Dan Brunn Architecture prides itself on the economy and efficiency of its designs, so the firm was eager to incorporate BONE Structure’s steel system in Bridge House. Combining classic post-and-beam structure with energy-efficient solutions, BONE Structure delivers a flexible, durable, and sustainable product. “Building construction technology is so far behind, and we haven’t really progressed,” says Brunn, “so we were excited by the prospect working with BONE Structure.”

The original design of this condo kitchen left much to be desired, from dated finishes to inefficient use of space. After a complete demo new cabinets were installed. The client is a serious home chef who loves to share his creations. The kitchen layout is designed to function efficiently. The cherry floors were refinished to their original color in a satin finish. The result is welcoming and feels spacious.

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level.
Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout.
To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function.
Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking.
Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior.
The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel.
Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated.
The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

In collaboration with architect Gustavo Penengo of PRDG Architecture & Design, Better Builders brought this bold contemporary vision to life. Built using modular construction on a steep lot once considered “unbuildable,” the home required a highly engineered foundation with H-piles driven 40 feet into the hillside.
The offsite-built sections allowed for precision assembly and made possible dramatic cantilevers, expansive views of the Sound, and an energy-efficient design. The finished home showcases modern architecture at its finest—creative, sustainable, and perfectly suited to its unique site.

A modern farmhouse exterior featuring crisp white siding, a cheerful yellow door, metal porch roof, and oversized windows for abundant light. This Richmond remodel by Virginia Tradition Builders blends contemporary design with energy-efficient updates and a welcoming screened porch.

This much-beloved home had been lived in for decades, and had seen its family grow and children leave. The now empty-nester homeowners decided it was time for a change. The floor plan was updated to prioritize a larger family room and more efficient use of space for the back-of-house functions. The family room is now large enough for the whole extended family to visit, while the re-invented study is graced with custom built-ins. The first floor has a comfortable back entry with a large mudroom and laundry room that can be closed off, and the hall bathroom has been re-arranged for a more comfortable guest experience. Circulation spaces have been reworked for greater efficiency and ease of movement. High quality materials and custom detailing have been used throughout, and the best elements have been enhanced. A new, timeless aesthetic reigns supreme, both polished and comfortable. This once tired home is now ready to be loved for years to come.

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custom home, luxury home, efficient, green building,
Example of a trendy built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor home office design in Austin with white walls
Example of a trendy built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor home office design in Austin with white walls

In collaboration with architect Gustavo Penengo of PRDG Architecture & Design, Better Builders brought this bold contemporary vision to life. Built using modular construction on a steep lot once considered “unbuildable,” the home required a highly engineered foundation with H-piles driven 40 feet into the hillside.
The offsite-built sections allowed for precision assembly and made possible dramatic cantilevers, expansive views of the Sound, and an energy-efficient design. The finished home showcases modern architecture at its finest—creative, sustainable, and perfectly suited to its unique site.

Designer Danielle Lardani's clients love to cook, so they desired a new kitchen that appealed to them stylistically, while also supporting their passion for cooking. They wanted to include features that would make cooking together both efficient and enjoyable. Danielle fulfilled their dreams by creating a stunning, contemporary design that seamlessly matched the style of the rest of their home. She selected a horizontal, textured laminate by Wynnbrooke Cabinetry for the base perimeter cabinets, with a contrasting prep zone featuring Décor Cabinets in a Behr custom color, Adirondack Blue.
To increase the efficiency of the space, the layout of the kitchen was reconfigured to create a more functional work triangle between the range, the refrigerator, and the sink. The new layout allows the homeowners to prep, cook and serve food with ease. To further enhance the modern look of the kitchen and accommodate her clients’ wishes, she chose floating shelves and a full-height backsplash to give the space a more open feel.
Notable Design Details:
- Danielle designed the new layout to include ample counter space for food prep.
- She installed integrated lighting under the floating shelves and the upper cabinets in the prep-zone area to brighten these work spaces.
- Danielle included a custom dish drawer in her cabinetry design. This optimized storage and allowed dinnerware to be easily accessible.
- The knife block and utensil pull-out organizer keeps the clients’ cooking tools neat while also keeping them at arms reach.

In collaboration with architect Gustavo Penengo of PRDG Architecture & Design, Better Builders brought this bold contemporary vision to life. Built using modular construction on a steep lot once considered “unbuildable,” the home required a highly engineered foundation with H-piles driven 40 feet into the hillside.
The offsite-built sections allowed for precision assembly and made possible dramatic cantilevers, expansive views of the Sound, and an energy-efficient design. The finished home showcases modern architecture at its finest—creative, sustainable, and perfectly suited to its unique site.
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