Stephanie Barnes-Castro is a full service architectural firm specializing in sustainable design serving Santa Cruz County. Her goal is to design a home to seamlessly tie into the natural environment and be aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient.

Entryway - contemporary entryway idea in Austin

San Rafael Overview: This garden project began with the demolition of an existing pool and decks cantilevered over a hillside. The garden was originally a Japanese-themed garden retreat and free-form shaped pool. While the client wanted to update and replace many elements, they sought to keep the free-form characteristics of the existing design and repurpose existing materials. BK Landscape Design created a new garden with revetment walls and steps to a succulent garden with salvaged boulders from the pool and pool coping. We built a colored concrete path to access a new wood trellis constructed on the center-line view from the master bedroom. A combination of Bay friendly, native and evergreen plantings were chosen for the planting palette. The overhaul of the yard included low-voltage lighting and minimal drainage. A new wood deck replaced the existing one at the entrance as well as a deck off of the master bedroom that was also constructed from repurposed materials. The style mimics the architectural detail of the mansard roof and simple horizontal wood siding of the house. After removing a juniper (as required by the San Rafael Fire Department within the Wildland-Urban interface) we designed and developed a full front-yard planting plan. All plants are Bay-Friendly, native, and irrigated with a more efficient in-line drip irrigation system to minimize water use. Low-voltage lighting and minimal drainage were also part of the overhaul of the front yard redesign.

ENRarchitects designed and rebuilt this 975sf, single story Residence, adjacent to Stanford University, as project architect and contractor in collaboration with Topos Architects, Inc. The owner, who hopes to ultimately retire in this home, had built the original home with his father. Services by ENRarchitects included complete architectural, structural, energy compliance, mechanical, electrical and landscape designs, cost analysis, sub contractor management, material & equipment selection & acquisition and, construction monitoring. Green/sustainable features: existing site & structure; dense residential neighborhood; close proximity to public transit; reuse existing slab & framing; salvaged framing members; fly ash concrete; engineered wood; recycled content insulation & gypsum board; tankless water heating; hydronic floor heating; low-flow plumbing fixtures; energy efficient lighting fixtures & appliances; abundant clerestory natural lighting & ventilation; bamboo flooring & cabinets; recycled content countertops, window sills, tile & carpet; programmable controls; and porus paving surfaces. https://www.enrdesign.com/ENR-residential-FacultyHouse.html http://www.toposarchitects.com/

Sedona is home to people from around the world because of it's beautiful red rock mountain scenery, high desert climate, good weather and diverse community. Most residents have made a conscience choice to be here. Good buildable land is scarce so may people purchase older homes and update them in style and performance before moving in. The industry often calls these project "whole house remodels". This home was originally built in the 70's and is located in a prestigious neighborhood beautiful views that overlook mountains and City of Sedona. It was in need of a total makeover, inside and out. The exterior of the home was transformed by removing the outdated wood and brick cladding and replacing it stucco and stone. The roof was repaired to extend it life. Windows were replaced with an energy efficient wood clad system. Every room of the home was preplanned and remodeled to make it flow better for a modern lifestyle. A guest suite was added to the back of the existing garage to make a total of three guest suites and a master bedroom suite. The existing enclosed kitchen was opened up to create a true "great room" with access to the deck and the views. The windows and doors to the view were raised up to capture more light and scenery. An outdated brick fireplace was covered with mahogany panels and porcelain tiles to update the style. All floors were replaced with durable ceramic flooring. Outdated plumbing, appliances, lighting fixtures, cabinets and hand rails were replaced. The home was completely refurnished and decorated by the home owner in a style the fits the architectural intent. The scope for a "whole house remodel" is much like the design of a custom home. It takes a full team of professionals to do it properly. The home owners have a second home out of state and split their time away. They were able to assemble a team that included Sustainable Sedona Residentail Design, Biermann Construction as the General Contractor, a landscape designer, and structural engineer to take charge in thier absence. The collaboration worked well!

A new Illuminations Patio Door by Preservation will lower the homeowners’ energy bill and allow immediate access to a lush landscape view from the master bedroom.

Example of a small classic one-story concrete fiberboard gable roof design in Seattle

ProVia double entry doors in Keller, TX. ProVia's Signet fiberglass doors are designed to perform better than traditional fiberglass doors. The hinge and strike stiles are dovetailed to the top and bottom rails to form a solid, integrated frame ensuring unmatched strength and durability. This highly customizable door system is available in Cherry, Mahogany, Oak, Fir, Knotty Alder, and Smooth exteriors. ProVia utilizes their exclusive DuraFuse™ Finishing System featuring P3 Fusion for a long-lasting durable finish, plus it's protected by a 10-year finish warranty. Hinge and strike stiles are 2-5/8" and 4-1/4". Custom widths and heights. Available up to 8'. Foam-filled for maximum efficiency and strength. Authentic wood look. Available with ADA Compliant Threshold. Protected by ProVia's Lifetime Limited Transferable Warranty.

putneypics
Farmhouse exterior home photo in Boston

Discover a lush and serene backyard where nature meets art. This beautifully designed space features a gently flowing stream that weaves through vibrant tropical plants, creating a tranquil oasis. Stunning sculptures add an artistic touch, blending seamlessly with the rich greenery and calming water. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an inspiring outdoor gallery, this garden offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and creative expression.

This house was designed to maintain clean sustainability and durability. Minimal, simple, modern design techniques were implemented to create an open floor plan with natural light. The entry of the home, clad in wood, was created as a transitional space between the exterior and the living spaces by creating a feeling of compression before entering into the voluminous, light filled, living area. The large volume, tall windows and natural light of the living area allows for light and views to the exterior in all directions. This project also considered our clients' need for storage and love for travel by creating storage space for an Airstream camper in the oversized 2 car garage at the back of the property. As in all of our homes, we designed and built this project with increased energy efficiency standards in mind. Our standards begin below grade by designing our foundations with insulated concrete forms (ICF) for all of our exterior foundation walls, providing the below grade walls with an R value of 23. As a standard, we also install a passive radon system and a heat recovery ventilator to efficiently mitigate the indoor air quality within all of the homes we build.

Palmer Windows Features Beveled exterior master frame enhances aesthetics Dedicated pocket sill design with triple weather stripping prevents air and water infiltration Sliding window operating sash removes easily from the inside for convenient cleaning Integral contour pull rail provides rigidity and ease of operation Fusion welded frame and sash construction creates superior strength Multi-chambered, slim-line extrusion design for maximum strength and viewing area Brass roller system allows ease of operation Positive interlock system, structural metal reinforcement, and dual action cam locks at the meeting rail provide resistance to outside elements and forced entry. Neat® naturally clean glass. It harnesses the sun’s UV rays to loosen dirt so water can rinse it away, leaving windows virtually spotless. Your windows will stay cleaner longer and will clean easier! Photo by Jeremy Sharrock

Discover a lush and serene backyard where nature meets art. This beautifully designed space features a gently flowing stream that weaves through vibrant tropical plants, creating a tranquil oasis. Stunning sculptures add an artistic touch, blending seamlessly with the rich greenery and calming water. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an inspiring outdoor gallery, this garden offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and creative expression.

Using the big Agave blues with the greens, yellow and white color palette.
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Los Angeles.

Perched on a stunning point overlooking the Atlantic, this storey-and-a-half home has enough room to house a large family and several guests, while still feeling cozy for a couple. The building shape is defined and accentuated by the interaction between metal and wood siding. The simple barn shape is punctured at critical points to bring in light and heat, to protect doorways, and to provide outdoor space for beekeeping. A sunshade on the south-west corner which prevents overheating is hung from stainless-steel rods to maintain the integrity of the ocean views. A fully air-sealed modern wood stove serves all heating required, further reducing the environmental impact of this home while providing a comfortable hearth to gather the family on winter nights. Photo Credit: Jarrell Whisken

Replaced wood windows with Pella Architectural Series providing energy efficiency and low maintenance.
Inspiration for a timeless exterior home remodel in Atlanta

©Energy Smart Home Plans, ©G.W. Robinson
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless dark wood floor entryway remodel in Miami with beige walls and a white front door

Exterior view of one of the two Craftsman Style attached single family homes showing the solar panels on the roof and the fiber cement siding with trim.

This urban oasis was designed to efficiently conserve water over a larger outdoor space. We utilized plants that are well climatized to arid environments to ensure the homeowner was not squandering California's limited supply of water.