Search results for "Efficient environment" in Home Design Ideas

The Guemes Island cabin is designed with a SIPS roof and foundation built with ICF. The exterior walls are highly insulated to bring the home to a new passive house level of construction. The highly efficient exterior envelope of the home helps to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool the home, thus creating a very comfortable environment in the home.
+ Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design
+ Interior Design: Karlee Coble Interiors
+ Built by: Carlisle Classic Homes
+ Photography: Chad Coleman Photography
www.h2darchitects.com

This project created a singular modern home for clients with two distinct professions; she is an artist; he is a musician. Their directive to Battle Associates was to “design the home of their dreams,” and “make it cool.” As the design evolved, three volumes emerged each with its own individual character. Shapes, materials, and colors reinforced the concept. The “Red Barn” houses a music studio, garage, guest, and children’s bedrooms. The “Industrial” volume is the Art Studio. The “Middle” volume is where the clients live. Each structure has its own set of exterior details, materials, and colors. The three buildings are oriented to maximize views around a man-made pond and a conserved hefty locus tree. Clean, contemporary lines set the tone for the details throughout the project, creating an appropriate environment for displaying artwork. Maple, bamboo, and painted finishes were the predominant palette, complemented with steel and glass for the stairs. Kitchen details favored cut-away pulls instead of hardware. The shell of the entire home was detailed and constructed with a high degree of energy efficiency in mind. Ultra-insulation was the standard with foam panels, triple glazing, and near passive house standards for construction.

For this kitchen and bathroom remodel, our goal was to maintain the historic integrity of the home by providing a traditional design, while also fulfilling the homeowner’s need for a more open and spacious environment. We gutted the entire kitchen and bathroom and removed an interior wall that bisected the kitchen. This provided more flow and connection between the living spaces. The open design and layout of the kitchen cabinets provided a more expansive feel in the kitchen where the whole family could gather without overcrowding. In addition to the kitchen remodel, we replaced the electrical service, redid most of the plumbing and rerouted the furnace ducts for better efficiency. In the bathroom, we installed a historically accurate sink, vanity, and tile. We refinished the hardwood floors throughout the home as well as rebuilt the front porch staircase, and updated the backdoor and window configuration to reflect the era of the home.
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Context
Norbert and Robin had dreamed of retiring in a Passive House-certified home overlooking the Lubberland Creek Preserve in Southeastern New Hampshire, and they’d done their homework. They were interested in using four integrated Zehnder America (www.zehnderamerica.com) technologies to make the 1,900 square foot home extremely energy efficient.
They didn’t miss any opportunity to innovate or raise the bar on sustainable design. Our goals were focused on guaranteeing their comfort in every season, saving them money on a fixed income, and reducing the home’s overall impact on the environment as much as possible.
Response
The home faces directly south and captures sunlight all winter under tall and vaulted ceilings and a continuous band of slim-lined, Italian triple-pane windows and doors that provide gorgeous views of the wild preserve. A second-story office nook and clerestory provide even deeper views, with a little more privacy.
Zehnder, which previously sold its innovative products only in Europe, took on the project as a test house. We designed around Zehnder’s vent-based systems, including a geothermal heat loop that heats and cools incoming air, a heat pump cooling system, electric towel-warmer radiators in the bathrooms, and a highly efficient energy recovery ventilator, which recycles heat and minimizes the need for air conditioning. The house effectively has no conventional heating system—and doesn’t need it. We also looked for efficiencies and smart solutions everywhere, from the lights to the windows to the insulation.
The kitchen exhaust hood eliminates, cleans, and recirculates cooking fumes in the home’s unique kitchen, custom-designed to match the ways Norbert likes to prepare meals. There are several countertop heights so they can prep and clean comfortably, and the eat-in kitchen also has two seating heights so people can sit and socialize while they’re working on dinner. An adjacent screened porch greets guests and opens to the view.
A roof-mounted solar system helps to ensure that the home generates more energy than it consumes—helped by features such as a heat pump water heater, superinsulation, LED lights and a polished concrete floor that helps regulate indoor temperatures.
Photo credit Chris Smith

Context
Norbert and Robin had dreamed of retiring in a Passive House-certified home overlooking the Lubberland Creek Preserve in Southeastern New Hampshire, and they’d done their homework. They were interested in using four integrated Zehnder America (www.zehnderamerica.com) technologies to make the 1,900 square foot home extremely energy efficient.
They didn’t miss any opportunity to innovate or raise the bar on sustainable design. Our goals were focused on guaranteeing their comfort in every season, saving them money on a fixed income, and reducing the home’s overall impact on the environment as much as possible.
Response
The home faces directly south and captures sunlight all winter under tall and vaulted ceilings and a continuous band of slim-lined, Italian triple-pane windows and doors that provide gorgeous views of the wild preserve. A second-story office nook and clerestory provide even deeper views, with a little more privacy.
Zehnder, which previously sold its innovative products only in Europe, took on the project as a test house. We designed around Zehnder’s vent-based systems, including a geothermal heat loop that heats and cools incoming air, a heat pump cooling system, electric towel-warmer radiators in the bathrooms, and a highly efficient energy recovery ventilator, which recycles heat and minimizes the need for air conditioning. The house effectively has no conventional heating system—and doesn’t need it. We also looked for efficiencies and smart solutions everywhere, from the lights to the windows to the insulation.
The kitchen exhaust hood eliminates, cleans, and recirculates cooking fumes in the home’s unique kitchen, custom-designed to match the ways Norbert likes to prepare meals. There are several countertop heights so they can prep and clean comfortably, and the eat-in kitchen also has two seating heights so people can sit and socialize while they’re working on dinner. An adjacent screened porch greets guests and opens to the view.
A roof-mounted solar system helps to ensure that the home generates more energy than it consumes—helped by features such as a heat pump water heater, superinsulation, LED lights and a polished concrete floor that helps regulate indoor temperatures.
Photo credit Chris Smith

Urban Unothordox Staircase, Overview:
This elegant home combines modernity with functionality.
Tall windows flood the space with natural light, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. The kitchen, finished in black, contrasts with the light-toned flooring. In the center, a rectangular dining table and matching chairs create a minimalist yet cozy area. The living room features a dark sofa facing a square coffee table, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The plant on the table adds a fresh and natural touch to the environment. On the second level, a glass railing maintains the visual connection between the spaces, along with an elegant staircase that adds a distinctive architectural touch. Tables arranged for work or study make efficient use of the available area. This intelligent design maximizes the use of space without sacrificing style or functionality.

This project created a singular modern home for clients with two distinct professions; she is an artist; he is a musician. Their directive to Battle Associates was to “design the home of their dreams,” and “make it cool.” As the design evolved, three volumes emerged each with its own individual character. Shapes, materials, and colors reinforced the concept. The “Red Barn” houses a music studio, garage, guest, and children’s bedrooms. The “Industrial” volume is the Art Studio. The “Middle” volume is where the clients live. Each structure has its own set of exterior details, materials, and colors. The three buildings are oriented to maximize views around a man-made pond and a conserved hefty locus tree. Clean, contemporary lines set the tone for the details throughout the project, creating an appropriate environment for displaying artwork. Maple, bamboo, and painted finishes were the predominant palette, complemented with steel and glass for the stairs. Kitchen details favored cut-away pulls instead of hardware. The shell of the entire home was detailed and constructed with a high degree of energy efficiency in mind. Ultra-insulation was the standard with foam panels, triple glazing, and near passive house standards for construction.

This project created a singular modern home for clients with two distinct professions; she is an artist; he is a musician. Their directive to Battle Associates was to “design the home of their dreams,” and “make it cool.” As the design evolved, three volumes emerged each with its own individual character. Shapes, materials, and colors reinforced the concept. The “Red Barn” houses a music studio, garage, guest, and children’s bedrooms. The “Industrial” volume is the Art Studio. The “Middle” volume is where the clients live. Each structure has its own set of exterior details, materials, and colors. The three buildings are oriented to maximize views around a man-made pond and a conserved hefty locus tree. Clean, contemporary lines set the tone for the details throughout the project, creating an appropriate environment for displaying artwork. Maple, bamboo, and painted finishes were the predominant palette, complemented with steel and glass for the stairs. Kitchen details favored cut-away pulls instead of hardware. The shell of the entire home was detailed and constructed with a high degree of energy efficiency in mind. Ultra-insulation was the standard with foam panels, triple glazing, and near passive house standards for construction.

Rivington Street Building is a multi-family residential building in New York City that was designed, developed and constructed from the ground up by Paul A. Castrucci, Architect. In order to successfully take on the roles of developer and contractor, Castrucci utilized his ability to balance budget, schedule and constructability.
The building is a part of its community and its facade responds to the human and contextual scale. The base of the building utilizes brick, tying it into the surrounding neighborhood. The top floors of the building break from the contextual base in form and material. The corrugated metal saw tooth roofline is a response to the environment, bringing in soft, northern light while providing roof area for a Photovoltaic array of solar panels. The top floor is connected to a roof garden filled with native plants. The result is a light-filled, dynamic space that is shaped by its relationship to daylight and connections to the exterior.
Constructed in 2003, Rivington Street Building is an example of the firm’s energy efficient design that utilizes sustainable methods such as a high-performance envelope, a solar Photovoltaic (PV) array and rainwater collection/grey water system.

A neutral colour palette was the main aspect of the brief setting the tone for a sophisticated and elegant home.
For the floor we chose Quickstep Majestic - Desert Oak Brushed Grey. The neutral tone will be a subtle backdrop to the furnishings tying everything together. The features of the floor like scratch-resistant, important for the dog and waterproof surface for use in kitchen and laundry. Moreover, Quick-Step laminate floors have received the EU Ecolabel, which means that they are made from at least 80% sustainably sourced wood, avoid hazardous substances in their composition, and are produced in power efficient factories. In addition Quick-Step laminate floors have a very long lifetime, an extended product guarantee, are easy to repair and easy to remove.
Curtains and sheers play a significant role in enhancing the overall aesthetics of a room. They add color, pattern, texture, and visual interest to complement the existing décor. The curtains are essential in providing the finishing touch to the overall look and feel of this Dining Room.

This mudroom and laundry room combination is designed for both efficiency and everyday functionality, blending transitional style with practical storage solutions. Soft green shaker-style cabinetry introduces a subtle pop of color while maintaining a refined, timeless look. A durable white quartz countertop provides ample workspace for folding and organization, complemented by a convenient utility sink for added functionality. The layout accommodates a side-by-side washer and dryer, ensuring ease of use within the open, accessible design. Light oak flooring ties the space back to the rest of the home, while integrated storage, including cabinetry and wall hooks, helps keep daily essentials organized. Thoughtfully designed for busy lifestyles, this space delivers both style and performance in a clean, cohesive environment.

This mudroom and laundry room combination is designed for both efficiency and everyday functionality, blending transitional style with practical storage solutions. Soft green shaker-style cabinetry introduces a subtle pop of color while maintaining a refined, timeless look. A durable white quartz countertop provides ample workspace for folding and organization, complemented by a convenient utility sink for added functionality. The layout accommodates a side-by-side washer and dryer, ensuring ease of use within the open, accessible design. Light oak flooring ties the space back to the rest of the home, while integrated storage, including cabinetry and wall hooks, helps keep daily essentials organized. Thoughtfully designed for busy lifestyles, this space delivers both style and performance in a clean, cohesive environment.

This mudroom and laundry room combination is designed for both efficiency and everyday functionality, blending transitional style with practical storage solutions. Soft green shaker-style cabinetry introduces a subtle pop of color while maintaining a refined, timeless look. A durable white quartz countertop provides ample workspace for folding and organization, complemented by a convenient utility sink for added functionality. The layout accommodates a side-by-side washer and dryer, ensuring ease of use within the open, accessible design. Light oak flooring ties the space back to the rest of the home, while integrated storage, including cabinetry and wall hooks, helps keep daily essentials organized. Thoughtfully designed for busy lifestyles, this space delivers both style and performance in a clean, cohesive environment.

This Electric Mirror Product Features:
Lead-free, copper-free, corrosion-resistant DuraMirror glass
Inward-facing lighting for brilliant facial illumination
Greater illuminance with half the power consumption of traditional LED mirrors
Foward-phase dimming technology
Sleek and modern profile
Suitable for damp bathroom environments
Environmentally sustainable
Energy efficient
Fast lead times
Easy installation
Title 24 compliant
Covered by one or more patents
Silver Frame
Watts: 32
Dimension: 23"W X 34.75"H X 2.00"D
Weight: 24 lbs
Made in America with U.S. and global components
Unmatched task lighting finds a home in a new slim design to create a spectacular Radiance. Boasting brilliant inward-facing directional lighting and a sublimely sleek look, this lighted mirror can serve flawlessly in virtually any room.

This Electric Mirror Product Features:
Copper-free, corrosion-resistant mirror glass
Touch dimming technology1
Matte silver aluminum cabinet body
Mirrored interior with top light
Integrated defogger1
Adjustable glass shelves
Surface mounting kit included
Interior 20 Amp, 120V AC GFCI receptacle
Two electrical outlets and four USB ports
Suitable for damp bathroom environments
Environmentally sustainable
Energy efficient
Easy installation
ADA compliant
Title 24 compliance available
Covered by one or more patents
Technology: Keen and Defogger
Dimension: 23.25"W x 30.00"H x 4"D
Assembled in the China
Combining a streamlined design and ascending vertical lighting pattern with Touch Dimming technology, the Ascension Mirrored Cabinet brings incredible versatility and style to any bathroom.

For this kitchen and bathroom remodel, our goal was to maintain the historic integrity of the home by providing a traditional design, while also fulfilling the homeowner’s need for a more open and spacious environment. We gutted the entire kitchen and bathroom and removed an interior wall that bisected the kitchen. This provided more flow and connection between the living spaces. The open design and layout of the kitchen cabinets provided a more expansive feel in the kitchen where the whole family could gather without overcrowding. In addition to the kitchen remodel, we replaced the electrical service, redid most of the plumbing and rerouted the furnace ducts for better efficiency. In the bathroom, we installed a historically accurate sink, vanity, and tile. We refinished the hardwood floors throughout the home as well as rebuilt the front porch staircase, and updated the backdoor and window configuration to reflect the era of the home.

Completed in partnership with High Cotton Home Co., this Winter 2024 renovation transformed the kitchen, bathroom, and sitting room of a Plaza Midwood home into a cohesive and inviting living environment. The project focused on enhancing functionality, comfort, and visual appeal while maintaining a timeless design aesthetic.
The kitchen was thoughtfully redesigned with improved storage, updated finishes, and a more efficient layout tailored to modern living. Adjacent to the kitchen, the sitting room was reimagined as a warm and welcoming space for relaxing, entertaining, and gathering with family and friends. The bathroom renovation introduced upgraded fixtures, elegant materials, and improved functionality, creating a comfortable and stylish retreat.
Through careful planning, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail, each space was transformed to better serve the homeowners' lifestyle. The result is a beautifully refreshed home that balances everyday practicality with timeless character and charm.

Completed in partnership with High Cotton Home Co., this Winter 2024 renovation transformed the kitchen, bathroom, and sitting room of a Plaza Midwood home into a cohesive and inviting living environment. The project focused on enhancing functionality, comfort, and visual appeal while maintaining a timeless design aesthetic.
The kitchen was thoughtfully redesigned with improved storage, updated finishes, and a more efficient layout tailored to modern living. Adjacent to the kitchen, the sitting room was reimagined as a warm and welcoming space for relaxing, entertaining, and gathering with family and friends. The bathroom renovation introduced upgraded fixtures, elegant materials, and improved functionality, creating a comfortable and stylish retreat.
Through careful planning, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail, each space was transformed to better serve the homeowners' lifestyle. The result is a beautifully refreshed home that balances everyday practicality with timeless character and charm.

Completed in partnership with High Cotton Home Co., this Winter 2024 renovation transformed the kitchen, bathroom, and sitting room of a Plaza Midwood home into a cohesive and inviting living environment. The project focused on enhancing functionality, comfort, and visual appeal while maintaining a timeless design aesthetic.
The kitchen was thoughtfully redesigned with improved storage, updated finishes, and a more efficient layout tailored to modern living. Adjacent to the kitchen, the sitting room was reimagined as a warm and welcoming space for relaxing, entertaining, and gathering with family and friends. The bathroom renovation introduced upgraded fixtures, elegant materials, and improved functionality, creating a comfortable and stylish retreat.
Through careful planning, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail, each space was transformed to better serve the homeowners' lifestyle. The result is a beautifully refreshed home that balances everyday practicality with timeless character and charm.

Completed in partnership with High Cotton Home Co., this Winter 2024 renovation transformed the kitchen, bathroom, and sitting room of a Plaza Midwood home into a cohesive and inviting living environment. The project focused on enhancing functionality, comfort, and visual appeal while maintaining a timeless design aesthetic.
The kitchen was thoughtfully redesigned with improved storage, updated finishes, and a more efficient layout tailored to modern living. Adjacent to the kitchen, the sitting room was reimagined as a warm and welcoming space for relaxing, entertaining, and gathering with family and friends. The bathroom renovation introduced upgraded fixtures, elegant materials, and improved functionality, creating a comfortable and stylish retreat.
Through careful planning, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail, each space was transformed to better serve the homeowners' lifestyle. The result is a beautifully refreshed home that balances everyday practicality with timeless character and charm.
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