The home, designed for an avid sailor, seeks to be compact and efficient like a well-crafted sailboat. It is organized around the idea of a “light box.” This is expressed by a clerestory and light well that expand the spatial volume, engage the sky, and bring landscape into the center of the home. As one light box pushes up the other pushes down to create a dynamic exchange of interior and exterior environments that fill the primary living spaces with daylight and intimacy. Through special opportunities in the zoning code, the clerestory breaks the boundaries of the reduced height limit to introduce spatial variation.

This home office exudes a sense of tranquility and efficiency, blending natural elements with modern design. The floating desk and sleek shelving units create an open, airy workspace, while the earth-toned decor provides warmth and sophistication. The addition of indoor plants and the textured walls adds an organic touch, fostering creativity and well-being.

Small minimalist multicolored one-story concrete fiberboard house exterior photo in Denver with a mixed material roof and a hip roof

Interior Rehab/Renovation and Rear addition for a Multi-unit residential building in the historic Little Italy neighborhood. We converted this vintage 2 flat into a lovely private residence for the owners duplexing the 1st & 2nd floors. We also designed a separate "In-Law" unit at the gardel level for rentals. We also added a "living" Green roof which increased thermal efficiency and reduced energy costs for the owners. Probably the 1st and only Green roof in the Little Italy neighborhood for a private residence. Overall a very positive and sustainable renovation adding tons of Value for the client and great for the environment.

Interior Rehab/Renovation and Rear addition for a Multi-unit residential building in the historic Little Italy neighborhood. We converted this vintage 2 flat into a lovely private residence for the owners duplexing the 1st & 2nd floors. We also designed a separate "In-Law" unit at the gardel level for rentals. We also added a "living" Green roof which increased thermal efficiency and reduced energy costs for the owners. Probably the 1st and only Green roof in the Little Italy neighborhood for a private residence. Overall a very positive and sustainable renovation adding tons of Value for the client and great for the environment.

Interior Rehab/Renovation and Rear addition for a Multi-unit residential building in the historic Little Italy neighborhood. We converted this vintage 2 flat into a lovely private residence for the owners duplexing the 1st & 2nd floors. We also designed a separate "In-Law" unit at the gardel level for rentals. We also added a "living" Green roof which increased thermal efficiency and reduced energy costs for the owners. Probably the 1st and only Green roof in the Little Italy neighborhood for a private residence. Overall a very positive and sustainable renovation adding tons of Value for the client and great for the environment.

The home, designed for an avid sailor, seeks to be compact and efficient like a well-crafted sailboat. It is organized around the idea of a “light box.” This is expressed by a clerestory and light well that expand the spatial volume, engage the sky, and bring landscape into the center of the home. As one light box pushes up the other pushes down to create a dynamic exchange of interior and exterior environments that fill the primary living spaces with daylight and intimacy. Through special opportunities in the zoning code, the clerestory breaks the boundaries of the reduced height limit to introduce spatial variation.

The Lopi AGP Pellet Stove offers all the benefits of wood heating plus fuel that is clean, compact and easy to use. The pellets are made from all-natural wood by-products that are safe for the environment and are a renewable resource. The AGP pellet stove features a unique HRD rotary disc feed system that is designed to efficiently burn ALL GRADES of wood pellets in order to produce a quick, convenient heat.

This house in the high Mesa desert of Southwestern Utah is sustainable. It is built with non-combustible fire-resistant materials of steel, concrete, copper and stucco. Water-recapturing, passive heating and passive cooling are used for a low impact on the environment and energy efficiency. Large overhanging eaves provide essential shade in the summer, solid concrete floors release the heat absorbed from the low winter sun. A skylight provides natural light to the kitchen, which is away from windows and in the center of the plan. The skylight also doubles as a solar chimney.

Located in Bachelor Gulch, this luxury ski in/ ski out home sits on a very steep and challenging site. The outdoor living spaces are efficiently designed to be multi-functional while seamlessly integrated into the surrounding natural environment. The site plan incorporates a built-in copper lined hot tub, custom fire pit and BBQ, and stone seat walls and terraces. Native wildflowers provide vibrant color while native aspen trees frame the view of the Gore Range to the east.

The home, designed for an avid sailor, seeks to be compact and efficient like a well-crafted sailboat. It is organized around the idea of a “light box.” This is expressed by a clerestory and light well that expand the spatial volume, engage the sky, and bring landscape into the center of the home. As one light box pushes up the other pushes down to create a dynamic exchange of interior and exterior environments that fill the primary living spaces with daylight and intimacy. Through special opportunities in the zoning code, the clerestory breaks the boundaries of the reduced height limit to introduce spatial variation.

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.

The home, designed for an avid sailor, seeks to be compact and efficient like a well-crafted sailboat. It is organized around the idea of a “light box.” This is expressed by a clerestory and light well that expand the spatial volume, engage the sky, and bring landscape into the center of the home. As one light box pushes up the other pushes down to create a dynamic exchange of interior and exterior environments that fill the primary living spaces with daylight and intimacy. Through special opportunities in the zoning code, the clerestory breaks the boundaries of the reduced height limit to introduce spatial variation.

Contemporary custom home nestled in Pinchot Forest featuring clean architectural lines, natural materials, and large windows that harmonize with the surrounding woodland environment. The design emphasizes sustainable living while maximizing forest views and natural light integration.

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.

Embarking on a garage remodeling project is a transformative endeavor that can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the space. By investing in tailored storage solutions such as cabinets, wall-mounted organizers, and overhead racks, one can efficiently declutter the area and create a more organized storage system. Flooring upgrades, such as epoxy coatings or durable tiles, not only improve the garage's appearance but also provide a resilient surface. Adding custom workbenches or tool storage solutions contributes to a more efficient and user-friendly workspace. Additionally, incorporating proper lighting and ventilation ensures a well-lit and comfortable environment. A remodeled garage not only increases property value but also opens up possibilities for alternative uses, such as a home gym, workshop, or hobby space, making it a worthwhile investment for both practicality and lifestyle improvement.

RKD Architects, Inc. - Architecture, Jill Greer - Photography
Trendy exterior home photo in Minneapolis

The Lopi AGP Pellet Stove offers all the benefits of wood heating plus fuel that is clean, compact and easy to use. The pellets are made from all-natural wood by-products that are safe for the environment and are a renewable resource. The AGP pellet stove features a unique HRD rotary disc feed system that is designed to efficiently burn ALL GRADES of wood pellets in order to produce a quick, convenient heat.