Search results for "Efficient methods" in Home Design Ideas

Final ridge cap & metal pan details
Example of a mid-sized urban one-story exterior home design in DC Metro with a metal roof
Example of a mid-sized urban one-story exterior home design in DC Metro with a metal roof

This is a “right-sized” new home, designed by TBDA in Oak Park, IL. While its space planning and technology are entirely 21st-century, its form echoes the scale and detailing of its bungalow and foursquare neighbors. Indoor-outdoor experience is optimized with a front screened porch, complete with a wood-burning fireplace. This house is LEED for Homes Platinum certified, and pre-certified through the Passive House Institute US PHIUS+2015 program. In addition to the efficiency, durability, and inherent air quality that result from Passive House design and building methods, we have strictly controlled adhesives, caulks, sealants, and paints to minimize VOCs, and have used no-added-formaldehyde cabinetry and insulation. We engage a third party air quality testing agency at the end of construction to provide a report on air quality. The house that was on this lot was deconstructed and some pieces of it were used in this house—a transom window, an old door, and a lot of framing lumber.
ERIC HAUSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments.
The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard.
Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.
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We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments.
The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard.
Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

"Jazz up the charm of your home flooring with this hand tufted shag rug which is designed in multicolor to match your upholstery efficiently. This rug is designed using the premium quality polyester which promises its durable nature and impeccable finish. You just need to do the simple vacuuming to keep it shining forever.
Specifications
*Material : Polyester
*Color : Multicolor
*Pattern : Geometric
*Pile : 1.5 Inch
*Shape : Rectangle
*Size : 4'x6'
*Origin of Manufacturing : India
Product Key Features :-
*Handmade by skilled artisans enhancing in-depth color and product durability
*Geometric designed and weaved by hand tufted technique
*Soft polyester yarn with ultra-plush pile height of 1.5 inches for underfoot comfort
*Designer area rugs perfect for Living Room, Bedroom, Study Room, Dinning Room, Foyer.
*Free shipping and quick order dispatch. With quality product we deliver quality services to customers
Material Description : Polyester, an artificial fabric, have gained much popularity as rug weaving material. The polyester material rugs are highly sturdy and have gain acceptance due to its qualities like shine, wear & fade resistance, comfort, non-allergenic, moisture resistance, ease of cleaning, moth-proof, etc.
FloorProtection : Though hand tufted rugs have cotton backing which makes it anti-skid and harmless to the floor but you can always use a high quality rug pad to provide an extra level for floor protection.
CleaningMethods : For hand tufted shag rugs we recommend to go for gentle vacuum cleaning. For any stain, the users can opt for professional dry cleaning method."

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments.
The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard.
Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

Let's face it: times are changing. We're living in an era where technology advances at a fast pace and its developments have a significant impact on the surroundings. The need for environmental solutions has become more urgent with each passing day.
While we live and adapt to our immediate environment, it doesn't mean that we have to settle with what's present, especially when our surrounding conditions are becoming detrimental to our wellbeing. This is the reason Singapore architects are looking into eco-friendly approaches when designing residential spaces.
Singapore architects are becoming more proactive in integrating eco-friendly principles in their residential projects. Below are some of the standout reasons why:
1. You get to practice energy efficiency.
In typical homes, electricity is powered by non-renewable sources. The continuous use of non-renewable energy increases carbon footprint and worsens air pollution, both of which negatively affect the environment.
However, there are alternative sources of energy that can be included in your home's architectural design. These include solar panels and wind turbines that produce electricity that can keep the house powered. These methods do not produce toxic compounds or carbon emissions; they are also renewable and do not incur recurring expenses.
2. Eco-friendly architecture brings you closer to a more "natural environment."
The emergence of urban landscapes has deprived today's generation of the opportunity to be one with nature. Individuals these days have to travel to the countryside to enjoy nature's beauty and all the amazing benefits it has to offer.
Fortunately, eco-friendly architecture provides a route where you can better appreciate many of the benefits nature offers. As a homeowner, you must enjoy a calm, clean, and fresh indoor environment.
Eco-friendly approaches to homes aim to provide this kind of atmosphere through the use of local materials, renewable energy sources, and incorporating nature's elements (such as sunlight and air ventilation) on the structural design.
3. You save money for maintenance and upkeep.
Eco-friendly architecture is known for its low maintenance costs. At first glance, you may find it expensive to build a "green home." However, since it makes use of renewable energy sources and local resources for upkeep, operational costs become much cheaper compared to living in a conventional home.
Also, green homes promote material efficiency. Apart from using local resources, eco-friendly construction involves building processes that generate as little waste as possible.
Recycled and reusable materials are preferred in building the home, while the architectural design follows construction techniques that use less energy, water, and raw materials.
4. You enjoy better health.
Living in a green home offers a lot of health benefits. For instance, eco-friendly architecture supports the use of natural materials and it discourages having plastic by-products in the building process.
At the same time, eco-friendly architectural designs look into utilising vertical space to boost freedom of movement and air circulation. These spatial strategies allow you to breathe better even while indoors and move around the house without feeling cramped.
Lastly, utilising vertical space offers more natural light to enter the home. Natural light is essential not just because it illuminates the house during the day, it also regulates the circadian rhythm, which dictates our body's waking and sleeping hours.
In a nutshell
Eco-friendly homes can help you save money and time, not to mention improve your health dramatically. Moreover, it can also help reduce your environmental footprint significantly. From improving air quality to helping regulate the effects of climate change, eco-friendly homes allow you to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Cavity wall insulation
Energy-efficient homes are insulated from roof to foundation, but only newly built homes may have this level of protection. If your home lacks built-in insulation, wall insulation is your next priority after attic insulation.
Cellulose cavity wall benefits:
Made from recycled materials - better for environment and health
No fiberglass content (which can increase cancer risk and cause irritation)
Blown cellulose fills cracks and crevices for seamless barriers
Reduces fire risk and mold growth
Treated with boric acid that repels insects and rodents
Professional installation:
We use specialist equipment to blow treated cellulose insulation into both internal and external wall cavities. Installation method and expertise are critical to performance.
Long-term value:
Properly installed cellulose cavity wall insulation provides thermal efficiency, soundproofing, and fire resistance for your home's lifetime.

Based on our clients'
request to carry through the theme of greenery, plants and vegetation so prominent in their residence, we designed this entryway. Insulated Glass Units (IGU) that encapsulate the decorative glass feature tempered glass on the interior and exterior. This 1" thick style unit has great sound-proofing, energy efficiency and worry free maintenance attributes. We used The Tiffany technique, or copper-foil method as it is also known to fabricate. This is the same method used to create Tiffany Shades, and offers greater detail and nuances of line and shape to be highlighted in the design. There are various textures of hand-blown green glass used, as well as whites for the flowers, with hand-beveled glass for accents.
Photo: Mark Levy Studio

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments.
The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard.
Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments.
The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard.
Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments.
The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard.
Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

"This polyester shag rug in the shade of light green color not just looks ravishing but also offers the toughness to this polyester rug to face the high foot traffic efficiently. This shag rug is handmade which reminds you the bygone era when handicrafts were very much popular. its usefulness can be defined completely for enhancing the d�cor of your home.
Specifications
*Material : Polyester
*Color : Light Green
*Pattern : Solid
*Pile : 1.5 Inch
*Shape : Rectangle
*Size : 2'8''x4'11''
*Origin of Manufacturing : India
Product Key Features :-
*Handmade by skilled artisans enhancing in-depth color and product durability
*Solid designed and weaved by hand tufted technique.
*Soft polyester yarn with ultra-plush pile height of 1.5 inches for underfoot comfort
*Solid area rugs perfect for Living Room, Bedroom, Study Room, Dinning Room, Foyer.
*Free shipping and quick order dispatch. With quality product we deliver quality services to customers
Material Description : Polyester, an artificial fabric, have gained much popularity as rug weaving material. The polyester material rugs are highly sturdy and have gain acceptance due to its qualities like shine, wear & fade resistance, comfort, non-allergenic, moisture resistance, ease of cleaning, moth-proof, etc.
FloorProtection : Though hand tufted rugs have cotton backing which makes it anti-skid and harmless to the floor but you can always use a high quality rug pad to provide an extra level for floor protection.
CleaningMethods : For hand tufted shag rugs we recommend to go for gentle vacuum cleaning. For any stain, the users can opt for professional dry cleaning method."

Imagine a modern Lakewood home tailored for two veterans, blending accessibility with sleek design on a tricky lot. Jazz House turns a triangular site into a sunny haven, supporting mobility needs while celebrating life through light and space.
The couple—a doctor and jazz musician—needed a home for limited mobility, with low thresholds and elevator prep. Close to transit for convenience, the design uses the lot's shape to invite winter sun and ease summer heat.
Setbacks on the odd lot could have limited options, but an elongated build maximizes space and light. For injuries, accessible features create smooth movement, turning obstacles into a comfortable, future-proof setup.
The concept focuses on clean, light-filled rooms with modern materials for a fresh feel. A private jazz studio adds personal touch, while the shape enhances views and flow.
Modern methods ensure strength and style, built to handle Colorado's demands with efficiency in mind.
Spacious with four bedrooms and three baths, big windows flood it with light. Private and shared areas, including the studio, make it versatile for work, music, and relaxation.
Since 2015, Jazz House has been a supportive retreat that adapts to life. It offers ease, beauty, and connection to the city – a home where challenges become strengths for joyful living.

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments.
The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard.
Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

"This polyester shag rug in the shade of ivory color not just looks ravishing but also offers the toughness to this polyester rug to face the high foot traffic efficiently. This shag rug is handmade which reminds you the bygone era when handicrafts were very much popular. its usefulness can be defined completely for enhancing the d�cor of your home.
Specifications
*Material : Polyester
*Color : Ivory
*Pattern : Solid
*Pile : 1.5 Inch
*Shape : Rectangle
*Size : 2'8''x4'11''
*Origin of Manufacturing : India
Product Key Features :-
*Handmade by skilled artisans enhancing in-depth color and product durability
*Solid designed and weaved by hand tufted technique.
*Soft polyester yarn with ultra-plush pile height of 1.5 inches for underfoot comfort
*Solid area rugs perfect for Living Room, Bedroom, Study Room, Dinning Room, Foyer.
*Free shipping and quick order dispatch. With quality product we deliver quality services to customers
Material Description : Polyester, an artificial fabric, have gained much popularity as rug weaving material. The polyester material rugs are highly sturdy and have gain acceptance due to its qualities like shine, wear & fade resistance, comfort, non-allergenic, moisture resistance, ease of cleaning, moth-proof, etc.
FloorProtection : Though hand tufted rugs have cotton backing which makes it anti-skid and harmless to the floor but you can always use a high quality rug pad to provide an extra level for floor protection.
Cleaning Methods : For hand tufted shag rugs we recommend to go for gentle vacuum cleaning. For any stain, the users can opt for professional dry cleaning method."

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing
7RR-Ecohome:
The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together?
The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot.
Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Leanna Rathkelly photo: Green is the theme in this energy efficient home. It was built using a concrete sandwich panel building method and features an array of solar panels on the roof, radiant floor heat and large windows that face south. The kitchen is simple, with a large celadon-green island and white cabinetry.

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments.
The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard.
Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.
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