This is a great little house that has used back to basics construction methods that utilise ancient building techniques to help be a solution for the modern problem of climate change. The brief was a challenging one; build a beautiful, sustainable home for a family in a short period of time with a very small budget. The brief was fulfilled through the use of efficient design, second hand materials and the use of cob (earth) wall construction - which cost next to nothing but allowed for sculptural beauty. An amazing effort from a determined client then turned that into reality.

The desire for a modern, energy efficient home on a modest budget necessitated a tight plan and simple, durable materials. The uncomplicated program consists of an open plan living space, master suite and home office, all with ample connection to the outdoors. Straightforward construction techniques yield light-filled volumes that take advantage of passive heating and natural ventilation. Coming in at a modest 1,700 square feet of living space with a 200 square foot detached garage, this dwelling delivers all the comforts of home in a compact package.

This is a great little house that has used back to basics construction methods that utilise ancient building techniques to help be a solution for the modern problem of climate change. The brief was a challenging one; build a beautiful, sustainable home for a family in a short period of time with a very small budget. The brief was fulfilled through the use of efficient design, second hand materials and the use of cob (earth) wall construction - which cost next to nothing but allowed for sculptural beauty. An amazing effort from a determined client then turned that into reality.

This is a great little house that has used back to basics construction methods that utilise ancient building techniques to help be a solution for the modern problem of climate change. The brief was a challenging one; build a beautiful, sustainable home for a family in a short period of time with a very small budget. The brief was fulfilled through the use of efficient design, second hand materials and the use of cob (earth) wall construction - which cost next to nothing but allowed for sculptural beauty. An amazing effort from a determined client then turned that into reality.

This is a great little house that has used back to basics construction methods that utilise ancient building techniques to help be a solution for the modern problem of climate change. The brief was a challenging one; build a beautiful, sustainable home for a family in a short period of time with a very small budget. The brief was fulfilled through the use of efficient design, second hand materials and the use of cob (earth) wall construction - which cost next to nothing but allowed for sculptural beauty. An amazing effort from a determined client then turned that into reality.

This is a great little house that has used back to basics construction methods that utilise ancient building techniques to help be a solution for the modern problem of climate change. The brief was a challenging one; build a beautiful, sustainable home for a family in a short period of time with a very small budget. The brief was fulfilled through the use of efficient design, second hand materials and the use of cob (earth) wall construction - which cost next to nothing but allowed for sculptural beauty. An amazing effort from a determined client then turned that into reality.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home. The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living. The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home. The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play. The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Energy Efficient features include: • The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade • 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques • Foil covered roof sheathing • Extensive use of blown in cellulous • All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass • Tank-less water heaters • Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV. Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency. These items include: • 2x6 walls with staggered studs • Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting • Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows • ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls. The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

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The desire for a modern, energy efficient home on a modest budget necessitated a tight plan and simple, durable materials. The uncomplicated program consists of an open plan living space, master suite and home office, all with ample connection to the outdoors. Straightforward construction techniques yield light-filled volumes that take advantage of passive heating and natural ventilation. Coming in at a modest 1,700 square feet of living space with a 200 square foot detached garage, this dwelling delivers all the comforts of home in a compact package.

This is a great little house that has used back to basics construction methods that utilise ancient building techniques to help be a solution for the modern problem of climate change. The brief was a challenging one; build a beautiful, sustainable home for a family in a short period of time with a very small budget. The brief was fulfilled through the use of efficient design, second hand materials and the use of cob (earth) wall construction - which cost next to nothing but allowed for sculptural beauty. An amazing effort from a determined client then turned that into reality.

This modern, minimalist-style home is situated in the beautiful Park Circle area of North Charleston. With incredible curb appeal, it was meticulously designed for low maintenance and energy efficiency with unique materials and techniques like the Garapa exotic wood cribbing that surround the front, HardiePanel vertical siding and 2 x 6 construction. LED fixtures throughout. A corten weathered steel privacy fence allows for courtyard entertainment while also adding an industrial aesthetic to the outdoor living area. Resting on a gabion cages, the hand stacked fieldstone is held together without mortar, providing a strong and sturdy barrier.

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Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in Denver

This previously unused attic space is now a sauna/yoga room. The left sauna wall follows the attic rafters down diagonally to allow a wider space for leg room on the twin sauna benches.

Old farmhouses offer charm and character but usually need some careful changes to efficiently serve the needs of today’s families. This blended family of four desperately desired a master bath and walk-in closet in keeping with the exceptional features of the home. At the top of the list were a large shower, double vanity, and a private toilet area. They also requested additional storage for bathroom items. Windows, doorways could not be relocated, but certain nonloadbearing walls could be removed. Gorgeous antique flooring had to be patched where walls were removed without being noticeable. Original interior doors and woodwork were restored. Deep window sills give hints to the thick stone exterior walls. A local reproduction furniture maker with national accolades was the perfect choice for the cabinetry which was hand planed and hand finished the way furniture was built long ago. Even the wood tops on the beautiful dresser and bench were rich with dimension from these techniques. The legs on the double vanity were hand turned by Amish woodworkers to add to the farmhouse flair. Marble tops and tile as well as antique style fixtures were chosen to complement the classic look of everything else in the room. It was important to choose contractors and installers experienced in historic remodeling as the old systems had to be carefully updated. Every item on the wish list was achieved in this project from functional storage and a private water closet to every aesthetic detail desired. If only the farmers who originally inhabited this home could see it now! Matt Villano Photography

LED downlights are lighting fixtures that use LEDs as the light source, featuring high efficiency, energy saving, and environmentally friendly characteristics with no pollution. The application of LED technology makes LED downlights more energy-efficient in terms of power consumption compared to traditional lighting fixtures.

The Park Home 4 features timeless craftsman styling with a classic floor plan allowing it to fit into any Pittsburgh neighborhood . Its 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,654 approximate sq. ft. make this luxury home spacious and effective. The expansive windows and garage appeal to the Conventional craftsmen roots, but please don’t mistake its classic design for ‘old’— this custom-built home is packed with cutting edge design and technology. Using only the highest quality materials and energy efficient design approach, the Park Home 4 has energy efficiency standards that far exceed Energy Star metrics. With its traditional styling and sustainable construction techniques, this custom home promotes efficient living and may actually put money back into your pocket every month. Invest in your family and home, not your utility companies. Call 1-800- 274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

A new residence situated within an established neighborhood, this dwelling manipulates common elements in a highly creative manner. Instead of the roof ridge line running across the midpoint, it runs diagonally, allowing for dramatic interior spaces at opposing corners of the house. Passive Housing techniques make this home extremely energy-efficient and year-round comfortable. Photography by Craig Thompson

This jack-and-jill bathroom features a wall-to-wall two-sink vanity fitted with flat-panel doors. The pocket doors in this bathroom recede into the walls, a great space-saving technique that saves room for the bathroom and adjoining bedrooms.