Material expression and exterior finishes were carefully selected to reduce the apparent size of the house, last through many years, and add warmth and human scale to the home. The unique siding system is made up of different widths and depths of western red cedar, complementing the vision of the structure's wings which are balanced, not symmetrical. The exterior materials include a burn brick base, powder-coated steel, cedar, acid-washed concrete and Corten steel planters.

Farmhouse home design photo in Atlanta

Embracing small-space thinking, the clients skipped the ‘required’ double master sinks for a wide single vanity in luxurious walnut, with a new skylight above. The extra space is put to good use as a laundry room in the hall. Floor: Doge mosaic, Artistic Tile. Walls: Scenes in matte white, Mosa. Plumbing: Hansgrohe Metris S in brushed nickel. Light: Schoolhouse electric. Vanity: Nameeks

LaCasita or "The Little House" was conceived an built as an addition to a landscape for the purposes of entertaining and enjoying the space.

Inspiration for a transitional open concept dark wood floor family room remodel in Atlanta with white walls and a tv stand

Matt Clawson
Elegant patio photo in San Francisco

solatube
Inspiration for a contemporary closet remodel in Portland

Photovoltaic panels generate all the home’s electricity, sending surplus energy back to the grid. All the home’s systems—hot water, HVAC, and radiant heating—are integrated, electric-based, and powered by the PV panels on the roof. The only use of natural gas is at the cooking range, which draws from a 50-gallon propane tank. With the exception of the propane tank, the home is net-zero in terms of its energy consumption. Photographer: Matthew Millman

Example of a country wooden l-shaped staircase design in Atlanta with painted risers

Example of an arts and crafts u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Grand Rapids with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, gray floor and double-sink freestanding bathtub remodel in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, marble countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

Outdoor GreatRoom 44" Built In Linear Electric Fireplace The gallery built-in linear is a fully recessed built-in electric fireplace. With full Phillips brand led lighting display, this fireplace costs just cents to operate. Standard 1500/750 watt heater can be used to take the Chill out of the room. Great for new construction or remodeling.

Photography by Gus Ruelas
Large elegant dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Los Angeles with white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink and raised-panel cabinets

Scot Zimmerman
Inspiration for a contemporary beige tile and black tile bathroom remodel in Salt Lake City with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige walls and a drop-in sink

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Photograph by Pete Sieger
Mid-sized farmhouse red two-story wood gable roof photo in Minneapolis

Brian Vanden Brink
Inspiration for a large timeless attached two-car garage remodel

Clyde from Portales, NM can produce his own electricity for his own home without relying on the utility company, while simultaneously saving money on his electricity costs, supporting U.S. jobs, and reducing his carbon footprint for a greener America. Way to go Clyde! Learn how Green Solar Technologies can help you save money on your electricity bill by clicking the link, get a quote today!

We love the surprise element of an open and spacious bookshelf at the side of the island. This would be one of the things that would catch the attention of people walking into the kitchen. Photo credits: Fauzi Anuar of www.zeeandmarina.com