Search results for "Energy source" in Home Design Ideas

A new home for two, generating four times more electricity than it uses, including the "fuel" for an electric car.
This house makes Net Zero look like child's play. But while the 22kW roof-mounted system is impressive, it's not all about the PV. The design features great energy savings in its careful siting to maximize passive solar considerations such as natural heating and daylighting. Roof overhangs are sized to limit direct sun in the hot summer and to invite the sun during the cold winter months.
The construction contributes as well, featuring R40 cellulose-filled double-stud walls, a R50 roof system and triple glazed windows. Heating and cooling are supplied by air source heat pumps.
Photos By Ethan Drinker

LOS ANGELES, CA / SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
The Bel-Air House sits above Hollywood, along scenic Mulholland Drive, the storied thoroughfare that acts as a winding referee between the compact density of the San Fernando Valley, and the more ex-urban conditions of Los Angeles. In contrast to the client’s weekend beach house, here the client envisioned a home that could share equally in the energy of the city, and the rustic qualities of canyon living. The resulting home is both minimal and refined—its abstract forms read against the wilder aspects of its nominally natural setting.
As a patron of music, and the arts, the client’s creative interests suggested the overall design approach: A simple yet sophisticated backdrop for the presentation of recitals, and the display and appreciation of beautiful artifacts. The house avows a museum-like attitude—the rich but restrained material palette draws from the colors and textures of the Santa Monica Mountains, and opposes natural with refined, polished with honed, quietly confirming a reverential aspect to this “temple on the hill”.
The focus of the house is a dark and silent pool. Intended as a space of emptiness, the pool is an enigmatic statement—at once a source of origin for the house, as well as its apparent conclusion. The spatial aspects unfold from this moment, with the various rooms revolving around this essential void. The pool and its open rotunda echo the reservoir in the canyon below the house, while the ocean beyond ultimately underscores the house’s strong commitment to water.
Simple stone walls, taut rooflines, and disciplined and minimal detailing allow the home to act as an armature for the client’s personal expression of taste and creativity. In complement to the client’s Mussel Shoals House, which suggests a relationship with the vast, and ever-widening horizon, the architectural resolution of the Bel-Air House emerges from the sheltered and enveloping emotion of the canyon.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes.
Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.
Find the right local pro for your project

Hive Modular
Example of a minimalist blue two-story vinyl exterior home design in Minneapolis
Example of a minimalist blue two-story vinyl exterior home design in Minneapolis

This modern exterior LED wall pack was designed to optimize efficiency through heat dissipation and optical management. This LED wall pack provides an ideal wall wash lighting solution utilizing a fraction of the energy of traditional sources and requiring virtually no maintenance.
1184 70W, 5000 Raw Lumens, 4000K
The LED wallpack can be adjusted and locked in a set position to optimize the desired light distribution.
The housing and door frame are fabricated of heavy-duty die-cast aluminum. The optical system is comprised of high power COBs mounted on a highlyrefl ective panel. The LEDs are oriented in their optimal position and are enclosed with tempered glass. The LED board is mounted onto a substantial aluminum heat sink to maximize heat dissipation. All components undergo a rigorous pre-paint treatment and are coated with baked powder coat paint, giving them a highly durable finish.
KEY FEATURES
DLC Listed
Die-cast aluminum housing
Sleek design
Also available in 347V

This residential elegant wine room that can accommodate over 600 wine bottles was designed and installed by Luxury Elements builders. In this wine room conversion project, the client wanted to build a traditional wine display that utilizes both wood and metal. All of the wine racks are made of Pine wood, to which a rustic wood stain was applied and a clear lacquer finish for a classy look, while the horizontal racks were made of aluminum. The wine cabinets utilize LED lighting which generate little amounts of heat, and is the most energy efficient lighting source available, thus making it a must on all LE projects.

EXTERIOR
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-Locally sourced, solid cedar siding, selected for both its beauty and durability - substantially upgraded with rain screen wrap
-Impervia Series, Fiberglass Pella windows with the highest built-green rating and energy efficiency, eliminating vinyl gas emissions
-TimberTech 100% composite decking with a 25-year warranty
-Professional landscaping with an authentic Pacific Northwest look
-Custom wood and glass front door made especially for the home

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

Cerno’s mission is to design and build original products in California. To make this possible we advocate for creativity and ingenuity in every step of the process. Our philosophy is grounded in the utmost respect for the materials, the craftsmanship and our entire team.
The Plura is a simple, straight forward fixture that is excellently executed. With the Plura it was about resolving the seams and edges and their relationships to one another. The result is a scalable fixture that has a sharp, sophisticated feel.
Features:
Wood Grain Will Vary
Energy Efficient LED Light Source
Handmade
Eco-Friendly
Switch Location: Hardwired
Damp Location rated to accommodate any room in the home including bathrooms, kitchens, covered patios, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, entryways, foyers, and everything in between.
Specifications:
Voltage: 120-277V AC
Requires 1 x 19.5-Watt LED Module (Integrated)
1690 Lumes, 90 CRI, 2700K (Warm) Color Temperature
Compatible with TRIAC / ELV Dimmer / 0-10V Dimmers

The cabinetry is a combination of sustainable Birch, locally sourced Sycamore and Walnut wood.
Inspiration for a huge contemporary ceramic tile kitchen remodel in Cornwall with a double-bowl sink, gray cabinets, quartz countertops and an island
Inspiration for a huge contemporary ceramic tile kitchen remodel in Cornwall with a double-bowl sink, gray cabinets, quartz countertops and an island

The Legendary Rockstar Pool Build — A Backyard Concert Venue and Custom Swimming Pool
The Rockstar Pool is one of the most ambitious, imaginative, and large-scale residential pool builds ever completed by Legendary Escapes. Designed and built by Al Curtis, this project was created for a homeowner whose entire life revolves around performance, music, and living boldly.
This is far more than a swimming pool.
It is a backyard concert venue, a sculpted grotto, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a VIP lounge, a performance platform, and a fully engineered artistic environment built as a single cohesive experience.
A Client With a True Rockstar Life
The homeowner’s request was simple in spirit but extraordinary in scale: create a pool environment that matched a life centered on creativity and performance. His background includes jousting at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, on-stage theatrical work, a home rebuilt around music and entertainment, and longstanding connections within the rock world. With a 16-acre horse farm and a passion for bold design, he needed a pool that reflected his personality.
His project requirements included a grotto, waterfall, hot tub, swim-up bar, performance area, and multiple lounging zones. Every feature had to feel original, dramatic, and purposeful.
The Design Vision
Designer and builder Al Curtis immediately recognized that this build needed to be expansive, theatrical, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pool needed to make a statement without obstructing panoramic views of the surrounding farm and open sky.
The spark for the design came from an unexpected source: steel grates salvaged from an old carnival tilt-a-whirl ride. This inspired the concept of a floating performance stage built over the pool. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a large-scale platform complete with a concrete stage, integrated lighting, waterfalls, backstage areas, and custom metalwork. As the stage expanded, so did the pool, the patio, and the entire environment—ultimately transforming the backyard into a private amphitheater.
Repurposed Materials Used as Art
Legendary Escapes is known for incorporating reclaimed materials into artistic, sculptural pool environments. This project includes an extraordinary collection of repurposed components:
Tilt-a-whirl steel used as the main stage structure
Carnival flooring panels transformed into large fire-feature guitars
Trumpet and trombone bells refitted as lighting fixtures
Reclaimed street lamps custom-painted for poolside lighting
3D-printed album covers used as illuminated wall panels
Concrete replicas of Marshall speakers integrated under the stage
Every material was selected to bring character, history, and energy to the space.
Artistic Features and Highlights
The Rockstar Pool includes numerous custom artistic elements, such as:
A ten-foot mosaic “album cover” inset into the pool floor
Eight-foot sculpted guitars along the fence line
Guitar-shaped fire features
Backlit album panels positioned just above the water
A “Rockstar” sign paired with sculpted concrete amplifier towers
A VIP seating area built from restored tilt-a-whirl ride cars
Every corner of the environment contains layered artistic details.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Creating a fully functional concert stage over the deep end of the pool required extensive planning and engineering. Key complexities included:
Designing a safe, weight-bearing steel and concrete stage structure
Adjusting stage elevation mid-build to achieve optimal height
Installing three complete filtration systems concealed beneath the stage
Applying ecoFinish throughout the pool, spa, and grotto
Rebuilding existing decking and integrating a three-story observation tower
Ensuring the massive pool structure preserved the property’s sightlines
The technical demands of this project were matched only by the creative vision behind it.
The Legendary Team
This build was completed by a multi-generational team of craftsmen and artists, including:
Al Curtis – Designer and builder
Jesse Curtis – Project manager and construction artist
Mark Curtis – Filtration systems and plumbing
Annie Curtis – Stonework and water features
Karen Olson – Tile, stonework, and patio murals
Frank DiPiazza – Structural construction and decking
Brendan Schafer – On-site support and maintenance
dbaker designs – Custom mosaic creation
Daren Baker – Custom metal guitars and lighting elements
Each contributor played a critical role in shaping the final environment.
A Client Who Trusted the Process
As with many Legendary Escapes projects, this build evolved organically. The homeowner provided inspiration and trust, allowing the team to respond to the evolving environment. Several features—including the guitar fence, fire elements, and VIP seating area—were conceived and built during the process as the design revealed new opportunities.
The Final Result
The Rockstar Pool is now a fully functional concert venue, swimming pool, artistic installation, and outdoor living space. It is dramatic, expressive, engineered with care, and truly one-of-a-kind. This project reflects the homeowner’s personality and passion, and stands as one of the most ambitious designs ever produced by Legendary Escapes.

LOS ANGELES, CA / SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
The Bel-Air House sits above Hollywood, along scenic Mulholland Drive, the storied thoroughfare that acts as a winding referee between the compact density of the San Fernando Valley, and the more ex-urban conditions of Los Angeles. In contrast to the client’s weekend beach house, here the client envisioned a home that could share equally in the energy of the city, and the rustic qualities of canyon living. The resulting home is both minimal and refined—its abstract forms read against the wilder aspects of its nominally natural setting.
As a patron of music, and the arts, the client’s creative interests suggested the overall design approach: A simple yet sophisticated backdrop for the presentation of recitals, and the display and appreciation of beautiful artifacts. The house avows a museum-like attitude—the rich but restrained material palette draws from the colors and textures of the Santa Monica Mountains, and opposes natural with refined, polished with honed, quietly confirming a reverential aspect to this “temple on the hill”.
The focus of the house is a dark and silent pool. Intended as a space of emptiness, the pool is an enigmatic statement—at once a source of origin for the house, as well as its apparent conclusion. The spatial aspects unfold from this moment, with the various rooms revolving around this essential void. The pool and its open rotunda echo the reservoir in the canyon below the house, while the ocean beyond ultimately underscores the house’s strong commitment to water.
Simple stone walls, taut rooflines, and disciplined and minimal detailing allow the home to act as an armature for the client’s personal expression of taste and creativity. In complement to the client’s Mussel Shoals House, which suggests a relationship with the vast, and ever-widening horizon, the architectural resolution of the Bel-Air House emerges from the sheltered and enveloping emotion of the canyon.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes.
Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

The lifestyle of living on Lake Washington is naturally inclined towards entertaining and outdoor living. However, the homeowners of this Kirkland residence found that occupying the exterior space was difficult in part because there were few spaces that were protected from the harsh western exposure. They longed for a covered patio and more.
Conversations and designs focused on creating a four-season space that addressed the high-exposure demands of the site while also providing a comfortable space to relax and entertain.
The concept of extending the existing second floor level deck as a way to provide protection emerged as an early solution in the process. With the use of natural stone pavers and treads, the existing lower level patio was nearly doubled in usable area with different zones for intimate or large gatherings. The stone treads transition gracefully into the landscaped portion of the site.
The deck above was expanded upon and resurfaced with a low maintenance porcelain pedestal paver system. A glass panel railing is constructed without a top rail, which allows for views of the water to remain unobstructed while sitting or standing.
A custom outdoor fireplace was designed to act as a central focal point and to provide definition for the gathering spaces. The concrete mass is punctured through with a two-way fireplace, providing visual and bodily warmth for
year-round comfort and use of the space.
An updated, modernized outdoor kitchen was a necessity for larger gatherings. Durable yet elegant surfaces were required for this high use area. Cabinetry incorporates Parklex wood panels that are sustainably sourced and finished for long-term durability. Countertops and backsplash were comprised of an exterior-grade porcelain slab. Stainless steel appliances complete a low maintenance workspace.
Energy efficient products were mindful components of this project. New and dimmable LED recessed and indirect lighting provides illumination for entertaining late into the night. Tread lighting provides a beacon of light for returning boaters coming in from the lake.
The homeowner shared their pleasure with their new spaces commenting that the design seamlessly integrates with the existing house. They find themselves enjoying and using their outdoor spaces more thoroughly and on a daily basis. The surprise for them was the unintended additional space resulting from the expanded deck above.

A new home for two, generating four times more electricity than it uses, including the "fuel" for an electric car.
This house makes Net Zero look like child's play. But while the 22kW roof-mounted system is impressive, it's not all about the PV. The design features great energy savings in its careful siting to maximize passive solar considerations such as natural heating and daylighting. Roof overhangs are sized to limit direct sun in the hot summer and to invite the sun during the cold winter months.
The construction contributes as well, featuring R40 cellulose-filled double-stud walls, a R50 roof system and triple glazed windows. Heating and cooling are supplied by air source heat pumps.
Photos By Ethan Drinker

Our Client Joy Cho's beautiful display area remodeled by our GoodFellas Construction Team!
Sources: Blu Dot desk, Ikea floating shelves, chair from HD Buttercup, Curtains by Skyline, Cedar and Moss light, clear balls by Decorative Novelty, disco balls from Amazon, Team Woodnote Salvation print with Simply Framed frame, Team Woodnote Orange print with Simply Framed frame, Max Wanger tall palms print with Simply Framed frame, Max Wanger Joshua tree print with Simply Framed frame, Bonnie Tsang sky print, Geronimo x Jennifer Young photo, Lindsey Burwell drawing.

Sunshade
By Axo
Collection of floor and suspension lamps with mesh fire resistant fabric lampshade in white, lilac and sand with aluminium grey finish frame. Light sources: fluorescent (energy saving) or halogen eco.

Enhance the Beauty and Functionality of Your Modern Farmhouse with a Custom Pool from Babcock
Are you searching for an exceptional and unique pool design to complete your modern farmhouse aesthetic? Look no further than Babcock Custom Pools, your trusted source for contemporary and rustic pool designs. Our state-of-the-art modern farmhouse pools seamlessly blend sophistication and natural charm, making them the perfect addition to any outdoor living space.
Our expert pool builders craft each design with precision and attention to detail, utilizing only the finest materials for long-lasting durability. From clean lines and minimalistic aesthetics to top-notch weather-resistant construction, you can trust that your Babcock pool will be the epitome of beauty and longevity.
But our commitment to excellence doesn’t end there. Babcock Custom Pools also integrates advanced features to elevate your swimming experience. Energy-efficient pumps, filters, and lighting systems are just some of the cutting-edge features you can expect in your custom pool design.
Don’t settle for just any pool, bring your dream modern farmhouse oasis to life with Babcock Custom Pools. Whether you prefer a simple, elegant design or a more elaborate outdoor haven, our team has the expertise and experience to bring your vision to reality. Get in touch with us today to start planning your stunning modern farmhouse pool!

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes.
Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

INTERIOR
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-Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times
-Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards
-Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty
-Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities
-Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday
-Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability
-Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality
-DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets
-Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs
-All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore
-Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts
-Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring
-Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide!
-Electric car charging
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