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

Along South Boulder Creek near Eldorado Springs, Basecamp is more than a home—it’s the launching point for a couple’s next great adventure in retirement. This 3,500 square foot sanctuary reflects the homeowners’ love of art, wildlife, and quiet beauty. Working with Rodwin Architecture, they envisioned a home that honors the site, celebrates natural light, and supports aging in place—while creating daily moments of connection to the outdoors. The home is a spatially rich design with an open yet composed rhythm, where carefully framed views bring both privacy and panorama. The owners infused it with inspirations from Europe, including its traditional beam-work, a unique tearoom solarium, and an exquisite old-world kitchen. Inside, natural materials and layered finishes create a warm, inviting palette. Creamy Texas limestone wraps the fireplace hearth, while bold art, custom furnishings, and handcrafted details bring joyful character throughout. The great room anchors the home with vaulted ceilings, exposed timber beams, and expansive windows that capture views of the mountains and the creek. Window seats create intimate moments for reading, reflection, and wildlife watching. The home’s L-shaped plan places the great room on a 45-degree angle between wings to capture a perfect view across the meadow to the Flatirons – and carefully nestled between a pair of beloved hundred-year-old Cottonwoods. This gesture opens to a sweeping patio that cascades into the landscape, connecting every main living space to the outdoors. The site terraces down to restored creek banks, supporting safe passage for elk, deer, coyotes, and more through renewed wildlife corridors. Basecamp is also a model of ecological stewardship. After deconstructing the previous home, 89% of materials were diverted from the landfill through Perks Deconstruction. The new home achieved a HERS rating of 22 and includes a 9.6 kW rooftop solar array, a 20 SEER air-source heat pump, ERV, LED lighting, and low-flow fixtures. In partnership with a local biologist and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the team integrated subtle screening to protect the threatened Preble’s meadow jumping mouse by shielding night lighting. The result is a retreat that forms a partnership with its site —rooted in place, open to the wild—and true to its name: a Basecamp you reach after miles on the trail, where the light softens, wildflowers line the meadow, and you feel both held by the landscape and free within it. Built by Skycastle Construction.

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. Consider also that consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces plays a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Our advanced airtight continuously insulated building envelopes eliminate drafts and cold surface to ensure consistent air and surface temperatures. Individually zoned floors and spaces provide occupant control for added flexibility and individualized temperature settings. 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.

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.

Inspiration for a transitional home office remodel in St Louis

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.

Our Client Joy Cho's completed Executive Office for Joy tiles and remodeling completed 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.

Originally a class Q barn conversion project on the outskirts of Exmoor National Park, planning was achieved for a new build dwelling using the class Q approval as a 'fallback' position. The proposals included a number of sustainable measures including a fabric first approach to building envelope, solar PV, ground source heat pump, SUDs principles rain water disposal and energy efficient heating and lighting systems. The design reflects and upholds the inherently agricultural and rural character of the existing barn and its setting. The proposals will lead to a significant improvement to the appearance of the existing building and the site and its wider context.

This one-of-a-kind bedroom was created for the 2018 Junior League of Miami Design Showhouse at the Historic Deering Estate. The home of Charles Deering was built in 1900. He lived there until his death in the mid 1920’s. When approaching this project, I wanted to stay true to the era and energy of the home. I chose a lighter color palette and a Zodiac mural to highlight the low ceiling, which made the room feel cozy and fun. Vintage art pieces and antiques were sourced very carefully so that the room felt authentic, but still relevant for today’s way of living.

This one-of-a-kind bedroom was created for the 2018 Junior League of Miami Design Showhouse at the Historic Deering Estate. The home of Charles Deering was built in 1900. He lived there until his death in the mid 1920’s. When approaching this project, I wanted to stay true to the era and energy of the home. I chose a lighter color palette and a Zodiac mural to highlight the low ceiling, which made the room feel cozy and fun. Vintage art pieces and antiques were sourced very carefully so that the room felt authentic, but still relevant for today’s way of living.

A perfectly designed floor plan is half the battle! In this gorgeous transitional style Great Falls home, we planned the space so that the beautiful artwork and stunning baby grand piano are displayed beautifully. A perfect balance of elements allows the homeowners to sit and relax while practicing the piano. We juxtaposed the client’s unique antique collection with newly sourced decor places to create a harmonious decor plan. We also added plenty of shelves in the beautiful study to store the client’s book collection and precious souvenirs. The unique floor plan ensures the entire home has a lively, seamless flow of positive energy. Photography by Timothy Bell --- Project designed by interior design studio Margery Wedderburn Interiors. They serve Northern Virginia areas including the D.C suburbs of Great Falls, McLean, Potomac, and Bethesda, along with Orlando and the rest of Central Florida. For more about Margery Wedderburn interiors, see here: https://margerywedderburninteriors.com To learn more about this project, see here: https://margerywedderburninteriors.com/portfolio-page/transitional-style-in-great-falls-virginia-2/

Warm architectural lighting defines this beautifully crafted hacienda-style residence, where Belfer Lighting's WS6230 Varial LED Wall Sconces were thoughtfully integrated throughout the home. Finished in Oil Rubbed Bronze Powder Coat, the fixtures complement the rich wood walls, exposed ceilings, and handcrafted architectural details while providing flexible, energy-efficient illumination. Installed in the foyer, living room, bathroom, hallway, and home office, the WS6230 Varial delivers layered lighting that adapts to each space. Its integrated LED light source offers ambient, task, and accent illumination, creating a welcoming atmosphere without compromising performance. The warm 2700K color temperature and high 90+ CRI faithfully enhance the natural beauty of the home's wood finishes and interior materials. The sconces feature concealed wall mounting for a clean architectural appearance and are compatible with 0-10V and smart dimming systems, allowing lighting levels to be adjusted throughout the day. Their understated contemporary design pairs seamlessly with the home's rustic-modern aesthetic, adding visual warmth while maintaining a refined architectural presence. The result is a cohesive lighting design that enhances both the functionality and character of the residence, balancing timeless craftsmanship with modern LED technology. Products Featured - Belfer Lighting WS6230 Varial LED Wall Sconce - Finish: Oil Rubbed Bronze Powder Coat - Integrated dimmable LED - 2700K Warm White, 90+ CRI - Concealed wall-mounted installation. Project Contributors - Contractor: Romero Construction Inc. https://belfer.com/los-altos-hacienda-2/

Revamping the laundry room brings a blend of functionality and style to an often-overlooked space. Upgrading appliances to energy-efficient models enhances efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Custom cabinetry and shelving solutions maximize storage for detergents, cleaning supplies, and laundry essentials, promoting an organized and clutter-free environment. Consideration of ergonomic design, such as a folding counter or ironing station, streamlines tasks and adds a touch of convenience. Thoughtful lighting choices, perhaps with LED fixtures or natural light sources, contribute to a bright and inviting atmosphere. Flooring upgrades for durability, such as water-resistant tiles or easy-to-clean materials, can withstand the demands of laundry tasks. Ultimately, a remodeled laundry room not only elevates its practical functionality but also transforms it into a well-designed, efficient space that makes the often-dreaded chore of laundry a more pleasant experience.

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. Consider also that consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces plays a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Our advanced airtight continuously insulated building envelopes eliminate drafts and cold surface to ensure consistent air and surface temperatures. Individually zoned floors and spaces provide occupant control for added flexibility and individualized temperature settings. 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.

Our mission was to create an ocean and California lifestyle-inspired space that would invite consistent clicks, bookings and five-star reviews. To make the most of the great location, we designed Project 11 for travelling singles and couples searching for a cozy and welcoming condo within walking distance to downtown San Diego. Project 11 would also be used by our clients when it was unoccupied, so it had to be practical, functional and beautiful, too. Our clients had a limited budget, so we got thrifty and sourced furnishings from Target, Ikea, Amazon and Etsy. The oversized art prints – which set the tone for our relaxing and soothing beachy theme – were hunted down and found at Etsy of California Lifestyle. We made the most of layers, colors and texture to create spaces that conjured calming ocean vibes and felt wholeheartedly welcoming. We couldn’t repaint the walls, but they gave us a neutral color palette to work with. We built on it by adding in pops of color while maintaining a minimalist approach to understated style. Then we had some fun and added in cute touches like Cali and San Diego inspired mugs, an adorable Kerig to tie in the colors of the ocean again, a swivel chair to view the sunrise and sunset and a totally pimped-out kitchen with all the cooking accessories a guest would need to feel at home in Project 11. By the time we were done, we were tempted to scoop up the first available booking for ourselves! Finally, we invested our energy in designing for effortless functionality so our client’s guests had everything they needed during their stay. Photography: Meg Marie

Located at the top of Flagstaff Rd., this new 4,700sf. mountain modern home embodies all there is to enjoy about Colorado. The owners love animals – and their bustling foothills ranch includes horses, dogs, cats and a couple of two footed little ones. Staying connected to nature was paramount to the owners. The home sits on a magnificent, private 35 acre property adjacent to Open Space, and covered in Doug Fir, beautiful rock outcroppings and open pastures. The house gracefully steps down the challenging terrain, stitching it into the hillside. This passive solar home is oriented to the epic views to the south. The soaring Great room, dining room and kitchen open out onto a giant covered porch for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living. The open floor plan allows sunlight and views from every direction. The gourmet kitchen can accommodate the whole family and is filled with custom details. Making life a little easier and more organized for the owners, they enter from the garage through a hard-working mud room/laundry with dog wash. The family dogs are a central part of their lives and the owner asked that we design bespoke kennels built-into the live-edge, Doug Fir slab casework in the dining room, so that the dogs could be with the family during meals, without giant plastic crates dominating the room. The home is filled with custom details like built-in art niches in the Great Room, a unique front entry porch, and cozy window seats in the kid’s bedrooms. Below a unique Aspen leaf chandelier, follow the stone walled stairwell down to the walk-out basement. The lower level includes a guest room, exercise room, a rec room/media room with wet-bar, and opens to a hot tub and a mountain lion-safe outdoor dog run. The house is divided into three parts: the detached garage, the main social spaces + guest & kids bedrooms, and the Primary bedroom suite. From the Great Room, the owners cross a dramatic glass bridge to reach the primary suite, giving a sense of privacy to this special retreat. The primary bedroom has a window seat, magical views, vaulted ceilings, its own private covered patio, and a barn door to the bathroom. The primary bathroom has a striking slot window between the floating vanities, again connecting the owners to nature at every turn. The sculptural soaking tub sits on an elevated plinth in a recessed nook – ideal for watching the deer, elk, moose, coyotes, raptors, turkeys, foxes, bears and mountain lions walk by. The property also boasts a detached horse barn and hay barn, and an outdoor riding ring. The near-Net-Zero (HERS 10) home’s green features include a ground source heat pump, 10KwH of solar photovoltaics, an ERV, foam insulation, and Energy Star windows. The native landscaping conserves water and minimized disruption to the idyllic site.

Ohayo Mountain House is designed to showcase a truly sustainable way of living. Built with cutting-edge methods and carefully chosen materials, it aims for energy efficiency close to Passive House standards. Most materials are sustainably sourced from renewable resources, making this home a model of eco-friendly luxury.

Our mission was to create an ocean and California lifestyle-inspired space that would invite consistent clicks, bookings and five-star reviews. To make the most of the great location, we designed Project 11 for travelling singles and couples searching for a cozy and welcoming condo within walking distance to downtown San Diego. Project 11 would also be used by our clients when it was unoccupied, so it had to be practical, functional and beautiful, too. Our clients had a limited budget, so we got thrifty and sourced furnishings from Target, Ikea, Amazon and Etsy. The oversized art prints – which set the tone for our relaxing and soothing beachy theme – were hunted down and found at Etsy of California Lifestyle. We made the most of layers, colors and texture to create spaces that conjured calming ocean vibes and felt wholeheartedly welcoming. We couldn’t repaint the walls, but they gave us a neutral color palette to work with. We built on it by adding in pops of color while maintaining a minimalist approach to understated style. Then we had some fun and added in cute touches like Cali and San Diego inspired mugs, an adorable Kerig to tie in the colors of the ocean again, a swivel chair to view the sunrise and sunset and a totally pimped-out kitchen with all the cooking accessories a guest would need to feel at home in Project 11. By the time we were done, we were tempted to scoop up the first available booking for ourselves! Finally, we invested our energy in designing for effortless functionality so our client’s guests had everything they needed during their stay. Photography: Meg Marie

This Electric Mirror Product Features: Lead-free, copper-free, corrosion-resistant OmegaMirror glass Forward-facing task lighting Integrated defogger Suitable for damp bathroom environments Environmentally sustainable Energy efficient Fast lead times ADA compliant Technology: Defogger Dimension: 11.75"W x 11.75"H x 2.85" Designed in America and sourced globally To create our popular Acclaim, we merged contemporary design, natural-looking LED lighting, and a highly versatile built-in defogger — offering great lighting to make shaving easier than ever and revolutionizing how your guests experience the shower.