The Net Zero Barn is one half of a larger project (see “Farm House Renovation”). When the new owners acquired the property, their hope had been to renovate the existing barn as part of the living space; the evaluation of the structural integrity of the barn timbers revealed that it was not structurally stable, so the barn was dismantled, the timber salvaged, documented, and repaired, and redeployed in the “Farm House Renovation”. The owners still wanted a barn, so CTA sourced an antique barn frame of a similar size and style in western Ontario, and worked with a timber specialist to import, restore, and erect the frame on the property. The new/old barn now houses a sleeping loft with bathroom over a tv area and overlooking a large pool table and bar, sitting, and dining area, all illuminated by a large monitor and triple paned windows. A lean-to garage structure is modelled on the design of the barn that was removed. Solar panels on the roof, super insulated panels and the triple glazed windows all contribute to the Barn being a Net Zero energy project. The project was featured in Boston Magazine’s December 2017 Issue and was the 2020 Recipient of an Award Citation by the Boston Society of Architects. Interior Photos by Jane Messenger, Exterior Photos by Nat Rea.

The Net Zero Barn is one half of a larger project (see “Farm House Renovation”). When the new owners acquired the property, their hope had been to renovate the existing barn as part of the living space; the evaluation of the structural integrity of the barn timbers revealed that it was not structurally stable, so the barn was dismantled, the timber salvaged, documented, and repaired, and redeployed in the “Farm House Renovation”. The owners still wanted a barn, so CTA sourced an antique barn frame of a similar size and style in western Ontario, and worked with a timber specialist to import, restore, and erect the frame on the property. The new/old barn now houses a sleeping loft with bathroom over a tv area and overlooking a large pool table and bar, sitting, and dining area, all illuminated by a large monitor and triple paned windows. A lean-to garage structure is modelled on the design of the barn that was removed. Solar panels on the roof, super insulated panels and the triple glazed windows all contribute to the Barn being a Net Zero energy project. The project was featured in Boston Magazine’s December 2017 Issue and was the 2020 Recipient of an Award Citation by the Boston Society of Architects. Interior Photos by Jane Messenger, Exterior Photos by Nat Rea.

Located in the Central District, this project started as a client's "DIY nightmare." Like many, the homeowner watched online "IKEA Hack" videos and thought, "I can do this for cheap." The Reality Check: They bought a room full of flat-pack boxes only to realize that YouTube videos don't teach you how to handle sloped ceilings and uneven walls. They wasted money on the wrong materials and couldn't finish the install. The Sai Remodeling Solution: We stepped in to rescue the space. Re-Design: We re-evaluated the storage needs and redesigned the layout to fit the specific roof pitch. Hybrid Materials: A true "IKEA Hack" isn't just IKEA parts. We sourced custom hardware and lumber that you can't find at the big-box store to ensure structural integrity. Custom Scribing: We precisely fitted the cabinets into the knee wall, creating a seamless, built-in look that no handyman could achieve with standard instructions. Result: A fully functional, high-end toy storage system that maximizes every inch of the attic.

The Net Zero Barn is one half of a larger project (see “Farm House Renovation”). When the new owners acquired the property, their hope had been to renovate the existing barn as part of the living space; the evaluation of the structural integrity of the barn timbers revealed that it was not structurally stable, so the barn was dismantled, the timber salvaged, documented, and repaired, and redeployed in the “Farm House Renovation”. The owners still wanted a barn, so CTA sourced an antique barn frame of a similar size and style in western Ontario, and worked with a timber specialist to import, restore, and erect the frame on the property. The new/old barn now houses a sleeping loft with bathroom over a tv area and overlooking a large pool table and bar, sitting, and dining area, all illuminated by a large monitor and triple paned windows. A lean-to garage structure is modelled on the design of the barn that was removed. Solar panels on the roof, super insulated panels and the triple glazed windows all contribute to the Barn being a Net Zero energy project. The project was featured in Boston Magazine’s December 2017 Issue and was the 2020 Recipient of an Award Citation by the Boston Society of Architects. Interior Photos by Jane Messenger, Exterior Photos by Nat Rea.

The Net Zero Barn is one half of a larger project (see “Farm House Renovation”). When the new owners acquired the property, their hope had been to renovate the existing barn as part of the living space; the evaluation of the structural integrity of the barn timbers revealed that it was not structurally stable, so the barn was dismantled, the timber salvaged, documented, and repaired, and redeployed in the “Farm House Renovation”. The owners still wanted a barn, so CTA sourced an antique barn frame of a similar size and style in western Ontario, and worked with a timber specialist to import, restore, and erect the frame on the property. The new/old barn now houses a sleeping loft with bathroom over a tv area and overlooking a large pool table and bar, sitting, and dining area, all illuminated by a large monitor and triple paned windows. A lean-to garage structure is modelled on the design of the barn that was removed. Solar panels on the roof, super insulated panels and the triple glazed windows all contribute to the Barn being a Net Zero energy project. The project was featured in Boston Magazine’s December 2017 Issue and was the 2020 Recipient of an Award Citation by the Boston Society of Architects. Interior Photos by Jane Messenger, Exterior Photos by Nat Rea.

The Net Zero Barn is one half of a larger project (see “Farm House Renovation”). When the new owners acquired the property, their hope had been to renovate the existing barn as part of the living space; the evaluation of the structural integrity of the barn timbers revealed that it was not structurally stable, so the barn was dismantled, the timber salvaged, documented, and repaired, and redeployed in the “Farm House Renovation”. The owners still wanted a barn, so CTA sourced an antique barn frame of a similar size and style in western Ontario, and worked with a timber specialist to import, restore, and erect the frame on the property. The new/old barn now houses a sleeping loft with bathroom over a tv area and overlooking a large pool table and bar, sitting, and dining area, all illuminated by a large monitor and triple paned windows. A lean-to garage structure is modelled on the design of the barn that was removed. Solar panels on the roof, super insulated panels and the triple glazed windows all contribute to the Barn being a Net Zero energy project. The project was featured in Boston Magazine’s December 2017 Issue and was the 2020 Recipient of an Award Citation by the Boston Society of Architects. Interior Photos by Jane Messenger, Exterior Photos by Nat Rea.

Inspiration for a coastal formal light wood floor living room remodel in Providence with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

The owners of this property approached LB LounsBury Group to request information on an addition to their corner lot property and re-finishing of their existing home, which would accommodate their growing family. Upon conversations that determined budgets and schedules and the necessary permit approvals, LB LounsBury Group began construction. This involved the tearing down of the small existing rear addition to the original house. Finishes throughout the house were aged and outdated. Electrical and mechanical systems were in need of upgrades, basement apartment had low ceilings and limited light distribution. LB LounsBury Group lowered, underpinned and added radiant heat to the basement floor, created a legal basement apartment with 7ft. + ceilings, built the new 1000 sq. ft. addition around the tree root, protecting the natural element existing in the property. By the use of a helical pile, we cantilevered the addition to allow for the desired size. We installed new electrical and mechanical systems, built new staircases and installed a 14 ft. x10 ft. feature window in the new addition to allow natural light to penetrate the home. A new roof was built and siding was added to the addition for a profession finish look. Upon completion of the project, we assisted our clients with their move back into the home. The property was then estimated to have 2700 sq. ft. not including a basement apartment, and was evaluated to have increased in value by 40%.

The owners of this property approached LB LounsBury Group to request information on an addition to their corner lot property and re-finishing of their existing home, which would accommodate their growing family. Upon conversations that determined budgets and schedules and the necessary permit approvals, LB LounsBury Group began construction. This involved the tearing down of the small existing rear addition to the original house. Finishes throughout the house were aged and outdated. Electrical and mechanical systems were in need of upgrades, basement apartment had low ceilings and limited light distribution. LB LounsBury Group lowered, underpinned and added radiant heat to the basement floor, created a legal basement apartment with 7ft. + ceilings, built the new 1000 sq. ft. addition around the tree root, protecting the natural element existing in the property. By the use of a helical pile, we cantilevered the addition to allow for the desired size. We installed new electrical and mechanical systems, built new staircases and installed a 14 ft. x10 ft. feature window in the new addition to allow natural light to penetrate the home. A new roof was built and siding was added to the addition for a profession finish look. Upon completion of the project, we assisted our clients with their move back into the home. The property was then estimated to have 2700 sq. ft. not including a basement apartment, and was evaluated to have increased in value by 40%.

The Marine Studies Building is heavily engineered to be a vertical evaluation structure with supplies on the rooftop to support over 920 people for up to two days post a Cascadia level event. The addition of this building thus improves the safety of those that work and play at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and in the surrounding South Beach community. The MSB uses state-of-the-art architectural and engineering techniques to make it one of the first “vertical evacuation” tsunami sites in the United States. The building will also dramatically increase the Hatfield campus’ marine science education and research capacity. The building is designed to withstand a 9+ earthquake and to survive an XXL tsunami event. The building is designed to be repairable after a large (L) tsunami event. A ramp on the outside of the building leads from the ground level to the roof of this three-story structure. The roof of the building is 47 feet high, and it is designed to serve as an emergency assembly site for more than 900 people after a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. OSU’s Marine Studies Building is designed to provide a safe place for people to gather after an earthquake, out of the path — and above the water — of a possible tsunami. Additionally, several horizontal evacuation paths exist from the HMSC campus, where people can walk to avoid the tsunami inundation. These routes include Safe Haven Hill west of Highway 101 and the Oregon Coast Community College to the south.

The Marine Studies Building is heavily engineered to be a vertical evaluation structure with supplies on the rooftop to support over 920 people for up to two days post a Cascadia level event. The addition of this building thus improves the safety of those that work and play at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and in the surrounding South Beach community. The MSB uses state-of-the-art architectural and engineering techniques to make it one of the first “vertical evacuation” tsunami sites in the United States. The building will also dramatically increase the Hatfield campus’ marine science education and research capacity. The building is designed to withstand a 9+ earthquake and to survive an XXL tsunami event. The building is designed to be repairable after a large (L) tsunami event. A ramp on the outside of the building leads from the ground level to the roof of this three-story structure. The roof of the building is 47 feet high, and it is designed to serve as an emergency assembly site for more than 900 people after a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. OSU’s Marine Studies Building is designed to provide a safe place for people to gather after an earthquake, out of the path — and above the water — of a possible tsunami. Additionally, several horizontal evacuation paths exist from the HMSC campus, where people can walk to avoid the tsunami inundation. These routes include Safe Haven Hill west of Highway 101 and the Oregon Coast Community College to the south.

The Marine Studies Building is heavily engineered to be a vertical evaluation structure with supplies on the rooftop to support over 920 people for up to two days post a Cascadia level event. The addition of this building thus improves the safety of those that work and play at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and in the surrounding South Beach community. The MSB uses state-of-the-art architectural and engineering techniques to make it one of the first “vertical evacuation” tsunami sites in the United States. The building will also dramatically increase the Hatfield campus’ marine science education and research capacity. The building is designed to withstand a 9+ earthquake and to survive an XXL tsunami event. The building is designed to be repairable after a large (L) tsunami event. A ramp on the outside of the building leads from the ground level to the roof of this three-story structure. The roof of the building is 47 feet high, and it is designed to serve as an emergency assembly site for more than 900 people after a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. OSU’s Marine Studies Building is designed to provide a safe place for people to gather after an earthquake, out of the path — and above the water — of a possible tsunami. Additionally, several horizontal evacuation paths exist from the HMSC campus, where people can walk to avoid the tsunami inundation. These routes include Safe Haven Hill west of Highway 101 and the Oregon Coast Community College to the south.

The Marine Studies Building is heavily engineered to be a vertical evaluation structure with supplies on the rooftop to support over 920 people for up to two days post a Cascadia level event. The addition of this building thus improves the safety of those that work and play at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and in the surrounding South Beach community. The MSB uses state-of-the-art architectural and engineering techniques to make it one of the first “vertical evacuation” tsunami sites in the United States. The building will also dramatically increase the Hatfield campus’ marine science education and research capacity. The building is designed to withstand a 9+ earthquake and to survive an XXL tsunami event. The building is designed to be repairable after a large (L) tsunami event. A ramp on the outside of the building leads from the ground level to the roof of this three-story structure. The roof of the building is 47 feet high, and it is designed to serve as an emergency assembly site for more than 900 people after a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. OSU’s Marine Studies Building is designed to provide a safe place for people to gather after an earthquake, out of the path — and above the water — of a possible tsunami. Additionally, several horizontal evacuation paths exist from the HMSC campus, where people can walk to avoid the tsunami inundation. These routes include Safe Haven Hill west of Highway 101 and the Oregon Coast Community College to the south.

Light plays on the dark slate walls of the entry court through openings in the cedar roof. The roof raises up towards the far end of the house to expose the large projecting window which wraps the corner. The living spaces of the house are arrayed along the southern exposure for passive solar heating in the winter, while the roof overhang shades the summer sun. The well-insulated house uses a ground source heat pump for efficient heating and cooling. Photo copyright Brian Vanden Brink.

This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Boston.

Free-standing direct-vent gas stove installation in a charming Seattle home. The homeowners wanted the warmth and ambiance of a wood stove without the maintenance, smoke, ash, or hassle of cordwood. We installed a high-efficiency direct-vent gas stove in the corner of their open-concept living room, with a code-compliant single-wall vent pipe routed straight up through the ceiling. The clean black exterior and authentic flame complement the home's mid-century modern aesthetic — leather sofa, light wood floors, natural light, and lush greenery — without overpowering the space. Scope of work: - Site assessment and gas line evaluation - Hearth pad installation and floor protection - Free-standing direct-vent gas stove installation - Single-wall vent pipe through ceiling and roof - Code-compliant clearances and termination - Gas line connection and leak testing - Final commissioning and homeowner walkthrough Installation completed in a single day. Family-owned. Licensed and bonded in Washington State.

Taragano Design & Build completed this second story addition in Berkeley, California. Going up rather than out was the only real option. The lot leaves almost no room to extend at grade without consuming the rear yard, which on a property this size is the most valuable space the house has. Building over the existing footprint added the square footage and left the yard intact. Adding a floor to a house built in this era means the existing structure has to carry a load it was never designed for. Framing and foundation both get evaluated before anything is drawn, and what the engineering finds determines whether the project is feasible at all. That work happens during design, not after permits. The roof was the visible decision. Rather than square off the new floor and cap it flat, a cross gable was run to match the pitch and form of the original. From the yard the house reads as a Craftsman that was always two stories, which is the difference between an addition and an obvious addition. The deck was built in two levels stepping down to the lawn. Holding the outer platform low keeps the yard usable from the house without a rail cutting the sight line, and the step gives the seating and dining areas separation without a wall. Licensed general contractor, CSLB #1143420. Diamond Certified.

See "Cottage Kitchen in Elburn" for the kitchen featured in this description Located on a partially wooded lot in Elburn, Illinois, this home needed an eye-catching interior redo to match the unique period exterior. The residence was originally designed by Bow House, a company that reproduces the look of 300-year old bow roof Cape-Cod style homes. Since typical kitchens in old Cape Cod-style homes tend to run a bit small- or as some would like to say, cozy – this kitchen was in need of plenty of efficient storage to house a modern day family of three. Advance Design Studio, Ltd. was able to evaluate the kitchen’s adjacent spaces and determine that there were several walls that could be relocated to allow for more usable space in the kitchen. The refrigerator was moved to the newly excavated space and incorporated into a handsome dinette, an intimate banquette, and a new coffee bar area. This allowed for more countertop and prep space in the primary area of the kitchen. It now became possible to incorporate a ball and claw foot tub and a larger vanity in the elegant new full bath that was once just an adjacent guest powder room. Reclaimed vintage Chicago brick paver flooring was carefully installed in a herringbone pattern to give the space a truly unique touch and feel. And to top off this revamped redo, a handsome custom green-toned island with a distressed black walnut counter top graces the center of the room, the perfect final touch in this charming little kitchen.