LEED Certification Level: Platinum. Builder: R & S Engineering & Construction. The Cavanaugh Residence is a contemporary split level with a split personality. Totally designed from the ground up to minimize impact and maximize energy and water efficiency, its beautiful facade belies its hard-working, high-producing systems, earning it a LEED Platinum score of 116.5, and a HERS rating of minus 22. The 2774 square foot home produces over 100 per cent of its power with a 10.8 kw pv system, and captures 100 per cent of its freshwater needs from the curved metal roofs through an engineered collection and purification system, stored in an integrated concrete cistern. Constructed of locally made SIP panels on an infill waterfront lot, the home is oriented to maximize the production of the pv panels. Six inch SIP panels work together with a highly reflective, highly emmisive cool standing seam roof, icynene insulation in ceiling and floors, and carefully placed high efficiency windows and doors to create a tightly sealed environment. The 17-seer Trane heat pump variable speed compressors and TAM 7 air handlers, along with a whole house dehumidifier and fresh air intake provide a comfortable, clean indoor environment while using little energy. In the shoulder seasons, natural ventilation cools the home with fresh breezes drawn from lower windows in each room flowing through the curved ceilings to clerestory windows at the top of the house. Natural daylighting, with windows placed in corners and high clerestories, bounce the abundant natural light so that the owners use the interior LED lighting primarily at night. Windows were sited to frame views of the neighboring park and water, and capture the light, but represent a very low percentage of glazing to wall to conserve energy. Primarily native, xeriscaped turfless landscaping sips reclaimed water from its drip and bubbler irrigiation system, and requires little trimming or chemicals. Established trees, protected during construction, shade the home, FSC certified decks, and yard, providing a cool place to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the day, even in Florida's summer heat. Rainwater is diverted from the bay through the engineered collection and filtration system to an integrated concrete cistern hidden beneath the decks. Abundant Florida rainwater supplies 100 per cent of the home's needs, including drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Naturally soft, the highly filtered and UV purified water requires no chemical treatment or water softener. Coupled with minimal hardscape and permeable drive and walkways, almost all ground water remains on the lot, and out of storm sewers and bay runoffs. Designed as a forever home for this active retired couple, an open floor plan provides diagonal interior views along with great circulation space. Wide hallways and doors, curbless showers, an elevator, and extra blocking in the walls for grab rails insures the couple of being able to use their home even if physical disabilities arise. The home's footprint is minimized by building over the conditioned crawlspace and over-sized garage, and the finished floor height, at least two feet above flood code requirements, significantly reduces insurance costs while maximizing storage space for camping and water sports equipment. Materials, fixtures and appliances were carefully selected for energy and water efficiency, local production where possible, recycled content/recyclability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The owners were very involved in vetting and materials selections, and assisted in just-in-time purchasing to minimize waste. Scrap materials were sorted daily for re-use elsewhere in the project (blocking, concrete forms, drywall scraps as acoustical insulation in interior walls, etc.), resulting in a tiny waste pile at the end of a dumpster-free project. Concrete waste was hauled to a local recycler to become road base, and extra useable materials were returned to the vendor or donated to Habitat Restore. Cost-effective choices, and careful planning, saved significant dollars in construction cost as well as landfill space. One of the biggest challenges was finding qualified subcontractors who would work within the guidelines. With the help of our LEED consultant and meetings and explanations, most subcontractors not only bought into the ideas readily, but offered up new ideas. Highly skilled and professional, the team of subs, LEED consultant, and contractor proved that LEED construction is excellent construction. The team, the owners, and I also found that LEED construction makes great economic sense. Most materials (other than increased insulation and photovoltaic panels) cost no more, and sometimes less, than those employed in construction of a lesser standard. The owners have been living in the home for a year now, and are thrilled with the results. No power bill. No water bill. Extremely low insurance bill. Minimal ground maintenance. No fabric softener. Reduced use of soap, detergents, and shampoos and cleaning supplies. Less time cleaning with spot-free rainwater. Careful planning and materials selection brought the project in under budget, and the home operates at an extremely low cost, both to the homeowners, and the environment. Who wouldn't be thrilled?

Pondless water features are a great way to enjoy the soothing sounds of moving water without having a pond. These extremely low maintenance disappearing waterfalls can be built right up to your patio or house. Complete with LED lights, pondless features can be enjoyed day and night! We service southeast Michigan: Washtenaw County, Oakland County, Livingston County and Wayne County. To schedule your consultation or to learn more, visit our website: http://waterscape.biz/ or call (734) 944-7625

A lakeside home with limited outdoor space was in dire need of an innovative solution to transform this extremely dated backyard into an entertaining destination. The design solution incorporated an infinity edge pool, automated fire pit, outdoor kitchen, cabana, sun deck, and state of the art technology. The design was presented in 3-D to help the clients fully understand the creative use of space and elevation. The pool structure was literally cut in half to be prepared to increase the size and add an infinity edge. Due to the expansive soils and the new pool structure being built within 30” of the water’s edge, advanced construction techniques for stabilization were incorporated. The soil was chemically injected to control expansive movement and tight access concrete piers combined with helical anchors were installed to shore the new pool structure and infinity edge basin. In addition, the new decks were built over the water with many helical anchors installed in the water and drilled to over 30 kips per pier. The decks were designed to hold parking structure weight, not just a family entertaining. In addition, again due to the expansive soils and extreme slope the new deck, built from the latest technology decking supplied by Trex, was constructed on more than 50 concrete piers. The entire backyard incorporates the latest technology and can all be controlled via the home owner’s smart phone or computer. A few of the Amenities include; fully automated fire pit, multiple color changing LED lights in the pool and basin, under water speakers, full surround A/V system, deck accent lighting, step lights, cabana lighting and accents, water features, and more. This project was a true technical achievement implementing advanced engineering and the final result is a magnificent luxury outdoor living environment! Photography: Daniel Driensky

This Large scale water feature was installed in May of 2015 this Pond is made up of a 60x25’ upper pond dropping 5’ of elevation thru a series of streams and multi level waterfalls into a 20x25’ lower pond. The lower pond then empties into a 20’ stream that disappears into a 3000gal underground holding reservoir. The water is recirculated thru a 12,000 GPH pump that feeds 1500 gallon wetland Biologic filter, and a 8000GPH pump that feeds a series of underwater jets to create proper water circulation. In total this water feature holds a total of 33,000 gallons of water. This project prosed a series of problems and challenges for the crew. The problem we had to address is the yard had a significant slope in 2 directions. In order to level off the yard to make way for the water feature a series of outcropping retaining walls had to be built to support the ponds. The other challenge we had was the limited access, because the initial landscape was already in we had to work our way out of the back yard excavating, building and installing the stone work as we went, the underground basin and lower pond had to be completely finished before the upper pond could be started. The end result was a beautiful rustic back yard that fades away into the natural landscape of the conservancy that surrounds the house. In total it took 170ton of outcropping stone, 140ton of granite bounders, 75 light fixtures hundreds of plants and 33,000 gallons of water to create this stunning oasis

This project is one of our most complex. It took more than 2 years to get all the grades and pools completed, each tree on this project weighs in at an impressive 9,000 pounds Photography by Paul Ladd

This project started as a cramped cape with little character and extreme water damage, but over the course of several months, it was transformed into a striking modern home with all the bells and whistles. Being just a short walk from Mackworth Island, the homeowner wanted to capitalize on the excellent location, so everything on the exterior and interior was replaced and upgraded. Walls were torn down on the first floor to make the kitchen, dining, and living areas more open to one another. A large dormer was added to the entire back of the house to increase the ceiling height in both bedrooms and create a more functional space. The completed home marries great function and design with efficiency and adds a little boldness to the neighborhood. Design by Tyler Karu Design + Interiors. Photography by Erin Little.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with the owners of this custom home while it was still under construction. The early planning allowed LWB to design the topographic features of the site to fit into the amenities that the clients desired such as an organically shaped swimming pool, a spa, planting, etc. The extreme grades in the backyard created an opportunity to place the spa overlooking the pool. The unique grading situation also allowed the pool utilities to be built underneath the lawn in a vented room, hidden from view. Waterfalls in the pool and a water wall help to create a relaxing experience in the homeowner's backyard. This Project was awarded with a coveted Grand Award in Residential Installation $50,001 & Over by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with the owners of this custom home while it was still under construction. The early planning allowed LWB to design the topographic features of the site to fit into the amenities that the clients desired such as an organically shaped swimming pool, a spa, planting, etc. The extreme grades in the backyard created an opportunity to place the spa overlooking the pool. The unique grading situation also allowed the pool utilities to be built underneath the lawn in a vented room, hidden from view. Waterfalls in the pool and a water wall help to create a relaxing experience in the homeowner's backyard. This Project was awarded with a coveted Grand Award in Residential Installation $50,001 & Over by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association.

A lakeside home with limited outdoor space was in dire need of an innovative solution to transform this extremely dated backyard into an entertaining destination. The design solution incorporated an infinity edge pool, automated fire pit, outdoor kitchen, cabana, sun deck, and state of the art technology. The design was presented in 3-D to help the clients fully understand the creative use of space and elevation. The pool structure was literally cut in half to be prepared to increase the size and add an infinity edge. Due to the expansive soils and the new pool structure being built within 30” of the water’s edge, advanced construction techniques for stabilization were incorporated. The soil was chemically injected to control expansive movement and tight access concrete piers combined with helical anchors were installed to shore the new pool structure and infinity edge basin. In addition, the new decks were built over the water with many helical anchors installed in the water and drilled to over 30 kips per pier. The decks were designed to hold parking structure weight, not just a family entertaining. In addition, again due to the expansive soils and extreme slope the new deck, built from the latest technology decking supplied by Trex, was constructed on more than 50 concrete piers. The entire backyard incorporates the latest technology and can all be controlled via the home owner’s smart phone or computer. A few of the Amenities include; fully automated fire pit, multiple color changing LED lights in the pool and basin, under water speakers, full surround A/V system, deck accent lighting, step lights, cabana lighting and accents, water features, and more. This project was a true technical achievement implementing advanced engineering and the final result is a magnificent luxury outdoor living environment! Photography: Daniel Driensky

Design ideas for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with the owners of this custom home while it was still under construction. The early planning allowed LWB to design the topographic features of the site to fit into the amenities that the clients desired such as an organically shaped swimming pool, a spa, planting, etc. The extreme grades in the backyard created an opportunity to place the spa overlooking the pool. The unique grading situation also allowed the pool utilities to be built underneath the lawn in a vented room, hidden from view. Waterfalls in the pool and a water wall help to create a relaxing experience in the homeowner's backyard. This Project was awarded with a coveted Grand Award in Residential Installation $50,001 & Over by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with the owners of this custom home while it was still under construction. The early planning allowed LWB to design the topographic features of the site to fit into the amenities that the clients desired such as an organically shaped swimming pool, a spa, planting, etc. The extreme grades in the backyard created an opportunity to place the spa overlooking the pool. The unique grading situation also allowed the pool utilities to be built underneath the lawn in a vented room, hidden from view. Waterfalls in the pool and a water wall help to create a relaxing experience in the homeowner's backyard. This Project was awarded with a coveted Grand Award in Residential Installation $50,001 & Over by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with the owners of this custom home while it was still under construction. The early planning allowed LWB to design the topographic features of the site to fit into the amenities that the clients desired such as an organically shaped swimming pool, a spa, planting, etc. The extreme grades in the backyard created an opportunity to place the spa overlooking the pool. The unique grading situation also allowed the pool utilities to be built underneath the lawn in a vented room, hidden from view. Waterfalls in the pool and a water wall help to create a relaxing experience in the homeowner's backyard. This Project was awarded with a coveted Grand Award in Residential Installation $50,001 & Over by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with the owners of this custom home while it was still under construction. The early planning allowed LWB to design the topographic features of the site to fit into the amenities that the clients desired such as an organically shaped swimming pool, a spa, planting, etc. The extreme grades in the backyard created an opportunity to place the spa overlooking the pool. The unique grading situation also allowed the pool utilities to be built underneath the lawn in a vented room, hidden from view. Waterfalls in the pool and a water wall help to create a relaxing experience in the homeowner's backyard. This Project was awarded with a coveted Grand Award in Residential Installation $50,001 & Over by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association.

Inspiration for a tropical landscaping in New York.

This is one of the four water features on the project, a 80 foot long reflective pool with iridium glass tile veneer, and a perimeter flow vanishing edge Photography by Paul Ladd

It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with the owners of this custom home while it was still under construction. The early planning allowed LWB to design the topographic features of the site to fit into the amenities that the clients desired such as an organically shaped swimming pool, a spa, planting, etc. The extreme grades in the backyard created an opportunity to place the spa overlooking the pool. The unique grading situation also allowed the pool utilities to be built underneath the lawn in a vented room, hidden from view. Waterfalls in the pool and a water wall help to create a relaxing experience in the homeowner's backyard. This Project was awarded with a coveted Grand Award in Residential Installation $50,001 & Over by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with the owners of this custom home while it was still under construction. The early planning allowed LWB to design the topographic features of the site to fit into the amenities that the clients desired such as an organically shaped swimming pool, a spa, planting, etc. The extreme grades in the backyard created an opportunity to place the spa overlooking the pool. The unique grading situation also allowed the pool utilities to be built underneath the lawn in a vented room, hidden from view. Waterfalls in the pool and a water wall help to create a relaxing experience in the homeowner's backyard. This Project was awarded with a coveted Grand Award in Residential Installation $50,001 & Over by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with the owners of this custom home while it was still under construction. The early planning allowed LWB to design the topographic features of the site to fit into the amenities that the clients desired such as an organically shaped swimming pool, a spa, planting, etc. The extreme grades in the backyard created an opportunity to place the spa overlooking the pool. The unique grading situation also allowed the pool utilities to be built underneath the lawn in a vented room, hidden from view. Waterfalls in the pool and a water wall help to create a relaxing experience in the homeowner's backyard. This Project was awarded with a coveted Grand Award in Residential Installation $50,001 & Over by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association.