Search results for "Extremely effective" in Home Design Ideas

Making a real impression by designing & building with exceptional people is exactly the effect JL Design & the client as owner-builder have achieved with “Scarborough House” in Scarborough, NSW. The brief required the dwelling to take maximum advantage of stunning views over the ocean & nearby escarpment cliffs. The residence was also to be a contemporary modernist four bedroom family dwelling, maximising built external living & pool areas. The client was extensively involved with the overall design, & carried out material selection, interior detailing and selection of fixtures and fittings. This collective method guaranteed a result where the client as the builder, through continued personal investment throughout the design and construction achieved a stunning result. The concrete, steelwork, windows, timber & various forms of cladding, joinery and concealed lighting are all custom made hand crafted elements. The design called for minimal tolerances, requiring a high level of skill and cooperation between trades. “Scarborough House” features BlueScope Colorbond monument matt ribbed wall cladding with rendered & ‘rendered look’ areas in off-white. A vertical feature hardwood timber screen to the side of the entry softens the ‘industrial’ feel, giving a modernist external appearance. Carefully calculated overhangs allow a passive solar solution to heating & cooling, with efficient reverse-cycle air conditioning required only during weather extremes. Internally, timber floors to the upper living areas give a feel of comfort & warmth. The warm, substantial character of the dwelling is carefully composed by means of the clarity of the detailing, a palette of tactical natural materials and the careful manipulation of light.

An elegant collection of heavy doors, in which volumetric details create an expressive look for modern neoclassical interiors
Premium decorative films are made on the basis of polypropylene. A special feature of this fims is outstanding imitation effect of a painted surface. Free from solvents and formaldehyde the Premium films are also extremely environmentally friendly and contribute to a healthier living climate. High quality material surface makes it easy to clean and guarantees outstanding resistance against mechanical stress and chemicals..
Finish - white coating.
Door core - MDF (engineered wood).
Thickness of the door - 1 1/2". Thickness of the glass - 1/6", 3 lites of Opaque Glass.
Doors have NO holes for the hardware.
What included:
- 2 door slab;
- casings (2.95" wide);
- pocket frames (require extra 4 1/2" of the opening);
- track;
- hangers;
- door guides;
- bumpers;
-pulls;
- mounting screws;
Pocket Doors Frame What included: (2ea) frame header with preinstalled heavy-duty aluminum track; (4ea) steel wrapped upright pairs; (4ea) self-adjusting floor anchors; (4ea) 3-wheel door hangers, (2ea) door guide; (2ea) door stop; wrench, screws and instructions. Easily assembled and structurally strong pocket door frame; Designed for fast installation in standard 2 x 4 timber or steel frame walls typically sheeted with drywall.

Nestled in a wooded area in the Pacific Northwest, the 1800 sf Passive Cedar Haus was built as a retirement home. The Artisans Group designed the layout of the home, mindful of aging in place, and working to ensure that the home blended in with the surrounding natural beauty. The project meets a complex program, with an unheated sleeping porch for a master bedroom, a screened porch, a 600 sf caretakers apartment/mother in law unit, large wood shop, plus a two car carport. The home seamlessly integrates a floating cedar tongue and groove roof with large sheltering overhangs, clerestory windows, and language of cedar slats for privacy screens and doors inside and out. The warm, natural materials of wood and cork for the interior palette are punctuated by lively accents and stunning fixtures.
This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living area, gives an expansive view of the surrounding Northwest forest. The tops of these windows reveal the interior cedar clad and the up-swept soffits on the home’s exterior, creating a floating ceiling effect. Slatted spruce wood fly-overs break up the vertical areas of the great room and define separate areas that would otherwise feel like an overwhelmingly expansive space.
Photography by: Cheryl Ramsay of Ramsay Photography
Find the right local pro for your project

Making a real impression by designing & building with exceptional people is exactly the effect JL Design & the client as owner-builder have achieved with “Scarborough House” in Scarborough, NSW. The brief required the dwelling to take maximum advantage of stunning views over the ocean & nearby escarpment cliffs. The residence was also to be a contemporary modernist four bedroom family dwelling, maximising built external living & pool areas. The client was extensively involved with the overall design, & carried out material selection, interior detailing and selection of fixtures and fittings. This collective method guaranteed a result where the client as the builder, through continued personal investment throughout the design and construction achieved a stunning result. The concrete, steelwork, windows, timber & various forms of cladding, joinery and concealed lighting are all custom made hand crafted elements. The design called for minimal tolerances, requiring a high level of skill and cooperation between trades. “Scarborough House” features BlueScope Colorbond monument matt ribbed wall cladding with rendered & ‘rendered look’ areas in off-white. A vertical feature hardwood timber screen to the side of the entry softens the ‘industrial’ feel, giving a modernist external appearance. Carefully calculated overhangs allow a passive solar solution to heating & cooling, with efficient reverse-cycle air conditioning required only during weather extremes. Internally, timber floors to the upper living areas give a feel of comfort & warmth. The warm, substantial character of the dwelling is carefully composed by means of the clarity of the detailing, a palette of tactical natural materials and the careful manipulation of light.

An elegant collection of heavy doors, in which volumetric details create an expressive look for modern neoclassical interiors
Premium decorative films are made on the basis of polypropylene. A special feature of this fims is outstanding imitation effect of a painted surface. Free from solvents and formaldehyde the Premium films are also extremely environmentally friendly and contribute to a healthier living climate. High quality material surface makes it easy to clean and guarantees outstanding resistance against mechanical stress and chemicals..
Finish - white coating.
Door core - MDF (engineered wood).
Thickness of the door - 1 1/2". Thickness of the glass - 1/6", 3 lites of Opaque Glass.
Doors have NO holes for the hardware.
What included:
- 2 door slab;
- casings (2.95" wide);
- pocket frames (require extra 4 1/2" of the opening);
- track;
- hangers;
- door guides;
- bumpers;
-pulls;
- mounting screws;
Pocket Doors Frame What included: (2ea) frame header with preinstalled heavy-duty aluminum track; (4ea) steel wrapped upright pairs; (4ea) self-adjusting floor anchors; (4ea) 3-wheel door hangers, (2ea) door guide; (2ea) door stop; wrench, screws and instructions. Easily assembled and structurally strong pocket door frame; Designed for fast installation in standard 2 x 4 timber or steel frame walls typically sheeted with drywall.

Mr. Mescher – Home Owner Shares Story
“I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that I am extremely pleased with the work that Columbia Roofing did in replacing the roof on our Kent Island home. The house has a complicated roof structure with multiple gables and a quarter round conical roof which spans between two vertical walls in the back. We choose a 50 year Owens Corning shingle and to assure a good job, we only obtained quotes from roofing companies that received outstanding reviews.
We were pleased when the Columbia production crew roofed the house without issue and brought the full visual effect of slate using the 4 tab asphalt shingle with its distinctive keyway.
When it came to the conical roof, we were faced with the possibility of having to install a metal roof in lieu of maintaining the slate like appearance that was so prominent on the other roof sections of the house. Our preference was to maintain the appearance of slate on the conical section similar to that seen on the old slate roof cathedrals. While this is easy to say, I can now appreciate how difficult it is to do.
To honor our wishes, Ben Alsop came to the house and worked through the complicated layout necessary to use the same 4 tab shingles on the conical section. To do the job properly, every single 4 tab shingle had to be cut into individual tabs.
Each tab was then taken up on the roof where the keyway was aligned to vertical through a system of straight lines drawn from the point of the conical roof to the starter shingle at the roof’s edge. Each tab had to be cut again (often multiple times) after the tab alignment was complete. To assure the accuracy necessary to maintain the visual effect, Ben took it upon himself to personally perform the roofing of the conical section.
Ben is a manager for Columbia Roofing who no longer performs the physical roofing work after coming up through the ranks of the roofing trade. His personal dedication to getting this job done for us in a way that is simply stellar could not go without acknowledgement. Ben is not only a craftsman, he is an artisan whose skill set can clearly be seen in the pictures that I have attached.
I want to thank Columbia Roofing for a job well done and particularly I want to thank Ben for taking the time and putting in the effort to truly make this a stellar installation.”

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Our doors have several superior features:
- Single sheet of metal is used in construction. No welded seams are best as these can significantly weaken the structural integrity of the entranceway. Our doors are also more resilient to mechanic damage, such as sledgehammer strikes.
- The advantage of a single, non-welded door is that it reduces interior internal condensation. Over time, condensation can negatively affect the door mechanisms.
- Stiffening Ribs: These non-visible details add to our door's security.
- Quality insulation serves to reduce unwanted external noise, as well as protect against extreme heat, and severe cold.
Introducing our modern exterior entrance door, a sleek and stylish addition to any contemporary home or building. Crafted from a single sheet of metal, this door features a sturdy metal frame and threshold for added durability and security. The exterior design boasts a sophisticated gray graphite color with four horizontal strips, while the interior design features a crisp white color with four matching horizontal strips for a cohesive look. The simple yet striking design is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Trust the Deux collection, the leading name in modern front doors, for a product that's both stylish and functional. Upgrade your entrance with our modern exterior entrance door today.
Model - 1055 Deux
Color - Teak
Door thickness - 3 1/4"
Frame thickness - 4"
Exterior design - vertical inserts, glass with mirrored effect. Coating of the door - Teak wood
Interior design - glass with mirrored effect. Coating of the door - White Enamel.
Hardware included:
- Metal frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door with frame is 38" x 82". If sidelites are included - come in separate packaging
- Metal threshold.
- Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys.
- Cylinder K2.
- Hinges Combi Arialdo.
- Turnknob for lock.
- Armor plate for the lock.
- Stainless steel Handle
Custom keypad lock can be purchased.

Nestled in a wooded area in the Pacific Northwest, the 1800 sf Passive Cedar Haus was built as a retirement home. The Artisans Group designed the layout of the home, mindful of aging in place, and working to ensure that the home blended in with the surrounding natural beauty. The project meets a complex program, with an unheated sleeping porch for a master bedroom, a screened porch, a 600 sf caretakers apartment/mother in law unit, large wood shop, plus a two car carport. The home seamlessly integrates a floating cedar tongue and groove roof with large sheltering overhangs, clerestory windows, and language of cedar slats for privacy screens and doors inside and out. The warm, natural materials of wood and cork for the interior palette are punctuated by lively accents and stunning fixtures.
This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living area, gives an expansive view of the surrounding Northwest forest. The tops of these windows reveal the interior cedar clad and the up-swept soffits on the home’s exterior, creating a floating ceiling effect. Slatted spruce wood fly-overs break up the vertical areas of the great room and define separate areas that would otherwise feel like an overwhelmingly expansive space.
Photography by: Cheryl Ramsay of Ramsay Photography

Mr. Mescher – Home Owner Shares Story
“I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that I am extremely pleased with the work that Columbia Roofing did in replacing the roof on our Kent Island home. The house has a complicated roof structure with multiple gables and a quarter round conical roof which spans between two vertical walls in the back. We choose a 50 year Owens Corning shingle and to assure a good job, we only obtained quotes from roofing companies that received outstanding reviews.
We were pleased when the Columbia production crew roofed the house without issue and brought the full visual effect of slate using the 4 tab asphalt shingle with its distinctive keyway.
When it came to the conical roof, we were faced with the possibility of having to install a metal roof in lieu of maintaining the slate like appearance that was so prominent on the other roof sections of the house. Our preference was to maintain the appearance of slate on the conical section similar to that seen on the old slate roof cathedrals. While this is easy to say, I can now appreciate how difficult it is to do.
To honor our wishes, Ben Alsop came to the house and worked through the complicated layout necessary to use the same 4 tab shingles on the conical section. To do the job properly, every single 4 tab shingle had to be cut into individual tabs.
Each tab was then taken up on the roof where the keyway was aligned to vertical through a system of straight lines drawn from the point of the conical roof to the starter shingle at the roof’s edge. Each tab had to be cut again (often multiple times) after the tab alignment was complete. To assure the accuracy necessary to maintain the visual effect, Ben took it upon himself to personally perform the roofing of the conical section.
Ben is a manager for Columbia Roofing who no longer performs the physical roofing work after coming up through the ranks of the roofing trade. His personal dedication to getting this job done for us in a way that is simply stellar could not go without acknowledgement. Ben is not only a craftsman, he is an artisan whose skill set can clearly be seen in the pictures that I have attached.
I want to thank Columbia Roofing for a job well done and particularly I want to thank Ben for taking the time and putting in the effort to truly make this a stellar installation.”

Our doors have several superior features:
- Single sheet of metal is used in construction. No welded seams are best as these can significantly weaken the structural integrity of the entranceway. Our doors are also more resilient to mechanic damage, such as sledgehammer strikes.
- The advantage of a single, non-welded door is that it reduces interior internal condensation. Over time, condensation can negatively affect the door mechanisms.
- Stiffening Ribs: These non-visible details add to our door's security.
- Quality insulation serves to reduce unwanted external noise, as well as protect against extreme heat, and severe cold.
Introducing our modern exterior entrance door, a sleek and stylish addition to any contemporary home or building. Crafted from a single sheet of metal, this door features a sturdy metal frame and threshold for added durability and security. The exterior design boasts a sophisticated gray graphite color with four horizontal strips, while the interior design features a crisp white color with four matching horizontal strips for a cohesive look. The simple yet striking design is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Trust the Deux collection, the leading name in modern front doors, for a product that's both stylish and functional. Upgrade your entrance with our modern exterior entrance door today.
Model - 1055 Deux
Color - Teak
Door thickness - 3 1/4"
Frame thickness - 4"
Exterior design - vertical inserts, glass with mirrored effect. Coating of the door - Teak wood
Interior design - glass with mirrored effect. Coating of the door - White Enamel.
Hardware included:
- Metal frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door with frame is 38" x 82". If sidelites are included - come in separate packaging
- Metal threshold.
- Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys.
- Cylinder K2.
- Hinges Combi Arialdo.
- Turnknob for lock.
- Armor plate for the lock.
- Stainless steel Handle
Custom keypad lock can be purchased.

Mr. Mescher – Home Owner Shares Story
“I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that I am extremely pleased with the work that Columbia Roofing did in replacing the roof on our Kent Island home. The house has a complicated roof structure with multiple gables and a quarter round conical roof which spans between two vertical walls in the back. We choose a 50 year Owens Corning shingle and to assure a good job, we only obtained quotes from roofing companies that received outstanding reviews.
We were pleased when the Columbia production crew roofed the house without issue and brought the full visual effect of slate using the 4 tab asphalt shingle with its distinctive keyway.
When it came to the conical roof, we were faced with the possibility of having to install a metal roof in lieu of maintaining the slate like appearance that was so prominent on the other roof sections of the house. Our preference was to maintain the appearance of slate on the conical section similar to that seen on the old slate roof cathedrals. While this is easy to say, I can now appreciate how difficult it is to do.
To honor our wishes, Ben Alsop came to the house and worked through the complicated layout necessary to use the same 4 tab shingles on the conical section. To do the job properly, every single 4 tab shingle had to be cut into individual tabs.
Each tab was then taken up on the roof where the keyway was aligned to vertical through a system of straight lines drawn from the point of the conical roof to the starter shingle at the roof’s edge. Each tab had to be cut again (often multiple times) after the tab alignment was complete. To assure the accuracy necessary to maintain the visual effect, Ben took it upon himself to personally perform the roofing of the conical section.
Ben is a manager for Columbia Roofing who no longer performs the physical roofing work after coming up through the ranks of the roofing trade. His personal dedication to getting this job done for us in a way that is simply stellar could not go without acknowledgement. Ben is not only a craftsman, he is an artisan whose skill set can clearly be seen in the pictures that I have attached.
I want to thank Columbia Roofing for a job well done and particularly I want to thank Ben for taking the time and putting in the effort to truly make this a stellar installation.”

Our doors have several superior features:
- Single sheet of metal is used in construction. No welded seams are best as these can significantly weaken the structural integrity of the entranceway. Our doors are also more resilient to mechanic damage, such as sledgehammer strikes.
- The advantage of a single, non-welded door is that it reduces interior internal condensation. Over time, condensation can negatively affect the door mechanisms.
- Stiffening Ribs: These non-visible details add to our door's security.
- Quality insulation serves to reduce unwanted external noise, as well as protect against extreme heat, and severe cold.
Introducing our modern exterior entrance door, a sleek and stylish addition to any contemporary home or building. Crafted from a single sheet of metal, this door features a sturdy metal frame and threshold for added durability and security. The exterior design boasts a sophisticated gray graphite color with four horizontal strips, while the interior design features a crisp white color with four matching horizontal strips for a cohesive look. The simple yet striking design is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Trust the Deux collection, the leading name in modern front doors, for a product that's both stylish and functional. Upgrade your entrance with our modern exterior entrance door today.
Model - 0131 Deux
Color - Grey
Door thickness - 3 1/4"
Frame thickness - 4"
Exterior design - horizontal black steel lines, glass with mirrored effect. Coating of the door - Grey Enamel
Interior design - glass with mirrored effect. Coating of the door - Grey Enamel.
Hardware included:
- Metal frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door with frame is 38" x 82". If sidelites are included - come in separate packaging
- Metal threshold.
- Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys.
- Cylinder K2.
- Hinges Combi Arialdo.
- Turnknob for lock.
- Armor plate for the lock.
- Stainless steel Handle
Custom keypad lock can be purchased.
A canopy over the door is recommended to preserve the warranty

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Nestled in a wooded area in the Pacific Northwest, the 1800 sf Passive Cedar Haus was built as a retirement home. The Artisans Group designed the layout of the home, mindful of aging in place, and working to ensure that the home blended in with the surrounding natural beauty. The project meets a complex program, with an unheated sleeping porch for a master bedroom, a screened porch, a 600 sf caretakers apartment/mother in law unit, large wood shop, plus a two car carport. The home seamlessly integrates a floating cedar tongue and groove roof with large sheltering overhangs, clerestory windows, and language of cedar slats for privacy screens and doors inside and out. The warm, natural materials of wood and cork for the interior palette are punctuated by lively accents and stunning fixtures.
This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living area, gives an expansive view of the surrounding Northwest forest. The tops of these windows reveal the interior cedar clad and the up-swept soffits on the home’s exterior, creating a floating ceiling effect. Slatted spruce wood fly-overs break up the vertical areas of the great room and define separate areas that would otherwise feel like an overwhelmingly expansive space.
Photography by: Cheryl Ramsay of Ramsay Photography

Thomas Valko of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA in collaboration with Hounddog Contracting, designed a transitional style kitchen featuring Masterpiece Cabinetry.
The kitchen cabinets are in the Martel 5-piece door style in Maple in a Shortbread finish, complimented by Classic Rock Tesora Vento quartz countertops.
“We love the new layout and design of our kitchen. It is both beautiful and functional! It was a challenge for us to visualize how the project would turn out, so it was extremely helpful to see the Reico 3D images while designing prior to the start of our work. We were very happy with the quality of both the cabinets and quartz we purchased from Reico,” said the client.
Thomas found it challenging to optimize the smaller layout for maximum functionality. "Our biggest hurdle was determining the best spot for the island in such a compact space. Choosing the perfect location was tough," he explained.
He expressed his admiration for the Shortbread color of the cabinetry, noting its consistency and ability to hold the stain well. Thomas also enjoyed the collaborative relationship with Dan from Hounddog Contracting, “The communication between all to ensure we were all on the same page. This was effective as the overall result of the kitchen was a huge success.”
Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

This particular home located in Cave Springs, Arkansas was an in house design + build. We were tasked with the challenge of figuring out a way to unify our clients contemporary taste, the neighborhood covenants, and the dramatic grade of the lot. When designing, we always feel it’s important to take into account the surrounding natural landscape. We want our homes and nature to complement each other and to lean on each other to enhance the living environment of its inhabitants. We felt strongly that we needed to use the slope of the lot in our design, which led us to create multiple levels to the home.
Too often the garage door is an afterthought and it ends up being a major component of the street view of a home. Due to the extreme grade change over the lot we were able to tuck the garage under the main living area. This concealed the garage door from the street view. The entry is situated between two small level changes. The living space is situated 24” above the entry. This creates a pulling effect that takes you up to an elevation amongst the trees. With windows on all sides, nature calls you out to sit on the covered porch situated in the trees. The kitchen and the dining area sit 24” below the entry level, creating a tucked-in intimate space. The private master suite is located at the top of the floating metal stairs on its own floor. With a workout room, his and hers closets, and a natural lit large master bathroom the space gives the home owners a nice retreat from the rest of the house.

Home bar backsplash: Eden Mosaic Tile 3D Raised Brick Aluminum Mosaic Tile, Gray Blends - EMT-AL09-MIX-CB. Aluminum mosaic tiles provide the look of stainless steel metal mosaic tiles but with added texture and durability. The circular brushed aluminum finish gives a unique modern aesthetic while the extruded structure of the tiles (1.2" x 0.6") provides superior durability and support once installed. If you are considering metal mosaic tiles for your kitchen or bathroom backsplash or perhaps for an accent wall then you should seriously consider our collection of aluminum mosaic tiles. This tile can be mounted vertically or horizontally so that the individual pieces point either vertically or horizontally depending on what type of effect you want to achieve.
“We chose your tile from hundreds and are extremely happy with our selection.” Testimonial by Jean B.

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income.
FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own.
SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio.
MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch.
SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf)
RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property.
COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements.
OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income.
PROJECT TEAM
ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer
A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor
Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry
Lisa Finch - Original Artwork
European Architectural Supply - Windows
Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Thomas Valko of Reico Kitchen and Bath in King of Prussia, PA in collaboration with Hounddog Contracting, designed a transitional style kitchen featuring Masterpiece Cabinetry.
The kitchen cabinets are in the Martel 5-piece door style in Maple in a Shortbread finish, complimented by Classic Rock Tesora Vento quartz countertops.
“We love the new layout and design of our kitchen. It is both beautiful and functional! It was a challenge for us to visualize how the project would turn out, so it was extremely helpful to see the Reico 3D images while designing prior to the start of our work. We were very happy with the quality of both the cabinets and quartz we purchased from Reico,” said the client.
Thomas found it challenging to optimize the smaller layout for maximum functionality. "Our biggest hurdle was determining the best spot for the island in such a compact space. Choosing the perfect location was tough," he explained.
He expressed his admiration for the Shortbread color of the cabinetry, noting its consistency and ability to hold the stain well. Thomas also enjoyed the collaborative relationship with Dan from Hounddog Contracting, “The communication between all to ensure we were all on the same page. This was effective as the overall result of the kitchen was a huge success.”
Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Nestled in a wooded area in the Pacific Northwest, the 1800 sf Passive Cedar Haus was built as a retirement home. The Artisans Group designed the layout of the home, mindful of aging in place, and working to ensure that the home blended in with the surrounding natural beauty. The project meets a complex program, with an unheated sleeping porch for a master bedroom, a screened porch, a 600 sf caretakers apartment/mother in law unit, large wood shop, plus a two car carport. The home seamlessly integrates a floating cedar tongue and groove roof with large sheltering overhangs, clerestory windows, and language of cedar slats for privacy screens and doors inside and out. The warm, natural materials of wood and cork for the interior palette are punctuated by lively accents and stunning fixtures.
This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living area, gives an expansive view of the surrounding Northwest forest. The tops of these windows reveal the interior cedar clad and the up-swept soffits on the home’s exterior, creating a floating ceiling effect. Slatted spruce wood fly-overs break up the vertical areas of the great room and define separate areas that would otherwise feel like an overwhelmingly expansive space.
Photography by: Cheryl Ramsay of Ramsay Photography
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