This shows the surface of thermally modified Ash decking treated with Cutek Extreme at 1 end only (6"). Boards were placed in full southern exposure for 8 months. Note how the board is more tan looking due to it protecting against black mold growth. Also note there is significantly less surface checking and cracking where Cutek Extreme is applied.

Maximizing the functionality of this space, and coordinating the new kitchen with the beautiful remodel completed previously by the client were the two most important aspects of this project. The existing spaces are elegantly decorated with an open plan, dark hardwood floors, and natural stone accents. The new, lighter, more open kitchen flows beautifully into the client’s existing dining room space. Satin nickel hardware blends with the stainless steel appliances and matches the satin nickel details throughout the home. The fully integrated refrigerator next to the narrow pull-out pantry cabinet, take up less visual weight than a traditional stainless steel appliance and the two combine to provide fantastic storage. The glass cabinet doors and decorative lighting beautifully highlight the client’s glassware and dishes. Finished with white subway tile, Dreamy Marfil quartz countertops, and a warm natural wood blind; the space warm, inviting, elegant, and extremely functional. copyright 2013 marilyn peryer photography

Shirak Agresta; Sidney Michael; Annette Gutierrez; Becky Bourdeau
This is an example of a small modern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel water fountain landscape in Los Angeles.

OneStopDeckShop
Deck - contemporary deck idea in Christchurch

Lee Keiper
Example of a trendy dark wood floor living room design in San Francisco with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Inspiration for a modern landscaping in Philadelphia.

This elevated deck is in Branchburg, NJ. Deck Pros replaced a small non-functional deck with a larger, more usable space. The decking is Wolf PVC in Amberwood and Rosewood colors. The decking is blind-fastened and features a contrasting picture frame border. The railing is a Fortress AL13 black aluminum rail system. This rail offers minimal impact on the view from the deck while being extremely strong. The rail is powder coated and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Deckorators low voltage lights are in every stair riser. This upgrade adds safety for a very low cost.

Inspiration for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

Bret Gum for Cottages and Bungalows
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Photography by The Alexis Agency
Inspiration for a tropical living room remodel in Miami with white walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

This shows the underside of thermally modified Ash decking treated with Cutek Extreme at 1 end only. Boards were placed in full southern exposure for 8 months.

This shows the opposite end of a thermally modified Ash deck board end grain without Cutek Extreme. Boards were placed in full southern exposure for 8 months.

Photo of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

Drought tolerant, humidity tolerant tropical border Le jardinet
Inspiration for a landscaping in Orlando.

This elevated deck is in Branchburg, NJ. Deck Pros replaced a small non-functional deck with a larger, more usable space. The decking is Wolf PVC in Amberwood and Rosewood colors. The decking is blind-fastened and features a contrasting picture frame border. The railing is a Fortress AL13 black aluminum rail system. This rail offers minimal impact on the view from the deck while being extremely strong. The rail is powder coated and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Deckorators low voltage lights are in every stair riser. This upgrade adds safety for a very low cost.

This elevated deck is in Branchburg, NJ. Deck Pros replaced a small non-functional deck with a larger, more usable space. The decking is Wolf PVC in Amberwood and Rosewood colors. The decking is blind-fastened and features a contrasting picture frame border. The railing is a Fortress AL13 black aluminum rail system. This rail offers minimal impact on the view from the deck while being extremely strong. The rail is powder coated and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Deckorators low voltage lights are in every stair riser. This upgrade adds safety for a very low cost.

This elevated deck is in Branchburg, NJ. Deck Pros replaced a small non-functional deck with a larger, more usable space. The decking is Wolf PVC in Amberwood and Rosewood colors. The decking is blind-fastened and features a contrasting picture frame border. The railing is a Fortress AL13 black aluminum rail system. This rail offers minimal impact on the view from the deck while being extremely strong. The rail is powder coated and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Deckorators low voltage lights are in every stair riser. This upgrade adds safety for a very low cost.

LEED Certification Level: V4 Builder: BPC Green Builders, LLC Architect: Trillium Architects The Taft School faculty home serves as a high performance residence and learning lab for students. The project also earned certification through ENERGY STAR, Indoor airPLUS, Water Sense, PHIUS, and Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Homes with Living Building Challenge Petal recognition pending. The project team was honored with third place in the 2014 Connecticut Zero Energy Home Challenge. Excluding the photovoltaic installation the HERS index was 33, and with the 13.1 kW the HERS index is -14. A year of utility bills show the home is producing more electricity than it uses. Located on a quiet street adjacent to campus the existing, historic home was deconstructed and materials donated or reused where possible. Challenged to find high efficiency windows that were historic commission acceptable, the team installed Klearwall awnings or casements over fixed glass (to mimic double hungs) with simulated divided lites (u-values as low as 0.13). A high solar heat gain coefficient (0.58) facilitates the passive solar gain for winter months, while well designed overhangs and a pergola shade summer sun. Double stud walls have 2¼” closed cell foam plus 8½” dense pack cellulose for a R-49 cavity. The exterior sheathing is R-6.6 Zip Wall System with taped seams to create the continuous air barrier. Inside the solid concrete foundation is 3” closed cell foam behind 2x4 stud walls and R-32 cellulose in the cavity. Prefabricated TJI joists frame the attic floor, an insulated “room” houses the heat recovery ventilator and ductwork, and blown in cellulose blankets it all in R-86. The house tested 0.6ACH50 proving the effectiveness of its air-tight envelope and attention to air sealing. Heating and cooling is provided by efficient air source heat pumps (9.2 HSPF, 16.5 SEER) and delivered by short duct runs which tested extremely tight. A heat pump water heater provides domestic hot water and an on-demand switch, with an occupancy sensor at each bath, ensures hot water is delivered fast and efficiently. Low flow fixtures are WaterSense certified, appliances are Energy Star labeled, and all LED lighting. A Zehnder Novus 300 (93.3% efficient) HRV supplies 112 cfm of continuous fresh air while using only 32 watts of power and running quietly. The homeowners control the mechanical ventilation through the intuitive wall-mounted control pad to shut off or increase the ventilation. Chemicals and contaminants were reduced by using low VOC and GreenGuard certified sealants, adhesives, primers, and paints. A walk-off matt at the side entry and hardwood floors help control dirt and dust. The granite front steps were salvaged and local stone used for the patio and stone walls. Storm water runoff from the roof, patio, and driveway is managed by the rain garden. The native landscaping is low maintenance, a community garden produces vegetables, and the chicken coop is powered by its own roof mounted PV panels. Taft School Director of Environmental Stewardship, Carly Borken has used the design and construction process as a teaching tool for her science classes. With access to the home monitoring system they can virtually access the residents’ consumption.