Search results for "Fixed matches" in Home Design Ideas
Tile Doctor LtdThis Victorian tiled hallway was one of the most beautiful Victorian floors I have ever had the pleasure to work on. With the wide range of patterns and colours they are available in, it seems no two Victorian tiled floors are exactly the same, and this uniqueness is part of what makes them so appealing to property owners.
Unfortunately, this floor had been poorly maintained over the years, even suffering from a few loose and missing tiles. There was a thick coating of dust and dirt soiling its appearance, and the property owner was understandably keen to remedy the situation. Having realised that everyday household cleaners are not likely to achieve great results, she asked me to carry out a full professional restoration, including making some repairs where necessary. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this property was situated in the town of Wyken, which is a few miles outside of Coventry city centre and in fact just down the road from where I live myself!
Before making a start on the cleaning process, it was first necessary to re-fix the small number of loose tiles and replace a single missing tile by the radiator. Fortunately, I’ve been working on these types of floors for some time and have built up a good collection of replacement Victorian tiles so I was able to find one that matched in nicely with the rest of the floor without too much problem.
To clean the tiles, I began by applying a layer of Tile Doctor Oxy-Gel directly into the floor with a small brush. This product is very similar to the popular Tile Doctor Pro Clean: both are strong alkaline cleaners, strippers and degreasers, with the main difference being that Oxy-Clean comes in a gel form, making it easier to control and therefore ideal for precise cleaning, or for application to vertical surfaces. Like Pro Clean and being an alkaline base it is suitable for use on all types of natural stone and tile. The Oxy-Gel was left to soak into the tiles for around ten minutes before being scrubbed in and then rinsed off carefully with water, I then used a wet vacuum to extract the now soiled cleaning solution off the floor.
The next step was to acid wash the floor using Tile Doctor Acid Gel; this served to break down alkaline mineral deposits inherent in the grout along with some excess grout that had been left on the untidily left on tile from installation. It is recommended not to use this product on acid-sensitive soon such as Marble and Limestone as it can cause irreparable etching but its fine on Victorian tiles as long as you don’t leave it on too long.
Finally, the floor was given a rinse with clean water to remove any trace of chemicals from the cleaning and to neutralise the area in preparation for sealing.
I left the floor for 48 hours to dry before returning to the property to seal the tiles. This allowed plenty of time for the floor to dry completely, which is important as any excess moisture can damage the ability of the sealer to protect against dirt and stains.
My choice of sealer for this floor was Tile Doctor High Shine; three coats in total were applied, providing – as the product name suggests – the high shine finish that the customer had requested. The sealer will provide durable surface protection going forward preventing dirt from becoming ingrained into the pores of the tile and ensuring it remains easy to clean and keeping its appearance for some time to come.
As a big fan of Victorian tiles, it was a great pleasure to restore this floor, and my customer was certainly pleased too. It’s amazing how far a little professional maintenance can go to improving the appearance of these fantastic types of floor.
Mick Gayton
Warwickshire Tile Doctor
Thermally Broken Steel USACustom thermally broken steel double entry door with fixed sidelites and transom. Matching black framed windows and simulated divided lites.
Large contemporary two-story wood and shingle house exterior idea in New York with a shingle roof and a black roof
Large contemporary two-story wood and shingle house exterior idea in New York with a shingle roof and a black roof
Traci Rauner DesignEntertaining island for serving buffet style meals, or fixing cocktails. Wine cubby storage, and glass door for wine glasses. Maple wood top stained to match the dining room table. Photo by: Karly Rauner
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Alair Homes PlanoThis 1964 Preston Hollow home was in the perfect location and had great bones but was not perfect for this family that likes to entertain. They wanted to open up their kitchen up to the den and entry as much as possible, as it was small and completely closed off. They needed significant wine storage and they did want a bar area but not where it was currently located. They also needed a place to stage food and drinks outside of the kitchen. There was a formal living room that was not necessary and a formal dining room that they could take or leave. Those spaces were opened up, the previous formal dining became their new home office, which was previously in the master suite. The master suite was completely reconfigured, removing the old office, and giving them a larger closet and beautiful master bathroom. The game room, which was converted from the garage years ago, was updated, as well as the bathroom, that used to be the pool bath. The closet space in that room was redesigned, adding new built-ins, and giving us more space for a larger laundry room and an additional mudroom that is now accessible from both the game room and the kitchen! They desperately needed a pool bath that was easily accessible from the backyard, without having to walk through the game room, which they had to previously use. We reconfigured their living room, adding a full bathroom that is now accessible from the backyard, fixing that problem. We did a complete overhaul to their downstairs, giving them the house they had dreamt of!
As far as the exterior is concerned, they wanted better curb appeal and a more inviting front entry. We changed the front door, and the walkway to the house that was previously slippery when wet and gave them a more open, yet sophisticated entry when you walk in. We created an outdoor space in their backyard that they will never want to leave! The back porch was extended, built a full masonry fireplace that is surrounded by a wonderful seating area, including a double hanging porch swing. The outdoor kitchen has everything they need, including tons of countertop space for entertaining, and they still have space for a large outdoor dining table. The wood-paneled ceiling and the mix-matched pavers add a great and unique design element to this beautiful outdoor living space. Scapes Incorporated did a fabulous job with their backyard landscaping, making it a perfect daily escape. They even decided to add turf to their entire backyard, keeping minimal maintenance for this busy family. The functionality this family now has in their home gives the true meaning to Living Better Starts Here™.
StairworksThis project is a great example of how the addition of a well-designed and considered balustrade can vastly improve an existing staircase and landing, without the need to replace or damage any of the already in-situ finishes.
The clients already had a firm idea of the aesthetic they wanted and engaged us to come up with a method to achieve it without creating any disruption to an already finished and painted staircase.
After a detailed survey and studying the structural plans of the building, we were able to fully manufacture and powder-coat everything off-site, and simply bolt on to the existing staircase and landing structure in a single visit. This managed to leave no damage or disruption to the property, meaning no remedial work for our clients after we had finished.
The balustrade itself was manufactured from a mild steel flat bar and welded to a steel channel, which we bolted to the staircase, and a steel angle bracket, which we fixed to the landing. It was all tied together with a continuous thin round steel bar that was drilled through the top of each upright for rigidity, as well as a flat steel handrail to match the uprights. It was then powder-coated matte white to help it blend in with the walls and ceilings.
Alair Homes PlanoThis 1964 Preston Hollow home was in the perfect location and had great bones but was not perfect for this family that likes to entertain. They wanted to open up their kitchen up to the den and entry as much as possible, as it was small and completely closed off. They needed significant wine storage and they did want a bar area but not where it was currently located. They also needed a place to stage food and drinks outside of the kitchen. There was a formal living room that was not necessary and a formal dining room that they could take or leave. Those spaces were opened up, the previous formal dining became their new home office, which was previously in the master suite. The master suite was completely reconfigured, removing the old office, and giving them a larger closet and beautiful master bathroom. The game room, which was converted from the garage years ago, was updated, as well as the bathroom, that used to be the pool bath. The closet space in that room was redesigned, adding new built-ins, and giving us more space for a larger laundry room and an additional mudroom that is now accessible from both the game room and the kitchen! They desperately needed a pool bath that was easily accessible from the backyard, without having to walk through the game room, which they had to previously use. We reconfigured their living room, adding a full bathroom that is now accessible from the backyard, fixing that problem. We did a complete overhaul to their downstairs, giving them the house they had dreamt of!
As far as the exterior is concerned, they wanted better curb appeal and a more inviting front entry. We changed the front door, and the walkway to the house that was previously slippery when wet and gave them a more open, yet sophisticated entry when you walk in. We created an outdoor space in their backyard that they will never want to leave! The back porch was extended, built a full masonry fireplace that is surrounded by a wonderful seating area, including a double hanging porch swing. The outdoor kitchen has everything they need, including tons of countertop space for entertaining, and they still have space for a large outdoor dining table. The wood-paneled ceiling and the mix-matched pavers add a great and unique design element to this beautiful outdoor living space. Scapes Incorporated did a fabulous job with their backyard landscaping, making it a perfect daily escape. They even decided to add turf to their entire backyard, keeping minimal maintenance for this busy family. The functionality this family now has in their home gives the true meaning to Living Better Starts Here™.
Renovisions These South Shore clients needed a partial update to their kids’ full bath and hired Renovisions to complete the task.
After consulting with the clients, they posed a dilemma – they wanted to keep their existing tub and fiberglass surround; however their son, now 16 grew to 6’3” and constantly hit the hand-held showerhead while showering. We recommended a quick and affordable shower transformation, the Hydro Rail shower column. The column was installed without having to alter the in-wall plumbing, while choosing the right column option to accommodate the now higher fixed showerhead and a hand-held shower in matching style.
Replacing the shorter under utilized vanity with a taller vanity in white painted finish has plenty of practical storage. The Cambria quartz countertop is a stand-out in this beautifully updated full bath fitted for active teens.
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Columbus' Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting
TOC design & construction inc.Interior Design by: TOC design.
Project Manager: TOC design & Construction inc.
Contractor: Ivco inc.
Photographer: Guillaume Gorini.
A medley of materials works together to create a modern kitchen with a distinctly traditional feel. Oversized slabs of Quartz from Silestone with a beveled edge and clipped corners. Custom cabinets with many interior fixings, fluted legs, closed light valance with puck lights, the continuous crown molding. We even did a special cabinet just for a small TV. So that we would not see any exposed wires. The interior of the cabinets are made to match the walnut floor color with a wood scrape melamine able to handle wear and tear. The cabinet doors where designed and manufactured especially for the client not too traditional not too contemporary. The backsplash is the belle of the ball, with its ornate shape and mat bronze finish. Each cabinet handle was carefully selected to blend with the proportion of doors. Giving this kitchen a warm touch. The large 24” x 24” rectified heated porcelain floor blends in nicely and conceals dirt tracked in by the boys. We can also find a wine rack , open cubbies for cook books, an oversized under mount double sink, extra large paneled refrigerator. What’s not to love. Every aspect of this home has been detailed and cared for with the clients vision of simple traditional that a family can live and Love for many years to come.
StairworksThis project is a great example of how the addition of a well-designed and considered balustrade can vastly improve an existing staircase and landing, without the need to replace or damage any of the already in-situ finishes.
The clients already had a firm idea of the aesthetic they wanted and engaged us to come up with a method to achieve it without creating any disruption to an already finished and painted staircase.
After a detailed survey and studying the structural plans of the building, we were able to fully manufacture and powder-coat everything off-site, and simply bolt on to the existing staircase and landing structure in a single visit. This managed to leave no damage or disruption to the property, meaning no remedial work for our clients after we had finished.
The balustrade itself was manufactured from a mild steel flat bar and welded to a steel channel, which we bolted to the staircase, and a steel angle bracket, which we fixed to the landing. It was all tied together with a continuous thin round steel bar that was drilled through the top of each upright for rigidity, as well as a flat steel handrail to match the uprights. It was then powder-coated matte white to help it blend in with the walls and ceilings.
Coast to Coast Imports, LLCWhen used in conjunction with the matching Round Dining Table and Dining Chairs, this Credenza finished in our Olivia Aged Cream is the perfect way to display your favorite vintage bread bowls as well as store those serving platters and linens! However, this piece is perfectly able to stand on its own in your den or family room, where the spacious shelved interior found behind the four front doors guarantees you plenty of room for your audio and video equipment, as well as a amply room for that new big screen on top!
Project GuruDivider wall removal between the bathroom and closet result in an open space where closet cabinetry matches the all-drawer double vanity cabinets. Photography Tim Manning, contractor DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen
Kitchen Design ConceptsOne of the biggest investments you can make in your home is in your kitchen. Now with the Revive model, you don’t have to break the bank to get an updated kitchen with new finishes and a whole new look! This powder blue kitchen we are sharing today is a classic example of such a space! The kitchen had a great layout, the cabinets had good bones, and all it needed were some simple updates. To learn more about what we did, continue reading below!
Cabinets
As previously mentioned, the kitchen cabinetry already had great bones. So, in this case, we were able to refinish them to a painted cream on the perimeter. As for the island, we created a new design where new cabinetry was installed. New cabinets are from WWWoods Shiloh, with a raised panel door style, and a custom painted finish for these powder blue cabinets.
Countertops
The existing kitchen countertops were able to remain because they were already in great condition. Plus, it matched the new finishes perfectly. This is a classic case of “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke”!
Backsplash
For the backsplash, we kept it simple with subway tile but played around with different sizes, colors, and patterns. The main backsplash tile is a Daltile Modern Dimensions, in a 4.5×8.5 size, in the color Elemental Tan, and installed in a brick-lay formation. The splash over the cooktop is a Daltile Rittenhouse Square, in a 3×6 size, in the color Arctic White, and installed in a herringbone pattern.
Fixtures and Finishes
The plumbing fixtures we planned to reuse from the start since they were in great condition. In addition, the oil-rubbed bronze finish went perfectly with the new finishes of the kitchen. We did, however, install new hardware because the original kitchen did not have any. So, from Amerock we selected Muholland pulls which were installed on all the doors and drawers.
Michael Nash Design, Build & HomesBuilt in the early 1950s, this small urban townhouse is located in North Old Town Alexandria in an area currently undergoing major redevelopment. The neighborhood is popular with, and affordable for, young people and families, and very convenient to Washington, DC.
In its heyday, the townhouse touted a stately brick exterior, plaster walls, tongue and groove wood flooring and beautiful wooden staircase. Sixty years later, however, the homeowners were faced with crumbling masonry, sagging floors, a double layer of wallpaper over the plaster walls, a crumbling staircase, a dysfunctional kitchen and small, dark second floor rooms. Additionally, the basement had a low ceiling, moldy and cinder block walls, no plumbing and a large boiler taking up most of the space.
The homeowners’ goal was to restore the exterior’s historic look while creating an interior up-to-date for the 21st Century. To turn their vision into reality, they turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes.
Design Solutions
To maintain the townhome’s historic exterior, the Michael Nash team carefully removed, salvaged, restored and reused existing brick masonry. Matching fascia boards and windows were combined with existing windows to complete the exterior renovation.
All interior walls were gutted and reframed. New electrical work, new insulation and new drywall were installed. Much of the home’s original trim was salvaged and reused, as was a piece of art glass, all to keep a bit of the past in the renovation.
The sagging subfloors were fixed, new hard wood floors were installed and a new staircase and railing were designed in a style similar to the original.
The solid wall between the kitchen and the dining room was removed, plumbing was relocated for a new sink location and the kitchen got expanded with an island into the dining room. Closet and plumbing stacks were relocated to allow a new space for fridge. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and custom cabinetry highlight the new modern kitchen.
The plan called for redesigning the three bedrooms on the second floor to allow a larger bathroom, walk-in closet and wider hallways. In addition to new roofing, a large skylight was installed to allow natural light into the bathroom and the upper hallway.
The basement was totally revamped. New plumbing was put in place for a full bathroom, laundry room and a den. New e-grass window was installed in the basement to bring this basement up to current building codes.
This homeowners love the neighborhood and now their home gives them the opportunity to stay in the same location.
Sacramento Wallpaper InstallationWallpaper Installation – Basement in Loomis
Transform your basement into an inviting retreat with premium wallpaper installation services in Loomis. As an expert wallpaper installer and wallpaper hanger, I specialize in creating stunning, durable finishes for below-ground spaces.
✔ Basement-Specific Solutions – Moisture-resistant vinyl wallpaper, mural wallpaper, and mold-proof wallcoverings
✔ Seamless Installation – Expert pattern matching for flawless transitions on uneven surfaces
✔ Wallpaper Repair & Removal – Fixing peeling, bubbling, or outdated basement wallpaper
✔ Custom Accent Walls – Bold prints, textured designs, or faux finishes to brighten the space
✔ Commercial & Residential Expertise – From home theaters to rental units
Why Choose Us?
✅ Humidity-Proof Materials – Specialized adhesives and breathable papers
✅ Surface Preparation – Proper sealing for concrete or paneled walls
✅ Quick Turnarounds – Efficient installations with minimal disruption
✅ Free Consultations – Tailored solutions for your basement’s unique needs
Popular Basement Styles:
• Cozy & Inviting – Warm textures and rich tones
• Modern Entertainment Spaces – Sleek geometrics or metallic accents
• Rustic Charm – Faux brick, wood, or stone designs
• Playful & Bold – Vibrant patterns for game rooms or kids’ areas
Serving Loomis homeowners & businesses—let’s turn your basement into a favorite space!
Michael Nash Design, Build & HomesBuilt in the early 1950s, this small urban townhouse is located in North Old Town Alexandria in an area currently undergoing major redevelopment. The neighborhood is popular with, and affordable for, young people and families, and very convenient to Washington, DC.
In its heyday, the townhouse touted a stately brick exterior, plaster walls, tongue and groove wood flooring and beautiful wooden staircase. Sixty years later, however, the homeowners were faced with crumbling masonry, sagging floors, a double layer of wallpaper over the plaster walls, a crumbling staircase, a dysfunctional kitchen and small, dark second floor rooms. Additionally, the basement had a low ceiling, moldy and cinder block walls, no plumbing and a large boiler taking up most of the space.
The homeowners’ goal was to restore the exterior’s historic look while creating an interior up-to-date for the 21st Century. To turn their vision into reality, they turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes.
Design Solutions
To maintain the townhome’s historic exterior, the Michael Nash team carefully removed, salvaged, restored and reused existing brick masonry. Matching fascia boards and windows were combined with existing windows to complete the exterior renovation.
All interior walls were gutted and reframed. New electrical work, new insulation and new drywall were installed. Much of the home’s original trim was salvaged and reused, as was a piece of art glass, all to keep a bit of the past in the renovation.
The sagging subfloors were fixed, new hard wood floors were installed and a new staircase and railing were designed in a style similar to the original.
The solid wall between the kitchen and the dining room was removed, plumbing was relocated for a new sink location and the kitchen got expanded with an island into the dining room. Closet and plumbing stacks were relocated to allow a new space for fridge. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and custom cabinetry highlight the new modern kitchen.
The plan called for redesigning the three bedrooms on the second floor to allow a larger bathroom, walk-in closet and wider hallways. In addition to new roofing, a large skylight was installed to allow natural light into the bathroom and the upper hallway.
The basement was totally revamped. New plumbing was put in place for a full bathroom, laundry room and a den. New e-grass window was installed in the basement to bring this basement up to current building codes.
This homeowners love the neighborhood and now their home gives them the opportunity to stay in the same location.
Fitted furniture Designers & Makers | Unum DesignDesigned to match the famous dinning collection GALA from the Sofa & Chair Company London. Floating Entertainment cabinets has been made from Sycamore veneer with a grey tone and finished with polyester paint to grain fill the wood and polished surface to create a luxury look. Openings for the flap has a finger grip detail. The three floating shelves has a concealed fixings to create a floating look as overall design for the unit. Vertical units has glass shelves inside and can be fitted with LED light if required. This set available to order with a 6 weeks lead time to any country.
George OcampoCentral El Paso Backyard Renovation:
Fifteen years is a long time for a backyard to quietly wait.
At first, it was full of intention—a pool that promised summers, laughter, and long evenings. But time has a way of settling in. The water turned still, then green. Edges cracked. The space became less of a destination and more of something you looked past. Life moved forward, but the backyard stayed behind.
Then came the decision: it was time.
Not a patch job. Not a quick fix. A complete reset.
The transformation didn’t begin beautifully—it began with demolition. The old pool was drained, exposing years of neglect etched into its surface. Crews stepped in, breaking, clearing, reshaping. What once held stagnant water became an open cavity of possibility. Steel rebar formed a new skeleton, precise and intentional. Every line measured. Every elevation reconsidered.
This wasn’t just construction—it was rethinking how the space should live.
The shell was rebuilt. Surfaces were refined. Plumbing, structure, and flow were corrected at their core. What had once been outdated and failing was now engineered to last.
Then the shift happened.
Hardscape came in—clean, warm-toned concrete replacing worn decking. Stone walls, once just boundaries, were elevated into features. Subtle textures, intentional lines. A visual language that matched the architecture of the home instead of competing with it.
The pool returned—but not as it was.
Now it was sharp, modern, and inviting. A long, clean body of water with a shallow tanning ledge that catches the sun just right. Stainless steel scuppers arc water into the pool—movement, sound, life. Steps are crisp, geometry is balanced, and the water reflects clarity instead of neglect.
Around it, the yard found purpose.
Artificial turf introduced contrast—green, controlled, low-maintenance. A pergola structure rose in the corner, creating a destination within the destination. Beneath it, a built-in outdoor kitchen turned the backyard into a place to gather, not just pass through. Lighting stitched everything together, making the space just as alive at dusk as it is under the midday sun.
By the end, nothing felt accidental.
What was once forgotten is now deliberate. What was once avoided is now the center of attention.
Fifteen years later, the backyard didn’t just come back—it finally became what it was always supposed to be.
Stable Works LLCStable Works will provide labor, material and equipment for the completion of the scope of work outlined below.
-Current (22'x8') New (22'x20' with 5'x'5 landing for stairs)
-Supply and install deck extension as pictured in rendering
- Remove current facia, soffet and header
- Temporarily support roof while work is being performed
- Move center support beam to against the house (Needed to carry the load of new LVL)
- Install new 5 1/2" x 11 7/8" x 22' LVL header
- Replace all facia and soffet
-All footings will use 4000psi concrete
-6"x6" pressure treated supports
-Decking will be Fiberon Good Life (Cottage) $2.49 per linear foot)
-Railing will be White vinyl "Safe-T-Rail"
-Gate at top of steps to be made same as railing.
-Fascia and risers will be PVC board to color match
-Fix all missing fasteners on current deck
-Relocate electrical under new stairs
-Add LED low voltage lighting to post caps and stair treads
-All trash and debris will be removed from site
-Deck area will be power washed after completion
Michael Nash Design, Build & HomesBuilt in the early 1950s, this small urban townhouse is located in North Old Town Alexandria in an area currently undergoing major redevelopment. The neighborhood is popular with, and affordable for, young people and families, and very convenient to Washington, DC.
In its heyday, the townhouse touted a stately brick exterior, plaster walls, tongue and groove wood flooring and beautiful wooden staircase. Sixty years later, however, the homeowners were faced with crumbling masonry, sagging floors, a double layer of wallpaper over the plaster walls, a crumbling staircase, a dysfunctional kitchen and small, dark second floor rooms. Additionally, the basement had a low ceiling, moldy and cinder block walls, no plumbing and a large boiler taking up most of the space.
The homeowners’ goal was to restore the exterior’s historic look while creating an interior up-to-date for the 21st Century. To turn their vision into reality, they turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes.
Design Solutions
To maintain the townhome’s historic exterior, the Michael Nash team carefully removed, salvaged, restored and reused existing brick masonry. Matching fascia boards and windows were combined with existing windows to complete the exterior renovation.
All interior walls were gutted and reframed. New electrical work, new insulation and new drywall were installed. Much of the home’s original trim was salvaged and reused, as was a piece of art glass, all to keep a bit of the past in the renovation.
The sagging subfloors were fixed, new hard wood floors were installed and a new staircase and railing were designed in a style similar to the original.
The solid wall between the kitchen and the dining room was removed, plumbing was relocated for a new sink location and the kitchen got expanded with an island into the dining room. Closet and plumbing stacks were relocated to allow a new space for fridge. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and custom cabinetry highlight the new modern kitchen.
The plan called for redesigning the three bedrooms on the second floor to allow a larger bathroom, walk-in closet and wider hallways. In addition to new roofing, a large skylight was installed to allow natural light into the bathroom and the upper hallway.
The basement was totally revamped. New plumbing was put in place for a full bathroom, laundry room and a den. New e-grass window was installed in the basement to bring this basement up to current building codes.
This homeowners love the neighborhood and now their home gives them the opportunity to stay in the same location.
Kaplan Thompson ArchitectsContext
Norbert and Robin had dreamed of retiring in a Passive House-certified home overlooking the Lubberland Creek Preserve in Southeastern New Hampshire, and they’d done their homework. They were interested in using four integrated Zehnder America (www.zehnderamerica.com) technologies to make the 1,900 square foot home extremely energy efficient.
They didn’t miss any opportunity to innovate or raise the bar on sustainable design. Our goals were focused on guaranteeing their comfort in every season, saving them money on a fixed income, and reducing the home’s overall impact on the environment as much as possible.
Response
The home faces directly south and captures sunlight all winter under tall and vaulted ceilings and a continuous band of slim-lined, Italian triple-pane windows and doors that provide gorgeous views of the wild preserve. A second-story office nook and clerestory provide even deeper views, with a little more privacy.
Zehnder, which previously sold its innovative products only in Europe, took on the project as a test house. We designed around Zehnder’s vent-based systems, including a geothermal heat loop that heats and cools incoming air, a heat pump cooling system, electric towel-warmer radiators in the bathrooms, and a highly efficient energy recovery ventilator, which recycles heat and minimizes the need for air conditioning. The house effectively has no conventional heating system—and doesn’t need it. We also looked for efficiencies and smart solutions everywhere, from the lights to the windows to the insulation.
The kitchen exhaust hood eliminates, cleans, and recirculates cooking fumes in the home’s unique kitchen, custom-designed to match the ways Norbert likes to prepare meals. There are several countertop heights so they can prep and clean comfortably, and the eat-in kitchen also has two seating heights so people can sit and socialize while they’re working on dinner. An adjacent screened porch greets guests and opens to the view.
A roof-mounted solar system helps to ensure that the home generates more energy than it consumes—helped by features such as a heat pump water heater, superinsulation, LED lights and a polished concrete floor that helps regulate indoor temperatures.
Photo credit Chris Smith
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