This Boulder, Colorado remodel by fuentesdesign demonstrates the possibility of renewal in American suburbs, and Passive House design principles. Once an inefficient single story 1,000 square-foot ranch house with a forced air furnace, has been transformed into a two-story, solar powered 2500 square-foot three bedroom home ready for the next generation. The new design for the home is modern with a sustainable theme, incorporating a palette of natural materials including; reclaimed wood finishes, FSC-certified pine Zola windows and doors, and natural earth and lime plasters that soften the interior and crisp contemporary exterior with a flavor of the west. A Ninety-percent efficient energy recovery fresh air ventilation system provides constant filtered fresh air to every room. The existing interior brick was removed and replaced with insulation. The remaining heating and cooling loads are easily met with the highest degree of comfort via a mini-split heat pump, the peak heat load has been cut by a factor of 4, despite the house doubling in size. During the coldest part of the Colorado winter, a wood stove for ambiance and low carbon back up heat creates a special place in both the living and kitchen area, and upstairs loft. 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. These windows also provide a seamless indoor/outdoor connection, with 9′ wide folding doors from the dining area and a matching 9′ wide custom countertop folding window that opens the kitchen up to a grassy court where mature trees provide shade and extend the living space during the summer months. With air-tight construction, this home meets the Passive House Retrofit (EnerPHit) air-tightness standard of

Deck at dusk. Photo by Clark Dugger
Deck - mid-sized contemporary backyard deck idea in Los Angeles with no cover

A simple wooden boardwalk passes through the forest. The stone sculpture is by Aaron G. Edwards
This is an example of an eclectic garden path in Seattle with decking.

Valerie Wilcox
Mid-sized trendy u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Toronto with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and a double-bowl sink

Director of Project Development April Case Underwood https://www.houzz.com/pro/awood21/april-case-underwood Designer Elena Eskandari https://www.houzz.com/pro/eeskandari/elena-eskandari-case-design-remodeling-inc Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

http://www.marcoriccastudio.com
Trendy gender-neutral light wood floor nursery photo in New York with white walls

The family room is our relaxing room with a fire place in the corner, a 72" High Def TV surrounded by natural stone. The floors are Hickory wood 3/4" thick with hydronic heating under the wood floors. This room has an abundance of natural light.

John Granen
Mid-sized minimalist open concept and formal living room photo in Other with a standard fireplace and a metal fireplace

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary galley kitchen remodel in Hyderabad with flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, solid surface countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a classic patio kitchen design in Dallas

Example of a transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Michael Lee
Example of a mid-sized transitional dark wood floor and black floor great room design in Boston with white walls and no fireplace

This cabana is truly outdoor living at its best. An outdoor kitchen beside the outdoor living room and pool. With aluminum shutters to block the hot western sun, fans to move the air, and heaters for cool evenings, make the space extremely comfortable. This has become the most used room "in" the house.

Example of a transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Toronto with an undermount sink, white backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Bedroom - contemporary carpeted and gray floor bedroom idea in Toronto with white walls

Photos by Project Focus Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Tampa with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, tile countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, black appliances, an island and white countertops

Transitional bathroom photo in New York

This modern living room features bright pops of blue in the area rug and hanging fireplace. White sofas are contrasted with the red and white patterned accent chair and patterned accent pillows. Metal accents are found on the coffee table and side table.

Inspiration for an eclectic built-in desk home office remodel in New York