View of new message area and mudroom
Kitchen - craftsman multicolored floor kitchen idea in New York

Tom Harper Photography
Freestanding bathtub - large transitional master multicolored tile and mosaic tile freestanding bathtub idea in Tampa with a vessel sink and quartz countertops

LEED Certification Level: Platinum. The homeowners put a premium on indoor air quality and low energy consumption and recognized that quality design would allow more investment in a smaller project. A modest plan size was developed (1,700 square foot net, 1,960 square foot gross), with slab-on-grade first floor. The upper level slopes up to the south to capture sky views and solar gains; the stair allows that light and energy to flow to the main level. The front-screened porch is a reinvention of the traditional front porch — a place to socialize, enjoy the outdoors and enjoy fire on cool evenings. Great care was taken in specifying non-toxic materials: no-added formaldehyde cabinet construction with water-borne finishes, zero VOC, nontoxic floor finish and paints, Greenguard certified drywall and subfloor adhesives, caulks, and sealants, salvaged wood (not previously finished), etc. Third-party air quality testing showed total VOC of only 48 parts per billion prior to move in, and formaldehyde of 46ppb. The CARB residential formaldehyde guideline is below 27ppb for residential chronic exposure. Since we had no specified added-formaldehyde construction materials, our count is likely due to furniture and other off-gassing, and will drop as the house is ventilated. Mold readings were below outdoor air. An energy monitoring system was installed so the owners and design team can track energy use compared to modeled predictions. Measured results also contribute to a clearer understanding of energy use for future energy models across the industry, which is one of PHIUS’ objectives. Although early in occupancy, the owners appear to be running this all-electric house at about 500kWh per month, below the modeled prediction. The owners plan to install a PV array within the next year.

Kitchen in Great Room with Island, low VOC painted finish. Caesarstone counter top; photo: Roberta Hall
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized contemporary u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The boy's bath has a glass linear backsplash. and a quartz countertop.
Small transitional 3/4 multicolored tile and glass tile porcelain tile bathroom photo in San Francisco with quartz countertops, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, yellow walls and an undermount sink

Earthshade Safeshade Roller; Single Shade; Privacy Screen: Autumn Mist; Outside Mount; Regular Roll; Privacy: 9-10** Shading: 80% Insulating: r2.25 Light control: 12%*** 100% Polyester incl. Recycled No added Formaldehyde, No Chlorine Privacy, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction, Glare Control EURO Clutch; Right; Color: Stainless Steel (STS): our new Euro Clutch system balances stunning visual design in an efficient and compact package

The granite countertop sweeps up to form the backsplash. A potfiller faucet, and a secondary sink helps to accommodate two serious cooks. Photo- Michele Lee Willson

Castle Plank flooring is manufactured in the USA from 100% formaldehyde free natural solid hardwoods. We mill our planks laser straight with a European inspired tongue and groove to make installation easier and ensure a great fit. Castle Plank flooring is available in several species, including White Oak and Hickory, and several finishes, including VOC free natural oils.

Living room - contemporary living room idea in Austin

Castle Plank flooring is manufactured in the USA from 100% formaldehyde free natural solid hardwoods. We mill our planks laser straight with a European inspired tongue and groove to make installation easier and ensure a great fit. Castle Plank flooring is available in several species, including White Oak and Hickory, and several finishes, including VOC free natural oils.

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea

Example of a classic kitchen design in Los Angeles

Earthshade Safeshade Roller; Single Shade; Privacy Screen: Autumn Mist; Outside Mount; Regular Roll; Privacy: 9-10** Shading: 80% Insulating: r2.25 Light control: 12%*** 100% Polyester incl. Recycled No added Formaldehyde, No Chlorine Privacy, Daylighting, Heat & Fade Reduction, Glare Control EURO Clutch; Right; Color: Stainless Steel (STS): our new Euro Clutch system balances stunning visual design in an efficient and compact package

Vetrazzo Recycled Glass Countertop in Bretagne Blue. Paint grade maple custom Green Leaf cabinets. Dovetail FSC certified maple plywood drawer box made with adhesive that contains no added formaldehyde with under-mount, full-extension, soft-close drawer glides.

This guest room bath has the luxury of both a shower and tub, and a green color theme. photo-Michele Lee Willson
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman glass tile and multicolored tile porcelain tile alcove shower remodel in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, green walls, an undermount sink, recycled glass countertops and white cabinets