Under our client’s encouragement and desire for a near zero-energy design, this hybrid home is a skillful integration of modern architecture and sustainable building science. The design weaves natural materials and clean visual detailing to achieve an organic modern aesthetic while applying OVE (Optimum Value Engineering) framing techniques, insulation over the sheathing, sprayed foam insulation, and blower door testing to construct a tight building envelope, thus minimizing energy impact. The building systems include passive solar design, directionally tuned glazing, high efficiency multi-zoned radiant heat, EPA approved biomass heat, and solar thermal / photovoltaic panels for energy generation. The result is a beautiful, near zero-energy urban home. To reach this goal, the design weaves natural materials and clean visual detailing to achieve an organic modern aesthetic while applying OVE (Optimum Value Engineering) framing techniques, insulation over the sheathing, sprayed foam insulation, and blower door testing to construct a tight building envelope, thus minimizing energy impact. The building systems include Passive solar design, directionally tuned glazing, high efficiency multi-zoned radiant heat, EPA approved biomass heat, and solar thermal / photovoltaic panels for energy generation. Continuing the conscious systems approach in HVAC, an HRV (Hear Recovery Ventilator) and high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) AC system couple with natural ventilation through motorized awning windows. The result is a beautiful, near zero-energy urban home that embraces its owners’ ecological sensibilities as it embraces a private courtyard haven.

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by John Sutton Photography.

Under our client’s encouragement and desire for a near zero-energy design, this hybrid home is a skillful integration of modern architecture and sustainable building science. The design weaves natural materials and clean visual detailing to achieve an organic modern aesthetic while applying OVE (Optimum Value Engineering) framing techniques, insulation over the sheathing, sprayed foam insulation, and blower door testing to construct a tight building envelope, thus minimizing energy impact. The building systems include passive solar design, directionally tuned glazing, high efficiency multi-zoned radiant heat, EPA approved biomass heat, and solar thermal / photovoltaic panels for energy generation. The result is a beautiful, near zero-energy urban home. To reach this goal, the design weaves natural materials and clean visual detailing to achieve an organic modern aesthetic while applying OVE (Optimum Value Engineering) framing techniques, insulation over the sheathing, sprayed foam insulation, and blower door testing to construct a tight building envelope, thus minimizing energy impact. The building systems include Passive solar design, directionally tuned glazing, high efficiency multi-zoned radiant heat, EPA approved biomass heat, and solar thermal / photovoltaic panels for energy generation. Continuing the conscious systems approach in HVAC, an HRV (Hear Recovery Ventilator) and high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) AC system couple with natural ventilation through motorized awning windows. The result is a beautiful, near zero-energy urban home that embraces its owners’ ecological sensibilities as it embraces a private courtyard haven.

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

Kitchen - rustic kitchen idea in Seattle

1960s lake home renovated for next generation owners introducing abundant natural lighting, modern finishes, and energy efficiency throughout the design. Kitchen/Dining Room enlarged for better flow and family gathering.

Marvin Clad Ultimate Insert Double Hung Next Generation Windows.The Marvin Clad Ultimate Insert Double Hung Next Generation fits seamlessly into your existing window opening, now with all of the features offered by our full frame double hung. Gain the benefits of quality craftsmanship, beauty and energy efficiency without disrupting the interior and exterior trim of your home.

This LEED-H Platinum-certified custom luxury home in Oregon demonstrates an exceptional commitment to excellence. Designed by Green Hammer architect Jan Fillinger, the Fineline House was designed and built with unprecedented precision — from the interior finishes to the state-of-the-art lighting, ventilation, and built-in home energy-monitoring systems. It utilizes Passivhaus detailing and 100% of the lumber used for the structure and framing of the project was Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)-certified.

The homeowners of this Cape Cod residential project wanted to build a multi-generational home that could serve the needs of their family as well as their parents’ aging-in-place considerations. Products from the Marvin Modern and Ultimate collections paired aesthetics with the home’s commitment to accessibility, adaptability, and energy efficiency.

The 'Multi-Comfort Home' GridSTAR Energy Demonstration Structure, located at The Navy Yard in Philadelphia, utilizes industry-leading construction techniques and an innovative strategy for energy generation, management and coordination within the host microgrid. The Apollo II photovoltaic roofing system, as well as fiberglass and spray foam insulation, foundation drainage and waterproofing systems, insulated vinyl siding and gypsum board, were provided by CertainTeed Corporation. Spearheaded by Penn State with support from the U.S. Department of Energy, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), the GridSTAR Net Zero Energy Demonstration Structure is the first phase of the GridSTAR Center and will serve as a valuable hub for workforce training, building performance testing, energy management research and “smart” microgrid modernization deployments. Read more about the GridStar Center at www.certainteed.com/pressroom/pressRelease.aspx?id=676

Intrepid Aerial Photos...... http://rcmzeroenergy.com/ROSE-Cottage-Project/project-overview.html

Simple, yet bold, the Hudson Street pendant by Sea Gull Lighting complements a wide array of décor from shabby chic to country farmhouse to sleek contemporary. As if salvaged directly from a turn of the 19th century factory, this “industrial artifact” will add a rich ambience to any 21st century setting. Available in Burnt Sienna, Stardust and Brushed Nickel finishes, the deep dome pendant light offers a choice of LED, incandescent or ENERGY STAR-qualified fluorescent lamping.

OVERVIEW Set into a mature Boston area neighborhood, this sophisticated 2900SF home offers efficient use of space, expression through form, and myriad of green features. MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIVING Designed to accommodate three family generations, paired living spaces on the first and second levels are architecturally expressed on the facade by window systems that wrap the front corners of the house. Included are two kitchens, two living areas, an office for two, and two master suites. CURB APPEAL The home includes both modern form and materials, using durable cedar and through-colored fiber cement siding, permeable parking with an electric charging station, and an acrylic overhang to shelter foot traffic from rain. FEATURE STAIR An open stair with resin treads and glass rails winds from the basement to the third floor, channeling natural light through all the home’s levels. LEVEL ONE The first floor kitchen opens to the living and dining space, offering a grand piano and wall of south facing glass. A master suite and private ‘home office for two’ complete the level. LEVEL TWO The second floor includes another open concept living, dining, and kitchen space, with kitchen sink views over the green roof. A full bath, bedroom and reading nook are perfect for the children. LEVEL THREE The third floor provides the second master suite, with separate sink and wardrobe area, plus a private roofdeck. ENERGY The super insulated home features air-tight construction, continuous exterior insulation, and triple-glazed windows. The walls and basement feature foam-free cavity & exterior insulation. On the rooftop, a solar electric system helps offset energy consumption. WATER Cisterns capture stormwater and connect to a drip irrigation system. Inside the home, consumption is limited with high efficiency fixtures and appliances. TEAM Architecture & Mechanical Design – ZeroEnergy Design Contractor – Aedi Construction Photos – Eric Roth Photography

view of solar panels + green roof from above, with farmlands and greenhouse beyond. jimmy cheng photography
Studio / workshop shed - small rustic detached studio / workshop shed idea in Orange County

The retirement home for an older couple is 2000sf on one level plus a full basement for storage. The house employs a combination of passive and active solar strategies resulting in a house that is NET POSITIVE!! The house generates more energy than it uses.

The artist's rendition shows the Unity Home, which was built on site at the Greenbuild 2015 conference in Washington, D.C. SunPower's all-black high efficiency solar panels can be seen on the lower roof at left, helping this LEED-certified home achieve net zero energy, meaning it generates as much power as it uses.

Please see this Award Winning project in the October 2014 issue of New York Cottages & Gardens Magazine: NYC&G http://www.cottages-gardens.com/New-York-Cottages-Gardens/October-2014/NYCG-Innovation-in-Design-Winners-Kitchen-Design/ It was also featured in a Houzz Tour: Houzz Tour: Loving the Old and New in an 1880s Brooklyn Row House http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29691278/list/houzz-tour-loving-the-old-and-new-in-an-1880s-brooklyn-row-house Photo Credit: Hulya Kolabas

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by John Sutton Photography.

Marvin Next Generation Double Hung windows with ebony exterior finish. Wood windows.
Example of a mid-sized transitional white two-story wood gable roof design in Atlanta with a shingle roof