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H2D Architecture + Design developed a comprehensive vision for the renovation of this Bellevue residence, creating a cohesive master plan that can be implemented in phased construction to align with the homeowners' priorities, budget, and timeline. The first phase reimagined the primary suite, including a redesigned bathroom, reconfigured closet and bedroom. Strategic space planning enhanced the functionality and flow of each space while creating a serene, spa-inspired retreat tailored to the homeowners' lifestyle. Future phases will transform the home's main living areas through a complete reconfiguration of the kitchen, dining room, entry, and living room. The design will improve circulation, increase functionality, and create light-filled, beautifully connected spaces.
Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design
www.h2darchitects.com
Interiors: Kat Lawton Interiors
Photos by: John Granen

The kitchen in this 1950’s home needed a complete overhaul. It was dark, outdated and inefficient.
The homeowners wanted to give the space a modern feel without losing the 50’s vibe that is consistent throughout the rest of the home.
The homeowner’s needs included:
- Working within a fixed space, though reconfiguring or moving walls was okay
- Incorporating work space for two chefs
- Creating a mudroom
- Maintaining the existing laundry chute
- A concealed trash receptacle
The new kitchen makes use of every inch of space. To maximize counter and cabinet space, we closed in a second exit door and removed a wall between the kitchen and family room. This allowed us to create two L shaped workspaces and an eat-in bar space. A new mudroom entrance was gained by capturing space from an existing closet next to the main exit door.
The industrial lighting fixtures and wrought iron hardware bring a modern touch to this retro space. Inset doors on cabinets and beadboard details replicate details found throughout the rest of this 50’s era house.
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This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood.
INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site.
EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot.
THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place.
HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde.
YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements.
RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage.
OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet.
ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer
Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor
Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering
Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design
Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings
Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Our homeowner had dreamt about one day redoing her beyond outdated kitchen since they day her husband carried her over the threshold. Vinyl flooring used for a backsplash, dingy carpeting, laminate with no sheen left to speak of and mismatched cabinetry…. it was time to make it happen. A year’s worth of planning later, her time capsule became one dreamy kitchen.
Functionality reigns supreme in this small, but efficient kitchen where every cabinet has a story to tell and a place to store it. Countertop space to the right of the stove was an added necessity for function and safety. The raised snack bar is perfect for day to day meals and the lowered countertop was a must for this petite baker. A new lighting plan includes recessed lights, under-cabinet and accent lights, while new lighting fixtures reflect the client’s sense of style. Dingy brick patterned carpet was removed making way for new hardwood floors toothed in from the dining room.
An airy palette gained some weight with the use of larger details; the oversized hood, beefy turned posts, prominent apron front sink and a grouping of tall cabinets on the refrigerator wall. Glass cabinet fronts, shiny beveled subway tile, and granite countertops allow light to dance around the space.
Zachary Seib Photography

Not everyone would see the hidden beauty in the Yonkers property destined for the wrecking ball in 2000. But one family took the serious fixer-upper under their wing. Crumbling walls, overgrown maples (indeed, saplings were busting through the brick walls), and deer living in the basement was the state of affairs when Westover Landscape Design initially arrived on the scene. A year of intensive, meticulous, thoughtful renovation by the homeowner followed while the house was brought up to speed. When the last construction machine finally rumbled out, that’s when Robert Welsch and his crew began their odyssey.
The goal was to honor the newly restored relic and deliver it into the future with fitting surroundings. “We wanted to bring that treasure back to life,” Robert Welsch explains. Working closely with the homeowner as well as the city of Yonkers to guide the restoration, their first feat was to install a proper drainage system with catchments capable of keeping storm water from the massive roof flowing away. Before anything was visible on the surface, extensive work was accomplished underground. Meanwhile, a plan was drafted to honor the era of the house. Westover chose bluestone as the primary path material for its easy maintenance and simplicity when laying the swank configuration of pathways around the house and outward to an entertaining pavilion. By cleverly hemming the bluestone with period brick that echoes the building material for the house for continuity, the result is a smart and sophisticated finish to a promenade that constantly draws the family and their pets outdoors. Brick was also used to rebuild the walled gardens for the much-needed privacy in a close-knit Yonkers community. And a graceful wrought iron gate enhances the arrival experience. But walls and gates were not the only element to screen and reveal views—plant selection was critical.
Few landscapers would go the extra mile to find period perfect plants for a 19th Century restoration, but Robert Welsch saw the importance of authenticity in creating the mood. He repeated large trees—such as an exquisite London plane tree in the front yard—to balance the expression in the back. Recognizing the need for immediate stature, he selected a weeping willow to gain instant volume, giving the landscape a sense of deep roots. A weeping Camperdown elm adds sophisticated drama to the walled stroll gardens. Hydrangeas were incorporated for their billowy stature, easy maintenance, and long blooming season. Similarly, all the plants in residence play their part in the display that goes beyond the usual spring fling to extend throughout the growing season—offering visual interest even when they are not performing. From spring bulbs to autumn perennials, there is never a dull moment. Meanwhile, every step along the way was a collaboration working hand-in-hand with the homeowner and the city to make certain that the historic landmark status of the property was upheld and honored.
The result goes beyond a landscape that is just old faithful. It adds life to the picture, creating a jewel-like setting for the newly proud house. In a word, it is sublime. By planting wisely and using sustainable elements, the restored house and its surroundings are ready for the next generation and beyond. This Yonkers gem remains meticulously groomed under the watchful eye and skill of Westover Landscape Design’s team of gardeners—It’s a keeper.

The homeowners of this retro inspired space, are a young couple that desired to create an open kitchen and dining area. The remodeling goal was to have a space to entertain family and friends. The challenge was to keep the architecture true to the original 1960s mid-century ranch home, while gaining the function of a modern day home.The major structural change came from removing part of the wall that existed between the kitchen and the dining room. This opened up a whole new world of entertaining space. Now it actually feels like they gained square footage by removing that section of wall. New updated appliances were added to give the homeowners fashionable function in a modern kitchen. The original hardwood flooring, was hidden under carpeting and was restored by local floor specialists.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood.
INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site.
EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot.
THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place.
HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde.
YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements.
RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage.
OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet.
ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer
Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor
Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering
Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design
Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings
Eric Roth Photography - Photography

The kitchen in this 1950’s home needed a complete overhaul. It was dark, outdated and inefficient.
The homeowners wanted to give the space a modern feel without losing the 50’s vibe that is consistent throughout the rest of the home.
The homeowner’s needs included:
- Working within a fixed space, though reconfiguring or moving walls was okay
- Incorporating work space for two chefs
- Creating a mudroom
- Maintaining the existing laundry chute
- A concealed trash receptacle
The new kitchen makes use of every inch of space. To maximize counter and cabinet space, we closed in a second exit door and removed a wall between the kitchen and family room. This allowed us to create two L shaped workspaces and an eat-in bar space. A new mudroom entrance was gained by capturing space from an existing closet next to the main exit door.
The industrial lighting fixtures and wrought iron hardware bring a modern touch to this retro space. Inset doors on cabinets and beadboard details replicate details found throughout the rest of this 50’s era house.

This 1960’s home underwent a striking transformation--remodeling the kitchen, hall bathroom and laundry room. These homeowners dreamed of an open floor plan that would unite the kitchen and adjacent living areas. To accomplish this, we removed an imposing chimney that separated the kitchen from the living room. Additionally, we eliminated a weight-bearing wall that was between the kitchen and dining room. What a change! The spaces that formerly felt dark and confined are now bright and connected, comfortably accommodating larger gatherings.
When considering the specifics of design, we wanted to stay true to the home’s mid-century roots, while updating it with today’s style elements. Embracing the mid-century aspects, we played off some of the existing features of the home by mirroring them in the spaces we redesigned. To introduce today’s style, we thoughtfully incorporated the finishes and touches that would aptly reflect that component. The resulting design is beautifully juxtaposed by the homeowners’ treasured antique furniture pieces.
In the kitchen, we enhanced the open and airy feel by choosing a light greige color for the inset cabinetry paired with a tonal light-colored, blue-veined quartz for the countertops. These tones are perfectly complemented by the gold finishes of the cabinet hardware, faucets, and mid-century modern pendants. To maximize the storage potential of this kitchen, we customized the cabinetry with a convenient utensil organizer and a blind corner “cloud” pullout. A full height zellige-style tile backsplash with custom floating shelves makes for an impressive statement wall. With family get togethers in mind, we added an additional bar/prep sink and a spacious breakfast nook with a good deal of bench storage. A vertically-slatted wood half-wall separates the kitchen and breakfast nook, replicating the original mid-century wall detail at the entry.
Between the living room and kitchen, we designed a semi-open bar-height peninsula, accenting the bar front with a vertical shiplap kickplate in a bold blue. Carrying this color statement through the kitchen, the homeowner selected a “Navy Steel” Samsung Bespoke refrigerator and an AGA Mercury range, in “Blueberry.” These colors are also echoed in the multi-tonal quartz.
In the hall bathroom, we were aiming for the bright ambiance we’d achieved in the living areas. The penny round tile flooring and full height zellige-look tile combine for a classy, elevated look. In keeping with the kitchen, we installed similar gold fixtures and inset cabinetry and the same beautiful quartz countertop. The vanity towers provide these happy homeowners with additional room to store all their necessities.
Through the design process, we were able to gain square footage in the laundry room which allowed for the extra cabinet space the homeowners were looking for. Of course, a remodel is never complete without conveniences for the pets. The kitty’s litter box is neatly tucked in the cabinet behind a custom cat-cutout--a cute and tidy idea!
Kitchen Selections: Cabinet color-Farrow & Ball Ammonite No. 274; Countertops-Silestone Pietra; Cabinet hardware-Top Knobs Barrington collection in Honey Bronze; Pendants-Rejuvenation Palo Alto; Faucets- Delta Trinsic in Champagne Bronze; Tile-Tilebar Portmore 4x4 in White; Island bar shiplap color-Farrow and Ball Wine Dark No. 308
Bathroom Selections: Floor tile-Cepac Classic Rounds in Cloud; Tile-Tilebar Portmore 4x4 in White; Cabinet color-Farrow & Ball Purbeck Stone No. 275; Countertop-Silestone Pietra; Faucet-Delta Trinsic in Champagne Bronze

Designer: Natalie Hanson
Home Style: Craftsman/Bungalow
Design Style: Transitional
Project Completion Date: December 2016
This project included adding a 2nd floor dormer bathroom to an attic space that already had 2 finished bedrooms, as well as renovating the kitchen. The homeowner was very design savvy and had most of the materials and fixtures selected before coming to Castle.The kitchen was a full renovation with a new, more functional layout. The cabinets were custom made with traditional details like inset doors and drawers, and stiles that run to the floor to add old character and charm.
The new layout makes the kitchen feel much larger, although no square footage was added or gained from adjoining spaces. A trash/recycling/compost center was added under an existing window, and the homeowner’s original banquette seating area was reinstalled with a new wood top and fresh coat of paint. Soapstone countertops offer a wonderful matte texture that will patina over time. The backsplash is a handmade, traditional craftsman style tile, but in a fresh, modern size to maintain an updated look. Hardwood floors were installed to match the existing in the rest of the home, and traditional fixtures we used to reinforce the old-style charm.
The attic dormer was completed for a new ¾ bathroom on the upper level where the master bedroom was. This modern bathroom oasis features a grand Carrara marble shower with shaving ledge and storage niches, a beautiful porcelain heated tile floor, and new traditional cabinetry to match the new kitchen. The plumbing fixtures, lighting and accessories all enhance the space – adding a little sparkle and keeping with the more traditional feel.
An inset closet and new carpeting were also installed along with the new dormer addition on the 2nd floor finishing out the attic with luxury, comfort and fun accents that reflect the homeowner’s great design eye and personality.

Designer: Natalie Hanson
Home Style: Craftsman/Bungalow
Design Style: Transitional
Project Completion Date: December 2016
This project included adding a 2nd floor dormer bathroom to an attic space that already had 2 finished bedrooms, as well as renovating the kitchen. The homeowner was very design savvy and had most of the materials and fixtures selected before coming to Castle.The kitchen was a full renovation with a new, more functional layout. The cabinets were custom made with traditional details like inset doors and drawers, and stiles that run to the floor to add old character and charm.
The new layout makes the kitchen feel much larger, although no square footage was added or gained from adjoining spaces. A trash/recycling/compost center was added under an existing window, and the homeowner’s original banquette seating area was reinstalled with a new wood top and fresh coat of paint. Soapstone countertops offer a wonderful matte texture that will patina over time. The backsplash is a handmade, traditional craftsman style tile, but in a fresh, modern size to maintain an updated look. Hardwood floors were installed to match the existing in the rest of the home, and traditional fixtures we used to reinforce the old-style charm.
The attic dormer was completed for a new ¾ bathroom on the upper level where the master bedroom was. This modern bathroom oasis features a grand Carrara marble shower with shaving ledge and storage niches, a beautiful porcelain heated tile floor, and new traditional cabinetry to match the new kitchen. The plumbing fixtures, lighting and accessories all enhance the space – adding a little sparkle and keeping with the more traditional feel.
An inset closet and new carpeting were also installed along with the new dormer addition on the 2nd floor finishing out the attic with luxury, comfort and fun accents that reflect the homeowner’s great design eye and personality.

This 1960’s home underwent a striking transformation--remodeling the kitchen, hall bathroom and laundry room. These homeowners dreamed of an open floor plan that would unite the kitchen and adjacent living areas. To accomplish this, we removed an imposing chimney that separated the kitchen from the living room. Additionally, we eliminated a weight-bearing wall that was between the kitchen and dining room. What a change! The spaces that formerly felt dark and confined are now bright and connected, comfortably accommodating larger gatherings.
When considering the specifics of design, we wanted to stay true to the home’s mid-century roots, while updating it with today’s style elements. Embracing the mid-century aspects, we played off some of the existing features of the home by mirroring them in the spaces we redesigned. To introduce today’s style, we thoughtfully incorporated the finishes and touches that would aptly reflect that component. The resulting design is beautifully juxtaposed by the homeowners’ treasured antique furniture pieces.
In the kitchen, we enhanced the open and airy feel by choosing a light greige color for the inset cabinetry paired with a tonal light-colored, blue-veined quartz for the countertops. These tones are perfectly complemented by the gold finishes of the cabinet hardware, faucets, and mid-century modern pendants. To maximize the storage potential of this kitchen, we customized the cabinetry with a convenient utensil organizer and a blind corner “cloud” pullout. A full height zellige-style tile backsplash with custom floating shelves makes for an impressive statement wall. With family get togethers in mind, we added an additional bar/prep sink and a spacious breakfast nook with a good deal of bench storage. A vertically-slatted wood half-wall separates the kitchen and breakfast nook, replicating the original mid-century wall detail at the entry.
Between the living room and kitchen, we designed a semi-open bar-height peninsula, accenting the bar front with a vertical shiplap kickplate in a bold blue. Carrying this color statement through the kitchen, the homeowner selected a “Navy Steel” Samsung Bespoke refrigerator and an AGA Mercury range, in “Blueberry.” These colors are also echoed in the multi-tonal quartz.
In the hall bathroom, we were aiming for the bright ambiance we’d achieved in the living areas. The penny round tile flooring and full height zellige-look tile combine for a classy, elevated look. In keeping with the kitchen, we installed similar gold fixtures and inset cabinetry and the same beautiful quartz countertop. The vanity towers provide these happy homeowners with additional room to store all their necessities.
Through the design process, we were able to gain square footage in the laundry room which allowed for the extra cabinet space the homeowners were looking for. Of course, a remodel is never complete without conveniences for the pets. The kitty’s litter box is neatly tucked in the cabinet behind a custom cat-cutout--a cute and tidy idea!
Kitchen Selections: Cabinet color-Farrow & Ball Ammonite No. 274; Countertops-Silestone Pietra; Cabinet hardware-Top Knobs Barrington collection in Honey Bronze; Pendants-Rejuvenation Palo Alto; Faucets- Delta Trinsic in Champagne Bronze; Tile-Tilebar Portmore 4x4 in White; Island bar shiplap color-Farrow and Ball Wine Dark No. 308
Bathroom Selections: Floor tile-Cepac Classic Rounds in Cloud; Tile-Tilebar Portmore 4x4 in White; Cabinet color-Farrow & Ball Purbeck Stone No. 275; Countertop-Silestone Pietra; Faucet-Delta Trinsic in Champagne Bronze

This 1960’s home underwent a striking transformation--remodeling the kitchen, hall bathroom and laundry room. These homeowners dreamed of an open floor plan that would unite the kitchen and adjacent living areas. To accomplish this, we removed an imposing chimney that separated the kitchen from the living room. Additionally, we eliminated a weight-bearing wall that was between the kitchen and dining room. What a change! The spaces that formerly felt dark and confined are now bright and connected, comfortably accommodating larger gatherings.
When considering the specifics of design, we wanted to stay true to the home’s mid-century roots, while updating it with today’s style elements. Embracing the mid-century aspects, we played off some of the existing features of the home by mirroring them in the spaces we redesigned. To introduce today’s style, we thoughtfully incorporated the finishes and touches that would aptly reflect that component. The resulting design is beautifully juxtaposed by the homeowners’ treasured antique furniture pieces.
In the kitchen, we enhanced the open and airy feel by choosing a light greige color for the inset cabinetry paired with a tonal light-colored, blue-veined quartz for the countertops. These tones are perfectly complemented by the gold finishes of the cabinet hardware, faucets, and mid-century modern pendants. To maximize the storage potential of this kitchen, we customized the cabinetry with a convenient utensil organizer and a blind corner “cloud” pullout. A full height zellige-style tile backsplash with custom floating shelves makes for an impressive statement wall. With family get togethers in mind, we added an additional bar/prep sink and a spacious breakfast nook with a good deal of bench storage. A vertically-slatted wood half-wall separates the kitchen and breakfast nook, replicating the original mid-century wall detail at the entry.
Between the living room and kitchen, we designed a semi-open bar-height peninsula, accenting the bar front with a vertical shiplap kickplate in a bold blue. Carrying this color statement through the kitchen, the homeowner selected a “Navy Steel” Samsung Bespoke refrigerator and an AGA Mercury range, in “Blueberry.” These colors are also echoed in the multi-tonal quartz.
In the hall bathroom, we were aiming for the bright ambiance we’d achieved in the living areas. The penny round tile flooring and full height zellige-look tile combine for a classy, elevated look. In keeping with the kitchen, we installed similar gold fixtures and inset cabinetry and the same beautiful quartz countertop. The vanity towers provide these happy homeowners with additional room to store all their necessities.
Through the design process, we were able to gain square footage in the laundry room which allowed for the extra cabinet space the homeowners were looking for. Of course, a remodel is never complete without conveniences for the pets. The kitty’s litter box is neatly tucked in the cabinet behind a custom cat-cutout--a cute and tidy idea!
Kitchen Selections: Cabinet color-Farrow & Ball Ammonite No. 274; Countertops-Silestone Pietra; Cabinet hardware-Top Knobs Barrington collection in Honey Bronze; Pendants-Rejuvenation Palo Alto; Faucets- Delta Trinsic in Champagne Bronze; Tile-Tilebar Portmore 4x4 in White; Island bar shiplap color-Farrow and Ball Wine Dark No. 308
Bathroom Selections: Floor tile-Cepac Classic Rounds in Cloud; Tile-Tilebar Portmore 4x4 in White; Cabinet color-Farrow & Ball Purbeck Stone No. 275; Countertop-Silestone Pietra; Faucet-Delta Trinsic in Champagne Bronze

Project Overview: The Backyard Renovation 3D Rendering project was developed to visually communicate the design intent and vision for a residential outdoor space. The project aimed to provide clear and engaging representations for both the contractor and the homeowner's association, facilitating a shared understanding of the proposed enhancements.
Key Features:
1. New Driveway with Automatic Gates: The design features a contemporary driveway equipped with automated gates, providing convenience and improved security for the property.
2. Exercise Gym with Yoga Area: A dedicated space for fitness activities that includes both a traditional exercise gym and a serene yoga area, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
3. Coffee Station with Juice Bar: This inviting area is designed for relaxation and socialization, featuring a coffee station complemented by a juice bar to enhance outdoor entertaining.
4. Secluded Meditation Space: A tranquil retreat is included, featuring a soothing wall fountain, cold plunge, and sauna, all surrounded by lush tropical vegetation to create an oasis for relaxation and mindfulness.
5. Lush Tropical Vegetation: The landscaping incorporates a variety of tropical plants that enhance privacy, beautify the space, and contribute to the overall calming atmosphere of the outdoor environment.
Project Goals: The main goals of the project were to:
• Visualize the backyard renovation to gain approval from the homeowner’s association.
• Facilitate collaboration with the contractor by providing detailed renderings.
• Create an aesthetically appealing and functional outdoor living space that meets the lifestyle needs of the homeowners.
The 3D renderings successfully encapsulated the vision for the backyard renovation, presenting a harmonious blend of design and functionality. The visualizations served as a critical tool in moving forward with the project, ensuring clarity in communication and direction for all stakeholders involved.

Designer: Natalie Hanson
Home Style: Craftsman/Bungalow
Design Style: Transitional
Project Completion Date: December 2016
This project included adding a 2nd floor dormer bathroom to an attic space that already had 2 finished bedrooms, as well as renovating the kitchen. The homeowner was very design savvy and had most of the materials and fixtures selected before coming to Castle.The kitchen was a full renovation with a new, more functional layout. The cabinets were custom made with traditional details like inset doors and drawers, and stiles that run to the floor to add old character and charm.
The new layout makes the kitchen feel much larger, although no square footage was added or gained from adjoining spaces. A trash/recycling/compost center was added under an existing window, and the homeowner’s original banquette seating area was reinstalled with a new wood top and fresh coat of paint. Soapstone countertops offer a wonderful matte texture that will patina over time. The backsplash is a handmade, traditional craftsman style tile, but in a fresh, modern size to maintain an updated look. Hardwood floors were installed to match the existing in the rest of the home, and traditional fixtures we used to reinforce the old-style charm.
The attic dormer was completed for a new ¾ bathroom on the upper level where the master bedroom was. This modern bathroom oasis features a grand Carrara marble shower with shaving ledge and storage niches, a beautiful porcelain heated tile floor, and new traditional cabinetry to match the new kitchen. The plumbing fixtures, lighting and accessories all enhance the space – adding a little sparkle and keeping with the more traditional feel.
An inset closet and new carpeting were also installed along with the new dormer addition on the 2nd floor finishing out the attic with luxury, comfort and fun accents that reflect the homeowner’s great design eye and personality.

Designer: Natalie Hanson
Home Style: Craftsman/Bungalow
Design Style: Transitional
Project Completion Date: December 2016
This project included adding a 2nd floor dormer bathroom to an attic space that already had 2 finished bedrooms, as well as renovating the kitchen. The homeowner was very design savvy and had most of the materials and fixtures selected before coming to Castle.The kitchen was a full renovation with a new, more functional layout. The cabinets were custom made with traditional details like inset doors and drawers, and stiles that run to the floor to add old character and charm.
The new layout makes the kitchen feel much larger, although no square footage was added or gained from adjoining spaces. A trash/recycling/compost center was added under an existing window, and the homeowner’s original banquette seating area was reinstalled with a new wood top and fresh coat of paint. Soapstone countertops offer a wonderful matte texture that will patina over time. The backsplash is a handmade, traditional craftsman style tile, but in a fresh, modern size to maintain an updated look. Hardwood floors were installed to match the existing in the rest of the home, and traditional fixtures we used to reinforce the old-style charm.
The attic dormer was completed for a new ¾ bathroom on the upper level where the master bedroom was. This modern bathroom oasis features a grand Carrara marble shower with shaving ledge and storage niches, a beautiful porcelain heated tile floor, and new traditional cabinetry to match the new kitchen. The plumbing fixtures, lighting and accessories all enhance the space – adding a little sparkle and keeping with the more traditional feel.
An inset closet and new carpeting were also installed along with the new dormer addition on the 2nd floor finishing out the attic with luxury, comfort and fun accents that reflect the homeowner’s great design eye and personality.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood.
INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site.
EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot.
THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place.
HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde.
YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements.
RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage.
OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet.
ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer
Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor
Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering
Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design
Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings
Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Designer: Natalie Hanson
Home Style: Craftsman/Bungalow
Design Style: Transitional
Project Completion Date: December 2016
This project included adding a 2nd floor dormer bathroom to an attic space that already had 2 finished bedrooms, as well as renovating the kitchen. The homeowner was very design savvy and had most of the materials and fixtures selected before coming to Castle.The kitchen was a full renovation with a new, more functional layout. The cabinets were custom made with traditional details like inset doors and drawers, and stiles that run to the floor to add old character and charm.
The new layout makes the kitchen feel much larger, although no square footage was added or gained from adjoining spaces. A trash/recycling/compost center was added under an existing window, and the homeowner’s original banquette seating area was reinstalled with a new wood top and fresh coat of paint. Soapstone countertops offer a wonderful matte texture that will patina over time. The backsplash is a handmade, traditional craftsman style tile, but in a fresh, modern size to maintain an updated look. Hardwood floors were installed to match the existing in the rest of the home, and traditional fixtures we used to reinforce the old-style charm.
The attic dormer was completed for a new ¾ bathroom on the upper level where the master bedroom was. This modern bathroom oasis features a grand Carrara marble shower with shaving ledge and storage niches, a beautiful porcelain heated tile floor, and new traditional cabinetry to match the new kitchen. The plumbing fixtures, lighting and accessories all enhance the space – adding a little sparkle and keeping with the more traditional feel.
An inset closet and new carpeting were also installed along with the new dormer addition on the 2nd floor finishing out the attic with luxury, comfort and fun accents that reflect the homeowner’s great design eye and personality.

Project Overview: The Backyard Renovation 3D Rendering project was developed to visually communicate the design intent and vision for a residential outdoor space. The project aimed to provide clear and engaging representations for both the contractor and the homeowner's association, facilitating a shared understanding of the proposed enhancements.
Key Features:
1. New Driveway with Automatic Gates: The design features a contemporary driveway equipped with automated gates, providing convenience and improved security for the property.
2. Exercise Gym with Yoga Area: A dedicated space for fitness activities that includes both a traditional exercise gym and a serene yoga area, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
3. Coffee Station with Juice Bar: This inviting area is designed for relaxation and socialization, featuring a coffee station complemented by a juice bar to enhance outdoor entertaining.
4. Secluded Meditation Space: A tranquil retreat is included, featuring a soothing wall fountain, cold plunge, and sauna, all surrounded by lush tropical vegetation to create an oasis for relaxation and mindfulness.
5. Lush Tropical Vegetation: The landscaping incorporates a variety of tropical plants that enhance privacy, beautify the space, and contribute to the overall calming atmosphere of the outdoor environment.
Project Goals: The main goals of the project were to:
• Visualize the backyard renovation to gain approval from the homeowner’s association.
• Facilitate collaboration with the contractor by providing detailed renderings.
• Create an aesthetically appealing and functional outdoor living space that meets the lifestyle needs of the homeowners.
The 3D renderings successfully encapsulated the vision for the backyard renovation, presenting a harmonious blend of design and functionality. The visualizations served as a critical tool in moving forward with the project, ensuring clarity in communication and direction for all stakeholders involved.
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