Douglas Johnson Photography
Inspiration for a timeless split-level wood brown patio remodel in San Francisco with no cover and a fireplace

Modern family loft renovation. A young couple starting a family in the city purchased this two story loft in Boston's South End. Built in the 1990's, the loft was ready for updates. ZED transformed the space, creating a fresh new look and greatly increasing its functionality to accommodate an expanding family within an urban setting. Improvement were made to the aesthetics, scale, and functionality for the growing family to enjoy. Photos by Eric Roth. Construction by Ralph S. Osmond Company. Green architecture by ZeroEnergy Design.

kazart photography
Example of a transitional medium tone wood floor living room library design in New York with blue walls and no tv

Jane L Luce
Photo of a huge eclectic full sun rooftop landscaping in DC Metro with decking.

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Jane L Luce
Inspiration for a huge eclectic full sun rooftop landscaping in DC Metro with decking.

Jane L Luce
Photo of a huge eclectic full sun rooftop landscaping in DC Metro with decking.

Refresh your home with a bathroom remodel that improves comfort, storage, and design while adding long term value to your space.

Jane L Luce
Design ideas for a huge eclectic full sun rooftop landscaping in DC Metro with decking.

Refresh your home with a kitchen remodel that improves flow, storage, and comfort while adding long term value to your space.

room2improve worked with the clients in this Birmingham Michigan home for about a year. The client went room by room. The rugs and the armoire were existing, and the client wanted to incorporate them into a more eclectic and contemporary look. Through our consultation services, they achieved what they wanted without the long term commitments and service fees of some interior design firms. They wanted floor plans, art and accessory ideas, some new furnitures, wall colors, wallpaper ideas, and built-in ideas.

room2improve worked with the clients in this Birmingham Michigan home for about a year. The client went room by room. The rugs and the armoire were existing, and the client wanted to incorporate them into a more eclectic and contemporary look. Through our consultation services, they achieved what they wanted without the long term commitments and service fees of some interior design firms. They wanted floor plans, art and accessory ideas, some new furnitures, wall colors, wallpaper ideas, and built-in ideas.

This Nashville home renovation updates the exterior with a clean, modern refresh while preserving the home’s original character. New finishes, refined detailing, and improved curb appeal create a welcoming residential façade designed for long-term durability and everyday living. Designed by TKZ Architecture.

Full home remodeling project in Los Angeles featuring complete renovation of the kitchen, bathrooms, and pool area. The property was redesigned with a modern layout, upgraded finishes, and improved functionality throughout all interior spaces. A complete transformation focused on comfort, design, and long-term value.

Full home remodeling project in Los Angeles featuring complete renovation of the kitchen, bathrooms, and pool area. The property was redesigned with a modern layout, upgraded finishes, and improved functionality throughout all interior spaces. A complete transformation focused on comfort, design, and long-term value.

Full home remodeling project in Los Angeles featuring complete renovation of the kitchen, bathrooms, and pool area. The property was redesigned with a modern layout, upgraded finishes, and improved functionality throughout all interior spaces. A complete transformation focused on comfort, design, and long-term value.

Jane L Luce
Photo of a huge eclectic full sun rooftop landscaping in DC Metro with decking.

Full home remodeling project in Los Angeles featuring complete renovation of the kitchen, bathrooms, and pool area. The property was redesigned with a modern layout, upgraded finishes, and improved functionality throughout all interior spaces. A complete transformation focused on comfort, design, and long-term value.