At an elevation of 8750' and winter design temperature of -16 degrees F, the historic mountain mining town of Telluride, Colorado can be cold! Beyond Efficiency was brought on board for its cold-climate expertise and provided buiding envelope advising and detailing, mechanical engineering, and guidance in surpassing Telluride's energy efficiency requirements for the new single-family home. The project was completed in the fall of 2016. Our detailed plan review of preliminary building envelope details services identified thermal bridging issues at basement wall intersections with the slab and raised floor. Simple modifications significantly reduced heat loss and improved constructability. We also advised on the above-ground framed wall assemby, which resulted in a 2x6 wood-framed wall insulated with dense-pack cellulose, ZIP System sheathing (which doubles as the airtight weather-resistant barrier (WRB)), 2" continuous rigid mineral wool insulation, 1x4 furring, and fiber cement lap siding. The wall assembly reduces heat loss 20% compared to Telluride's minimum requirement, and the R-52 roof assembly is 35% better than code. Alpen high-solar gain fiberglass windows, which include a low-E film suspended between the two panes of glass, reduce window-related heat losses by 50% compared to code and round out the high-performance envelope package. The final mechanical system design includes heat-recovery ventilation and in-floor radiant hydronic heating provided from a 95% AFUE high-efficiency condensing gas boiler. Utility bills from the first year of occupancy demonstrate the project's highly efficient design: the household's total site energy is about 20% less than that of the average Colorado residence, an impressive feat given that Telluride is in a significantly more extreme climate zone than a majority of Colorado's population. Photo credit: Arkin Tilt Architects

The Montecito Estate wood burning fireplace can be used to heat multiple rooms within you home with our gravity vent kit option. Through natural convection or with the aid of the heat-circulating fan, warm air can be directed up to 10 feet away into one or two adjacent rooms, giving you the flexibility to heat up to three areas. Heat the family room with the fireplace, and the dining room and upstairs bedroom with the gravity kit. You can also choose to more efficiently heat a large space by directing heat through multiple vents. ADDITIONAL OPTIONS Hammered Steel or Smooth Door (One Required) Hammered Steel or Smooth Facade (One Required) Rigid Fire Screen Double Duct Gravity Kit Forced Air Kit EXCLUSIVE FEATURES *Circulating design features facade, arch door and ceramic glass for optimum heat transfer. *EPA phase II certified wood heater *4.0 cubic foot insulated firebox the accepts up to 30" log size for increased performance. *White stacked textured refractory panels with integrated ash lip and decorative cast iron log retainer. *air combustion control for variable heat output with time-delayed air boost for faster wood ignition during startup *includes insulated outside air kit (required for use) *86.7% Thermal efficiency and heats up to 2,500 square feet. *Efficient air wash system that keep glass clean *Steel double door with heat resistant door handle that stays cool to the touch *Includes heat activated 350 CFM variable speed blower for time delayed heat distribution *Dual ducted gravity kit and/or thermostatically controlled forced air kit available (three maximum outlets) *Durable high temperature paint finish *Lifetime limited Warranty

Presenting a mid-century modern home in Mill Valley with simple yet dramatic architectural features located at 523 Brookline Avenue Mill Valley CA. Perched above a very quiet spot at the end of a cul de sac, this brand new and visually interesting home boasts panoramic degree views of Tam Valley. With impeccable attention to detail, the contemporary design has an inviting vaulted entry opening up into the living and dining areas with high exposed wood ceilings. Wonderful natural light floods the rooms. Perfectly integrating the wooded surroundings, this comfortable and high tech home features four new outdoor decks off the kitchen, yard, living/dining rooms, and the master bedroom. Wonderful natural light floods the rooms. The living room, dining room and kitchen are all integrated with sleek design finishes including contemporary cable railing, interesting and repeated architectural detailing and matte finished hardwood flooring all with expansive views. This home reflects a refined taste and a sense of style that is noted in the careful orientation of the roof line, the windows and the outdoor living areas. The designer, Charles Stewart Architects, has created an experience, not just a home. Perfectly integrating the wooded surroundings, this comfortable and high tech home features four new outdoor decks off the kitchen, yard, living/dining rooms, and the master bedroom. The master bathroom includes a large shower and a soaking tub. State of the art appliances (Bosch, Samsung, LG) and high tech detecting systems guarantee safety and privacy. The home features Nest operating systems including heating system control and smoke/heat detection systems plus controls for garage doors and all accessible via your smart phone for programming and monitoring. With an award winning school district, an excellent pre-school (Kumara), the Tamalpais Community Center, a new Good Earth grocery store coming soon to the neighborhood and easy access to the recently renovated Eastwood Park as well as to San Francisco, the location can't be beat!

New Master Bath Remodel includes Ditra-Heat flooring for that extra warmth all year round. The door opening to the Master Bath was widened and a farm door added for easier access; aging in place. The ‘notch’ in the Master Countertop was added for ease of shower access. A hidden pull-out drawer was added in Master Bath for extra storage. Large 12×24 Anthracite Black Porcelain Tile was used for the floor. Use of Stained Alder Knotty Cabinets with Giallo Ornamental Granite Countertops and offset with a White Undermount Sink. French Creek Designs Kitchen & Bath Design Studio – where selections begin. Let us design and dream with you. Overwhelmed on where to start that Home Improvement, Kitchen or Bath Project? Let our Designers video conference or sit down with you, take the overwhelming out of the picture and assist in choosing your materials. Whether new construction, full remodel or just a partial remodel, we can help you to make it an enjoyable experience to design your dream space. “Making Your Home Beautiful One Room at a Time with your local Kitchen & Bath Experts at French Creek Designs Center.” #openforbusiness #casper #wyoming #casperbusiness #frenchcreekdesigns #shoplocal #casperwyoming #bathremodeling #bathdesigners #pebbles #niche #showersurround #showertiles #showerdrains #showerbench #cabinets #countertops #knobsandpulls #sinksandfaucets #flooring #tileandmosiacs #laundryremodel #homeimprovement

New Master Bath Remodel includes Ditra-Heat flooring for that extra warmth all year round. The door opening to the Master Bath was widened and a farm door added for easier access; aging in place. The ‘notch’ in the Master Countertop was added for ease of shower access. A hidden pull-out drawer was added in Master Bath for extra storage. Large 12×24 Anthracite Black Porcelain Tile was used for the floor. Use of Stained Alder Knotty Cabinets with Giallo Ornamental Granite Countertops and offset with a White Undermount Sink. French Creek Designs Kitchen & Bath Design Studio – where selections begin. Let us design and dream with you. Overwhelmed on where to start that Home Improvement, Kitchen or Bath Project? Let our Designers video conference or sit down with you, take the overwhelming out of the picture and assist in choosing your materials. Whether new construction, full remodel or just a partial remodel, we can help you to make it an enjoyable experience to design your dream space. “Making Your Home Beautiful One Room at a Time with your local Kitchen & Bath Experts at French Creek Designs Center.” #openforbusiness #casper #wyoming #casperbusiness #frenchcreekdesigns #shoplocal #casperwyoming #bathremodeling #bathdesigners #pebbles #niche #showersurround #showertiles #showerdrains #showerbench #cabinets #countertops #knobsandpulls #sinksandfaucets #flooring #tileandmosiacs #laundryremodel #homeimprovement

Large cottage master porcelain tile bathroom photo in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink and quartzite countertops

Final ridge cap & metal pan details
Example of a mid-sized urban one-story exterior home design in DC Metro with a metal roof

SUITABLE STORAGE. Large lift-up Robern medicine cabinets provide a unique storage option with integrated interior lighting, electrical outlets and cable management area. Special bath features include heated porcelain tile flooring with a contemporary wood charm, as well as a heated towel rack to keep cozy and warm during the winter months. Photography by Anice Hoachlander

Better Homes and Gardens decided to build, furnish and tech out the ideal house: the Better Homes and Gardens 2015 Innovation Home. It's full of useful and accessible products and ideas, including the Heat & Glo Carolina outdoor gas fireplace. // Photo by: Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens decided to build, furnish and tech out the ideal house: the Better Homes and Gardens 2015 Innovation Home. It's full of useful and accessible products and ideas, including the Heate & Glo TRUE gas fireplace. // Photo by: Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens decided to build, furnish and tech out the ideal house: the Better Homes and Gardens 2015 Innovation Home. It's full of useful and accessible products and ideas, including the Heate & Glo TRUE gas fireplace. // Photo by: Better Homes and Gardens

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

Evening view of living room from outside
Patio - mid-sized modern patio idea in Other

Shawn Talbot Photography
Example of a trendy rooftop rooftop deck design in Vancouver with a fire pit and no cover

Family bathroom for three small kids with double ended bath and separate shower, two vanity units and mirror cabinets. Photos: Fraser Marr
Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Oxfordshire with yellow walls

Master bathroom addition includes heated floor, heated shower floor, a custom shower bench and heated seat. A large Jacuzzi tub was installed along with custom cabinets and a floating vanity. This bathroom included canned lighting. There are beautiful granite counter tops at the vanity and surrounding the tub.

Master bathroom addition includes heated floor, heated shower floor, a custom shower bench and heated seat. A large Jacuzzi tub was installed along with custom cabinets and a floating vanity. This bathroom included canned lighting. There are beautiful granite counter tops at the vanity and surrounding the tub.

Master bathroom addition includes heated floor, heated shower floor, a custom shower bench and heated seat. A large Jacuzzi tub was installed along with custom cabinets and a floating vanity. This bathroom included canned lighting. There are beautiful granite counter tops at the vanity and surrounding the tub.

A new layout maximised the small space but still provided the much needed storage while still retaining all the necessities of a large bathroom including heated floors, heated towel rails, robe hooks, concealed hand held shower as well as a rain head, storage niche for shampoo and conditioner, recessed floating vanity, recessed vanity mirror with storage