Anthony J. Musso, Architect
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless beige one-story concrete fiberboard gable roof remodel in New York

The SIX is a 52-unit affordable housing project provides a home, support services and rehabilitation for disabled veterans. It is located in the MacArthur Park area of Los Angeles. McArthur Park has one of the highest densities in the USA with over 38,000 people per square mile and a total population of 120,000 people in 2.72 square miles. Offering shelter and comfort, the SIX breaks the prescriptive mold of the traditional shelter by creating public and private "zones" in which private space is deemphasized, in favor of large public areas. The organization of the space is intended to transform the way people live-away from a reclusive, isolating layout towards a community-oriented, interactive space. The ground level contains offices, support spaces for the veterans, bike storage and parking while the second level has a large public courtyard. Surrounded by four levels of housing units with balconies wrapped with a wood screen made from recycle planking the courtyard has large openings with green roofs that visually connects the space to the street on the lower level beyond. This allows the tenants to enjoy a secured open space while still connecting to the larger community. The uppermost level has a green roof, large public patio and edible garden with panoramic views of the area. The SIX distinguishes itself from most conventionally developed projects in that it incorporates energy efficient measures that exceed standard practice, optimize building performance, and ensure reduced energy use during all phases of construction and occupancy. The planning and design emerged from close consideration and employment of passive design strategies. These strategies include: locating and orienting the building to control solar cooling loads; shaping and orienting the building for exposure to prevailing winds; shaping the building to induce buoyancy for natural ventilation; designing windows to maximize day lighting; shading south facing windows and minimizing west-facing glazing; designing windows to maximize natural ventilation; utilizing low flow fixtures and storm water management; shaping and planning the interior to enhance daylight and natural air flow distribution. These passive strategies alone make this building 50% more efficient than a conventionally designed structure.

The SIX is a 52-unit affordable housing project provides a home, support services and rehabilitation for disabled veterans. It is located in the MacArthur Park area of Los Angeles. McArthur Park has one of the highest densities in the USA with over 38,000 people per square mile and a total population of 120,000 people in 2.72 square miles. Offering shelter and comfort, the SIX breaks the prescriptive mold of the traditional shelter by creating public and private "zones" in which private space is deemphasized, in favor of large public areas. The organization of the space is intended to transform the way people live-away from a reclusive, isolating layout towards a community-oriented, interactive space. The ground level contains offices, support spaces for the veterans, bike storage and parking while the second level has a large public courtyard. Surrounded by four levels of housing units with balconies wrapped with a wood screen made from recycle planking the courtyard has large openings with green roofs that visually connects the space to the street on the lower level beyond. This allows the tenants to enjoy a secured open space while still connecting to the larger community. The uppermost level has a green roof, large public patio and edible garden with panoramic views of the area. The SIX distinguishes itself from most conventionally developed projects in that it incorporates energy efficient measures that exceed standard practice, optimize building performance, and ensure reduced energy use during all phases of construction and occupancy. The planning and design emerged from close consideration and employment of passive design strategies. These strategies include: locating and orienting the building to control solar cooling loads; shaping and orienting the building for exposure to prevailing winds; shaping the building to induce buoyancy for natural ventilation; designing windows to maximize day lighting; shading south facing windows and minimizing west-facing glazing; designing windows to maximize natural ventilation; utilizing low flow fixtures and storm water management; shaping and planning the interior to enhance daylight and natural air flow distribution. These passive strategies alone make this building 50% more efficient than a conventionally designed structure.

The SIX is a 52-unit affordable housing project provides a home, support services and rehabilitation for disabled veterans. It is located in the MacArthur Park area of Los Angeles. McArthur Park has one of the highest densities in the USA with over 38,000 people per square mile and a total population of 120,000 people in 2.72 square miles. Offering shelter and comfort, the SIX breaks the prescriptive mold of the traditional shelter by creating public and private "zones" in which private space is deemphasized, in favor of large public areas. The organization of the space is intended to transform the way people live-away from a reclusive, isolating layout towards a community-oriented, interactive space. The ground level contains offices, support spaces for the veterans, bike storage and parking while the second level has a large public courtyard. Surrounded by four levels of housing units with balconies wrapped with a wood screen made from recycle planking the courtyard has large openings with green roofs that visually connects the space to the street on the lower level beyond. This allows the tenants to enjoy a secured open space while still connecting to the larger community. The uppermost level has a green roof, large public patio and edible garden with panoramic views of the area. The SIX distinguishes itself from most conventionally developed projects in that it incorporates energy efficient measures that exceed standard practice, optimize building performance, and ensure reduced energy use during all phases of construction and occupancy. The planning and design emerged from close consideration and employment of passive design strategies. These strategies include: locating and orienting the building to control solar cooling loads; shaping and orienting the building for exposure to prevailing winds; shaping the building to induce buoyancy for natural ventilation; designing windows to maximize day lighting; shading south facing windows and minimizing west-facing glazing; designing windows to maximize natural ventilation; utilizing low flow fixtures and storm water management; shaping and planning the interior to enhance daylight and natural air flow distribution. These passive strategies alone make this building 50% more efficient than a conventionally designed structure.

It was important to the home owners that the kitchen came to life with a contemporary interpretation of colonial design incorporating energy efficient features and space efficiencies.

The SIX is a 52-unit affordable housing project provides a home, support services and rehabilitation for disabled veterans. It is located in the MacArthur Park area of Los Angeles. McArthur Park has one of the highest densities in the USA with over 38,000 people per square mile and a total population of 120,000 people in 2.72 square miles. Offering shelter and comfort, the SIX breaks the prescriptive mold of the traditional shelter by creating public and private "zones" in which private space is deemphasized, in favor of large public areas. The organization of the space is intended to transform the way people live-away from a reclusive, isolating layout towards a community-oriented, interactive space. The ground level contains offices, support spaces for the veterans, bike storage and parking while the second level has a large public courtyard. Surrounded by four levels of housing units with balconies wrapped with a wood screen made from recycle planking the courtyard has large openings with green roofs that visually connects the space to the street on the lower level beyond. This allows the tenants to enjoy a secured open space while still connecting to the larger community. The uppermost level has a green roof, large public patio and edible garden with panoramic views of the area. The SIX distinguishes itself from most conventionally developed projects in that it incorporates energy efficient measures that exceed standard practice, optimize building performance, and ensure reduced energy use during all phases of construction and occupancy. The planning and design emerged from close consideration and employment of passive design strategies. These strategies include: locating and orienting the building to control solar cooling loads; shaping and orienting the building for exposure to prevailing winds; shaping the building to induce buoyancy for natural ventilation; designing windows to maximize day lighting; shading south facing windows and minimizing west-facing glazing; designing windows to maximize natural ventilation; utilizing low flow fixtures and storm water management; shaping and planning the interior to enhance daylight and natural air flow distribution. These passive strategies alone make this building 50% more efficient than a conventionally designed structure.

The SIX is a 52-unit affordable housing project provides a home, support services and rehabilitation for disabled veterans. It is located in the MacArthur Park area of Los Angeles. McArthur Park has one of the highest densities in the USA with over 38,000 people per square mile and a total population of 120,000 people in 2.72 square miles. Offering shelter and comfort, the SIX breaks the prescriptive mold of the traditional shelter by creating public and private "zones" in which private space is deemphasized, in favor of large public areas. The organization of the space is intended to transform the way people live-away from a reclusive, isolating layout towards a community-oriented, interactive space. The ground level contains offices, support spaces for the veterans, bike storage and parking while the second level has a large public courtyard. Surrounded by four levels of housing units with balconies wrapped with a wood screen made from recycle planking the courtyard has large openings with green roofs that visually connects the space to the street on the lower level beyond. This allows the tenants to enjoy a secured open space while still connecting to the larger community. The uppermost level has a green roof, large public patio and edible garden with panoramic views of the area. The SIX distinguishes itself from most conventionally developed projects in that it incorporates energy efficient measures that exceed standard practice, optimize building performance, and ensure reduced energy use during all phases of construction and occupancy. The planning and design emerged from close consideration and employment of passive design strategies. These strategies include: locating and orienting the building to control solar cooling loads; shaping and orienting the building for exposure to prevailing winds; shaping the building to induce buoyancy for natural ventilation; designing windows to maximize day lighting; shading south facing windows and minimizing west-facing glazing; designing windows to maximize natural ventilation; utilizing low flow fixtures and storm water management; shaping and planning the interior to enhance daylight and natural air flow distribution. These passive strategies alone make this building 50% more efficient than a conventionally designed structure.

Double sink farmhouse vanity in black with decorative knobs. Gold faucets and black square mirrors. Photos: Jody Kmetz
Inspiration for a large country master white tile and subway tile mosaic tile floor, white floor and double-sink bathroom remodel in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, gray countertops and a freestanding vanity

Going house hunting to find the dream home is difficult in every aspect, especially in NYC. The first apartment may have a feature that the other has but very rarely will one place have all. Most important is making sure the location and size works and everything else can be incorporated later. As the apartment our clients selected was "move in" condition its surely was not for what they work looking for in creating their dream home. We first started by creating a "wish list" of all of the essentials, which included; open kitchen, walk in closet, office space , larger master bathroom with stand up shower and soaking tub. With creating many different floor plan options, the only way we would achieve this was by sacrificing the 3rd bedroom. At this stage the 3rd bedroom was very easy for them to sacrifice as it gave them all of the wish list for now. In the future ,they could easily take the square footage from the new oversized living room and add that 3rd bedroom if it were necessary. Our first goal in the demolition stage was to remove all existing interior partition walls and start with a fresh new slate. By removing the existing kitchen walls the New Kitchen layout now combines it with the living room. The cabinetry is 2 tone color, flat slab doors for the modern look. State of the art appliances were installed; Integrated panels were installed on the fridge, wall oven, microwave, cook top. The sink is the ultimate chefs prep station sliding butcher block with bowls that slide over the sink. A garage cabinet was installed to conceal smaller appliances. The cantilever counter top adds the additional seating space for guests while keeping the bottom portion open for the view. The existing walk in closet was relocated to achieve the New Master Bathroom, Combining the spaces now gave us the option to add all the features. Floating vanity with double sinks, soaking tub, stand up shower. The glossy rectified tiles used are 12x36 and when installed make the grout line disappear and make it look like a solid wall. The chocolate floor tiles are randomly staggered then wrap up the tub platform and continue up one wall to create an accent. No tile edge was used but all tiles that meet on a 90 degree outside corner are mitered; tub platform, walls and shower niches. Heated floors were installed to keep the feet warm on the cold winter days. In the Master Bedroom we built a bed frame accent wall. Serves for multiple functions; eliminates night stands by using the niches for alarm clock / phone charger station, lights were added inside the niches for accent lights and raised wall paper was used to finish this beautiful feature. Each his and hers niche has an outlet, 4 way switch for the accent lights and 4 way switch for the recessed lights above when they are done reading in bed. Custom steps were built for easy up and down off the bed for the little puppies that could not possibly make the jump up. Other features throughout the apartment include; New bamboo floors throughout. Since the concrete ceiling slab cannot be chopped , soffits and drop ceilings were built throughout the apartment to accommodate recessed lights. Low voltage recessed lights were used with multiple zone dimmers for energy efficiency. Remote operated shades were installed The overall design was for the apartment was modern, simple lines and true elegance. The newly renovated apartment will be enjoyed by them, friends and family for many years to come... edit

Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in Toronto

The challenge of this project was to bring modern functionality to a kitchen in a historic Cotswald home. A wall between the kitchen and breakfast room was removed to create a larger, more functional space. The homeowner's favorite color red was incorporated into the design and continues the color palette from the rest of the house. Bold design choices celebrate the small space. Dark slate floors contrast with white cabinets. The efficient center island is painted red, and serves as a dramatic focal point. Granite counters are from Pascucci. Homestead Cabinetmakers of Kalamazoo created custom cabinets tailored for the space. A built in china hutch with fluting detail reflects traditional style without being overly ornate. Rejuvenation light fixtures illuminate the space while maintaining traditional style. The wallcovering is vinyl with a raw silk look. Photography: Kristian Walker

Pineapple House incorporated energy efficient down lights and 1" slotted linear air diffusers in the new coffered and beamed ceilings. This cooling system is non-obtrusive and blends well in the ceiling blocks. Daniel Newcomb Photography

This was a major kitchen remodel we worked on, that we provided the cabinetry for. They wanted a fresh airy look as well a working kitchen to accommodate a family of 6. We incorporated all white stacked cabinets with glass in the top, as well as 2 pantries with roll-outs flanking the large refrigerator. We also provided enough seating for everyone in the family by creating an over hang on 2 sides of the island supported my 3 posts. Other efficient storage accessories include a hidden spice pullout, lazy susan and hidden trash pull-out. We also provided cabinetry for the Organization Center and Bar Area in the same room. For the Organization Center we incorporated a lift up appliance garage to hide any paperwork or electronic charging, and also a chalk board for lists or notes. In the Bar Area we incorporated a wine rack and a shallow pantry to the left for extra storage. SELECTIONS: Door Style- 3" frame raised panel door with rounded over outside edge (Stage 1) Finish: Warm White Hardware: Jeffery Alexander "Lyon" in Brushed Oil Rubbed Bronze Countertops: Cambria "Ella"

This project focused on transforming an upper floor unit, with a long footprint and dark segmented spaces, into a light filled, open and efficient home. The new kitchen incorporates former circulation space and creates a generous, relaxed gathering area. A glass clad mezzanine level is the home's new crown jewel. Open to the kitchen below, the mezzanine streams sunlight into the center of the home and connects to the outside through two new roof decks. With a bold colored wind wall delineating the mezzanine and roof level, the outdoor spaces are private, comfortable oases within the city. ©Lucas Fladzinski

This new 6400 s.f. two-story split-level home lifts upward and orients toward unobstructed views of Windy Hill. The deep overhanging flat roof design with a stepped fascia preserves the classic modern lines of the building while incorporating a Zero-Net Energy photovoltaic panel system. From start to finish, the construction is uniformly energy efficient and follows California Build It Green guidelines. Many sustainable finish materials are used on both the interior and exterior, including recycled old growth cedar and pre-fabricated concrete panel siding. Photo by: www.bernardandre.com

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

Nestled into the hills of Portola Valley, California the structures open space carefully defines and details outdoor rooms and interior space. While this form naturally echoes its landscape and beauty it was able to maintain and score Gold in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The Windy Hill Heaven residents incorporated sustainable aspects such as: STRUCTURE // Passive-solar design, spray foam insulation, structurally insulated panel called (SIPs), and high efficiency low e windows ELECTRICITY // Photovoltaic solar-panel array tied to the grid allowing this home to be net zero, Energy Star appliances, and energy efficient fans and lighting HEATING AND COOLING // In-floor radiant hot-water and a highly efficient fireplace SUSTAINABLE FEATURE // Native landscaping locally sourced building materials, low-VOC materials, paint and sealers. In all making this a very ECO-logically designed home

Lauren Edith Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom remodel in San Francisco with white walls and no fireplace

This vertically-oriented home makes the most of a tight urban site. The north wall is folded over top of the home to become a protective wrap around a secret south-facing rooftop terrace. One half of the terrace has been enclosed with a folding glass wall to create a true indoor/outdoor space that's comfortable well into the shoulder seasons.⁠ This energy-efficient home includes high efficiency triple-glazed windows and integrated solar power generation.