Transform Your Workspace with Our Office Addition Services At Ismerio Construction, we understand that your office space is more than just a place to work—it's the heart of your business. Whether you're expanding to accommodate a growing team, reconfiguring your layout for better productivity, or enhancing your space to reflect your brand's identity, our office addition services are designed to meet your specific needs with precision and creativity. Why Choose Us for Your Office Addition? 1. Tailored Solutions: We take the time to understand your business requirements and vision. Our team collaborates with you to design and build an office addition that seamlessly integrates with your existing space, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. 2. Expert Craftsmanship: Our skilled professionals bring years of experience and a keen eye for detail to every project. We use high-quality materials and innovative construction techniques to ensure your office addition is built to last. 3. Efficient Project Management: From initial consultation to final inspection, we manage every aspect of your project with efficiency and transparency. Our streamlined process minimizes disruptions to your daily operations, ensuring a smooth and timely completion. 4. Sustainable Practices: We are committed to environmentally responsible construction. Our office additions incorporate sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs, helping you create a greener workplace. Our Office Addition Services Include: Space Planning and Design: Detailed planning and design to maximize your office layout and functionality. Interior and Exterior Construction: Comprehensive construction services for both the interior and exterior of your office addition. Custom Fixtures and Finishes: Bespoke solutions to match your unique style and requirements, from custom cabinetry to specialized lighting. Compliance and Safety: Ensuring all additions meet local building codes and safety regulations for a secure work environment. Let's Build Your Future Together Ready to expand your office space? Contact [Your Company Name] today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you create an inspiring and efficient workspace that supports your business growth and success.

The project involved completely renovating and expanding a 1970’s contemporary style prefab kit house. Three principal concerns drove the programming and design of the Project: To create comfortable and sufficient living quarters for the two families that own the dwelling together; to transform the aesthetic of the dated structure; and to create an energy-efficient and low-maintenance second home for the Clients. Among the changes made to achieve the Clients’ goals were: a new Entrance Vestibule with plenty of hanging space for coats, ample room for boots and shoes, and cubbies for accessories; a Ski and Board Locker Room; an additional Bedroom and Bathroom; an expanded Great Room / Kitchen; and enlarged bathrooms. New rooflines, traditional double-hung windows, and barn-red lap siding with board-and-batten detailing, brought about the metamorphosis of the dull, disheveled little house into a bright and happy vernacular Vermont home. Energy-efficient windows, a high-efficiency heat-circulating fireplace, energy-saving plumbing fixtures and appliances, and a double, “Galvalume” standing-seam metal roof with a high solar reflectance index were incorporated to significantly increase the energy-efficiency of the home. Finally, eaves were extended to protect siding and windows, and exterior and interior finishes were carefully selected to make this second home a low maintenance proposition for its owners.

Increased Energy Efficiency and Comfort One of the primary goals of this behemoth renovation project was to enhance the energy efficiency, comfort, and health benefits for the homeowner. To achieve this, Master Edge Homes incorporated several features and upgrades. Smart features like thermostats preserve ultimate customizable comfort. We installed high-efficiency furnaces and energy-efficient windows to ensure optimal thermal performance and reduce energy consumption. We used LED pot lights and mirrors to add a modern touch while contributing to energy savings. Low-flow fixtures were installed to promote water conservation, while the infusion of natural light throughout the home enhances the overall well-being of the occupants and reduces the need for artificial light.

In today’s world of smart interiors and luxury-inspired home décor, LED Mirror backlit designs have become a defining trend. From elegant bathrooms to sophisticated dressing areas and premium commercial spaces, LED Mirrors are now more than just reflective surfaces—they are statement pieces that combine technology, style, and functionality. Whether you are renovating your home, upgrading a salon, designing a hotel, or creating a modern workspace, investing in a high-quality LED mirror can instantly elevate the atmosphere. The perfect balance of illumination and aesthetics makes these mirrors one of the most sought-after interior additions in contemporary architecture. This blog explores everything you need to know about LED Mirror backlit solutions, their benefits, applications, features, and why they are becoming essential in modern living spaces. What Is an LED Mirror Backlit Design? An LED Mirror backlit system refers to a mirror equipped with LED lighting installed behind the mirror surface. Instead of visible front-facing bulbs, the light gently radiates from the rear edges, producing a soft halo effect around the mirror. This indirect illumination creates a luxurious and ambient glow while providing practical lighting for everyday tasks such as grooming, makeup application, shaving, and skincare routines. Unlike traditional mirrors, LED Mirrors offer:

• Energy-efficient illumination
• Elegant visual appeal
• Better light distribution
• Enhanced functionality
• Modern smart features

The growing popularity of minimalist and contemporary interior styles has significantly increased the demand for these innovative mirror solutions. Why LED Mirrors Are Becoming So Popular The rise of modern interior design trends has changed how homeowners and designers view lighting and décor. Today, functionality alone is not enough—people want products that are stylish, efficient, and technologically advanced. This is exactly where LED Mirrors stand out. 1. Modern Aesthetic Appeal One of the biggest reasons people choose an LED Mirror backlit design is its sleek and luxurious appearance. The soft illumination creates a floating effect that adds depth and sophistication to any room. Whether installed in:

• Bathrooms
• Bedrooms
• Dressing rooms
• Salons
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Retail stores

LED mirrors instantly make the environment look more premium and visually appealing. 2. Superior Lighting Quality Traditional overhead lights often create shadows on the face, making grooming tasks difficult. In contrast, LED Mirrors provide even and balanced illumination. The backlit glow:

• Reduces harsh shadows
• Improves visibility
• Enhances facial clarity
• Creates a comfortable lighting experience

This makes them ideal for makeup artists, skincare professionals, and anyone who values precision grooming. 3. Energy Efficiency LED technology is known for its low power consumption. Compared to conventional lighting systems, LED lights use significantly less electricity while delivering brighter and more consistent illumination. An LED Mirror backlit setup can help:

• Reduce energy bills
• Lower electricity usage
• Support eco-friendly living
• Increase long-term savings

Additionally, LED lights have a much longer lifespan than traditional bulbs, reducing maintenance costs. Key Features of Modern LED Mirrors Today’s LED Mirrors come with advanced features that improve convenience and user experience. Touch Sensor Controls Most modern LED mirrors include touch-sensitive buttons that allow users to:

• Turn lights on/off
• Adjust brightness
• Change color temperature

This creates a seamless and futuristic experience. Adjustable Brightness Different tasks require different lighting conditions. Many LED Mirror backlit models allow users to customize brightness levels according to their needs. For example:

• Bright white light for makeup application
• Warm soft light for relaxation
• Neutral lighting for everyday grooming

Anti-Fog Technology Foggy mirrors are a common issue in bathrooms. Advanced LED Mirrors often include built-in demister pads that keep the mirror clear even after hot showers. This feature improves convenience and eliminates the need to manually wipe the mirror. Smart Connectivity Some premium LED mirrors now integrate with smart home systems and include:

• Bluetooth speakers
• Digital clocks
• Temperature displays
• Voice control
• Motion sensors

These features transform ordinary mirrors into intelligent lifestyle products. Applications of LED Mirror Backlit Solutions One of the reasons LED Mirrors are so versatile is their ability to fit into various spaces and design themes. Bathroom Interiors Bathrooms are the most common place for LED Mirror backlit installations. The ambient glow creates a spa-like atmosphere while improving daily grooming routines. Benefits include:

• Better lighting for shaving and makeup
• Enhanced bathroom aesthetics
• Increased property value
• Luxurious visual appeal

Modern hotels and luxury homes frequently use LED mirrors to create elegant bathroom experiences. Bedroom and Dressing Areas LED mirrors are increasingly popular in dressing rooms and vanity setups. The balanced lighting helps users prepare more effectively while adding glamour to the space. Fashion enthusiasts and beauty professionals especially appreciate the clarity provided by high-quality LED illumination. Commercial Spaces Businesses such as:

• Salons
• Spas
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Retail stores

use LED Mirrors to create premium customer experiences. A stylish mirror with backlit illumination can significantly improve the ambiance of commercial interiors and leave a lasting impression on clients. Fitness Studios and Gyms Modern fitness studios are now incorporating LED Mirror backlit designs to create dynamic and visually engaging workout environments. The combination of lighting and reflection enhances motivation while improving overall studio aesthetics. Choosing the Right LED Mirror With so many options available, selecting the right LED Mirrors requires careful consideration. Consider the Size The mirror size should complement the dimensions of the room and vanity area. For smaller bathrooms:

• Compact rectangular mirrors work best

For larger spaces:

• Oversized backlit mirrors create a dramatic statement

Shape Matters LED mirrors are available in multiple shapes, including:

• Rectangular
• Oval
• Round
• Square
• Custom geometric designs

Round mirrors often create softer aesthetics, while rectangular designs provide a more modern and minimalist appearance. Color Temperature Selection Lighting tone affects the mood and functionality of a room. Common options include:

• Warm White (cozy ambiance)
• Cool White (bright and crisp)
• Natural White (balanced daylight effect)

Choosing the right temperature depends on the intended use and interior style. Frame vs Frameless Designs Frameless LED Mirror backlit designs are popular for contemporary interiors because of their clean and minimalistic appearance. Framed mirrors, on the other hand, can add decorative character and complement traditional décor themes. Benefits of Installing LED Mirrors in Homes The demand for LED Mirrors continues to grow because they provide both practical and aesthetic advantages. Enhanced Interior Value Modern buyers and homeowners appreciate premium features. Installing LED mirrors can:

• Improve visual appeal
• Increase perceived luxury
• Enhance property value

This makes them a worthwhile investment for renovations and property upgrades. Improved Daily Routine From brushing teeth to skincare routines, lighting quality impacts everyday experiences. LED mirrors improve visibility and comfort, making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Space Enhancement The glow produced by an LED Mirror backlit design creates the illusion of larger and brighter spaces. This is particularly beneficial for:

• Small bathrooms
• Compact apartments
• Narrow dressing areas

The added light reflection opens up the room visually. LED Mirrors and Sustainable Living Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in modern design choices. LED mirrors support eco-conscious lifestyles in several ways. Lower Energy Consumption LED technology consumes far less energy compared to incandescent lighting systems. Longer Lifespan LED lights typically last thousands of hours longer than traditional bulbs, reducing waste and replacement frequency. Reduced Heat Emission Unlike older lighting systems, LEDs produce minimal heat, making them safer and more energy efficient. As more homeowners prioritize green living, LED Mirrors are becoming an environmentally responsible design solution. Current Trends in LED Mirror Design The world of interior design continues to evolve, and LED Mirror backlit trends are becoming increasingly innovative. Minimalist Designs Simple frameless mirrors with subtle lighting remain highly popular in modern homes. Smart Mirrors Technology integration is shaping the future

The overall goal of this project was to build a house that was congruent with Fairhope's traditional cottage-style designs and was structurally certified to withstand a Category 5 Hurricane. The owners also wanted to incorporate the most energy efficient HVAC, lighting and appliances available in order to have a truly energy efficient home. The finished home has exceeded the design and energy efficiency goals. The 3200 sq. ft. home averages less than $100 per month in electricity costs. In addition, the home and garage have a 20KW GE natural gas generator that provides full operation in the event of any power outage.

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

2019 Silver Winner | PHTA International Awards of Excellence This custom, design-build project in Lincoln, NE is all about attention to detail. A concrete swimming pool, spa and outdoor patio with a 1,600 square foot bar and grill building are the focal points of the outdoor entertaining area. The pool features an infinity-edge spa, natural stone waterfall and slide, swim up bar with levitating stainless steel bar stools, and zero-entry pool edge. It was important to the clients, who are from the Midwest, to incorporate natural stones and colors from the region. The outdoor landscape design also ensures enjoyment and safety for their family and young grandchildren. The pool is a custom shotcrete structure that is 1,147 square feet. It has a beautiful natural stone and shotcrete waterfall with a built in Dolphin slide, and underwater bench. Opposite of the waterfall are five custom-built levitating stainless steel bar stools with an in-pool walk lane and a full swim up bar. A pallet of glass tile gives this natural, freeform pool some shine. The glass-walled, infinity-edge spa features a separate filtration system, heater, pumps and air blower that run off automation. Across from the spa is a custom-cut, flagstone beach entry with LED-lit bubblers for the grandkids. We incorporated the brick and architectural design of the home throughout the outdoor building, and continued this look into the open-concept bar and grill. The bar and grill is over 1,600 square feet and seats 50 with beautiful, hand-tufted booths, bar stools, professional bar equipment, custom granite tops, and even a men’s and women’s bathroom. Two 16’ wide glass bi-folding doors flawlessly incorporate the covered outdoor travertine courtyards, with matching travertine flooring used inside the building. A 27’ linear fire pit with natural stone wall includes five stainless steel scupper boxes to match the bar stools. The project has over 6,000 square feet of “tiramisu” travertine used in the patios and courtyards, including a second natural stone fire pit and seating wall. This project sits on a natural spring, so the entire design was elevated to help mitigate groundwater, and also provide a safer barrier to the pool. A second stream and waterfall are fed by the natural spring runoff water, which is also used for irrigation purposes. This self-contained stream and waterfall extend the enjoyment of the outdoor space further into the season, when the pool system shuts down for the winter months. Large spruce trees and a variety of maples were planted along the property, incorporating natural landscaping materials and design concepts to both provide privacy and manage downhill drainage. The energy-efficient outdoor lighting system is fully programmable for zoning, dimming, and color changing. In addition, the pool pumps and in-pool LED lights are also automated, and all can be programmed from a simple, smartphone app.

The project involved completely renovating and expanding a 1970’s contemporary style prefab kit house. Three principal concerns drove the programming and design of the Project: To create comfortable and sufficient living quarters for the two families that own the dwelling together; to transform the aesthetic of the dated structure; and to create an energy-efficient and low-maintenance second home for the Clients. Among the changes made to achieve the Clients’ goals were: a new Entrance Vestibule with plenty of hanging space for coats, ample room for boots and shoes, and cubbies for accessories; a Ski and Board Locker Room; an additional Bedroom and Bathroom; an expanded Great Room / Kitchen; and enlarged bathrooms. New rooflines, traditional double-hung windows, and barn-red lap siding with board-and-batten detailing, brought about the metamorphosis of the dull, disheveled little house into a bright and happy vernacular Vermont home. Energy-efficient windows, a high-efficiency heat-circulating fireplace, energy-saving plumbing fixtures and appliances, and a double, “Galvalume” standing-seam metal roof with a high solar reflectance index were incorporated to significantly increase the energy-efficiency of the home. Finally, eaves were extended to protect siding and windows, and exterior and interior finishes were carefully selected to make this second home a low maintenance proposition for its owners.

The overall goal of this project was to build a house that was congruent with Fairhope's traditional cottage-style designs and was structurally certified to withstand a Category 5 Hurricane. The owners also wanted to incorporate the most energy efficient HVAC, lighting and appliances available in order to have a truly energy efficient home. In addition to the reclaimed pine from the lot, the floors throughout the house and upstairs garage apartment are 1850 heart pine reclaimed from beams from a Kentucky textile mill and were milled locally. The finished home has exceeded the design and energy efficiency goals. The 3200 sq. ft. home averages less than $100 per month in electricity costs. In addition, the home and garage have a 20KW GE natural gas generator that provides full operation in the event of any power outage.

Our Modern Aspen ave. project was a home that grew out of our clients desire to have a modern home in the heart of the art filled, mountain-biking-community of Fruita, Colorado. Our original concept was to renovate an older existing home to be able to better function as a 2-3 bedroom home for her friends and family to come stay, ride bikes, play and enjoy downtown Fruita. Due to a combination of the poor quality of the existing structure, an almost non existent foundation and discovered geotechnical site conditions, the project became a new construction dream getaway. Design Concept: In developing this project our client desired, a modern, open floor plan home filled with natural light and a durable maintenance free exterior. From this program we massed the home into 3 distinctly separate zones contained within 3 simple modern forms; a transitional entry space, the public living spaces and the private bedroom spaces. These zones of the home were each to become visible from the exterior through the use of 3 separate durable exterior material claddings of wood, stucco and steel respectively. Spaces: The entry of the home, clad in wood, was created as a transitional space between the exterior and the living spaces by creating a feeling of compression before entering into the voluminous, light filled, living area. The large volume, tall windows and natural light of the living area allows for light and views to the exterior in all directions. The custom kitchen cabinets and cabinetry storage are “tucked in” under the stairs and loft allowing for a sense of refuge while in the “command center” of the home. In this design every inch of usable space was thoughtfully incorporated into its function. The private bedroom zone of the home has bedrooms stacked on 2 levels with the master suite on the main level and guest bedrooms and guest bath above. These Bedrooms adjoin a loft area that flows onto a covered and well shaded 2nd level deck. The loft and 2nd level deck allows for a separate living space to relax and gather with family and friends. Garage and Exterior landscaping: This project also considered our clients' need for storage and love for travel by creating storage space for an Airstream camper in the oversized 2 car garage at the back of the property. The design of the garage was flat roofed in order to preserve views and light on the north side of the home, while also allowing room for a photovoltaic (PV) solar system to offset electrical needs. The “lawn” and landscaping of the home were designed as a part of a no maintenance exterior requirement. Although wanting to be maintenance as maintenance free as possible on the exterior, her love for dogs required the home to have some form of grass, so we opted for a K-9 Grass turf system that is designed for pets and allows the turf to be rinsed into the soil through the use of a typical sprinkler system. Energy Efficiency: As in all of our homes, we design and built this project with increased energy efficiency standards in mind. Our standards begin below grade by designing our foundations with insulated concrete forms (ICF) for all of our exterior foundation walls, providing the below grade walls with an R value of 23. As a standard, we also install a passive radon system and a heat recovery ventilator to efficiently mitigate the indoor air quality within all of the homes we build. Above grade, the exterior walls on this home are built with 2x6 construction and sheathed with the Zip R-3 system allowing for an air and weather tight, R-27 exterior wall assembly. The flat roofs of the home are insulated with a hybrid closed cell foam and batt insulation system creating an affordable R-45 insulation. These roofs are covered with a reflective white, TPO membrane roof to reflect the excess heat during the hot summer months. The pitched roofs of the home are vented insulated with a breathable R-50 blown fiberglass insulation.

The project involved completely renovating and expanding a 1970’s contemporary style prefab kit house. Three principal concerns drove the programming and design of the Project: To create comfortable and sufficient living quarters for the two families that own the dwelling together; to transform the aesthetic of the dated structure; and to create an energy-efficient and low-maintenance second home for the Clients. Among the changes made to achieve the Clients’ goals were: a new Entrance Vestibule with plenty of hanging space for coats, ample room for boots and shoes, and cubbies for accessories; a Ski and Board Locker Room; an additional Bedroom and Bathroom; an expanded Great Room / Kitchen; and enlarged bathrooms. New rooflines, traditional double-hung windows, and barn-red lap siding with board-and-batten detailing, brought about the metamorphosis of the dull, disheveled little house into a bright and happy vernacular Vermont home. Energy-efficient windows, a high-efficiency heat-circulating fireplace, energy-saving plumbing fixtures and appliances, and a double, “Galvalume” standing-seam metal roof with a high solar reflectance index were incorporated to significantly increase the energy-efficiency of the home. Finally, eaves were extended to protect siding and windows, and exterior and interior finishes were carefully selected to make this second home a low maintenance proposition for its owners.

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

Kitchen - mid-sized coastal medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, red cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops and subway tile backsplash

This Boulder, Colorado remodel by fuentesdesign demonstrates the possibility of renewal in American suburbs, and Passive House design principles. Once an inefficient single story 1,000 square-foot ranch house with a forced air furnace, has been transformed into a two-story, solar powered 2500 square-foot three bedroom home ready for the next generation. The new design for the home is modern with a sustainable theme, incorporating a palette of natural materials including; reclaimed wood finishes, FSC-certified pine Zola windows and doors, and natural earth and lime plasters that soften the interior and crisp contemporary exterior with a flavor of the west. A Ninety-percent efficient energy recovery fresh air ventilation system provides constant filtered fresh air to every room. The existing interior brick was removed and replaced with insulation. The remaining heating and cooling loads are easily met with the highest degree of comfort via a mini-split heat pump, the peak heat load has been cut by a factor of 4, despite the house doubling in size. During the coldest part of the Colorado winter, a wood stove for ambiance and low carbon back up heat creates a special place in both the living and kitchen area, and upstairs loft. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. These windows also provide a seamless indoor/outdoor connection, with 9′ wide folding doors from the dining area and a matching 9′ wide custom countertop folding window that opens the kitchen up to a grassy court where mature trees provide shade and extend the living space during the summer months. With air-tight construction, this home meets the Passive House Retrofit (EnerPHit) air-tightness standard of

Inviting transitional sunroom in the award-winning Bronder Residence that maximizes forest views through energy-efficient windows. The space seamlessly bridges indoor-outdoor living while incorporating Living Stone's sustainable building practices and ID.ology Interiors & Design's sophisticated approach to mountain modern aesthetics. Perfect for year-round enjoyment of the Pinchot Forest setting.

Photo credit Michael Partenio This new home takes advantage of a beautiful hilltop site. The outdoor spaces function as an extension of the house and support the family’s casual, sports-oriented lifestyle. The design, for a family of seven, provides spaces for individual privacy and family gatherings. The design challenge was to incorporate a number of sustainable features into the design. The south-facing roof is integrated with a 5-kilowatt photovoltaic system, generating electricity for the home and furnishing emergency backup power. The heating is exclusively radiant with high efficiency boilers partially burning biofuel. Measures taken to produce an efficient building envelope include a drainage plane behind the siding, spray foam insulation, and high performance, insulated window glass.

This colorful kitchen included custom Decor painted maple shaker doors in Bella Pink (SW6596). The remodel incorporated removal of load bearing walls, New steal beam wrapped with walnut veneer, Live edge style walnut open shelves. Hand made, green glazed terracotta tile. Red oak hardwood floors. Kitchen Aid appliances (including matching pink mixer). Ruvati apron fronted fireclay sink. MSI Statuary Classique Quartz surfaces. This kitchen brings a cheerful vibe to any gathering.

Jane Beiles photography The design for this client’s “dream house on the water” capitalizes on every opportunity to incorporate views of the Long Island Sound within the home. The placement and expanse of the fir windows and sliding doors underscore the water’s proximity. The interior gathering space spills out onto the raised outdoor deck and lap pool overlooking the seawall. Reducing the house’s carbon footprint is another priority, accomplished by generating renewable energy on site. The precise angle of the house on the property is calculated for optimal solar energy production by the rooftop photovoltaic panels and a geothermal system installed under the driveway provides heating and cooling for the house. Due to the fact that the site is located on a floodplain, the ground floor of the house is raised and no basement is allowed. This presents a challenge in terms of carving out enough storage space in the main house that one might normally relegate to a basement. Rooms are efficiently sized and serve multiple functions and storage is built-in wherever possible.

What our clients needed: • Create a garden folly that doubles as a well-built shed for crafts and storage. • Size the structure large enough for comfortable storage without dominating the garden. • Discreetly locate the shed in the far corner of the rear yard while maintaining existing trees. • Ensure that the structure is protected from the weather and carefully detailed to deter access of wildlife and rodents. FUNCTION • Construct the shed slab close to grade to permit easy access for bicycle storage, while building shed walls above grade to ensure against termites and dryrot. • Install a French door and operable casement windows to admit plenty of daylight and provide views to the garden. • Include rugged built-in work bench, shelves, bike racks and tool storage for a rustic well-organized and efficient space. • Incorporate GFIC electrical service for safe access to power at this distant corner of the yard. • Position energy-efficient interior lighting to ensure space can be used year-round. • Switch control of exterior light from house and from shed for ease of command. AESTHETICS • Design and detail the shed to coordinate with the Arts and Crafts style house. • Include an arbor for future flowering vines, further softening the shed’s garden presence. • Simple and rustic interior surfaces ensure that the space is easy to clean. • Create an aged and softly weathered appearance, and protect the exterior siding by finishing the cedar with a custom-colored semi-transparent stain. INNOVATIVE MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION • Factory-built components were pre-assembled to allow for a speedy assembly and for a shorter on-site construction schedule. • Each component was easily transported through the yard without disturbing garden features. • Decorative exterior trim frames the door and windows, while a simpler trim is used inside the unadorned shed. OBSTACLE OVERCOME • The structure is located in the corner of the yard to avoid disturbance of a curly willow tree. • The low-profile structure is positioned close to property lines while staying beneath the allowable daylight plane for structures. • To comply with daylight plane close to fence, the roof form combines hip and gable forms, with door located at gable end. • The height of the modest interior is maximized, without exceeding the allowable building height. CRAFTSMANSHIP • The concrete slab was precisely formed and finished for ease of shed assembly before the factory-built components were delivered to site. • Precision planning meant the pre-framed door fit exactly between raised concrete curb.