Search results for "Increased efficiency" in Home Design Ideas

This prefabricated 1,800 square foot Certified Passive House is designed and built by The Artisans Group, located in the rugged central highlands of Shaw Island, in the San Juan Islands. It is the first Certified Passive House in the San Juans, and the fourth in Washington State. The home was built for $330 per square foot, while construction costs for residential projects in the San Juan market often exceed $600 per square foot. Passive House measures did not increase this projects’ cost of construction.
The clients are retired teachers, and desired a low-maintenance, cost-effective, energy-efficient house in which they could age in place; a restful shelter from clutter, stress and over-stimulation. The circular floor plan centers on the prefabricated pod. Radiating from the pod, cabinetry and a minimum of walls defines functions, with a series of sliding and concealable doors providing flexible privacy to the peripheral spaces. The interior palette consists of wind fallen light maple floors, locally made FSC certified cabinets, stainless steel hardware and neutral tiles in black, gray and white. The exterior materials are painted concrete fiberboard lap siding, Ipe wood slats and galvanized metal. The home sits in stunning contrast to its natural environment with no formal landscaping.
Photo Credit: Art Gray

Take a look at the newer, bigger Montlake™ 300 wood-burning insert. Stylish and sensible, the Montlake™ 300 fireplace insert from the Country Collection converts any fireplace to an efficient, clean-burning wood heater. Its elegant design features an expansive ceramic glass panel that offers unobstructed views of the fire and enhances the existing fireplace. Each EPA-certified insert comes equipped with IronStrike’s innovative Thermal Fin Technology (TFT™), two built in blowers and a cast iron heat exchanger system that maximizes heat output to quickly deliver warmth to your living space. And with features like the precise one-touch control and smoke-reducing air booster, reliability, efficiency, and technology come together to ensure lasting comfort for your home.
Aesthetics
Unique, integral airwash system keeps the glass clean and clear for a wide-open view of the fire.
Tall opening provides and expansive view of the burning fire.
Precision-cut, heavy-gauge steel provides dependable, long-lasting operation.
Comfort
Innovative Thermal Fin Technology™ (TFT) creates 32% more surface area than a standard design resulting in more heat entering the room.
High-density firebrick retains heat, resulting in increased efficiency.
2 standard blowers operate on manual or automatic settings.
Heavy-gauge steel Top Warming Surface.
EPA-certified and Washington State-approved for clean and efficient operation.
Ease of Operation
Increased log length to 21”.
One-touch control ensures easy operation and comfort.
Improved flue connection for easy installation.
Design Versatility
Decorative door trim in standard Black, Brushed Nickel or Nickel allows customization to your style.
Top warming surface with classic cast-iron or solid, heavy-gauge steel options allow for easy customization.
Stone Bracket kit.
*Square-feet heating capacities are approximations only. Actual performance may vary depending upon home design and insulation, ceiling heights, climate, condition and type of wood used, appliance location, burn rate, accessories chosen, chimney installation and how the appliance is operated.

Evening view of the exterior - photo: Ben Benschneider
Inspiration for a contemporary three-story exterior home remodel in Seattle with a shed roof
Inspiration for a contemporary three-story exterior home remodel in Seattle with a shed roof
Find the right local pro for your project

Custom Home Jackson Hole, WY
Paul Warchol Photography
Example of a mid-sized mountain style master brown tile and porcelain tile mosaic tile floor and beige floor drop-in bathtub design with beige walls
Example of a mid-sized mountain style master brown tile and porcelain tile mosaic tile floor and beige floor drop-in bathtub design with beige walls

A VistaLuxe® Collection swinging door and direct set
windows with painted wood interiors resemble steel
but provide increased energy efficiency.
Photos © Mark Louis Weinberg

An Infinity® from Marvin window replacement comes with many benefits, such as protecting homes from drafts during cold weather and energy efficient cost savings.
Here's a behind-the-scenes look at a project our craftsmen recently completed for our client, Lorrie that will showcase her lakefront view and increase her home's energy efficiency.

A new fourth dormer was built out over the stairway to increase the headroom and bring in loads of natural light! As part of this attic remodel, all of the windows were reframed to increase the sunlight and maximize energy efficiency

Such beautiful floors in great shape allowed them to be kept natural with 3 coats of poly applied. All new windows to increase efficiency.
Living room - large traditional formal light wood floor living room idea in Cleveland with green walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace
Living room - large traditional formal light wood floor living room idea in Cleveland with green walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Such beautiful floors in great shape allowed them to be kept natural with 3 coats of poly applied. All new windows to increase efficiency.
Inspiration for a large timeless formal light wood floor living room remodel in Cleveland with green walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace
Inspiration for a large timeless formal light wood floor living room remodel in Cleveland with green walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

This new two story home was an infill home in an established, sought after neighborhood with a stunning river view.
Although not huge in stature, this home is huge on presence with a modern cottage look featuring three two story columns clad in natural longboard and stone, grey earthtone acrylic stucco, staggered roofline, and the typography of the lot allowed for exquisite natural landscaping.
Inside is equally impressive with features including:
- Radiant heat floors on main level, covered by engineered hardwoods and 2' x 4' travertini Lexus tile
- Grand entry with custom staircase
- Two story open concept living, dining and kitchen areas
- Large, fully appointed butler's pantry
- Glass encased wine feature wall
- Show stopping two story fireplace
- Custom lighting indoors and out for stunning evening illumination
- Large 2nd floor balcony with views of the river.
- R-value of this new build was increased to improve efficiencies by using acrylic stucco, upgraded over rigid insulation and using sprayfoam on the interior walls.

Open shelves for frequently used dishes and glassware increase the feel of openness in the galley kitchen as well as efficiency.
Stacey V. Roeder
Minimalist galley enclosed kitchen photo in Austin with open cabinets and white cabinets
Minimalist galley enclosed kitchen photo in Austin with open cabinets and white cabinets

VistaLuxe® Collection direct set windows with
painted wood interiors resemble steel but provide increased energy efficiency.
Photos © Karl Neumann Photography

Embarking on a garage remodeling project is a transformative endeavor that can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the space.
By investing in tailored storage solutions such as cabinets, wall-mounted organizers, and overhead racks, one can efficiently declutter the area and create a more organized storage system. Flooring upgrades, such as epoxy coatings or durable tiles, not only improve the garage's appearance but also provide a resilient surface.
Adding custom workbenches or tool storage solutions contributes to a more efficient and user-friendly workspace. Additionally, incorporating proper lighting and ventilation ensures a well-lit and comfortable environment.
A remodeled garage not only increases property value but also opens up possibilities for alternative uses, such as a home gym, workshop, or hobby space, making it a worthwhile investment for both practicality and lifestyle improvement.

This prefabricated 1,800 square foot Certified Passive House is designed and built by The Artisans Group, located in the rugged central highlands of Shaw Island, in the San Juan Islands. It is the first Certified Passive House in the San Juans, and the fourth in Washington State. The home was built for $330 per square foot, while construction costs for residential projects in the San Juan market often exceed $600 per square foot. Passive House measures did not increase this projects’ cost of construction.
The clients are retired teachers, and desired a low-maintenance, cost-effective, energy-efficient house in which they could age in place; a restful shelter from clutter, stress and over-stimulation. The circular floor plan centers on the prefabricated pod. Radiating from the pod, cabinetry and a minimum of walls defines functions, with a series of sliding and concealable doors providing flexible privacy to the peripheral spaces. The interior palette consists of wind fallen light maple floors, locally made FSC certified cabinets, stainless steel hardware and neutral tiles in black, gray and white. The exterior materials are painted concrete fiberboard lap siding, Ipe wood slats and galvanized metal. The home sits in stunning contrast to its natural environment with no formal landscaping.
Photo Credit: Art Gray

A uniform and cohesive look adds simplicity to the overall aesthetic, supporting the minimalist design of this boathouse. The A5s is Glo’s slimmest profile, allowing for more glass, less frame, and wider sightlines. The concealed hinge creates a clean interior look while also providing a more energy-efficient air-tight window. The increased performance is also seen in the triple pane glazing used in both series. The windows and doors alike provide a larger continuous thermal break, multiple air seals, high-performance spacers, Low-E glass, and argon filled glazing, with U-values as low as 0.20. Energy efficiency and effortless minimalism create a breathtaking Scandinavian-style remodel.

Embarking on a garage remodeling project is a transformative endeavor that can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the space.
By investing in tailored storage solutions such as cabinets, wall-mounted organizers, and overhead racks, one can efficiently declutter the area and create a more organized storage system. Flooring upgrades, such as epoxy coatings or durable tiles, not only improve the garage's appearance but also provide a resilient surface.
Adding custom workbenches or tool storage solutions contributes to a more efficient and user-friendly workspace. Additionally, incorporating proper lighting and ventilation ensures a well-lit and comfortable environment.
A remodeled garage not only increases property value but also opens up possibilities for alternative uses, such as a home gym, workshop, or hobby space, making it a worthwhile investment for both practicality and lifestyle improvement.

Stop wasting heat and electricity and start increasing your family’s comfort all year long. A Full Home Energy audit is the first step to saving on your current utility budget.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces.
We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem.
Extensive alterations include:
- a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout
- vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness
- redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage
- the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other
- added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space
- drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan
- placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel
- incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed
- moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic
- mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences
- custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting
- development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker
- energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Custom rooftop skylight built with passive solar design principles. In the Summer , direct summer sun is blocked thus reducing heat inside the home BUT it accepts reflected light thus increasing interior light.....the result is great light without the overwhelming heat. In the wintertime, the skylight receives direct sun which increases light and radiant energy within the home.
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